Before You start Your Podcast

If you are a beginner looking to start your podcast, there has never been a better time than now. Research has shown that podcasting has been growing year on year over the last 10 or so years. In 2020 alone, close to 900,000 podcasts… Click To Tweet This triples what was published in 2019. We can attribute this in a large part to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Putting this in perspective, there are almost 1 million beginners out there somewhere that have launched podcasts. Think about it, this could be you if you had taken the decision to start when that idea landed in your head.

 

Not to worry, as we say in Jamaica, “it is never too late for a shower of rain.” Five years ago, I was in the exact place you now are. I had a show on traditional radio, The Entrepreneurial You, but wanted more. I wanted to reach people all over the globe with my voice. I am one of those who actually love the sound of my own voice. Maybe this is because people were always telling me that I have a radio voice, I believe them and it got to my head. 

One of the main reasons many beginners are reluctant to start their podcast is because they don’t like the sound of their own voice. Maybe this is even you. There are many reasons to ignore the imposter syndrome and start your darn podcast. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Spread your message about topics you are passionate about.
• Connect with influencers in your niche (if you decide to do interview styled podcasts) to help you grow your audience. Get cool guests on your show like Lisa Nichols and Seth Godin.
• Develop relationships with global thought leaders to bolster your network
• Become an expert by association (you are the average of the five people you spend most time with).
• Leverage podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. to get noticed.
• Connect with your audience for impact.
• Increased brand awareness for your business. How would you like your podcast to be included in a post like this? Imagine my excitement when The Entrepreneurial You was recently named among the “Top 30 Entrepreneurship Podcast You Must Follow” by Feedspot!
• Podcasts are evergreen content, the relevant content you share today will be available for years to come.
• Make money from your expertise directly via podcast advertising or other indirect ways
• Leverage it for other end goals such as speaking, writing, coaching, producing podcasts for others.

 

This article will take you through all you need to get your podcast started as a beginner.

 

What is a Podcast?

Let’s start by breaking down what a podcast is. Here is how I defined it in my latest book, “Podcast Power: The Quick-Start Guide to Launching & Leveling-Up Your brand:” A podcast is a digital audio file that is available via the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device whether it is your desktop, tablet, iPhone, Android or iPad. It has the capability of receiving subscribers automatically. There are, to a lesser extent, video podcasts that are available but I can assure you that you will be able to find more audio-only podcasts that you will video. 

 

For simplicity, think of it as an online radio on-demand but it is really more than that.  

 

To access a podcast, you have the option of downloading the file straight from its website via a Rich Site Summary/Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed. For example, The Entrepreneurial You is available on henekawatkisporter.com. You may also use media software to automatically download podcasts for you like Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or Google Podcasts (among others), that check for new episodes when it detects an internet signal coming from your feed. This downloads the podcast automatically and syncs it to an MP3.

 

What is Your Podcast About?

As a beginner, you must think about the subject area your podcast will address. I know, I know. You are thinking that you have so many ideas and you don’t know where to start. 

 

Here’s a simple activity that can help you narrow down the many ideas flowing through your mind. 

1. Grab a clean sheet of paper
2. Draw a vertical line midway the sheet
3. On the left hand side, place all the things you are skilled in (go as far back as you can remember)
4. On the right, place all the things you are passionate about
5. Do this over a three day period. Feel free to include your family and friends who know you well to help in pulling out these.
6. Identify the overlap in both your skills and passions. You may find that there are a few. Now that your list is shorter, it is easier to narrow down until you settle on a topic that you are both skilled at and passionate about.

 

Who is Your Podcast For?

Consider who it is for and why they should listen. Do you know their key demographic and psychographic data? What keeps them up at night? You can get this information by simply engaging in groups that cater to the problem you are trying to solve. For example, if you want to talk about Real Estate for Retirees, join Facebook communities that cater to Retirees and begin to actively engage.

 

When you are thinking about starting a podcast, the name should reflect what your podcast is about. Think clarity over being clever.

What is the Format of Your Podcast?

 

The format of your show is simply how you organize your show. When thinking about your show’s format, think about the needs of your listener. This should be consistent so that your listener will know what to expect each time. Decide too on the frequency with which you will publish an episode.

