How can I start my own podcast?

Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for sharing ideas, stories and expertise. For digital creative professionals looking to expand their reach or explore a new creative outlet, starting a podcast can be an exciting venture. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to launch your own podcast, from planning to production and promotion.

Planning your podcast

Define your concept

Choose your topic: Select a subject that aligns with your expertise and passion. As a digital creative professional, you might consider topics such as:

  • Web design trends and best practices: Discuss the latest developments in responsive design, accessibility standards or emerging technologies like progressive web apps.
  • UX/UI innovations: Explore user-centred design principles, conduct interviews with UX researchers or analyse successful case studies in interface design.
  • Graphic design techniques: Share tips on colour theory, typography or creating effective visual hierarchies. You could also review new design software or plugins.
  • Digital marketing strategies: Delve into SEO techniques, social media marketing tactics or email campaign optimisation. Consider discussing real-world examples and their outcomes.
  • Creative software tutorials: Offer step-by-step guides on using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch or Figma. Focus on advanced techniques that professionals might not be aware of.

Identify your target audience: Determine who would benefit most from your podcast. This could be fellow professionals, clients or aspiring creatives in your field. Consider factors such as:

  • Experience level: Are you targeting beginners, intermediate practitioners or seasoned experts?
  • Industry focus: Are you speaking to freelancers, agency professionals or in-house creatives?
  • Geographic location: Will your content be relevant globally or are you focusing on regional trends and regulations?
  • Career goals: Are you addressing those looking to advance their careers, start their own businesses or stay current in their field?

Decide on a format: Will your podcast be solo, interview-based or a panel discussion? Each format has its advantages and challenges:

  • Solo format: Allows for complete control over content but requires strong presentation skills and the ability to engage listeners without interaction.
  • Interview format: Brings diverse perspectives and can attract listeners interested in specific guests but requires good interviewing skills and guest co-ordination.
  • Panel discussion: Offers dynamic conversations and multiple viewpoints but needs careful moderation and scheduling of multiple participants.
  • Mixed format: Combines elements of the above, allowing for variety in your content delivery.

Develop your brand

Name your podcast: Choose a name that's catchy, relevant and easy to remember. Consider the following:

  • Reflect your topic: Ensure the name gives listeners an idea of what to expect.
  • Keep it concise: Shorter names are easier to remember and share.
  • Check availability: Ensure the name isn't already in use and that you can secure relevant social media handles and domain names.
  • Consider SEO: Include relevant keywords if possible, without making the name awkward.

Create cover art: Design eye-catching artwork that represents your podcast's theme and looks good in various sizes. Keep in mind:

  • Scalability: Ensure your design is clear and legible at both large and small sizes (eg.. on mobile devices).
  • Brand consistency: Align the design with your overall brand aesthetic if you're an established professional.
  • Colour psychology: Use colours that evoke the right emotions and align with your podcast's tone.
  • Simplicity: Avoid cluttering the design; a clean, bold approach often works best.

Write a compelling description: Craft a concise yet informative description that will entice potential listeners. Include:

  • A clear value proposition: What will listeners gain from your podcast?
  • Your credentials: Briefly mention your expertise or experience in the field.
  • Episode frequency: Let listeners know how often to expect new content.
  • A call-to-action: Encourage listeners to subscribe, rate or review your podcast.

Setting up your equipment

Essential hardware

Microphone: Invest in a good quality USB microphone or an XLR microphone with an audio interface. Consider options such as:

  • USB microphones: Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB or Samson Q2U for ease of use and good quality.
  • XLR microphones: Shure SM7B, Rode PodMic or Audio-Technica AT2020 for professional-grade audio (requires an audio interface).
  • Choose based on your budget, recording environment and desired audio quality.

Headphones: Use closed-back headphones to monitor your audio and prevent sound leakage. Look for:

  • Comfort for long recording sessions.
  • Accurate sound reproduction to catch audio issues during recording.
  • Good isolation to prevent audio bleeding into your microphone.
  • Options include Beyer DT100, Beyer DT 770 Pro, Sony MDR-7506 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Pop filter: This helps reduce plosive sounds (such as 'p' and 'b' sounds) that can be distracting to listeners. Consider:

  • Nylon mesh filters for affordability and effectiveness.
  • Metal mesh filters for durability and a sleeker look.
  • Some microphones have built-in pop filters but an external one often provides better results.

