{"id":10842,"date":"2016-05-10T11:34:25","date_gmt":"2016-05-10T16:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=10842"},"modified":"2025-10-29T08:12:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T13:12:36","slug":"starting-a-podcast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/starting-a-podcast\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Podcast: Here’s What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Starting<\/p>\n

<\/b>Podcasts have come a long way since they first gained notoriety back around 2004. As a catchy combination of the words 'iPod'\u009d and 'broadcast,'\u009d the podcast has defined itself as a more specific form of radio that can be streamed online (or from any of your personal devices) as .mp3s. <\/span><\/p>\n

Similar to how SoundCloud has given an opportunity for lesser-known artists to self-publish music and gain a more niche following online, podcasts have allowed independent speakers to build platforms that may not have gotten any radio play otherwise. This individualized approach has allowed listeners to really hone in on personalities that speak to them in the way of content, topics, and additional benefits like actually being able to get in contact with the podcast owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many podcasts have become successful enough for the creator to live off the revenue generated, while others use podcasts as a creative outlet, or as a marketing method for their brand. However you wish to go about using yours, here is what you need to know to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Will Your Podcast’s Topic Be?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your only reason for starting a podcast is to hear the sound of your own voice, you should probably reconsider this option. Podcasts amount to a lot of time spent with growth, modifications, and building an audience capable of monetizing your time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideally, your topic(s) should reflect something you’re:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Passionate about and feel will assist others by listening<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. An expert or professional in the subject and have valuable information<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. An excellent story teller and can entertain people<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A comedian and can use the podcast to reach a new audience<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Love music and want to run your own radio station (Careful, this requires licensing for radio play)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Like any creative endeavor, you have to be willing to mold to what will get you subscribers, or will help your business.\u00a0 I’m all for staying true to your purpose, the main point is to pay attention to which content is working and which isn\u2019t by using analytics.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Create<\/a><\/p>\n

    What You’re Going To Need<\/span><\/h2>\n

    1. Artwork<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    Every podcast is listed with an ‘album cover’ and usually the best podcasts also have professional artwork to get noticed easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Equipment<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    Audio production can be trickier than video simply because it’s a method of recording most of us haven’t done on a regular basis. Making your Podcast sound good comes down to clarity and editing.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Computer<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    Running a podcast requires a lot more than just your phone. If you’re using a laptop look into what kind of audio ports are available in order to select your microphone. Common audio inputs include USB or Firewire.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Portable Recorder (Optional)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    For those of you wishing to record your podcast anywhere, having a portable recorder is an excellent option. Many will also support XLR audio inputs for using professional microphones.<\/span><\/p>\n

    5. Microphone <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    Any microphone will work, but quality is highly important. There are many cost-effective microphones available in the market today.<\/span><\/p>\n

    6. Audio Editing Software<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

    A good podcast requires recording multiple takes, and then selecting the best audio to edit into a final version. Some good software options include:<\/span><\/p>\n