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In line with a report up to date in February 2023 on Neal Schaffer’s website, there are virtually 2.5 million podcasts on Apple podcasts alone. There are greater than 71 million episodes in podcast feeds.
Sadly, due to this, lots of people are afraid to begin a podcast as a result of they concern the market is simply too saturated.
The truth nevertheless, couldn’t be farther from the reality. Of the podcasts on-line, solely 450,000 podcasts are energetic.
The Podcast Host defined that there was an enormous surge of wannabe podcasters in 2020 as a result of as everyone knows, we have been all caught at house with nothing else to do. Heck, it’s once I began my very own podcast as nicely.
However now, the world has all however “gone again to regular.” The excellent news is listening to podcasts continues to develop in recognition, making this the right time to discover ways to podcast.
Now, you could be considering, “Positive, there’s solely 450,000 energetic podcasts, however that’s nonetheless quite a bit.”
Properly, take into account this. In 2023, Demandsage reported there are 455 million WordPress web sites worldwide.
I don’t find out about you, however I’d somewhat compete with 449,000 different individuals than 454,999,999 for consideration!
With that in thoughts, let’s get all the way down to what you got here for – tips on how to podcast. On this information, I’m sharing every little thing I’ve discovered since my 2019 Podcast Movement convention to this point about tips on how to begin and develop a podcast. Let’s get into it!
The way to podcast — All the pieces it is advisable get began
Curious about studying tips on how to do a podcast? Right here’s what you’ll be taught on this information:
The individuals I’ve met, the classes I’ve attended at varied conferences, programs I’ve taken, and now the individuals I’ve interviewed have taught me a lot about podcasting. We’ve obtained rather a lot to unpack on this put up, so buckle up since you’re in for an thrilling experience.
So, with out additional ado, let’s dive into tips on how to podcast.
What it is advisable make a podcast
Regardless of who I speak to within the trade, it nonetheless appears essentially the most extensively debated matter is what gear it is advisable make a podcast.
Some individuals have mentioned you could possibly simply begin along with your smartphone and a extremely good sound editor. Others mentioned you want a growth mic, modifying software program, a soundproof recording studio and a bunch of different gear.
On the danger of ticking off the lots on this disputed matter, I’m going to attempt to be as unbiased as attainable and offer you just a few totally different choices for tips on how to do a podcast.
I’ll preface this gear recommendation with this — it’s comprehensible to wish to buy the costliest gear on the market to provide your self the most effective probability of success. However, it’s additionally essential to notice that not everybody begins on the professional stage. Generally we enable our want to maintain us from even getting began.
And, lots of the well-known gurus I spoke to on the convention acknowledged that irrespective of the way you begin, your first episodes will at all times make you cringe.
Apart from, you may begin and notice you don’t like podcasting in any respect. Isn’t it higher to simply work with what it’s a must to take a look at issues out earlier than shelling out a bunch of money? I feel so! You’ll be able to at all times improve later in case you determine that podcasting is a medium you wish to decide to.
Tools
Pat Flynn and John Lee Dumas are two well-known podcasters. Converse to just about anybody about podcasting, and odds are they’ve heard of those two males.
They’re thought-about authorities on tips on how to make a podcast.
Each of them educate each free and paid programs on the topic, and each have been employed as consultants to assist fashionable on-line enterprise house owners launch podcasts for themselves.
As a result of they have been on the convention, in fact I needed to choose their brains on every little thing I may within the restricted time we had. Fortunately, since they get a whole lot of the identical questions usually, they have been in a position to level me to some superior sources they already had on their web sites.
Pat’s present is known as Smart Passive Income, and he runs an internet site of the identical title. His present options weekly interviews, methods and recommendation for constructing a web based enterprise. His present has had greater than 60 million downloads.
John, identified by most individuals as JLD, runs a present and web site referred to as Entrepreneurs on Fire. JLD’s declare to fame is being the primary podcaster to do a every day present interviewing entrepreneurs of all sorts. He has almost 4,000 interviews on his web site, and 138,813,200 complete listens as of February 2023.
Beneath is the gear they are saying it is advisable get began.
Pat Flynn says you simply want the next:
- Microphone: He recommends the ATR-2100 USB microphone, or the Samson Q2U in case you’re not in america
- Microphone stand: He recommends a “Growth Arm” extension
- Shock mount (to scale back vibrations being picked up on the mic)
- A pop filter or windscreen (to scale back the explosive sounds made by B- and P-words, which blow air into the mic)
- Pc
- Modifying software program similar to GarageBand for Mac customers or Audacity for Mac and PC customers (each of that are free)
You can download Pat’s Podcast Cheat Sheet for free here.
JLD says at a minimal you want:
- Pc
- Microphone: No. 1 mic advice is the ATR-2100
- Recording and modifying software program similar to Garageband or Audacity
- Headset or Earbuds
Grab JLD’s free podcasting course here.
