So you’ve decided you want to start a podcast. Sooo…now what? It can be overwhelming to figure out what you need to get the podcast going when you don’t exactly know where to start. Of course there’s equipment, content, format, schedules, and a whole bunch of other things you need to sort out before you can put out your first broadcast. So where should you start?

As someone who once took on the journey of starting a podcast not so long ago, I can tell you that there are a couple of things I wish I knew to make my life a little easier.

1. Plan out your content – One of the most important things to do before getting into the logistics of launching your first broadcast is to plan out your content. Determine the topics you are most passionate about and want to discuss with your audience. Remember that determining the purpose of your podcast early on will set you up for success once you get started.
2. Determine who your target audience is – Once you’ve decided what you’re passionate about, think about the groups of people that will relate to your content the most. Who is likely tuning into your podcast every broadcast? While it is highly unlikely that you will be able to cater to everyone’s interests, you can focus on drawing in a specific group that will consistently listen to your broadcasts.
3. Find a way to connect with your audience – Storytelling is key. Stories are what bridge the gap between different groups of people. They will allow your audience to relate to you. Focus on the message in each of your stories. This will help you maintain a strong connection with your audience.
4. Have your talking points ready – If you’re like me, then you love talking until you’ve made your point…which can lead to a lot of off-topic discussions and losing track of time. The best way to ensure a structured format is to write out some talking points beforehand to make sure you have a mental checklist of topics you’d like to cover in your broadcast. This will help you stick to a consistent format, but also reduce the pressure when you find yourself unable to think of the next topic you want to discuss.
5. Collab with guests – Inviting experts and other esteemed individuals to be a part of your podcast will boost the credibility of your podcast. While this can seem daunting as a new podcaster, focus on inviting experts to your podcast that fall into your niche. A simple email or dm can go a long way.
6. Choose the right tools – Choosing the right platform for your podcast can be tricky. With a variety of resources out there, each offering different features, it’s not so simple anymore to just pick one right off the bat. Do your research and evaluate the platform based on budget, analytics, storage, and features needed. If you’re still conflicted, Hello Studios can help! We offer a variety of services that you can choose from when building your podcast, which can be found here.
7. Focus on providing high-quality audio – I know how tough it can be to produce a flawless, no-noise-in-the-background audio clip, especially when the audio clips run a bit long. If you’re like me and try to turn your room into a makeshift recording studio, it’s even harder. But trust me when I say you’re going to want to invest your time into making sure the audio is high-quality. Poor audio will drive away your audience and can detract from your main points. Practice your recording techniques and identify places in your home or community where you can get the perfect audio clips for your podcast.
8. Join online communities – Make sure you hop on social media and join different podcast communities! These communities will help review your podcast and provide tips, tricks, and valuable insight into growing your audience and improving your techniques.
9. Consistency – Make sure you do your research when it comes to release days and determine the best day to post your content. Always release your episodes on a reliable and consistent schedule. Establish the frequency of your releases and no matter what stick to it! Sticking to a schedule establishes a routine for your audience.
10. JUST BE YOURSELF – No matter what, make sure you are staying true to who you are! At the end of the day, your audience is tuning in to hear YOUR unique perspective, YOUR distinct ideas, and YOUR originals thoughts. Trust yourself and remember that authenticity is key in engaging your audience.

Good luck podcasters! 🙂