Podcasting is believed to be the new groundbreaking trend for business and personal advertising. You can use it for various purposes such as business introduction, product advertisement, personal blogs, and many more. Podcasting involves audio recordings that are uploaded to streaming and podcasting applications. It has been a trend for episodic series for spoken words that can be downloaded in several apps and sources. Anyone can start a podcast and use it for whatever purpose he wishes it to be. But just like in most aspects and matters, starting seems to be the hardest and challenging part. We’ll tackle everything you need to know to start your own podcast, from the equipment you must have to Podcasting Consultation and production company.
Starting a podcast can be a challenging task or hobby to start. You might be just thinking of starting one, yet you already foresee the problems and challenges that might arise halfway. And just the thought of what you may lack can hinder you from taking the first step. So let’s take a quick look at these guidelines so you can start with your Podcasting Pathway.
1. Choose Your Topic
It is best to narrow down the topic that you plan on taking. First, think of a particular topic which you will enjoy and understand. Then, just like music, back when it was vast, and there are plenty of genres in the mainstream, you should pick the one that you think will hook countless audiences. To keep it short, you need to narrow down your topic, but you need to keep in mind that you should be able to speak hundreds of episodes.
As time passes by and your podcast reaches more audience, you can expand your topics to keep the audience and attract new listeners.
2. Create a Name
Instead of writing choose a name, I chose the word “create” since your name will be the spark and ignition of your podcast. It should be catchy but gives the audience the idea of what your podcast is all about. You can be as creative as you can. Your podcast name is an extension of who you are.
Remember to keep your name remarkable that it can tell what your topic is all about, but remember not to limit the name to your current topic radius. You’ll never know in the future; maybe you’ll expand your topic and talk about something more than your initial target topic.
3. Create Your Standard Show Format
Episode Length
It’s like creating an invisible template for your show. In terms of the length of your show, this all depends on your target audience. Some people prefer short, and some long, and others just do not care. You need to keep in mind that you should keep your podcast precise and hitting the point throughout its duration. You might have been told that half an hour podcasts are better because an average driving time is forementioned. It doesn’t matter if you’re creating a 24-hour podcast for as long as you think it’s reasonable and listeners will get consistent attention, but I doubt a 24-hour podcast. Kidding aside, a podcast should tackle the topic for a duration without becoming boring or the like. You can even keep it shorter than usual to make the audience want and seek more of your podcast.
Style
You can choose from a variety of styles for your podcast. Choose the one that best suits you, your topic, and your audience. These are, but not limited to:
- Conversational
- Monologue
- Theatrical
- Roundtable
- Repurposed Content
- Storytelling
- Investigative
- Interview
- Hybrid
Episode Format
You can compare Pop Music for your episode format. With Pop Music, there’s Intro, Upbeat Verse, Catchy Chorus, Upbeat Verse, Chorus, Diverting Refrain, Chorus, Outro. Create an episode flow that will keep the audience hooked to your topic. You can enter an ad in between but remember to keep something exciting before and after it. For example, you can have a Teaser, An Intro Music, Welcome Greetings, Content, Ad Portion, Interview, More Content, Call to Action, and a preview for your next episode, then an Outro Music.
You can rumble it to spice things up for special events, etc. Your imagination is your only limit in podcasting.
You’re almost there!
You’re halfway there! Or maybe 1/3 way there? But before you can launch your very own Podcast, you need to prepare few things.
Cover Art
There is a saying that goes, “First impressions last.” Just like how fast food advertises food by posting it on a headboard, the first thing that a prospective audience is a thumbnail of your podcast. This is why cover art is highly vital for attracting new audiences. It’s the first view and the first click that matters. You can have someone create your cover art, or if you’re confident with your photoshop and creative skills, you can create your own.
Choose an Intro Music
Just like how the intro tune of Game of Thrones, or even the intro tune of The Simpsons, latches into the minds of their audiences, your intro music can become a massive deal to your podcast. It is one of your trademarks that most listeners will find catchy. You can look for third-party providers to provide a tune for you.
Get a High-Quality Microphone
Well, you can start with anything that could float your boat. Of course, this depends on your budget. However, it is good to invest in a high-quality microphone. Aside from the topics and contents of your podcast, your audio quality is an investment that you cannot overlook.
Recording and Editing Software
You’ll need to record and edit your recordings, or you can have them recorded into editing software right away. It is crucial to have the software and sufficient knowledge of the software you’re going to use. For that, you will not have to struggle with your editing and recording. On the other hand, you can seek the help of a production company, like Grab the Mic Media, to edit your raw recordings. Some third-party companies offer Podcasting Consultation to take your podcast up, not just by a notch, but a whole lot of boost.
Ready for Launch!
Now that you have prepared the essentials for your podcast, it’s time to record, edit and upload your podcast to streaming apps. You’re on your way to becoming a podcaster. Hear you around!
Figuratively, in a smaller room, you might be able to meet your goals. But, as Jack White’s song goes, “Now you’re in a bigger room, you might not know what to do…”, it could be a good idea to get a Podcasting Consultation from a production company that can help you get used to and utilize a “bigger room.”
That is the basic guide on how to start a podcast. Although it might seem too hard to take the first step, there are more things that you must keep in mind, like spreading your podcast channel to different social media applications and advertising in general. It sounds a bit challenging, doesn’t it? Don’t worry. There are third-party production companies that can help you take it up a notch, and there is Grab the Mic Media who can take your podcasting to the stars.
Skyrocket your podcast! We are Grab the Mic Media. Our production company offers a whole lot of improvements to your podcasting customized to your liking, not to mention the advertising and acceleration of your monetization. Find out more at Grab the Mic Media. It’s time to Grab the Mic, whatever you like, how much ever psyched you want to strike, we’ll have you hanging by a rocket, we are tellin’ ya. We are Grab the Mic Media!
