Starting a Podcast Journey

A Comforting Guide for Beginners

Starting a podcast is a thrilling venture, but it can also be overwhelming. If you're looking to embark on this journey, it's essential to be well-prepared. Here's a detailed guide to set you on the right track.

Understanding Your Why and Who
First and foremost, understand the motivation behind starting your podcast. Is it passion, business, or advocacy? Being clear about your purpose will guide all your subsequent decisions. Once you're set on the "why," think about your audience — the "who." Research and understand your target listeners. Know their interests, habits, and preferences. This knowledge will help you fine-tune your content and delivery.

Content Development
Your podcast's content will be its backbone. Start by determining the genre. Will it be a true-crime series, an interview-based show, a comedic talk show, or perhaps an educational podcast? Consider scripting your episodes, especially in the beginning. It provides a roadmap and ensures a smooth flow. If interviews are part of your format, choose your guests wisely. Think about what value they bring to your audience.

Branding and Design
The look and feel of your podcast matter. Create an eye-catching logo and a memorable title. These elements will be visible on podcast directories and will be the first thing potential listeners see. Your podcast's branding should reflect its content and ethos.

The Technical Side
Venturing into the technicalities, start with the microphone. Quality audio is non-negotiable. USB microphones, like the Shure SM7B, Blue Microphones Yeti or the RØDE PodMic, are beginner-friendly. If you're looking for a more advanced setup, XLR microphones like; EV RE20, offer versatility and higher quality. 


A quiet recording environment is crucial. If you don't have a studio, a quiet room or even a closet can work wonders with some soundproofing. 


When it comes to editing, various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are available. 
Free options include Audacity, Garageband, and Reaper, while paid alternatives offer features tailored to specific needs, such as ProTools, Logic, and Hindenburg PRO, the latter being solely designed for spoken word production.

Recording and Editing
Once your setup is complete, practice your recording technique. Maintain a consistent distance from the microphone, avoid peaking (when the recording volume is too high), and eliminate background noises.

After recording, edit your podcast for clarity, removing mistakes, and adding elements like ambience, music or effects.

Hosting and Distribution
After creating your podcast episode, you'll need a place to host it. Platforms like Libsyn and Buzzsprout offer hosting services, ensuring your podcast is distributed to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Promotion
With your podcast live, it's time for promotion. Utilize social media, collaborate with influencers or other podcasters, and encourage listeners to leave reviews. Engaging with your audience, responding to feedback, and being consistent in your release schedule can also boost your podcast's popularity.

Monetization
Lastly, once you have a steady listenership, consider monetizing your podcast. Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, listener donations, or premium content are viable avenues.
Remember, podcasting is a journey, not a destination. You'll learn, evolve, and grow with every episode. While it can be daunting, remember that every popular podcast started with a single episode. With passion and persistence, success is attainable.

Bibliography

McHugh, Siobhan (2016). "How Podcasting is Changing the Audio Storytelling Genre." Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media.

Lacey, Kate (2013). "Listening Publics: The Politics and Experience of Listening in the Media Age." Polity.

Berry, Richard (2016). "Podcasting: Considering the evolution of the medium and its association with the word 'radio'." Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media.

Markman, Kris M., and Markman, Linda K. (2018). "Podcasting for Pedagogy: Developing a Corpus of Podcast Episodes as Open Educational Resources." Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media.

Geoghegan, Michael W., and Klass, Dan (2005). "Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Audio and Video Podcasting." Apress.

Quah, Nicholas (2018). "Hot Pod News." [Newsletter].

The Podcast Host (2021). "How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2021." [Website].

Transom (2020). "Tools: A Guide to Field Gear." [Website].