Podcasts are a fantastic way to connect with your audience and build a community around your interests. But before you launch your show, there are a few things you need to consider.
52 Questions to ask yourself before you start recording:
- What is the purpose of my podcast?
- What topics will I cover?
- Is there already a podcast on similar topics? How can I make my podcast stand out from others?
- What kind of personality do I want my podcast to have? (e.g. serious, humorous, irreverent)
- What tone do I want my podcast to strike? (e.g. informative, entertaining)
- Who is my target audience?
- How often will I release new episodes?
- How will people listen to my podcast?
- How will people subscribe to my podcast?
- What format will your episodes be in?
- How long will each episode be?
- Should I create transcripts of my episodes?
- Will I have guests on my show?
- What kind of questions do I want to ask my guests?
- How can I make sure my interview flows naturally?
- Are there sensitive topics that might come up during an interview? How do I handle them if they come up?
- What music should I use for intros/outros/transitions?
- Do I need to get permission from anyone before using their music/icons/names in my show? (e.g. copyrighted material, trademarked logos, images of people)
- How will I promote my podcast?
- What equipment do I need to record my podcast?
- Do I need any special software to edit my episodes?
- Where will I host my podcast files?
- How much will it cost to produce my podcast?
- Do I have the time to start a podcast?
- Am I willing to invest the money necessary to produce a high-quality show?
- What potential sponsors are there for my podcast?
- Do I need help with the production of my podcast?
- What is the best name for my podcast?
- What are my possible obstacles?
- Have I consulted with an attorney about legal concerns?
- Do I need to trademark my podcast name and logo?
- How do I create eye-catching and brandable artwork for the show?
- How can I make sure people can find my podcast online?
- Should I create accompanying blog posts or social media content for each episode?
- How can I make each episode unique and interesting?
- Do I have any ethical concerns when starting a podcast?
- What are the legal implications of starting a podcast?
- Am I comfortable standing in front of a microphone and speaking for long periods?
- Do I have experience with audio editing?
- Am I willing to learn new skills, such as audio editing and file hosting, if needed?
- What are my budget and funding goals for the podcast?
- Am I prepared to invest money in professional editing and production services?
- How do I record a podcast episode?
- How do I edit a podcast episode?
- How do I submit a podcast to a platform?
- How do I market a podcast?
- What are the most common mistakes people make when starting a podcast?
- Can I commit to being consistent with releasing new episodes?
- What kind of feedback do I want from listeners (reviews, comments, etc.) and how can I encourage people to give me feedback?
- Am I prepared for the possibility that my podcast might not be successful?
- Do I have what it takes to stick with it, even if success does not happen overnight?
- Is there anything else I should consider before launching my podcast?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a beginner start a podcast?
A beginner starts a podcast by first researching what is involved in the process. They need to understand the different aspects of producing a podcast, such as creating a broadcast format, recording, and editing episodes, and marketing their show.
After researching, they need to decide on the tools and services they need to launch a podcast. This may include choosing a hosting platform, creating a website or blog, and purchasing audio equipment. The beginner must then create the content of their show and start recording episodes. They can use social media or other online platforms to market their podcast and attract listeners.
What are interesting podcast topics?
Some people may be interested in current events, while others may prefer to listen to discussions about history or science. Some podcasts focus on specific interests, such as cooking or travel. Whatever topic you choose, be sure to find a podcast that is well-produced and hosted by experts.
What should you consider when choosing a podcast hosting platform?
When choosing a podcast hosting platform, you should consider the amount of storage space the platform offers, how often the platform backs up your data, and how easy it is to share your podcast with others. You should also consider the cost of the platform and whether it offers features that are important to you, such as transcriptions or episode tagging.
How do you make your podcast unique?
Podcasters can make their shows unique in a variety of ways. Some focus on a specific topic, while others take a more eclectic approach. Some podcasters build a strong personal connection with their listeners, sharing intimate details about their lives.
Others use creative production techniques or engaging formats to stand out from the crowd. Whichever approach they choose, podcasters can make their shows unique by putting their own spin on them and carving out a distinctive niche.
What makes a podcast successful?
Many factors can make a podcast successful, but one of the most important is content. The podcast should be interesting and relevant to listeners and offer them something new and valuable that they can not get elsewhere. Production quality is also important, meaning the podcast should be well-produced and easy to listen to. Finally, it’s important to market the podcast effectively so people know about it and can find it easily.
Conclusion
Asking yourself these questions before you start a podcast will help you determine if you are ready to commit and what steps you need to take to successfully launch your podcast.
If you are excited about the idea of starting a podcast and can see yourself doing the work necessary to sustain it for the long term, then you should do it! There’s no better time than now to share your voice with the world.