 

 

Podcast Formats 

• Interviews – You get the benefit of having your guests bring their expertise
• Monologue/Solo
• Story-telling
• Panel discussions
• Co-hosts
  

 

Your Mindset As a Beginner Podcaster

In order for you to have success in any area of your life, you must first create a mindset where you are committed to getting it done!  Many decades ago, Psychology Professor Carol Dweck became interested in her students’ attitudes towards failure—making way for the prevalence of the discussions on a mindset that we hear today.

 

It turns out, there is a yardstick on which your thinking is measured. So where are you on this mindset continuum? Would you describe it as fixed, mixed or growth? Having a growth mindset means that you understand that you can increase your intelligence by learning and that you aren’t afraid of a challenge. 

 

The right-thinking will drive motivation and achievement to inspire you, impressing upon you to gain the knowledge necessary to achieve success. 

 

Understand Your WHY and Set Goals as a Podcaster

Everyone has a WHY and it is important that you dig deep to find yours, as you will need to have a strong WHY to keep you going when things aren’t going in the direction of your plans. Keeping your why front and centre of your brain will help to guide every decision you will have to make for your podcast.

 

Starting a podcast is exciting.  Set goals for yourself, then focus on completing the task so that you can achieve those goals. Achieving success in any field requires intentional planning and goal setting. Perhaps you are familiar with the term SMART goals. If you are not, it is simply an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound goals. 

 

As you embark on this new podcast path, look at your immediate obligations, your plans and expectations, to identify where podcasting fits in the scheme of things. 

 

Be honest with yourself and rank where your current commitment level is. Perhaps, it may not even be for business, it may just be a hobby that you want to delve deeper into. 

Whatever your reason, set your own pace and be okay with your outcomes, giving it your best shot.

 

Anyways, I know you have been dying to get to the technical stuff but I am rooting for your success and so it is important to address the mind first and foremost. You will need to have this in place when the challenges come. 

 

What Equipment Do You Need to Start Your Podcast?

To get started, you need a computer whether it is a Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad or any smartphone device. Then consider the type of microphone you will use. Your computer device has a built-in mic but the quality is not as good with the exception of the iPhone which has a built-in voice memo app. Having headphones with your computer and microphone will be helpful.

Here are some microphones options to consider for recording your podcast as you get started:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headset with the Audio-Technica ATR2100X-USB Dynamic microphone and foam-type mic windscreen. 

• Any headset will work, even the earphones that come with your cell phones. I currently use the ATR2100X mic with the windscreen and a Sony headset for my podcast recordings. 
• Logitech clear chat headset will give you an OK sound.
• If you intend to travel around, you can still make great podcasts by using the Roland Digital Recorder + ATR-2100X and use SD Card or simply using a lapel mic with your mobile phone. Lapel mics are quite budget-friendly.

Think about whether you are doing a one, two or three-person set-up for your podcast.

 

Podcast Recording Platforms

Let’s examine the recording software that you will need. There are a myriad of options to consider. I will mention a few and tell you the ones I use. 

 

Audacity is an open source for recording and editing. I use it and love it, not only because it is free but because it is relatively easy to use. It works on both Mac, Linux and Windows. All you have to do is download it and you can start recording right away. 

 

Then there is GarageBand for Mac and iOS which records and edits. This comes preloaded onto the Mac, all you need to do is figure out how to use it. There are lots of videos on YouTube to help with this.

 

If you have guests that aren’t in the same room with you, you can connect with them via Skype. In the past, you had to use it in tandem with a third party recording software such as eCamm Call Recorder for Mac (I use this) or Pamela for Windows. This recording software is available for a one-time purchase at a minimal fee and made available to you for life thereafter. However, you are now able to record directly from Skype with its new built-in feature. 

 

There is also the option of Zoom, SquadCast, StreamYard and a host of others where you can record more than one guests on your show. 

 

If you are doing solo or topic-based episodes, record directly into your software and edit when you are through recording.

 

Conducting Interviews Like A Pro

If I told you that I was never nervous about conducting my first set of podcast interviews —even with voice and speech training and experience on the radio—I would be lying. While I don’t think my voice is terrible, I thought about how I would sound talking over the microphone with guests and if my listeners would know that I am nervous and be put off by that. I wondered too whether I would have a brain freeze and not know what to say next when my guests respond to my questions.

