Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of podcasting but unsure where to start? Fear not, as I've crafted a comprehensive guide to help beginners like you launch your very own podcast with simplicity and ease.

Building the foundations of your podcast, from defining your audience to creating a unique identity, is crucial. Let's delve into the seven essential steps that will set you on the path to a successful podcast.

Develop your podcast foundations

The heart of your podcast lies in understanding your audience, envisioning their transformation through your content, and crafting a journey that captivates. Stand out from the podcast crowd in your niche by asking the right questions and shaping a compelling narrative that resonates with your listeners.

• Who is your podcast for and how will it help them?

• What transformation will your listeners experience from your podcast?

• What is the journey you will take your listeners on?

• How will you make your podcast stand out from other podcasts in your niche?

Name Your Podcast

Choosing the perfect name is an art. Make it clear, searchable, and reflective of your content. Steer clear of overly clever or vague names, and avoid mirroring other shows. A well-crafted title, infused with keywords, will make your podcast easily discoverable in the vast podcasting landscape.

When thinking about your podcast name we want it to be clear as to what your show is about. If I named my show the Liz Chapman Podcast, unless you knew me you would have no reason to click on it to listen.

Now if I named my podcast Podcast Launch Tips for Female entrepreneurs you can tell right away what my show is about and who it's for.

Make sure you are including a keyword in your title as your title is one of the few fields that are searchable in the podcast player apps.

What to Avoid when naming your podcast

• Anything that is too clever and does not clearly convey what your show is about

• Being too vague - remember when we talk to everyone we talk to no one

• Complicated spellings and having special characters in the name. Make it as easy as possible for new listeners to find your show in the podcast player apps.

• Naming your show that is too similar to another show. We want to stand out not blend in with other podcasts with similar names

Choose your podcast show format

Your podcast's structure sets the tone for your content. Consider various formats, drawing inspiration from your favorite podcasts. Whether it's a teaser into your intro or a short summary before diving into the episode, find a format that aligns with your style. Don't forget to decide on the length and frequency of your episodes.

Here are some podcast format options:

• Teaser into your intro then into your episode and then your outro

• Short summary of what to expect in your episode into your intro then into your episode and then your outro

• Intro to episode into outro

Other questions to consider - how long do you want your episodes to be?

What frequency do you plan on releasing your episodes?

Choose your Podcast Equipment

Quality recording equipment is essential, but don't overlook the importance of your recording space.

If you are curious if you have an ideal recording space you can check out this video here on Instagram where I walk through an ideal and not so ideal recording space.

Recommended Podcast Microphones

All the microphones I am recommending are dynamic microphones. A dynamic microphone will pick up less background noise than a condenser microphone (a condenser microphone would be a Blue Yeti).

• Audiotechnica ATR2100 (I have this one and it's great)

• Samson Q2U

• Shure SM58

• Shure MV7

Recommended Podcast Recording Software

• Zoom - yes it compresses your audio and video however everyone knows how to use zoom. You can record solo and/or interviews

• Audacity - You can record solo episodes and edit right in Audacity. It's free but can be glitchy at times

• Squadcast - Has a monthly cost. Allows you to record studio quality audio and video with guests

• Zencastr - Has a monthly cost. Allows you to record studio quality audio and video with guests.

Recommended Podcast Editing Software

• Audacity

• Garageband

• Descript

• Adobe Audition

• Hindenberg

Create Your Podcast Cover Art

Your podcast cover art is the first impression you make on potential listeners. Opt for simple, readable fonts and ensure your show's name takes center stage. Use captivating visuals that convey your podcast's essence. Remember, your cover art is often viewed as a tiny thumbnail, so make it visually striking.

You want to use simple font that is easy to read. When your ideal listener finds you in the podcast players they are going to be looking at a tiny thumbnail. Stay away from cursive fonts and thin fonts that are hard to read.

Have your podcast show name be the biggest thing on your cover art and then fill in the empty space with your photo or whatever other elements you would like on your cover art.

Choose Your Podcast Host

What is the best podcast host? The better question is who is the best podcast host for you?

Each host offers different things in their monthly packages. So if you have plans for a public and a private podcast you would want to look for a host that offers both options.

Or if you are interested in running dynamic ads on your podcast you would want a host that supports dynamic ads.

My top podcasts hosts would be Buzzsprout or Captivate.

Get Listed in podcast directories like Spotify, Apple and more

Once you sign up for a podcast host (think Buzzsprout or Capitvate) and you have at least one episode or a trailer uploaded and live you will take the RSS link that your podcast host provides to you and you will submit that RSS link to Spotify, Apple, Simple Cast, Iheart radio and Tunein + Alexa.

You will also go to your podcast host and under directories you will have your host submit automatically to all of the other directories listed.

Ready to launch?

Grab Your Free Podcast Launch Guide Here!

Take the guesswork out of podcasting with my comprehensive guide. The free podcast launch guide includes a six-week roadmap, worksheets, tech recommendations, directories to submit your podcast to, episode workflow, and more. If you have questions or need personalized assistance, drop a comment, or connect with us for a collaborative podcast launch journey. It's time to share your voice with the world!

What's included?

• The exact roadmap you need to launch your podcast in 6 weeks

• Worksheets to help guide you through the launch process

• All of my tech recommendations from microphones to recording and editing software

• What directories to submit your podcast to

• Episode work flow so you don't miss any crucial steps in the creation process

• And more!

Still have questions?

Leave a comment with your questions or if you would like to work together on your podcast launch you can find me right here!