The Thousand Solutions Blog

How To Start A Successful Podcast (Step By Step Guide)

Sep 7, 2023

An easy-to-follow guide for starting an effective podcast, build your fan base, and to share your knowledge and enthusiasm to the world.

While podcasts have been around for almost two decades, in the past five years, they've really made a comeback. In 2022, at the end of, 62% of US consumers aged 12+ were listening to podcasts. That's an increase from 57% the year prior!

How do you make the most of this trend and launch the first podcast of your own? We'll guide you through the steps of establishing a podcast.

Contents:

Benefits of Podcasting

Make your mark in a niche

One of the toughest aspects about being a thought leader or an entrepreneur is building your reputation in the area you have chosen to focus on. Through a podcast, you can give listeners immediate access to your experience. You can also bring others who are thought-leaders in your niche as guests onto the podcast to complement your current knowledge, and also help increase your audience popularity!

Scalable monetization options

As a creator, you might be seeking new methods to generate revenue this year. Podcasting is an excellent monetization channel because once the episode is live, it doesn't take any effort to keep it running! The process of starting a podcast - and keeping it up is a very lucrative career If you're determined and willing to put in the work to produce good content that will engage your audience. There is the possibility of earning more through advertising and sponsorships - but we'll get to the latter later in the article!

Creates networking opportunities

Whether you're looking to connect with your audience, grow your business, or just communicate with people who are similar to you Podcasting can be a fantastic way to build relationships with the larger community. Many podcasts also have discussion groups where listeners connect on a regular basis over issues related to recent episodes.

Planning your podcast

Decide on your niche

The niche of your podcast is the general area that you'd like to engage within. For determining your niche take a look at the talents and passions you have already. Also, don't forget to perform research on the market to determine what podcasts might already exist within that particular niche, to make sure it isn't oversaturated already.

The topics you talk about must also have a objective. Decide what you want your users to gain from watching your podcast, and apply that knowledge to create your own niche.

Research your target audience

Define the purpose that the host plays

In your role as a podcast host, you're expected to tell others' stories and instruct your viewers, but you could also have a co-host on the show as well. You'll want to consider how much participation you'd like when it comes to things like episode planning or editing as well as promotion. If you're beginning on your own, you'll most likely need to put on these roles in the beginning. If you're working as members of a group, be sure that each member is well aware of their responsibilities before you dive further into podcast planning.

Choose a podcast name

Selecting the right name for your podcast may take time. It should be brief that is easily recognizable and in line to your branding and topics you're likely to cover.

Here are some tips to follow for developing a winning podcast name :

  • Keep it simple
  • Search for any possible competitors or names that may be confused with your podcast
  • Make it easy to recall
  • Consider how it would appear as a graphic your artwork for your podcast
  • Try to come up with something that aligns with your specific niche

Cover art created

As a logo, your artwork for your podcast covers is a differentiator between you and other content. The design of your cover should reflect the tone, feel, and brand of your podcast. It should also be readily recognizable as this is the artwork that listeners will identify your podcast with. Use tools such as Canva or even transfer your artwork to a freelancer through a service like Fiverr or Upwork.

Outline your podcast's format

In the case of podcasting, there are many different styles to pick from and based on the subject there are certain formats that may be better suited to your needs than others. Now you must decide the length of each episode to be, as well as the frequency the episode will be published, as well as how frequently you'd like the episode to break for advertising or updates.

Podcast styles include:

  • Podcasts with interviews: These podcasts contain a single host who interviews people in a specific field or within an overall theme.
  • Non-fiction that is scripted: Typically, they are podcasts with a serial format that have a single theme for the entire season.
  • Scripted fiction: These podcasts have a similar structure to radio dramas. They are often scripted. News summary: A form of presentation that summarises the latest news in a specific industry.
  • Podcasts for education  written non-fiction that is focused on educating their viewers.

Start building the foundations

Select the right podcasting tools

When thinking of how you can start your podcast, equipment should be the primary issues on your agenda. Some of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing equipment are usability, sound quality, and suitability.

