If you’re looking to create a brand-new podcast this year but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. There has never been a better time to start a podcast, with over 500 million podcast listeners worldwide. Whether you’re passionate about a subject or an expert in a niche, there’s an audience waiting for you.
So, how do you get started? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to launching your podcast.
Step 1: Identify Your Topic and Niche
This is the most crucial step before you begin recording episodes. Start by deciding on a broad topic and then narrow it down into a niche. For example, if you’re interested in food, you could focus on:
- Food consumption (eating)
- Food preparation (cooking)
- Food education (nutrition)
If you choose nutrition, you can niche down further to specific topics like dairy products, yogurts, cheeses, or even raw milk. The more specific you get, the easier it becomes to attract a dedicated audience.
Step 2: Finalise Your Podcast Name and Distribution Method
Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to pick a name for your podcast. Keep it catchy and relevant, and don’t stress too much—you can always tweak it later. A simple naming formula is:
[Catchy Phrase] + [Your Name]
You’ll also need eye-catching podcast artwork. You can create it yourself using Canva, or hire a designer on Fiverr for around $20–$30.
For distribution, use podcast hosting platforms like:
- Transistor
- Buzzsprout
- Podcastle
These platforms generate an RSS feed that automatically distributes your episodes to major listening platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Step 3: Choose Your Tech Setup and Podcast Format
Your tech setup will determine the quality of your podcast. Here’s what you need:
Microphones
Audio quality is critical, so invest in a good microphone. Here are two budget-friendly options:
- Samson Q2U ($70) – A great USB microphone for beginners
- Shure MV7X ($150) – An XLR microphone with excellent sound
If you want studio-quality audio, the Shure SM7B ($500) is an industry favorite.
Cameras
Video podcasts are gaining popularity, with 33% of US listeners preferring watchable content. You can start with your smartphone camera, or upgrade to:
- Sony ZV-E10 (Mark 1 or Mark 2) – Great image quality at an affordable price
Podcast Format
Decide if your podcast will be:
- Solo – You talk alone, possibly with a desk or couch setup
- Guest-based – Interviews with virtual or in-person guests
For remote interviews, use StreamYard, a professional platform for recording and live streaming.
Step 4: Record Your First Few Episodes
To gain momentum, launch your podcast with at least three episodes. Studies show that 99% of podcasts fail if they release fewer than three episodes.
There are two ways to launch:
- Release one episode per week for four weeks – A steady start
- Drop multiple shorter episodes at once – Keeps listeners engaged
The key is to start recording and learn along the way.
Step 5: Edit Your Podcast
Keep your editing simple and natural. Podcasts are meant to be conversational, so avoid over-editing. However, consider adding a hook—a short 10–30 second highlight at the beginning of each episode.
Editing Tips:
- Remove major mistakes and long pauses
- Keep the flow natural
- Use engaging hooks to improve retention
Step 6: Publish and Promote Your Podcast
Once your episodes are edited, it’s time to publish. Upload them to your hosting platform, which will distribute them automatically.
Promoting Your Podcast:
- Upload to YouTube – Even for audio-only podcasts
- Create short clips – Share on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts
- Leverage guest audiences – Interview guests with an existing following
These strategies help increase discoverability and attract more listeners.
Step 7: Review and Improve
After publishing, analyse your episodes to refine your podcast. Ask yourself:
- What worked well?
- What can be improved?
- How did the audio and video quality sound?
Review YouTube analytics and podcast hosting stats to track engagement and retention. Also, check your comment section for valuable audience feedback.
Final Thoughts
Following these seven steps will set you up for success in podcasting. Now is the perfect time to hit record and start sharing your voice with the world.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Check out our guide to the best podcast microphones under $200 for high-quality sound on a budget.
