Three Tips on Starting a Podcast

THREE TIPS ON STARTING A PODCAST

You may listen to podcasts daily and would like to know how to start a podcast. Where should you start, and how can you go about creating your voice on a podcast?

​There is so much information out there; it's hard to know where to start. Here are three tips to get you on your way to podcasting like a pro!

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Tip #1 You Don't Need Expensive Equipment

Some audio people are obsessed with getting crystal clear sound on every track. Not only is that time-consuming, but most listeners won't be able to tell the difference between an extremely high-quality sound and a podcast that has good audio quality. Sure, you can purchase expensive microphones, but what's the point? Get great quality audio when you record with the Audio Technica 2100 Dynamic Microphone. Not only do you get great sound quality, but this mic is also extremely durable. I've dropped it several times and have never had an issue with my mic working.

Tip #2 Record on Good Software

I can tell the difference in audio when the host isn't recording on good software in my experience podcasting. This part of podcast production definitely makes a difference in your sound quality. Make sure to have good sound quality on your episodes. The number one reason why people turn off a show is because of poor sound quality.

I've tried recording in other programs, but I didn't get good sound quality. The result was spending much more of my time post-production trying to get the sound quality down, resulting in releasing my podcast late.

I recommend recording in Hindenberg Journalist - which you can also edit in - or Audio HiJack for Mac. Both programs offer good sound quality that you can adjust and are easy to work with, especially if you're not an audio editor or engineer! No, these aren't free; however, you will definitely save money and time when you use either of these programs.

Tip #3 Pay for Your Hosting Platform

Gone are the days where you have to manually use code to put your podcast on an RSS feed - now you can sign up with a host who will distribute your show to many other channels, similar to a book publisher, only with audio!

Going with a platform that doesn't charge leads to several issues. First, if the business doesn't charge, then where is it making its money? This is a HUGE red flag for me as the first thing I think about is that they are probably selling my information. To be clear, I'm not talking about offering a free trial period; I'm referring to a platform having a team to push out your podcast, but they don't charge a fee to do so. 

You don't want to go with a "free" platform because, from my experience in the past, the "free" platforms usually have unethical practices, such as taking your content and not giving you the option to move your podcast to another platform. That doesn't fly in my book.

If you're going to be a serious podcaster with quality content, you'll need to spend a bit of money to get off the ground. You don't have to break the bank, but you'll want to get products that save valuable time and money. If you're not sure what to use, click on my consult link to chat!

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