 

I want you to start on the right footing. Here are some guidelines. You can get Podcast Power: The Quick-Start Guide to Launching & Leveling-Up Your Brand to get more tips.

Get the logistics right. One of the best ways to ensure that you start strong is to do your groundwork with your podcast format. Having a structure in place will systemize your show and boost your confidence. There will be no doubt as to what should come next. Take proper care to ensure your microphone, audio and other settings are checked to get the best sounding recording. Another important part of the logistics that you may want to overlook is the value of having set recording times and batching your work. There is a sense of peace that comes with knowing that for example, you will record on Tuesdays or Thursdays only. This will prevent you from being all over the place deciding when to record.

Focus on your goal and become your audience. What do you want to get from the interview? This is what needs to be at the forefront of your mind. Being able to pre-empt your listeners is priceless. You should be able to become your audience; put yourself in their place to ask the questions that they are thinking about. Your audience trusts you to do what they are unable to.

 

Make your guests feel at home. Before you get to the heart of the matter, ease into it; make an effort to have your guests relaxed by building rapport. Having an ice breaker at the beginning is a great way to—well, break the ice. I am from the land of Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and Reggae Music. There is so much affinity towards the Jamaican culture and I use this to my advantage. I always ask my guests something they know about Jamaica. More often than not, it is the food that they know of. When I started my podcast I would ask just random questions at the beginning such as, ‘if you could go back in time what era would you want to return to?’ Their responses give you a glimpse of their personality.

 

Prepare for the conversation. Nothing beats preparation. Once you have your structure in mind, it is okay to script some aspects of your show such as the intro and outro for the show and the guests’ introduction. You may also jot some questions down but take caution against being entirely scripted as this sounds unnatural. Don’t just wait for your guest to finish so you can ask the next question. Listen so that you can pick something from their answer to guide where you go next. Be willing to go with the flow and go ‘off-road’.

 

Clarify pronunciations. It can be a little awkward finding out that you have pronounced your guest’s name and mentions in their bios incorrectly throughout your conversation. Take care in finding out how names are pronounced. Even names that may appear similar to what you know may be pronounced differently from what you are accustomed to basing on geographic location.

 

Ask open-ended questions. The sure-fire way to kill an interview is ‘death by close-ended questions.’ Certainly, there are times when asking a question to get a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response is necessary. However, you will get the most from your guests when the questions are framed in an open-ended way. It creates space for your guest to shine as they are able to express their feelings, attitudes and subject matter expertise.

 

Get rid of ‘tell me a little about yourself’. This question should be avoided at all costs. It proves laziness and that you haven’t taken the time to focus on the main area that you want your guest to zone in on. I am very guilty of having done this in the past. It can allow your guest to ramble as they become unsure of what to talk about from their varying life experiences. Focus your start by picking something interesting from their bios and have them tell you stories around that.

 

Ask questions that you genuinely need to have an answer to. 

Have a genuine interest in your guest. Your listeners will be able to discern the difference between having a conversation with someone you are genuinely interested in and one that you just brought on for the heck of it. Talking with those you are interested in will ensure that your conversation flows better.

 

Refer to your guests by name. A name is someone’s most important symbol of identity. Hearing our own names is like music to our ears. I react differently when someone calls my name during a conversation. It tells me that they are interested in me and that I have their attention at that very moment. I am not the only one. Studies prove that there is unique brain activation when someone hears their name and involuntarily responds to it. This is a powerful tool to build rapport with your guests; this will translate to a great conversation that your audience will enjoy.

 

Let your guest shine. It is your podcast, I get it but your interview should be about your guests (and audience). While it is important to share your opinions and experiences, avoid talking too much. Let your guest do most of the taking (without giving up control of your show) so your listeners can hear from them. With experience, you will quickly be able to identify when to reign your guest in should they start going off on a tangent. 

 

Express gratitude. Let your guests know how much you value the time they have taken to be on your podcast. You also want to thank your listeners for supporting your show by listening to you.

 

With so many shows for your audience to choose from, it is necessary that you put energy into fine-tuning your craft. Be willing to learn from others. Listen to great interviewers whether in the field of podcasting or from traditional media. 

