The Podcast Beginner's Fast Start Guide — Big Technology Edition
The Podcast Beginner's Fast Start Guide — Big Technology Edition
Everything you need to know about starting a podcast, from a veteran podcast host and producer.
You’ve decided to start a podcast. Great, you’re in the right place!
I’m a longtime journalist and the host of Big Technology Podcast, a show that does 1 million+ downloads annually. So let me tell you everything you need to know to get going.
Recording
To begin with, you’re going to need to record your show. Do not do this on Zoom! Zoom audio sucks. The best way to get good audio is to use purpose-built podcasting software. This software, like Zencaster or Riverside, records your audio and your guest’s audio on the browser —giving it a locally downloaded feel, not some Voip garbage — and then makes the tracks available for download soon after. I’ve used both, and like Riverside the most.
Mixing
Once you have two tracks (or however many guests you are hosting) you will need to mix the audio. Riverside will do this for you right in the software. You can also learn how to edit with software like Adobe Audition for even better control and quality. I recommend putting in the time to learn Audition, or hiring an editor. But if you can’t, you can mix within Riverside and be mostly fine.
Hosting
Podcasting is RSS based, so you will need to host your episodes on a podcast hosting platform. The hosting platform connects with podcast apps like Apple Podcast and Spotify and farms our your new episodes as you publish them. I use Megaphone for this. Redcircle has free hosting and an ad network that can help you start making money relatively quickly. If you’re just starting out, Redcircle is a good bet.
Microphone + Audio
Audio quality is crucial. It’s so good on most podcasts these days that it’s not worth compromising on your audio setup. To do it right, use the following products (no commission):
Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone [Amazon]
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface [Amazon]
Monoprice XLR Male to XLR Female Cable [Amazon]
Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Fast Charger Cable [Amazon]
NANYI 1/4'' Male to 1/8'' Female Stereo Headphone Adapter connect Cable [Amazon]
Wired headphones of your choice
Video
So many podcasts on YouTube today get around 30 - 110 views per show. That said, many others get great reach out of doing video and putting it on YouTube, LinkedIn, and elsewhere. I’d say try video but keep in mind how much work you’re putting in. If you’re working your ass off to get clips out that get 57 views and 3 likes, it might be worth sticking to audio.
Analytics
Once you get up and running on a hosting platform, you will start creating accounts on the podcast app platforms, like Spotify, Apple, etc. Once you do this and publish episodes, you will have access to these platforms’ analytics. Don’t get overly concerned with these analytics, but do listen to them. If you see people sticking around for an entire episode (see above), you’re doing something right. If your average listen time is 17 seconds, it may be time to retire. Pay attention to how your different intros and ad breaks impact retention.
Building Audience
The best way to build audience is to make episodes people want to share with friends and colleagues. It sounds simple, but it works. This means producing good sounding shows with unique insights, good energy, and some fun. Big name guests with followings will help you grow if they share the episode — but they don’t always and it shouldn’t be expected (but you can ask). Appearing on other podcasts also helps, because some listeners will come over to your show if they like you. Ultimately, building an audience is going to take a lot of work and won’t happen overnight. But if you do it right, your listeners will stick with you and you can expect to deepest form of relationship between creator and consumer that exists in media.
That’s what you’ll need to get started!
I’ll update if I think of more. Feel free to comment below with questions, etc. And subscribe to Big Technology!