How To Start A Podcast: Podcast Guide For Beginners

Starting a podcast is an exciting journey that allows you to share your voice, opinions, and stories with a global audience. As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, it’s a medium that offers vast potential for personal and professional expression.

Whether you’re interested in entertainment, education, or storytelling, podcasting allows you to connect with listeners on a deeper level. But before you press “record,” there are essential steps to take to ensure your podcast is successful.

This Traktrain guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a podcast, from selecting a topic and gathering equipment to recording, publishing, and promoting your episodes.

What is a Podcast?

A podcast is an audio program or series available on the internet, often released in episodes on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Podcasts cover a vast range of topics, including news, storytelling, interviews, education, music, entertainment, and niche discussions.

Unlike traditional radio shows, podcasts allow creators to share their content at any time and on any topic they choose, providing flexibility for both creators and listeners.

Key Characteristics of Podcasts:

• Episodes: Podcasts are typically organized into episodes, which can range from a few minutes to a few hours long;
• On-Demand Listening: Listeners can download or stream episodes at their convenience;
• Diverse Formats: Podcasts can include interviews, storytelling, commentary, or discussions;
• Flexibility: There’s no standard length, frequency, or format for a podcast—creators have the freedom to structure their show however they see fit.

Now that you understand what a podcast is, let’s dive into the key steps to getting started.

What Equipment Do I Need for a Podcast?

Starting a podcast doesn’t require a huge investment in equipment, but having the right tools is essential to ensure your podcast sounds professional.

Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need to get started:

1. Microphone: A high-quality microphone is crucial for clear audio. While USB microphones like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Blue Yeti are popular beginner choices, you might want to consider XLR microphones for more professional sound, such as the Shure SM7B. An XLR microphone setup requires an audio interface, which converts the analog signal into a digital format;
2. Headphones: Over-ear, closed-back headphones are best for monitoring your recordings. They help you catch any unwanted noise or issues with sound quality during recording. Popular options include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR-7506;
3. Audio Interface (optional): If you’re using an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to connect the mic to your computer. This ensures high-quality sound capture;
4. Pop Filter: A pop filter minimizes plosive sounds (the harsh “P” and “B” sounds) when speaking into the microphone. This inexpensive tool makes a big difference in sound quality;
5. Boom Arm or Mic Stand: A boom arm or microphone stand holds your microphone at the right height and distance from your mouth, reducing unwanted handling noise;
6. Recording Software (DAW): To record and edit your podcast, you’ll need digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Free options include Audacity and GarageBand, while paid options like Adobe Audition or Logic Pro X offer more advanced features.

How to Make a Plan for a Podcast

Before you start recording, it’s important to create a solid plan for your podcast. Having a clear vision will help guide your content and keep your episodes focused:

1. Define Your Podcast’s Purpose and Audience
   Ask yourself what the main purpose of your podcast is. Are you looking to educate, entertain, or share a specific message? Identifying your purpose will help you stay consistent. Additionally, define your target audience. Who are they, and what topics will interest them? Understanding your audience will shape your content and ensure you’re providing value;
2. Choose a Topic or Niche
   Your podcast should focus on a specific topic or niche. While general topics may have broader appeal, they can also get lost in the sea of podcasts. Focusing on a specific niche allows you to stand out and attract a loyal audience interested in that subject matter;
3. Decide on a Format
   Will your podcast be an interview format, a solo commentary, a roundtable discussion, or narrative storytelling? You can also experiment with different formats, but it’s helpful to choose a primary one so listeners know what to expect. The length of each episode is also important. Some podcasts last 20 minutes, while others can go for over an hour. Consider what will best suit your audience and content;
4. Create an Episode Outline
   Plan out the structure of your episodes. Each episode should have an introduction, the main content, and a closing section where you summarize the episode, give a call to action, or mention upcoming topics. Having an outline helps keep your episodes focused and prevents you from going off-topic;
5. Choose an Episode Frequency
   How often will you release episodes? Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, maintaining a consistent release schedule builds anticipation and loyalty among your audience.

Recording a Podcast

Now that you’ve gathered your equipment and created a plan, it’s time to record your first episode. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recording a podcast:

1. Set Up Your Recording Space
   Choose a quiet room with minimal background noise. If you don’t have access to a soundproof space, soft furnishings like curtains, pillows, and carpets can help reduce echo and unwanted sounds. You want your recordings to be as clean as possible, so the editing process is easier;
2. Test Your Equipment
   Before you start recording, do a test run with your microphone, headphones, and recording software. Make sure everything is working properly and that your levels are set correctly. The volume should be loud enough to hear clearly, but not so high that it distorts the audio;
3. Record in Segments
   Recording in segments can make editing easier. Rather than recording the entire episode in one take, break it into smaller parts. For example, you can record the introduction first, then move on to the main discussion. This way, if you make a mistake, you can simply re-record a small section instead of starting over;
4. Monitor While Recording
   Keep your headphones on while recording to monitor your audio. This helps you catch issues like background noise or uneven volume levels in real-time;
5. Keep the Energy Up
   Your voice is the main tool you’ll use to engage your audience. Speak clearly and with enthusiasm, even if you’re alone in a room. Smile while you talk—it might sound odd, but it makes your voice sound more friendly and inviting.

Editing and Post-Production

Once you’ve finished recording, it’s time to edit your podcast to ensure it’s polished and ready for listeners:

1. Edit for Clarity
   Remove unnecessary pauses, filler words (such as “um” and “uh”), and any mistakes or mispronunciations. This will help your podcast flow more smoothly. Be careful not to over-edit, as this can make the conversation sound unnatural.
2. Add Intro and Outro Music
   Adding intro and outro music can give your podcast a professional touch. Choose music that reflects the tone and style of your podcast. You can find music on Traktrain or hire a composer to create custom music for your show.
3. Balance the Audio Levels
   Make sure the volume levels of all your segments, including voice, music, and sound effects, are consistent. Use your DAW’s tools to normalize and balance the levels so that everything sounds cohesive.
4. Export Your File
   Once your editing is complete, export your podcast in a suitable format for publishing. Most podcast platforms recommend exporting in MP3 format with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bitrate of 128 kbps for a balance between quality and file size.

Publishing a Podcast

With your podcast recorded and edited, it’s time to share it with the world. Here’s how to publish your podcast:

1. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
   A podcast hosting platform is where your podcast files are stored and distributed. Popular options include Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Libsyn. These platforms allow you to upload episodes, create an RSS feed, and distribute your podcast to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts;
2. Submit to Podcast Directories
   After setting up your hosting platform, submit your podcast to major directories so listeners can find it easily. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts are the most popular platforms, but you can also consider directories like Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio;
3. Create Show Notes and Episode Titles
   Each episode should have a clear, engaging title and a brief description (show notes) that summarizes the content. Include relevant keywords in the title and description to improve SEO and make it easier for potential listeners to discover your podcast;
4. Promote Your Podcast
   Once your podcast is live, promote it on social media, email newsletters, and any other channels where you engage with your audience. Collaborate with other podcasters or influencers in your niche to grow your listener base.

Tips for Growing Your Podcast

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to listener comments, questions, and feedback. Encouraging listener interaction can help;
• Consistency is Key: Stick to a regular release schedule so your listeners know when to expect new episodes. Whether you release weekly or biweekly, consistency helps build anticipation and loyalty among your audience, keeping them coming back for more;
• Collaborate with Guests and Other Podcasters: Invite guests or co-hosts to bring fresh perspectives and cross-promote your podcast. Collaborating with other podcasters or influencers in your niche exposes your show to their audience, potentially growing your listener base.