Thanks for starting at the beginning with me with 10 Steps to Start Podcasting! The first episode of DrewVOX Talks is a checklist for the items you need to get started podcasting. Lots to consider and think about. This is an overview list – much more information and resources are available in our Podcast Starter Packs.
Show Notes
I’m Drew Nageleisen, welcome to the first episode of DrewVOX Talks. Our first topic is the “10 Steps to Start Podcasting”. Let’s talk about creating.
Since this is the first episode ever, here’s a synopsis of my journey to this point. While I am fairly new to podcasting, I have worked in radio, TV, and as a freelancer since 1988. Podcasting has a lot of similarities to radio, and it’s also very different. I discovered I had the opportunity to deliver so much more to my listener. My first podcast, “Kevin Costner was a Corpse” was a completely self-indulgent exercise that arose out of need when the COVID pandemic wasn’t going to be over in a few weeks. It is a fun, creative outlet. We just did it. We didn’t care if anyone listened – actually, we hoped for 2 listeners. On like Dave and one like me – I know it’s odd. Anyway, it was and still is a lot of fun.
I asked myself, “What if I were to take my expertise and knowledge of radio performance and production, my technical capabilities, the stupid amount of equipment I already own from years in bands, my voice studio, producing online content for my business, and documented my process?” So here we are! So, you are thinking about getting started with an awesome podcast. You have guests and even some scripts (or at least great ideas).
You can Google all over the place to see where to get started – it’s overwhelming. I know – I did it too. My advantage was lots of experience with audio equipment, being a musician and a professional broadcaster. The how-to part was easy, the rest was a pretty steep learning curve. Now I’m here to help guide you – be a mentor possibly, or at least a resource that you can call on when you need some help or information. I wanted someone to give me good advice or a nudge in the right direction. I am stubborn and like to figure stuff out for myself, but don’t want to reinvent the wheel, either.
Let’s Start Podcasting
Here are the 10 steps to get started. I will give you suggestions based on my experiences, mistakes, research, and advice received. No – I am not a definitive authority, but I know more than many so called experts online. My philosophy is to start with good foundational gear that will grow with you and save money in the long run, paired with broadcasting techniques and industry best practices. The following 10 steps are an overview – there are 10 documents, podcasts and videos that match each point that goes into detail on what to buy, what not to buy, and how to obtain a setup that will work well for you.
Whatever level of experience. The worst thing is to buy something that seems to be everything in a package for an unbelievable price online. When you start using it, you realize that “this piece of crap was a waste of 80 bucks!” Yes, I have done this – and I knew better! Full disclosure – and here’s the sales pitch, our podcast starter packages are crammed full of more details. Each step is unpacked and full of detail.
Packages include forms, documents, podcasts, gear lists, links, instructions, and videos to make sure you have all the information you need to get started. I am also available for a free 30-minute consultation at drewvox.me as well as a myriad of paid services. Like I said, I am building a business that I would hire. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Step 1: Pick a Topic
Wow, a professional voice! Cool. Step 1: Pick a Topic Well, you are here, so my guess is you already have a topic. Businesses who realize the value of a podcast will have a wealth of information to start with – from products and services to the business itself. You know how to talk to customers and prospects, how you do what you do and why. Once you figure out your focus, do a little research to see who else came up with the same great idea. You may find a few podcasts that are similar and that’s great! You can learn from them, share links, or even collaborate.
If you find a ton of podcasts about your topic, you’ll want to spend some time thinking about how your podcast will be different from the rest. Like your business, you need to focus on what you can offer that sets your podcast apart. If you are thinking about beginning a personal podcast, just like the business folks above, have a look to see who else is taking about your topic. You can learn from them, listen to how they assemble and deliver their podcast. Some people produce shows simply to make them, while others actively engage in growing and monetizing their works.
Step 2: Pick a Format
Now that you are getting ready to start making your brand of magic, how will you present it? It’s time to choose a format for your show.
• How long and how frequently will you release episodes?
• Will the host of the show interview guests that are experts on the topic?
• Is the host the expert who provides all the content?
• How many hosts will there be?
• Will your show be a video or audio podcast?
When you build your podcast, identify your audience first. Who is listening, and why? If you are producing a business advice podcast, your audience is too busy for an hour of listening. Many podcasts in this segment are 5-10 minutes – the audience appreciates short and to the point. However, if your target audience is into fitness, you’ll probably want to make your episodes a little longer – they will probably listen during their workout. The format is the keystone to your pre-production, production and post-production organization.
Step 3: The Gear
Getting started is not that expensive or difficult. All you need is a good quality microphone, something to record on that you probably already own (I am smart because I know that you can’t hear this without one. Genius!). A cell phone, tablet, computer, or other recording equipment. You guessed it; more detail is in “Step 3-The Gear” of our packages.
I discuss what works best for the four stages that I arbitrarily created. Maybe not so arbitrary:
- Getting Started
- The Next Level
- Almost Pro
- My Own Big-League Studio
If you are getting started, I recommend to everyone the RØDE NTUSB Mini microphone. It comes with pretty robust software for podcasting and it’s under US$100. I like Rode mics. A lot.
