Learn How To Create A Podcast And Grow Your Audience Today!
Introduction
Podcasting is a popular and powerful way to share your voice, message, or story with the world. Podcasting can also help you build your personal brand, grow your business, or connect with your community. However, creating a podcast and growing an audience is not as easy as it may seem. It requires planning, preparation, and promotion. It is a lot of work to create a podcast, but with the right tools at hand, it’s possible.
Related: Digital Marketing Ultimate Guide
In this article, I will guide you through the steps of creating a podcast and growing your audience. I will also provide you with some tips and tools to help you along the way.
Step 1: Choose a topic and a name for your podcast
The first step of creating a podcast is to choose a topic and a name for your show. Your topic should be something that you are passionate about, knowledgeable about, or curious about. Your topic should also be specific enough to appeal to a niche audience, but broad enough to allow for variety and creativity. I hope you love to learn how to create a podcast as you are going to learn in these few steps.
Your name should reflect your topic, personality, or brand. Your name should also be catchy, memorable, and easy to spell and pronounce. You can use keywords, puns, rhymes, or acronyms to come up with a unique name for your podcast.
Some examples of podcast names are:
- The Tim Ferriss Show: A podcast about business, lifestyle, and self-improvement by the author of The 4-Hour Workweek.
- Serial: A podcast that tells one true story over the course of a season by the creators of This American Life.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: A podcast that features long-form conversations with various guests from different fields by the comedian and UFC commentator.
- TED Radio Hour: A podcast that explores the ideas and stories behind the TED Talks by NPR.
- The Daily: A podcast that delivers the news and analysis of the day by The New York Times.
Step 2: Plan your content and format
The next step of creating a podcast is to plan your content and format. Your content is what you want to say or share with your listeners. Your format is how you want to say or share it. This is step two in how to create a podcast and use it for your benefit.
Your content should be relevant, engaging, and valuable for your audience. You should research your topic, prepare your script or outline, and gather your sources and references. You should also decide on the length, frequency, and tone of your episodes.
Your format should suit your content, personality, and audience. You should choose the type, style, and structure of your episodes. You can choose from different types of podcasts, such as:
- Interview: A podcast that features conversations with one or more guests on a specific topic or theme.
- Solo: A podcast that features one host talking about their opinions, experiences, or insights on a specific topic or theme.
- Co-hosted: A podcast that features two or more hosts talking about their opinions, experiences, or insights on a specific topic or theme.
- Narrative: A podcast that tells a story or stories using narration, sound effects, music, or interviews.
- Educational: A podcast that teaches or explains something using facts, examples, or demonstrations.
You can also choose from different styles of podcasts, such as:
- Informal: A podcast that uses casual language, humor, or personal anecdotes to convey information or entertainment.
- Formal: A podcast that uses professional language, facts, or statistics to convey information or education.
- Conversational: A podcast that uses dialogue, questions, or feedback to convey information or engagement.
- Monologue: A podcast that uses one voice, speech, or rant to convey information or expression.
You can also choose from different structures of podcasts, such as:
- Intro: A segment that introduces the host(s), the guest(s), the topic(s), or the episode(s) of the podcast.
- Body: The main segment that delivers the content of the podcast.
- Outro: A segment that concludes the episode(s), summarizes the main points(s), provides call-to-action(s), thanks the listener(s), or promotes the show(s) of the podcast.
- Ad: A segment that advertises a product, service, or sponsor of the podcast.
Some examples of podcast formats are:
- The Tim Ferriss Show: An interview-type podcast that uses an informal style and a structure of intro-body-outro-ad.
- Serial: A narrative-type podcast that uses a formal style and a structure of intro-body-outro.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: A co-hosted-type podcast that uses an informal style and a structure of intro-body-outro-ad.
- TED Radio Hour: An educational-type podcast that uses a formal style and a structure of intro-body-outro-ad.
- The Daily: A solo-type podcast that uses a formal style and a structure of intro-body-outro.
Step 3: Record and edit your audio
The third step of creating a podcast is to record and edit your audio. Your audio is what your listeners will hear and judge your podcast by. Your audio should be clear, crisp, and consistent.
To record your audio, you will need a microphone, a computer, and a recording software. You can choose from different types of microphones, such as:
- USB: A microphone that plugs directly into your computer via a USB port. It is easy to use, but may have lower quality or compatibility issues.
- XLR: A microphone that plugs into an audio interface or a mixer via an XLR cable. It is more professional, but may require more equipment or setup.
- Dynamic: A microphone that is good for loud or noisy environments, as it only picks up sound close to it. It is durable, but may have lower sensitivity or frequency range.
- Condenser: A microphone that is good for quiet or controlled environments, as it picks up sound from all directions. It is sensitive, but may require phantom power or pop filter.
Some examples of podcast microphones are:
- Blue Yeti: A USB condenser microphone that has multiple patterns, gain control, and headphone output. It is versatile, but may be bulky or expensive.
