One of the hottest social media trends for 2019 is podcasting. As of 2018, Apple confirmed that there are more than 550,000 podcast episodes available. Does this motivate you to join the fray of creating your own online radio show or do you think the market of podcasts is flooded? If you chose the former, we can walk you through everything you need to start a podcast today from equipment and software suggestions, to even how to podcast on the go using mobile devices. Mobile podcasting may be a good start if you’re debating about making a big investment in podcasting gear. For travel bloggers, the ability to do a podcast from anywhere is another draw.
How to Start a Podcast
PODCAST NAME & TOPICS
What topics will you cover on a podcast? Your podcast can be an extension or your blog or business. It can also be a totally unrelated topic that you’re an expert in – or interested in.
Will the name of your podcast match your blog? Search first and make sure your podcast name isn’t already taken to avoid confusion.
RELATED TOPIC: Does Your Blog Need a Podcast Too?
PODCAST FORMAT
Consider whether your podcast will be a solo effort, include co-hosts, and guests.
This will influence where you can record your podcast and your equipment needs.
Select royalty-free theme music, choose a podcast length, pre-interview and book guests, and decide if you will partner with advertisers.
PODCAST EQUIPMENT
Microphone – You need a professional microphone to record your audio and a guest’s audio. The Blue snowball condenser microphone pictured below retails for about $50 and comes with a USB to connect with laptops and desktop computers.
Mic stand – Purchase a professional stand to hold your microphone.
Headphones – To hear yourself, your guests and properly mix the audio in your podcast you’ll need headphones or at least quality earbuds.
Laptop – To input your microphone, add audio and edit a podcast you’ll need a laptop or desktop. Below in this blog post we have mobile podcasting insights.
Audio Mixer – Just like a radio show, you’ll need to adjust sound levels and audio sources. An audio mixer can handle this.
Editing Software – Your podcast editing software may include audio mixing capabilities, royalty-free music and a suggested format for your podcast. For Mac users, Garage Band allows you to edit audio for a podcast. Adobe Audition (paid), Audacity (free) and Logic Pro (paid) are other options. Here’s a look at the Best Podcast Recording Software according to Podcast Insights.
SD Cards – Store your audio files on
PODCAST SOFTWARE
How will you edit the audio interviews, mix music and advertising messages into your podcast?
Several audio editing software programs are designed to handle it all.
For Mac users, Garage Band allows you to edit audio for a podcast. Adobe Audition (paid), Audacity (free) and Logic Pro (paid) are other options.
Here’s a look at the Best Podcast Recording Software according to Podcast Insights.
PODCAST HOSTING
Although iTunes is the most popular place to upload a podcast, there are an array of free and paid options.
Anchor (free and you can monetize your podcast easily)
Podbean (free & paid upgrades)
Castos (free trial)
Buzzsprout (free & paid upgrades)
Transistor (free trial)
Simplecast (free trial)
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