Creating a podcast is a great way to reach your target audience. Podcasting allows you to host other experts in your field, and to build your audience base. Here are some tips for launching your first podcast.
Pre-recording basics
Create a title and brand image or theme. This step should be easy if you know your target audience well.
Create your podcast cover image. Programs such as Canva make graphic design accessible to non-designers.
Look into adding intro/outro music for each episode. The music should reflect the overall theme and mood of your podcast. Over time, your audience will associate that music with your podcast and brand.
Equipment
The good news is you don’t need a huge budget to get started in podcasting. Many podcasters got their start by recording episodes on their mobile phones.
If you want to invest in equipment right away, look for a high-quality microphone with a windscreen. The windscreen will mute the puffs of air that is produced when pronouncing certain words. Your overall sound quality will be more professional and polished. A good microphone will also eliminate the echoes and hollow sound production that can happen with using a cell phone or lesser quality mike.
Soundproofing is also important. Look for a recording space that is small and free of echoes and other ambient noise. Foam padding or egg crate-style padding is excellent for soundproofing and costs very little.
Video or no video?
Some podcasters opt for video for their podcast episodes. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have sufficient lighting and a background free of clutter for the most professional-looking video. Once the episode is recorded and edited, upload it to Youtube, Vimeo or other video platform for greater reach.
Which podcast platform?
Platforms such as Anchor and iTunes make it possible for you to create and launch your podcast for free. Once the episode is uploaded, add keywords in the episode description. Doing so will make your podcast appear in search results. Sites such as Buzzsprout, Spreaker, and RSS are also excellent platforms.
Same time, same channel
Establish a recording routine and stick with it. Find a day that works best for you (and your co-host if you choose to have one). Consistency is also key when uploading and releasing new episodes.
Promoting your podcast
Once you’ve created your first episode, utilize your social media channels to promote your podcast. Creating links to your podcast is an excellent way to direct social media followers to your podcast.
You can also add an audio snippet of your podcast to your website, and add an entire episode to your site each week. Programs such as Waave Audio make it possible with a few clicks.
Podcasting is a great way to grow your audience and position yourself as an expert in your field. At the same time, you may not have the bandwidth to edit and upload your podcast episodes each week. If that’s the case, contact us and we can match you with a VA who is an editing/podcast whiz.