Different individuals I’ve spoken with advised having the next gear earlier than getting began:
- A webcam in case it is advisable do video interviews
- Zoom/Riverside.fm/another video chat service to file interviews
- The Blue Yeti microphone with USB connection (although a number of podcasters disagreed about this) – That is what I personally use for my podcast, and one I host for a shopper
- An adjustable growth arm
- Design software program
- An arrogance URL on your podcast’s title — once more this was a subject of great debate
- Microphone stands
- A shock mount
- Microphone cables
- Backup arduous drives (exterior or inside)/cloud storage service
Professional tip: Earlier than buying any gear, do your personal analysis, learn critiques, and be sensible about your price range. You don’t wish to go into debt attempting to launch your present!
Web site and internet hosting suggestions
Do you really want to purchase a website earlier than you launch a podcast? Sure! In the event you ever plan to make any cash on it, you completely want a website on your podcast. And, even when it’s fundamental, you want your personal web site too!
Listed here are simply three the reason why:
- You don’t personal social media platforms you’ll be selling your present on. An internet site provides you a spot to direct individuals to so you may get them in your funnel or on the very least on an e-mail listing
- It’s nice for branding
- You’ll be able to promote affiliate merchandise and your personal services and products to your viewers
Do you want a separate URL on your podcast?
If you’re launching a podcast of the identical title as your corporation, for instance, you may be capable of get away with making a podcast web page in your present area as Pat and JLD have each performed.
Then again, if you’d like a reputation fully totally different from your corporation or weblog title, it’s a good suggestion to buy a separate URL. Even in case you by no means use it, it’s good to maintain it in your again pocket so you have got choices.
I personally personal a number of URLs with GoDaddy simply in case I take advantage of them for future enterprise, weblog, ebook or different product concepts.
Discover your excellent area now!
What about internet hosting? Do I would like a podcast internet hosting service once I’m simply beginning out?
The quick reply is, sure. You do want someplace to host your podcast episodes as a result of you possibly can’t precisely file some audio and easily load it to iTunes. You’ll want a podcast host to retailer and distribute your audio recordsdata.
The highest ten podcast internet hosting corporations are:
Professional tip: Attempt all of the podcast internet hosting corporations you possibly can earlier than committing. A lot of them have free trials/plans.
The way to discover the best host for you
Listed here are just some issues it is best to take a look at when purchasing for a podcast host:
- Pricing – there are many free choices, however generally it’s value it to pay for internet hosting
- Evaluations – take a look at the worst critiques, and the most effective ones to get gauge of what working with the host can be like
- Cupboard space (some hosts cost additional for storage, and it’s simple to expire of storage quick!)
- Episode size limits (once more, some hosts cost based mostly on the size of your episodes which might really feel actually restrictive!)
- The consumer expertise: It needs to be very easy to make use of – particularly to start with of your podcasting journey
The way to plan a podcast
Now that you just’ve gotten the gear underneath management, what’s subsequent? Planning your podcast earlier than you launch.
There are a number of issues it is advisable take into account earlier than you file your first episode, not to mention put it out for the world to listen to. While you start your planning course of, right here’s what it is best to take into consideration at a minimal:
What’s going to the title of your present be?
Whereas this might not be your first consideration, it is very important determine what you’ll name your present earlier than you begin recording.
There are a number of choices on your present’s title. Some individuals select to make use of their enterprise title for his or her podcast, like Pat Flynn and John Lee Dumas. Others select to make use of their private title.
For instance:
Then there are others who create a reputation fully totally different from their enterprise and private title similar to:
In the event you select to do an intro and/or an outro on your podcast, you’ll desire a podcast title in place earlier than creating it. It’s additionally a good suggestion to buy your area title when you’ve settled in your title as nicely.
You’ll additionally wish to take into account your present’s subtitle and abstract or description. Your present’s abstract needs to be 4,000 characters or much less as a result of that’s how a lot room iTunes provides you to advertise what your present is about.
What are your podcast targets?
Are you hoping to generate income immediately or not directly off of this new enterprise? Is that this merely going to be a passion? Or are you simply studying tips on how to make a podcast to see in case you even prefer it?
It’s essential to determine what you wish to get out of podcasting earlier than diving in. Like beginning a weblog, making a podcast is just not a quick factor to do.
Sure, you can begin a weblog in less than 30 minutes, however really creating the content material, constructing your viewers and gaining traction with it’s a completely totally different ballgame.
Determining your preliminary targets might also enable you to with different choices associated to launching as nicely.
For instance, if this can be a passion mission, you won’t want the costliest gear to get began. If, nevertheless, this can be used as a instrument in your corporation to succeed in a brand new viewers or yield potential leads, you may wish to put extra thought into the way you produce and launch your podcast.
Who’s your audience?
This could be based mostly in your podcast targets. Your target audience could be the identical as your preferrred buyer avatar in case your podcast is launched as a enterprise advertising instrument. If not, it is best to sit down and take into consideration who your preferrred listener can be.
The rationale this issues a lot is it is best to by no means go into content material creation trying to attraction to the lots.
Like running a blog, ebook writing and enterprise, in case you attempt to attraction to everybody you’re extra prone to not attain anybody.
Let’s say your podcast can be about how to train your dog. Your audience can be canine house owners who’re desirous to discover ways to practice their canine, and your podcast needs to be developed and marketed as such.
What matters will you talk about?
