If you are thinking about starting a podcast but you don’t know how to start, this article will be valuable. I am outlining podcast tips beginners will appreciate, but I will also be recommending a podcast course that I took myself, so if you sign up for it, I may receive a small amount of money.
Podcasting can be a lot of fun, but it takes time to create that additional content, and you’ll need to learn new skills as well. For many podcasters it has been rewarding, and the reward can be in building a podcast network, increasing reach to potential customers, or the simple joy of podcasting.
Everyone has their own reasons to start a podcast, so think carefully about yours. You want to avoid “pod fade” and ensure that this podcast is something you can remain consistent at, because it is not a quick growth. You need time and energy to devote to podcasting.
Do I need a podcast for my business?
Podcasts have become a popular option for entrepreneurs to use as part of their marketing strategy. Podcasts offer a chance for listeners to get to know you, like you and trust you even before they reach out to work with you.
You need to be aware though that podcasting is a slow growth strategy, which means it can take a year or more to get traction and good listenership. You need to promote the podcast so that people are aware that it is out there and finding a ranking strategy on top podcast charts is beneficial.
If you use a podcast editor that will increase costs as you will need to pay for this service. However, once your listenership numbers are high you can look for ways to cover those costs through sponsorships or affiliate links.
Many businesses start a podcast strictly to promote and sell their own products, and that is a great reason to start a podcast as well. You can monetize your podcast by selling your own products.
Many business owners and entrepreneurs find that starting a podcast is a very rewarding experience and great way to reach their audience.
If you are already podcasting and you are looking for a way to monetize your podcast, Pat Flynn’s Amp’d Up is a great and informative course to take for automating, marketing, and profit for your podcast.
How to start a podcast
There are many things to consider before starting a podcast. You need to consider why you are starting a podcast. Is it a marketing tool for your business, or is it a hobby, or a business on its own?
Who is your podcast for and why should they listen? For example, I started my podcast to talk to entrepreneurs and business owners about how to manage the money in their business. So, my target audience is aimed to entrepreneurs who want to build profitable and successful businesses. That’s a great reason for listeners to tune in.
Once you have a viable idea you can create your podcast strategy. Things to consider are how long your episodes would be and the format. Would you be doing solo episodes, conducting interviews, or a combination of both? And how often would you release an episode? Would it be weekly or monthly?
When you have a purpose for a podcast and an idea, it’s exciting to get a plan in motion.
Podcasting for beginners
There are a few things that you need to consider when you are starting out. There may be additional costs for you depending on if this is a project that you take on completely on your own (doing all the tech stuff, the editing, and posting), or if you need to hire and outsource professionals to help you with this.
Other considerations are what kind of equipment would you need? You need a mic and a computer, or you can easily start a podcast from your phone. What sound quality do you want to offer your listeners?
You will need a platform to host your podcast on. There are many competitive sites that are great for hosting your podcast for free or even a nominal fee. Depending on your budget, you have plenty of options.
Tips for starting a podcast
The best tip I can offer you on how to start a podcast is to take a course. There are plenty of courses out there to choose from, but I started with Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting course. It is priced reasonably and packed with valuable information that you need to start your podcast.
Some easy to share podcasting tips include:
- Make sure you are prepared for your podcast prior to hitting the record button. If you are interviewing someone ensure you have a list of questions to ask them. If you are recording a solo episode, ensure you have outlined some speaking points.
- Be aware of your surroundings when you are recording. Avoid recording in an empty room or a room with a lot of echo. This is distracting for the listener. You can use a mic shield to absorb some of the echo, if needed.
- Look to other podcasters or podcast editors to see what brand of equipment they recommend. Using a recommended product from the professionals cuts time and saves money on experimenting with new equipment.
Podcast outline template
You can use a podcast outline template that will help you formulate a flow to your podcast rather than have your message lost if there is no flow to your message that is easy to follow.
A podcast outline template will organize the flow of the information and help you organize what it is that you want to say in your podcast episode. Having an outline ensures you are organized and prepared for recording.
How to start a podcast network
Once you become a podcaster it is great to get involved in networks. Podcasting is a community on its own, and podcasters love to connect and network with each other. There are several podcasting networks out there that are already established, but if you can’t find one you like, you could consider how to start a podcast network yourself.
Podcast networks are a great way to build community. Having other podcasters who have experience in the trade can be beneficial. You can bounce ideas off each other or guest on the others’ podcasts.
Growth strategy for podcasts
Growing your reach, especially in the beginning, is important to grow your podcast. You need an audience that is tuning in if you are interested in getting sponsorships.
Growth strategies include guesting on other podcasts in hopes that their audience will resonate with you and what you are offering and start tuning into your podcast.
You can also have guests on your podcast in hopes that others will tune in and listen to those episodes. You can have guests share promotional materials with their audience in hopes to gain new listeners.
The bottom line is a podcasting strategy could be a viable marketing strategy for your business. Having a carefully well thought out plan prior to starting a podcast can be beneficial. Podcasting requires time and expertise, so taking on a new project isn’t simple.
If you have decided to start a podcast and you are looking for a course to get you started with the technical tasks and material, I recommend Pat Flynn’s Power-up Podcasting course.
If you are already podcasting and you are looking for a way to monetize your podcast, Pat Flynn’s Amp’d Up is a great and informative course to take for automating, marketing, and profit for your podcast.
