Download here: http://gg.gg/vb8wn
More people are listening to podcasts than ever before.
Jul 09, 2020 The #1 lesson before starting a podcast. Before you get started, let’s reinforce the idea and reason for which you are starting a podcast. As the podcast is an exploding content platform and unlike blogging or video-blogging, it is less technical and solely relies on the knowledge that you want to share with the world. Since not a lot of. See full list on podcastinsights.com. Jan 13, 2021 With all of these in mind, my recommendation for new podcasters is to get started with BuzzSprout and claim a free $20 gift card. 7 Useful Steps to Start a Podcast. Ever since the revolutionary release of the iPod in 2001, podcasts have been growing in popularity. And there seems to be no sign of stopping.
According to Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to a podcast each week has grown 120% over the past four years, and 90 million Americans listen to a podcast every month.
As the audience for podcasts continues to grow, there has never been a better time to start a podcast for your business, brand, or a personal hobby.
If you follow this guide, it will prime you to launch your own podcast and take advantage of this exciting new medium.What makes podcasts different?
Podcasts are a great way to build a genuine connection with your audience.
Instead of the fractured connection you make through social media, podcasts allow you to engage your audience with unique long-form content. Podcasts are more convenient than blog posts; people can listen to podcasts while driving, working out, or just doing chores around the house.
There is a lot of unexplored space in the podcasting industry. There are at least 600 million blogs, 23 million YouTube channels, but only 800,000 podcasts in Apple Podcasts.
That means for every podcast, there are 750 blogs and 29 YouTube channels.
Imagine the incredible opportunity there was to start a blog in 2004, and you’ll have an idea of where podcasting is today.Step 1: Develop a podcast concept
Podcasts are as varied as the people that create them.
There are excellent podcasts about history, pop-culture, neuroscience, and even a fictional town where aliens are friends with the Yeti. The only limit to what you can do with a podcast is your own imagination.
Before we tackle questions about choosing a podcast name, format, and show length, let’s consider some fundamental questions.
To start, ask yourself, ’Why am I starting a podcast?’ and ’What is my podcast about?’
Once you’ve answered the why and what, the rest of the concept will fall into place.Identify your podcast goals
So, ’why are you starting a podcast?’ To phrase it another way, ’what’s your goal or purpose for your podcast?’
To help you get started, here are some common goals in podcasting:
*To generate leads for a business
*To be recognized as a leader in an industry
*To share an important message
*To have fun
It’s helpful to write your answer down so you can refer back to it as you develop your show’s concept.Pick a podcast theme or topic
Now it’s time to figure out your show’s topic. Your topic can be as broad as pop-culture or as focused as discussions about recent Supreme Court rulings.
The only requirement is to be passionate about whatever you choose. It should be something you’re excited to research and regularly discuss. Once you have an idea of what to podcast about, it’s time for market research.
You can search your show’s topic in Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes) to see if there are already podcasts in that genre. If there are, listen to a handful of episodes to see what they’re doing well and think of ways they could improve.Name your podcast
When picking a podcast name, try to pick something catchy, memorable, and that will rank for your podcast’s relevant keywords.
Here’s Apple’s advice for picking a good title for your show:
Pay close attention to the title, author, and description tags at the and level of your podcast. Apple Podcasts uses title, author, and description fields for search. The metadata for your podcast, along with your podcast artwork, is your product packaging and can affect whether your podcast shows up in relevant searches, and how likely users are to subscribe to it.
Make your title specific. A podcast named Our Community Bulletin is too vague to attract many subscribers, no matter how compelling the content.How To Start A Podcast: Simple Guide For New Podcasters List
From Apple’s Podcast Best Practices.Use keywords, without stuffing
You don’t want to stuff your title with keywords, but you do want to make it easy for people to find your podcast. If you have a one or two-word podcast name, add a brief description in the title tag to help search results.
Here are a couple examples:
*Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin.
Most people searching for this podcast will probably search for Seth Godin. So it’s important to include his name in the title.
*Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats.
There probably aren’t many people searching for ’Syntax’ in Apple Podcasts (unless they’ve already heard of this show). By adding ’tasty web development treats,’ the podcast can show up if someone searches for ’Web Development,’ which will significantly increase the odds of being found by potential listeners.Don’t create podcast artwork, yet
Even though we’re doing all the prep work, we suggest holding off on creating artwork right now.