Utilizing our canine coaching instance, a podcast about that topic would doubtless have matters together with, however not restricted to:
- Potty coaching
- Educating them to take a seat/keep/come/and so on.
- The way to cease them from leaping/barking/chasing/and so on.
- Coaching with treats (or with out)
You get the concept.
When you begin fascinated by the topic and title of your podcast, you possibly can hone in on the matters, and subtopics, most acceptable to create content material round.
Is the present going to be truth or fiction? Sure, there are fiction podcasts!
This was information to me at Podcast Motion! I naively didn’t notice that as with the ebook trade, there may be a whole style of fiction podcasts. And, like novels, they’re damaged down into romance, crime, horror, and so on.
I used to be lucky sufficient to stumble right into a fiction podcast meetup on the convention, and I can actually say I used to be fascinated by the assorted exhibits which might be in existence proper now.
The largest problem, these fiction storytellers advised me, is that they generally hit a artistic roadblock, and that may be problematic if they’re attempting to fulfill a publishing schedule.
Not like a novel that’s launched abruptly, you probably have promised your listeners a brand new chapter or story every Monday, it may be troublesome to proceed a storyline with out hiccups.
That’s to not say that fact-based podcasts should not with out their hiccups.
Many podcasters — each fiction and non-fiction — advised me they plan content material a number of weeks, if not months, prematurely to make sure they are going to have one thing able to go reside on the times and instances they’ve arrange for his or her listeners.
What’s going to the format of your podcast be?
Podcast codecs embody:
- Interviews
- Instructional
- Conversational
- Non-fiction storytelling
- Fiction storytelling
Whilst you don’t must decide to a strict interview format, consistency is a good suggestion in case you hope to construct an viewers.
Among the podcasters I spoke with sometimes use the interview format, however additionally they have a usually scheduled episode the place it’s simply them both recapping previous episodes or doing a deep dive into a subject on their very own.
Different hosts will dedicate one season to interviews, and one other season to simply sitting down by themselves with a microphone.
In the event you arrange your podcast to be an interview collection you’ll must line up individuals for content material creation.
You’ll doubtless want scheduling software program, you’ll must create a waiver or authorized launch on your company to signal, and also you’ll have to determine tips on how to really host and file the interview.
Some podcast hosts even require their company to have a sure microphone to be on their present to take care of audio consistency and high quality.
Are there branding concerns it is advisable take into consideration?
In case your podcast is a passion or new enterprise enterprise, it’s possible you’ll be making a model from scratch.
Then again, in case you’re treating it as a enterprise advertising instrument, you’ll want to contemplate your corporation’s present branding, targets, values, and so on.
For branding, it is best to begin fascinated by paintings together with the picture you’ll use on podcast platforms similar to iTunes, in addition to logos and different pictures it’s possible you’ll wish to use in your web site, social media, newsletters and in all different messaging about your present.
One last branding situation to consider is whether or not to trademark your present’s title.
Digital legal professional Andrea Sager usually discusses logos and copyrights for podcasters, and he or she defined you shouldn’t wait to trademark your model.
As she explains, “One of many high causes you shouldn’t wait to file a trademark utility on your model is since you need the utmost safety attainable. As soon as your model has a registered trademark, the world could have discover of your registration in america. It can nonetheless be essential to observe your registration for infringers, however your registration will seem in a TESS database search, which is what many new small companies rely on when selecting a reputation.”
She went on to say that registering a trademark provides you “the flexibility to close down a web based enterprise that’s infringing in your registered trademark. If all the on-line platforms shut the accounts of the infringer, then you have got shut down a web based enterprise with out submitting a lawsuit. This may prevent an unimaginable quantity of time and money.”
I extremely suggest her blog if you wish to be taught extra about your digital rights.
Associated: Trademark vs. copyright: Which one does your business need?
How lengthy will your episodes be?
The subject of how lengthy a podcast needs to be was one other heated one among a number of individuals I’ve spoken with during the last 4 years. And once I obtained house and researched it I couldn’t discover a definitive reply.
Not like a weblog put up the place the size can have an effect on web optimization, a podcast might be as quick as 10 minutes or so long as 90 minutes.
Some individuals I talked to mentioned your content material needs to be simply lengthy sufficient to handle your matter. Others swore by conserving it to twenty minutes or much less so that somebody grocery buying, on their commute, or understanding may hearken to a whole episode in a single sitting.
The perfect recommendation I heard is to ask your viewers what they need when it comes to size.
You’ll be able to ship listeners a survey in a e-newsletter, or ask on social media. In spite of everything, you’re creating the content material for them, so why not allow them to merely let you know how lengthy they need the content material to be?
What’s your message?
One of many podcasters I had an exquisite dialog with was David Hooper. He wrote a ebook on podcasting referred to as “Huge Podcast,” and he says the message you wish to unfold along with your podcast “is the inspiration on which every little thing else about your podcast can be constructed.”
He went on to say that “a common message received’t be motivating to you or attention-grabbing sufficient to maintain listeners engaged — it is advisable be particular.”
To be able to try this David says it is advisable ask your self just a few questions:
- What are you enthusiastic about?
- The place are you able to add the best worth, and how will you do it in a novel means?
- What end result would you like for individuals who hearken to you?
