How To Start a Podcast In 2023 [Essential Guide]

First, download this free podcasting guide. It’ll walk you through the entire process of starting your show, from recording and editing to publishing and marketing.

Next, you need to figure out what equipment you need to start a podcast. It doesn’t have to be expensive! Use the resources below to get the basics.

Start by learning how to start a podcast without even buying any equipment. You can make your first few episodes using just your phone or a computer with a built-in microphone.

If you’re interested in investing in some gear for better quality audio, check out our recommended podcast equipment list for both beginners and advanced podcasters. Want more ideas? Here are 100+ ways to make money with your podcast — no matter how big or small your listener base is.
 

 

How to Start a Podcast – Introduction

Are you thinking about starting your own podcast, but   are not sure where to start? Maybe  you have done some research, but are struggling with some of the terminology. 

Or perhaps  you have listened to a few podcasts and feel like  it is something you could do too

This post will walk you through the basics of recording, editing and distributing your very own podcast.  It will cover the equipment  you will need ( do not worry —  it is not as expensive as  you would think!), as well as some basic techniques for improving your voice recordings.

I also included some tips on how to use Audacity, my preferred tool for recording and editing audio files. Last but not least, I threw in a quick guide to getting your podcast onto iTunes and Stitcher Radio so people can actually hear it!

While this is intended as a beginners’ guide, even seasoned podcasters may find some useful tips in here.

How To Start A Podcast – Who Is Your Target Audience?

Last week I talked about the first step in creating a podcast– finding your purpose. This week we are going to cover one of the most important questions you will ask yourself when you start a podcast.

Before you start a podcast, you need to answer this question: Who is my target audience? Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? 

 It is also called the Pareto principle and it states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions.

For example, 20% of your customers generate 80% of your revenue. Or, 20% of your projects take up 80% of your time.

The key to applying this principle to building a business is to identify which 20% is producing the best results. In other words, who is buying from you?

 Who are the prospects that generate the majority of your sales?You can apply this rule to create your target audience for a podcast.

In fact, if you follow this rule, it can help you create raving fans for your podcast. You want people who are going to love what you have to say and tell others about it.

Starting A Podcast – What Are You Offering To Your Listeners?

Are you considering starting a podcast? It can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can also be a time consuming and expensive hobby if you  do not have a solid plan in place. 

Here are some things to think about before you start recording.

1. Ask yourself what  you are offering your listeners. Consider the value that your podcast offers listeners.
2. What unique perspective do you bring to the table? Why should they listen to your podcast when  there is so much other content out there that they could consume? Choose a subject you are passionate about. If you   are not passionate about the subject  it is going to come through in your voice and in the way you present the material.
3. Your enthusiasm will help to keep your listener engaged. Choose an easy-to-remember name for your podcast and buy the domain immediately! There is nothing worse than finding a great podcast, trying to search for it later, only to find out that it has a complicated name with hyphens or numbers included and someone else already owns the URL! You want people to be able to type in your show name and get directed straight to your website!
4. Build a website around your podcast, even if  it is just one page with all of your links on it .

How to Name Your Podcast

The first step, of course, is to get clear on the topic and content of your podcast. Once  you are there, here are some ideas for how to name your podcast: The Single Word Podcast Name .This is the most straightforward kind of podcast name.

In fact,  it is exactly what I did with my very first podcast — The Audacity to Podcast. The best part about this type of name is that  it is usually easy to spell and remember.

 However, its downside is that it  does not tell people anything about what the podcast will be about.

 That is why I created a tagline or subtitle in my case: “Answering Common Questions About Podcasting.” The Descriptive Podcast Name The name It All Adds Up tells me that  it is a podcast about numbers in some way. 

A listener might have no idea what exactly to expect from the show, but they know that it has something to do with math or accounting.

The Audience-Focused Podcast Name .This is one of my favorites types of podcast names because it helps new listeners know right away if they should give your show a listen or not. An example would be Parenting Teens Today or Business Travel Tips.

A listener knows right away if they should give these shows

Determine the Length of Your Podcast Episodes

The length of your podcast episodes should be based on the content  you are producing and how long it takes to communicate the information. As a general rule, shorter episodes are better than longer ones, but there are several factors to consider when choosing a length for your podcast.

One of the most important factors in determining your episode length is the format of your show. If  you are producing a series of interviews,  you will want to end the interview when it starts to become repetitive, which will vary depending on the guest and what they have to say.

You  do not want to drag out an interview past the point where it becomes interesting, so err on the side of brevity. On the other hand, if  you are discussing a topic in-depth with co-hosts or guests, such as news or new technology, then you have more flexibility with episode length.