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x: A USB/XLR dynamic microphone that has cardioid pattern, headphone output, and on/off switch. It is affordable, but may have lower quality or durability.
- Rode PodMic: An XLR dynamic microphone that has cardioid pattern, internal pop filter, and swing arm mount. It is designed for podcasting, but may require an audio interface or a mixer.
- Shure SM7B: An XLR dynamic microphone that has cardioid pattern, internal shock mount, and windscreen. It is professional, but may require phantom power or preamp.
To edit your audio, you will need a software that can cut, trim, splice, mix, or enhance your audio files. You can choose from different types of software, such as:
- Audacity: A free and open-source software that can record and edit audio on Windows, Mac, or Linux. It is easy to use, but may have limited features or support.
- GarageBand: A free software that can record and edit audio on Mac or iOS devices. It is user-friendly, but may have compatibility issues or restrictions.
- Adobe Audition: A paid software that can record and edit audio on Windows or Mac. It is professional, but may be expensive or complex.
- Hindenburg Journalist: A paid software that can record and edit audio on Windows or Mac. It is designed for podcasting, but may be pricey or niche.
Some examples of podcast editing software are:
- Audacity: A software that can cut, trim, splice, mix, or enhance audio files using various tools and effects. It can also export audio files in various formats.
- GarageBand: A software that can record and edit audio files using various tracks and loops. It can also add music or sound effects from its library.
- Adobe Audition: A software that can record and edit audio files using various tools and effects. It can also remove noise or enhance sound quality using its features.
- Hindenburg Journalist: A software that can record and edit audio files using various tools and effects. It can also adjust levels or normalize sound using its features.
Step 4: Publish and distribute your podcast
The fourth step of creating a podcast is to publish and distribute your podcast. Your podcast is what your listeners will find and subscribe to on various platforms and devices. Your podcast should be accessible, discoverable, and compatible.
To publish your podcast, you will need a hosting service that can store and stream your audio files online. You will also need an RSS feed that can deliver your podcast episodes and metadata to various platforms and directories. You can choose from different hosting services, such as:
- Anchor: A free hosting service that can record, edit, distribute, and monetize your podcast. It is easy to use, but may have limited control or ownership.
- Buzzsprout: A paid hosting service that can upload, optimize, distribute, and promote your podcast. It is user-friendly, but may have storage or bandwidth limits.
- Libsyn: A paid hosting service that can upload, distribute, monetize, and analyze your podcast. It is professional, but may be pricey or complex.
- Transistor: A paid hosting service that can upload, distribute, manage, and grow your podcast. It is designed for podcasting, but may be costly or niche.
Some examples of podcast hosting services are:
- Anchor: A hosting service that provides unlimited storage and bandwidth for free. It also provides an RSS feed and distributes your podcast to various platforms automatically.
- Buzzsprout: A hosting service that provides 2 hours of storage per month for free or unlimited storage for $12-$24 per month. It also provides an RSS feed and distributes your podcast to various platforms manually.
- Libsyn: A hosting service that provides 50 MB of storage per month for $5-$75 per month.
- Transistor: A hosting service that provides unlimited storage and bandwidth for $19-$99 per month. It also provides an RSS feed and distributes your podcast to various platforms manually.
To distribute your podcast, you will need to submit your RSS feed to various platforms and directories that can host and play your podcast episodes. You can choose from different platforms and directories, such as:
- Apple Podcasts: The most popular platform for podcast listeners, with over 2 million podcasts and 60 million episodes. It is free to submit your podcast, but you need an Apple ID and a Podcasts Connect account.
- Spotify: The second most popular platform for podcast listeners, with over 2.2 million podcasts and 50 million episodes. It is free to submit your podcast, but you need a Spotify account and a Spotify for Podcasters dashboard.
- Google Podcasts: The third most popular platform for podcast listeners, with over 2 million podcasts and 40 million episodes. It is free to submit your podcast, but you need a Google account and a Google Podcasts Manager account.
- Stitcher: A popular platform for podcast listeners, with over 260,000 podcasts and 8.5 million episodes. It is free to submit your podcast, but you need a Stitcher account and a Stitcher Partner Portal account.
Some examples of podcast platforms and directories are:
- Apple Podcasts: A platform that hosts and plays podcasts on iOS devices, Mac computers, iTunes, or the web. It also provides analytics, ratings, reviews, and charts for podcasts.
- Spotify: A platform that hosts and plays podcasts on various devices or the web. It also provides analytics, recommendations, playlists, and ads for podcasts.
- Google Podcasts: A platform that hosts and plays podcasts on Android devices, Google Home devices, or the web. It also provides analytics, recommendations, transcripts, and captions for podcasts.
- Stitcher: A platform that hosts and plays podcasts on various devices or the web. It also provides analytics, recommendations, playlists, and ads for podcasts.
