Starting A Podcast in 2023? Here Are The Basics

Podcasts are one of the fastest-growing mediums for content creators and listeners alike. In fact, many people have found success with their podcasts, so if you are thinking about starting one, you’re definitely at the right place.

While it appears to be daunting at first, starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need some basics – from tips on equipment and recording techniques to how to reach an audience and make money with your content. Boom, just like that you’re on your way.

In this article we’ll cover all the critical information you’ll need to know, from several angles, to help you successfully launch your podcast. Let’s dive right in!

Choose the niche for your podcast

Before starting a podcast it is important to note that a podcast can be produced on any topic – from sports and politics to entertainment news and fashion trends. Whatever your niche is, people are likely interested in hearing more about it. Therefore, don’t feel like the topic of your podcast has to be anything too “out there” or abstract. Running a successful podcast comes down to two key elements: having good content and building an audience who enjoys listening to it.

Choose your equipment and recording techniques

Starting a podcast might be a bit costly when you begin to scale your production. When it comes to starter equipment, you don’t need much to get started with a podcast – any good smartphone will do. However, you may want to consider upgrading if your audio quality is poor or if the microphone isn’t up to the mark.

Once your podcast gains traction, you may upgrade your equipment using a professional-grade microphone, such as the Blue Yeti USB Mic. This device connects directly to your computer via USB and has several modes that help reduce noise when recording in busy environments. Another option is the Rode Podcaster, which connects directly to your computer via USB and doesn’t require a mixer or a sound card.

Once you have your equipment sorted, the next step when creating content is deciding what format you want your podcast episodes to take. This will depend on the content you’re making and your personal preferences. Some podcasters prefer to develop a scripted program, while others prefer to have an ad-libbed discussion.

Choose a Host

Depending on the content you’re producing, for example, interviews or panel discussions, you may need one or more additional hosts/guests to help conduct conversations. This will require different types of equipment, including lapel microphones (for guests) and Skype voice changers, depending on how technologically savvy each host is. But aside from the different equipment you may need, you need to have a host that people want to listen to, regardless of how bad or good the audio quality is. So, pick a good host.

Determine a regular schedule

Starting a podcast is going to require a rigid, consistent schedule. Having a regular schedule helps keep your listeners engaged, as they will wait for your content at a particular time. This schedule will significantly depend on what works for you personally and any commitments you may have outside of podcasting.

If you’re just getting started, scheduling weekly episodes is enough. However, if you can commit to more, then it may be worth considering launching daily episodes because if you keep pumping out content you increase the odds of having someone stumble onto your podcast. If they like what they hear then they will tune into your other episodes.

Marketing and monetizing your podcast

One of the critical components when starting a podcast is making sure people know about it. After all, what’s the point in creating good content if nobody else is going to hear it? Therefore, you should put time aside each week towards promoting your show on social media, through other podcasts, via email marketing, and through Facebook groups relevant to your niche.

• Email marketing is compelling, especially if you have a professional email address that looks credible and trustworthy. If your podcast has several different episodes, then you can use this to send out links to previous shows via an automated service. (Pro tip, email lists are a goldmine for almost anything and everything.)
• Social media is also a brilliant way of getting in touch with people who may be interested in listening – try researching groups and communities (on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks) and see if there’s an online following for the content you’re planning to share.
• Appearing on someone else’s podcast to directly or indirectly promote your own has proven to be a powerful tool in the podcasting world.

There are many ways to go about monetizing your podcast so I’ll just name a couple to get your juices flowing. For instance, some podcasters sell advertising space within their episodes, or perhaps even have affiliate codes in the podcast description. Get creative and build some relationships with businesses within your niche.

Things to consider before starting a podcast

When starting any project or venture, it’s always a fantastic idea to figure out your goals for the next few months. This is especially true when starting a podcast: clear objectives will help keep you focused on what is needed to progress. Is your goal growing an audience? Monetizing more content? Or simply learning new skills that can be applied elsewhere?

Whatever your goal may be, break it down into smaller milestones so that they can be achieved more easily in realistic time frames. It also helps to keep in check to build up a following for your podcast, from launching until you reach the same number of listeners each week.

You may want to think about changing things up after a while, instead of sticking with the original format or style that you started with, why not try experimenting with different ideas? This can help grow an audience more quickly and is another way to keep things fresh and exciting. But on the same note, if it really ain’t broke, don’t fix it.