Your podcast is in its infancy, and as a result, the concept of your show will probably change a little as you record your first few episodes. It’s totally fine if this happens. It’s easy to change the title of your podcast, but it’s a real pain to change your artwork, especially if you paid already paid for it once.
We recommend waiting until after you record a few episodes before you create your show’s official artwork.
Jump to Podcast Artwork section.Step 2: Choose your podcast format
Some podcasts just have a single host, others are scripted stories, or feature in-depth interviews.
The important thing is to choose a format that fits what your podcast is about and is something you’re comfortable with:
*If you love improv and banter, you’ll need to have a cohost.
*If you like having everything planned out and scripted, you might lean toward an audio drama.
When it comes to podcast formats, there isn’t one right answer. So, let’s talk about the most common formats:
*Interview podcasts: These podcasts feature a single host who interviews individuals within a particular industry. Examples: The Joe Rogan Experience, Fresh Air, and Trained by Nike.
*Scripted non-fiction: Typically, serial podcasts that have a single theme for a full season. Examples: Serial, Slow Burn, and Hardcore History.
*News recap: A format that summarizes the news within a specific industry. Examples: The Daily, Kickass News, or Planet Money.
*Educational podcasts: Scripted non-fiction shows that focus on teaching their audience. Examples: Stuff You Should Know, Hidden Brain, and TED Radio Hour.
*Scripted fiction: These podcasts are similar to radio dramas and are often scripted and highly produced. Examples: The Magnus Archives, Limetown, and CARAVAN.Optimal podcast length
Don’t let people tell you there is an optimal length for a podcast episode.
You’ll find shows like The Daily that are 20 - 30 minutes long, Accidental Tech Podcast that averages 2 hours per episode, and Hardcore History with episodes as long as audiobooks.
Your podcast should be as long as it needs to be, without being any longer.
Every podcast can benefit from editing, so get comfortable cutting out rambling segments, boring questions, and parts of the episode that don’t add much value to the listener.
And remember: if you’re producing quality, engaging content, be confident people will keep listening.Podcast publishing schedule
Podcasting can be a full-time job or something you do on the side. If it’s the latter, you can have a more relaxed publishing schedule.
You might decide to publish every day like the Daily or publish a podcast series every two years like Serial.
If you have the bandwidth, we recommend publishing once a week to:
*Develop a connection with your listeners. If you publish every day, eventually, your listeners will start to schedule your podcast into their day. A weekly schedule allows you to build this more profound connection with your listeners.
*Create a habit for yourself. Releasing consistent episodes can keep you podcasting even when you lose your excitement for it. You want to build up the habit so you can continue to grow your show and avoid podfade.
Once you have your podcast format, approximate show length, and publishing schedule, you’re ready to invest in podcast equipment.Step 3: Podcast recording equipment and software
Podcasts have a low barrier to entry; if you want to start a podcast, it’s relatively easy to begin the process with little overhead or experience. You can start recording a podcast with just your iPhone and a pair of headphones. Remember, your content is the most crucial part.
Nobody listens to a podcast because it has superior sound quality. But people will put up with less-than-optimal sound quality if the content of your show is excellent.Podcast equipment
Picking the best podcasting setup can get confusing, especially if you don’t have a background in audio recording. To make it easy, we put together three podcast equipment packages based on the number of people you’re recording.
Disclosure: Some of these product links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Buzzsprout might receive a small commission if you decide to purchase them. Buying guidePackage cost ($65-$105)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60
*Foam Ball - $3Package cost ($300-$370)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99 (x2)
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60 (x2)
*Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - $160
*Foam Ball - $3 (x2)Package cost ($550-$650)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99 (x3 or 4)
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60 (x3 or 4)
*Zoom H6 - $329
*Pop filter - $3 (x3 or 4)Package cost (Around $200)
*Rode PSA1 Boom Arm - $120
*On-Stage MY420 Shock Mount - $25
*Audio-Technica M20x Headphones - $50
*Newer Pop-Filter - $9Podcast software
Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make edits and adjustments to get the best sound quality possible.
While there are options to edit your podcast on your Android or iPhone, their small screens aren’t optimal for sound editing.
The great news is podcast editing software is surprisingly affordable.Best podcast recording and editing softwareAudacity
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor. Open source editors allow users to make changes to the original code easily. You can customize your user experience and make improvements where you deem necessary.
