Podcasts are skyrocketing in popularity. Many podcasters are earning an average of $50K a year. So, it's a great way to pursue your passion while maintaining a stable income. It's also easy to start podcasting due to the widespread use of high-tech recording sets and free professional audio software.

This guide will address the three main stages of how to start a successful podcast: 

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With a 175% increase in audience base, now is the perfect time to launch a podcast. That major growth means that there are no more restrictions in picking a topic for your podcast. As long as you have something interesting to say to your target audience, you can speak about anything you want.

There are several reasons for the outspread of podcasts:

Podcasts create genuine connections and provide digestible content.

They are more convenient than other forms of content. As, you could listen to them while cleaning, cooking, driving, or during a workout.

They also educate audiences on topics that interest them.

Following the next three essential steps, anyone could create an engaging podcast.

How to Start a Podcast

The first thing you need to do is to plan your podcast. This step shouldn’t be rushed, as it determines the long-term success of your podcast. Take your time deciding on four important aspects: 

The length of the episodes, and their publishing schedule.

It’s true: you could have a podcast about anything. The real trick comes in making it interesting to your audience. So, pick a topic that you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm would pull the attention of your audience and help you build a strong connection with them.

It’s also important to avoid general topics. The more specific your niche is, the easier your audience will find you through search engines.

For example, you shouldn’t have a podcast about sports. Instead, having a podcast about baseball is a good idea. And having a podcast about your favorite baseball team is an even better idea.

Picking a good name is your way of building an audience. Similar to picking a topic, your name shouldn’t be general either. One reason is that no one would be searching for a random name. You might become almost invisible to your audience.

A second good reason, when people do come across your podcast, they won’t know exactly what you’re doing. So, not many people would develop an interest in listening to your podcast in the first place. In short, get a catchy name that addresses your topic and you’re good to go.

After deciding on your topic and your name, now is the right time to choose a format. Your podcast’s format is how you present yourself to your audience. There is no right or wrong format as long as it doesn’t contradict your topic. 

Some podcasts are in video format, while others are in audio format. You could solo host a podcast, or do it with a co-host, or multiple hosts.

Here are some of the most common podcast formats:

Determine the Length of Episodes and Their Publishing Schedule

Podcasts could be as long as audiobooks, or as short as 20 minutes. You could publish them daily, once per week, bi-weekly, or monthly. Many people would argue that a one-hour podcast posted once a week is optimal to maintain a consistent audience. 

However, before you decide on the length of the episodes and the publishing schedule, ask yourself three questions: 

Are you doing the podcast as a hobby or is it going to replace your full-time job? 

For how long will your audience listen before they get bored?

The length and frequency of your posting should only depend on your availability and the type of content you’re producing. Only produce high-quality content and do what you’re comfortable with.

Plan the Podcast

Now that you have a plan, it's time to start recording. Opposite to common belief, you don’t need fancy equipment and expensive software to start recording your first podcast. All you need is a place to record and something to record with. 

In this section, we will be going through the equipment and software needed to get started.

When you record your first podcast, you shouldn’t concern yourself with sound quality and high-end equipment. You could start recording using only your mobile phone and a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

If you’re looking to improve in the long run, your setup should include:

A good laptop or a desktop computer that could run recording and editing software. 

A high-quality microphone that runs on your device. 

An echo-proof room or a sound isolation set.

Available Software for Editing and Recording a Podcast

If you’re starting with a mobile phone and a pair of headphones, then, all you need is a recording application like Anchor or Speaker. They are both available on iOS and Android phones for free.

However, if you’re going for a more professional setup, you have a better selection of audio recording software to choose from.

One of the good recording programs in the market is Audacity. The great thing about Audacity is that it is a free alternative to paid subscription software. You could even get it on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

A more powerful option to Audacity is Adobe Audition which is also available on all platforms for a monthly subscription fee.

Record Your Podcast

After recording your first episode, it’s time to find a media hosting website. A media hosting site would allow your audience to download and stream your MP3 files immediately. You don’t have to worry about their paid memberships as most of them come at the affordable price of around $10 a month. 

Once you’re done with the hosting, your media host will provide you with your RSS feed. It’s what you’re going to use to upload your podcast on different directories like iTunes, YouTube, or Spotify. With your first episode and its RSS feed, you’re finally ready to list your podcast on any of the available channels.

Publish Your First Podcast

Now that you know exactly how to start a successful podcast, it’s time to start planning. Don’t forget to find an interesting topic that you’re enthusiastic about. You don’t need to start with some professional equipment. Find a format that you’re comfortable with and produce high-quality content. 

Good content is all you need to build a good audience base. So, stay consistent and publish as many times as you can.

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How to Start a Podcast in 3 Easy Steps

How to Start a Podcast

Plan the Podcast

Record Your Podcast

Publish Your First Podcast

Conclusion