Looking to start a podcast in 2023? Let us help you get the ball rolling and start on the right foot with our step-by-step guide. We will walk you through the podcasting process to help you launch your show, and we will also share some of the best tips and tricks we’ve gleaned over our years in the industry. It’s everything you need to successfully launch your podcast in 2023.
Let’s get right into it! Your very own podcast awaits!
Pick your podcast topic and niche
Choose your podcast format
Acquire your podcast recording equipment
Choose your audio editing software or pick an editing partner
Pick your host
Promote your podcast
Monetize your podcast
Steps to Start a Podcast in 2023
1. Pick your podcast topic and niche
First up, you’ll need to decide on the content of your podcast. What topic are you going to choose? What’s your niche going to be?
To find your topic, and then find your niche, start by thinking about what you’re passionate about. Or think about your area of expertise. You could also consider something you don’t know too much about but something you have a burning desire to learn more about. Your niche then could be taking your listeners on the journey with you as you learn more about X.
But why do you need a niche? Isn’t a general topic enough? Well, based on our experience, as well as the opinion of many we respect in the podcasting space, no, it’s not.
To set yourself apart in the podcasting world, you must find a specific niche for your show. Because your niche is where you will build your audience and make an indelible mark on the industry. While your podcast has a focus topic or subject, which groups it under a particular category, your niche is what differentiates you from every other podcast within that category. It’s the unique angle or approach you will take on your show.
So, Step One for starting a podcast in 2023? Find your topic and hone your niche!
2. Choose your podcast format
Choosing a format is essential in order to create an engaging structure and flow of your episodes. Some of the most common podcast formats include:
- The Solo Format: Involves a single host delivering content.
- The Interview Format: A host (or hosts) interviews different guests relevant to the podcast’s topic and niche.
- The Co-Hosted Format: Two or more hosts converse on the topic.
- The Non-Fiction Narrative Format: Tells a true-life tale over a number of episodes.
- The Fiction Narrative Format: Tells a fictional tale over a number of episodes, often using sound effects and music to enhance the listening experience.
The above are just some of the many types of podcast formats you could choose. The key thing to remember is that your format must align with your topic, your niche, your podcast mission, as well as your resources.
Get a breakdown of the most popular podcast formats here.
3. Acquire your podcast recording equipment
Next, to turn all your ideas into a podcast, you’re going to need some podcast recording equipment.
First and foremost, to start a podcast, you need a microphone.
You can totally pick high-end options, such as the Shure SM7B. But, particularly if you’re just starting out and learning the ropes, there are other, more affordable options available.
USB microphones are perfect for any level of podcaster. They’re a “go-to” choice because they’re super user-friendly. You just need to plug them in and you’re ready to roll.
Some popular microphone choices are the ATR2100, the Blue Yeti, or the Rode NT-USB.
We also always recommend a quality set of headphones or earphones. These are great tools to help you monitor your sound and keep your audio levels on point.
Again, there are high-end options, such as the Audio Technica M40x headphones. But entry-level headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-M30x and the Sony MDR-7506 are also great choices. Even your standard pair of earphones or AirPods will work well.
For more info on the podcasting equipment you could consider as you prepare to start a podcast, check out this post: Everything You Need to Know About…Podcast Equipment
4. Choose your audio editing software or pick an editing partner
Once you’ve used all your cool new equipment to record your first few episodes, you’re going to move on to the next phase of the ‘Start a Podcast’ process…editing.
A process we’re rather passionate about, as I’m sure you can imagine!
We really believe editing is essential to an outstanding podcast. Yes, you want your conversations to feel authentic – and we definitely want that for you too! – but you also don’t want all your most valuable insights and amazing takeaways to be lost amidst subpar tangents. (Sorry, but it’s true.)
So, you need to edit. And for that you need software. There are a whole bunch of options available when it comes to editing software. Audacity, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition are all great options, depending on your editing skills and budget.
But if you know you’re not going to have the adequate time to edit as you envision, or you simply want to put all your focus on creating outstanding, highly-valuable content, then you have the option of outsourcing your podcast editing.
While we’re certainly not the only ones offering podcast editing services, we have been in the podcasting game since 2015. And as a Podcast Production Agency, we have really honed our skills and expanded our services to help give you, the podcaster, your time back. You can check out all we offer here. Or give us a call! We’d love to help you start a podcast in 2023!