The other equipment you'll require is:

  • An audio device that provides crystal clear audio, and blocks background noise
  • A quality video camera if you plan to record and distribute the episode on video platforms
  • A tripod that can hold up the camera or microphone when working on your own
  • A laptop computer that can manage a large amount of audio and video content USB storage devices or cloud storage to keep a lot of data
  • Editing software
  • Software for transcription
  • Soundproofing or sound treatment equipment (see the section below for further details! )

In order to choose the appropriate tool, be sure to factor in budget accessibility, usability, and the ability to scale. If it's an idea that you don't intend to be able to sustain in the long run, it's not wise to buy the most expensive version of everything. Also, it's a good idea to check that your tools can work together to ensure that you don't purchase unrelated tools.

Get audio elements

Any successful podcast will need music and a professional introduction to have at the start of each episode. This acts as a readily noticeable feature on your show and must reflect the style and content of your production. The introduction of your voiceover can help bring listeners into a positive mindset for your podcast while identifying to new audience viewers what your podcast is all about. If you're a podcast with sponsors, the introduction is an excellent way to highlight that sponsorship by including whom the show is associated with.

If you are considering making use of music, make sure the music isn't licensed. It could be used for reasons of a podcast.

Make sure you have a recording space

Soundproofing and sound treatment are two words that the majority of podcasters are confused by. "Sonicproofing" a space means that you have isolated the room from external noise elsewhere in the building. To 'sound treat' an area means that you're making it more pleasant to it sounds.

There are some things to be aware of that can assist you with purchasing sound elements to your space:

  • Acoustics and reverb. Reverb that is too loud or echoing on your voice can create a sloppy sounding performance. If you are in a space with lots of hard and bare surfaces could make your voice bounce around like a pinball machine.
  • The spaces are often improvised. There are many reasons it isn't possible to devote a whole area to be a broadcast studio. You can, instead, utilize the space already equipped with plenty of furniture, or install a localized sound treatment around your recording space.
  • Semi-permanent setups. If you're lucky enough to have larger space in your home and you want to create a recording studio that can nevertheless be utilized for reasons that aren't related to audio. You can buy or make audio-treated baffling boards, or partitions mounted on stand. They can be put up in a way to create a small "dead space" around your recording location. Another option is to use acoustic blankets or curtains which can be hung on rails or hooks.
  • Internal or external noise concerns. Are the walls in the room exterior or joined to your neighbor's house? Does your neighbor tend to drum and watch TV at a high volume, or have a dog that doesn't stop barking? Take note of these factors when starting to record.

Choose your podcast hosting platform

The podcast must be stored somewhere so that it is accessible to listeners. Similar to hosting websites, your podcast hosting platform will then connect with podcast search engines, such as Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts.

The things to be looking for in your podcast hosting service are usability, storage and analytics. Some will even offer web plugins to allow you to post your podcast on your own website and then the platform takes care of the podcast upload and sharing from there.

Design a website

If you're not posting your podcast to an existing website, you may wish to set up a website or create an extra one on which all information about your podcast can be found.

This site will feature information on the podcast, as well as your information, as well with the episodes for people to stream and possibly even episodes' guides, and the most important lessons learned.

Find out your strategy for monetization

Start promotion efforts

It is easy for your guests to participate in your podcast by using familiar methods, including an automated scheduling program, as well as offering details of discussions in advance.

Book podcast guests

Bringing guests onto your show can allow you to increase your audience reach through leveraging the guest's existing audience and popularity. If you're planning to include guests appear on your podcast you'll have to talk to them early to make sure they're available for your recording time.

If you are considering podcast guests take note of the following

  • The overall coherence to ensure their expertise and ideas are in line with your audience and are interesting for your viewers.
  • Their reputation and community. Are they considered experts in their field and will be able to bring new listeners onto the table to expand your audience?

Get a sponsor

The podcaster may or decide not to include sponsors for your podcast, or it could be an option to include after your podcast has built an audience following.

The role of the sponsor is to provide the funds for the placement. They may be a sponsor for your show, or have a recurring or one-time placement on the program, or be the sponsor of an entire show.

