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Podcasts are as popular as ever and the perfect medium for freelancers as either a main source of income or sidehustle. We'll deep dive into the specifics of starting one and what you need to be successful.
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A podcast is an audio show, much like you would experience listening to talk radio, but uploaded to a server making it available virtually anytime. According to podcast statistics, a survey conducted in 2021 showed 57% of consumers in the United States over the age of 12 have listened to a podcast at least 1 time. Podcasting is a medium that is still in it's infancy and ripe for growth. We're going to walk through how to successfully start a podcast by running through what equipment you are going to need, editing software, strategies for choosing your subject matter, where to publish your podcast and what you need before you do, and lastly some tips for producing a quality podcast.
Equipment
Microphone:
The most important piece of equipment. You will need a quality yet inexpensive microphone in the beginning, preferably with multiple connection options(XLR and USB). Microphones can range from $50 to over $3,000 and can be either dynamic or condenser.
Our Recommendation for Beginners:
Dubbed the best entry level microphone by many, the Samsung Q2U has proven over time to be a solid and reliable microphone. This is a dynamic microphone, which means it focuses more on the vocals spoken directly into it, and ignores ambient noise. It has a USB connection, but also has connections for XLR hookup allowing for later upgrading when you are ready for more advanced audio settings. In addition, there is a headphone input so you are able to monitor the audio as you use it. At the time of writing this, the Samsung Q2U is being sold in a "Podcast Pack" with studio earphones and a desktop boom arm for $69.99. You can find it here.
Runner Up: (Author Recommended Best in Class)
Our runner up is the Yeti from Blue. This is a premium USB condenser microphone with customizable LED lighting, enhanced audio effects, advanced voice modulation, HD audio samples and an instant mute button. And despite being a condenser microphone, the Yeti features four different pickup patterns offering incredible flexibility so you can record vocals for music, podcasts, Twitch streaming, and YouTube videos. The recipient of PC Gamer's Readers Award, 2020 Best of Gizmodo, and the Wirecutter Pick of 2021, the lack of XLR connection and price($139.99 at the time of writing) are the only reasons this falls behind the Samsung Q2U. If the price isn't a problem however, this solidly constructed Yeti could very well be your first choice, and is our #1 pick here at The Freelance Finance. You can pick it up here.
Second Runner Up:
A fantastic condenser microphone in it's own right, this is our third place entry. It's a USB microphone that is simple to use, has a mixing interface, built in mic stand and interface LED's to help you see the volume levels. Despite the fantastic reviews and recommendations, this falls into the last place spot for a few reasons:
This USB mic lacks the other connection options of the SamsungQ2U
The plastic has been described as "flimsy"
This is a condenser mic vs a dynamic mic
At the time of writing this, it costs $149.99. Not outrageous for what it provides but steep for a beginner.
If you are interested in buying this fantastic microphone, you can find it here
Wind Screen or Pop Filter:
A wind screen of pop filter is a necessity for preventing "plosives" when speaking. Plosive sounds can best be described when you say the word 'puppy' for example. The P sounds in the microphone are plosive sounds and can be disruptive. Using a windscreen or pop filter will prevent those sounds and makes for a more professional sounding podcast.
Shock Mount:
A shock mount is a small ring with bands that goes around your microphone that prevents vibrations from affecting the sound of your microphone. Last thing you want is to get through recording an episode or interview and hear a buzzing in the background of your entire show.
Boom Arm:
A boom arm allows for free movement of the microphone rather than having it on the desk or table in front of you. A boom arm coupled with a shock mount will virtually remove any vibration sounds as opposed to having the microphone sitting on the desk. Lastly, it allows you to conveniently suspend the mic at your preferred height so you can comfortably focus on your topic and not mic positioning.
Editing/Recording Software
So now you've purchased the materials you need, you're going to need software that will record your audio and allow you to edit that audio. If you're using a Mac, a versatile and effective recording software to use is GarageBand. If you're using a PC, Audacity is an awesome application. The bonus of choosing either of these is the price: Free! If you crave more options and more features and have money to spend, Adobe Audition is a fantastic editor.
Choosing a Topic and Name
What do you want to talk about? What are you passionate about? What are you knowledgeable about? Ok, now take that answer and "niche down". Waaaay down. Find yourself a topic that will answer a specific question or solve a specific problem. This doesn't mean you can't branch out over time, but to start it's important not to branch out too much.
As for the name piece, you should think of a name that will best attract your target audience. Also, be sure to keep your SEO in mind and use key phrases to increase discoverability. The rules for picking a podcast name are just about the same for picking a domain name for a website. Aim for something memorable and catchy. Don't be afraid to use your name in the title. Keep it simple and make sure it talks to your audience.
Publishing Your Podcast
So at this point you've bought your equipment, chosen your recording software, picked your topic and hit record. After some editing, your masterpiece is complete... but now you've got to put it out for the world to hear it. It's time to choose where you'll publish your podcast.
There are a bunch of podcast publishers. All of them will distribute your podcast to Apple, Spotify, and everywhere else people go to get podcasts. However, not all of them have the same features to help polish your recordings or ease the process of monetizing your podcast.
Recommendation:
Our recommend choice, Buzzsprout makes it easy to lauch, promote, and track your podcast's analytics. Some features of using Buzzsprout include an audio player that you can drop onto your website, and Magic Mastering, which will polish your finished product by making it sound more crisp, clear and well balanced. You can use Buzzsprout completely free, but to get access to Magic Mastering, you will need to use one of the paid subscriptions. Thankfully, the prices are reasonable and affordable even for a beginning podcaster. Following this link lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, and gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan.
Runner Up:
This free podcast publishing company is our runner up not only for it's price, but the many features it has for that price. With unlimited hosting, exclusive music integration, and a cover art creator, Anchor.FM is a fantastic free choice for beginner podcasters.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you produce the best product and keep listeners not only coming back, but sharing your podcast with friends:
Do a test recording before you go live to make sure the mic sounds good and the correct microphone is recording.
Structure out your podcast before recording. Don't fly by the seat of your pants.
Research your guests before the day of the podcast.
Keep your mic close to your mouth for the best sound.
Remember that you can edit down your audio after it's recorded, so keep recording after you make your mistakes.
Don't script out and read everything you do.. it sounds mechanical and disingenuous
Conclusion
Getting good reliable equipment is possible to start your podcast. You don't have to overspend to get what you need to start.
When you choose your topic, remember that in the beginning keep a narrow focus. You can always branch out as you garner a following. Your following will often give you topics to cover.
The publishing services we covered were recommendations. There are many out there, so do your research compare them all.
Good luck! Start Today!!
Have a topic idea??, DM me via my instagram @thefreelancefinance or send me an email at thefreelancefinance@gmail.com
-TFF