Creating a successful podcast is an
exciting journey, and in this video, I'll guide you through the right steps
to get started. Whether you're a seasoned content creator, or a complete
beginner -- we've got you covered. I'm your host Lloyd Not George, and I'm here
with Spotify for Podcasters. In today's video, we'll cover seven key topics to get you well on
your way to creating your first episode. We'll talk through podcast format, preparation,
equipment, best practices, recording, post- production and launch strategy. So
without further ado, let's get into it. When you're getting started, you need a solid
foundation for your podcast. In this chapter, we'll iron out your podcast format to ensure
that your episode is as engaging and impactful as it can be. When we talk about the format of a
podcast, we're referring to the way your content is organized and presented to your audience. For
instance, if your podcast is about mental health, would it be better suited as an interview-based
show where you bring in experts or individuals with personal experiences for each episode?
Or perhaps a solo podcast where you share your insights research and perspective on different
mental health topics. Here are a few popular formats to consider. The roundtable podcast.
This often involves multiple people having casual conversations. The Narrative non-fiction
podcast. Think of this like a documentary. The Fiction podcast. Fiction podcasts are like
movies but for audio. The reformed podcast which is great for content creators who like to
make audio versions of existing video or written content. The format you choose will shape your
podcast identity and can significantly influence how your audience engages with your content. An
interview format fosters a conversational tone, and can provide diverse viewpoints, while a solo
format allows you to dive deep into topics with a personal touch. Remember the format isn't set
in stone you can always evolve and adapt as you you grow in your podcasting journey. A podcast
schedule can be a valuable tool to help you stay organized and manage your podcast workflow
efficiently. It's also the best way to ensure that creator burnout doesn't creep up. The most
common publishing cadence in podcasting is weekly, first thing in the morning, during the work week.
Once you've got your ideas in place, it's time to prepare for your podcast launch. Now that you've
decided on your topic and are gearing up for your podcast launch, let's talk about podcast branding.
Your podcast name is like the front door to your content. It's what catches the attention of
potential listeners, so it's essential to get it right. When choosing a name, consider the
following. There are typically three categories to choose from when naming your podcast.
Creative. These names are imaginative and unique, often sparking curiosity. Descriptive. These names
clearly convey the podcast's content and purpose. Your name. Using your own name especially
if you're well known in your field or as a content creator can add a personal touch. Here are
a few tips to make sure you get it right. Keep the name succinct, ideally four words or less, so it's
memorable. Ensure that your podcast name is easily searchable. Think about the keywords people might
use when looking for content like yours. Practice saying the name out loud. Make sure it's easy
to pronounce and doesn't lead to any confusion. Before finalizing your podcast name, do some
research to ensure it's not already taken, Also gather outside opinions to get a sense of how it
resonates with others. Choose a name that aligns with your content both now and in the future. Your
Podcast may evolve, so consider how the name will accommodate those changes. The podcast description
is your opportunity to convince people to listen to your show and make it stand out from other
podcasts. Don't overthink it. Keep it clear and engaging. It should provide a brief yet compelling
glimpse into what your podcast offers. This is especially important for SEO purposes, since it's
how search engines and podcast platforms index your content so it can be found. If possible, keep
your description to a maximum of 100 characters for the best results. Make sure to include the
following in your show description: the name of the podcast, host, topics covered on the podcast,
easily searchable keywords, and links to your socials. Now let's talk about cover art. Your
cover art is an important part of your podcast strategy. It's the first impression of your
podcast, so make sure it stands out and represents your brand in a world that's audio-first. Your
cover art is one of the few visual canvases for your show. You can use any image editor you feel
comfortable with. There are several tools online that you can use to design your podcast artwork.
When crafting the cover art for your podcast, make sure that these three things are top of
mind. Make it stand out and easily recognizable. Consider a visual cue about the podcast's theme
or niche. Quality matters.The standard minimum resolution for podcast artwork is 3,000 by 3000
pixels. Keep it simple. Straightforward designs with minimal clutter work the most successful and
effective. Let's talk about some of the essential podcast equipment you'll need. To get going,
your choice of microphone plays a pivotal role in the quality of your podcast audio. Here are
a few options to consider. Believe it or not, your smartphone can be a great starting out
point. Using a phone is convenient and it's a low-cost way to start your podcasting journey. If
you're ready to invest a modest amount of money, USB microphones offer a significant improvement
in audio quality. Since more cell phones are now embracing USBC cables, this makes it incredibly
simple to use high-quality microphones and your cell phone. For podcasters aiming to top-notch
audio quality, a professional XLR microphone is the way to go. Whether you're starting out with a
phone or a microphone, focus on your content and storytelling skills since they are the heart of
your podcast. Your equipment can evolve as your podcast grows. so you've got everything you need
to capture a high-quality episode. Here are a few best practices when it comes to recording.
