Having your own podcast is very exciting, and the best part is that you can talk about anything you want. Whether it’s about art, movies, politics, world events, or sports, the choice is up to you, and you will always find listeners who will be interested in what you have to say.
The trick is to be a good talker and a compelling storyteller to reel people in. Before you get started, you need to set everything up and get your gear in order. Read on to learn about some of the most important steps to take before you start your own podcast.
Picking out the Right Microphone
The process of picking out the right microphone can be a little tricky because you can start your audio program with any type. However, the trick is to find one with a high-quality model to keep your listeners happy. The best mics must provide crisp and clear audio to give you studio-quality results, even if you’re recording from home. You can get one with a mountable pop shield to block plosives and unwanted air sounds.
Having a metal filter head works wonders, too when it comes to minimizing interference. Consider getting a mic with the right frequency response that matches your voice. Low-frequency mics work well for men as they pick up deep voices, while high-frequency models are much more convenient for women for clearer voice recording.
Choosing the Right Host
You need to choose the right host for your audio program to get the exposure and fame you desire. Many hosting services and platforms are free, while others require a subscription to access extra perks. You can read this review to understand how choosing the appropriate host will depend on the benefits you want to receive as well as the features you need.
Also, the type of content you broadcast might be hosted by specific platforms because hosting providers can be a little picky with the content they approve. The free ones are an excellent choice when you’re first starting out, as they can provide you with useful statistics and data regarding your performance and traffic.
Professional hosting platforms, on the other hand, require a subscription, but they can give you unlimited audio or video storage for you to archive and for your fans to check at any time.
Digital Working Station
Every podcast host needs a digital working station for their program. It’s great for editing and recording the best content for your listeners. Most editing applications and software programs are used for remixing, splicing, and restoration purposes for your audio. Some applications need licenses, and it might cost you a bit before you can enjoy the perks.
However, the recommended approach is to use the free ones that can still do the job well for you. Audio editing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially in the beginning. You can normalize the volume, edit out unwanted sounds, and export your audio to different file types like WAV, OGG, AIFF, or MP3. Consider your choice wisely, and save some money from the start to avoid overwhelming yourself. Familiarize yourself with the settings before you start your broadcast.
Pick Your Niche and Audience
Picking your niche early is vital to attract listeners and for building an audience. The best way to achieve this is by narrowing down your topics. Numerous podcasts online are probably covering most broad topics, but you can spin things around if you narrow down an old topic to make it sound new to your listeners. It will help you understand who you’re targeting because you need to make those people your frequent listeners for every broadcast.
Finding people with the same passion you have for a specific topic is your best bet for success because it will make your audio program meaningful and useful. The key is to give people a reason to listen to you, and that is done by creating worthwhile content for them. If you provide content that listeners can get something out of it, you will succeed and gain more popularity.
You need to think about ways to stand out in the audio program world. Make sure your podcast is unique and meaningful to get more listeners and fans. After all, you want people to enjoy your topics and keep listening to your podcast while driving, playing video games, jogging, or working out in the gym.
Remember to get the proper equipment and find the most convenient host or platform to get your podcast off the ground. With the right content, you can create meaningful connections with your audience, which will elevate your audio program to new heights.
