Congratulations on deciding to start a podcast!  They are all the rage right now.  Some podcasts have even been turned into TV shows (like Dirty John)!  The beauty of podcasting is that it is easy to do and not expensive.  This can be a fun activity that you do on the side, either for pleasure or side income.  With the correct amount of planning, you can be highly successful.

Before starting, there are a few things you need to consider.  We’ll go through each one in detail, but these are the steps you’ll need to follow to get your podcast off the ground.

  • Pick your niche

  • Create your name, logos, theme music

  • Podcast equipment

  • Hosting services

  • Editing services and software

  • Marketing and monetizing your podcast

Pick Your Niche

Picking your niche is the most crucial step.  Pick a topic you are passionate about and that you are well informed on.  If you have been married for the last twenty years, it won’t make much sense to start a podcast about dating.  However, a podcast about the secrets to a long relationship could be right up your alley!

Create Your Name, Logo & Theme Music

Every podcast needs a name!  A creative name will draw people to your podcast.  Two of the stars of The Real Housewives of Dallas have recently started a podcast where they cover a wide range of topics, including issues facing moms.  The two wives, Brandi and Stephanie, decided to use a play on their names for their podcast title.  They came up with the title, Weekly Dose of BS.  If you have ever watched the show, you know how engaging these two housewives are, but would this podcast caught as much attention if they called it Chatting with Brandi and Stephanie? 

Logos and theme music are equally as important.  Regardless of where your listeners can find your podcast, the first thing any potential listener sees is your logo.  If the logo isn’t eye-catching, they may pass you buy; the same thing with the theme music.  That is the first thing a listener hears from your podcast.  It has to be catchy and brand appropriate.

If you are not artistically inclined, you will need to find someone to design your logo.  Finding a logo designer isn’t difficult.  There are a plethora of design schools that will have students eager for work.  You can also ask around to your family and friends to see who they know.  Freelance platforms like freelancer.com or fiverr.com allow you to search for logo designers and hire them.  For your music, unless you know musicians who can record a custom piece for you, you will need to search for royalty-free music sites.  For a nominal fee, you can find a track that you like, purchase it, and you will receive all the proper paperwork that allows you to use that music for your podcast.

Podcast equipment

The amount of information on podcast equipment is overwhelming.  When you are first starting, you don’t want to break the bank.  Keep it simple and buy just the bare necessities.  

  • Microphone-How many people will you have on your podcast?  Are you cohosting with a friend?  Or is this podcast just you?  Will you have guests?  Determine your needs and purchase the correct amount of mics.

  • Headphones-Headphones are essential to blocking out sounds while you are recording and so you don’t get distracted.  You will have to think about headphones the same way you think about mics.  You will need one per guest.

  • A pop filter-A pop filter is attached to each mic so any breathing sounds or spitting sounds don’t hit it.  No one wants to hear heavy breathing or spittle unless, for some reason, that is your topic.

  • Mic stand-Unless you want to hold your mic in your hand the entire time, invest in one mic stand per mic.

  • Mixing equipment or software-Great quality mixing software can be found for free and low cost on the web.  Mac users can utilize Garage Band, and non-Mac users can use Audacity.

Hosting Services

Once you have recorded your podcast, you then need somewhere to host your files.  As podcasting has gained in popularity, more quality hosting companies have emerged.  Three of the biggest names are Soundcloud, Buzzsprout, and Podbean.  The differences between the three are not significant, so your decision will come down to one of personal preference. 


Editing Services and Software

This is another place where you can save yourself some money when you are first getting started in podcasting.  Mac users can use Garage Band to edit podcasts.  The software comes with your Mac at the time of purchase.  Both PC and Mac users can download Audacity.  There are hundreds of other programs out there that can be used.  Some are probably ranked higher than these two programs.  But when you are first getting into the field, keep it simple and go with what is free.  If you are not satisfied with the quality these two provide, you can invest in others at a later date.

Marketing & Monetizing Your Podcast 

Now that you have created this fantastic product, it’s time to get some listeners!  Self-promotion may not always be fun, but turn to your family and friends.  Promote it on your social media accounts and ask your friends and family to do the same.  Use word of mouth to help you grow your audience.  There are also now marketing firms that can help direct your target market to your podcast.

There are multiple ways to monetize a podcast, but the quickest and most effective way is sponsorships.  At points in your podcast, you stop and recognize your sponsors, just like ads on tv.  The sponsors pay for ad time, and you advertise them or their product to your listeners.  Make sure to get sponsors that fit your target market and niche.  Ads for beard oil probably aren’t the best choice during a mommy and me podcast.

So as you can see, with strategic planning and minimal upfront investment, you too can launch a successful podcast.  Best of luck and happy podcasting!