Audacity also comes with pro-level features, so your podcast software won’t hold you back. We think the only downside to Audacity is its steep learning curve, but tons of videos and online tutorials are available to help new users navigate the platform.GarageBand
GarageBand comes pre-installed on most Apple computers. If you don’t have it, you can easily download it for free. We think GarageBand is a more intuitive interface than Audacity. There are versions for macOS and iOS, but it is not available on Windows computers or Android phones.Hindenburg
Hindenburg is a pro-level audio editing software for radio and podcasts. It isn’t as cheap as Audacity, but it offers a lot of built-in podcasting features. We recommend starting with a 30-day trial on the Hindenburg Journalist version.Additional options for podcast editing software:
Alitu: The Quick & Easy way to Make your Podcast. $28/month.
Adobe Audition: Digital audio workstation software. $20/month.
Descript: Edit your audio by editing your transcript. Free - $15/month.Long-distance recordings
If you frequently interview guests on your podcast, or record with a cohost, chances are you will sometimes need to record your podcast from different locations.
The best way to do this is by using software specifically made for long-distance recordings.SquadCast
SquadCast makes it incredibly easy for you to set up a remote podcast interview and gets the most high-quality audio possible. They’re able to do that because SquadCast records lossless audio, provides separate tracks for each speaker, and offers video conferencing.
Recording each speaker on separate tracks will make things like removing background noise much easier in post-production.ZoomFree
Zoom has become one of the go-to online interview platforms for podcasting, primarily because of its above-average audio quality and ease-of-use for remote podcast interviews. While it will allow you to save each speaker’s audio to separate tracks, it does not provide lossless audio like SquadCast.Skype
Lots of podcasters still use Skype to record their long-distance interviews. However, we don’t recommend this software for three reasons:
*Poor audio quality - Skype is better than using a call recorder on a phone, but its sound quality isn’t as good as Zoom or SquadCast.
*Inconsistent - If your internet connection isn’t fast enough, you can run into serious sound issues.
*No elegant recording setup - For years, most podcasters had to use something like Pamela recording software to save their call audio. Skype does allow you to save your call audio, but it is still a mixed down MP4 (video file).Step 4: Recording your first episode
Editing is where things get real, and where a lot of potential podcasters give up.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of recording a podcast and quickly lose steam when things get technical or just plain difficult.
Try to remember: even the best podcasts had to start with a few bad episodes. Every show, and show host, has to find their footing, and the best way to improve is by continuing to record new episodes. Write a podcast outline
Rambling is one of the most common mistakes new podcasters make, and the best way to fight this tendency is by writing a podcast outline.
You don’t have to write out your podcast verbatim, but even taking 15 minutes to jot down a list of bullet points will make a dramatic improvement in the flow of your episode.
If you’re working with a cohost, share the outline with them so you can work on it together. Now you’ll be on the same page and prevent your conversation from going down a rabbit hole.Pick a place to record
While you might enjoy the echo you get singing in the shower, recording in small spaces with hard, flat surfaces will almost always mean a more reverberant-sounding recording, and that isn’t what you want in your podcast audio.
If possible, record in a quiet, large room with plenty of space around you.
If a small space is all you have, try to find one with few reflective surfaces, or lots of material that can absorb the sound: furniture, carpeting, or even a closet full of clothes can help.
Finding a space that meets these criteria can be difficult, which is why a lot of podcasters discover that a simple walk-in closet is the best place to record.
Picking the right place to record your episodes is more important than buying the right headphones or editing software because the best way to deal with audio problems is to prevent them from happening.
If you manage to get a crisp recording from the start, you’re much closer to a polished recording, and cleanly recorded audio will make the technical aspects of editing and mixing much more straightforward.Set up your recording equipment and software
To get your microphone ready to record, connect it to your computer or audio recording device. For simplicity, we recommend purchasing a USB microphone unless you have experience with audio equipment.
*USB Microphone Setup: Plug your microphone directly into a USB port on your computer. Once plugged in, go into the settings of your audio editing software (Audacity, GarageBand, etc.) and make sure your microphone highlights it as your audio input. Once you’ve selected your microphone as your audio input, you are ready to record.
