It's hot. It's hip, and it's happening.
You got it. We're going to talk about podcasting today. Everyone wants a podcast, and I get why.
Podcasting is an incredible way to connect with people and gain their trust before they commit to buying from you.
Honestly, there are so many reasons why you should do it, and these are just a few of them. And let's not forget to mention there's still no algorithm playing tricks on you (like the Instagram algorithm).
So, by just doing it and showing up consistently, you already have a fair chance of doing really, really well with your podcast.
To get you started, I'm sharing a bunch of tips with you today on how to start a podcast. I'll take you through 4 pillars:
- Content
- Planning
- Systems and software
- Gear
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Pillar #1 Content
When it comes to content, you want to make sure that you:
Don't make too much promo
No one wants to listen to you pitching all the time. That's not what a podcast is about. If you want to add a little bit of promotion in there, stick to 20%. No more than this.
Put your value first
The other 80% of your content is about giving heaps of value. I've created several free resources on how to come up with valuable content that resonates with your audience, including the Content Brainstorm Training.
Get people to your list
A ton of people create a podcast, but they forget to capture their audience and get them on their email list. You NEED to do this. For every podcast episode, I create a free guide, webinar, training, or any other resource that helps me get people through the door to my email list.
Make it personal
Even when you share value and give away educational content, you need to make it personal, too. You've probably already noticed how I tell jokes and talk about my family. If I didn't do this, it would be purely educational and less engaging. So, make your content personal, and you'll become more interesting to listen to.
Make it relevant
Always remember this: you're not the hero in the story; your listeners are. Therefore, make your content relevant and make sure there's something in it for them. Why would they otherwise tune in if not for their own benefit?
Maybe you're also interested in this: Podcast Equipment
Pillar #2 Planning
Why do a lot of people post their podcast on different days at different times? I really don't get it.
You need to keep repeating your posting schedule. My best advice is to plan your podcast regularly with the same intervals: same time, same day, and preferably every week.
And yes, committing to a weekly episode sounds stressful, but there's a way you can hack your planning so that it doesn't take up too much of your time.
One way is to repurpose your Instagram live videos for your podcast. Go live at the same time every week and answer FAQs or share useful tips with your audience. It can be about something you would otherwise put in a post or an article.
Use this exact content for your podcast episode, and from that podcast, you can create an email, a blog post, Instagram captions, quotes, and so on.
If you stick to a planning like this, you also build accountability for yourself, which will help you consistently show up!
Are you still stuck not knowing what content to put in your planning?
Grab 3 pieces of paper. Choose 3 topics or themes you know you can talk about and write each topic at the top of the paper. Now, take 10 minutes to create a list of content for each topic. Think of tips and frequently asked questions concerning those topics. In 30 minutes, you'll have a bunch of content ideas that you can plan into your calendar.
Pillar #3 Systems & Software
How do you edit your podcast?
Where do you host it?
What about the jingle?
How do I make a cover?
These are all questions I've received the past year, so today, you're getting the answer to them all.
Edit your podcast
To edit your podcast, you can use GarageBand or iMovie (if you're working on a Mac or iMac). It's relatively easy to use, and it's completely free.
If you're hosting an Instagram or Facebook Live, download the video and upload it to iMovie. From here, you can easily separate the audio and footage.
Host your podcast
There are several hosting platforms out there, and I strongly recommend you use one. The cool thing about a hosting platform is that you upload it in one place, and from there, it's distributed automatically to Apple Podcast, Spotify, and so on. You can use Anchor (free) or Buzzsprout like I use. It's 12 EUR/month if you use this link to sign up.
Find a jingle
Once you find a jingle for your podcast, you only have to set it up once. I found mine on the Envato market, but you can also easily perform a Google search on ‘podcast jingles', and you'll find a lot of examples.
Make a podcast cover
When you make your podcast cover, create something that POPS OUT. Remember, your podcast will be featured in an overview with many other podcasts, so you want to make sure that you're the one that captures the attention. Canva is an excellent tool for creating covers and other visuals for your socials.
Pillar #4 The right gear
To start recording your podcast, you don't need a lot of gear. Honestly, you can start with your iPhone or any other phone with good sound.
When on the road, I have sometimes recorded my intros and outros with my phone, and it worked just fine. But remember to pay attention to the sound in the room. Make sure there's a lot of soft materials to absorb excess sounds and echo. Some people even record in their closet for the best sound.
If you want to take it one step further, buy a microphone for your phone or a Rode NT-USB Mini. I also have a Yeti USB, but my all-time favorite microphone is the Heil PR-40.
Generally, you don't need a lot to create something with good sound, so don't overcomplicate things. It’s fine to start with your iPhone, promise!
Ultimately, you'll learn what matters, and that's consistency. Keep showing up!
Watch this episode on YouTube or listen via iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and search for episode 61 of The FastForwardAmy Show.
Do you want more tips on how to start a podcast? Then make sure to download the free step-by-step guide, Start Your Podcast. It includes much more details on the 4 pillars listed above, along with more tools and resources to create a successful podcast.
Download Start Your Podcast here.
If you want to make your podcast profitable and increase your authority online, I want to welcome you to The Business Freedom Elevator™. The doors are closing on January 31, so hurry up if you want in.
Sign up before January 25 at 8:00 PM CET to get your hands on the BONUS REPLAY of the virtual retreat that we just started.
HEADS UP! The doors are closing soon, and I don't know when or if we will be hosting another round of The Business Freedom Elevator™. This could be your LAST CHANCE.
Register now: www.fastforwardamy.com/elevator.
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