You might need to find and approach them and offer your listener profile and listening numbers, and then outline the benefits of what's in it for them. It is important to find a person who is in line to your podcast's theme and purpose, will work well with you, and who has a connection to your target audience. It needs to be a partnership that is mutually beneficial. Make sure you have fair pricing agreements in place too. Rates for podcast ads vary a lot depending on the industry, type of placement, and your podcast's position within the marketplace.

Determine your marketing plan

You should think about how your listeners are exposed to new details. This might be on platforms for podcasts, such as Spotify or Apple Music, but it might alternatively be on some social media platforms or news website such as a search engine or via face-to-face communications. The research you do on your audience is vital here!

Create a strategy for how you'll promote your podcast every time an episode goes live. You can use some strategies such as:

  • Paid advertisements
  • Email marketing
  • Brochures
  • In-person events
  • Social media posts

The time is nearing! Begin recording and editing

Create an episode plan

Make sure you have a recorded day

When you're recording your very first episode ensure you've planned the steps you'll take and your goals. It's also helpful to leave ample time to do an additional run, or to address any technical problems.

If you have a guest or sponsor, make sure you've answered any final questions or concerns they may have before you begin recording. Make sure you test all the equipment to make sure the audio and video work well. Also, remember to record your video!

Audio editing

Once you've recorded the podcast, it'll need editing. The editing process ties together things like your introductory voice-over, theme music, and the actual content of the podcast. This process also allows the smoothing of issues like filler words and repeated phrases.

Get transcriptions

A podcast transcript is an excellent way to convert the conversation in a podcast into an user-friendly and accessible format.

There are several free options that permit you to convert audio into written text, such as Otter.ai as well as Trint.

When you've got a HTML0 transcript, you can use it in a host of various ways. An instance:

  • Upload the entire transcript as well as the complete episode
  • Make show notes using it
  • Get the top quotations and utilize them to market your podcast through social media or email newsletter
  • Create a blog post in the show

Create show notes

Show notes allow people to learn more about the podcast in a single glance. They reflect the key takeaways of the episode and might also then dive a little deeper into what was said so people are equipped with a guideline and ways to proceed.

Also, you may want to list any websites and other resources you've mentioned in your podcast's show notes.

Get it out into the universe!

Upload your first episode

You've chosen a platform for podcast hosting with simple uploading of MP3 files. In addition, you'll need to input the title of your episode and description, as well as the summary publication date and episode number.

For a suggestion, it's a great idea to write your description for a podcast ahead of time using a text file, then just add it to the part of every episode's upload.

Submitting HTML0 to major platforms

When you've completed your first episode, it's time to begin submitting it to the big names of the podcasting world such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The process involves is identical for each, involving:

  • Copy the RSS URL of your podcast to your host platform (it's a straightforward URL).
  • Submit it to the podcast directories where you want your show to appear.
  • After you've copied the RSS link for the first episode, there's no need to do so again. Every episode that airs will be downloaded from your feed.
  • Be patient. It could take time until the very first episode begins to air (up to a couple of weeks) However, once that episode is up every show will air within the span of a single day.
  • Each time you publish an episode the information that you entered on your hosting platform should also seamlessly transfer to

Create reviews and ratings

To help your podcast grow rapidly, take advantage of other's good reviews! Be sure that your platform is able to accumulate reviews. Use positive reviews in your advertising to make sure potential listeners understand the value that your show provides to those who are in your particular field. It is also possible to use less-than-perfect ratings as feedback points to improve your podcast, if you feel they're relevant.

Tips and tricks for the final time immediately following launch

Podcasts are a great way of showcasing your expertise and building an audience. The podcast is also an extremely popular kind of content that anyone can tune in wherever they are. While you're learning to develop your podcast before launching it, remember that research as well as consistency and quality are the top factors to make sure you're growing your audience.

After your launch, you should frequently collect feedback from your listeners via online polls, reading reviews and one-on-one discussions. This is important to help to identify topics relevant to people's interests within your particular field. Also, you should consider the reaction of your readers to the monetization or sponsorship choices that you've made. This feedback may give you valuable insights and potential to earn more income, too!

In depth look into each of these steps and more in the P's of the Podcasting course built in this article right on .

  This article was originally published in April 2021, the article was modified in September 2023.