How to Start a Podcast: A Beginner’s Guide (With the Tools I Actually Use)

So, you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast? Brilliant idea! Podcasts are a fantastic way to connect with your audience, share your expertise, and even have a bit of fun along the way. But let’s be honest—getting started can feel a bit overwhelming. What mic do you need? How do you edit? Where do you even put your episodes?

Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know (and everything I wish I knew when I started).

Step 1: Get the Right Gear (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

First things first, you need a microphone. While there are loads of options out there, I use the RODE Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone. Why? It’s easy to use, reliable and gives you excellent sound quality without needing fancy equipment. Just plug it into your computer with the standard USB connection, and you’re good to go.

To make life easier (and make your desk setup look a bit more professional), I also recommend:

• The RODE PSA1 Studio Boom Arm: This clamps onto your desk so your mic is always in the right spot.
• The RODE PSM1 Shock Mount: The Shock Mount keeps your mic steady and helps reduce vibrations (great if you’re a fidgeter like me).
• A Wind Shield/Pop Filer: The Wind Shield reduces those annoying plosive sounds (like the hard 'P' and 'B' sounds) for cleaner audio (I did start with a sock on the mic before I purchased the Wind Shield!).

Step 2: Podcast Recording Made Simple

When it comes to recording, you don’t need a fancy studio or expensive software to get started. I use GarageBand on my Mac because:

• It’s free (we love that).
• It’s super user-friendly, even if you’re not techy.
• It has all the basic features you’ll need to record and edit your episodes.

If you’re on a PC or want to explore other options, tools like Audacity (also free) or Adobe Audition (more advanced but amazing) are worth checking out.

Step 3: Give Your Audio a Professional Polish

Here’s a little secret: No one’s audio sounds perfect straight out of the mic. That’s where tools like Adobe Enhance come in. This free tool works magic on your recordings, making your voice sound clearer and removing any pesky background noise. It’s like having a sound engineer in your pocket (but without the hefty price tag).

Step 4: Add Personality with Intro and Outro Music

Your podcast intro and outro are like the theme song to your show - they set the tone and make you memorable. I found mine by hiring a freelancer on Fiverr. For as little as $20, you can get custom music that fits your vibe perfectly. It’s quick, affordable, and makes your podcast sound polished from day one.

Step 5: Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform

Once your episode is ready to go, you’ll need somewhere to host it so people can actually listen. Here are a few options:

• Kajabi: This is where I host my podcast simply because it's the tool that I use to run my entire business (website, online courses, membership, email marketing - you're reading this blog post on Kajabi right now!) Kajabi is an amazing all-in-one option. (Click here to check it out - this is my affiliate link.)
• Spotify for Creators: Perfect for beginners. It’s free and makes it easy to get your podcast on Spotify (which is where loads of people listen).
• Squarespace: If you have a Squarespace website, you can host your podcast right there, keeping everything in one place. (Click here to see an example.)

Step 6: Publish and Share Your Podcast

With everything set up, it’s time to hit “publish” and share your podcast with the world. Submit your episodes to popular directories like:

• Apple Podcasts (you’ll need to sign up through Apple Podcasts Connect)
• Spotify
• YouTube

Each platform has a slightly different process, but don’t worry - it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Once your podcast is live, promote it on social media, in your email newsletters, and anywhere else your audience hangs out.

Bonus Tips: What I’ve Learned Along the Way

1. Keep It Simple to Start: Don’t feel like you need to buy all the gadgets or use advanced software. Start with what you have and upgrade as you go.
2. Batch Record: Recording a few episodes at once saves time and keeps you consistent.
3. Focus on Content: A fancy mic won’t matter if your content doesn’t resonate. Know your audience and speak directly to them.
4. Have Fun: Seriously, podcasting should be enjoyable! Don’t stress over perfection.

Final Thoughts

Starting a podcast might feel like a big leap, but trust me, you’ve got this! With the right tools, a clear plan, and a little bit of creativity, you’ll be hitting record and sharing your message in no time.

Have more questions about starting your podcast (or social media tips in general)? Reach out or check out my other resources - I’m here to help! 😊

And if you'd like to listen to my podcast, The Social Smarty Show, click here!