Podcasting is a booming market. It is estimated that 177 million people will have listened to podcasts in the US by 2022.
Podcasts are an excellent way for brands to reach their customers and creators.
The good news? Podcasting is a great way to get started, whether for marketing purposes or as a hobby.
This guide will explain how to create a podcast, promote it, and monetize it.
Why you should create a podcast
Edison Research found that podcasts have grown in popularity over the last few years. In 2022, the number of Americans familiar with podcasts is expected to reach 79%. You’ll likely have an audience listening, which is a great opportunity.
Most content creators want to expand their audience and establish themselves in the industry. You can gain all of these benefits and more by starting a podcast.
Podcasts are more intimate than other forms of media. This allows brands and marketers to tell compelling stories about their brands. Podcasts humanize brands by showcasing authentic voices. Listeners are more engaged and loyal when listening to podcasts than other formats of content that appear mass-produced.
Podcasting, when done correctly, can also give you an edge over your competition if you stay relevant to your audience or consumers. Your brand will become a thought leader by interviewing industry experts and creating content on current trends.
A podcast is a great way to earn money and expand your network. This is everything a newbie needs to know about starting a podcast.
Find a niche or topic for podcasting
You’ll first need to identify your target audience and research the competitors in your market.
Who is the target audience of your podcast? You can create valuable and relevant content with a clear picture of your ideal audience. Identify your audience’s basic demographics, such as age, occupation, hobbies, and interests.
Edison Research has provided additional statistics to help you understand who listens to podcasts.
The average age of US podcast listeners is between 12 and 34 years old.
Facebook is the preferred social media platform for podcast listeners.
This information will help you create a content strategy and a promotion plan.
Do some research about other podcasts that are similar to yours. Understanding your competitors will help you position your podcast to stand out.
It’s nearly impossible for generic podcast ideas to gain traction in the face of so much competition. Your podcast topic should be broad enough to allow you to create multiple episodes but specific enough that it will attract a particular audience.
What sounds more interesting: a podcast about horror movies or one that explores some of the most cheesy B-movie creatures from the 80s and 90s?
Get specific. Don’t limit yourself to business, politics, or films. Be specific—research what is missing on the market. Make a list of the topics you are interested in, your brand, and what skills and expertise you can offer. You’ll find your niche if you connect all of these.
Add episode titles to your podcast name
You can benefit from name recognition if you are part of a well-known brand.
If you don’t have a name, you must think of something memorable that stands out from the other pods in your niche. You can use keywords your audience searches for to create a descriptive title. If a podcast creator names his show “The Content Creator Podcast,” it is clear to whom and what the podcast is about. You can make your podcast more memorable using a catchy or witty name.
Here are some examples of podcasts that do not promote products or services but have unique names to attract potential listeners.
The title of each episode is just as important as the name of your podcast. The title should be descriptive so that people know what they can expect. It should also give them a good reason to click. Inspiration can be found in the theme of your podcast or the subject matter of an episode.
Remember when I said to include keywords? Relevant keywords are essential. The title, provider name, and episode title determine the podcast directory’s search rankings. Use keywords relevant to your subject and likely to be searched for by your audience.
Choose your episode length
Podcast episodes do not have a standard length. The length of each episode varies from one show to another. Most pods run at the half-hour mark, though some are shorter and others longer. Podcast duration is also significant, as 32% of respondents said they are “put off” by episodes longer than an hour.
A good rule to follow is to adjust the length of your episodes according to how often you publish. Keep it short if you post every day. If you’re doing a podcast every week, keep it under 50 minutes. If you print less often, an episode of one hour will be brief for your audience.
Your audience is probably listening to other podcasts. (Edison Research reported that US podcasters listen to five shows on average per week). A shorter show allows them to fit you easily into their schedule.
Select the best podcasting software and equipment
Contrary to popular belief, starting your podcast does not require a lot of money in terms of equipment.
Theoretically, you can create a high-quality show using a smartphone. A headset and a microphone are the bare essentials for a professional podcast. Use a professional microphone from the start to ensure a consistent volume and tone.
Microphones: Purchase a USB microphone, such as the AKG Lyra, or an XLR mic, such as the Shure SM Series. A good microphone can be purchased for between $70 and $200.
USB audio interface is a device that converts analog audio signals into digital signals for your computer. Your voice is transformed into a digital audio signal that your computer can use. Focusrite Scarlett and Zoom LiveTrak make good choices. A USB audio interface can range from $100 to $200.
Headphones – Quality and comfortable headphones are essential for podcasters. Sennheiser PC 7 and Logitech H390 USB Headsets are both excellent choices. A USB headset is available for less than $70.
