Do you have a message that you would like to share with the world? Are you passionate about a certain topic? Starting a podcast may be the perfect way for you to share your thoughts and ideas and it's a lot easier than you might think.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of starting your own podcast. We'll cover everything from finding a topic to recording and publishing your first episode. So whether you're a complete beginner or have already started but you’ve hit a roadblock, this post is for you. Let's get started!
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio or video file that can be downloaded from the internet and played on a portable media player, computer, or smartphone. A lot of people think of podcasts as radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience, but they can also be much more than that. Many podcasts are like mini-series or even full-blown audiobooks, featuring engaging stories and interesting characters.
There are endless possibilities for what a podcast can be, which is one of the things that makes them so great. If you can think of it, there’s probably a podcast out there for it. And if not, you can always start your own!
How to start a podcast
If you're thinking about starting a podcast, you're not alone. In the past few years, podcasts have risen in popularity. As of April 2021, there were over 48 million podcast episodes.
In 2019, there were over 750,000 active podcasts and more than 29 million podcast episodes. This is up from 550,000 podcasts in 2018. And with listener numbers continuing to grow, now is a great time to start your own show.
Don't know where to begin? Don't worry; we're here to help.
Image source: Pexels.
Here is everything you need to know about starting a successful podcast:
1. Choose a topic
One of the first things you need to do when starting a podcast is to choose a topic. This can be anything that you're passionate about or have knowledge about. It could be a hobby, like knitting or gardening, or it could be related to your work, like digital marketing or sales.
2. Choose a format for your podcast
Once you've chosen a topic, you need to decide on a format for your podcast show. There are a few different options here. You could do an interview show, where you bring on guests to talk about your chosen topic. Or you could do a solo show, where you share your own thoughts and experiences on the topic.
You could also do a co-hosted show, where you invite someone else to join you in discussing the topic. This is a great option if you're not sure you can fill an entire episode on your own.
Whatever format you choose, make sure it's something you're comfortable with, and that will keep your listeners engaged.
3. Get equipment and software for your podcast
Now that you've chosen a topic and format, it's time to start setting up your podcast. The first thing you need is a microphone. You don't need anything too fancy here - a simple USB microphone will do the trick.
If you're doing an interview show, you'll also need a way to record your conversations with guests. There are a few different options for this. You could use Skype, which is free to download or use a more professional recording tool like Zoom.
You'll also need some software to edit your podcast episodes. Again, there are options here. Audacity is a popular choice, and it's free to download. Or you could use Adobe Audition, which is a paid software.
Finally, you'll need to choose a hosting platform for your podcast. This is where your episodes will live and people can subscribe to your show. There are several options but we recommend using Libsyn or Buzzsprout. They're both easy to use and have reasonable monthly fees.
4. Record your episode
Once you have all your equipment set up, it's time to start recording your first episode. If you're doing an interview show, reach out to potential guests and schedule a time to chat. If you're doing a solo show, sit down and start talking about your chosen topic.
Remember to hit the record button on your software before you start talking. And if you're using Skype or Zoom to record your conversations, make sure everyone is on the same page about when to start and stop recording.
Once you're done recording, it's time to move on to the next step: editing.
5. Edit your episode
Now that you have your raw audio file, it's time to start editing. This is where you'll add any music or intro/outro recordings, cut out any dead space or mistakes, and generally clean up the audio.
If you're new to audio editing, don't worry - it's not as difficult as it sounds. There are plenty of tutorials online that can walk you through the basics. And most editing software is fairly user-friendly.
Once you've edited your episode, it's time to export it as an MP file. This is the file type that most podcast players will use.
And that's it! You've now recorded and edited your first podcast episode.
Image source: Pexels.
How to use podcasting as part of your digital marketing strategy
Podcasting can be used as part of your digital marketing strategy in a number of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- You can use a podcast to create original content that can be repurposed across multiple channels. For example, you could turn a podcast episode into a blog post or use snippets from the episode in social media posts.
- A podcast is a great way to reach a new audience. By creating a podcast, you can tap into a new pool of potential listeners who may not be reached through other channels. A well-executed podcast can help you connect with potential customers more personally, build credibility for your brand, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
- A podcast can also be a channel to build relationships with influencers and thought leaders in your industry. By interviewing these people on your podcast, you can create valuable connections to help you further your business goals.
Image source: Pexels.
The bottom line is that podcasting can be a gratifying experience, both professionally and personally. It can help you build authority in your field, share your knowledge with the world, connect with new people, and even make some money on the side.
If you’re thinking of starting a podcast, these tips should help get you on your way. Make sure you do your research, take your time setting up your equipment and editing process, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Are you considering a podcast in your digital marketing strategy? Let us know in the comments.
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