Most of you are a one-man show… and speaking of SHOW, maybe you want to have a podcast. We are SO into that and want to guide you there. A podcast is something a lot of you probably desire to have, but the hardest part is actually starting it. We have had so many of you reach out and ask us ” how do you start a podcast?” and even “what tools and resources do you need to start a podcast?”. We took some time last Friday and covered all of our favorite tools, tips and tricks for starting an amazing and highly listened to the podcast.
If you are not into watching the video replay, you can head down below and check out the step by steps from the video and even get out awesome FREE Canva design templates to help you get some awesome podcast art for your new show!
A 9 Step Guide for How to Start A Podcast
1. List 30-50 potential topics
If you are already making content, think about some of your topics and repurpose the videos or blog posts you already have into podcasts. If you need some ideas, check out our blog and video training on doing keyword research to help you brainstorm and come up with titles and tags for your episodes!
2. Set a day to batch record.
Batching is a busy person’s best friend. Batching podcasts means recording several in a day. Before you record, be sure to make bullet points of what you’d like to cover or questions for your guests. Be sure to send your guests their questions at least a day in advance.
3. Get a decent microphone.
I have a Yeti mic but you can also get a Rode lapel mic for on the go recording. I have a client that travels a lot, and she even records her podcast while she’s at the airport! #noexcuses
4. Edit Your Podcast
We recommend you use a program like Adobe Audition or Garageband to record/edit your podcast. If you don’t have a ton of time, you can find companies that will edit and even transcribe your podcast for you!
5. Get podcast art made.
You can use a site like Fiverr or Upwork to do this. Bonus points if you get graphics templates made that you can use for social media as well. (Need help with this step? Check out our freebie below!)
Weeknight Website Podcast Templates by Weeknight Website
6. Pick Music and Write an Intro
Pick fun intro music and write your intro/outro statements. Create an intro and outro you can repurpose every episode.
For example, “Welcome to the ____ Podcast, the podcast where we ____” and then “Thanks for listening to the ______ show. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on more great episodes just like this one, and if you haven’t yet, join our Facebook group…” etc.
Pro tip, be sure to point folks to your social media channels!
7. Sign up for Libsyn.
When your podcast is ready to go, you can upload it here, specify the platforms you’re going to broadcast it on, and add show notes + tag it appropriately.
(Looking for a free alternative? Check out Anchor.fm)
8. Pick a day that your podcast goes live.
When it does, be sure to post on social media about it. Ideas for social media posts: a branded post, a photo of your guest,
9. Add it to your Website
When your podcast is live, add it and the transcript to your website! We LOVE the Smart Podcast Player plugin for WordPress and use it on our Weeknight Website platform and are affiliates for it. You need to buy a license for the player, but it is the best experience on your website for your listeners. We will include the link to the player in our video notes. Adding the player + your transcription to your blog on your website will be great for your SEO ranking!
BONUS:
There are some GREAT courses that go into the nitty-gritty of launching your podcast, like Patt Flynn’s Power Up Podcasting course. It’s a great way to learn how to launch your podcast appropriately to get the best return for your time.
And there you have it folks, nine steps to get your podcast off the ground!