The most important factor is to keep listeners engaged with your content by avoiding rambling and staying focused on what matters most. Another important factor is that short episodes tend to be more accessible and easier to listen to because  they are shorter time commitments for listeners.

This can increase accessibility for those who  do not want to commit a lot of time listening

How Frequently Should You Stream Your Podcast?

How frequently should you stream your podcast? This is a question we hear often from our customers. The answer starts by looking at your goals for the podcast. If  you are creating a podcast for brand awareness and thought leadership, then streaming frequency will depend on the topics that you cover.

For example, if you are covering topics that change frequently (e.g., like in sports or pop culture), then streaming more frequently can be beneficial. However, if you are discussing static topics (e.g., parenting or business leadership) then the frequency of streams could be less frequent because there  is not as much of an impetus to create new content.

If  you are creating a podcast for lead generation, then the frequency will depend on your sales cycle. The longer your sales cycle is, the less frequently you need to stream because  there is less time pressure to generate leads quickly.

If your sales cycle is short (e.g., B2B SaaS with short buying cycles), then it will make sense to publish more frequently since leads need to be generated more quickly before they move on to other vendors. When creating a podcast around a book launch,  it is best to stream episodes that correspond with each chapter in the book so that listeners can follow along and read along as

How to Choose Your Podcast Format

Choosing the right podcast format for you can be a difficult decision. By understanding the most popular formats, their pros and cons, and your own strengths, you can make an informed choice about the type of content  that is best for you to create.

There are two main types of podcasting: solo shows where one host interviews guests or hosts multiple segments, and co-hosted shows where two or more hosts may interview guests or have multiple segments.

 We will look at a few popular formats within both of these styles. Monologues vs. conversations: Many solo shows have one host who interviews a different guest each week. 

The goal is to create interesting conversations about a given topic that listeners will find entertaining or educational.

A monologue format has a single speaker (the host) sharing information, potentially with small interruptions from guests or co-hosts.

Should You Use a Co-host or Remote Guests?

These days, more and more podcasters are recognizing the value of a co-host or remote guest. This  is not surprising for anyone   who has ever listened to the show.

 There is just a different dynamic when you have another person involved in the conversation. The show becomes interactive, collaborative and fun for both hosts and listeners.

 If you  have not tried a co-host yet, we highly recommend it.

The question is: Where do you find someone? And how do you make sure this other person will be a good fit for your podcast?

 The Co-host Advantage. Co-hosting can be done in person or remotely, but either way, it has several advantages: You get help with planning your episodes and show prep. You get access to a wider network of guests that can add value to your show.

You have someone else to bounce ideas off of before each episode goes live.  It is easier to create “moments” (e.g., laughter or applause) that help keep your listeners engaged with the content. 

 There is less pressure on you to carry an entire episode yourself.

Which Podcast Recording Software Should You Use?

Podcasting is booming.  That is great news for anyone with a message to share, but it also means that breaking into this growing medium can be a tough task.

 In order to have any chance of standing out, you need to have the best sounding podcast you possibly can.

One way to make your podcast sound better than the rest is by using the right software. A Quick Note About Hardware The quality of your audio is affected by three things: the microphone, the recording software, and how you use it.

The choice of your recording software should be informed by what kind of hardware  you are using on the other end of it. If  you are using a USB mic like the Blue Yeti or an XLR microphone connected to an interface like Focusrite Scarlett Solo, then you   will not have a problem with most software because those devices essentially act like plug-and-play microphones for your system (or in the case of the Yeti, headphones for your system.)

On the other hand, if you plan on connecting your mic up to an iPad or mobile phone,  that is going to add another layer of complexity because not all recording apps will work with every type of mic. For example, I use iRig Pre and Lavalier Mic which

Which Podcast Equipment Should You Use?

 We have  written in the past about how to start a podcast, so  we are going to assume you already know what a podcast is, how it can help your business, and how to get started recording one. The only thing left to do is pick out your equipment.

 We will be honest: This part can get overwhelming quickly. There are thousands of products available, and they all offer slightly different features at vastly different prices

Some people claim that you need expensive professional equipment in order to produce professional sound quality. Others say you can use the built-in microphone on your laptop and still sound good enough for most people’s taste.

The truth is somewhere in the middle. What really matters is that you have the right equipment for your needs.

This article will cover what you should look for in a microphone, headphones, and audio interface (if you need one).  We will also list a few of our favorite products by type and price point so that you can get started right away.

How Do You Create a Podcast Script?

People subscribe to podcasts to learn, be entertained, or to gain insight into a topic they are passionate about. If your podcast  is not meeting these needs, you may need to revamp the way you create your script.

