Content marketing comes in various shapes and sizes. Creators like you have a lot of options like blog posts, social media update, visuals, videos and much more. To this list, you can add podcasts too. Yes, you heard it right!
Audio is used in a clever way to fit into the content plans of some of the blogs. What would you prefer while working- Would you listen to an audio or see the video? Of course, if you are working then audio would be a better option cause you just have to tap on a play button and you will work simultaneously while hearing the audio. So, more people for sure in future would consume podcasts. So, just don't plan to open your podcast channel, make it happen in real.
As being a podcaster myself, the things that personally helped me in this Podcast journey, I am gonna reveal in this guide. Haha! So, don't forget to read some of my secrets! If you are confused about how to begin, then this guide is for you. So, let's begin.
Table Contents
Here's what I will cover in my article
#1. What is a podcast and its history?
A podcast is a form of audio broadcasting on the web. It can be listened to on the go, while commuting to the office or even while you are working. It's a content medium that doesn't require all of your target audience's attention like it's required in video or a blog post.
Now, podcast consumption is increased and the numbers are still increasing. The research shows that people who regularly listen to podcasts spend about 5 hours per week listening to them. So, if you think that who gonna listen to your podcasts then don't think like that, you just create your podcast.
Do you know what is the history of the podcast? How it came into existence? If no, then no worries at all.
It came into existence in 2004. Adam Curry, the former MTV video jockey and software developer Dave Winer coded a program called iPodder.
It enabled them to download Internet radio broadcasts to their iPods.In 2005, Apple introduced “Podcatching” software and a podcast directory to iTunes. And that’s when podcasting really started to take shape.
Now, it is booming like anything. There are so many podcasts which are streaming and by just clicking on the play button you get so much knowledge on various topics. I think that the main reason for so much boom is because you can hear and gain knowledge even when you are busy doing other tasks. Just you need your smartphones.
The other reason could be that you can create your podcasts so easily by using such incredible apps like Anchor. Isn't it! What do you think is the future of podcasts?
As a Podcaster myself, I am very much excited to see where this industry will go next. I think that in future more people would be doing podcasts
And it will be so much interesting to see which new genres it would bring on the plate. Haha! Isn't it?
So, this is how podcasting came into existence.
#2. What are the benefits of Podcasts?
Do you want to know what are the benefits of creating a podcast? Then you just have to read this guide. There are various benefits of Podcasts:
1. Podcasts make information personal
In a podcast, the content is communicated directly to you either through video or virtually so, that's a much more intimate way of getting the information than reading a blog. Isn't it?
Even many researchers revealed that you learn faster when you hear someone saying that particular thing. So, isn't it amazing?
2. Podcasts cut the costs
As Podcasts are delivered digitally, they naturally cut the costs associated with other forms of communication like printing etc. Podcasts are very easy to archive and updating them is super quick and easy.
3. Podcasts are portable
Once the podcast resides on your laptop, then you can take your laptop with you and listen to it whenever you want to or even you can transfer the podcast to your personal media player such an iPod. So, it's so easy and convenient to listen to podcasts.
4. Podcasts are easy to consume
Once you subscribe a particular podcast channel then-new Podcasts are automatically downloaded as soon as the publisher releases the new episode and you can listen to them as per your convenience.
5. Podcasts are the time-efficient form of communication
If you are that person who is mostly busy in doing work and don't have much time to watch videos then consuming podcasts is for sure a better and a convenient way to learn new things even while working.
So, naturally, most of the people is consuming it and will continue to consume it in future too.
So, these were some of the benefits of podcasts.
#3. What are the different types of Podcasts and how to find your niche?
Are you aware of how many types of Podcasts are there? If not, then this guide is now going to reveal it.
1. The interview podcasts
This podcast style is where one or two hosts interview different guests on each episode. This is for sure a popular format because it doesn't require a lot of groundwork. While preparing for this type of podcast you need to do a deep research of your interviewee and coming up with the list of questions to ask.
But, never ever prepare everything, impromptu things look more interesting. So, for this you need some soft skills to begin this type of podcast like convincing guests to participate, interviewing skills and even being able to produce podcast episodes regularly. So, I have recently done this type of podcast myself and I can say that it's more interesting as you get to know other's perspective too. So, naturally, this type of podcast is consumed more.
2. The solo podcast
If you are wondering like how to start a podcast, then this might be one of the best podcast formats for you. Yes, you heard it right. These Podcasts are typically presented as a monologue, with one individual who runs the whole episode.
The content for this podcast can be news- related, opinion-based or even question answers. So, for that, you need to find out the things that you are genuinely interested to talk about. It's up to you that what things you want to talk. In this guide, I will put more stress on this type but in the upcoming guide, I will talk about interview podcasts too.