*XLR Microphone Setup: If you don’t have a USB microphone, chances are your microphone has an XLR connection. For an XLR microphone, you can use a USB interface (like the Scarlett Solo) to record directly from your microphone into your computer. Another option is to hook up your XLR microphone to an external audio recording device (like the Zoom H4n) that will save your audio to an SD card.Microphone technique for podcasters
We’ve all heard distracting plosives or ’P-Pops’ before and cringed at hyper-sibilant ’S’ sounds. Excessive bursts of air hitting the microphone capsule cause both of these issues, and in both cases, it is a symptom of poor mic technique.
If you notice too many plosives or harsh sibilance in your recordings, the simplest solution is to move off-axis from the microphone. Setting your mic up to the side, angled slightly toward your mouth, will prevent bursts of air from hitting the capsule directly and can result in a smoother, more natural podcast audio.
In general, you want to position your mouth 2’ - 4’ away from the microphone for the cleanest sound, but the optimal distance may vary based on your microphone.
Try recording yourself talking at a consistent volume at several different positions, and once you do, listen to the recording to see which position gave you the best audio quality.Grab a drink and start recording
So, you’ve written your outline, picked a place to record, set up your microphone, and practiced your mic technique. Now it’s time to grab a drink and start recording your first episode.
Having a glass of water, coffee, or whiskey nearby will do wonders for your voice if it starts to get dry, but try to avoid carbonated drinks as that will increase the chances of a burp or hiccup making its way into your recording.
Don’t worry about mistakes, stammers, or a little silence. You can make all the necessary edits in the next step.Step 5: Editing & uploading your first episode
The editing process is where you segment your podcast, remove audible distractions, and insert pre-recorded ads, voiceovers, intros, and outros.
With the help of the right software and a few pointers, even the not-so-technically inclined can create a quality, well-edited podcast.
It’s a behind-the-scenes process that requires a little preparation, but don’t let the process overwhelm you.
With the help of the right software and a few pointers, even the not-so-technically inclined can create a quality, well-edited podcast.Create a podcast intro
Good intros done right can help improve the listening experience and listener engagement, but they aren’t required, and it isn’t your only option.
Here are a couple of examples from podcasts that highlight how different the beginning of a show can be:
*Cyber - A cybersecurity podcast from Motherboard. It’s an excellent intro that edits together famous hacking scenes from mo
https://diarynote.indered.space
More people are listening to podcasts than ever before.
Jul 09, 2020 The #1 lesson before starting a podcast. Before you get started, let’s reinforce the idea and reason for which you are starting a podcast. As the podcast is an exploding content platform and unlike blogging or video-blogging, it is less technical and solely relies on the knowledge that you want to share with the world. Since not a lot of. See full list on podcastinsights.com. Jan 13, 2021 With all of these in mind, my recommendation for new podcasters is to get started with BuzzSprout and claim a free $20 gift card. 7 Useful Steps to Start a Podcast. Ever since the revolutionary release of the iPod in 2001, podcasts have been growing in popularity. And there seems to be no sign of stopping.
According to Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to a podcast each week has grown 120% over the past four years, and 90 million Americans listen to a podcast every month.
As the audience for podcasts continues to grow, there has never been a better time to start a podcast for your business, brand, or a personal hobby.
If you follow this guide, it will prime you to launch your own podcast and take advantage of this exciting new medium.What makes podcasts different?
Podcasts are a great way to build a genuine connection with your audience.
Instead of the fractured connection you make through social media, podcasts allow you to engage your audience with unique long-form content. Podcasts are more convenient than blog posts; people can listen to podcasts while driving, working out, or just doing chores around the house.
There is a lot of unexplored space in the podcasting industry. There are at least 600 million blogs, 23 million YouTube channels, but only 800,000 podcasts in Apple Podcasts.
That means for every podcast, there are 750 blogs and 29 YouTube channels.
Imagine the incredible opportunity there was to start a blog in 2004, and you’ll have an idea of where podcasting is today.Step 1: Develop a podcast concept
Podcasts are as varied as the people that create them.
There are excellent podcasts about history, pop-culture, neuroscience, and even a fictional town where aliens are friends with the Yeti. The only limit to what you can do with a podcast is your own imagination.
Before we tackle questions about choosing a podcast name, format, and show length, let’s consider some fundamental questions.
To start, ask yourself, ’Why am I starting a podcast?’ and ’What is my podcast about?’
Once you’ve answered the why and what, the rest of the concept will fall into place.Identify your podcast goals
So, ’why are you starting a podcast?’ To phrase it another way, ’what’s your goal or purpose for your podcast?’