What is a Podcast Script? A podcast script is a written version of what will be said on the podcast. It can include everything from the introduction and background information for each episode to scripted conversations between hosts or guests.

How Do You Create a Podcast Script7? Creating a podcast script requires following several steps: Outline your episode Choose an episode topic and create an outline of what will be covered in the podcast. The outline should include any background information that listeners need to know and can even include questions for guests or co-hosts.

Fill in the outline with scripted content or notes for impromptu conversation. Once you have created an outline, fill in any blanks with scripted content or notes for impromptu conversation. 

If you are creating a conversational style of podcast, use the outline as bullet points to guide the conversation without scripting it out word-for-word.

Create transcriptions of interviews and other sources used in the episode. If you will be using interviews or other sources in your podcast, transcribe that content so

How to Select Music For Your Podcast Intro

Looking for some music for your podcast? We know there are a lot of options out there when it comes to selecting royalty free music for your podcast. 

So  we have  put together a list of the top 10 best royalty free music sites for you to use.

1. Youtube Audio Library This is a good place to start, the Youtube Audio Library contains tracks that are free to use (and monetize) in your video or audio projects. The library has a decent selection and many of them are quite good quality. Tracks can be searched by genre and mood, which makes it easy to find what you need.
2. SoundCloud SoundCloud has a huge community of creators who upload their content under Creative Commons licenses. If you need something specific or just want to get inspired, this is an excellent place to find it. You can narrow down your search by choosing the license type and what usage rights you need to use the content with.
3. Bensound BenSound is one of my favorite resources for royalty free music, but  I am also biased because I use this site almost weekly for my own projects as well! This site features lots of different genres and has tracks that range from upbeat and energetic to slow and melodic —  there is  everything here. 

How to Choose Cover Art For Your Podcast

Podcasting is a great way to build your personal brand. There are growing numbers of people who listen to podcasts on their daily commute and in the gym, not to mention those who are listening in their own homes.

You have an opportunity to reach a huge audience that wants to hear what you have to say, but first you need to hook them with a compelling cover: Get Started With Your Podcast Artwork.

When choosing your podcast artwork,  it is imortant to keep in mind that your goal is for people to recognize your podcast as soon as they see it.

This can be tricky when  you are dealing with iTunes or another streaming service where it will appear tiny on the screen along with all other podcasts. A good place to start is by considering what kind of impression you want your podcast artwork to make on potential listeners.

Do you want your podcast art to look like something they’d see on a magazine cover? Or do you want it to look more like a comic book? 

Whatever style you choose, make sure that it reflects the tone of your content so that people know what  they are getting into before they click “play.”

How to Publish Your Podcast Effectively

Podcasting is growing in popularity, and now more than ever people are finding ways to bring their thoughts and ideas to the masses. But with so many options for listeners, how can you make sure your podcast stands out?

The first step is to get your podcast in front of people. You can use a standalone website, a blog, social media and more to advertise your content and connect with potential listeners. 

Here are some tips for publishing your podcast effectively: Make sure your podcast is easy to find.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key for any website, but  it is especially important for podcasts. Your content needs to be findable on Google or other search engines so that people searching for specific topics can find your show.

You should also use keywords when naming episodes and make them easy to find on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever else you publish them. 

Use social media. Posting links to your latest episode will attract new listeners, but you should also engage with fans on social media.

Let them know  you are listening and respond respectfully to criticism so  they will be more likely to share their thoughts and experiences with your product or service with others. Interact with others in the industry.

 Find podcasts similar to yours that have a good following but aren

How to Grow Your Podcast

I get a lot of questions about how to grow your podcast.   I have covered it partially in other articles, but figured it was time to really dive deep into what exactly you should do if you want more listeners.

Like anything else, this is going to take some work on your part, but it will be worth it in the end.  You have got to put in the effort to get the results. 

If you have a product or service that you want to promte on your show,  I am sure you can come up with something of value for listeners as an incentive.

 Let us dive into the strategies and tactics that you can use to increase your audience size and engagement. Podcasting is a great way to communicate with your audience on a consistent basis.

 Once you get into the habit of recording and publishing episodes,  you will find that  it is a very effective tool for establishing a strong relationship with your listeners.

Of course, to establish that relationship, you first need to find listeners. You need to grow your audience. 

How to Monetize Your Podcast

The most common way that podcasters make money is through the sale of advertising space on their episodes. This can be done with a hosting service such as Libsyn or Blubrry, which provide insertion tools for audio ads and banners, or a company like Midroll, which sells ads for podcasts, including those hosted by podcasting platforms such as iTunes or SoundCloud.

