How to Create a Podcast

Did you know that Sept. 30, 2019, is International Podcast Day? This special day will celebrate podcasts and connect listeners with podcasters. It’s also a time to recognize how far podcasts have come in the last 15 years. David Winer and Adam Curry developed podcasting in 2004, and it hit the mainstream that same year when Ben Hammersley used the word in an article for the Guardian. In 2005, Apple iTunes began supporting podcasts, and the medium started to blow up. More services were added over the years, and now, you can’t go to work or talk to friends without something asking if you listened to the last episode of “The Shrink Next Door” or if you finished “Dr. Death.”

With all the buzz, you might wonder if you should create a podcast. The short answer is “absolutely.”

Why You Should Create a Podcast

If you run a business, you understand the importance of online marketing. Content creation sits at the top of the marketing totem pole. Your customers want a constant influx of content, and you do your best to keep up. It’s hard to write a fresh blog post every week, though, and you are lagging behind.

You can swap out your blog posts for podcasts. It is easier to create a podcast than write a blog post, and podcasts provide additional benefits, such as brand recognition. Podcasts also spark conversations and make it easier to develop a following. You can reach your customer base in new ways with a podcast and become a thought leader in your industry.

With so many benefits, it’s time to make a podcast. This isn’t difficult at all.

How to Create a Podcast

You can create a podcast by following some simple steps. By the time you are done, you’ll be shocked by how easy this is.

Create a Goal for the Podcast

As with any marketing strategy, you need to set a goal for your podcast. Most podcasters have one of five goals. They want to:

• Entertain
• Have fun
• Make money
• Help people
• Gain exposure

Don’t stop there, though. You need to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals. For example, if you want to gain exposure, that might begin with getting a specific number of downloads. Break the downloads up into small goals. You can try to get 100 downloads the first month and 200 the following month. Then, measure your success.

Create a Podcast Title

Your podcast title is like the headline of a blog post or article. The right title will draw people in and make them interested in your podcast.

When determining the name, you need to consider:

• The Audience
• The Subject
• What Makes the Podcast Stand Out

After you consider those three factors, choose a title that reflects the content you are going to produce. If your podcast is about your brand or business, the name needs to be included, as well. For example, if your company provides internet marketing, it could be “Internet Marketing Secrets from Company X.” Then, each episode could include a new technique that most people don’t know.

After you come up with a name, check Google and Spotify to make sure no one else is using that name. If it isn’t in use, you can move forward.

Gather Equipment – How to Record a Podcast

Do you want to know how to record a podcast? It comes down to the equipment. Your equipment can make or break your podcast. If the equipment is subpar, your audience will know it.

Start with a nice USB microphone. This is the single most important piece of equipment, so don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of money on this.

You also need podcast software. Unlike your microphone, you don’t have to spend money on this. Many beginners choose Audacity. It’s free and easy to use, and it can handle all your podcast needs. You can record and edit with this software. After you record with this app, you can use it to take out spaces, remove unwanted sounds, and more.

Finally, you’ll need to add some music to your podcasts. YouTube’s Audio Library has music you can use for free. Just add it to your podcast when creating the finished product.

Write a Script

You have your equipment and your title. Now it’s time for the fun to begin. You’re ready to write your first podcast script.

Don’t write an entire script. Instead, create an outline with bullet points that you want to include in the podcast. Your script should keep you on point but allow you to fill in the gaps in a conversational way.

After it’s written, practice it. Do this several times until you are comfortable with the topic.

Choose a Host

You also need to choose a podcast hosting platform. The hosting platform will allow people to subscribe to your podcast. Some website builders will host your podcast for you. For example, Squarespace has a feature for creating and managing podcasts. You will create a blog page for your podcasts and add a new post every time you have a podcast. Then, your podcast will be submitted to your RSS feed.

Wix also has a Podcast Player that you can use along with the host. If you choose SoundCloud, Libsyn, or another accepted host, you can use the app to let people stream the podcasts from your website.

Create a Podcast Schedule and Record Your Podcast

Marketing tasks need to have a schedule. You can’t just decide to throw up podcasts here and there. You need to decide when you will deliver new episodes. For instance, you might upload a new episode every Wednesday. You need to set your schedule and stick to it no matter what. It is wise to record podcasts in advance. Once your schedule is set, use your software and equipment to record your first one.

Advertise Your Podcast

You need to advertise your podcast so people can find it. Begin by submitting it to different platforms, such as Google Play and iTunes. Each platform has its own requirements for submitting podcasts, but it is an easy process.

Then, turn to social media and promote your podcast. You should share at least seven content pieces for each podcast you submit. This includes two audiograms, two optimized thumbnails, and two image quotes. Consider creating a template so you can easily customize your content for each episode.

Don’t Forget Your Podcast Website

As you already know, some website builders offer podcast tools. That is one reason to have a website when creating a podcast. There are other benefits to using a podcast website, as well.

When you fail to host the podcast on your website, you will have to create an RSS feed for each podcast you upload. If you don’t have lots of technical ability, this can be difficult. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by having a website.

Your website is also an excellent way to post past episodes. Podcasts have a life of their own. Many are popular for months or years. Having an archive will help you attract new listeners.

Using a website also lets you reach users through Google searches. You can optimize your website and bring in lots of new listeners. You can bring in even more by promoting your website on various channels.

Finally, your website will help you connect with your listeners in new ways. People can learn more about your business on your website and buy your products.

Make a Podcast Today

Podcasting is becoming more popular by the day. You should create a podcast so you can reach new people in your market. Create your goals and title and gather your equipment. Write your script, choose a host, and set a podcast schedule. Then, advertise your podcast on your website and social media channels. It won’t be long before you have your own following.