Tips for starting your own podcasttttttt

Thread.

1. The first thing you need to figure out is what KIND of podcast you want to start - it’s not just what you want to talk about!

Will your podcast be solo (just you) cohosted (1 other or a group), interview style, conversational, etc?

2. Next you to need to find your niche! What is the broader goal of your podcast or the theme? What types of topics and conversations can fit under that theme?

3. A great way to determine your niche was taught to one of our cohosts by the amazing @baydiangirl - think about what it is that people seek you or your content out for? What is it that you provide to people? How do you help?

4. After you figure out your niche and the topics you’d like to discuss - GO DEEPER.

- How can a topic be broken down into layers?
- How can that convo be delivered?
- Is it possible to break that topic down into multiple episodes?
- Write it down, write it down, WRITE IT DOWN

5. Content planning is a very important part of creating a podcast. The last thing you want is to put out an episode and then wait months before posting your next one!

You should plan out
- Themes/Topics
- Episodes
- Possible guests

6. NOW we can discuss the materials you’re going to need!

And no - we’re not talking about audio equipment (yet.)

7. The first thing (in our opinion) you should do with your podcast is start researching what platforms you need to use to make it all happen.

Where and with what software are you going to record your podcast? Where are you going to post it?

8. You can record a podcast using almost anything!

We use a combination of @zoom_us for episodes with guests where we need video and audio, and @zencastr when it’s just us two hosts!

Both platforms provide good quality audio that we export to edit for our show!

9. Next, you need to decide on a platform that will host your Podcast’s RSS feed (in order for it to be distributed to Spotify and Apple.)

Our podcast is hosted on @buzzsprout! They even provide us with a small website where people can find more information on the show.

10. @anchor is another great platform where you can host your podcast and get one click distribution to other platforms!

11. After you find a platform to host your show, it’s up to you to decide where to distribute it. Ours is available on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts so that it’s accessible to multiple audiences!

12. NOW we can talk audio equipment!

Contrary to popular belief you DO NOT need the fanciest microphones and equipment to get decent audio quality for your show.

Shopping for a mic on Amazon is simple. Just make sure to read the reviews!

13. @GyulMeetsWorld invested in a Blue Yeti microphone that cost her about $100

@findingDeidre got a mic that produces similar quality, with all the fixings for under $60!

14. No microphone? Don’t knock your headphone microphone before trying it! During our entire first season, every single guest joined the podcast using a variety of different kinds of headphones.

15. Editing your audio, adding music and transitions is probably the most difficult part to learn about podcasting. We use iMovie to edit since we also pull video for social media - but you can use Audacity and a number of other software.

YouTube tutorials are your best friend!

16. TIPS FOR RUNNING A SMOOTH EPISODE:

- Don’t be afraid to have a script or bullet points to help you stay on topic.

- Try to memorize your podcast intro so that you know how to start every episode

- Learn about your guests, know their social media handles and backgrounds

17. Research is so important when podcasting.

Just because you think you have an opinion on something doesn’t mean that you’re providing something valuable to the overall conversation.

Research every single topic you have planned. Read blogs, articles, watch videos etc.

18. How To Find Guests:

- Ask your friends and family, especially if you know they’re passionate about a specific subject.

- When you’re researching, reach out to creators of those articles or videos. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them!

- Call for guests on social media

19. Come correct!

We recommend creating a designated email account and social media accounts for your podcast. It adds a level of professionalism - especially when contacting guests you don’t know.

20. Last but not least - have FUN. Podcasting is about having conversations and learning more about other people’s passions and experiences. Don’t think about it too much! And let experience be your teacher.

- FIN -