Starting a podcast checklist

The very first thing you need to do when you’re a beginner podcaster is to establish your aims and what are you hoping to achieve.

Why is it important to establish your goals?

Your objectives will be the driving force behind each decision you make for your podcast. They will help you determine your target audience, the topics you want to cover, the format of your show, and the length of each episode.

How to establish your goals?

Your target could be anything from building brand awareness to growing an engaged audience or making sales. Once you know what your goals are, it will be much easier to make decisions about your podcast.

If you’re unsure of what your objectives should be, take a bit of time to brainstorm and write down a few ideas. Once you have a list of possible goals, you can start to narrow it down to one or two that are most important to you.

Which tools to use for establishing your goals?

• SMART goals worksheet – for setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
• Word processor – for taking notes and brainstorming ideas
• Spreadsheet – to track your progress and goal milestones

Identify a specific topic or area of interest that you will be focusing on in your podcast.

Why is it important to find your niche?

Choosing a niche gives your podcast a clear purpose and direction. It also makes it more likely that you’ll be able to build a strong and loyal audience.

How to find your niche?

Your niche doesn’t have to be overly specific, but it should be focused enough that you can easily talk about the topics related to it. When choosing a niche, think about what you’re passionate about, what you have expertise in, and what your target audience would be interested in hearing about.

Which tools to use for finding your niche?

• Hobbies and interests – for brainstorming ideas about your areas of expertise
• Google Trends – to see what topics are being searched for
• Social media platforms – to get an idea of what people are talking about online

Figure out who you want as your ideal listener for your podcast, what your target audience is, and who your future audience might be.

Why is it important to identify your potential listeners?

Determining your target audience will help you decide what topics you cover, the format of your show, and how you market your podcast. It’s also worth considering who your ideal listener is when setting the goals that you want to achieve, so this should go hand-in-hand with the first step.

How to identify your potential listeners?

Researching your target audience means using social media platforms, Google Analytics, and surveys. If you’re not sure where to start, begin by thinking about who you want to reach with your podcast and what they might be interested in hearing about.

Which tools to use for identifying your potential listeners?

• Google Analytics – to track where your current website or blog traffic is coming from
• Social media platforms – to get an idea of who is talking about your niche
• Surveys – to collect data directly from your target audience

Decide where you will host your podcast. Choose from the different hosting platforms available out there.

Why is it important to look for a podcast hosting provider?

A podcast hosting platform is where your audio files will be stored and distributed. It’s, therefore, crucial to choose a reliable host who can provide you with the features and support that you need.

How to look for a podcast hosting provider?

There are many different podcast hosting platforms or podcast agencies to choose from, so do your research to find one that’s right for you. When comparing hosts, take into account factors such as price, features, ease of use, and customer support.

Which tools to use for looking for a podcast hosting provider?

• Comparison websites – to compare the different podcast hosting platforms
• Customer reviews – to get an idea of what other people are saying about specific hosts
• Podcast directories – to find popular and well-established podcast hosts

Work out what you need to record your podcast episodes and where you might find that equipment so that you can buy it.

Why is it important to purchase your podcast equipment?

To produce high-quality audio recordings, you’ll need to invest in some basic podcasting equipment. This doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s worth considering what you need to get started.

How to purchase your podcast equipment?

Consider the type of microphone you need and whether or not you want to invest in any additional software at this stage or only later when you become an experienced podcaster. It’s also a good idea to think about where you’re going to store your podcast recordings and how you will edit them.

Which tools to use for purchasing your podcast equipment?

• Microphone reviews – to compare different types of microphones for sound quality
• Podcasting software – for recording your episodes and the editing process
• Podcast Host Academy – for guidance on choosing the right podcasting equipment

Before you start recording, check that everything is set up and working correctly.

Why is it important to test your podcast hosting service?

This step will help you avoid any technical issues further down the line. It also gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the podcast platform and ensure that everything is running smoothly from the get-go.

How to test your podcast hosting service?

Create a test episode and upload it to your chosen host, then listen back to the recording to check the audio quality and identify any problems. You can also ask a friend or family member to listen to the episode and give you their feedback.

Which tools to use for testing your podcast hosting service?

• Podcast recording software – for creating a test episode
• Podcast Hosting Guide – for troubleshooting any issues you may encounter
• Podcasting directories – to check that your episodes are being distributed correctly

Prepare for your first recording by putting together a rough script and making a list of what you might ask anyone who joins you on the show.

Why is it important to write an episode outline?