To help you get started, here are some common goals in podcasting:
*To generate leads for a business
*To be recognized as a leader in an industry
*To share an important message
*To have fun
It’s helpful to write your answer down so you can refer back to it as you develop your show’s concept.Pick a podcast theme or topic
Now it’s time to figure out your show’s topic. Your topic can be as broad as pop-culture or as focused as discussions about recent Supreme Court rulings.
The only requirement is to be passionate about whatever you choose. It should be something you’re excited to research and regularly discuss. Once you have an idea of what to podcast about, it’s time for market research.
You can search your show’s topic in Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes) to see if there are already podcasts in that genre. If there are, listen to a handful of episodes to see what they’re doing well and think of ways they could improve.Name your podcast
When picking a podcast name, try to pick something catchy, memorable, and that will rank for your podcast’s relevant keywords.
Here’s Apple’s advice for picking a good title for your show:
Pay close attention to the title, author, and description tags at the and level of your podcast. Apple Podcasts uses title, author, and description fields for search. The metadata for your podcast, along with your podcast artwork, is your product packaging and can affect whether your podcast shows up in relevant searches, and how likely users are to subscribe to it.
Make your title specific. A podcast named Our Community Bulletin is too vague to attract many subscribers, no matter how compelling the content.How To Start A Podcast: Simple Guide For New Podcasters List
From Apple’s Podcast Best Practices.Use keywords, without stuffing
You don’t want to stuff your title with keywords, but you do want to make it easy for people to find your podcast. If you have a one or two-word podcast name, add a brief description in the title tag to help search results.
Here are a couple examples:
*Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin.
Most people searching for this podcast will probably search for Seth Godin. So it’s important to include his name in the title.
*Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats.
There probably aren’t many people searching for ’Syntax’ in Apple Podcasts (unless they’ve already heard of this show). By adding ’tasty web development treats,’ the podcast can show up if someone searches for ’Web Development,’ which will significantly increase the odds of being found by potential listeners.Don’t create podcast artwork, yet
Even though we’re doing all the prep work, we suggest holding off on creating artwork right now.
Your podcast is in its infancy, and as a result, the concept of your show will probably change a little as you record your first few episodes. It’s totally fine if this happens. It’s easy to change the title of your podcast, but it’s a real pain to change your artwork, especially if you paid already paid for it once.
We recommend waiting until after you record a few episodes before you create your show’s official artwork.
Jump to Podcast Artwork section.Step 2: Choose your podcast format
Some podcasts just have a single host, others are scripted stories, or feature in-depth interviews.
The important thing is to choose a format that fits what your podcast is about and is something you’re comfortable with:
*If you love improv and banter, you’ll need to have a cohost.
*If you like having everything planned out and scripted, you might lean toward an audio drama.
When it comes to podcast formats, there isn’t one right answer. So, let’s talk about the most common formats:
*Interview podcasts: These podcasts feature a single host who interviews individuals within a particular industry. Examples: The Joe Rogan Experience, Fresh Air, and Trained by Nike.
*Scripted non-fiction: Typically, serial podcasts that have a single theme for a full season. Examples: Serial, Slow Burn, and Hardcore History.
*News recap: A format that summarizes the news within a specific industry. Examples: The Daily, Kickass News, or Planet Money.
*Educational podcasts: Scripted non-fiction shows that focus on teaching their audience. Examples: Stuff You Should Know, Hidden Brain, and TED Radio Hour.
*Scripted fiction: These podcasts are similar to radio dramas and are often scripted and highly produced. Examples: The Magnus Archives, Limetown, and CARAVAN.Optimal podcast length
Don’t let people tell you there is an optimal length for a podcast episode.
You’ll find shows like The Daily that are 20 - 30 minutes long, Accidental Tech Podcast that averages 2 hours per episode, and Hardcore History with episodes as long as audiobooks.
Your podcast should be as long as it needs to be, without being any longer.
Every podcast can benefit from editing, so get comfortable cutting out rambling segments, boring questions, and parts of the episode that don’t add much value to the listener.
And remember: if you’re producing quality, engaging content, be confident people will keep listening.Podcast publishing schedule
Podcasting can be a full-time job or something you do on the side. If it’s the latter, you can have a more relaxed publishing schedule.
You might decide to publish every day like the Daily or publish a podcast series every two years like Serial.
