Everything You Need to Know About How to Make a Podcast
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In the past month, more than four in 10 Americans have listened to a podcast. In fact, podcast production is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world!
Do you have an expert opinion to share? Have you been thinking about doing a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start?
If you have the budget to invest in a podcasting camera, recording studio, or other professional equipment, go for it, having a diy studio desk can also help a lot. Otherwise, you can get started with what you already have and upgrade later as your podcast gains momentum.
1. Figure Out Your “Why”
First of all, why do you want to make a podcast? Are you dedicated enough to see it through to completion?
There are no right or wrong answers, but some common reasons people make podcasts are to:
- Explore their interests and connect with others who share their passion
- Promote their business or generate new leads
- Share expertise and become an authority figure in a certain niche
- Support non-profit, religious, or community activities
If you get stuck, research what some of the top podcasting companies are doing to attract listeners and grow their audience. You might also consider consulting with podcasting agencies in your area to help you get started.
2. Create Your Ideal Listener Avatar
Once you know why you want to make a podcast, it’s time to figure out who will listen to it. Just like businesses create detailed buyer personas, you need to think about who your target audience will be.
This should include:
- Basic demographics (age, gender, location, job, interests)
- A specific problem or question they have
- How you’ll offer the solution they’re looking for
- Where and how you’ll connect with them (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
This is also the time to think about the best format for your podcast. What will your listeners respond to? Will you record a monologue, interview others, or use storytelling techniques?
3. Set up Your Podcasting Studio
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to start recording. At the very least, you’ll need:
- A sound-proof, distraction-free recording space
- Laptop or monitor with camera
- Microphone
- Noise-canceling headphones
If you have the budget to invest in a podcasting camera, recording studio, or other professional equipment, go for it. Otherwise, you can get started with what you already have and upgrade later as your podcast gains momentum.
The average commute is around 27 minutes, so aim to make your podcast episodes under half an hour. If your competitors are recording hour-long episodes, consider offering a 15-minute version that cuts the fluff and gets right to the point.
Finally, don’t forget to edit! You’ll want to cut out mistakes, eliminate background noise, remove gaps of “dead” air, and add music to your intro and outro. Keep working on your audio file until it’s error-free and easy to listen to.
Make a Podcast & Share Your Voice With the World
Are you ready to experience some podcast benefits for yourself? Use the tips outlined above to plan and launch your podcast in 2021.
With a little bit of preparation and effort, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful podcast!
Now that you know how to make a podcast, what’s next? Keep browsing our blog for more great digital marketing and growth hacking advice.