 

Media Host For Your Podcast

Just as you have a house to live in, your amazing podcast will need somewhere to call home. A host provides you with the opportunity to upload your episodes for syndication across the various podcast directories. I use Blubrry.  Enter promo code: TheEntrepYou to get 1 month free hosting.

 

If you have a website, you don’t want to host it there as it will affect your bandwidth when you begin to get an increase in your download numbers. The larger your audience, the more bandwidth you will need. The host is a server that will accommodate your audio or video files. With hosting, you get unlimited bandwidth. You will also be provided with an RSS feed to submit to Apple and other podcast directories. You will be able to include your podcast description and artwork. 

 

How do you create your podcast feed? Let’s use the example from Blubrry:

1. Go to Podcaster Dashboard 
2. Select Hosting Settings
3. Select Podcast feed only 
4. Select the RSS feed that is there. 
5. Go back to the dashboard and complete the sections for your artwork and podcast settings.
6. Once you have your RSS feed, submit to Apple Podcasts  

 

Go to Apple Podcasts, navigate to EXPLORE at the bottom of the screen then select podcast resource and paste your RSS feed. You will be given a confirmation code. Wait a few days to get approved by Apple.

 

If you don’t have a website, you should consider it. Research the various options available and select a platform. A few options are Squarespace, Hostgator, Wix, Namecheap, BlueHost, etc.

 

Importantly, to obtain optimal use from your website, it should include a tab for your podcast, a contact page and your home page with give-away and opt-in to attract visitors to the site.

 

Alternately, you can simply use anchor.fm to host your podcast instead of any of the hosts I mentioned previously. It has never been easier to start podcasts like it is now. Spotify-vested Anchor.fm has dubbed themselves, “the easiest way to start a podcast” and it is 100% FREE. 

Do the following to start your podcast RIGHT NOW:

1. Create an account at anchor.fm
2. Go to Podcast Set-up and input your details as follows:

• Podcast Name
• Podcast Description
• Select a category from the drop-down menu
• Upload a photo

3. Upload files and update with the below:

• Title
• Description
• Publish date
• Season number (if you are doing a seasonal podcast)
• Episode number
• Episode type
• State whether your content is clean of explicit

 

You can do all of this from your phone. Some of the editing capabilities are only available on Android and iOS and not on the web.

 

The simplicity and user-friendliness outweigh what it may lack in other areas. If you opt to use Anchor, you don’t have to worry about distributing to other platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or many others as Anchor will do this for you.

 

Your listeners also have the option to record messages and send to you which can be added later as segments to your show. 

 

Creating Your Podcast Cover Art

Make sure your artwork resonates with your listener. It should communicate what your podcast is about. 

 

You can explore several options to have your artwork created. If you choose to do it yourself, Canva.com or Picmonkey.com are great tools to use. If you want to have someone create it for you on budget, Fiverr.com or Upwork.com should do the trick. For a more advanced design, then go to 99designs.com. This mention is by no means exhaustive and is meant as a guide to get you started.

 

The dimensions of your artwork should be a minimum size of 1400 x 1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels, 72 dpi, in JPEG or PNG format with appropriate file extensions (.jpg, .png), and in the RGB color space. To optimize images for mobile devices, Apple recommends compressing your image files. Since Apple podcasts represent over 50% of podcasts, make sure that you create artwork that is in keeping with their specifications. 

 

Launching Your Podcast

Just start recording one episode and keep going! You want to have enough episodes recorded so that you may keep a few in the can for any eventualities and you are not able to record. One month’s worth of recording is a standard to work towards. When you are ready to launch, begin with 3 episodes.

 

Promote your Podcast through Emails and Social Media. Make social media management easy. Shave hours off your time on social media by using a social media automation tool such as eClincher and eliminate your need to hire a large team. 

 

Get family and friends involved to help spread the word about your new podcast. Importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

 

GREAT JOB!

I’m proud of you for starting your journey to fulfilling your goals by starting your podcast! Feel free to contact me on WhatsApp for One on One Coaching. You may also get my online podcast course for beginners, get my book on podcasting, “Podcast Power: The Quick-Start Guide to Launching & Leveling-Up Your Brand” or listen to The Entrepreneurial You podcast!