Step 5: Promote and grow your podcast
The fifth step of creating a podcast is to promote and grow your podcast. Your podcast is what your listeners will listen to and share with others. Your podcast should be visible, attractive, and engaging.
To promote your podcast, you will need to market and advertise your podcast to potential listeners. You will also need to interact and communicate with your existing listeners. You can choose from different methods and channels to promote your podcast, such as:
- Social media: A method that uses platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube to share your podcast episodes, updates, or behind-the-scenes content. You can also use hashtags, stories, or live videos to attract more attention.
- Website or blog: A method that uses a website or a blog to showcase your podcast episodes, show notes, or transcripts. You can also use SEO (search engine optimization), keywords, or links to increase your visibility.
- Email or newsletter: A method that uses email or newsletter to send your podcast episodes, updates, or offers to your subscribers. You can also use CTAs (call-to-actions), surveys, or contests to increase your engagement.
- Guest appearances or collaborations: A method that uses other podcasts or media outlets to feature you or your podcast as a guest or a partner. You can also use cross-promotion, referrals, or testimonials to increase your exposure.
Some examples of podcast promotion methods and channels are:
- Social media: A method that uses platforms such as Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or YouTube to share your podcast episodes , updates , or behind-the-scenes content . You can also use hashtags [#podcast] [#podcasting] [#podcaster], stories , or live videos to attract more attention.
- Website or blog: A method that uses a website or a blog to showcase your podcast episodes , show notes , or transcripts . You can also use SEO (search engine optimization) , keywords [“how to create a podcast” “podcast tips” “podcast examples”], or links [https://anchor.fm/your-podcast] to increase your visibility.
- Email or newsletter: A method that uses email [hello@your-podcast.com] or newsletter [Your Podcast Weekly] to send your podcast episodes [Episode 10: How to Grow Your Audience], updates [New episode every Monday], or offers [Free ebook: The Ultimate Guide to Podcasting]. You can also use CTAs (call-to-actions) [Listen now] [Subscribe here] [Share with a friend], surveys [What do you think of our podcast?], or contests [Win a free microphone] to increase your engagement.
- Guest appearances or collaborations: A method that uses other podcasts [The Podcast Show] or media outlets [The Podcast Magazine] to feature you or your podcast as a guest or a partner . You can also use cross-promotion [Check out our friends at The Podcast Show], referrals [Mention our podcast and get a 10% discount], or testimonials [The Podcast Show is the best podcast ever] to increase your exposure.
Conclusion
Podcasting is a great way to create and share your content with the world. However, it also requires a lot of work and dedication. To create a podcast and grow your audience, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a topic and a name for your podcast
- Plan your content and format
- Record and edit your audio
- Publish and distribute your podcast
- Promote and grow your podcast
By following these steps, you can create a podcast that is high-quality, consistent, and appealing. You can also grow an audience that is loyal, engaged, and supportive. You can also use various tips and tools to help you along the way.
References
- Facebook: A social media platform that allows users to create profiles, pages, groups, or events, and share posts, photos, videos, or messages with others.
- Twitter: A social media platform that allows users to create profiles and share tweets, photos, videos, or messages with others.
- Instagram: A social media platform that allows users to create profiles and share photos, videos, stories, or messages with others.
- YouTube: A video-sharing platform that allows users to create channels and upload, watch, comment, or share videos with others.
- How to Share Your Podcast on Social Media: A guide that explains how to share your podcast episodes on various social media platforms using different methods and features.
- How to Use Social Media to Update Your Listeners: A guide that explains how to use social media to update your listeners about your podcast news, events, or announcements using different methods and features.
- How to Use Social Media to Show Your Podcast Personality: A guide that explains how to use social media to show your podcast personality, behind-the-scenes content, or fun facts using different methods and features.
- How to Use Instagram Stories for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to use Instagram stories to share your podcast episodes, updates, or behind-the-scenes content using different tools and effects.
- How to Use Facebook Live for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to use Facebook live to stream your podcast episodes, interviews, or Q&A sessions using different tools and features.
- How to Create a Website for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to create a website for your podcast using different platforms, templates, or features.
- How to Start a Blog for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to start a blog for your podcast using different platforms, templates, or features.
- How to Embed Your Podcast Episodes on Your Website or Blog: A guide that explains how to embed your podcast episodes on your website or blog using different tools or codes.
- How to Write Show Notes for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to write show notes for your podcast using different formats, elements, or tips.
- How to Create Transcripts for Your Podcast: A guide that explains how to create transcripts for your podcast using different tools, methods, or tips.
- How to Optimize Your Podcast Website for SEO: A guide that explains how to optimize your podcast website for SEO using different strategies, techniques, or tips.
- How to Be a Great Podcast Guest: A guide that explains how to be a great podcast guest using different tips, techniques, or etiquette.
How to Collaborate with Other Podcasters: A guide that explains how to collaborate with other podcasters using different methods, benefits, or tips. I hope you find this article about how to create a podcast helpful and usefull.
