Podcasting is not new but still a less explored area in the market of digital media and the ratio of Podcast to Blog numbers is still very low.
So, it’s great to start a podcast for your brand or business. Whatever you are- Blogger, Entrepreneur, Reviewer, Author or a small enterprise you can leverage a lot by having a podcast.
But before starting a podcast, you need some planning just like any other business.
Things to know before starting a podcast
Starting a podcast is a cakewalk. All you need to know is few things before creating a podcast.
1. Know what you’d like to podcast about.
Every brand starts with an Idea. Create an outline about your podcast based on your interest or if you are creating it for your Blog or business, you just need to write about the main keywords your podcast revolves around. You should have a clear idea of “What your podcast is all about?”
2. Decide a Name and language for your podcast.
Name of Podcast is just like a Logo for brand. So, choose it wisely. It should be ear-catchy, precise and short.
Also check if the social media handles with the same name are available or not. Deciding a Name in the beginning is crucial as you would need it in the Introduction and also for social media handles and promotion.
Choose the language you (host and co-host) are comfortable in.
3. Choose the hosting platform
There are many media hosting platforms where you can start a podcast for free or with a small monthly fee.
Hosting platform is important as it stores your mp3 files and create your podcast RSS feed.
If you have a WordPress Blog already in place, you can choose wordpress hosting services. Two such are Libsyn and Powerpress plugin by Blubrry.
4. Know your audience
Find out who is your target audience? Is this listener male or female? What age group do they fall into? What would they want to know about the topic of your podcast?
Find out where your target audience hangs out. Which social media platform they use more?
Find out the correct hashtags for your podcast depending on the content.
You will need these to market your podcast.
5. Setup tools and equipment
- Setup your social media pages in advance to get some eyes.
- Get Recording and Editing Software.
- Get a good Microphone
- Choose a peaceful place where you will record. Choose a place with minimal background noise and echoes.
6. Decide on Hosts
Decide beforehand- Will you be the only host or do you like to partner with someone who shares same passion. Talk to them, plan the things and if things doesn’t work, you will still be there. You can also interview others– success stories, views of influential people and their real life experiences. Stories do well when it comes to podcasts. Make a list of people you want to interview and find out their contact information.
7. Practice
No matter how passionate you are, mistakes tend to happen in the beginning. But it is always better to do dress rehearsals before you do the real thing.
So, these are some things to know before starting a podcast. However, the more you do, the more you learn.
Let’s roll!
I’m writing all about podcasts with Blogchatter‘s My Friend Alexa.
Check out these podcasting posts-
5 tips you must follow if you are serious about podcasting
How to host and distribute your podcast
3 easy ways to increase the reach of your podcast
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29 Comments
[…] Things to do before starting your podcast […]
These are some great tips to consider before starting a podcast channel. I am new to this concept and it was really helpful to me.
[…] Things to do before starting your podcast […]
After the latest post, I came back to get some inspiration to start a podcast. I am thinking now.
[…] I have written about “Why you should decide a name of your podcast wisely and timely” in my post – Things to know before you start your podcast. […]
Thank you for sharing such an informative post on Podcasts. I have never created a podcast, so this post was quite helpful in understanding few details on podcast. Please do share more on podcast. I would love to read them too.
Amritha Srinath recently posted…10 Easy Porridge Recipe for Kids
[…] that you have planned and published your podcast, hosted and distributed it across the platforms, next comes the marketing and […]
Such an informative post, Upasna.
I listen to a few podcasters that I’ve been familiar with since 2014. They’re from the entertainment genre though. It feels so good to listen to you all doing the same.
But, I’m still not sure if I see myself doing that someday onwards. You will be my inspiration! Would love to know the other technical aspects too about podcasts. Haven’t dived much into it yet. Bookmarking this page!
Ah podcasts! The magic word. I hear it so much these days. Intrigued but not brave enough to try to out. However your post does make it sound doable.
Nice to know you’ve earmarked the whole #myfriendalexa to podcasting. I’ll be around.
Podcasts are in the trend now. Not had the chance to hear one yet but want to soon.
I want to begin a podcast but didn’t know how to go about it. These tips are great and I will take them into consideration
I am waiting for the right time to start my own podcasts…these tips will definitely help me to start my podcast soon…
Jayanthi recently posted…Smart strategy
This article is quite helpful for people like me who want to explore podcasts but are not very familiar with the theory behind it.
[…] Checkout: Things to do before starting your podcast […]
I am always fascinated & intrigued by podcasts. It feels it is some high end thing which I can never do. But reading this makes me believe that its doable. Thanks for sharing the tips.
I am contemplating to start a podcast. Your post is very helpful.
I really, really, really want to do a podcast. It’s just that I have been too busy contemplating about it that I am yet to take the leap! Probably I should… sooner or later. Will definitely keep these points in mind…
some really useful tips.. thanks for sharing, havent thought about starting a podcast yet, looking forward to Twitter Voice Tweets so I could start exploring…..
Srikanth recently posted…Ubud, Bali – Important points to plan your stress-free holiday
I love podcast and I try to listen at least one a day. Its almost 3 years I have starting a podcast in my checklist. But I am quite apprehensive about it as I am not a fan of my own recorded voice.
This is such a resourceful post for anyone looking for pointers before starting a podcast. Liked reading the post and will come back to it the day I decide to start on this new journey of podcasts!!
I have heard a lot about Podcasts but sady havnt got chance to listen to any. I am surely gonna check one now.
I really didnt know how to go about the entire podcast thing. But your post has given me the confidence and also excited me to do so.
Now that’s quite an informative blog for newbies and even for the ones who are into podcast to go through these insightful checklist
This is very helpful post! Bookmarking it and sharing with friends I know are looking to start their podcasts.
I worked for radio but I still don’t know how podcasts work, this was informative
Wow, Awesome article. Please provide us more articles so we can learn a lot from you.
Dipankar Patra recently posted…Whatever The Numbers, Nitish Kumar Will Be Chief Minister, Asserts BJP
THis is a good list on podcast preparation. The most important factor in this list is Practice!
I don’t know if I could ever do a podcast… I feel I would be too nervous. But this is really helpful. Saving it.
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Best Malayalam Movies of the Last Decade Available on Amazon Prime
This is a good checklist for aspiring podcasters. I like the idea that one can partner with another person to begin a podcast.