3 Simple Steps to Start Your Own Podcast Today [How-To-Guide]

Determine Your Podcast Concept and Goals

The first step in launching a podcast is to determine your overall concept, niche, topic focus, target audience, and goals. This will be the foundation that guides all your subsequent planning and content creation.  

When deciding on a podcast niche and topics, consider your interests, experiences, expertise, and unique perspectives that you can offer listeners. The podcast space is crowded, so finding a more specialized niche can help your show stand out. Identify a target audience that would be highly interested in your niche and orient your show around their needs and interests.

You'll also want to set clear goals for what you hope to achieve with your podcast. This could include target download numbers per episode, revenue earned through sponsorships or affiliate marketing, or specific impacts you hope to have on your listeners or industry. Setting benchmarks helps motivate you and gives you metrics to track how well your podcast is performing over time. Consider launching your show with a few initial goals, then expanding them as you grow an audience and gain visibility.

Taking time upfront to strategize your podcast's concept, niche, audience, and goals will pay dividends later by ensuring your show has a clear direction and purpose. Know what makes your podcast unique and craft it to excel at serving a specific audience. This focused approach is key to finding success in the increasingly competitive podcasting space.

Choose Your Podcast Format and Length

The format and length of your podcast episodes will depend on your topic, goals, and resources. Here are some key decisions to make:

Solo host or co-hosts?

Having a co-host can make conversations more dynamic and allow you to play off each other. But a solo-hosted show gives you full creative control. Consider your topic and abilities in deciding between the two formats.

Edited or live recordings?

Pre-recording and editing episodes allows you to remove unwanted pauses, ums, repeated words, etc for a tighter finished product. However, live recordings can feel more raw, authentic and fun if done well.

Typical length per episode in your genre

Look at other successful shows in your niche to determine the typical length. In general, podcast episodes range from 20 minutes to over an hour. You want enough time to go in-depth on topics without losing listener attention spans. For an interview show, aim for at least 30-45 minutes.

The right format and length will allow you to efficiently produce content while keeping your listeners engaged from start to finish. Test different options early on and see what works best. Being consistent with your format will help build your audience over time.

Line Up Initial Guests and Episode Topics

When launching a new podcast, it's important to line up impactful guests and develop engaging episode topics ahead of time to build momentum and an audience from day one.

Who are the ideal experts, influencers and guests for your show?

• Make a wish list of your dream guests - authors, celebrities, industry experts, thought leaders in your niche. Don't hold back, brainstorm all possibilities!
• Look at who leaders in your space have had on their shows and who they engage with on social media. These are great potential options.
• Reach out to your existing network and ask for introductions to respected figures that would be a great fit for the show. Leverage your contacts!
• Consider featuring fellow content creators, rising stars and unique voices in your niche instead of just the big famous names. Mix it up!
• Identify guests that will draw in your ideal listener and also expand to new audiences. Aim for a diverse mix.

Map out topics and interviews for first 10 episodes.

• Plan a content calendar and schedule guests for your first 10 episodes. This will give you a roadmap.
• Mix evergreen episodes focused on core topics with interviews and timely episodes hooked to news events.
• Make sure your early episodes are compelling standouts that set the tone for your show. First impressions count!
• Use your episode list to start pre-booking guests now to lock in schedules and build momentum leading up to launch.
• Be flexible - the schedule will likely shift and change. Allow room for timely additions and guest cancellations.
• Consider starting with an intro/trailer episode to explain your show concept then launch with a big name guest to grab attention.
• Promote upcoming guest and episode line-up across your website and social channels to generate buzz.

Setup Your Recording Equipment

Before you record your first episode, you'll need to get your recording gear set up properly. Investing in quality equipment will ensure your podcast sounds professional from day one. Here are the key pieces of equipment you'll need:

Microphone

Your microphone is one of the most important pieces of gear for determining your podcast's overall audio quality. You'll want a studio-quality condenser microphone that accurately captures your voice. Popular podcasting microphone options include the Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM7B, and Rode Podcaster. Consider the mic's polar pattern and whether you'll be recording interviews.

Headphones

Quality over-ear studio headphones allow you to monitor your audio as you record your podcast. This ensures you can listen for consistency in volume levels, microphone position, and audio quality. Look for headphones with a flat frequency response that provides accurate monitoring without coloring the sound. Popular options are the Sony MDR-7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and Sennheiser HD 600.

Audio Interface

An external audio interface connects your microphone to your computer and provides high-quality audio conversion and pre-amps. This gives you much better sound than using your computer's built-in sound card. Popular affordable options include the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.

Recording Space

Pick a quiet room in your home or office to record in. Look for a space with minimal background noise from air conditioning units, outside traffic, appliances, etc. Acoustic treatment like sound dampening foam can further reduce reverb and echo. Proper mic technique like maintaining a consistent distance from the mic also helps ensure quality sound.

Investing in this core recording gear will give your podcast the audio polish needed to engage listeners right from the start. Spending a little more upfront means your podcast will sound just as professional as top shows in your genre.

