How to Start a Podcast: A Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

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Key takeaways: How to Start a Podcast?

• Authors can start a podcast to promote books and engage readers.
• Determine your goals before starting a podcast.
• Craft a clear podcast concept that aligns with your expertise and audience interests.
• Invest in good equipment and a quiet recording space for high-quality sound.
• Use reliable hosting platforms to distribute your podcast widely.
• Consistently publish and promote episodes to grow your readership.

Introduction

Podcasting has become one of the most widespread forms of media in recent years. According to the statistics by Backlinko, the number of monthly podcast listeners in the US in 2024 is estimated to be 135 million.

Unbelievable right?

Looking at these numbers, you can clearly understand how vital podcasting has become.

And why it wouldn’t be? It enables people, especially authors, to promote their books, share stories, and engage with the audience.

However, let’s face this reality.

Making a podcast is quite difficult because it could not be the right choice for every author.

But there's no need to worry about it as Authors Breeze is always here to help. We have made this blog post to let you decide if podcasting is right for you and how you can start it easily.

So let’s get started!

How do you know if podcasting is right for you?

Just ask yourself! Because it’s the first basic step in determining your potential. It would be best if you question yourself:

• Whether your book requires podcasting or not?
• Does it align with your project’s objectives or not?
• Will spending hours every week making your own podcast help you reach those larger goals?

If it’s a no, withdraw the idea immediately; if yes, you need to answer more questions.

It sounds fun and easy to start a podcast, and yes, we get that hype! But the hype is not the reality. Therefore, ask yourself honestly;

• Will you be easily available to make 200-plus episodes of your book?
• Will you enjoy the whole process of making the podcast? Even if it did not turn out as you thought?

If your honest answer is Yes, then podcast is the right choice for you!

Now, the crucial part begins! Only making a podcast isn’t enough. It should also stand out. That is why we have provided an easy 10-step guide to help you achieve your goals.

10 Easy Steps to Start A Podcast

Step 1. Define Your Podcast Concept

Firstly, decide the main focus of your podcast because choosing the right one is crucial for attracting the audience. It doesn’t need to be similar to your book topic. But to some extent, it must connect with the ideas you covered in your book.

Therefore, to decide on the concept of your podcast, you must follow these tips.

Select a Niche or Topic

The primary step for your podcast is to choose a niche or topic that should be from your area of expertise or your interests. So, select something that you are passionate about. Some examples of podcast niches for authors might include the following:

• Writing tips.
• Book reviews.
• Author interviews.
• Discussions about the best self-publishing companies.

Recognize Your Target Audience

The next step is to identify your target audience. It would be helpful to consider the following when thinking about a podcast:

• Who are you creating your podcast for?
• What are their interests and needs?

These factors will help you tailor your content accordingly.

Choose Your Format

Now, you must decide what the format of your podcast should be. Some options are as follows:

• Interview-based: Host guests to discuss relevant topics.
• Solo-hosted: Share your thoughts or expertise alone.
• Panel discussions: Feature multiple hosts or guests for diverse perspectives.
• Storytelling: Narrate fictional or real-life stories.

For example:

“An interview format will be the best option for interviewing other authors. A solo episode format will be more appropriate if you want to share content writing tips or talk about writing styles.”

Step 2. Plan Your Episodes

Now, moving on to the next step, you must plan the overall structure of your episodes. It includes the following:

Episode Structure

You must consider that each episode of your podcast should be engaging, so you must structure them accordingly. However, break each episode into different parts with different time limits. For instance:

• Intro (1–2 mins): In this part, greet listeners and introduce the topic of your podcast.
• Main Content (15–45 mins): Following the introduction, get into the discussion or interview.
• Outro (1–2 mins): At the end, briefly recap the episode and provide a call to action.

In this way, you will achieve a proper structure for your episodes.

Episode Length

Select the time limit for each episode of your podcast. However, research your niche to determine the average length of your episodes to make your podcast stand out. Here are some of the most common episode lengths:

• Less than 10 mins (14%)
• 10-20 mins (15%)
• 20-40 mins (22%)
• Over 60 mins (7%)

Create a Schedule

Lastly, decide how often you can publish an episode of your podcast. Either you can publish weekly or bi-weekly. It totally depends on you and your will.

Step 3. Name Your Podcast

It is a very crucial step as it helps to grab the attention of the listeners. Follow these few strategies when naming your podcast for a better reach;

Be Unique

Select a name that must hint at your topic. It should be unique and attractive enough to make your podcast stand out among others of a similar niche or topic.

Keep it Simple

You must select a name that is simple and concise. It should be something that is easy to remember, spell, and search.

Search for Availability

After selecting a name, you must look out for its availability. Search on other podcasts and social media platforms to make sure your chosen name has not been taken already.

Step 4. Set Up Your Recording Space

The next step is to set up a recording space for your podcast. So, follow these tips to set up an ideal recording space:

• Choose a small and quiet room to minimize echo.
• Remove unnecessary things from the room that might generate background noise, such as fans or air conditioners.
• Use soft furnishings because they absorb sound.
• Close both the windows and doors to block external noise.
• Use foam panels or a portable sound shield for better acoustics and soundproofing.

