Podcasting has taken the world by storm, and if you’re looking to start your own show, you’re in the right place. In this beginners guide to podcasting, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I wish I had known when I started my first podcast. Whether you want to build your brand, share your expertise, or interview industry leaders, this guide will give you everything you need to get started.
Let’s dive into this comprehensive beginners guide to podcasting, covering equipment, software, hosting, and growth strategies to help you launch successfully.
Why Start a Podcast?
Before we dive into the technical aspects, let’s talk about why podcasting is such a powerful platform:
- Reach a global audience – Your voice can be heard by thousands, even millions, worldwide.
- Build authority – Position yourself as an expert in your field.
- Networking opportunities – Connect with high-level guests and industry leaders.
- Generate revenue – Monetization opportunities through sponsorships, ads, and affiliate marketing.
- Create evergreen content – Podcast episodes continue to bring value long after they’re published.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s break down the key steps in this beginners guide to podcasting.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Microphone 🎤
One of the most critical components of a great podcast is audio quality. Even if your video quality isn’t perfect, listeners will forgive it—bad audio, however, is a dealbreaker.
Here are the microphones I recommend:
- Rode Lavalier Mic – Perfect for on-the-go recordings, interviews, and mobile setups.
- Rode PodMic – Great for home studio recordings with excellent sound quality.
- Blue Yeti – A popular option for beginners, but I found the Rode mic to be a better investment.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, start with an affordable lavalier mic (around $20). Anything is better than nothing!
Step 2: Selecting Podcast Recording Software 🎛️
Once you have a microphone, you need recording software. Your choice will depend on your operating system and editing preferences.
- Mac Users → GarageBand (Free) – Simple and effective for beginners.
- Windows & Mac Users → Audacity (Free) – Great for basic audio editing.
- Advanced Users → Adobe Audition (Paid) – Offers more advanced features but comes with a learning curve.
💡 Pro Tip: GarageBand and Audacity are great starting points. Don’t overcomplicate things—start recording and improve over time.
Step 3: Editing Your Podcast Like a Pro ✂️
Editing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple process:
- Remove filler words – Cut out excessive “ums” and “uhs.”
- Enhance audio – Use built-in effects like noise reduction and equalization.
- Add intro & outro – Create a branded experience with music and voiceovers.
I recommend outsourcing editing as soon as possible so you can focus on content creation and growth.
Step 4: Choosing a Podcast Hosting Platform 🌎
You can’t upload podcasts directly to platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify—you need a hosting service.
Best Podcast Hosting Platforms:
- Libsyn ($5–$15/month) – My personal recommendation for its reliability.
- Anchor (Free) – Great for beginners but lacks advanced analytics.
- Buzzsprout ($12/month) – Offers easy-to-use tools and great customer support.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with Libsyn if you want a professional hosting platform with solid analytics.
Step 5: Submitting Your Podcast to Platforms 📡
Once your podcast is hosted, you need to distribute it to major platforms like:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- iHeartRadio
✅ How to Submit:
- Copy your RSS feed from Libsyn or your chosen hosting platform.
- Submit it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories.
- Wait for approval (usually takes a few days).
After your first submission, every new episode will automatically appear on all platforms.
Step 6: Launch Strategy for Maximum Impact 🚀
A strong launch strategy can make or break your podcast. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ask for reviews – Ratings and reviews boost your rankings.
- Encourage subscriptions – Subscriptions lead to automatic downloads.
- Do a giveaway – Offer a freebie in exchange for reviews.
- Leverage social media – Promote your show on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
💡 Pro Tip: Tell listeners to subscribe instead of just downloading an episode—this ensures all episodes get automatically downloaded to their device.
Step 7: Promoting Your Podcast for Growth 📢
Your podcast won’t grow on its own. You need to actively market it.
Ways to Promote Your Podcast:
✅ Social Media Snippets – Use tools like Wavve to create audiograms.
✅ YouTube – Upload video versions of your podcast.
✅ Guest Podcasting – Appear on other shows to reach new audiences.
✅ Email List – Send episode updates to your subscribers.
✅ Collaborations – Network with other podcasters and do cross-promotions.
Step 8: Monetizing Your Podcast 💰
Once your podcast gains traction, you can start monetizing it.
Ways to Make Money from Podcasting:
- Sponsorships – Partner with brands that align with your audience.
- Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and earn commissions.
- Premium Content – Offer exclusive episodes for a monthly fee.
- Merchandise – Sell branded merchandise.
- Coaching & Consulting – Use your podcast to attract coaching clients.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on building a loyal audience first—monetization will follow.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now!
Podcasting is one of the best ways to grow your brand, connect with influencers, and provide massive value. This beginners guide to podcasting has covered all the essentials, from choosing a mic to promoting and monetizing your show.
🔥 Ready to start? Here’s your action plan:
- ✔️ Pick a microphone and recording software.
- ✔️ Record your first episode.
- ✔️ Choose a hosting platform and submit your podcast.
- ✔️ Promote your show and ask for reviews.
- ✔️ Stay consistent and improve with each episode.
By following this beginners guide to podcasting, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful podcast. Now, get out there and start recording! 🎙️🚀
Connect with Marian on Social:
►Instagram: @marianvesanu
►Facebook: @marianvesanulive
►Twitter: @marianvesanu
►LinkedIn: Marian Esanu
✦ Don’t forget to subscribe to Brand UP Podcast