If you have the bandwidth, we recommend publishing once a week to:
*Develop a connection with your listeners. If you publish every day, eventually, your listeners will start to schedule your podcast into their day. A weekly schedule allows you to build this more profound connection with your listeners.
*Create a habit for yourself. Releasing consistent episodes can keep you podcasting even when you lose your excitement for it. You want to build up the habit so you can continue to grow your show and avoid podfade.
Once you have your podcast format, approximate show length, and publishing schedule, you’re ready to invest in podcast equipment.Step 3: Podcast recording equipment and software
Podcasts have a low barrier to entry; if you want to start a podcast, it’s relatively easy to begin the process with little overhead or experience. You can start recording a podcast with just your iPhone and a pair of headphones. Remember, your content is the most crucial part.
Nobody listens to a podcast because it has superior sound quality. But people will put up with less-than-optimal sound quality if the content of your show is excellent.Podcast equipment
Picking the best podcasting setup can get confusing, especially if you don’t have a background in audio recording. To make it easy, we put together three podcast equipment packages based on the number of people you’re recording.
Disclosure: Some of these product links are Amazon affiliate links, which means Buzzsprout might receive a small commission if you decide to purchase them. Buying guidePackage cost ($65-$105)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60
*Foam Ball - $3Package cost ($300-$370)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99 (x2)
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60 (x2)
*Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - $160
*Foam Ball - $3 (x2)Package cost ($550-$650)
*Audio-Technica ATR2100x - $99 (x3 or 4)
*Samson Q2U (great alternative) - $60 (x3 or 4)
*Zoom H6 - $329
*Pop filter - $3 (x3 or 4)Package cost (Around $200)
*Rode PSA1 Boom Arm - $120
*On-Stage MY420 Shock Mount - $25
*Audio-Technica M20x Headphones - $50
*Newer Pop-Filter - $9Podcast software
Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make edits and adjustments to get the best sound quality possible.
While there are options to edit your podcast on your Android or iPhone, their small screens aren’t optimal for sound editing.
The great news is podcast editing software is surprisingly affordable.Best podcast recording and editing softwareAudacity
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor. Open source editors allow users to make changes to the original code easily. You can customize your user experience and make improvements where you deem necessary.
Audacity also comes with pro-level features, so your podcast software won’t hold you back. We think the only downside to Audacity is its steep learning curve, but tons of videos and online tutorials are available to help new users navigate the platform.GarageBand
GarageBand comes pre-installed on most Apple computers. If you don’t have it, you can easily download it for free. We think GarageBand is a more intuitive interface than Audacity. There are versions for macOS and iOS, but it is not available on Windows computers or Android phones.Hindenburg
Hindenburg is a pro-level audio editing software for radio and podcasts. It isn’t as cheap as Audacity, but it offers a lot of built-in podcasting features. We recommend starting with a 30-day trial on the Hindenburg Journalist version.Additional options for podcast editing software:
Alitu: The Quick & Easy way to Make your Podcast. $28/month.
Adobe Audition: Digital audio workstation software. $20/month.
Descript: Edit your audio by editing your transcript. Free - $15/month.Long-distance recordings
If you frequently interview guests on your podcast, or record with a cohost, chances are you will sometimes need to record your podcast from different locations.
The best way to do this is by using software specifically made for long-distance recordings.SquadCast
SquadCast makes it incredibly easy for you to set up a remote podcast interview and gets the most high-quality audio possible. They’re able to do that because SquadCast records lossless audio, provides separate tracks for each speaker, and offers video conferencing.
Recording each speaker on separate tracks will make things like removing background noise much easier in post-production.ZoomFree
Zoom has become one of the go-to online interview platforms for podcasting, primarily because of its above-average audio quality and ease-of-use for remote podcast interviews. While it will allow you to save each speaker’s audio to separate tracks, it does not provide lossless audio like SquadCast.Skype
Lots of podcasters still use Skype to record their long-distance interviews. However, we don’t recommend this software for three reasons:
*Poor audio quality - Skype is better than using a call recorder on a phone, but its sound quality isn’t as good as Zoom or SquadCast.
*Inconsistent - If your internet connection isn’t fast enough, you can run into serious sound issues.
