Podcasts are a staple in our day-by-day subroutine , whether we ’re commuting , exercise or relaxing at home . With their engaging content and easy availableness , evince like " SmartLess , " " The Joe Rogan Experience " and " The Daily " often inspire listener to try their hand atpodcasting .
If you have a bright podcast idea but do n’t know where to start out , this guide onhow to make your own podcastis for you . From brainstorming and choose the right equipment to recording , editing and publishing , we ’ll wrap up everything you postulate to become your construct into the next must - listen show .
Choosing a Podcast Idea
Once you ’ve decided you require to originate a podcast , the next legitimate question is : What should it be about ? There are countless examples among the podcasts already in existence .
Podcast.comlists podcasts by category , which let in funniness , news , health , sports , music and politics . Peruse their catalogue to get an idea of the variety that exist . And who knows , you may find some inspiration .
If you ’re not sure where to depart , think of a topic or theme that interest you , then project out a unequalled spin . Perhaps a podcast about fantasyhockey , math or the " Lemony Snicket " record book would take a niche . If you want to attract listeners , it ’s authoritative that your show stand out from other podcasts .
There is one rule of thumb when it come to podcasting , however : verify yours is about something you really savor . It is incredibly challenging to make a portion of money in the podcast world , so you might as well have fun with it .
Identify Your Target Audience
With your podcast theme established , the next footmark is to name your target audience , aka the case of citizenry who would listen to your show .
jump by limit your podcast ’s purpose . find out whether your depicted object will be educational , entertaining or informative , and clarify your destination , such as building a community , establishingthought leadershipor promote a product or servicing .
Next , consider the demographics of your likely audience . Consider the age group most likely to be interested in your content , any specific sexuality it might invoke to , the region or countries you ’re aim and the professions or diligence that would come up your podcast valuable .
understand your audience ’s psychographics is also essential . Take into explanation their hobbies , interests , passions , value and the challenges they confront — and how your podcast can address them .
Analyzing competitors can also provide worthful perceptivity . count at other podcasts with alike musical theme and examine their consultation . translate reviews and feedback to understand what attender appreciate and what they feel is missing .
Developing Your Podcast Format and Content
Now , it ’s time for the fun part : develop your cognitive content !
Research
enquiry subject and talking point related to your paper . Create a inquiry brochure on your laptop or practice a notebook to jot down down all the facts and interesting point in time you need to discuss in each sequence . This provision will allow for you to supply value to your listeners and institute credibility in your niche .
Outline
Once the research is done , create an abstract for your before long - to - be successful podcast . Write out a listing of topics you need to cover and break them down into single episodes . For each sequence , look at the key points you want to discuss , possible node or interviewees , and any relevant segment or feature .
This detailed outline will serve as a roadmap , helping you appease organised and focused .
Choose Length and Format
Next , decide on the distance of each episode . Whether you pick out a 20 - minute nimble hit or an hour - tenacious deep dive , eubstance is key . Consider theformatas well : Will you have segments , interviews or a solo format ?
If you ’re a relationship advice guru , you might have segments where you read listener letters or work wild-eyed dilemmas that rooter send to your show ’s voice mail . If your podcast is about a trade , your target consultation may desire to listen you speak with others in that diligence , so an interview format might work best .
Script
Sometimes , it may be necessary towrite a scriptfor your sequence . A well - written script can keep you on lead and ensure that your content is engaging and instructive . This is specially helpful for a solo podcast host .
However , do n’t be afraid to go off - script if a great moment bob up ; natural conversation can be very sympathetic to attender .
Choose a Strong Podcast Title
select an SEO - friendly podcast title is crucial for maximizing your show ’s visibleness and attracting a enceinte audience . lookup engine optimization(SEO ) involves optimize your mental object so that it ranks higher in search engine result , like those on Google .
By include relevant keywords in your podcast title , you increase the chance of appearing in search answer when the great unwashed bet for subject related to your show . This means more organic dealings and a broad audience for your content .
A well - crafted , SEO - friendly title should be clear , concise and reflective of the principal report or subjects hash out in your episodes . For exemplar , if your podcast is about the world ’s most terrifying cryptids , a someone in your fair game audience should instantly understand what the show is about .
Think of it this way : If you fare across a podcast called " The Mothman Cometh , " would you know it was aboutcryptids , or is it too vague ?
Aim for a name with available social medium handgrip and website domains . If the name is too generic , it may already be taken , make it difficult to promote your podcast or rank on the first page of search engines where potential lover can find you .
Podcast Cover Art
Creating compelling podcast artwork is essential , and you have the choice to hire artists or do it yourself . If you want to hire an creative person , freelance political program like Fiverr , Upwork and 99designs offer access tographic designerswho can create custom graphics .
If you favour to do it yourself , online tools like Canva propose user - friendly design guide specifically for podcast covers . For those with design attainment , graphic software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator provide advanced features .
Whether you engage an artist or create it yourself , ensure your podcast nontextual matter is clear , visually appealing representative of your show ’s content . intent middle - catch artwork that reflects your show ’s theme and grabs potential listeners ' attention .
This artwork will be expose in podcast directories and platform , so check that it meets the require specifications and stands out .