Step 5. Get the Necessary Equipment

Do you want to start a podcast that sounds professional? Then, get all these essential equipment:

Microphones

One of the most important tools for your podcast is the microphone. You can select any one of the following:

• Dynamic – That is great for recording in noisy environments.
• Condenser – This is best for recording in quiet environments.
• USB microphones – They are easy to use and convenient.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is a necessary tool for recording a podcast. It helps you connect your microphone and other audio equipment to your computer and provides high-quality audio inputs and outputs.

Headphones

Headphones are required to monitor audio while recording. They enable you to hear your audio live and make sure you capture high-quality sound.

Key Tip:

“Use closed-back headphones in order to block out external noise and prevent audio leakage.”

Recording Software

Recording software is used to capture and edit your audio. There are many types of recording software available. Some of them include the following:

• Audacity
• GarageBand
• Adobe Audition

These software also help add effects and mix multiple audio tracks in your podcast.

Step 6. Record Your Episodes

After gathering all the necessary tools, start recording your podcast. But to ensure that your podcasts sound professional and engaging to your listeners, you must consider the following:

Adjust microphone

Set your microphone 5-10 inches away from your mouth. Also, adjust the height to match the level of your mouth to avoid distortion. Lastly, make sure that the microphone is set according to the right polar pattern (the direction from which it picks up sound).

Check Recording environment

Look out for items that might create unnecessary sounds and remove them. Make sure your recording environment is quiet and soundproofed.

Practice Delivery

Before recording your podcast, practice how you will speak to the audience. Speak naturally in a steadfast tone and try to keep the energy consistent throughout the episode.

Record in Segments

Recording in segments is crucial in maintaining quality as well as in saving time during the editing process. However, mistakes are natural, even for seasoned podcasters. That is why recording in smaller, manageable sections assures you don’t have to redo an entire episode just to fix one error.

Step 7. Edit Your Podcast

After recording your podcast, move to the next step, which is the post-production phase. It involves editing and refining your audio. In this step, you make sure your podcast is engaging and polished. As well as accessible to a broad audience.

Basic Editing

First of all, cut down on mistakes and long pauses. Also, remove filler words like “um” or “you know” to maintain a smooth flow. Then, balance the audio levels to ensure voices are clear and consistent throughout the episode.

Enhance Quality

To enhance the quality of your recording;

• Use equalization (EQ) to improve sound clarity.
• Apply noise reduction to eliminate background hums or static.
• Normalize the audio for a consistent volume throughout the recording.

Key Tip:

“You can use tools such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Descript for a smooth and hassle-free editing process.”

Step 8. Create Podcast Artwork and Intro Music

Podcast artwork and intro music are crucial in attracting listeners. They also help in establishing your brand. So, you must ensure that these two elements are pitch-perfect in your podcast.

Podcast Artwork

It is the visual representation of a podcast. So, create one that is appealing, just like professional book cover design services can create. Thus, when making the artwork, keep these things in mind:

• Your selected image should be between 1400×1400 and 3000×3000 pixels.
• It must be in JPEG or PNG format.
• Design tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop can be used to create attractive artwork.

Key Tip:

“Make sure your podcast artwork reflects the theme of your podcast to make a strong first impression.”

Intro music

Intro music is another essential element for branding your podcast. Therefore, make sure to add one that is appealing enough to be heard. When adding intro music, you must keep an eye on the following:

Choose royalty-free music from platforms, such as:

• AudioJungle
• Epidemic Sound
• Free Music Archive.

Keep your intro music short to grab the listener’s attention. It should be preferably about 10–15 seconds maximum.

Record a voiceover to introduce the name of the podcast and host. It helps to create a welcoming and professional opening.

Step 9. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform

Picking a podcast hosting platform is a crucial step in launching your podcast. You must understand what fits best for you. Before getting further, understand:

What is a podcast host?

A podcast host is a service provider that stores your audio files and distributes them to directories such as:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts, etc.

There are several hosting options available for your podcast. You can either host your podcast by yourself on your author’s website or use a third-party hosting service, such as;

• Buzzsprout: User-friendly with detailed analytics.
• Anchor: Free hosting with built-in monetization tools.
• Podbean: Affordable plans and easy distribution.

Key Tip:

When selecting a hosting service, look for the following:

• Storage space.
• Tools to track and analyze audience engagement.
• Compatibility with podcast directories.

Step 10. Publish and Promote Your Podcast

Once you have finished the editing of your podcast, publish it and promote it to your audience.

Publishing your podcast successfully involves:

• Creating an engaging description for each episode.
• Tagging episodes with relevant keywords.
• Maintain a consistent release schedule to build audience loyalty.

Promotion is equally important in growing your podcast audience. To promote your podcast, consider the following;

• Hype up on social media platforms by sharing episode highlights or behind-the-scenes content to spark interest.
• Make effective collaborations with other podcasters for cross-promotion.
• Engage with your audience. Respond to their comments and reviews and build a loyal fan base.
• Last but not least, send emails and newsletters to keep subscribers informed about new episodes and updates.

Also Read: “Author Newsletter Mastery: Tips to Captivate Your Audience.”

Conclusion

Podcasting is an excellent way to connect with readers. It is also beneficial for authors to promote books. However, it isn't an easy task and requires great effort along with careful planning. Thus, breaking it into simple steps can make this process a little easier and more manageable.

Moreover, if you still find it difficult or need any help regarding your podcast journey, Authors Breeze is here to provide expert services. So, don't waste your time, and start your podcast today!

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