Top Tips on Starting a Podcast from an Experienced Podcast Producer

You may listen to podcasts daily and want to know how to start a podcast. So where should you start when you're building your first podcast, and how can you go about creating your voice on a podcast? While there is so much information (almost too much and some that need to be corrected) out there, it's hard to know where to start. So here are my podcast producer's top tips to get you on your way to podcasting like a pro!

There are a lot of different components to podcasting, but don’t freak out! You’ll get the hang of it.

Tip #1 Define Your Podcast's Concept

Determine your podcast's topic, theme, or niche. First, choose a subject you're passionate about and have expertise in. Next, consider your target audience and what value or entertainment you can provide to them.

Tip #2 Create a Captivating Podcast Title and Artwork

Craft a compelling podcast title that reflects your show's essence and appeals to your target audience. Design eye-catching artwork or cover art that accurately represents your podcast's theme and attracts potential listeners.

Tip #3 Develop an Engaging Intro and Outro

Come up with a memorable introduction to hook your listeners from the start. Include relevant information about your podcast, introduce yourself, and set the tone for each episode. Similarly, a well-crafted outro provides closure and can include calls to action, such as subscribing, leaving a review, or visiting your website.

Tip #4 Plan Your Episodes

Create a content plan or outline for your podcast episodes. Decide on the format, length, and structure of each episode. Prepare a list of potential topics or guest interviews to keep your podcast episodes organized and engaging. In addition, you'll also want to create a podcast production tracker to keep track of your seasons, episode titles, guests, and your podcast links to individual episodes.

Tip #5 Focus on Quality Content

Consistently deliver high-quality content that provides value, educates, entertains, or engages your audience. Research and prepare for each episode, and consider incorporating storytelling, interviews, or interactive segments to keep listeners interested. Engage with your audience and interact with your listeners through social media, email, or creating a community around your podcast. Encourage feedback, answer questions, and consider incorporating listener suggestions or featuring them on your show.

Tip #6 Be Consistent with Your Release Schedule

Choose a regular release schedule, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and stick to your production schedule. Consistency helps build a loyal audience and keeps them engaged.

Tip #7 You Don't Need Expensive Equipment

While some podcasters are obsessed with getting crystal clear sound on every track, you don't need perfect audio to produce a podcast. Not only is that time-consuming, but most listeners won't be able to differentiate between a highly high-quality sound and a podcast with good audio quality. Sure, you can purchase expensive microphones, but what's the point? 

While you don't need the most expensive gear, invest in decent podcasting equipment for better audio quality. Essential items include a good microphone, headphones, and a reliable recording device or computer software. Get excellent audio when you record with the Audio Technica 2100 Dynamic Microphone. Not only do you get excellent sound quality, but this mic is also extremely durable. I've dropped it several times and have never had an issue with my mic working.

Tip #8 Record on Good Software

I can tell the difference in audio when the host isn't recording on good software, in my experience podcasting. This part of podcast production definitely makes a difference in your sound quality. Make sure to have good sound quality on your episodes. The number one reason why people turn off a show is because of poor sound quality.

I've tried recording in other programs but didn't get good sound quality. The result was spending much more of my time post-production trying to get the sound quality down, resulting in releasing my podcast late.

I recommend recording in Hindenberg Journalist - which you can also edit in - or Audio HiJack for Mac. Both programs offer good sound quality that you can adjust and are easy to work with, especially if you're not an audio editor or engineer! No, these aren't free; however, you will save money and time using either of these programs.

Tip #9 Pay for Your Hosting Platform

Gone are the days when you had to manually use code to put your podcast on an RSS feed - now you can sign up with a host who will distribute your show to many other channels, similar to a book publisher, only with audio!

Going with a platform that doesn't charge leads to several issues. First, if the business doesn't charge, then where is it making its money? This is a HUGE red flag for me as the first thing I think about is that they are probably selling my information. To be clear, I'm not talking about offering a free trial period; I'm referring to a platform with a team to push out your podcast, but they don't charge a fee. 

You don't want to go with a "free" platform because, from my experience, the "free" platforms usually have unethical practices, such as taking your content and not allowing you to move your podcast to another platform. That doesn't fly in my book.

Tip #10 Write Good Show Notes

I can't tell you how many times I've written show notes for other podcasters and have seen the power of good show notes! Writing good show notes will give your listeners links and resources from your episode; it will also provide your show with more SEO so you can climb the ranks of Google search engines.

Remember, starting a podcast takes time and effort. So stay committed, enjoy the process, and be patient as you grow your audience and refine your podcasting skills.

Need assistance with your podcast show notes? Download my free ebook How to Write Podcast Show Notes Like a Pro today!