Podcast listeners are increasing every year. According to Edison Research, 40% of the 12+ aged Americans say that they listened to a podcast in 2017, while 24% said they have listened to one podcast in the past month.
It is an excellent time to experiment with this medium because the podcast is attracting growing meditation from companies.
Although the number of podcasts last year has doubled, podcasting is not currently a crowded market – there are still many opportunities to create a place and increase the active audience base.
Are you thinking about starting your own podcast? Read this guide to learn How to Start Budget-Friendly Podcast in 2021.
1. Set Your Tone
The first thing to help in combating nervousness is not to be self-conscious about your voice. You do not need a professional radio voice to impress people. Speak naturally and do not put “Radio Voice.” At first, everyone hates the sound of their voice, and ultimately, you will get used to listening to it.
2. Know Your Audience, Define Your Niche
The next thing that everyone will ask when you start promoting your podcast is, “What is the topic?” If you expect a loyal fan base, you must have a clear answer to this question.
Another essential question to ask for yourself is will you be able to produce enough content for this topic? Some topics may seem exciting before, but you can feel that they do not have enough substance to start thinking in-depth about them.
3. Purchase Audio Hardware, PCs, Audio Interfaces, and Mixing Boards
Your budget will be the most significant factor in determining which tools you buy. You will also need to find out how wide your recording rig should be: If you are not tied to a particular location, you can create a setup that you record and edit in a room or part of the room. But if you need to record in the outdoor environment, you will need extra gear.
If you’re not using a USB microphone, you have to set up an audio interface on your computer to convert analog audio signals to your XLR microphone into a digital signal.
A pop filter can make a significant difference in your podcast audio quality. It’s a screen-type material that fits in front of your Mic and prevents wind from making a popping sound on your audio.
Another important aspect of audio records is to be a proper audio studio to make your podcast, which should be soundproof. Although thousands of dollars can be spent in a professional setup, you can also create a budget version.
4. Find an Inexpensive Hosting Platform
Okay, now you have a microphone, essential tools, and an editing program, and you are ready to release and record your podcast to the world. But how do you get your podcast on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Podcast, Spotless, and all other popular podcast apps? Simple: You have to get the cheapest place to “host” your podcast.
5. Find the Ideal Length of Your Podcast
Stitcher, an online radio and podcast site, says the average listener stays connected for 22 minutes. The science of attention spans also supports this number. TED Talks have a maximum of 18 minutes because scientists believe that we cannot keep our attention on any presenter for any longer before we check out.
6. What Are You Interested in?
The next step is to list out all the things that interest you. Remember, it is impossible to talk about something that does not interest you personally. If you are not engaged, your audience won’t be either. Allow yourself to set a time limit of five minutes to write anything and everything that you are a bit curious about.
7. Give Them a Reason to Listen
Whether you provide information that will help someone solve their issue or do a really entertaining interview with one of your favorite authors, you have to provide value for your listener.
Not only do you have to give them a reason to listen, but you also have to give them a valid reason to come back for more. It is essential to think about this in the planning stages. Think about writing 10-15 possible episodes that you think your target audience would like to hear.
8. Create a Logo and a Theme Song
There are definitely some things you are not able to do. You can also hire a senior graphic designer to create your brand logo. And you may need to hire a musician to make your intro music. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can easily create cute logos with several free websites. They’re’ free and don’t implement any watermark to your design.
9. Choose Podcast Category/Subcategory
There are dozens of categories and their subcategories on iTunes. Everything from art and politics to comedy and religion. Choose the category that best suits your brand niche. It does not have to be an exact subject. If you are facing challenges to decide on a category, check out other podcasts that are similar to your niche and note which category and subcategory they use.
10. Pick a Co-host (Optional)
Do you have a business partner, college friend, or coworker you want to co-host? It can be straightforward to start podcasting when co-hosted.
If both of you share your views on a topic, you will naturally have a more engaging conversation. It can be beneficial to have someone to keep things on track. Also, you can split the additional functions of editing, promotion, etc.
There may be a downside, though. You need to ensure in the long term that both of you are committed to it. It helps to set a schedule from the beginning to know when you will be recording every week.
However, there are no rules here. If your co-host turns down, you can continue the podcast without them. Or you can start a solo podcast and add a co-host later.
If you want to learn secrets about podcast marketing, you can contact us. Our experts will give you a free consultation regarding the same. Call now!