Software for recording and editing

Adobe Audition: As digital creative professionals, many of you may already have access to Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe Audition is a powerful tool for recording and editing podcasts. Key features include:

  • Multitrack recording and editing.
  • Advanced noise reduction and audio restoration tools.
  • Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
  • Comprehensive mixing and mastering capabilities.
  • Batch processing for efficient workflow.

Audacity: If you don’t have access to Adobe Audition, Audacity is a great alternative and it’s free. Key features include:

  • Record live audio straight into Audacity with your mic or mixer.
  • Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit audio.
  • Easy to learn and use and not prone to crashing.
  • Edit tracks with tools such as cutting, pasting and volume mixing.
  • Use noise reduction, equalisers, filters, distortion, echo and reverb to improve your audio.
  • Import and export files in many audio formats, including MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and m4a.

Setting up your recording space

Choose a quiet location: Find a room with minimal background noise and echo. Consider:

  • Avoiding rooms with windows facing busy streets.
  • Turning off noisy appliances or HVAC systems during recording.
  • Using a closet or small room with lots of soft surfaces for natural sound dampening.

Soundproof your space: Use acoustic panels, carpets or even blankets to absorb sound reflections. This can involve:

  • Hanging heavy curtains or acoustic panels on walls.
  • Placing rugs or carpets on hard floors.
  • Using a reflection filter behind your microphone.
  • Creating a DIY vocal booth with PVC pipes and moving blankets for a more professional setup.

Recording your podcast

Preparing for the recording

Create an outline: Structure your episode with clear talking points. This should include:

  • An engaging introduction that hooks the listener.
  • Main content divided into logical segments.
  • Transitions between topics to maintain flow.
  • A conclusion that summarises key points and includes a call-to-action.
  • Notes on any sound effects or music cues you plan to use.

Set up your equipment: Position your microphone correctly and check your audio levels. This involves:

  • Placing the microphone at a 45-degree angle to your mouth, about 6-8 inches away.
  • Using a microphone stand to maintain a consistent distance and reduce handling noise.
  • Setting your input gain so that your normal speaking voice peaks around -12 to -6 dB.
  • Ensuring all cables are securely connected and not causing any interference.

Do a test recording: Record a short clip to ensure everything is working properly. Check for:

  • Appropriate volume levels.
  • Absence of background noise or interference.
  • Clarity of your voice.
  • Proper functionality of all recording software and hardware.

Quick start to using Adobe Audition for recording

Open Adobe Audition and create a new multitrack session.

Set up your audio input by clicking on the input selection dropdown for your track. Choose your microphone as the input source. Adjust input levels in Audition's audio hardware settings if necessary.

Arm the track for recording by clicking the 'R' button next to the track.

Click the main record button to start recording. Monitor your levels in real-time to ensure you're not clipping. Use the spacebar to pause recording if needed.

When finished, click stop. Review your recording immediately to ensure the quality. Save your session frequently to prevent loss of work.

Tips for a great recording

Stay hydrated: Keep water nearby to prevent dry mouth sounds.

  • Avoid dairy products or carbonated drinks before recording, as they can affect your vocal quality.
  • Room temperature water is best to prevent throat constriction.

Maintain a consistent distance from the microphone: This ensures a steady volume level.

  • Consider using a pop filter or windscreen to maintain distance and reduce plosives.
  • If you need to move, do so slowly to minimise sudden volume changes.

Use non-verbal cues: If recording with a guest, use hand signals to communicate without interrupting the audio.

  • Establish a set of simple hand signals before recording for actions like "wrap up point" or "speak up".
  • Use a shared document or chat window for more complex communication during remote recordings.

Editing your podcast

Basic editing in Adobe Audition

Trimming: Remove unwanted sections at the beginning and end of your recording.

  • Use the Time Selection tool to highlight unwanted audio.
  • Press Delete or use Edit > Delete to remove the selection.
  • Use the Fade handles at the start and end of clips for smooth transitions.

Removing mistakes: Cut out any flubs, long pauses or irrelevant sections.

  • Use the Razor tool to split the audio at precise points.
  • Delete unwanted segments and join the remaining parts.
  • Use crossfades between joined sections for seamless transitions.

Adjusting levels: Use the Essential Sound panel to balance volume levels.

  • Select your dialogue track and choose the "Dialogue" preset in the Essential Sound panel.
  • Adjust the loudness to achieve consistency across your episode.
  • Use the "Repair" section to reduce background noise if necessary.

Advanced editing techniques

Noise reduction: Use Audition's noise reduction effect to remove background hum or hiss.

  • Capture a noise print from a section of audio with only background noise.
  • Apply the Noise Reduction effect, adjusting settings for optimal results.
  • Preview changes and apply judiciously to avoid artefacts.