David defined that your podcast’s message begins with you, however it’s not about you.
It’s finally about your listener, and what they want and/or wish to hear.
In a means, you’re only a messenger delivering the message.
How typically will you launch new episodes?
You have got so many choices on your launch dates.
Some podcasters select to launch 10-20 episodes without delay so their listeners can binge on them Netflix-style. Others decide to as soon as every week or twice a month.
Then there’s JLD, who for some time was releasing new episodes every day. He’s since scaled again, however for a number of years his listeners obtained used to every day episodes of Entrepreneurs on Hearth.
No matter you select on your launch dates, do your self a favor and keep on with your schedule.
Like I discussed earlier, consistency is a vital think about constructing a brand new viewers. In case your listeners anticipate a brand new episode each Friday and also you all of the sudden take just a few weeks off, they could transfer onto one thing else.
What number of episodes are you keen to decide to earlier than you launch?
Most podcasters I’ve spoken to advised launching with a minimum of 5 to 10 episodes with the naked minimal being 3.
The rationale for this is similar cause it is best to launch your weblog with that many posts. When you have a brand new customer, you wish to give them a couple of factor to devour once they first “meet you.”
The way to create nice podcast content material
Sooner or later, you’ll want to begin planning what is going to really be recorded in your present. With that in thoughts, listed here are some easy suggestions for tips on how to create nice podcast content material:
Profitable at storytelling
At first blush, storytelling might seem to be it’s just for the fiction podcasters, however it’s actually not.
Storytelling is a vital part for each podcast host. It’s one of the simplest ways to relay your message or share a lesson along with your viewers.
You’ll set the stage with an attention-grabbing topic, you’ll paint an image, after which you’ll inform a narrative that can start with a hook that retains the listener there by the center and till the top of the episode.
Your story must have a theme or guiding idea — like in fiction, this key concept will give focus and which means to your story.
You want a powerful character taking motion, shifting the story ahead. You additionally want a voice, whether or not it’s suspenseful, impassioned, or comforting, that units the tone on your story.
Optimistically, it is going to be so good that listeners will come again for one more episode to listen to one other story.
Interviewing
If you’re utilizing an interview format on your podcast, there may be an artwork and a science as to what makes for interview.
I’ve to share the brilliance from one in every of JLD’s classes he gave at a convention on high actions world-class podcast hosts take for each interview. Listed here are his finest tips about interviewing company in your present:
Ask distinctive questions that your company haven’t gotten earlier than.
That is sound recommendation as a result of the reality is, the extra fashionable podcasting turns into, the extra doubtless your company can be to have heard all of the questions earlier than.
A fantastic concept can be to ask your interviewee if they’ve any questions that they’ve by no means been requested earlier than. Do that earlier than recording day so that they have time to consider it, and offer you a stable query and reply.
Give your company the questions forward of time.
Don’t deal with your present as a shock worth information interview. The very last thing you need is your interviewee to be surprised or tripped up by the questions you’re asking. That’s except you’re going for a Howard Stern-vibe or attempting to entrap your visitor.
Chat earlier than you start recording.
Don’t simply dive proper into your interview. Most individuals are nervous to be recorded. So, a warm-up chat helps calm everybody’s nerves and ease into the interview session.
This subsequent tip may actually be my favourite.
Don’t waste time introducing your visitor and studying their bio. You are able to do that in post-production. Use their restricted time to concentrate on the stuff they have to be there for.
Bear in mind this can be a recorded interview and it may be edited.
In the event you’re having audio bother similar to a scratchy mic, background noise, and so on., take a second to pause the recording and make changes and observe when within the interview you paused. It’ll be higher for everybody, particularly your viewers.
Ensure your visitor’s name to motion on the finish of the interview is evident and concise.
How can your viewers proceed the dialog with the visitor? The place can they comply with them on social media, purchase their ebook/course, be taught extra?
On the finish of the interview, after you’ve stopped recording, have interaction in a post-interview chat.
As a previous visitor on a handful of podcasts, I’ve been left questioning if I did OK, when it was going to be launched, and what would occur subsequent. Within the post-interview chat, addressing these considerations won’t solely assist your visitor really feel extra comfortable, it will provide you with the chance to ask for a share as soon as the episode is reside, and proceed constructing the connection.
I’ll add to this that you just also needs to be ready with backup questions on the fly. Whilst you wish to give your company their questions forward of time, some individuals will give quick solutions and want slightly assist. In different phrases, it’s possible you’ll discover it’s a must to drag the fabric out of some company.
Consider it just like the individuals you ship a paragraph lengthy textual content message to, they usually ship again “Yep” or “OK.”
You want greater than only a one-word response for interview episode.
Subsequently, put together some follow-up questions for these moments that you just want extra info, clarification, or for lack of a greater phrase “filler.”
Professional tip: Ensure you get a podcast launch type out of your visitor forward of time.
Legal professional Gordon Firemark has a free podcast guest release form you possibly can seize from his web site.
Why do you want a launch? As he says, with out one your visitor may demand you edit their episode a sure means, demand fee, power you to take the episode down, and an entire host of different points. His finest recommendation is to cowl your rear, and defend your self!
