008: How To Start A Podcast From The Ground Up

How To Start A Podcast

In this article, I am going to talk about something that I am extremely passionate about. PODCASTING. If you are thinking about starting a podcast, there are some things that you will need to know before you start and during the process. I am going to take my knowledge from creating over 250 audio podcasts and 125 interviews.

The Podcast Movement Is Here

The time is now for podcasting, and if you are a Doctor, Business Owner, Public Figure, or almost anything else you are losing networking opportunities if you do not have a podcast. I do a show called "Podcasters Unplugged" where I interview different podcast hosts about their journey in podcasting. You would be SHOCKED at the types of people that are doing audio content, AND the results that they are getting are astonishing. There may not be any better way to network and market your content online other than video.

Podcasting Is Here To Stay

A lot of times people look at the iTunes store and think that there isn't any room for their content. This could not be further from the truth. The beautiful thing about podcasting is that your voice/personality IS THE SHOW. You are unique, thus making your show different than anything else out there.

Podcasting Benefits For Business

1.) Podcasting Is On Demand

People love content that they can access immediately and whenever they want. Along with streaming music and video, podcasting allows the audience just to pick up their device and begin listening when and where they want. With podcasting, similar to YouTube content, people can subscribe to the podcasts they enjoy listening to and be notified when new content is published.

2) Podcasting Diversifies Your Content Marketing

As a business, you should already be creating video and written content, and podcasting is just another form of putting your brand out there. Also, think of ways you can republish your content. If you have a blog post, why not record a podcast focused on that particular post. You will be targeting two different groups of people. Re-purposing content is key in content marketing, and podcasts make this much easier.

3.) Podcasting Is The Best Way To Network

I have not found a better way to connect with like-minded individuals than podcasting. When I do interview-based shows, I am always getting in touch with people in my space, as well as making connections that end up paying off in the long run. Also, just building your circle of influence is a fantastic way to grow your brand.

Steps To Starting A Podcast

Alright, now that you see the benefits of starting a podcast, let's talk about the "how" part of it. Creating a podcast may look like a daunting task, but if you break it down into a few different parts, it's not bad at all.

1.) Purchase Audio Equipment

Obviously, if you are going to start a podcast, you are going to need equipment to record with. I am going to break down the different items you will need to produce a great sounding show.

• USB Microphone --- The Blue Yeti is my recommendation for an excellent starting USB microphone.
• Headphones (This is important because when you record interviews and just, in general, you are going to want to listen to how you and your guest sound). --- The Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones are what I use, and I highly recommend them to anyone getting into podcasting.
• Recording and Editing software --- You can decide to purchase audio software, OR you can use something like Audacity that is free and is PERFECT for podcasting. If you are going to buy software, I recommend Adobe Audition.

2.) Record and Edit Your Podcast

Brainstorm ideas as to what you want your first few episodes to be about. I always recommend that you launch your podcast with ATLEAST 3-5 episodes. There are some reasons for this, BUT the main one is that you are more likely to be noticed by iTunes and listeners if it looks like your show is consistent.

Set a time limit at the beginning of your show and stick