As writers, we’re always looking for new ways to share our work with the world. There has been a wave of people exploring the world of podcasting. It has exploded in popularity and if you’re trying to do something that’s less daunting than a YouTube channel, this route might be for you. Podcasting is a fantastic way to share your passion, knowledge, and creativity. Whether you’re a storyteller, an expert, or someone who just likes to chat, starting your own podcast can be a fun venture. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process, type of equipment, brainstorming ideas, and more.
Define Your Niche and Audience
Before you rush out to buy equipment, take some time to pinpoint your podcast's niche and target audience. What are you passionate about, and who would be interested in listening? Consider what makes your perspective unique and build your podcast around that.
Some examples you could consider:
- True Crime (e.g. Sistas Who Kill - this podcast focuses solely on black female killers.)
- Pop Culture (i.e. Film, books, art, music, theater, entertainment news, etc.)
- Comedy
- Personal Development (i.e. Spirituality, lifestyle, mental health, etc.)
- Technology
- Conspiracy Theories
The possibilities are endless. The key here is to make sure that it’s something you know you’ll have fun with and stick with long term!
Develop Your Content Ideas
Now that you (hopefully) picked your topic, it’s time to come up with some ideas. Engaging content is key to podcast success, so start by brainstorming topics that go along with your niche and that align with who you are. Here are some tips:
- Idea dump! Start free-writing some potential concepts.
- Make a list of what you’re passionate about and where your expertise lies.
- Ex. Do you love books? And would you say you’re an expert at analyzing paranormal romance?
- Explore what's trending in your niche. What topics are common? How can you spin that into something of your own?
- Check out your competition for inspiration (but avoid copying). Plagiarism is a no-no.
- Consider inviting guest experts or co-hosts! Interviews are a great way to come up with episodes and network with other people.
Plan Your Episodes
As a fellow podcaster myself (wink, wink - the link will be below) I realize how important it is to actually plan out your episodes. I’ve fallen into the trap of only posting when inspiration strikes, so my posting schedule tends to be inconsistent. Luckily, it’s a passion project for me, but if you plan on making a serious career off of this, you want to stay consistent. The key to that is having a schedule and planning your episodes.
Outline a rough script or bullet points to guide you as you record. Make sure your episodes have a clear structure so it’s organized and engaged. You don’t want people to hear you rambling for two hours about nothing.
This outline can be as detailed as you like. For example, I like to have a brief idea about what I’m doing my episode on and I go off the dome for the rest. However, you have to figure out what works best for you.
Synopsis: Everyone needs a safe space to discuss the truth. Originally starting as a blog, The Writer Chick evolved into a place to be honest about the world of writing, business, life and books. As a self-published author, entrepreneur, and college student, I wanted to share my advice with anyone who needs to hear it. Hopefully this podcast can be a source of inspiration or something fun to listen to.
Available On: Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, YouTube, & Spotify.
Choose the Right Equipment
While you don't need to break the bank, investing in quality podcasting equipment is essential. It can ruin the experience for your listeners. Here's a couple ideas on where to start:
- Microphone: Look for a USB or XLR microphone that suits your budget. Popular options include the Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica ATR2100x, and Rode NT-USB. Or if you really want to start of small, this is the microphone I used when I first started The Writer Chick: TONOR USB Microphone, Computer Cardioid Condenser PC Gaming Mic with Tripod Stand & Pop Filter for Streaming, Podcasting, Vocal Recording, Compatible with Laptop Desktop Windows Computer, TC-777
- Headphones: Invest in closed-back headphones for accurate audio monitoring. Brands like Sony, Audio-Technica, and Beyerdynamic offer excellent options. You can also use Beats by Dre.
- Pop Filter: This can improve your audio quality significantly and it keeps the “P”/popping sound from sounding too annoying!
- Recording Software: Free options like Audacity, GarageBand or Spotify For Podcasters (which allows you to edit and distribute) or paid ones like Adobe Audition work well for editing and post-production.
Record and Edit Your Episodes
Set up a quiet space for recording, minimize background noise, and get comfortable in front of your microphone. Record your episodes in segments if needed, and don't worry if you make mistakes – editing is where the magic happens. Use your chosen software to clean up your audio, and add music or sound effects.
Create Eye-Catching Artwork and Write a Captivating Description:
Your podcast's artwork and description are the first things potential listeners will see. Create a visually appealing logo and write a compelling podcast description that clearly communicates what your show is about and why people should listen.
And if you’re having a hard time, this is where Fontaine Publications can step in! We currently offer podcast cover art design and copywriting services.
Visit here to learn more:
Copywriting - https://fontainepublications.com/products/blog-post-copywriting
Podcast Cover Art - https://fontainepublications.com/products/podcast-cover-art
Publish and Promote
Once you have a few episodes ready, it's time to launch your podcast. Choose a podcast hosting platform like Libsyn, Podbean, or Spotify for Podcasters (formally known as Anchor) to host your episodes. Submit your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Promote your podcast on social media, your website, and through guest appearances on other podcasts to build your audience.
Stay Consistent and Engage with Your Audience
Consistency is key in podcasting. Choose whether to release episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, emails, and social media messages. Consider starting a website or a newsletter to keep your listeners updated on your latest episodes and news.
Starting your own podcast can be an exciting journey, even if it can be tough sometimes. Remember to be patient and stay committed to producing high-quality content. As you develop your skills and grow your audience, you'll find that podcasting is a lot easier than you think!