This is just one of many blogs on how to start a podcast – I know, I know. BUT as a fairly new podcaster who has gone through the hurdles of launching a podcast, I feel like it’s my obligation to share some tips and tricks for anyone out there that may be wondering “what do I need to start a podcast?”
1. Your Studio
Many of us hear the word “studio” and think of a super high quality recording studio with expensive equipment. Don’t worry, my studio looks nothing like that, and the truth is you don’t have to spend that much money to design your studio. Simply put, you need a way to record your voice and an audio editing platform to polish what you’ve recorded. I recommend starting with these 5 pieces of equipment:
(This post contains affiliate links. My disclosure about affiliate links is available here.)
- Microphone (captures your voice)
- XLR Cable (plugs in to your microphone and connects to your audio interface)
- Audio Interface (turns analog signals to digital signals)
- Computer (connects to your audio interface, home for your editing software)
- Audio Editing Software (allows you to edit and bounce your sound file)
My setup: Blue Baby Bottle SL > Pop Filer > XLR Cable > PreSonus Audiobox (interface) > Mac Desktop > Logic Pro X
2. Your Message
Dive in. Figure out what you want to talk about, but don’t feel boxed in – It’s completely ok if you find your message changes as you go (especially in the early stages)! Part of starting a podcast is “figuring it out”. But as you get the hang of this whole podcast thing, keep trying to refine your message. Each time you write and create an episode, ask yourself:
- What is my podcast about?
- Is this episode consistent with my message?
It may take some time to figure out what your podcast is truly about, but once you do listeners will gravitate towards your message, which brings me to my last topic…
3. Your Audience
Wouldn’t it be cool to see your podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and all the other audio platforms? Well you can – and it’s really important that you do. There are a few services that can host your podcast and distribute your episodes to the major audio streaming services. I highly recommend getting started on Buzzsprout. It’s very user friendly, and has some amazing tracking features that show you when, where and how your audience is listening.
Use this link to get started on Buzzsprout and receive a 20 Amazon gift card!
Once you get registered through Buzzsprout and your podcast is live, tell people that you know. You may want to create a Facebook page for your show (here’s mine) and invite your friends to like it. An audience of family and friends is a great starting point, especially if you find creative ways to encourage them to tell their friends.
In Conclusion
Once you’ve gathered your equipment, figured out what your show is truly about, and have gotten your podcast onto Buzzsprout, you are ready to go! Congrats to you for taking the leap to start your podcast, and I wish you much success. Podcasting is all about making connections, so if you need any further help along the way, email me at dbetravel1@gmail.com.
Stevie G.
Host of the Destinations Beyond Expectations podcast
