Are you considering incorporating podcasts into your organization’s communication strategy? Maybe you want to produce your own personal show in your free time. With over 2 million shows for listeners to choose from, podcasts are consistently becoming a way for brands to reach their audiences. Plus, the audio format is an intimate, conversational method to connect with new listeners across the globe.

Whether you are planning to launch a new podcast or are a seasoned pro, review these six resources to help you bring your best show to earbuds everywhere.

Step 1: Get Started

From choosing a podcast name and intro-outro music to designing your cover art, there are several boxes to check before you record your first episode. This step-by-step guide from Podcast Insights will take you from the planning stages all the way to writing show notes and publishing your first episode.

Before you get started, check out seven things a podcaster wished she'd known before embarking on her own hosting and producing journey.

Step 2: Choose a Hosting Site

Your hosting site is where your podcast lives and is syndicated out to the big-name platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more. There are plenty of free and paid hosting sites to choose from, and Podcast Insights shares 31 options here. Before you start on episode one, find the best home for your podcast based on your — and your show’s — needs.

Step 3: Plan Your Episodes

It’s important that your audience knows what to expect when they return for each episode, so structure is crucial to a show. Prioritize your episode structure before you hit record for your first episode. Improve Podcast outlines 10 easy steps to create an episode formula.

Step 4: Identify a Recording Platform

One of the best podcast perks is that there’s no need for you and your guest to be in the same room to get your content down. You can record with anyone, anywhere in the world. After over a year of remote work, we’re all familiar with platforms like Zoom and Skype. Besides keeping you connected to your friends and colleagues, these platforms can record audio and video, too, making them useful for the podcast format. Check out a full list of remote recording recommendations from Podcast Insights.

Step 5: Time to Interview

You’ve planned your episode structure and scheduled a recording with your guest. It’s time to interview! As a communicator, you are an expert at creating smooth segues and crafting exciting questions. However, it never hurts to come prepared to interview by researching your guest (even if you think you know them well), asking probing questions and moving the conversation forward. Review these nine tips from Podcast.co.

Step 6: Consider Transcription

Transcribing your podcast audio to text is one way to make your content more accessible. However, transcribing an episode on your own can use up a significant amount of your time. This is where transcription software comes in. Consider these 10 paid and free transcription software options to add to your podcast production process.

Ready to start your show? Follow these steps to set your podcast up for success. We can't wait to hear you on the airwaves!

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