Associated: 11 ways to prepare for your first podcast guest appearance
Fundamental manufacturing suggestions
Apart from storytelling and interviewing, there are some staple items it is best to do earlier than recording your podcast episodes. These embody, however aren’t restricted to:
Test all your gear earlier than you start recording.
A take a look at could also be useful in case you haven’t used your gear in just a few days, or in case you’ve needed to unplug or restart something.
I met a gentleman who had performed a whole episode into his microphone, solely to appreciate an hour later that although it was being recorded, the microphone wasn’t plugged in.
If you’re interviewing somebody, make sure that they examine all of their gear as nicely. That’s why the pre-interview chat is so essential — it’s an amazing alternative to verify every little thing is working.
In the event you don’t have entry to a recording studio, attempt to discover a quiet area to file in.
Lots of the podcasters I’ve met really recorded of their closets till they may afford higher gear and recording area.
One other methodology a number of individuals advised me they’ve used was overlaying their workspace with a blanket whereas recording.
For added concepts on lowering background noise, echo, and so on., I like to recommend testing this article.
Take heed to the place your microphone is in relation to your mouth, and preserve that distance all through your recording session.
This tip I discovered from Pat Flynn is so easy, however I actually by no means would have considered it when researching tips on how to podcast.
He mentioned, “In the event you drift away from the mic and even look away briefly, that can replicate immediately within the sound high quality of your episode. The secret’s to remain constant all through the entire recording.”
Don’t start recording and not using a plan.
You don’t want a whole script, however it is best to have a stream in thoughts to keep away from rambling incessantly.
Attempt to keep away from “ums” and “uhs.”
Don’t let it scare you to the purpose that you just stutter and get tripped up, however a minimum of be cognizant of how typically these filler phrases are mentioned. Bear in mind, this may be edited later.
Understand that your listener solely has audio.
You shouldn’t reference one thing your listener can’t see. They’re not going to care that your co-host or interview visitor is you with a humorous facial features as a result of they’re unable to see it.
Attempt standing when you’re recording.
This may present higher air help if you are talking as a result of there may be much less stress in your diaphragm. You’ll additionally come throughout extra confidently in your supply.
Use two microphones.
When you have a co-host or are interviewing somebody, be sure you have two separate microphones, and file the audio of every particular person individually when attainable.
Sharing a microphone will throw off the sound and make it awkward to speak to one another.
Do some vocal warmups earlier than you begin recording and keep hydrated.
Training some easy vocal warm-ups may also help clear your voice and get any roughness out of the best way.
You may additionally wish to take into account ingesting some water or tea whereas recording. Keep away from soda, milk and low, nevertheless, as these drinks could cause coughing, burping and different sound distractions.
In the event you’ll be recording a number of episodes, honey in a cup of tea could also be a good suggestion due to its soothing results in your throat and vocal cords. Take time between episodes to drink some water and calm down your vocal cords slightly as nicely.
Among the podcasters I met even use a humidifier the evening earlier than they plan to batch file to hydrate their throats.
Perceive that sure matters can be troublesome to debate
Relying on what your podcast is about, you will have to be cognizant of the truth that some topics will want extra thought than others.
For instance, if you’re citing the #MeToo motion, and girls being sexually harassed or assaulted, it’s a must to take a cautious strategy.
One of many classes at a previous Podcast Motion occasion touched on this superbly. The creators of the podcast “Believed,” mentioned their multi-episode documentary about former USA Gymnastics nationwide crew physician Larry Nassar, and the way for years he obtained away with abusing a whole lot of ladies and women for twenty years.
NPR’s N’Jeri Eaton, deputy director of programming and new audiences, moderated the session with “Believed” co-host Lindsay Smith and editor Alison MacAdam as they advised the story of how the present got here to be.
Earlier than they recorded a single episode, they needed to get clear on the story they have been telling, and the way their viewers would react. The intention was to be trustworthy, unbiased, and sympathetic in direction of anybody listening who might have suffered the identical means as Larry’s victims.
Lindsay and Alison mentioned that they had an intense planning session to determine simply how a lot hand-holding can be vital for his or her listeners and to verify this wasn’t only a present about shock and awe.
Slightly it was a present about serving to listeners relate to the narrative to see how simply one thing like this might occur, and why girls are scared to inform their tales for concern of nobody believing them.
The reality is with scorching button topics similar to abuse, range, politics, racism and lots of others, you’ll have to preserve your viewers and their reactions in thoughts.
It’s essential to have details earlier than merely leaping into an episode in order to not offend or misspeak. You’ll be able to’t deliver your personal biases into the narrative — as an alternative, it is advisable perform a little analysis earlier than recording.
Even when your material seemingly has nothing to do with scorching button points, it’s crucial that you just plan forward.
Off-color feedback and jokes can destroy a present and a bunch’s popularity — and if it’s associated to your corporation, it may shut that down, too.
Whereas it’s simple to brush this recommendation off as “worrying an excessive amount of about what others suppose,” the truth is your listeners can be from various backgrounds. The way you deal with what you talk about issues.
In fact, there are some exhibits that deliberately cross traces and push buttons, however if you’d like your present to be a considerate one, that is one thing essential you have to take into account in your content material creation.