Compression: Apply compression to even out volume fluctuations.

  • Use the Multiband Compressor for more control over different frequency ranges.
  • Start with a low ratio (2:1 or 3:1) and adjust threshold to taste.
  • Pay attention to attack and release times to maintain natural speech patterns.

EQ: Use equalisation to enhance vocal clarity and warmth.

  • Cut low frequencies below 80 Hz to remove rumble.
  • Boost slightly around 3-5 kHz for clarity and presence.
  • Make subtle adjustments; less is often more with EQ.

Adding music and sound effects

Intro and outro music: Create a signature sound for your podcast.

  • Ensure you have the rights to use any music you include.
  • Keep intros short (15-30 seconds) to quickly engage listeners.
  • Use volume automation to duck music under speech.

Transition sounds: Use subtle effects to separate segments of your show.

  • Choose sounds that fit your podcast's theme and tone.
  • Be consistent with transition sounds across episodes.
  • Adjust volume levels to ensure transitions don't overpower speech.

Background music: Add low-volume background music to fill silent gaps, if appropriate for your format.

  • Select music without lyrics to avoid distraction.
  • Use volume automation to fade music in and out smoothly.
  • Ensure background music doesn't compete with speech for attention.

Exporting your podcast

Go to File > Export > Multitrack Mixdown > Entire Session.

Choose MP3 as your format for wide compatibility. Consider exporting a high-quality WAV file as a backup.

Set your bit rate (128 kbps is standard for podcasts). Higher bit rates (eg.. 192 kbps) offer better quality but larger file sizes.

Add metadata such as episode title and show notes. Include keywords, guest information and timestamps for key topics. Ensure consistency in metadata format across all episodes.

Hosting and distribution

Choosing a podcast host

Select a reliable hosting platform such as:

Buzzsprout: User-friendly interface, good analytics and affordable plans.

Libsyn: One of the oldest and most reliable podcast hosts with robust distribution options.

Podbean: Offers a free plan and good monetisation tools.

Anchor: Free hosting with built-in recording and editing tools, owned by Spotify.

Consider factors such as:

  • Storage and bandwidth limits
  • Analytics and reporting features
  • Ease of use and customer support
  • Integration with distribution platforms
  • Monetisation options

Submitting to podcast directories

Once your podcast is hosted, submit it to popular directories:

  • Apple Podcasts: Still the largest podcast directory. Requires an Apple ID and can take up to 2 weeks for approval.
  • Spotify: Growing rapidly in the podcast space. Submit through your hosting platform or Spotify for Podcasters.
  • Amazon Music and Audible: Go to Podcasters.Amazon.com and click "Get Started."
  • iHeartRadio: a popular online radio and podcast streaming service, especially for older demographics

Note that Stitcher and Google Podcasts have been discontinued.

For each platform:

  • Ensure your podcast metadata is complete and accurate.
  • Provide high-quality cover art that meets each platform's specifications.
  • Write a compelling description that includes relevant keywords.
  • Select appropriate categories and tags for your show.

Promoting Your Podcast

Leverage Your Professional Network

Utilising your professional network is a powerful way to promote your podcast. Here are some effective strategies:

Share on Professional Platforms: Post about your podcast on LinkedIn and other professional social media platforms to reach a targeted audience. This approach allows you to connect with individuals who may have a vested interest in your content, such as colleagues, industry peers, and potential collaborators.

Engaging Content: Create posts that highlight key takeaways from each episode, making it easier for potential listeners to understand the value of your content. Consider using quotes or soundbites that capture the essence of your discussions, which can entice readers to listen further.

Use Hashtags: Incorporate relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts and attract a broader audience. Research popular hashtags within your niche to ensure your content reaches those most likely to engage with it.

Encourage Sharing: Motivate your network to share episodes they find valuable, leveraging their connections for greater reach. You can create shareable graphics or snippets that make it easy for others to promote your podcast on their platforms.

Email Signature Promotion: Mention your podcast in your email signature and professional bio, ensuring that every communication serves as a promotional opportunity. This subtle yet effective strategy keeps your podcast in the minds of those you interact with regularly.

Catchy Descriptions: Include a brief, catchy description and a link to your latest episode in your communications to entice clicks. A well-crafted description can spark curiosity and encourage recipients to listen.

Regular Updates: Keep your audience informed by updating them regularly with new content, maintaining interest and engagement. Consider sending out monthly newsletters that summarise recent episodes and upcoming topics.

