Written by Matt Froehlich, Content Marketing Strategist
If you clicked this link, our assumption is you might have a surface-level understanding of what a podcast is. For the beginners, read the following bullet points:
What is a podcast? A podcast is essentially an audio version of a blog.
Why would I want to create a podcast? Creating a podcast for personal or business reasons allows you to tap into another audience. Audio files give you the ability to reuse audio clips for additional content. Podcasting is a great way to develop public speaking skills, too.
Where do I start? Reading to the bottom of the page will help.
When should I start? Start once you have all the tools you will need. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you what those are.
Who should I create a podcast with? You can make a podcast by yourself. However, recording alone isn’t as fun as having a co-host or two.
How do I do it? Sit back, relax and read the latest #BaerNecessities blog below, and we’ll be sure to answer that question.
As of April 2020, there are more than 900,000 podcasts and more than 600 million blogs. The implementation of Siri, Alexa, Echo and other voice recognition devices has created an explosion for voice within marketing. Many people don’t have the time to read a five–page CNN article. However, on a commute or while doing chores, they are able to listen to the information they want. Technology has allowed people to more efficiently utilize their time. “Okay, Alexa, scroll down to the next paragraph.”
“I want to start a podcast.”
It’s possible you’ve thought or said these statements: “I can do what Joe Rogan does.” “What do those guys know about sports? My buddy and I would do better.” “If only I knew how to make my own podcast to share.” Creating a podcast is easier than ever. BPM will take you through the steps we recommend to develop and publish a podcast.
Let’s get started.
“What topics should I talk about?” “What should I call my podcast?” If your podcast is going to be recreational and for personal use, dive into an interest: music, travel, gardening, sports, politics, cars. Whatever the content is, make sure you are knowledgeable and love what you will be discussing. Are you starting a podcast for a business? Use the audio space to reinforce your brand and discuss popular topics in your field of work. Your podcast will need to have a logo. Try using Canva to create a free logo. Make sure your dimensions are correct.
How do I record?
The beauty of 2020 technology is you don’t need a high-end production studio and equipment. Audacity is a free program which can be used on Mac OS or PC. The interface of Audacity makes it very user–friendly for audio production beginners. The next item you need is a microphone. We recommend investing in a $30-$70 microphone. The Blue Snowball microphone is very popular in podcasting. Once you have a computer with an audio production program downloaded and a microphone connected, you are ready to hit record.
“Is this thing on?”
Audio is much easier to record than video. With video projects, you need to make sure your lighting is correct, the lens is clean and the person’s hair isn’t out of place. In audio recording, you need to control noises being picked up by your microphone. Does that sound simple? Consider the bathroom fan, the refrigerator, loud family members or a car door slamming. Do your best to be aware of distracting noises your audience will hear. Pen clicking and paper shuffling are common beginner mistakes.
If you are adding a co-host or two, getting together in person isn’t always an option—especially now. Zencastr.com is a free website to have up to three people recording. It is simple to use and creates .wav and .mp3 files for you to download and edit.
“I have an episode recorded.”
Your next step is to listen to how great you sound. Everyone hates how their voice sounds. Do not be alarmed. The purpose of listening to your episode is to give you the ability to edit dead air, ums and hums and adjust audio levels if necessary. While listening to the episode, pause, select and clip out unwanted noises. Post production can take your podcast out of the amateur basement.
Now what? Ideally, you want an intro and outro. These can be a 10-30 second audio bed you implement after you record. They can be recorded during the podcast recording. The option is yours on your creative approach to intros and outros. We recommend creating separate intros and outros to put into an episode before you finalize it.
Once you’ve finished editing your audio files, save the project and export as an .mp3 file.
“How do I get my episode onto podcast platforms?”
You need a hosting site. The podcast community is flooded with sites that will let you “pay to play.” However, Anchor.FM is a free site to distribute your podcast. Anchor.FM allows users to upload a file with their cellphone or on the website (best option). Preparing your Anchor.FM account to have your episode distribute to the top platforms does take a few days for approval. Apple Podcast seems to take the longest.
Congratulations!
Well done. You brainstormed, recorded, edited, produced and uploaded a podcast for all of your friends, family and colleagues to listen to. Now, you need to do it again. Staying consistent with your weekly or biweekly episode is the most important habit for podcasting. Your audience will grow if they know what day and when your episode will release. Find a routine and stick to it.
“How do I gain listeners?”
Be creative with reoccurring segments or guests, and be sure to reference previous Baer Necessities blogs on how to create content and build an audience with social media.
If you have any questions about how to properly create a podcast, reach out to the Baer Performance Marketing team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or contact us here.