The technical aspect of podcasting
For essentially the most half, all you really want to do to file your podcast is plug your microphone into your laptop, open your audio recording software program, hit file, and begin speaking. Once more, make sure that every little thing is working correctly earlier than you sit all the way down to file a full episode.
It’s OK in case you’re nervous the primary time. It’s regular, and with time, you’ll change into extra comfy.
In truth, a number of podcasters I met recorded a number of take a look at episodes which have by no means seen the sunshine of day simply so they may get used to being behind the microphone.
One other factor which will assist calm your nerves is the belief that you could edit it. You don’t must be a professional to start with.
As Jared Easley, co-founder and co-organizer of Podcast Motion, says, crucial factor once you’re prepared to begin a podcast is to simply begin.
It’s not going to be excellent, and that’s fully effective.
Simply begin recording, and packaging your podcast for public consumption. The sooner you try this, the sooner you can begin studying, tweaking, fine-tuning your voice and sound, enhancing your supply, and so on.
Report your intro and/or outro
You may wish to rent somebody for this, however nevertheless you select to do it, your intros and outros needs to be prepared so as to add to your podcast sooner somewhat than later.
Some podcasters prefer to have a unique intro each time, whereas others select to make use of the identical one.
If you’re planning on utilizing music on your intros and outros, you’ll must be sure you are utilizing music legally.
The music you utilize should be royalty-free, purchased and paid for by you, or an unique creation by you. Do your analysis into the music you might be utilizing earlier than utilizing it. It’s higher to be overly cautious and protected.
Aspect observe: Among the podcasters I’ve talked to on-line and on the convention used freelancers discovered on websites like Fiverr and Upwork for his or her intros and outros solely to get hit with authorized bother.
One needed to take away each episode, re-edit with new music, and reload them. One other was hit with some fairly severe fines.
There’s a delusion that you should use seconds of a track with out getting in bother for copyright infringement. A number of attorneys that have been on the convention advised me that is fully false.
Don’t danger your podcast, your cash, your corporation or your popularity. Ensure no matter music you utilize in your podcast is authorized.
As for what I did – I requested for referrals and commissioned a musician to compose an intro and outro track for my podcast, and one other to compose the music for a present I host for a shopper.
I’ve lately discovered it’s turning into a typical apply to rent musicians struggling to get gigs, and actually, I feel it’s sensible. While you rent a musician as an alternative of a random particular person on a freelancing web site, not solely will they be thankful for the work, however it is going to be a novel piece you received’t have to fret about copyright strikes with.
Talking of which – make sure that whoever you rent that you just compensate them pretty and get your authorized geese in a row relating to use. For instance, a number of the musicians on Fiverr cost additional if you’re planning to make use of the music in a podcast. So learn the effective print earlier than buying commissioned music and blindly utilizing it in your podcast!
Backside line: Watch out who you rent, and the music that’s utilized in all facets of your podcast!
Modifying your podcast
Even when you’ll ultimately outsource the modifying, it’s a good suggestion to get a grasp on fundamental modifying strategies.
That is particularly essential you probably have a decent schedule as a result of if it’s a must to publish an episode by Tuesday and your editor is all of the sudden sick with the flu, it should fall on you. It’s higher to have some understanding of what to do.
Whereas we clearly can’t go right into a full lesson right here on tips on how to edit your podcasts, Pat Flynn has created a free tutorial for modifying in each Audacity and Garageband. You may get them on YouTube right here:
In the event you aren’t utilizing both of these software program applications for modifying, there may be in all probability a tutorial for no matter program you have got.
Test YouTube and the web site of the software program you’ve acquired. Be taught the ins and outs, and also you may simply shock your self with how rapidly you possibly can nail down the method.
The opposite fashionable software program applications I’ve heard about for recording and modifying podcasts embody:
- Adobe Audition
- Apple Logic Professional X
- Zencastr
- Hindenburg Journalist
Be aware: I’ve solely labored with Audacity, and haven’t personally used any of the opposite applications, so I can’t attest to their high quality. I’m merely relaying info from these I’ve met on my journey of researching tips on how to podcast.
A fast phrase on modifying your podcast with AI
If you’re strapped for time, there are “AI” applications you should use that will help you edit the sound of your podcast. I’ve not used all of the choices obtainable, however two of those I’ve performed with have been really fairly first rate.
I’ve used each the Descript “Studio Sound” characteristic, and Riverside.fm’s background noise remover and “Normalize Audio Ranges” options. Each did improve the sound high quality of my podcast episodes, and saved me vital modifying time.
That mentioned, I additionally then ran my recordsdata by Audacity to finish the processing of my episodes and get them prepared for publication. Nonetheless, as AI tech continues to enhance, it’s going to change into more and more simple to get crisp sound with out as a lot effort on your podcast.
Finest WordPress plugins for podcasters
Among the plugins really useful to me are:
Once more, do your analysis, and browse all of the critiques earlier than merely putting in a plugin in your WordPress website.
What about cellular recording?
I’ve met a number of individuals who file podcasts on their telephones.
