How to start a podcast? Professional tips for starting a podcast in 2024

With more and more podcasts available on various streaming platforms, it’s not easy to make it as a podcast host in 2022. The competition is fierce, and you’ll need the best industry practices to make it to the top. We’ve created this guide to help you achieve that - we compiled answers to the most common questions and issues beginner podcasters might have. From making decisions regarding the topic and format of your podcast to selecting equipment and promoting your podcast, we’re covering the whole process of starting your own show.

So, You’ve Decided to Start Your Very Own Podcast - But Where to Begin?

Without further ado, let’s start with the first step: planning.

Step 1: Choosing a Topic and Planning Your Podcast

The initial stages of creating a brand-new podcast are often the most crucial to success. A good plan will captivate your audience and make your podcast stand out. The first question to ask yourself is:

What’s the topic of my podcast?

A successful podcast often fills a specific listener need. For example:

Cryptocurrency investors may enjoy a podcast about current trends in crypto.
Bodybuilders might be more interested in discussions about the latest studies in fitness.

When choosing a topic, ensure it’s broad enough to allow for numerous episodes — ideally 100 or more — but not so broad that it lacks focus. Strike a balance: find a unique angle to make your show captivating while still planning a substantial amount of content.

Coming Up With a Name

You’ll also need a name! Think of something catchy that conveys your content’s vibe and grabs potential listeners' attention.

Step 2: Identifying Your Audience - Creating a Listener Persona

To succeed, you need a clear picture of who you’re creating the podcast for.

One helpful approach is to create a listener persona. This persona represents your ideal listener's traits and characteristics, making it easier to design relatable content. For instance:

Is your persona easygoing and humorous or serious and contemplative?
Are they interested in dynamic, joke-filled podcasts or a more structured format?

Consider details like their age, background, career, education, and preferences. The more detailed your persona, the better you’ll be able to create a podcast that resonates with your target audience.

Also, think about listening habits:

Are they listening on their commute or while relaxing at home?
Do they play your podcast as background noise while gaming?

Testing different formats can help you find the sweet spot.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Microphone

With your planning in place, it’s time to consider equipment. The most essential piece of gear for a podcaster is a quality microphone. Here’s what to consider:

Budget: A good-quality mic doesn’t have to be costly. Options like the Shure MV7 ($250) or the Blue Yeti ($150) offer excellent sound without breaking the bank.
USB vs. XLR: For ease of use, a USB mic is ideal — no drivers or setup hassle. For a professional setup or multiple microphones, an XLR mic connected to an audio interface provides better control and sound quality.
Portability: If you’re podcasting on the move, consider a wireless mic.

Tip: The average audio quality of podcasts has improved significantly. Using a cheap gaming headset mic might not cut it if you want to attract a loyal audience.

Step 4: Promoting Your Podcast After Launch

With everything ready and your podcast launched, promotion is the next step.

Engaging With Your Audience

Interacting with your listeners is vital, especially early on. Engagement can turn casual listeners into loyal fans. Here’s how:

Encourage actions, like leaving a rating or sharing the podcast with friends.
Use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to expand your reach and engage with listeners.

A loyal audience is much more effective at attracting new listeners than one that’s disconnected.

Good luck, and happy podcasting!