6 Important Pieces of Podcasting Equipment
When it comes to choosing equipment to record a podcast , there ’s a wide range of option to fit any budget . Your spending will mainly touch on sound calibre and editing flexibleness , but some key pieces of gear are crucial to get start .
1. Microphone
Microphonescome in various price range and qualities , and prefer the right one can importantly touch your podcast ’s sound quality . While you could habituate a basic microphone , like the one that come with your computer , the good lineament will likely be subpar .
Most podcasters choose for a durable , dynamic microphone . The Shure SM58 , for example , is a solid , all - function mic that delivers capital sound without break the bank . It ’s known for its durability and dependability , making it a democratic choice among podcasters .
If you ’re conducting interviews with multiple people using one mike , an omnidirectional mic is ideal as it picks up sound from all directions . For podcasters record in the landing field or capturing melodic performances , specialized microphones like shotgun mics or condenser mics might be required .
USB microphones , such as the Blue Yeti , are also popular for their ease of function and enough quality . They connect straightaway to your computer — eliminating the need for an audio interface — and are great for beginners or those looking for a elementary setup .
2. Audio Interface/Mixer and Recorders
An audio interface or sociable is all-important for mixing multiple inputs and recording your podcast . It connects your microphone to your computer , converting analog signals to digital .
Popular model admit the Focusrite Scarlett series , which offer various input option and eminent - timbre preamps . mixer , such as the Behringer Xenyx series , provide more ascendency over sound levels and are utilitarian if you have multiple microphones or instruments . Some mixers can station data like a shot to a computing gadget via USB , simplify the transcription process .
If you prefer a portable apparatus or need to memorialize on the go , a dedicated recorder like the Zoom H4n Pro is a slap-up choice . These equipment can entrance gamey - lineament sound recording independently , without the need for a computing equipment . you’re able to later transplant the transcription to your data processor for redaction .
3. Headphones
beneficial - quality headphones are crucial for monitoring your recordings . shut - back earpiece , like the Audio - Technica ATH - M50x , provide excellent sound isolation , helping you hear every detail and debar background noise .
4. Filters
A pop filter help melt off plosive sound ( like " p " and " b " noise ) that can falsify your transcription . A gravy sleeve or mic stand keeps your microphone stable and positioned aright , meliorate comfort and sound consistence during recording .
5. Sound Card
For simpler podcasts , register directly into the calculator ’s sound calling card can be a viable option , peculiarly if you ’re only using one mike . This may require some transcriber to match the mic plug to the healthy card remark . However , the quality of the audio card itself is crucial .
Cheap sound cards , or those integrate into the organization ’s motherboard , might produce low - quality sound , bring in superfluous signaling noise due to electrical incumbrance , or distort sounds at high signal story .
Some sound cards offer extra input for coincident multi - track recording or are designed to work out with specific software package or mixers , enhance the recording lineament and tractability .
6. Telephone Connections
For podcasts following a public lecture - show data formatting , where guest may be dot around the world , a reliable method acting to unite multiple people is essential . This type of podcast ask a way for all participants to see each other and for the conversation to be record .
One result is to use a phone serving capable of running a conference call and then solicit into the phone line to tie in to the transcription twist . Many podcasters also practice Voice Over Internet Protocols ( VoIP ) like Zoom to reach this . These services often have built - in recording feature , making it loose to conquer gamy - quality audio recording from remote guests .
Editing With a Digital Audio Workstation
A Digital Audio Workstation ( DAW ) is of the essence for transcription , editing , mixing and producing your podcast audio . daw offer comprehensive tools to check your podcast sounds professional .
democratic DAWs for podcasting include Audacity ( free and founding father - friendly ) , Adobe Audition ( professional - tier ) , GarageBand ( free for Mac user ) and Reaper ( affordable and flexile ) .
After editing your podcast , the next of the essence measure are to write and distribute it to effectively reach your audience .
Export Your Podcast
Export your edited podcast instalment in a common format like MP3 , ensuring the file size is manageable without compromising audio quality .
This metadata assist organize your sequence and makes it easy for listener to find and sympathise the content of your podcast .
Find a Podcast Hosting Service
Choose a podcast hosting service to store your audio files and generate an RSS provender . pop hosting platforms include Libsyn , Podbean and Anchor .
These services provide the necessary bandwidth and storage to help your podcast to listeners and manage your RSS provender , which is a web feed that contains important information about your show , including the title , description , episode tilt and links to audio files .
Release Dates, Marketing and Promotional Trailers
square off the release date for your podcast and start promoting it on social sensitive four to six weeks before the launch date of your first podcast instalment . Many podcasters show a one - arcminute trailer to introduce the show to their target hearing . This dawdler should play up the primary themes , unique aspects and what hearer can ask from your podcast .
Consider buy an ad touch on a similar podcast , which can help oneself pull in listeners who are already interested in your podcast ’s genre . It can also be beneficial to drop three or four episode at once to hook your audience and give them more subject to enlist with .
Consistent posting is all important to build a loyal consultation , so create a schedule and stick to it . Encourage your audience to leave reviews and ply feedback , which will help you make necessary adjustments .
And remember , if it stops being fun , it ’s okay to pivot to a different melodic theme , format or construct . This is your creation , and you call the shots .
This article was update in conjunction with AI technology , then fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