Where you record your podcast is crucial in creating high-quality audio. Make sure you choose
a room or area that minimizes external noises and echoes. Walk-in closets (due to their compact
size) are excellent choices for recording. Also make sure that the noisy appliances like fans,
air conditioning units, or other distractions are either moved or turned off. A quiet environment
is essential for clear audio. If you're looking to further improve your recording environment,
consider DIY solutions. Use furniture, pillows, rugs, blankets or even clothes to absorb noise
and minimize echos. These makeshift soundproofing measures can make a significant difference in the
quality of your audio. One of the most important things in your episode is how it starts. Your
intro should hook your audience either by explaining what they can expect if they listen to
the rest of the episode, or by playing a snippet from the most engaging part of the episode. Just
as important is your outro. By the time someone makes it to the end of your episode they're
likely a true fan. This is the perfect time to ask your listeners to follow your podcast so that
they're notified the next time that you publish an episode. To keep listeners engaged, I recommend
that you break your episode into segments. Podcast segments add variety and breakup episodes into
easily consumable portions. The production process can get pretty involved, so you want to make sure
that you're set up for success. Here are some tips before you hit record. Before you start recording,
it's essential that you have a clear plan in place. Consider the following: write down all of
the aspects of your podcast that are repetitive, for example your introduction and outro. This will
allow you to record straight through minimizing the number of edits that you'll have to
make in post- production. When editing, you'll want to test your equipment 15 minutes
before you're ready to start recording. If you're interviewing a guest, this will give you enough
time to ensure that everything is working as it should. Click record as early as possible;
you'll be surprised how many times podcasters forget to hit record. Video is becoming such
an important part of podcasting. Video gives you the ability to share your content on other
social media platforms, which makes it more likely for people to discover your content. While
video does increase the exposure of your show, there are several audio only podcasts perform
really well. If the idea of adding a visual element to your podcast sounds intriguing,
there are a few key aspects to consider for your video setup. Let's explore what you'll
need. Lighting. Consider investing in a studio light with a softbox. Or for a budget friendly
alternative, natural light or well-positioned lamps can work wonders. Your podcast branding can
be a great starting point. Consider the colors and decor that would fit with your theme
for a cohesive visual experience. Ideally, you'll want either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera
to record your podcast, but at the very minimum, your camera should record in 1080P resolution. If
you're using a smartphone to capture video, grab a mount so your phone will be secure and stable.
Oh, and if there are multiple people, make sure that everyone has their own dedicated microphone.
By considering these factors and investing in the right equipment, you can successfully venture into
the world of video podcasting. With a well-lit thoughtfully decorated space and the right audio
and video gear, your video podcast can be visually captivating and an engaging experience for your
audience. Once you've recorded the episode, it's time for post production. I'd like to break
up post- production into three phases. Number one: editing and cutting. This is the first pass.
You'll listen to the episode and trim the beginning of the episode exactly when the podcast
starts. You'll then want to continue listening and remove anything within the episode that doesn't
belong. For example, if you take a break in the middle of the recording to drink water, or if
you stop talking because there's a loud ambulance passing your home, that would be great to cut
out of the episode. You'll want to add background music and transitions. You can use music to
enhance the flow and atmosphere of your podcast. At this stage you've cut the content, so you have
a concise podcast episode, now it's time to make sure all of your levels are good. I normally don't
listen to the full episode for the third time, I just use the cursor to click different parts
of the episode using the waveform. If you see certain spikes in volume or areas where the volume
seems to be low, I'd listen over that section one more time to ensure everything is leveled and
sounds good. With a freshly produced podcast, it's time to host and publish your show and then
make it searchable on podcast directories. Here's a quick breakdown of what these are these are apps
where people can find and listen to your podcast such as Spotify, but it's not necessarily hosted
there now. A hosting service these are platforms where you can upload and distribute your podcast
via RSS feed, which is kind of like an ID for your podcast. Most hosting services include
storage, distribution, audience analytics, and monetization options. You can use the Spotify
for podcasters app to distribute your podcast to all of the popular podcast platforms, like Apple
podcasts, the Pocketcast app overcast and so many more. Here's a quick overview of the process.
Fill in your episode title and description. Craft a compelling episode title and provide a concise
description that entices listeners to click play. Fill in season and episode number. Organize your
episodes by assigning a season and episode number, this makes it easier for listeners to
navigate your content. Upload episodes specific artwork for more personalized touch. You
can upload cover arts specific to each episode. This can enhance the visual appeal of your
podcast. Save your episode to publish now, or schedule for later. Decide whether you
want your episode to go live immediately, or at a specific date and time. Scheduling can
help you maintain a consistent release cadence. With those final touches, your podcast is ready to
hit the airwaves and reach your audience. Take the time to ensure that your content is engaging and
well prepared, and you'll be well on your way to a successful podcast launch. If you found
this video helpful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable content on
podcasting, and let me know in the comments: what do you want your podcast to be about? Thanks for
watching, and best of luck with your podcast show/ peace
