So, you have an idea for a podcast for your business and you just know it’d be killer, if only you knew how to go about pulling it off. Yes, getting into the world of podcasting isn’t as easy as setting up a social media account, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
I’ll break it down into four easy steps and you’ll be hitting the airwaves in no time.
1. You’ll need equipment
In order to record and edit your podcast, you’ll need the proper equipment. Now, you can do this step on the cheap or go all out.
Microphone
ON THE CHEAP: The free option is to use the built-in microphone on your computer. The downfall is you’re skimping on the quality of the finished project. Put in a little bit of money and purchase a headset that will connect to your computer via USB. You’ll notice a drastic difference with this small change.
GO ALL OUT: If you’re not willing to skimp on quality and are willing to put some money into it, purchase a high-quality microphone. This option requires an XLR connection, which in turn requires you to purchase a mixer. This route will definitely cost more but you’ll have a top-of-the-line sound for your podcast.
Recording and editing software
This is what allows you to use the microphone to record, edit and convert your audio into an mP3 file. And again, this can run the gamut on costs, just like the microphone.
FREE: You can download free software from the Internet. Check out Audacity for the PC and GarageBand for the Mac.
GO ALL OUT: You can opt for a top-shelf recording software program instead. I suggest you start your search at Adobe Audition.
2. You’ll need an intro
The best podcasts have introductions with music and information about the show and its host. This is an important step for those just starting their podcasts because it tells the listener what and who they are listening to.
You can create this intro yourself or hire it out. Either way you go, you might want to consider in the early running to include relevant clips from the episode of that day’s podcast. If you’re new to the game, you’ll need to sell your show a bit.
3. You’ll need to tag and upload
Now that you’ve created a hopefully killer first podcast, it’s time to submit your mP3 file. But before you do, here is what might be the most important part: Tagging.
In this step, you are including keywords about your podcast and other relevant information. In this step you should also include your podcast’s artwork, title a description of that day’s show and any copyright information. If this sounds overwhelming, download ID3 Editor. It’s a free software that helps with the tagging process.
Once you’re tagged just right, it’s time to upload to major directories. You can do this for free, but this is where you should really pony up some money to get a media host. This will allow you to submit your podcast to major directories. I suggest checking out LibSyn, which allows you to submit to the iTunes store.
A final word
Well, there you have it. Easy as pie, right? OK, so it’s not, but you can do it! When the going gets rough through these four steps, just remember you’ll soon be delivering your message to a targeted, captive audience in a one-on-one level.
