How to start your own podcast

I get it. Starting a podcast can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. There are so many different things to think about, from choosing the right equipment to finding guests to editing your episodes.

That’s where I come in. I’ve been podcasting for years, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve compiled a list of the best websites, apps, and software to help you get started with your podcast.

I cover everything you need to know, from production to editing to distribution to promotion. I also share some of my own tips and tricks that have helped me along the way.

You can read the guide below or sign up for my email list today and have it in your inbox

Equipment

 To get started you don't need as much as you think! With just a laptop and an internet connection you're on your way. You can use your laptop mic if that's all you have. I would definitely recommend headphones though as that reduces any echo.
If you want to up your sound quality you can buy a microphone that plugs in. Some good microphones at different price points

Webcams can give you a great upgrade in quality for not a huge cost. Some options below


Microphones

GoodTono TC 777- c.£30ish
BetterSennheiser- c.£100ish
BestShure MV7 Mic- c.£260*

Microphone stand - c.£25

Lighting

GoodCompact Lighting-c.£40
Better: Big Lighting - c.£80
Best: Softbox set - c.£170

Webcams

GoodTolulu 4k - £37 
BetterDepstech 4k - £70
Best
: Logitech Brio - c.£125*

Recording Your Podcast - Online Recording Studios

Riverside

Riverside is my personal choice - Same link available for every episode, very stable, records sound and audio locally, AI switching between speakers, can export widescreen (16:9) or Reels/Shorts format (9:16)

Streamyard

I used streamyard for my first 20 episodes - you have more design control than on riverside, better for livestreaming and engagement during streams

Editing Your Podcast

Riverside

Riverside is quickly becoming the favourite editor for podcasters. They are actively improving and taking market share from other editors! It has great options for editing, you can delete words from the transcript, add captions, remove pauses and it switches between speakers for you with AI

Adobe Enhance

Free to use and cleans up your audio in minutes - simply upload your audio file and let it do the rest

Davinci Resolve

FREE video editing software comparable with Adobe premiere pro etc. Great if you have time to edit

Audacity

FREE audio editing software, really easy to use

Distribute Your Podcast

You will need to distribute your podcast to the various channels such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts. 

Youtube you will need to upload directly for now - their Podcast offering is still being developed. For new podcasters I recommend using Spotify for Podcasters (previously known as Anchor) It's really easy to use, integrates well with Riverside which makes for easy uploads. You can also upload video to Spotify - other platforms are still catching up.

Promoting Your Podcast

Use your social media channels to let people know your podcast exists and when episodes are released. A great way to do this is through short clips of the episode that act as teasers and encourage people. You can also create blog posts - this will help with SEO and people finding your podcast

Cast Magic

Load your audio, it will create transcripts, blog posts, reel ideas, key themes, key quotes - lots of great content. Truly amazing time saving tool. Sometimes, you can get a lifetime deal by clicking here. Much cheaper than the monthly subscription but not always available!

Opus Clips

Opus is fast becoming my favourite tool (edging out Get Munch!) You load your video - it chunks it up into clips for Youtube, Instagram, Tik Tok or Linkedin. It also gives it a Virality score, cool captions with emojis and can also add B Roll to your clips. Mind Blowing and very reasonably priced!

Get munch

Load your video, it creates clips for Youtube, instagram, linkedin, tik tok facebook etc. Gives you suggested titles, hashtags and descriptions. Gives SEO ranking keywords and suggestions too. Adds subtitles in various popular styles i.e Hormozi or Rogan style. Can also transform 16:9 videos to 9:16 by focusing on who is speaking

Podcastpage.io

This is one of my new toys! Previously I used Wordpress for my podcast website. It was painful and I kept falling behind on updates. Podcastpage syncs to your podcast RSS feed and pulls your episodes through as they're released. It also has a guest intake module. Really easy way to have a great website to promote your podcast.

My Top Tips

Batch recording - this will save you sanity and desperation :D Where you can record multiple sessions in a week and release them over time. Having "some in the chamber" takes the pressure off when holidays come or time is short

Learn and grow - practice your craft, listen to people who's podcasts you admire, figure out why you like it, what they do well and how you can make that your own. A podcast episode that helped me

Listen - If your podcast is about hearing peoples stories, listen way more than you talk. Give them space to share. Resist the urge to jump in! If your podcast is more rants/balanced conversations - ignore this point :)

Consistency - pick a day to release your episodes and try to stick to it. Try and create a podcasting rhythm i.e edit on a Monday, upload to platforms on Tuesday, promo clips on Wednesday, release Thursday. Consistently releasing is key. Don't beat yourself up though if you miss it sometimes - get back on track with the next one

Perseverance - building up a podcast takes time!! Don't be discouraged if your views/listens are low. Most podcasts don't make it past episode 7 and to be in the top 50% of podcasts you need about 30 listens per episode. Both of these things are very achievable!

If you want/need any help or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me

This list will be changing and growing as I learn more - if there's anything I've missed please let me know and I can update it.

Happy podcasting