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Podcasting 101

Do you have a passion or a platform you’d like to share with the world? Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing ways to do so. Fans love the friendly, informal feeling of their favorite podcasts and are always looking for more content, while podcasters love the ability to grow their platforms and effectively reach a larger targeted audience. 

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into setting up a podcast, this guide will give you some building blocks to start your own podcast and create an impact with your message. 

10 steps to publishing a popular podcast

Broken down to its most basic, there are 10 general steps in the podcasting process. There isn’t room in this article to go into great detail, but we’ll talk a little about each step. Some advice: Don’t try to finish all the steps in one go. It takes time to find the right name and brand image, save up for equipment, etc.

1. Have a podcast topic

Your podcast should be informative, educational and entertaining. Even if you think your information is the most interesting in the history of podcasts, it must be presented in a way that will engage the audience you have in mind.

2. Create a podcast title

Engaging your audience starts with the title of your podcast. There are a few different routes you can take when selecting the right title:

  • Use your own name (e.g., The Susan Smith Show, #AskSusanSmithShow).

  • Use a creative name (e.g., In Stitches: A Podcast About Sewing Seamlessly).

  • Use a descriptive name (e.g., The Fashionista Show).

You’ll also want a benefit-driven subtitle that further explains what your podcast is all about, as in the “In Stitches” example. “A podcast about sewing seamlessly” explains exactly what a listener can expect. 

3. Develop your cover art

Think of your cover art as your logo for your podcast. Make sure whatever you (or your graphic designer) create is within the specs of the hosting site you use.

4. Find intro and outro music

The music that starts and ends your podcast strengthens your brand and gives your message energy. You can use a freelance service like Fiverr to get an intro/outro done for a very affordable price. 

5. Get podcasting equipment

It’s important to choose quality equipment and software. You’ll need a good microphone as well as software for recording and editing yourself
and your guests.

6. Create your studio

Whether it’s a closet, your car or a designated room in your house, find a quiet space in which to record your podcast. Make sure you won’t be interrupted by barking dogs or questioning kids while you’re recording. 

7. Record and edit the episode(s)

Many podcasters like to record more than one episode in a single day to save time, so if you’re able, it may be something you want to try (just be sure to stick to your publishing schedule if you only do one episode per sitting). Once you’ve recorded the episode, it’s time to edit. If your editing skills aren’t strong, it may be worth the money to hire a freelancer.

8. Find a podcast hosting service

Podcast hosting services, which can be free or paid, will provide you with a URL for your RSS feed, so you can publish your podcast on platforms like iTunes or Google Podcasts. Names to look for include BuzzSprout, Podbean, Anchor, Audioboom and Soundcloud.

9. Upload and publish your first podcast

Once you’ve chosen your podcast platforms (e.g., iTunes, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, etc.), upload your podcast with show notes, cover art and any other details you’d like to include.

10. Promote your podcast

Announce and share your podcast on social media. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest are all popular choices—and free, unless you decide to use their paid advertising programs. Keep in mind that just because you record a podcast doesn’t mean everyone will listen to it, at least initially. Be patient, keep putting the word out there, and make sure you’re marketing to an audience that’s receptive to your topic. 

Keep recording and growing your platform...

Don’t get discouraged if your first few podcasts don’t get many listens. As you continue podcasting and homing in on what your audience wants, listeners will start finding your old episodes, and your audience will grow. 

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