They are made in Australia and give the big boys like Sennheiser ad Shure a run for their money. If you want to share the love, I do have an affiliate link in my show notes. My first choice is that you buy from a local music or camera store. If you are buying on-line, please use my link – we both win.
Step 4: Set Up Hosting
Now we have recorded and edited audio magic, podcasts need a home on a server where the media files will live. You can host a podcast on your website (depending on your site host services), but that’s not recommended because of all the technical challenges, especially when you gain listeners and a lot of streams/downloads. Your sites will get super slow, maybe crash, or at least require periodic updates, maintenance and so on. There are tons of dedicated podcast hosts that offer loads of resources in addition to hosting. Generally, they will take you step-by step through the submission process for may directories, offer advertising revenue potential, marketing and productions advice, and more. You can get started for free in some cases. It doesn’t cost much per month, and you will have plenty of storage space and bandwidth for your creation, plus the ability to scale up as you build your audience. I use and like PodBean – there is an affiliate link in the show notes.
Step 5: Pick a Title
Duh … obvious. Experts agree that a great title is inline with your podcast theme, and get’s your audience’s attention. That’s why we want to know who our target audience is before we get started. We will be speaking to that person when we turn on the mic. It makes the steps later easier when you can define who is listening and what they want to hear – and not hear. Like a business marketing plan!
In the paid packages we have an Audience Profile document where you can define the details of your listener. There is also a big benefit if you can work some keywords into your podcast title. Search engine algorithms love when keywords appear organically in many locations.
Step 6: Artwork
“Don’t Judge a Book My It’s Cover.” OK Mom, but we all know that the graphic is the first thing a prospective listener will see during their search. Many sites offer inexpensive, professional designers that will produce graphics that meet site specifications. Pay special attention to iTunes – err Apple Podcasts. They are arguably the largest podcast platform. Make a good first impression!! Like your podcast, artwork can change and evolve, so keep that in mind when you create your graphics or hire someone.
Step 7: Intros and Outros
Audiences love continuity and consistency! TV shows, movies and yes, successful podcasts have an introduction to the show. It’s well, and introduction – what it’s about and why people should listen and sets the tone immediately. You can record this yourself or hire a professional voice artist – ahem – from a variety of sites drewvox.me. You’ll also want an “outro” to give credits, with a call-to-action for your listeners—such as, telling them how to get a hold of you, where they download additional content, tease coming episodes, and more. Save the intro and outro as easy to access files in your editing software, it makes it easy to drop the audio file for each episode into the show template. The editing process becomes efficient and consistent. You guessed it, there are lots of pro tips, tricks, hints, resources, and examples in “Step 7-Intro-Outro” for our packages.
Step 8: Plan the Launch
The end goal is to launch your podcast – steps 1-7 so far are working toward this step. There are so many great resources from blog posts to books by experts such as John Lee Dumas. While I am not passing the buck – I am deferring to those with way more experience and knowledge. If you just want to post it for your friends or select associates, that’s great as well. Just create! I did that with my first podcast, “Kevin Costner was a Corpse”. We had a lot of listeners on that first episode but dropped the ball from professional podcast standards.
So, if you want to do things “the right way”, do your research, homework and listen to those who came before. Apple Podcasts has something called a “new and noteworthy” section where newly launched podcasts are featured. Only podcasts less than eight weeks old are eligible to appear in this section, which is the first one people see when they open the app. When you launch your podcast the right way, your exposure will be much better by potentially being featured at the top of the “new and noteworthy” charts in your category.
Step 9: Getting Reviews and Subscribers
It’s all about the numbers, my friend. Once your show is uploaded and available, you’ll want some five-star reviews, so people find your podcast. They will be more likely to download an episode. Getting reviews on Apple Podcasts isn’t the main goal here because it’s more difficult compared to leaving a review on Amazon, Facebook, or Google. Podcast reviews are somewhat cumbersome. Start by asking friends, family, and associates to help by listening to your podcast and give an honest review. That gets the ball rolling, gives you listener numbers and valuable feedback.
Step 10: Marketing
You want to be heard, and marketing is marketing. This time the product is your podcast. You will have to promote it. Listeners will not just find you – sure they are searching, but at last count there were more than 2000 podcasts on the internet. OK, really, it’s 2,000,000 and over 48 million episodes as of April 2021. Our podcasts are like a needle in a haystack. The more marketing you do, the better the results. Spend as little or as much time and money marketing your podcast as you see fit, everyone’s needs are different. Marketing 101 – the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. Starting a podcast has a learning curve for everyone. You are not alone. It is fun, rewarding, very profitable for businesses, and a simple process when you have templates and a process.
Let’s CREATE!
Guerilla marketing tactics, pro tips, community, coaching and more in “Step 10-Marketing” of the packages. So now you know the 10 Steps to Start a Podcast. I hope this information has been useful to you! Please reach out with any comments, suggestions, reviews or feedback. I am always available for that free 30-minute consultation at drewvox.me. I would love to discuss your creation and help where I can.
Join me next time on DrewVOX Talks for Episode 2: 10 Reasons Businesses Podcast. I’m Drew Nageleisen, let’s go create!