If you’re a podcast enthusiast or someone who’s interested in starting your own show, you’ve come to the right place.
The explosive growth of podcasts in recent years has transformed the audio landscape, offering a diverse range of content and a unique platform for storytelling, education, entertainment and more. In 2021, there were over 1.75 million active podcasts and over 45 million podcast episodes available on various platforms. And the podcasting industry is projected to generate $4 billion in revenue by 2024, up from $2 billion in 2022.
In this blog post, we provide insights, tips and ideas to help you create, produce and promote your very own podcast. So if you’re new to podcasting and wondering where on earth to start, keep reading. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful podcast that engages and entertains your audience.
From Idea to Launch: A Step-by-Step Guide
To start your podcast, the first step is to decide on the category your show will be housed in. Choosing a genre is important because it helps you to define the topic and style of your show, making it easier for potential listeners to find and connect with your content.
When you choose a category for your podcast, you are essentially telling your audience what your show is about and what they can expect to hear. This helps to attract listeners who are interested in your topic and increases the chances of them becoming regular subscribers.
Additionally, categorising your podcast can also make it easier for it to be discovered by search engines and podcast directories, making it more visible to potential listeners who are searching for content within your category.
Once you’ve decided on the genre of your show, the next steps entail:
1 | Finalise the core themes of your podcast.
2 | Choose a name and description for your show.
3 | Decide on the format. Psst – this step can get tricky so make sure to read on!
4 | Create your podcast artwork and record a distinctive jingle.
5 | Decide on the recording equipment and software platforms your show will be founded on. This step will have a real impact on the overall quality of your show, so pick carefully to ensure you can produce a professional-sounding podcast that will attract and retain listeners.
Your Ideal Podcast Show Format
The format of your podcast show is important because it helps to structure the content, keep listeners engaged and differentiate your show from others in the same genre. The format of your podcast refers to the way in which the content is presented and organised, including the length of episodes, the frequency of release, and the style of presentation.
There are various formats that your show can take on. Ultimately, itshould be tailored to your content and your audience’s preferences. By selecting the right format, you can create a podcast that is both engaging and enjoyable for your listeners and help to build a loyal following for your show.
Podcast Interview Style
- Features a host who interviews a new guest in each episode who brings their unique expertise and experience.
- After a brief guest introduction, the host takes over asking questions to guide the conversation around the episode’s topic, working to unpack their stories and lessons.
- Since each guest is different, it’s best to stick to a central theme to keep your show cohesive.
Video Interview
- Great medium to connect to large audiences through the discussion of a particular subject.
- Traditional format is question-and-answer so as to provide professionals with the opportunity to present insights.
- Video interviews tend to be easy to produce.
- On-camera interviews catch authentic body language with greater entertainment value.
- The content can be repurposed and shared.
Podcast Video Interview: Best of Both
A podcast with a video component:
- That video component can be as simple as you and your guest recording the content.
- The host films themself and the guest sitting in his studio having a discussion (or they could be chatting on Zoom)
- The audio gets released in the traditional podcast format. The video gets released on YouTube and as clips on social media.
The benefits of this combination:
1 | You can add value for your audience and help them create deeper connections by showing them people’s faces.
2 | There are a lot of people out there who prefer to consume video content, so a video podcast opens you up to a larger audience.
3 | Finally, video looks better on social media. Audiograms are becoming more popular, but there’s no beating the impact and appeal of videos..
Home Recording on Budget
Recording podcasts at home is becoming increasingly popular as it provides you with the flexibility to create content on your own terms, without the need for expensive recording studios. Besides, recording at home allows for more creative control over the production process, enabling you to experiment with different formats and styles until you find what works best for your audience. Here are some aspects to consider when you set up your at-home recording studio:
Invest in an entry-level quality microphone | A good microphone is essential for clear audio. USB microphones, such as the Blue Yeti, are a budget-friendly option.
Use free audio editing software | Programs like Audacity and GarageBand are free and offer basic editing features.
Find a quiet space | Background noise can be distracting and detract from the quality of your podcast. Find a quiet room in your home or use a pop filter to reduce background noise.
Use natural light | When filming or recording, position yourself near a window to take advantage of natural light. This will provide soft, even light that will illuminate your face and make the video or recording look more professional. Use sheer curtains or blinds to help diffuse the light. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows and cause glare on your face.
Invest in a tripod for your phone | Look for a mount that is compatible with your specific phone model. Once you have your mount, set up your tripod in a stable location. Make sure the legs are fully extended and the tripod is level before attaching your phone to the mount. Attach your phone to the mount and make sure it is securely fastened. Adjust the position of the phone on the mount to ensure that the camera lens is centred and level. Use the viewfinder on your phone to frame your shot. Make sure the subject is centred and in focus before starting to record.
When conducting virtual interviews | Before the interview, send your guest instructions on how to prepare for the interview. This might include information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting, how to adjust their audio and video settings, and how to best position themselves for optimal sound quality.
Use a separate audio recording | If you want to have more control over the audio quality, you can use a separate audio recording software such as Audacity or GarageBand, while recording the Zoom call, to record the audio separately.
You may have heard of the successful at-home podcast show “Serial,” the true crime investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig. Each season of the show explores a different story in depth, with Koenig and her team delving into the details of each case and presenting it in a compelling and engaging way. The show has been widely acclaimed for its storytelling and investigative reporting, and has won multiple awards including a Peabody Award. It just goes to show that a successful podcast show doesn’t need a fancy recording studio, but can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Where DAPPER Comes In
While the launch of your podcast show is oh-so exciting, sometimes a helping hand is needed. Our DAPPER Tribe can assist by offering professional services such as audio editing, mixing and mastering and sound design – all to ensure that your content is of the highest quality possible. We can also provide guidance on podcast brand positioning and help to optimize your show for maximum reach and impact. In collaboration with Chloë Melville from Kids Eat Toast Sometimes, we can assist you with some or all of these steps:
- Curating the description of the show.
- Guidance on how to record, on a larger budget and with a full setup.
- Setting up a simple cast (hosting service) and tailoring RSS feed to include correct categories.
- Editing – audio clean up (removing background noise, making it professional grade quality), syncing audio with video and editing the video, and then clipping for clips on TikTok.
- Theme jingle and animated introduction sequence.
- Podcast Art – designing the cover image for your podcast.
But hey, don’t just take our word for it. Our client, PJ Brady from the Brave Smart Company, has just launched his own company podcast, with a little help from the DAPPER team. Head over to his podcast show and keep an eye out for future episodes! Don’t let the technical aspects of podcast production hold you back from creating quality content. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take your show to the next level.
