What Do You Need to Start a Podcast?

If you have found yourself here, you are interested in starting your very own podcast. Much like social media and blogging, podcasts have now changed the way people share information and thoughts with the world and podcasts now offer us the opportunity to share our knowledge and thoughts via episodic audio series. The podcast platform has gained enormous traction over the past few years, with listeners seeking both entertainment and educational dialogue in a more personalized space.

The rise of podcasts can be traced to the diversity of content that they offer but what makes podcasts so unique is the relative ease it takes to start your very own one. Unlike traditional audio programs such as radio shows, you don't need an expensive recording studio or degree to begin your journey. So, in essence it is easy to create your own podcast but the challenge lies in maintaining the success of a podcast.

Below, we outline what you need to start your own podcast and what you can do to keep it running successfully. 

What You Need to Start a Successful Podcast

1. A Point of View

Before we get into the technical aspects of what you need to start a podcast, the most fundamental requirement is an “idea.” Essentially, you need to have an original idea or perspective that would run through your podcast series, whether this be your personal story, set of skills/expertise or a particular life passion. 

It is important to fully grasp your idea in its entirety as the podcast market is already oversaturated with shows - you want to stand out from the rest. Ask yourself what you want your listeners to learn, what perspectives you will be sharing and what stories you will be telling - and then ask yourself why your platform is different from all the others sharing similar stories. 

Once you break it down, begin shaping your podcast style. Will you be interviewing people? Will you be simply chatting with friends? How will you engage your audience? Put a plan in action that guides you through every episode and drives the conversation. It is this strategy combined with synergy that is important as you begin your podcasting journey. 

2. Episode Format

Now that you have an idea of what you want your show to be about, you need to plan out your episode format. You need to ask yourself what a specific episode will sound like. For example: will you have a fun introduction before the beginning of every episode, a jingle, or a soundbite? 

An example of an episode format would be:

• Teaser
• Intro Music
• Intro and Welcome from Host/s
• Ad Spot
• Interview
• Call to Action
• Outro Music

This will help you with the flow of your episodes and make you feel more in control of the podcast - which makes for greater content. But don't let this format limit your creativity - it is just a way to help you get into the swing of things. Different segments within your show may require a different template so keep this in mind when working on each episode. 

3. Recording Space

Now that you know what you want to say and how you will say it - it’s time to get technical.

Yes, you can technically record a podcast anywhere but it is important that the sound recorded is clear. Renting out a studio space for your podcast is not necessary because you can create your very own studio space

When choosing the space for you to record, make sure it isn't a large space. It is always a good idea to record in a smaller space - the less square footage the better for podcasting because there is less space between the walls and the sound. Essentially, if you have a larger space there’s more distance for sound to travel and get wider.

To ensure a quieter space consider investing in soundproofing material such as foam panels. This does not have to break the bank and is a great way to ensure smooth sound.

A bonus tip is to mount paintings or canvas on your walls when recording. This creates a barrier between the outside and inside so sound can’t get in easily. Place these on the walls where most outside noise comes from.

4. A Laptop

Of course you’ll need something to record your podcasts on and you will need somewhere to store all your raw recordings, interviews and tracks. There are many options when it comes to finding the right laptops for your podcast. 

At the end of the day, it is about what programs you have on your laptop, battery life, storage space and reliable recording options. 

5. Reliable Microphone/s

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need when starting your podcast. Audio quality is vital for the success of any podcast and a good quality microphone doesn't actually cost an arm and a leg. 

The kind of microphone you should invest in should be both a USB microphone and have an XLR connection as this lets you upgrade your recording equipment without having to invest in a new mic. Do your research and find the ideal microphone for your podcast - and consider whether you need more than one in case you plan on having a lot of guests. 

6. Recording and Editing

This is where the technical side of creating a podcast comes into play. Once you have successfully recorded your show, the hard work comes in. But it doesn't have to be hard work! Editing software is available and easy to use, and even if you have no experience in editing previously, you will quickly catch on thanks to the latest software innovations in the podcast industry. 

Audio production can be daunting but there is a variety of software's you can use to effectively edit your podcast. For example, Alitu is a “podcast making” tool that automates most of the confusing and overly technical parts of the editing process and basically builds your episode for you. Alitu is actually based inside of your browser and you have no software to download to get started on it. But Alitu is just one example of an easy-to-use podcast editor. 

When looking for the right editing software for your podcast, make sure it offers the following:

• Lets you add music
• Takes care of any audio cleanup
• Helps you piece together audio segments
• Can directly publish your episodes

Essentially, if you are a beginner, you will want a tool that allows you to upload your recordings - and does the rest for you. 

Now that you have successfully recorded and edited your podcast - it is time to launch it across all your chosen podcast platforms! 

The Wrap Up

In order to launch your podcast you need to:

• Have a fully rounded point of view
• Have an episode format and template
• Find a quiet recording space
• Invest in a laptop and microphone
• Get reliable and easy-to-use recording and editing software

At the end of the day, launching your own Podcast series is easier than you think.

At Nexa, we’ve invested in the equipment, technology and publishing platforms so that you as a business can record your podcasts and have them available to listeners within 24 hours.  

Contact us by completing the form on this page and our team will talk to you about the options available for your business.