So you want to start a podcast: Here's what you should know before pressing the "record button".

Interested in starting up a podcast, but don’t know where in the world to start? We're here to help you out and provide some tips.

In this article we'll be breaking down the three steps you'll want to take to best prepare yourself and your show before you start actually recording. Here's the 3 points we'll be going into: 

1. Define your show
2. How do I prepare?
3. How do I execute?

Let’s get started.

Define your show

The first thing you need to do is sit down with your computer (or a pen and paper if you’re a little more old school), and determine exactly what it is you want your show to be all about. What subject matter are you familiar with? What are you passionate about? What subjects will inspire you to talk on a consistent basis about? Jot some ideas for your show down.

For example, if you were a taxi driver in a past life, perhaps you want a podcast to share all of the crazy stories you have, or maybe you want to connect with other taxi drivers. If you’re an astronomer, maybe you have a passion for education and want listeners to know more about the depths of the universe.

These are just a couple of ideas to get your brain flowin’ with ideas. The most important thing is to really hone in, and be specific with what it is you want your podcast to be about. Podcasting is all about being niche and connecting with others on a specific subject

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RECORDING CAN ALSO BE A CHALLENGE. GET HELP HERE ON HOW TO RECORD your podcast.

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Publish your first episode

After you decide what it is you want your show to be about, take an attitude/stance on what your podcasting persona will be before you prepare for recording. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Know that whatever you’re going to talk about must feel authentic and “click” with the listener to make sure they subscribe and come back for more.
2. The host(s) must be (or at least sound) comfortable. There can a general script to follow for the show, but don’t be afraid to be off the cuff or spontaneous when you’re “in the pocket” with how things are going.
3. Research podcasts that are similar to what your show will be about. Take note of what interests you about what they do or talk about. What are others saying about the show? This is a great way to pick up some educational tips that you can apply on your own show.
4. Don’t be afraid to take an opinion. People want to hear what you think and if you’re passionate about something, let it show!
5. Have a structure but mix it up. Dive deep into a subject matter, but if there are multiple segments you want to cover, be sure to move it along.
6. If you want to highlight different segments, be sure to write them down and decide how much time you want to dedicate to them. For instance, a 20-30 minute show with 2-3 segments is a good ratio to follow. This means that you can give yourself a certain amount of time for each segment you want to talk about. Loosely follow that segment list.
7. If you have a passionate opinion, don’t be afraid to introduce a contrarian voice into the mix. It’s interesting as a listener to hear from all sides of a subject.
8. Guests can provide a lot of value to your show. Don’t be afraid to invite guests or friends who are knowledgeable on the subject of an episode. Adding more voices makes the conversation more engaging and valuable for your audience.
9. Consider referencing something you’ve read or picked-up on on the subject, and provide your own view on the matter. For instance, if you run a political podcast, you could mention something like “In a recent NYT article, a contributor made the assertion that … here is my view on what’s going on..”. This makes the conversation more intriguing.
10. Having something that your listeners come to expect every show can be fun too. For example, if the end of every show you provide a giveaway or shoutout, your listeners will come back to listen in knowing what to expect and get used to.
11. If you’re good with improvising and prefer a more “stream of consciousness” approach for your show, give it a go. For instance, if you and a buddy want to have a drink and talk over current events, don’t feel like you need to be totally rigid with your segments or scheduling.

How do I prepare?

First things first, be honest with yourself on how often you'll actually be recording and publishing new episodes. Your listeners will come to expect an episode consistent with your frequency of publishing. It's okay to take a realistic and set up a schedule that you can meet, as consistency is key.          

Calendar in those days and prepare the following as far out as you can:

1. Collect your resources you'll be mentioning in recording (news articles, stats, etc.)
2. A place to store and manage your notes. Evernote and Google Sheets are great resources for doing just this.
3. Try to find/combine the most relevant news about your subject with your next recording date. You don't want to cover a topic that might not even be relevant two weeks when the podcast episode is finally recorded.
4. Create a topic rundown sheet along with segment time lists for your episode and share it with any guests on your podcast.
5. Plan on a way to open up conversation between yourself and your listeners. Create social media pages for your show. When it’s time to start recording, be sure to let your listeners know where they can stay updated for news regarding your podcast.
6. Create an intro and outro for your show. Something that you can use for every recording you do. This could be a simple jingle or catchphrase that you use to begin or end every show. Not only does it provide a natural beginning and close to the episode, but it adds character to your show.

How do I execute? ​

Now that you've prepared the logistics of your show and what your first episode or two will be about, you'll want to keep the following in mind. Give this list a couple of run throughs before you record, so it's fresh in your mind. 

1. At the beginning of your show, give your audience a quick overview of what you’ll be discussing on the episode.
2. Memorize any segments you plan to talk about. Not to a tee, but make sure you keep the flow of your show in the back of your head while you record. Don’t be afraid to look down at your notes from time to time.
3. Feel free to lead your guests along during the conversation. If your guest has touched on a great point in the segment, encourage them to elaborate. If conversation is running its course on the topic, it’s time to lead the segue into the next topic.
4. After your first couple of shows, take inventory on how successful your resources and notes were. Is there any way you can fine tune either of these things?
5.  Reach out to your audience and ask what for their opinion on each show. What did they like/dislike? What are their opinions on the subject matter? Be open to any suggestions so as to hone your show and make it even better.
6. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow podcasters and ask for suggestions or advice on how their prepare and run their own shows. Exchanging advice with each other might spark new ideas.

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LEARN HOW TO SETUP YOUR PODCAST THE RIGHT WAY ON PODOMatic. Click here for help.

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Publish your first episode

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of what you need to do to prepare the concept and outline of your show, you’re finally ready to record! Click here for a great article on how to record.