Podcasting for Beginners: A Quick Guide on How to Get Started

Now that you've decided to put your voice out there and connect with more people through podcasting, let me guide you on how to get started.

Before we get into the step-by-step process, let us know, first, what is podcasting?

A podcast is simply an on-demand radio talk show. This implies that listeners are not required to tune in live, but can do so at any time they want and from pretty much anywhere they are in the world.

Podcasts are usually focused on a single theme or topic. Often, the most successful podcasts are those that specialize and go deeply into a single topic.

Podcasters also have the opportunity to create longer episodes because they are not bound by the time limits imposed by other creators.

The goal of a podcaster is to find the right listeners and create an authentic community.

Helping others can come in the form of education and entertainment. Podcasting is a great avenue for that.

Now let's get into the good stuff!

Step one: Self-check

Of course, we can't dive head first into podcasting without checking on ourselves first. To have podcasting as an idea is a great step to start but have you studied how to deliver and be an effective one in a sea of podcasters out there?

Think of a topic that you're most interested in, and search a couple of contents on podcasting platforms or even catch them on YouTube. From there, you could gather some points and acquire their confidence when they speak.

Remember, confidence puts a great impact on your podcast and keeps your listeners engaged and they could be persuaded to buy your products if you're someone who's taking podcasting as a marketing strategy.

Step Two: Topic Research

The next step you have to take is to focus on a niche. Make a plan on what type of podcast you're putting out there. Research well on the topics and plan your content in a way that listeners will get everything that they would need.

Podcasting is a great information source so a well-thought topic every episode will attract more listeners.

Step Three: Gear Setup

A microphone is where audio quality starts and ends. A good quality microphone has a great impact on your podcast. You want listeners to enjoy the crisp sound of your voice.

USB microphones, such as Blue Microphones' Snowball, start at $60. The majority of podcast microphone buying advice you'll find online is to choose a front-firing dynamic microphone with good rejection, which means it picks up your voice well without picking up unwanted sounds from wherever you're recording.

A microphone stand and shock mount are also helpful for you to be more comfortable when speaking through the mic. It also avoids picking up the vibrations caused by any unnecessary movements.

A nice headset/headphone helps you especially when you have a guest speaker that you'll be inviting to the show. It serves as your audio monitor and also very important when you're going to edit your audio.

An audio interface is an important part of your setup. It is essentially a bridge that converts the audio signals from the microphone into digital so they may be "sent" to your computer for playback, mixing, and upload.

If you want to be sure you have everything you need to start a podcast, This article would be helpful for you

Step Four: Recording

Before you hit record, make sure you have the scripts/outline in place. It's better to record in a place where you're comfortable working and with not so much noise.

Preparing ahead of time by figuring out what you're going to say and creating an outline for your recording is your best option for a podcast that sounds organized and professional. You don't have to go to the extent of writing a script. Simply have a plan for where you're going and what you want to cover.

If you're recording an episode that involves a guest, make sure there is a call recorder prepared before you start the conversation

You can use Skype or Zoom to call your co-host or guests and use special recording software to record the call. When you're done, you can use an editing program to help with cleanup, processing, music, and publication.

Step Five: Editing and Uploading

When it comes to podcast editing, you need a Digital Audio Workstation - also known as DAW. It's merely a fancy word for "audio editing application."

DAWs also allow you to record into them, thereby turning your computer into a full recording studio - provided you have a microphone to connect to it.

Audacity is the most often used basic DAW. It is well-liked because it is completely free. And it's still more than adequate for creating a podcast episode.

However, if you're searching for a more professional-level DAW with an almost limitless number of features and capabilities, Adobe Audition or Reaper might be more to your liking.

Your final audio can be shared on a variety of platforms. You can upload it to Libsyn, Soundcloud, Anchor, and Transistor, among others. They'll create your RSS feed for you, which you can then submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

Step Six: Podcast Sharing

A lot will depend on the site where you upload your podcast for promotion and sharing. Soundcloud, for example, has a comprehensive set of sharing options.  You can share the audio straight to Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms, and you can embed it directly into your blog posts.

Hats off to you for taking the first step towards launching your very own podcast by reading my step-by-step guide. Good luck on your journey!

If you are an entrepreneur thinking of starting a podcast, then this article is for you

What do you want to learn more about podcasting? I'd love to hear your thoughts.