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Need help workshopping a podcast episode concept? Post here!

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1. Intro (with or without music)
2. Podcast isn't just stream-of-consciousness, but is planned out with a script or show notes of some kind. It has edit and polish, like a real podcast.
3. Your podcast analyzes the rhetoric of the source podcast. It can feature sound clips from the source podcasts. When examining the rhetoric, use your observations from the Media Bias Graphic Organizer. You should cover the rhetorical strategies the podcast implements.
4. Your podcast analyzes the argument your podcast makes about the zeitgeist topic.
5. Conclude with any cognitive biases associated with the podcaster, guests, or intended audience.
6. Your podcast run time is 5-10 minutes.

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Check out the following resources to help you create the podcast:

https://www.descript.com/

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Descript | All-in-one video & podcast editing, easy as a doc.

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There are simple podcast & video editors and there are powerful ones. Only Descript is both & it features magical AI, so you can skip the hard part of editing. Get started for free.

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Don't just wing it! This is how you plan out your podcast episode.

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One of the most important elements of your live show or podcast is your run of show, which is how you structure your show. Without a run of show, you may forget what content you wanted to share or have trouble engaging with your audiences.

In this post, we'll cover

What a run of show is and how to structure live streams and podcasts

The three different audiences you need to think about when repurposing your live show into a podcast

How to create a successful run of show to optimize engagement from all three audiences

Watch the full episode

Want to learn even more?

ECAMM LIVE (Free Trial) https://iag.me/ecammlive
IAN'S GEAR GUIDE https://iag.me/gearguide
LIVE VIDEO CONFIDENCE GUIDE (opens with FB Messenger) https://confident.live/subscribe
CONFIDENT LIVE MARKETING SHOW https://iag.me/podcast

A run of show is one of the most important aspects when it comes to creating content, especially live videos and podcasts. In this post, we're going to cover the exact steps that we use to plan our live shows and how to optimize engagement from all audiences.

So, let's get started.

What are the three audiences for your live shows?

When you repurpose your live shows into a podcast, you have three audiences to think of:

1. Live audience

2. Replay audience

3. Podcast audience

Your live audience is the group of people who watch your show live. Hopefully, you have many people watching your show as it happens, and you can engage with them in real-time. It is a true sense of community.

The second group of people is the replay audience or your "audience from the future." It's always a good idea to greet them first because most of the time you'll get more people watching the replay than the live show.

If you repurpose your live show into a podcast, you also have a third audience to think about, and that is your podcast audience. Sometimes people forget there is a difference between the three audiences. They may only focus on the live audience or the replay. It's difficult at first to juggle that in your mind.

As you communicate during your show, there will be more of the "you" plural when you're focusing on your live audience and more of the "you" singular for your replay and podcast audience. For your podcast audience, you also have to consider your content as an audio-only show.

With three different audiences to cater to, it's crucial to have a successful run of show that optimizes engagement for everyone.

What is a run of show?

Your run of show is the way you structure or plan your individual live shows or podcasts. It includes all the segments to your live show and where they occur in each section: beginning, middle, and end.

While your run of show may change depending on what type of show you have, the goal is to have it structured the same way, so you know what you're going to talk about. There are three important reasons why you want to have a run of show.

First, without a run of show, you're going to run into what I like to call "brain mush syndrome." What I mean is, when I press that "go live" button, my brain goes to mush and I forget what I'm going to say. In my run of show, I always have the first couple of sentences that I'm going to say written down.

Don't trust that you're going to remember everything. Write down word for word your intro so that you have them in front of you. But, for the rest of your show, don't write every single word down. You don't want to become a robot.

I also write down the last couple of sentences, so I know how to close every show. For the rest of the show, I just put down some bullet points to make sure I hit those topics and structure.

The second reason why you should have a run of show is to increase engagement. When you follow a structured plan for every show, you're going to create the best value for your audience and have the best engagement.

Third, a run of show makes it easy to repurpose your content. A proper run of show means there won't be a lot of editing and it'll be easy to convert your content into a podcast or blog. If you structure your show in a way that allows you to edit it quickly, that saves you time in the long run.

As for where to put your run of show, that's a personal preference. You can write it and print it out on a piece of paper. You can have it on your computer screen or put it on your iPad. Or, you can use a teleprompter.

I used to keep run of show notes on my screen, but I realized that meant I didn't look at my camera. Occasionally looking away from the camera to read comments is okay, but keep it minimal. What I found that works for me is using a teleprompter.

Padcaster Parrot Teleprompter

The teleprompter doesn't have to be expensive; the one I have is around $100. It hooks up to my iPad, and it works really well for what I need. I use a little remote to scroll down my bullet points, so I know what to do.

But, if you choose to use an iPad or teleprompter, it's always important to have a backup copy. Print out your run of show notes just in case. I can't tell you how many times technology has failed me in the past. There's nothing worse than getting stressed and flustered halfway through your show if something happens. So, always have a backup solution.