*No elegant recording setup - For years, most podcasters had to use something like Pamela recording software to save their call audio. Skype does allow you to save your call audio, but it is still a mixed down MP4 (video file).Step 4: Recording your first episode
Editing is where things get real, and where a lot of potential podcasters give up.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of recording a podcast and quickly lose steam when things get technical or just plain difficult.
Try to remember: even the best podcasts had to start with a few bad episodes. Every show, and show host, has to find their footing, and the best way to improve is by continuing to record new episodes. Write a podcast outline
Rambling is one of the most common mistakes new podcasters make, and the best way to fight this tendency is by writing a podcast outline.
You don’t have to write out your podcast verbatim, but even taking 15 minutes to jot down a list of bullet points will make a dramatic improvement in the flow of your episode.
If you’re working with a cohost, share the outline with them so you can work on it together. Now you’ll be on the same page and prevent your conversation from going down a rabbit hole.Pick a place to record
While you might enjoy the echo you get singing in the shower, recording in small spaces with hard, flat surfaces will almost always mean a more reverberant-sounding recording, and that isn’t what you want in your podcast audio.
If possible, record in a quiet, large room with plenty of space around you.
If a small space is all you have, try to find one with few reflective surfaces, or lots of material that can absorb the sound: furniture, carpeting, or even a closet full of clothes can help.
Finding a space that meets these criteria can be difficult, which is why a lot of podcasters discover that a simple walk-in closet is the best place to record.
Picking the right place to record your episodes is more important than buying the right headphones or editing software because the best way to deal with audio problems is to prevent them from happening.
If you manage to get a crisp recording from the start, you’re much closer to a polished recording, and cleanly recorded audio will make the technical aspects of editing and mixing much more straightforward.Set up your recording equipment and software
To get your microphone ready to record, connect it to your computer or audio recording device. For simplicity, we recommend purchasing a USB microphone unless you have experience with audio equipment.
*USB Microphone Setup: Plug your microphone directly into a USB port on your computer. Once plugged in, go into the settings of your audio editing software (Audacity, GarageBand, etc.) and make sure your microphone highlights it as your audio input. Once you’ve selected your microphone as your audio input, you are ready to record.
*XLR Microphone Setup: If you don’t have a USB microphone, chances are your microphone has an XLR connection. For an XLR microphone, you can use a USB interface (like the Scarlett Solo) to record directly from your microphone into your computer. Another option is to hook up your XLR microphone to an external audio recording device (like the Zoom H4n) that will save your audio to an SD card.Microphone technique for podcasters
We’ve all heard distracting plosives or ’P-Pops’ before and cringed at hyper-sibilant ’S’ sounds. Excessive bursts of air hitting the microphone capsule cause both of these issues, and in both cases, it is a symptom of poor mic technique.
If you notice too many plosives or harsh sibilance in your recordings, the simplest solution is to move off-axis from the microphone. Setting your mic up to the side, angled slightly toward your mouth, will prevent bursts of air from hitting the capsule directly and can result in a smoother, more natural podcast audio.
In general, you want to position your mouth 2’ - 4’ away from the microphone for the cleanest sound, but the optimal distance may vary based on your microphone.
Try recording yourself talking at a consistent volume at several different positions, and once you do, listen to the recording to see which position gave you the best audio quality.Grab a drink and start recording
So, you’ve written your outline, picked a place to record, set up your microphone, and practiced your mic technique. Now it’s time to grab a drink and start recording your first episode.
Having a glass of water, coffee, or whiskey nearby will do wonders for your voice if it starts to get dry, but try to avoid carbonated drinks as that will increase the chances of a burp or hiccup making its way into your recording.
Don’t worry about mistakes, stammers, or a little silence. You can make all the necessary edits in the next step.Step 5: Editing & uploading your first episode
The editing process is where you segment your podcast, remove audible distractions, and insert pre-recorded ads, voiceovers, intros, and outros.
With the help of the right software and a few pointers, even the not-so-technically inclined can create a quality, well-edited podcast.
It’s a behind-the-scenes process that requires a little preparation, but don’t let the process overwhelm you.
With the help of the right software and a few pointers, even the not-so-technically inclined can create a quality, well-edited podcast.Create a podcast intro
Good intros done right can help improve the listening experience and listener engagement, but they aren’t required, and it isn’t your only option.
Here are a couple of examples from podcasts that highlight how different the beginning of a show can be:
*Cyber - A cybersecurity podcast from Motherboard. It’s an excellent intro that edits together famous hacking scenes from mo
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