I get a lot of questions from people who want to repurpose video content into podcast episodes. But the thing is, they don’t already have an established podcast.
Starting a podcast for the first time can seem intimidating. Even in the case when you have the audio recorded and ready to go, there are still a lot of unknowns with regards to launching a podcast.
But don’t worry. It’s easier than it seems. If you already produce digital content of some kind you probably have all the technical knowledge you need to get your podcast set up.
I spent A LOT of time researching how to launch my podcast, and in this article I share with you the steps that I took.
Find out about:
- Deciding on your podcast details
- Artwork, intros/outros and sound equipment
- Hosting, recording your first episode
- Getting onto the main podcast directories / apps
Let’s get started…
1. Decide on Your Podcast Details
Open a document and write the following details:
Decide on each one for your podcast. Use keywords related to your niche in each section. Think about both what your target audience might type into the search bar when looking for new podcasts and what they would be attracted to when they’re browsing.
If you’re stuck, go on iTunes and see what other people in your niche have titled on their podcasts. How can you stand out from them while remaining relevant and interesting to your potential audience?
If you follow my steps then you will have a podcast show of your own. When you record videos that you would like to turn into a podcast episode, all that you need to do is extract the audio (and you may do some audio editing) — then you upload to your host.
2. Create Your Artwork
Any podcast needs a square cover photo or “artwork” in order to show up properly. It’s a lot like an album cover in the music store.
Your artwork will need to be approved by iTunes — their criteria is not very strict. It only needs to be “PG” rated and readable. Having said that, it’s important to get right. This will be the first thing people see when they’re browsing the podcast marketplace. It’ll be an easy job for any competent freelance designer, but if you’d like to do it yourself you can tinker with a number of free design templates on Canva.
No matter how you create your artwork, the most important thing is to make sure it’s easy to read even as a small thumbnail. Think of ways you can stand out from the other podcasts in your niche, too. Many of your potential listeners will first see your podcast nestled in amongst a bunch of others as they browse.
Finally, you’ll need to follow these technical specifications:
PODCAST ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS:
- Size: under 500 kb.
- Pixel Size: a minimum of 1,400 by 1,400 pixels, and a maximum of 3,000 by 3,000.
- Format: either in .jpg or .png format.
- Colour: RBG colour scheme.
3. Create Your Intro & Outro
When you start your podcast you don’t absolutely need an intro or an outro, but some may say it adds a certain level of professionalism to your show.
You can find voiceover freelancers easily on Fiverr, and there are a number of directories online of royalty free music. Throw out a Google search and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice.
To be honest, I found it a little overwhelming when I tried creating my own intro. In the end I decided to save time and use a done-for-you podcast intro service called Music Radio Creative. They took all the stress out of the process, so I’d recommend them to anyone else who’s struggling with this step.
Want to watch a clip from one of my podcast episodes where I talk you through this and other steps? Then hit play on the video below:
4. Get Decent Sound Recording Equipment
As an audio-only medium, sound quality is obviously crucial in podcasting.
Since you will be recording videos, consider investing in a discrete lapel mic. Most podcasters who focus on audio only use a large mic with a stand, but the lapel mic is perfect for recording in video as well since you don’t need to worry about how far the microphone is from your mouth the whole time you’re on camera.
If you are strapped for cash, you might be able to get away with using the microphone built into your earphones. Record a few seconds of speaking using that microphone and listen back. Ask yourself, would it bother you if you found a podcast that sounded like that? If not, go right ahead as it’s a shame to let the tech hold you back.
5. Host your podcast
Just as your website needs hosting, so does your podcast.
The hosting process creates an RSS feed, the same as a blog. This RSS feed is also called the feed URL or feed address. Once you throw this feed URL onto a given podcast platform, all future episodes you upload to your host will be automatically syndicated. Easy!
I use Lisbyn for hosting and I’m very happy with the service. It’ll cost you from $5 to $15 per month if you’re happy with their “Classic Plans”, which are fine for most podcasters. Once you sign up they’ll walk you through the rest of the process. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes if you already have your artwork and podcast details.
6. Record your first episode
I recommend your first episode be a simple introduction rather than an ordinary episode.
Include things like:
FIRST EPISODE CHECKLIST:
- Who you are
- What your podcast is about
- Who it’s meant for
- What to expect (such as duration and frequency)
Your host needs at least one episode to register you with the directories. It doesn’t need to be anything special (but remember it may be the first episode people listen to when they find you), it’s not being vetted for quality.
7. Submit your first episode
After uploading to your host, follow their instructions to get your feed onto any podcast platforms where you want to appear.
iTunes is a must, but there are many others — Spotify, I Heart Radio, Sticher, Pocketcast, to name a few popular ones.
Congratulations! You are now an official podcaster.
Conclusion
If you follow my steps then you will have a podcast show of your own. When you record videos that you would like to turn into a podcast episode, all that you need to do is extract the audio (and you may do some audio editing) — then you upload to your host.
Thanks for reading!
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Originally published at www.content10x.com.