Cross-Promotion

Cross-promotion can significantly expand your audience. Here’s how to effectively collaborate with other podcasters:

Collaborate with Peers: Work with other podcasters in your niche for mutual promotion opportunities, tapping into each other's audiences. This collaboration can take various forms, from shout-outs on social media to joint episodes that benefit both parties.

Guest Appearances: Appear as a guest on each other's shows to introduce your content to new listeners. This strategy not only exposes you to a different audience but also builds credibility through association with established podcasters.

Collaborative Episodes: Create special episodes on topics of mutual interest, providing value to both audiences. By combining expertise, you can offer richer content that appeals to listeners from both podcasts.

Social Media Sharing: Share each other's content on social media platforms, enhancing visibility for both parties. Tagging each other in posts can help create a sense of community and encourage followers from both sides to engage.

Expand Reach Through Guesting: Participate as a guest on other podcasts to reach new listeners and grow your following. Prepare thoroughly for these appearances by understanding the host's audience and tailoring your message accordingly.

Compelling Pitches: Prepare a compelling pitch that highlights your expertise and the potential value you can bring to their audience. When reaching out for guest spots, clearly articulate what listeners will gain from tuning into your episode.

Quality Content Contribution: Ensure that the content you provide adds significant value to the host's show, fostering goodwill and future collaborations. High-quality contributions can lead to lasting partnerships within the podcasting community.

Promote Your Appearances: Actively promote your guest appearances to drive cross-traffic back to your own podcast. Use social media posts and email updates to inform your audience when you will be featured elsewhere.

Content Marketing

Content marketing can enhance your podcast's visibility and listener engagement. Consider these strategies:

Complementary Blog Posts: Write blog posts that complement each episode, providing additional insights or context. This not only drives traffic but also establishes you as an authority in your subject matter.

Expand Key Points: Elaborate on key points from your episodes in written form, making the content accessible for different learning styles. Some listeners may prefer reading over listening, so offering both formats can broaden your reach.

Embedded Audio Players: Include embedded audio players in blog posts so readers can listen directly from the page, increasing engagement. This convenience encourages visitors to explore more of your content without navigating away from the site.

SEO Optimization: Optimise blog posts for search engines to attract organic traffic and new listeners. Use relevant keywords related to each episode's topic while ensuring the content remains engaging and informative.

Social Media Teasers: Create engaging social media content that teases or summarises each episode, drawing interest from potential listeners. Short clips or intriguing quotes can capture attention quickly in crowded feeds.

Eye-catching Graphics: Design graphics featuring pull quotes or key statistics from episodes to capture attention on social media. Visual elements enhance shareability and can make posts stand out amid text-heavy updates.

Video Teasers: Develop short video teasers for platforms like Instagram or TikTok to engage users visually and promote episodes effectively. These platforms thrive on dynamic content, making them ideal for reaching younger audiences.

Platform-Specific Features: Utilise features unique to platforms like Twitter threads or LinkedIn articles to share insights and drive traffic. Tailoring content format based on platform conventions increases engagement rates.

Measuring Success and Growing Your Audience

Analytics

Tracking analytics is crucial for understanding your podcast's performance. Focus on these areas:

Hosting Platform Analytics: Use analytics provided by your hosting platform to monitor downloads, listener demographics, and popular episodes. Understanding who listens helps tailor future content more effectively.

Listenership Trends: Keep an eye on trends in listenership over time to gauge growth and engagement levels. Identifying spikes or drops in listenership can inform promotional strategies or content adjustments.

Content Resonance: Identify which topics or formats resonate most with your audience, allowing you to tailor future content accordingly. Regularly reviewing listener feedback will help refine what works best.

Geographic Insights: Use geographic data to customise content or target promotional efforts more effectively. If certain regions show higher engagement, consider localising some episodes or marketing efforts accordingly.

Growth Goals: Set realistic growth goals based on insights from your niche and target audience demographics. Establishing measurable objectives provides motivation and direction for ongoing efforts.

Benchmarking: Compare your metrics against similar podcasts in your industry for context and improvement opportunities. Understanding where you stand relative to competitors can highlight areas needing attention or adjustment.

Engagement Metrics Focus: Pay attention not just to raw download numbers but also engagement metrics such as listener retention and feedback. High retention rates indicate compelling content that keeps listeners coming back for more.

Content Strategy Adjustments: Modify your content strategy based on analytical insights to better meet audience needs. Regularly revisiting goals ensures alignment with listener interests over time.

