How I Podcast

1. Determine your topic and desired audience. Be sure to choose something in your expertise that you enjoy sharing with others. 
2. Determine your title. Keep it short with keywords. Don't try to get too clever. You want your audience to see at a glance exactly what they can expect from listening. 
3. Determine your format/style (will you collaborate with a co-host, go the monologue route or will you interview guests regularly?) One of the advantages of guest interviews is giving a deeper level of content for your listeners as well as exposing your podcast to the wider audience your guest provides. If you don't quite feel ready for interviewing guests, that's okay. Remember, the key is to just get started. 
4. Determine your episode length and publishing frequency. Do you want daily 15 minute episodes, weekly 30 minutes episodes or bi-weekly hour-long episodes ––or another combination that works better for you? Once you decide, stay consistent! In most cases, consistency is more important than frequency or length. 
5. Determine if or how you will monetize your podcast. Two of the simplest and easiest ways to monetize at the beginning is to promote a product you already own or sell (such as an online course) or to share an affiliate link to a product or service you know and love. By the way, Buzzsprout has recently launched an affiliate service as part of its hosting plan, making monetizing your podcast even easier. 
6. Determine your episode structure (your audio segments and what order they go in). Types of segments include teaser, intro, advertisements, listener feedback, Q/A, request for reviews, outro and more. 
7. Brainstorm your first 100 podcast topics. This will ensure your topic has longevity and you know you have plenty to talk about. You'll also feel extra motivated to just get started!
8. Set an official launch date, keeping in mind that you should have at least three episodes published by then so new listeners can get a solid feel of what to expect from your podcast.

1. Listen to podcasts regularly yourself to see what works for others. Note what you like and what you don't like. 
2. Choose a microphone. I like the Blue Yeti for its affordability and ease of use. It's one of the most popular starter mics out there and I can see why.
3. Choose your podcast host. Libsyn is one of the longest-standing ones out there, but Buzzsprout has everything you get in Libsyn for the same price with extra benefits: it's incredibly user friendly and it comes with marketing tools to help you spread the word about your podcast.
4. Choose your editing software. If you're on a really tight budget and consider yourself a techie, go with Audacity (PC)or GarageBand included with your Mac. They're both free. I pay for Alitu to save time and it's worth it for me. 

1. Create or outsource your podcast cover design. I use Canva Pro and others outsource through sites like 99Designs. Your cover art needs to be 1400 px by 1400 px and should be eye-catching. Text should be minimal and easy to read. 
2. Write a compelling yet brief summary of your episode to use in podcast directories like Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio. Keep in mind that Buzzsprout makes it easy to publish to all the popular directories and podcast listening apps. 
3. Outline or script your first 3 podcasts. If you think well "on the fly" an outline is your best bet. If you can sound natural reading a script (a rare gift) and prefer that, then definitely go that route. 
4. Create a “waitlist” email sign-up page to share with your friends, family, business customers, etc). This builds excitement and gives you the accountability to stick with your plan and get your podcast out there!
5. Record your first episode in QuickTime (Apple) or the Voice Recorder App (Windows) or directly in Alitu. Don't worry about it sounding perfect. The more you get used to hearing your voice, the more comfortable you'll feel. 
6. Build your first episode by importing your primary audio files, sound effects and specific segments such as advertisements into your editing tool. 
7. Edit your first episode.  Again, this can be done through free software like Audacity or GarageBand or through a paid service like Alitu. Editing at its most basic includes taking out "ums" and "ahs" (unless you want to keep those in for a more conversational tone). 

Stage 4 is all about leveraging your website to support your podcast.

1. Create a podcast-centered website (like WorkingUpward.com) or at least dedicating a landing page to  your show. It helps your listeners learn more about you and your purpose.
2. Create show notes ( I do these as blog posts). These can brief, containing only links mentioned in the episode or longer with complete outlines, a summary or entire episode transcription. 
3. Create episode related online resources you can share with your listeners. Think cheat sheets, PDF summaries and in-depth "how to" guides.  Offer these free resources in exchange for your listeners' email addresses to grow your email list while also serving your audience. 
4. Create special pages for affiliate resources (if you monetize). For example, if you sign up as an affiliate for XYZ mattress company, create your own web page with your own words about why you recommend XYZ and direct listeners to yourdomain.com/xyz.

1. Upload your first 3 episodes to your hosting provider.
2. Generate social media excitement before you launch. Consider using Buzzsprout or Wavve to turn audio file teasers into social videos. 
3. Email your podcast waiting list regularly beginning at least a month before launching. Be bold in creatively requesting reviews and offering giveaways in exchange for launch participation. 
4. Announce your live podcasts on your selected launch date. 
5. Celebrate and enjoy your accomplishment.

1. Stay consistent in publishing your podcast episodes. The easiest and most effective way to do this is to block out the time you need to plan and record your podcast every week and mark it on your calendar. Another great way to stay consistent is to batch your podcasting tasks. For example, outline several podcasts at a time or record several podcasts at a time.
2. Constantly look for ways to improve your content and strategy. The world of podcasting is still evolving and you need to grow with it!
3. Routinely request feedback and encourage engagement for your listeners so you can keep creating relevant and helpful content.