PODCAST TIPS: How to start and boss your podcast like a pro

1. Consume

Listen to a variety of podcasts and take notes on elements you like or you think could be improved.

2. Plan

What do you want to create? Why? What’s your passion and area of expertise? How is it going to look? Write a rough structure (this will save on editing time).

3. Schedule

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” - make a realistic schedule so you can stick to it and also how you are going to deliver and record it.

4. Create in bulk

Set up your mic or phone or software e.g. zoom for a vodcast. I prefer to create podcasts and vlogs in bulk to save time so once I am in the flow, I do several.

5. Edit

Either pay an editor, collaborate with someone or there’s plenty of free software to edit. But the time is saved in the planning and the recording, so it is easier to edit as you go, or at least take notes.

6. Host

Find a hosting platform, as this is easier to share on all platforms. I use and like Buzzsprout:
​https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1420630 (affiliate link).

7. Publish

Just go for it. It’s better to publish something than nothing. You will evolve and refine in time.

8. Promote

Share with relevant people and communities/groups. Also look for collaborations and encourage people to leave reviews if they enjoy it​.


Tips: Start as cheaply as possible until you know what you want to do so you can focus on serving people and enjoying it because it’s your passion, rather than worry about selling and making money back.

How to start for free (ish):

• Create a free sound booth at home by using a room with lots of furnishings inside to avoid echo (and try make sure everything other than your recording equipment is turned off e.g. cooker/washing machine).

 

• For voice overs, put a duvet over your head (obviously so you can breathe too! But it gives a vocal booth effect).

 

• You can use voice memo/notes on your phone or use air pods to record if you don’t have a mic (I use a Rode mic and attach it to my phone or Zoom if I am recording quickly).

 

• If you're recording over Skype/Zoom etc. you can use QuickTime to also record it for better quality. Also, I always ask guests to record the video too, so I can make a vlog and podcast. I also find eye contact helps with a good conversation/interview.

 

• Start simple. Don’t overcomplicate it. You learn from practice.

 

• Use free trials of apps and hosts if necessary, but always be aware of the difference between ‘free apps’ and ‘freemium’ (the latter is where it is free to start with and then you have to pay at some point, so these can be frustrating. Always research first e.g. Buzzsprout uses this model, but I was aware and that was the platform I had been recommended most so I only tried that one and found it easy enough).
  ​
• DIY your own promotion/PR/sharing.

 

• Remember podcasts are brilliant for ‘macro’ pieces of content which you can break down into micro pieces of content e.g. social media posts.
  
  Peace, Love and Sparkles
  Sophie Mei Lan, aka @thesparklecoach

 
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By Sophie Mei Lan
Co-founder of EvokeMediaGroup.co.uk
Blogs at mamamei.co.uk / yorkshirefamilies.co.uk / blogupnorth.co.uk