If you're a good conversationalist, like to tell stories, or are passionate about a particular topic and want to tell the world about it, you've probably thought of starting your podcast. You may still need to do it because you perceive it as a challenge in a very competitive environment.
What do you need to start a podcast?
Passion and the skills we mentioned at the beginning are the main things. But a good microphone wouldn't hurt, right? Although there are many free and user-friendly tools for recording podcasts, your budget, and goals will help you decide whether or not you should invest.
What to invest in? Well, in any tool that will help you ensure good sound quality for your podcast. Now, you probably don't want to buy equipment or software without the certainty that you'll recoup the investment. We understand that. So here are some ideas of what you need to get started without breaking the bank.
Prepare the right conditions for recording. If you have a limited budget to buy a microphone, you can record from whatever device you have. The important thing, in this case, is that you prepare the environment to protect the sound quality. That is, make sure no noises interrupt the voice, get close to the device, do vocalization and voice warm-up exercises, and anticipate other possible problems.
Audio recording and editing software. Again, there are options for all budgets and levels of sophistication. It's essential to be able to edit, even if you're not an expert, so you can pause, musicalize, and more. However, you could start using GarageBand if you're a Mac user or Pocket Cast if you use Android. These free apps allow you to make a podcast from your cell phone.
The following tips will help you get going with the peace of mind that you are on a safe path. Safe, in the sense that you will be minimizing mistakes and putting into practice the right actions to make a successful podcast, start building an audience and enjoy the process.
1. Define your audience
Let's start from the premise that you already have a topic for your podcast; now, you must be clear about who will listen to you and for whom you create your content. The language, tone, length, and other characteristics of your program make it easier to build an audience if they are designed for a specific audience.
So, make the task of answering questions of this style to get to know your listener: How old are they? Where do they live? What is their relationship with the topic you will address (professional, amateur, recognition)? What is their gender, among others?
2. Focus on your topic
Don't try to make a one-size-fits-all program. It is not a good idea. Exploit all the edges of the topic that has motivated you to launch your podcast, connecting with other topics, bringing guests, telling stories, and other resources that allow you to creatively and comprehensively address your topic. You will demonstrate expertise and management in the subject, plus you will be able to build loyalty among your niche listeners.
3. Be consistent
As in any television or radio program and all successful digital content, periodicity and consistency are key. If your audience knows when new content is coming out, they will want to consume it.
Also, if your style and the personality of your podcast are transversal to all episodes, you will have more chances to connect with your audience, as they will be able to identify with you and what you do. In addition, being consistent in the production of your episodes contributes to discipline and reflects professionalism.
4. Plan your content
This tip works for scheduling over time and organizing each episode's individual development. You can plan your monthly content, for example, defining which days you will broadcast, the topics you will address, and the guests you will have.
Whether you want to write a script or do a spontaneous show in which you speak freely, we recommend that you prepare the program. This means that you should at least design a table of contents containing your episode's key points and conclusions. This gives some order and ensures that nothing is left out.
If you're having trouble writing a script creatively, you can ask for help online. But before, you have to go through many sites and figure out, for example, is paperhelp.org a good service to solve this problem? To do so, browse over the services the chosen site offers and remember to read the reviews.
Finally, it is also important to inform the guests or co-hosts about the program's methodology so that they are comfortable and the conversation flows in the best way.
5. Always give credits and do not infringe copyright
Putting the podcast to music is a vital resource. Music gives dynamism, generates remembrance and connection, facilitates transitions or emphasis, and more. However, it is important to give credit and know the copyright rules so as not to incur harmless but harmful violations. This also applies to any content that is taken from another source. Always mention the relevant references.
6. Promote your podcast
You have to give visibility to your podcast. We're not talking about paying for advertising (although if your budget allows it, do it!). In fact, as you may have noticed, we generally recommend exhausting the free resources first.
The suggestion is that you use other social networks, your website, partnerships with podcasters who can talk about you or with you, and other strategies that help mobilize your content. The point is that if you want a good reach, you must act to get it.
7. Incorporate SEO strategy
When writing the title and description of your podcast episodes, consider keywords that will help listeners find you. That's right: podcast players also have search engines that work with search engine optimization and positioning logic. Incorporating SEO into your posts will help you connect with audiences interested in your topic.
8. Be prepared and don't stop learning
In the fourth tip of this list, we mentioned that it is possible to do a podcast spontaneously, without a script, but that is not the same as doing it in an improvised way. To please and retain your listeners, you must know what you are talking about.
You must prepare yourself and keep learning about the technical aspects of producing your program and the content you will cover. Thus, in addition to qualifying yourself as an expert on the subject, you will also be able to surprise your audience with news and get more out of the subject you are passionate about.
Ready to make a successful podcast?
A successful podcast is not achieved in the first episode. It is the result of consistent and dedicated work. The ease of production and consumption can mislead creators into thinking it's a simple path. The reality is that success in any aspect of life requires effort. The guide you have just read gives you a guideline to make it count.