Choose Your Podcast Hosting Platform

Choosing the right podcast hosting platform is crucial for getting your show online and in front of listeners. There are several top podcast hosts to consider:

Libsyn

• One of the first podcast hosts, launched in 2004
• Offers unlimited storage and bandwidth plans starting at $5/month
• Provides stats on downloads, locations, referrals, and more
• Wide distribution to iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and more
• Easy to use publishing and analytics dashboard

Buzzsprout

• Intuitive and beginner-friendly podcast host
• Offers a free plan with 2 hours of uploads per month
• Paid plans start at $12/month with unlimited storage and uploads
• Built-in transcript creation and chapter markers
• Simple publishing workflow with good analytics

Captivate

• Focus on building community with comments and calls-to-action
• Unlimited storage on paid plans starting at $19/month
• Detailed analytics with downloads, listeners, etc
• Scheduling and collaboration features
• Customizable themes and website builder

When selecting a podcast host, consider your budget, storage needs, desired features, distribution reach, ease of use and learning curve. Most podcast hosts offer free trials to test options. Key factors are sufficient storage and bandwidth, wide distribution to major directories, solid stats and analytics, and an intuitive interface to manage your podcast.

Submit Your Podcast to Directories

Getting your podcast listed in the major podcast directories is an important step to increase discoverability. Here are some of the key platforms to submit to:

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the largest podcast directory with over 1 million listings. You'll need an Apple ID to login and submit your podcast via Apple Podcast Connect. Make sure to include your cover art, description, category and keywords.

Spotify

Spotify has become a top destination for podcast discovery. You can submit your RSS feed to Spotify through Spotify for Podcasters. Include all the metadata like title, description and cover art.

Google Podcasts

Given Google's search dominance, getting listed in Google Podcasts can help with SEO and visibility. Submit your podcast through Google Podcast Manager. Provide your RSS feed URL, category, description and image.

Stitcher

Stitcher is a popular podcast listening app. You can submit your show via Stitcher's submission form. Upload your podcast art and details.

Getting into each of these main directories will maximize your exposure and make it easy for new listeners to find your show. This is an essential step before launch.

Plan Your Episode Launch and Release Cadence

One of the most important parts of launching a podcast is determining your episode release schedule and planning how to maximize the impact of your early episodes.

When first launching your podcast, you'll want to release a cluster of episodes quickly at the start. This allows you to generate buzz and gives new listeners multiple episodes to engage with upfront. Aim to have 3-5 episodes ready before your launch date. After the initial batch, determine an ongoing release cadence, such as weekly or biweekly.

Stick to your release schedule consistently. This trains your audience when to expect new episodes and builds loyalty. If you frequently skip weeks or release sporadically, you risk losing listeners.

To promote your early episodes:

• Share each episode on social media and ask listeners to subscribe. Encourage sharing.
• Reach out to relevant blogs, websites, and influencers to request they feature or review your podcast. Offer to provide quotes or appear as a guest.
• Submit your podcast to "New and Noteworthy" or other promotional sections in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories.
• Ask engaged listeners to write reviews. Positive early reviews help boost your podcast's visibility.
• Analyze your podcast's analytics to see which topics and episodes resonate most. Double down on similar content.

Releasing episodes consistently and promoting your podcast thoroughly early on will set you up for long-term growth and success. Plan your cadence and marketing out before you launch.

Design Your Podcast Cover Art and Logo

Your podcast cover art and logo are important visual representations of your brand that listeners will see in their podcast player. Invest time into getting these designed properly.

The easiest way is to hire a designer on sites like Fiverr or Dribbble. Explain the tone, topic and demographic of your podcast. Provide examples of logos and album art you like to help communicate the style you're going for.

The cover art and logo should represent your brand's color scheme and tone. If your podcast topic is business related, you may want a sleek, corporate style. For comedy podcasts, you can get more playful and humorous with the design.

Your logo will be viewed at small sizes, like the podcast icon, so keep it simple. It should be recognizable as just an icon, not rely heavily on text.

The cover art has more room for creativity. You can feature your hosts, cool graphics related to your topic, or abstract backgrounds. Just ensure any text stands out and isn't cluttered.

Having a professional designer create custom art lends legitimacy and consistency to your podcast. This visual identity will carry across your website, social profiles and any marketing materials.

Setup Your Website and Social Profiles

Your website acts as your podcast's home base where listeners can find information about your show, listen to episodes, and contact you. Be sure to get your domain name and hosting sorted early.

Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to build an audience and encourage engagement with your podcast. Create accounts using your podcast name and set up your profile images. Share episode announcements, snippets, polls, behind-the-scenes photos, and encourage discussions. Respond to comments and questions to foster a relationship with your listeners.

Add links to your website and podcast on all social profiles. Use relevant hashtags and tag any guests. Look for podcasting groups on Facebook you can join to connect with fellow podcasters and promote your show.

Record a Trailer and First Episode

Your podcast trailer and first episode are incredibly important for setting expectations and attracting listeners. Take your time to get them right.

Trailer

Your trailer should be 1-2 minutes and introduce the concept, format, host(s), and topic of your podcast. Give listeners a sense of your show's personality and voice. Include short audio clips from upcoming episodes to tease the kind of content and guests.

A strong, polished trailer builds anticipation for your full episodes and persuades listeners to subscribe. Distribute your trailer on your website and all social platforms.

Pilot Episode

Treat your first full-length episode as the pilot. Put extra time and effort into making it exceptional, as it sets the tone and benchmark for audio quality, editing, interview style, and more.

Structure the pilot similar to future episodes. Bring on an A-list first guest, ask good questions, edit crisply, and clearly segment the content into logical sections.

Nail your audio levels, pacing, transitions, and energy right from the start. As you gain experience recording episodes, you can refine your process. But ensure your pilot sounds professional and engaging so listeners stick around.

‍