Starting a podcast is a fun and exciting journey where you can explore some of your favourite interests and build incredible connections with people within and outside of your industry. If you have something you need to say or have a big idea you think others would like to hear, a podcast might just be the perfect platform for you. We’re breaking down the six most important steps you’ll need to take in creating your own podcast.
1. Find the Right Microphone
Finding the right mic is a big part of podcasting as audio will make or break your show. People are actively listening to you talk, for potentially hours, so having good quality sound is important. Not everyone has the budget for studio-quality microphones but achieving sound goals can be affordable. We recommend always using an external mic, even if they are attached to headphones, to reduce the potential for background noise. Affordable external mics, like lavs, are also a great option.
Another option are USB mics as they are easy to use and affordable. Then, there are XLR mics that can enhance the quality of your audio and allow for more control. However, these mics do require a mixer or an audio interface between them and the computer.
Note that having the right mic will not guarantee that you will not have any issues with echoes. Foam windscreens on the mic will help reduce the amount of sound that bounces around the room.
2. Rely on a Good-Quality Recording Software
After you’ve finished recording and have the raw audio track, you’ll need to edit it in the
post-production phase. In the early phases of podcast development, you may not need to rely on another professional to help you as you can use readily available software to enhance your audio for you, but later on you may need to rely on professional help. Until then, you can access online tools. SquadCast is one such easily accessible online tool that can provide high quality production. It has mastered making the editing process simpler and quicker for podcast users. As an added feature, it allows for video integration with sound for a maximum of three guest contributors to the podcast.
3. Design a Logo
We believe that a good logo should be simple yet eye-catching. We recommend sticking to one or two colours and having clean lines that can be seen clearly in all formatting sizes. The logo should also be timeless to your brand and not incorporate trendy elements that could become outdated in the future.
Being the primary visual for the podcast, the logo you create should represent the feeling you wish to convey to the audience and the personality you seeks to present. To achieve this, try writing down a few words that you would like your show to be based on then take these as inspiration for creating your logo. While being unique is important, don’t feel pressured to avoid commonly used elements as long as they remain simple and representative of your brand.
4. Create a Good Website
Your podcast will need a website for promotion, archiving past episodes and other relevant content that viewers expect. Before jumping into creating your website, you’ll want to consider your branding just as you did while creating your logo. Think about who will visit your website, what your website goals are and what theme it should follow.
When choosing colours and fonts, try to keep them aligned with the logo. Pick styles that are consistent and relevant to the feel of the brand. It is also recommended to check out what competitors are doing and take inspiration from them without copying them outright.
Most importantly, you should make your contact information clear and accessible on your website if your goal is to have more guests or contacts reach out. To facilitate them in finding the contact information, make it visible in the footer of the website and have a separate “contact us” webpage on the website.
5. Bring in Guests, Guests, and Guests
While you may be a podcast personality yourself, most listeners are looking for dynamic conversations between multiple people in hopes of stumbling upon some golden takeaways from the discussions. When thinking of guests for your podcast, find people you genuinely want to learn from, who are experts on topics you are passionate about. Don’t ignore comments from listeners as there might be some topics they will be interested in or people they will be thrilled to hear from.
Once you have guests established, you’ll want to ensure you’re well-prepped on what you plan to talk about. Make sure to ask the right questions relevant to your guests that motivate them to talk openly and freely. Come up with the prompts during the conversation that you feel can lengthen and enrich the discussion.
6. Decide on the Distribution Channels
The final, and maybe the most satisfying step, is distributing your podcast for all to hear! We recommend the free platform Anchor for publishing your episodes. Anchor is a professional platform that helps you distribute an episode to multiple streaming channels while providing useful analytics that can help refine your podcast techniques.
Darian Kovacs | Contributing Writer