Doing so will help you keep on track when recording and ensure that your episodes are well-structured and flow smoothly. Preparing questions in advance is a good way to plan if you’re inviting guests to your show.

How to write an episode outline?

Start by brainstorming some podcast topic ideas that you want to cover in your first episode. Once you have a few ideas, flesh them out into a more detailed structure. Remember to leave some room for spontaneity and discussion.

Which tools to use for writing an episode outline?

• Note-taking app – for drafting your episode outline
• Research tools – to help you prepare for any interviews or discussions
• Google Docs – for collaboration if you’re working with a co-podcast host or guest
• Survey software – for help with question writing

If you’re planning on questioning guests on your show, reach out to potential interviewees and arrange a suitable time for a chat.

Why is it important to schedule interviews?

Questioning some guests will provide you with plenty of material for your episode. Scheduling a time and date that is convenient for all parties will mean that you won’t run into any problems when trying to get in touch with your interviewees.

How to schedule interviews?

Think about who you would like to interview and why. Once you have a few people in mind, reach out to them via email or social media and propose a time for a chat. Always be respectful of their time and try to be as flexible as possible.

Which tools to use for scheduling interviews?

• Calendar/scheduling software – to coordinate dates and times
• Communication tools – for contacting potential guests
• Interview questions template – to help you prepare for your chat

Now that the preparation is over, it’s time to create your very first podcast.

Why is it important to record your first episode?

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for – the time to share your passion with the world. Recording your first episode will help you get over any nerves and give you a taste of what it’s like to be a podcast host.

How to record your first episode?

Set up your recording equipment in a quiet room and check that you have everything you need. Turn off notifications, perform a soundcheck (audio recording), check headphones and microphone input, open recording software, hit record, and save audio files (audio files).

If you are conducting a podcast interview, you should have the guest follow the same pre-recording steps as above and then open up your video conferencing software to call them.

Which tools to use for recording your first episode?

• Microphone – for recording your voice
• Headphones – to listen for any sound issues and eliminate any background noise
• Recording software – for capturing your audio
• Video calling software – if you’re interviewing guests remotely

Once you’ve recorded your episode, it’s time to polish it up.

Why is it important to edit a podcast?

Post-processing will help you erase any mistakes, remove any awkward pauses, and make sure that your episode flows smoothly. It’s also a good opportunity to add any introductory podcast music or sound effects.

How to edit a podcast?

Take your recordings and open up your editing software, import the audio file, remove any unwanted sections, add introductory podcast music/sound effects (optional), and then export the new file to a format of your choosing (e.g. mp3 files).

Which tools to use for editing a podcast?

• Audio editing software – for cutting and splicing your recordings
• Sound effects – to add some extra production value (optional)
• Intro music – to help set the mood for your episode (optional)
• Post-production checklist – to make sure you don’t miss anything

The final step is to check that your first episode is discoverable by listing it on the various podcast directories.

Why is it important to submit your podcast?

By listing your show on popular directories, you’ll be able to reach a whole new audience of potential listeners because people will be able to find your podcast when they search for related keywords.

How to submit your podcast?

The entire process varies depending on the specific podcast directory, but generally speaking, you’ll need to provide the show title, a podcast description, RSS podcast feed URL, cover art, and category.

Which tools to use for submitting your podcast?

• Directories – list your show on a popular podcast platform like iTunes / Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and Stitcher
• RSS feed URL – from your podcast host
• Cover art – for example, a 1400x1400px JPEG or PNG file in RGB color space with appropriate file sizing (under 500kb)

The final step is to start advertising your podcast so that people can find and listen to it.

Why is it important to promote a podcast?

If you want people to listen to your show and have a successful podcast launch, you need to let them know that it exists. Marketing your podcast is the best way to generate awareness and get people interested in what you have to offer.

How to promote a podcast?

Some popular methods include social media, by sharing each episode on your accounts and creating a dedicated page for your show, reaching out to influencers, or submitting guest post articles; blogging, by writing a synoptic or show-notes style post with highlights; sending out a press release, to let the media know about your new show; and advertising, both online (Facebook Ads, Google AdWords) and offline (sponsorships, trade shows).

Tip! Make use of LiveAgent social media support software and benefit from advanced automation to simplify communication on your social media accounts. You can connect all of your channels and streamline the way you answer questions. Every private message will end up in one inbox. Useful, isn’t it?

Which tools to use for promoting your podcast?

• Marketing assets – to make it easy for people to share your show
• Social media – platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Affiliate marketing – if you have products or services to sell
• Blog posts – to share each new episode
• LiveAgent social media support software – to manage all messages with ease