A podcast is a form of audio broadcast on the web that does not require all of your target audience’s attention, like a video or a blog post. There are different types of podcasts, which are: the interview podcast, where one or two hosts interview different guests on each episode, and it does not always require a lot of group. The interview podcast typically entails researching your interviewee and developing a list of questions to ask; the solo podcast; the solo podcast is typically presented as a monologue, with one individual running the show; and the multi-host podcast is a form of podcasting that has two or more hosts, where they offer discussions that have different opinions and perspectives, which can provide more entertainment value for listeners who like to hear conversations.
Here are things you need to know before starting a podcast:
1. Have a cogent reason for starting a podcast channel: It is critical to have a defined reason, target audience, niche, and style when starting a podcast channel, as this will make the process much easier. After this, you can go ahead and do a bit of soul-searching where you should know why you want to start this podcast, whether you have something valuable to teach the world, whether you just like to talk, and whether you want to be paid to interview guests you admire.
2. Topic selection: When choosing a topic, it is important to narrow it down to something specific rather than broad, as this may result in the most devoted fans because it makes listeners feel as if you are speaking directly to them. After this, take a moment to think about your topic. However, to know if it is broad or specific, pick up a piece of paper or open a word processing document and start jotting down a list of subtopics related to your current subject. If, in doing this, you see that there are far too many subtopics coming to mind, it may be a sign that you need to get even more specific with the main topic your podcast will be about.
3. Creating an episode topic: Once you have narrowed your focus to a single topic, you can brainstorm several subtopics to discuss in depth. However, there is a need to research the episode subjects to make sure there is enough to say.
4. Decide on a format and hosting style: educational, nonfiction or fiction storytelling, conversational, or interviews can be done, you can host your own podcast, or you can have multiple hosts as well. However, having multiple personalities that are hosting can add interest and pull in a wide range of listeners. Also, when handling a podcast alone, your show can be just you sitting in front of a mic telling a story or teaching your audience something new.
5. Obtain the necessary equipment: Good sound is an important factor in producing a good podcast. This simply means that the voice and sound quality have to be clear, making it easy for people to listen, as an unclear sound could make listeners navigate away. Technically, a podcast can be recorded with your computer’s built-in microphone, but a better sound would be gotten from a high-quality microphone and headphone set. Therefore, you might need to consider a pop filter, a boom stand, or a microphone stand.
6. Get recording software: Although iMovie and GarageBand are available for Mac users, there are some other free and paid options for recording and editing.
7. Choose a sound-friendly recording location: It is very important to choose a quiet place in your home or office to record your episodes. However, if you do not have a completely silent environment, you can clean up your sound during the editing process. Although finding a sound-friendly location for recording is better for audio quality.
8. Converting your recording into a podcast: Once you have finished recording your show, find a host who can store your audio and make it available to your listeners. Your podcast hosting service will walk you through the process, and you can then place your audio files on their website and/or on your own website.
As a first-time podcaster, recording and editing may take you a while. Therefore, you should not focus so much on speed but rather on quality. As time goes on and you get familiar with your tools and the act of recording and editing, it will get easier and faster to produce episodes.