3. The multi-host podcast
In this type, there are two or more hosts which is naturally more dynamic than a solo show. If you want to start a podcast and you have a business partner, then it's the right type of podcast, to begin with. Yes, just you need to research well.
These type of podcasts offer a discussion that has different opinions and perspectives on the same thing. So, naturally, it entertains your listeners too.
People love to hear two people speaking about the same thing. Even in this type, there is less pressure to keep your audience engaged cause there are more people and more ideas. So, if you have a business partner then this type of podcast is absolutely apt for you.
But, now are you confused to pick one format out of so many? Then just read on! Now, as you know a few types of Podcasts that are available and you can start to make a detailed decision on what type of podcast format will suit your end goal. Depending on your answer you get to go with that format and you can even add some of your own variations to it to make it more interesting to hear.
Always remember this thing that chooses that type of podcast which you are really interested to talk about cause if you aren't interested then listeners won't pay much attention to your podcast. So, be energetic and confident about your podcast.
#4. What are the steps to start a podcast?
If you want to start your podcast then you need to know some of the steps like how to begin and what would be the further steps. So, for that, you need to read it very carefully.
1. Planning
This is the initial stage to make a podcast. You have to spend an ample amount of time in this process before you move on. So, for that feel free to take a whiteboard or a notebook to write your plans. Haha!! Yeah, this is so enjoyable. But, remember that implement what you have planned then only it will be fruitful.
2. Choose a topic
You naturally want your podcast to be focused on a particular topic or niche. So, try to narrow it down to something you can speak about for so many episodes but that isn't so broad that you won't appeal to your potential audience. So, it's an important part.
3. Pick a co-host(optional)
Do you have a business partner or a co-worker? If yes, then you can take him or her as your co-host. It actually because if you have a co-host then your podcast will become more successful as your podcast will be more interactive.
Another advantage of having a co-host is that you can divide your work- either it's editing or promoting the podcast you get help from each other. But, remember the important thing is that just get started so for that you have to choose the name of your podcast.
4. Choose the name of your podcast
Choose the good name of your podcast. Try to name your podcast by keeping in mind the topic that you gonna talk about. So, naturally, it's easy to come up with the theme of the podcast in a few days.
5. Length of the episodes
I think many of you heard this thing that you need to decide the length of your episodes. But, according to my point of view, it doesn't matter cause your episodes can be of 8 minutes to 1 hour it totally depends on you. But, don't forget that never exaggerate things. Keep it crispy and short as much as possible.
6. Style
I can say that interview shows are much popular as compared to solo Podcasts. But, that doesn't mean that you have to go with that only. No, not at all. You can do solo podcasts half the time and interview podcasts the other half too. Yes, that's the best way out so as to leverage different types of Podcasts.
7. Episode format
You need to be creative with this part. Like, here's one example:
1. Teaser
2. Intro music
3. Welcome
4. Ad spot
5. Interview
6. Call to action
7. Outro music
This is the perfect episode format to go with and I too follow this same thing. Don't forget that CTA is a vital part. Never ever leave this thing.
8. Preparation-Create cover art
Your cover art is the first impression most of the people will see as they browse through your podcasts. It's also the image that someone sees when you share your show on social media. So, remember that you design it properly and creatively.
9. Choose Intro music
Choose intro music. Remember, that it should be an energetic song rather than a slow beat cause it really plays a major role.
10. Get a microphone
Remember this thing that in podcast audio quality matters a lot than anything else, so it should be very much clear and audible. For that, you need not spend a lot of money on buying the microphone for you.
You can buy a microphone that best suits your pocket. I have a microphone which costs only Rs 2000 and I think the voice quality is good and clear too. So, there is no need to buy an expensive microphone.
11. Create a template
Before you get started it will be very much easier if you create a template that you can reuse every time you record a podcast episode. I always create a template which makes everything flows so smoothly.
But, keep in mind that create a podcast template that works for you. So, now let's see how you can record and edit your voice.
#5. How to record your voice on Anchor?
Now, comes the most important part like how to start your recording? This procedure that I am gonna talk about is for the solo podcast but, I will too talk about the interview podcasts in my next blog post.
Recording your first episode
Your podcast is automatically available for people to hear on Anchor as soon as you add some audio. But you’ll probably want to also make it available on other podcast platforms, like Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, and more.
With Anchor, all you need to do is select the button that says “Distribute my podcast everywhere.” This will automatically submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Overcast, and Pocket Casts. That’s it! You would be notified as it becomes available in each of these places; this process usually takes between 24-48 hours.
The best way to get your footing is to just start recording, listen to what you’ve made, and iterate from there. Anchor removes all the technical complications, so the only hurdle will be just figuring out what you want to say!