5. Pick your host
A podcast is only really a podcast when people have the opportunity to hear it. And for that to happen, you need a podcast host. Your podcast host stores your audio files and their metadata online so that listeners can access the episodes via streaming platforms. Your podcast host distributes your podcast episodes to the world.
But how do you pick the podcast host that’s right for you and your podcast? The great news is that you’ve got options!
And to help you narrow down the choices and find the right host to help you start your podcast in 2023, you can check out this post. It’s got all you need to know about all the top podcast hosts.
Related read: Best Strategies for a Successful Podcast Launch
6. Promote your podcast
Once you’ve recorded your first few episodes and picked the right host for the job, the work doesn’t stop. If you want to start a podcast and then keep it going for the long haul, an essential part of that podcasting process is consistently promoting your podcast.
You need to do this pre-launch, first and foremost, because that will help you get as many ears on your show right from the start. This is important for all sorts of reasons, but the top one being is that it can go a long way to getting your show noticed in some of the most popular podcast-listening apps.
So some strategic podcast promotion pre-launch is important.
But you also need a solid marketing strategy for continually promoting your podcast. This is a key way to consistently expand your reach and grow your audience.
We’ve got a whole load of resources on the topic (a fun one is linked below) but here are some highlights of our best strategies for effectively promoting a podcast:
Podcast Promotion Ideas:
- Social media: Pick the platforms your target audiences use regularly, and create all types of content that meets their needs, and gets them hooked on all you offer. (I.e. your podcast!)
- Audiograms: Audiograms are a fantastic way to share bite-sized portions of your podcast on social media, family group chats, etc.
- YouTube Shorts: Another visual way to reach your target audience with engaging content.
- A newsletter: A newsletter is a great way to build and establish relationships with your audience.
- A podcast trailer: We feel this strategy is seriously under-utilized! A great trailer can be shared on your social media platforms, in your newsletters, but it can also be shared via other podcasts in your niche.
- Cross-promotion strategies: Find popular podcasts that cater to your audience and approach them for cross-promotion opportunities.
- Online communities: Online communities are a great way to promote your podcast. Find the ones where your target audience typically engages, and get active in those communities.
And these are just some of the ways podcast hosts can get the word out there about their super cool podcast! With some brainstorming, you’ll be able to come up with some potentially awesome strategies that will help you consistently promote your podcast. Take our advice, do not neglect the promotion process as you prepare to start a podcast in 2023!
Related read: 20+ Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Promoting a Podcast
7. After you start a podcast: How to monetize your podcast
And finally, let’s look at some of the ways you can monetize your podcast.
But first, I’m going to be really straight with you. Podcasting is by no means a “get rich quick” scheme. If you’re starting a podcast with that mindset, I urge you to pause, and adjust your expectations.
Because while yes, it certainly is possible to make some money from your podcast, and there is definitely scope for it to become a main source of income down the line, based on our years of experience, this will not happen overnight. Or quickly, for that matter.
From our experience, some things need to be in place first, before any podcaster should dive into the world of podcast monetization. That’s really a discussion for another day (but leave us a comment below if you want to know more!) but for now, what I will say, is that if you want to start monetizing your show with success, you should have a regular publishing schedule, a core group of loyal listeners, consistent, high-quality content, and receive somewhere in the ballpark of 1,000 downloads per episode.
If you feel you’re at that point, or you simply just want to get this podcast monetization show on the road, here are some popular ways many podcast hosts monetize their podcast:
Popular Ways to Monetize a Podcast:
- Listener support: Using platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, many podcasters successfully monetize their podcast.
- Podcast ad spots: Many podcast hosts sell ad spots on their podcast as a way to monetize. Other podcasts, as well as brands and businesses, are actively looking for podcasts that align with their target audience.
- Premium content: This is becoming an increasingly popular way to monetize a podcast. If you have a loyal group of listeners, and there is a demand for your content, this strategy could prove really lucrative.
- Podcast merch: Selling merchandise that’s branded for your podcast is another popular monetization option.
- Consulting, coaching, or courses: Depending on your topic and niche, and the demand for your content, you may find that this could be a really successful way for you to monetize a podcast.
Want to find out more about how to monetize a podcast? Check out this post: How To Monetize Your Podcast: Here’s Everything We Know
All You Need to Start a Podcast in 2023…
Make 2023 the year you start a podcast! Podcasting is an incredibly rewarding adventure, and by following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful podcast.
Good luck! We can’t wait to hear all about your podcasting journey this year.
Want to know more about how to start a podcast? Ask us below!
Happy podcasting!
