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Starting a podcast can feel like an unending overwhelm of advice and suggestions that have you chasing your tail but never actually hitting ‘Publish’ on your first episode.
And I get it. There is A LOT to do when starting a podcast. But, there also isn’t half as much as people sometimes make out.
So, in this post, we will cover everything from launching and managing a podcast to optimising your artwork for Apple Podcasts and YouTube. So grab a pen and paper and let’s get started!
Your 12-Step Checklist
- Choose a catchy podcast name: When choosing a name for your podcast, make sure it reflects the essence of your content and is memorable for your target audience.
- Define your podcast’s purpose and target audience: Clearly define what your podcast is all about and who your target audience is. This will help you create content that resonates with your listeners.
- Invest in quality recording equipment: Good audio quality is essential for a podcast. Invest in a quality microphone and headphones to ensure clear and professional-sounding recordings.
- Plan your podcast episodes: Create an editorial calendar and plan your podcast episodes in advance. This will help you stay organised and ensure a consistent flow of content.
- Research and prepare engaging topics: Conduct thorough research on topics that will interest your target audience. Prepare an outline or bullet points to guide your episode discussions.
- Launch your podcast on popular directories: Submit your podcast to popular directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Goodpods. This will increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Promote your podcast on social media: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote your podcast episodes. Create engaging posts, share snippets, and interact with your audience to build a community around your podcast.
- Optimise your podcast artwork: Craft eye-catching artwork that represents your podcast’s brand and attracts the attention of potential listeners. Ensure it meets the requirements for Apple Podcasts (3000×3000 pixels).
- Consider creating individual episode artwork: Take advantage of Apple Podcasts’ new feature that allows podcasters to create individual episode artwork. This can enhance visual appeal and entice listeners to explore your episodes. Spotify also supports episode-specific artwork already.
- Decide on the video aspect of your podcast: Consider whether you want to include video recordings of your podcast episodes. Evaluate the pros and cons and decide if using video aligns with your content strategy and target audience preferences.
- Record video episodes for YouTube: If you decide to incorporate video, embrace the opportunity to reach a broader audience by recording your podcast episodes for YouTube. This can attract new viewers and expand your podcast’s reach.
- Engage with your audience: Encourage interaction and feedback from your listeners. Ask them to comment, like, and subscribe to your YouTube channel or podcast directory of choice, depending on the platform they engage with.
Conclusion
This checklist has been designed to take you through the core parts of setting up and running a podcast. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to simplifying the overwhelm of podcasting, launching a successful show, and engaging with your target audience.
Remember, consistency is key, so keep creating valuable content and adapting your strategies as you grow.
What do you think? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
