There’s more than one way start a podcast. Most people give up after step 2 or 3 of a this 14 step process.
Don’t be that person.
Just do what I recommend. Don’t get bogged down on analyzing the 10-20 different platforms and options that might apply to Step #1. Just go with my recommendation and you’ll get it done and be able to move on to Step #2. In less than a week you’ll work your way through each step and be up and running with your new podcast.
Keep in mind that just like anything else, the more episodes you produce the better and faster you’ll get. Producing and distributing your final podcast episodes will become straightforward and easy.
Most of these steps, and tips, were shared with me by some of the top podcasters on the planet. They work. Don’t try to recreate the wheel. Just start executing and taking action.
And one last thing. Keep things entertaining, interesting and engaging. Create relevant and timely content in your own unique, emotional and memorable way. That’s what separates successful podcasters from everyone else. They share their “Why” and “Human Side” in each and every episode. You can too.
BTW, I’m a brand ambassador for several companies. Some of the links I share below may recommend several of these brands. I recommend them because I use them and believe in them. Feel free to use whoever you want but I’m just trying to save you time.
Step #1: Give some thought to what you would like to podcast about and how often you’ll be podcasting.
The below topics are of interest to me and I know can easily generate a ton of content. What’s of interest to you? What’s your passion? Because the goal of your podcast is to add value and build relationships with other people who have similar interests, your podcast does not have to be related to your profession or occupation.
My podcast is really about two things. During the conversation, I’ll usually, in a subtle way, blend something “legal” into the conversation. Note what I said, my podcast episodes are conversations, not sales pitches or marketing messages. The topics usually revolve around:
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- I share 33 years of business, legal, negotiation, and entrepreneurial tips to help others safely do business on the digital platforms.
- I’m use the platform to interview people from around the world who are disrupting industries and creating change.
The frequency of my podcast is once a week and/or subject to my schedule (no pressure and going to have some fun).
Step #2: Pick a name for your podcast
I’m going to continue branding my name, and so I’ve selected “The Mitch Jackson Podcast.” Pick whatever floats your boat and have fun!
Step #3: Get a URL for your podcast
I’ve been using GoDaddy.com for years and picked up the domains MitchJacksonPodcast.com and TheMitchJacksonPodcast.com (it’s OK to pick more than one that you may use).
Also take a look at the new “right side of the dot” domains like .live and .show (I really like the idea of having “show” in your podcast URL.
Step #4: Redirect your new URL
Create a new page at an existing website and blog. I went with https://mitchjackson.com/podcast). Once you set up your podcast page, redirect the new URL you created in GoDaddy to the new podcast page you set up. This way, when someone clicks on MitchJacksonPodcast.com or TheMitchJacksonPodcast.com they are instantly taken to my new podcast home page.
If you don’t want to create a unique landing page for your podcast, just redirect the new URL to the primary episodes page you’ll be creating using Libsysn below.
Step #5: Create an account at Libsyn.com
You need to set up a Libsyn.com account because after you record a podcast episode, you’ll need someplace to upload and host the file for eventual distribution to iTunes, Stitcher and other platforms. Hosting your audio file on Libsyn.com also saves you from using storage space on your website or blog and, makes everything work better and faster.
I went with the $20/month hosting plan. The less expensive plans may work just fine to get started. You can always upgrade later so pick a plan and get your Libsyn account set up.
Step #6: Create several graphics
I used Canva.com to create my podcast graphics. You can use another free tool or possibly outsource this task to third parties like Fiverr. Click here for a good article regarding podcast graphic sizes and other things to keep in mind.
Tip: After reviewing the article, just make your image is square and 3,000 pixels by 3,000 pixels. Also make sure to save your image in a web friendly fashion so that it’s less than 500 kb in size.
Step #7: Select music you can use to start and end your podcast
You’ll want to play music at the beginning and end of your podcast. You are eventually going to create a “voice over” that will play during the music and at the beginning of your podcast. There are many third party resources, but I like Epidemicsound.
You may want to use Fiverr.com to also get #7 an #8 done.
Step #8: Create introduction
This is the “voice over” I mentioned above. You’ll now want to create an introduction to your podcast (a file) that you can drop into your editing software (below) and use before each new episode. For now, type this out in a Word or Google document. You’ll use the steps below to actually record your voice introduction.
While your music is playing, the voice over will describe your podcast. You can do the voice over yourself or outsource it on Fivver.com like I did right here in this podcast episode.
Regardless of how you go about your intro, keep it short (15-20 seconds max), provocative and a bit entertaining.
Step #9: Set up your recording system
You can do interviews while sitting on a couch in the same room or, with a guest located on the other side of the country or world.
For remote guest, the easiest way to produce your podcast is to use the audio and video platform Zoom and record the conversation.
You can also use Skype and use ecamm for Macs and Amolto or Pamela for Windows to record.
Sound quality is everything during a podcast so I recommend the easy to use USB Blue Yeti mics.