Engage With Your Audience

Building a relationship with your audience enhances loyalty and engagement. Implement these strategies:

Listener Feedback Encouragement: Actively encourage listener feedback and respond promptly to foster community interaction. Engaging directly with feedback shows listeners their opinions matter, strengthening their connection with you.

Dedicated Communication Channels: Create dedicated email addresses or voicemail lines for listener questions, making it easy for them to reach out. Clear channels facilitate communication while also providing valuable insights into listener preferences.

Address Comments in Episodes: Incorporate listener comments and questions into episodes, showing that you value their input. This practice creates an interactive atmosphere where listeners feel part of the conversation.

Polls and Surveys: Use polls or surveys to gather feedback on content preferences and format adjustments. Actively soliciting opinions allows you to adapt offerings based on real-time listener desires.

Community Spaces Creation: Consider establishing community spaces (such as Facebook groups) for listeners to connect with each other around podcast topics. These spaces foster deeper relationships among fans while encouraging discussions beyond individual episodes.

Discussion Facilitation: Foster discussions related to podcast topics within these communities for deeper engagement. Encourage members’ participation by posing questions or sharing relevant articles related to recent episodes.

Exclusive Content Sharing: Share exclusive content or behind-the-scenes insights with loyal listeners as a reward for their support. Offering special perks strengthens community ties while incentivising continued engagement.

Live Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions or AMAs (Ask Me Anything) with your audience, providing real-time interaction opportunities. These events allow direct communication while generating excitement around upcoming topics or guests.

Continuous Improvement

To maintain relevance and quality, focus on continuous improvement through these practices:

Regular Content Review: Consistently review and refine both content quality and production standards based on listener feedback and personal assessment. Striving for excellence keeps audiences engaged while attracting new followers through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Peer Feedback Solicitation: Seek feedback from peers or industry experts who can provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. External perspectives often reveal blind spots within our own assessments of quality or relevance.

Investing in Quality Tools: As your podcast grows, invest in better equipment or software that enhances audio quality and production capabilities. High-quality production values reflect professionalism which resonates positively with audiences seeking engaging experiences.

Experimentation with Formats: Regularly experiment with new formats or segment ideas to keep content fresh and engaging for listeners. Trying different styles helps maintain interest while discovering what resonates best over time.

Stay Updated on Trends: Keep abreast of podcasting trends and emerging technologies that could enhance production quality or listener engagement strategies. Staying informed ensures adaptability amid changing preferences within the industry landscape.

Attend Industry Events: Participate in podcasting conferences or webinars for networking opportunities and learning from industry leaders. Engaging directly with others fosters collaboration while exposing you firsthand knowledge about best practices across diverse niches.

Join Podcasting Communities: Engage with podcasting communities or forums where you can exchange ideas, gain insights, and learn from others' experiences. These networks provide invaluable resources while fostering supportive environments among fellow creators passionate about their craft.

By implementing these strategies effectively, you can promote your podcast successfully while measuring its growth and continuously improving its quality.

Related Training Courses

Useful Resources

  • BuzzsproutComprehensive guide from a leading podcast hosting platform. Offers a step-by-step approach updated for 2024, with insights from helping over 300,000 podcasters launch their shows1.
  • The Podcast HostDetailed, beginner-friendly guide that covers everything from initial idea to gaining the first 100 listeners. Includes an interactive podcast launch planner tool2.
  • Shopify BlogIn-depth guide covering 11 steps to start a podcast, including technical aspects and marketing strategies. Regularly updated with current information3.
  • Podcast InsightsComprehensive tutorial that walks through every step of the podcasting process, from choosing a topic to promotion. Includes a free 10-day email course on starting a podcast4.
  • Riverside.fm BlogDetailed guide on podcast production from a reputable recording platform. Covers the entire process from preparation to sharing the finished show
  • NPR TrainingOffers a wealth of resources on audio production and podcasting from one of the most respected names in radio. Includes guides on recording, editing, and storytelling techniques.
  • Podcast MovementA leading podcast conference that provides a variety of resources, including blog posts, webinars, and industry reports. Offers insights from top podcasters and industry professionals.
  • TransomA respected resource for audio storytelling, offering in-depth articles, tools, and techniques from experienced producers. Covers both technical and creative aspects of podcasting.
  • Blubrry PodcastingProvides a comprehensive knowledge base covering all aspects of podcasting, from creation to monetization. Offers regular webinars and a podcast about podcasting.
  • Podcast Engineering SchoolFocuses on the technical side of podcasting, offering detailed guides on audio engineering, equipment selection, and production techniques.