Should you start a podcast? Here’s what you need to know.
Three years ago I had no idea I would become the Creator and Host of the Side Hustle Pro podcast and I probably would have laughed in your face had you suggested it. I had no dreams of producing audio content. Now almost two million downloads in, I want to share the steps I’ve taken and resources I’ve used so that you too can start your own podcast with no experience.
First, Here’s a deep dive training on Skillshare on how to decide on your topic, find your audience, record, edit, and publish. Click here and enter code “sidehustlepro” for two free months of Skillshare.
Here are some more quick tips to get started:
Decide on Your Podcast Topic and Structure
Before you start investing in recording and editing tools, you need to decide on the topic and structure of your podcast. For me, this part was a bit more straightforward because I had already been interviewing dope women of color who were carving their own path. I wanted to change the narrative of entrepreneurship by featuring black woman business owners who started their business while working a 9 to 5 (aka side hustling). I searched high and low for podcasts that might touch on this topic and didn’t find any that answered the questions I wanted to know. So I had to create my vision.
Structure—These are all things you want to decide:
- Who are you creating this show for?
- Will it be a solo show or will you have a co-host or multiple hosts?
- Will it be interview style, free discussion, or narrative style?
Naming Your Podcast And Create Your Podcast Art:
Name your podcast something memorable but keep in mind that you want someone who randomly comes across it to understand exactly what your podcast is about at first glance. This is not the time to get creative with spelling, because you also want people to be able to find you when they do a Google search.
Similarly, when you’re creating your podcast art, make it something that is dynamic and bold yet distinguishable when it’s on that small little screen in the podcast mobile app. That means use minimal text, legible text and distinct colors. Ask yourself, does my face or name really need to be on my podcast tile for people to know what this podcast is about? Or is it more important that they know the title of the podcast? The answer to this will differ for everyone. But spend some time looking through the top podcasts on Apple Podcasts and make note of what podcast art is memorable to you.
Not sure where to find a designer to create your podcast art? Check out Upwork or Fiverr to research graphic designers for hire. And keep in mind the Apple Podcast art specifications when hiring a designer.
Podcasting Equipment
When it comes to microphone options, there are several common microphones that I came across in my research. I record on the Blue Yeti microphone, but here are other microphones and accessories used by podcasters:
Record and Edit Your Podcast
I record most podcast interviews using Skype and use Ecamm call recorder to record the interview. When I do a solo episode, I record directly into Garage Band. I share a full tutorial on how I record, edit and publish here.
Recording and Editing Software
Post Production
Podcast Host
Before you can publish your podcast, you need to decide on a host aka the place on the internet that stores the files for your podcast and enables your RSS feed, which you need to submit your show to iTunes. I use Libsyn for hosting and have had a great experience so far. It provides excellent hosting, customer service and analytics at a very reasonable rate. You can sign up for Libysn with code “hustlepro” to get you the rest of the current month and all of the next month free.
Publish Your Podcast
After you record and edit you podcast episode, it’s time to publish your episode. I share a full tutorial on how I record, edit and publish here.
Bonus Tips
- Start with a game plan! Going in, I made a commitment to release a weekly podcast for 12 months. If you don’t have a game plan, it’s easy to be tempted to skip a week when life gets busy. Make a plan and commit to it.
- Watch my free “How to Start Your Own Podcast” course on Skillshare here (use code “sidehustlepro” to check out Skillshare with your first two months FREE.
Happy Podcasting!
*Affiliate Disclosure: I may be an affiliate for books or products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through my links, I may earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. I only recommend books and products that I use and am genuinely interested in.
