Since 2014, the popularity of podcasts has risen by a staggering 122%. This rise is, in part, due to the increase in the use of streaming apps like Spotify. This rise in listener numbers has led to many people starting up their own podcast.
Podcasts are easy to set up and can be recorded and run from anywhere. They require minimal equipment. This means that almost anyone could set up a popular podcast and run it from their own home.
But if you’re thinking of starting a podcast, where would you start?
In this article, we’ll talk about how to start a podcast from defining your niche to recording your first episodes. Read on to learn more about how to become a podcaster.
Choose a Niche for Your Podcast
When we refer to the niche of a podcast, we’re talking about the category or specialty of the show. The niche of your show will determine the subject that you’ll be talking about throughout your series.
Choosing your podcast’s niche will give you a specific area to focus your attention on. This will help you to work out what content you’ll be including. Your niche will also make it easier for your audience to identify whether they’ll be interested in listening to your show.
An audience will want to know what they can expect when they listen to your podcast. Knowing the niche will help them to select a podcast that they’ll want to listen to.
Through your niche, you can also learn about your audience. And, the more in-depth you go into your topic, the more likely you are to have a lower churn rate and a more dedicated audience.
Another benefit of nailing down your niche is that you’ll be in a better position to find advertising if you have a clear idea of what your niche is. If you can define your category clearly and simply, it will make it easier to get ads on your podcast.
So, how do you go about deciding what niche your podcast should fit in?
Testing Your Niche
Before you make the decision on what type of podcast you’re going to record, make sure that there is enough to talk about on your chosen subject. Remember, popular podcasts can run into hundreds or even thousands of episodes. Are you going to be able to keep up the momentum?
Not only will you need to think of subjects for each episode, but you’ll also need to source guests. You’ll also need to be very knowledgeable on the subject.
When you have an idea for an overall subject for your podcast, try and come up with 100 or more ideas for episodes. This shouldn’t be an issue if the subject has enough about it.
Your next step is to test the potential of your podcast subject. Head to Google Trends to see whether or not your subject is popular. Here, you’ll also be able to compare your episode ideas to see what will be the most popular topic.
Choose the Right Platform
There are several different platforms that you can use to host your podcast. Many of these are free to use. Once recorded and uploaded, your listeners will be able to listen to your podcast via Spotify or iTunes, however, you’ll need to set your podcast up on a hosting platform.
You should avoid hosting your podcast from your own website. A podcast will need a lot of storage space and high bandwidth to host it. In addition to offering these things, a hosting platform will also allow you to reach your audience.
When looking for a podcast hosting platform, make sure that you can host recordings, have seamless streaming, and that you’ll be able to have RSS subscriptions.
Think about finding a platform that will allow you to send your content to the likes of Spotify as well as allowing you to monetize your podcast and analyze its performance.
Monetizing Your Podcast
One of the best ways of earning money through your podcast is with ads. Use pre-roll ads with a message from your sponsor along with mid-roll ads with a more in-depth message.
You’ll earn around $43 for every 1,000 downloads. So, the more listeners you get, the more you earn.
You can often find advertisers through your podcast host.
Remember, you should always only work with advertisers that are relevant to your podcast. Limit the number of ads you feature too, or listeners will turn off.
Don’t forget, when you advertise a product on your podcast, you’re recommending it, so make sure you partner up with brands you believe in.
Recording Your Podcast
You’ll need to invest in some good quality microphones for your podcast. Soundproofing materials will also help enhance the sound quality for your listeners.
When recording, ensure there is no background noise. This means no pets or children should be near and pick a room to record in that is quiet and has closed windows and doors.
When you’re recording, turn your phone off. If you need to interview someone via phone, make sure you have a strong signal beforehand.
Headphones are essential. They’ll give you an idea of what your listeners will hear.
You should avoid using the built-in microphone on your computer. The sound quality will be poor. Check out this advice for how to record voice on Mac.
If there are two or more of you talking, you should ensure that you use two microphones and use a USB mixer to get a balanced and clear sound.
How to Start a Podcast
So, that was the basics of how to start a podcast. The next step for you is to get started coming up with episode ideas and finding a platform.
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