They mentioned the trick for utilizing a cellphone to file is to make use of a excessive sound high quality microphone made particularly for recording audio along with your smartphone and set up an app made for podcasting on the go similar to Anchor or Audioboom.
The commonest grievance I heard about cellular recording is that the audio high quality isn’t pretty much as good as utilizing a pc.
Nonetheless, I did be taught there are SaaS (software program as a service) corporations that may take your cellular audio and clear it up, making it broadcast prepared. However once more, I can’t communicate to which of the choices obtainable are the most effective for the cash.
The way to publish your podcast
Upon getting recorded your episodes, it’s time to distribute it to the assorted podcast directories for the world to listen to.
Distributing to Apple Podcasts (Previously iTunes)
Apple Podcasts is the most well-liked podcast listing to hearken to podcasts, so it is best to begin there. Listed here are the steps for publishing your podcast to Apple Podcasts:
- First, take your last audio file and cargo it to your podcast internet hosting service. That is the place your audio and video recordsdata can be saved on a server, and from there you possibly can broadcast these recordsdata to customers on the Web.
- Together with your podcast host, you’ll be given a novel internet tackle — an RSS feed — of your podcast.
- Moreover, Apple requires the next for submission:
- Ensure you have an Apple ID
- Give your podcast a title
- Write your description
- Load your paintings
- Select the class that most closely fits your podcast—many podcasters suggest selecting as much as three
- Choose the language of the episode
- Mark whether or not the podcast is “Express” or “Not Express”
- Upon getting adopted the prompts to submit your present, you will have to attend for Apple to approve your podcast. This may take up to some weeks, however may very well be accredited in as little as an hour to some days.
Distributing to different podcast directories
Many podcast directories really use Apple Podcasts to distribute your podcast, however it’s possible you’ll must load it manually to others. The highest 4 that most individuals counsel including your podcast to incorporate:
For many directories, all you will have to do is create an account, add your RSS feed, confirm possession, after which press publish. Click on every of the directories talked about above for his or her directions.
Professional tip: Distribute your present to as many podcast directories as attainable.
Every itemizing is one other backlink to your web site or on the very least your podcast. The extra hyperlinks, the higher as a result of each podcast listing is one other alternative on your present to get discovered by new listeners!
In the event you’re on the lookout for an inventory of podcast directories to submit your present to, RSS.com has created a reasonably thorough podcast directory list together with tutorials for a lot of of them. I personally used it as a place to begin to get my present on the market by happening the listing and have been submitting my RSS feed to every of them during the last couple of years.
Publishing to YouTube
A whole lot of podcasters are selecting to add their podcasts to YouTube as nicely to extend their attain and faucet into some web optimization juice.
You are able to do this one in every of 3 ways:
- Movie your self and your company as you file your podcast, and edit the video to load to YouTube – A fantastic instance of that is the Creator Support podcast. Hosts Colin and Samir movie their episodes, then strip the audio and launch it as a podcast.
- Use a service like Audiogram or Headliner to create a shifting picture on your audio
- Merely create a picture on your podcast, convert the MP3 to an MP4, add the picture as a static graphic, and voila! You’ll have a video model of your podcast that you could load to YouTube.
In the event you select to go the static picture route, the picture ought to embody your podcast title, the title of the episode, who’s featured on it (i.e. the host and/or company) and a brand.
Some podcasters select so as to add an extra graphic to this static picture that represents what the present is about, or who’s showing on the episode.
For instance, if I used to be interviewing an ice cream store proprietor, my static picture might need a picture of the proprietor, their store, or a scoop of ice cream.
In fact, to transform your audio to a video file and add a static picture, you’ll want video modifying software program. From what I’ve discovered most PC customers can get away with utilizing Home windows Film Maker and Mac customers can use iMovie for this step.
As of 2023, YouTube has been doubling down on that includes podcasts on their platform. The corporate has even launched a best practices guide, that will help you get extra out of podcasting on YouTube with out rising your workload an excessive amount of.
If you wish to be taught extra about podcasting for YouTube, the platform has an entire page on their website devoted to the medium for creators.
Suggestions for monetizing your podcast
At this level, you could be considering, “Wow, this can be a LOT of labor.”
And, the reality is, it’s.
The work concerned is the largest factor conserving so many individuals from launching after studying tips on how to make a podcast. Nonetheless, it may be rewarding, and yield earnings over time.
In truth, with slightly planning, you could possibly start monetizing from the second you launch your first episode.
Listed here are some concepts and suggestions you should use to monetize your podcast:
Crowdfunding
Patreon sponsors a whole lot of podcasting conferences, and at a previous occasion the crowdfunding platform offered some attention-grabbing insights:
- Have a timeline to launch and a plan for a way you’ll ship rewards to people who find themselves donating cash
- Begin your donations at a minimal of $2
- Make it scalable so that you just aren’t doing a whole lot of work
- Restrict patrons to make it extra unique
- Solely supply recurring month-to-month donations as an alternative of one-off donations to be able to proceed incomes earnings
Patreon’s recommendation for the best and most scalable rewards have been:
- Early entry to episodes (24-48 hours previous to it going reside for others)
- Livestreams of your podcast
- Particular Q&A classes after the episode is over
- Shoutouts of your donors in episodes
- Take a look at extra of Patreon’s ideas podcasters can offer fans.