The downside to this method, however, is that it can take weeks or months to secure an ad deal. Because of this, many podcasters start by selling sponsorship messages on their show.

These are similar to traditional advertising, but instead of making money each time the ad is played to an audience member (which would be called “cost per mille” or CPM),  you will be paid one lump sum up front based on the number of listeners you expect to reach over a certain period of time (cost per acquisition). 

This can be more lucrative than traditional advertising and  does not require any work on your part after the ad has been recorded.

If you have some experience in sales and marketing, you may want to supplement your podcast income with affiliate commissions. Basically, when listeners buy something from a merchant after clicking through from your podcast episode, you get a cut of the sale price. 

1. Monetizing Your Podcast – Sponsorships

There are three different ways you can monetize a podcast: advertisements, sponsorships, and direct donations.  We will be looking at each of these models in detail in the next few weeks.

This week,  we are going to take a look at the sponsorship model. What is a sponsorship? A sponsorship is where a brand or company pays you to mention them in your podcast.

  It is important to note that this is different from an advertisement.

An advertisement is where they pay you to sell their product or service (i.e., “Visit blah blah blah dot com and get 50% off your first order”). A sponsorship is where they pay you to mention them (i.e., “I want to give a shout out to Blah Blah Blah Dot Com for sponsoring this episode”).

Sponsorships are often, but not always, done via paid ads at the beginning, middle or end of an episode, which means you should spend some time thinking about how sponsorships would fit into your audience’s experience and your style of podcasting before deciding how you want to do yours.

2. Monetizing Your Podcast – Affiliate Income

If you have a podcast then  it is likely  you are already making money with your podcast in one way or another. This could be through sponsorships, donations, or even just by selling your own products.

There re also many other ways to make money with a podcast that you might not have even considered before. In this blog post   I would like to talk about one of these methods: affiliate income.

This is where you get paid for recommending another product or service.  It is a great way to make some extra revenue without too much effort, and it can often be more profitable than running ads on your podcast.

When people think about making money from their podcasts, they usually think of advertising first. But there are many other ways to monetize your show without having ads or sponsorships in every episode.

One of these methods is by using affiliate links for products that are related to the topics discussed on your show. You could also use affiliate links when mentioning books during interviews or when talking about apps and software on an episode dedicated to technology.

3. Monetizing Your Podcast – Promote Your Own Product(s)

Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience, build a community and establish yourself as an expert in your niche. But the best thing about podcasts? 

 They are a great opportunity to promote your own product or service.

There are a few different ways to monetize your podcast, but this week’s episode is all about promoting your own product or service. If  you have already got a product  you are selling, like an ebook, physical book, course or membership site, then you should definitely be promoting it on your podcast!

 We are sharing some tips for how to do that so that you  do not make these common mistakes: 

– Not mentioning the product at all (this happens way more than  you would think!) 

– Being too “salesy” and only talking about the product. – Talking about it in the wrong way.

 – What can you do to make it seem less “salesy”?

How to Start a Podcast – Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a podcast is becoming easier and easier. You can do it from the comfort of your own home, with little more than a computer and some basic software. 

However, there are some questions that almost all new podcasters have, so  we have  compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you to peruse.

How long should a podcast episode be?

 The length of your episode is entirely up to you. 

Some podcasts are only 10 minutes long, while others are an hour or longer. The key is to find the sweet spot where  you are delivering value without wearing out your listener’s attention span.

Can I monetize my podcast? 

Absolutely! Increasingly, there are more and more ways to monetize your podcast beyond just relying on patronage donations. For example, you can use sponsorships, merchandising and affiliate marketing to generate revenue streams for your show.

How to Start a Podcast – Wrapping Up

This concludes the introductory series on starting a podcast. We hope you enjoyed it and found it useful.

 Feel free to share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section below.

Congratulations! You have your podcast up and running, and  you have learned how to do all of the basics yourself. You might not be ready to start your own web design or marketing business yet, but these are good skills to have on hand.

 For a little more help,  we have  also got some great podcasts that can help you take your entrepreneurial journey further:

The Fizzle Show. This podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to small business owners. Check out this episode on building an audience for your podcast, or this one on how to grow a profitable blog or website.

The $100 MBA Show. In this show, Omar Zenhom shares his expertise as an entrepreneur and business owner in short daily episodes that offer practical advice for entrepreneurs at every stage of the game. Check out this episode about how to turn your passion into profit, or this one about why  it is important to treat your customers well.

The Lede by Shopify. The Lede is a collection of interviews with some of the most inspiring people doing remarkable things in commerce today — from sustainable food production to virtual reality shopping experiences and more!