But, the steps that you need to follow are:
1. Download the free Anchor mobile app for iOS or Android and create an account.
2. Tap any tool to add some audio to your episode.
3. Add a caption and publish the segment to your podcast.
4. Keep adding segments to finish your episode. When you’re done, just give it a name and share it with the world!
So, these are the steps to record your voice.
#6. How to distribute your podcast?
Now, as you recorded your voice then the further steps are how to distribute your podcast.
Let's see:
With Anchor, if you choose to distribute your podcast everywhere, you will automatically submit your podcast to other podcast platforms, like Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, and more. That’s it! You will be notified as it becomes available on each platform; this process usually takes between 24-48 hours.
For now, if you’d like to make your podcast available on additional platforms that Anchor don’t automatically distribute to, you can easily submit your podcast anywhere you want using the RSS feed you can find in your settings.
You’ll only need to distribute your podcast once. After it’s set up, you’ll be able to sync your future episodes to all platforms with just one tap.
So, this is how the whole procedure is for distributing your podcast.
#7. How to edit your episode?
Once you have recorded your voice, then the next step that comes is to edit the things that went wrong while recording. For this, you need to know the editing software. I personally use Audacity for editing and will reveal it's steps. But, you can also use some other editing tools too.
Though I am not that good in technicalities. I too have learned this thing by watching several YouTube videos.
For editing follow these steps:
1. Import the audio you have recorded.
2. Use Track One for your main audio track (e.g. narration, interview, discussion)
3. Place the audio material in sequence (e.g. intro narration, interview, outro). When you import multiple tracks, the audio will appear on different tracks. Move it so that all the audio is on one track.
4. Leave an empty track underneath for editing
5. You will add music, sound effects or secondary audio later in the editing process
2. (Re)listen to your material
1. Decide what sections you want to keep or delete.
2. If you have background hiss, computer noise or other wanted noise remove it then use the noise reduction tool
3. Delete unwanted material. Delete any material that you will not use.
4. Move everything into the right order
Use the empty track as a temporary space when you move stuff about
5. Go through the audio and fix all the unwanted noises.
6. Make the volume consistent throughout the podcast.
Normalise the levels, choosing -2.0 for your peak amplitude.
Amplify any areas that remain too quiet
7. Add music or sound effects
Remove the empty track by clicking on the X.
Import your music or sound effects
Delete sections that you will not use.
Move the music/sound effects to the area you wish it to be
8. Change the volume of the music as you wish using the envelope tool.
If you are using music/sound throughout the podcast, remember that there are two ways to paste, one that shifts everything else on the track and one that doesn’t.
Now that you have material on two tracks you might need to move many things at once, pay attention to if you want the material to move as one or independently
9. Export your finished podcast
Export it as an mp3 and think about your metadata.
10. And your podcast episode is edited fully.
#8. Bonus tips:
1. Relax, Have Fun while recording the podcast
Have fun while recording the episode. One thing that has helped me is breathing exercises. Yes, practice breathing exercises before recording your podcast. It will naturally reduce your anxiety and stress.
Remember, that people love to listen to that host which sounds super relaxed. So, don't panic just have fun.
2. Find Your Niche
Instead of going broad, start by finding your niche.
Think about whom your core audience is going to be and work accordingly.
After you’ve built a following you can start thinking about moving to attract a broader bank of listeners. But, start with the things that really interest you. If you are enjoying hosting the show then your audience too will enjoy listening to it.
3. Record in a quiet place
This is a basic and obvious step. But, then also don't forget to record in a place where there is no sound at all cause the podcast that have too much extra sound won't do much good.
Even don't use any background music while you are speaking only use the intro and outro music. Remember, that don't overdo the things.
So, these were some of the bonus points mentioned here. Hope this helps you.
#9. CONCLUSION
In recent research, it is revealed that 51% of Indian consumer above the age of 12 listen to the Podcasts and the numbers are rising daily. So, it's the right time to start your own podcast.
Remember that "Now" is the right time. So, start right away. Podcasting can also help you build a reputation from scratch and position yourself as an authority in your niche and you can even drive traffic to your site, through backlinks in Podcast directories so, use it.
I hope that this blog post somewhat helped you. But, stay tuned to read the next guide where I am gonna reveal about the things that helped me in interview type podcasts.
Also if you want to hear my podcasts then you can visit my podcast channel. I have completed with the season-2. But, will be coming up with the season-3 soon. So, until then wait for some time. Podcast links Spotify:- https://spoti.fi/2TEn5dL Apple Podcast:-https://apple.co/3oEcSwj Google Podcast:- https://bit.ly/31Y46iZ
Ganna:- https://bit.ly/37srTLa Jio Saavn:- https://bit.ly/2KcL1nz
Thank you for reading it till the end. Hope you found it helpful.
If you liked it, then do leave your valuable thoughts in the comment section below.
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