Step #10: Conduct Your Interview
Be prepared, do your due diligence, and enjoy your enthusiastic and energetic interview. Spend time learning how to setup and conduct an effective interview. Click here for interview tips from Pat Flynn.
Step #11: Edit your audio
Once you are done recording your podcast, create a backup of your file and keep it someplace safe. I upload to Google Docs and Dropbox.
Next, upload your recorded file to your audio editing software. I keep things simple and use iMovie or Garage Band on my Mac. The free program Audacity works well on both Mac and Windows. Even easier, have a virtual assistant do this for you. I use TimeETC (they’re my secret weapon for much of what I do in my practice).
Want examples. Listen to podcasts by Preet Bharara, Tim Ferriss and Joe Rogan to see how they handle their podcasts and conduct interviews. They all use a proven approach that will work for you too.
Edit your audio file as needed. Keep things simple. Your audience doesn’t expect perfection. Add your music and voice intro to the beginning of your podcast. Also record or add a pre-recorded ending to your podcast with a call to action of some sort. I invite listeners to stay connected by subscribing to my podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and email newsletter.
Step #12: Upload your edited and final podcast to Libsyn
Upload your podcast to Libsyn and complete all information and description fields. You must upload your first show before doing anything with Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play and Soundcloud.
Next, if you already don’t have accounts set up on these platforms, do so now: Stitcher, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Soundcloud. Once done, submit your new Libsyn feed to these new accounts. You can find and copy your Libsyn feed by going to “Destinations” (in Libsyn) and then select the “Libsyn Classic Feed.” Mine looks like this http://mitchjacksonpodcast.libsyn.com/
Once you have your Libsyn and related accounts setup and linked, each new podcast episode you upload to Libsyn will automatically be distributed to Stitcher, iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play after you upload to Libsyn. It may take a few days for your new accounts to be approved and starting displaying to the general public. It’s this automatic service that’s worth all the initial hard work.
Step #13: Show Notes
I’m sharing my podcast via a specific page on one of my websites and blogs: MitchJacksonPodcast.com. Beneath each shared episode, I’ll share a short overview of the subject matter of the episode together with relevant links and take-a-ways. I try and write the show notes in a way that will not only help listeners follow up and get info after they listen to the episode, but also motive people simply reading the post to crank up the volume and listen to the show. Just shine a bright light on your guest and you’ll be fine.
Step #14: Promote your podcast
Before, during and after your podcast, promote your podcast and links online and off. Use all of the promotion tips found in my book and, the repurpose tips in Chapter 30 to create a single podcast and share it across all your primary platforms. This gives you the most exposure possible and, the best bang for your buck.
Conclusion
Once things are setup, producing and publishing your podcast is pretty straightforward. The more episodes you do, the better and faster you (or your office staff) will get.
The key to a successful podcast show is to let your unique personality shine through the show and always try to add value to your audience. Like anything else on the digital platforms, and in life, being consistent and thinking long-term is what will separate you from everyone else when it comes to podcasting success.
Final Thoughts
Practice your interview skills. Ask open-ended questions and listen more than you talk. Ask follow-up questions to the previous answer.
Once you start consistently creating podcasts, ask friends and guest for “Ratings and Reviews” on iTunes and the other platforms. To do this, I emailed, direct messaged, and otherwise shared a personal note. Make sure to include the link to your podcast so all they have to do is click and leave their rating and review. Make it simple and fast.
Also make sure to pre-promote, promote during your episode, and promote after your episode drops (goes live). Get others to do the same. By the way, if you like my podcast, it would mean the world to me to get your feedback here. Thanks!
Pro Tip #1: Once you get the above down, think about shooting a live video while podcasting. This works well when you and the guest are in the same place (room, convention, sitting out on your surfboards). Then in addition to dropping a new podcast episode each week, you can also upload a new YouTube video. This approach allows you to capture multiple audiences and, create even more content to repurpose to the other platforms (again, see chapter 30 in my book).
Pro Tip #2: Take the audio from your podcast, and turn it into an Amazon Flash Briefing, “Hey Alexa, play my updates”. Here’s how I’m doing just that 😉
Pro Tip #3: Take your audio and use Headliner to create these little tease clips. The service I use for my Amazon Flash briefings allows me this option once I upload the audio clip. Here’s an example I repurposed and shared on LinkedIn.
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It took me about a week (3-4 hours of my time) to figure out and do all the above. The key is to just get it done. Outsource this is you have to.
Then, start perfecting everything you do. Over time, you’ll get better and better and everything will fall into place.
Have fun and good luck!
Mitch
Let’s stay connected (click here)
Resources
PAT FLYNN- HOW TO LEVERAGE PODCASTS: Pat gave a fantastic presentation at Social Media Day San Diego about the power of podcasting and, how to leverage podcasting. The host of the event, Tyler Anderson, CEO of Casual Fridays, gave me permission to share Pat’s presentation exclusively with my LegalMinds Mastermind members. If you’re part of the community, you can watch this exclusive content here.