So you want to start a podcast?
Go on! Just admit it!
Just like Ted and Barney, at one stage or another you’ve turned to your friend, work colleague or business partner, usually after consuming a significant number of alcoholic beverages, and muttered those five magic words…
Instead it wasn’t buying a bar nor starting a band… Instead..
”We should start a podcast!”
Sounds like a magic idea, when you’re five beers and three Jagermeisters into your Friday night, right?
But slow down there pal, there’s a little bit to think about and you’ve got some planning to do, once the hangover disappears by Monday morning. Yep, two-day hangovers are the norm now - I’m looking at you millennials!
Firstly, there’s a little bit to know.
There’s no denying that podcasts have become one of the most widely used, cost-effective methods to communicate your message to an audience.
Whether you are a professional digital creator looking to monetise, a company looking to reach customers, an organisation looking to connect with your local community or just a few mates looking to have a chat and see what comes of it, it can be a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Like anything, for your podcast to be successful it takes hours and hours of planning, recording and editing. If you think you’re just going to plug your $70 Yeti USB Microphone into your laptop and be Joe Rogan by next week, you’ll probably need to calm that farm.
Podcasting is a cost-effective method to communicate your message to an audience.
So what do you need to plan for a successful podcast, I here you ask? Well, you’ve come to the right place grasshopper!
Here are our five crucial steps to creating a successful podcast.
1. Define Your Niche and Target Audience
Find your passion: What topics excite you? What do you love talking about? Your enthusiasm will shine through and engage your listeners.
Identify your audience: Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your content and style.
Keep the audience in mind: Is this something that people want to listen to?
2. Plan Your Content and Format
Preparation: The most important part is the time you spend to research, script and prepare. Think you’ll get away with no preparation? Think again - The audience knows.
Choose a format: Will you have interviews, solo episodes, or a mix? Consider what works best for your topic and personality.
Outline your episodes: Create a structure for your episodes, including intro, segments, and outros. This will keep you focused during recording.
Production: A well produced podcast can elevate a good one to a great one. Take it seriously.
Be consistent: Decide on a release schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.) and stick to it. This helps build anticipation and keeps your audience engaged.
3. Invest in Essential Equipment
Microphone: A good quality microphone is crucial for clear audio. USB mics are a great starting point for beginners, but bear-in-mind you get what you pay for.
Headphones: Closed-back headphones help you monitor your audio and prevent feedback during recording.
Recording and Editing Software: There are many free and paid options available. Audacity is a popular choice for beginners.
4. Embrace your field
Guests and topics: Feature experts, businesses, or events to connect with your local audience.
Showcase your culture: Highlight the unique scene of your topic, including the culture, people and
5. Promote and Grow Your Audience
Social media: Create accounts for your podcast and share snippets, behind-the-scenes content, and episode links.
Submit to directories: List your podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube Music.
Engage with your listeners: Respond to comments and feedback. Building a community around your podcast is key.
Bonus Tips:
Network with other podcasters: Perth has a supportive podcasting community. Attend meetups and events to connect with fellow creators and learn from their experiences.
Video: While not essential, video can add an extra aspect to your podcast.
Starting a podcast takes dedication, but with careful planning and a passion for your topic, you can create something truly special. So grab your mic, hit record, and let your voice be heard!
Ready to share your Perth story with the world? Perthspective Productions is your local partner in professional podcast production. Let's craft your unique voice into a captivating podcast that resonates with your target audience.
We can tailor a podcast production package to suit your needs!
Contact us today!