Associated: Top 20 crowdfunding platforms of 2019
When you have a knack for gross sales, you could possibly begin asking manufacturers to sponsor on your present. To start with, you won’t be capable of command a lot cash, however it may very well be sufficient to a minimum of offset your gear, area and internet hosting charges.
I extremely suggest studying Entrepreneurs on Fire’s Ultimate Guide to Podcast Sponsorships if you wish to go this route.
Online marketing
That is by far the quickest and simplest way a number of the podcasters I spoke with have monetized their podcasts.
They write present notes for each episode, and within the notes they embody a bit for merchandise talked about with affiliate links to these objects. I’ve additionally seen individuals add a bit on the backside of their present notes for his or her favourite podcast instruments, gear and providers — all with affiliate hyperlinks, in fact.
If you wish to use online marketing for monetization, it’s a must to take a look at “Pat Flynn’s Epic Information to Affiliate Advertising and marketing,” which you’ll be able to obtain free of charge here.
Associated: How to start affiliate marketing on your blog
Pitch your corporation providers on the finish of each episode
Let’s say you’re a coach or a photographer, and your podcast is a advertising instrument for locating new purchasers. You possibly can monetize your podcast by delivering a call-to-action in your episodes that you’re taking up new purchasers, with a hyperlink to your web site.
Cost your company to seem in your present
Whereas that is definitely not fashionable amongst podcasters, I did meet and be taught of some within the trade who really cost look charges for his or her company. How a lot to cost is definitely open for debate, however some cost based mostly on how large their following is.
While you’re simply beginning out, this won’t be possibility for you, however in attempting to be unbiased on this put up, I’m sharing precise methods I’ve heard individuals utilizing.
Promote premium content material for “after the present”
Some episodes merely aren’t lengthy sufficient to dive deep into the topic you’re discussing in your podcast.
Consequently, you may wish to take into account creating digital workshops or prolonged episodes that you just promote for obtain to your viewers.
For instance, let’s say you’re discussing tips on how to get extra mentions within the media. Your premium content material may very well be a digital workshop you promote in your podcast that breaks down the precise methods somebody can use to get within the press.
The way to get extra podcast listeners
As soon as your podcast has lastly been launched, how will you get extra listeners? Actually, it’s the identical means you’ll get the phrase out about some other enterprise you’re engaged on — you market and promote like loopy, and then you definately preserve doing that even after you begin gaining a big viewers.
Primarily, you’re going to must market your podcast perpetually to continue to grow. Listed here are some concepts that will help you try this with out breaking the financial institution in promoting prices:
- Begin by telling family and friends: Inform everybody in your e-mail listing and in your circle about your present and ask them to share it.
- Share it on social media: Use related hashtags when you possibly can, and share it to all of the locations.
- Weblog about it: You must create a weblog on your present, and have a put up for each episode full with present notes to be able to take advantage of SEO.
- Go to podcast conferences and meetups to fulfill individuals within the trade: I don’t also have a podcast and I got here house with a whole lot of enterprise playing cards to take a look at and podcasts to lookup.
- Get on different podcasts: One of the best ways I’ve discovered to develop your podcast is to hijack different individuals’s audiences. Attempt to change into a visitor on different podcasts, and in your call-to-action on the finish, inform individuals tips on how to discover your podcast. Visitor podcasting is the new guest posting — so many individuals with and with out podcasts are utilizing it to succeed in new audiences.
- Discover a means into the media: In the event you can set your self up as an knowledgeable in your discipline, leverage that experience to change into a supply on your native media shops.
Like I mentioned, advertising a podcast is rather a lot like advertising some other enterprise, so I extremely suggest testing these GoDaddy posts for additional advertising assist:
Conclusion and subsequent steps
We’ve lined rather a lot on this put up. From the analysis I’ve performed thus far into tips on how to podcast, I do know firsthand how overwhelming all of this info might be. Right here’s a quick abstract of what we’ve mentioned right here at this time:
- Get some recording gear, however don’t pull out the bank card simply but. It’s OK to begin with the inexpensive gear and improve as you develop your podcast.
- Plan forward for all facets of your podcast — just like the title, matter, format and content material — earlier than recording a single episode.
- Report the podcast, edit it, and get it prepared for publication.
- Load it to your podcast host, and share the RSS feed to podcast directories, beginning with Apple Podcasts (because it’s nonetheless the most well-liked).
- Use crowdfunding, sponsorships, online marketing, and so on. to monetize your present.
- Turn into buddies with different podcasters, collaborate with them, and promote like loopy to develop your present.
There you have got it, of us. The down and soiled information to tips on how to podcast. I hope this has impressed you to contemplate making a podcast for your self or your corporation.
I do know it has personally impressed me to begin my very own, which I launched on April 1, 2020. Yep! I launched it on April Idiot’s Day in order that if it sucked, I may say it was a joke.
To shut issues out, listed here are some extra instruments and sources to contemplate as you analysis and put together to launch your personal podcast:
Books:
Movies:
Fb Teams:
Curious about testing Ashley’s personal podcast? Catch her on “The Bloggy Friends Show!”
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