The exact format for my run of show

Now, let's take a look at my run of show. I'm going to walk you through each segment individually. This is all going to be my basic structure that you can use, but make sure you tweak it to work for your live show or podcast. If you don't think something works well for you, that's okay; just change it or take it out. And, it's going to be fluid over time. This is not the live show structure that I used to have a couple of years ago.

First is the pre-show for your live audience

If you watch the beginning of my show, you know I have a countdown in the pre-show. I like to have this section because I want to get a live audience watching, and it takes time for people to join. I also like to have some music playing. You can do a lot of fun stuff with the countdown.

Next up in your pre-show segment is the welcome to your show, which is introducing yourself. Then, you'll have your show's intro. What are you going to be talking about? Start an informal chat either with your guests or the live audience.

This is a great way to connect with your live audience because it's just for them. It doesn't matter as much if you make a few mistakes because it's not going to be in the replay, and if you're repurposing the video into a podcast, it can be trimmed out.

The second segment is the main show

This is when you press the podcast record button, and you start trimming your video. The first part of this segment is your hook. What is the show about? You'll say something like, "In this show, you're going to find out about (blank)."

Then, it's a good idea to play your intro video. If you're able to make it the same as the audio for your podcast intro, that will also save you time later on with less editing. For my live shows, I use the same video/audio as the podcast.

After that, you'll show back up on camera and introduce yourself and do a little housekeeping, including:

The episode number

A tagline for your show

How often do you go live

Where you broadcast to

Where your show notes will be for the podcast

How people can subscribe to your show

The next bit is for the podcast recording and live replay audiences

I love the idea of a little teaser for what you're going to talk about. I don't always do it, but it's fun, and it gives people a reason to stay until the end. You could say something like, "At the end of this episode, I'm going to be sharing something really new and exciting that I'm working on."

After that, it's time to introduce your live audience. If you're repurposing your show into a podcast, it's the authentic thing to do: acknowledge to your podcast listeners that you have a live audience watching. It also encourages them to watch a live show in the future. Don't spend too much time on it, but quickly highlight them on the screen.

Remind your live audience that if they have any questions, to put a capital "Q:" so you can find them easily. If you have any sponsors, introduce your first sponsor next. Then, introduce your guest and a short bio, if you have a guest on the show.

Now, it's time to get on with the main part of your show

Introduce your main topic and your first question for your audience. You can also start by saying, "To the people who've just tuned in, this is The Podcast Hour, and we're going to talk about how to (blank)." It's always a good idea to remind people in case their mind has wandered. Talk with your live audience, and answer any questions they might have or address any comments. Then, introduce your second sponsor.

The next sections are a little bit of a rinse and repeat

You'll introduce the second main topic and question, inform people who've just joined who you are and what you're talking about, speak to the live audience, and thank your third sponsor.

If you have a third topic and question, repeat the previous structure with them

After that, it's a good time to summarize all the points you've made during the show, as well as your guest (if applicable) and the live chat. If you teased anything at the beginning of the show, reveal the tease. If you have a guest, ask if they have any special deals, links they want to promote, and where your audience can learn more about them. I think it's really important to keep it the same every week to have a sense of consistency.

Finally, we have the end of show section

Here, you're going to remind people when you go live, how they can subscribe to your live show, how they can subscribe to your podcast, your tagline, and then play your outro video.

Creating your run of show

Keeping your run of show template readily available in Google Docs makes it easy to change and update whenever you want. Your primary sections should stay the same, but of course, the content will change every week.

Another point I want to make is to not rely on your live audience for questions. Oftentimes, I'm fortunate that my audience will ask many questions throughout the live stream. But what happens if you don't have many people in your live audience? Always be prepared for that scenario. Have questions prepared ahead of time to get the conversation started and to get your audience engaged.

Remember that you don't need all of these sections in your run of show. You can take the elements that resonate with you and what works for your show, and just use that. My run of show is a bit complicated and you likely don't need every single step that I use. Your run of show can be as detailed as you want.

We're here to help!

Wherever you are right now, you're not alone, and we're here to help. You can watch all episodes of The Podcaster Hour on YouTube and leave us any questions that you have in the comments.

Or...

Join the Ecamm Live Community to network with other live streamers like you, grab Ian's live streaming and podcasting gear guide, and try out his live video confidence guide.

And if you need another podcast to listen to, may we humbly recommend the Confident Live Marketing Show.

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How to Create a Successful Run of Show for Your Podcast - Ecamm Network Blog

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One of the most important elements of your live show or podcast is your run of show, which is how you structure your show. Without a run of show, you may forget what content you wanted to share or have trouble engaging with your audiences.

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Your music or media needs to be royalty-free or you might be in violation of copyright rules.

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LoFi Background Music Free Download - Chosic

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Create the Perfect Podcast INTRO // Make Your Podcast Better // Podcast Episode Structure

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This is a comprehensive resource.

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Launching a podcast can feel overwhelming if you're doing it by yourself, but you don't have to do it alone.

Since 2009, Buzzsprout has helped over 300,000 podcasters launch their podcast, and we've used everything we've learned to create this guide.

We broke this guide into 10 easy steps that give you everything you need to confidently create, launch, and grow a great podcast!

1. Develop a podcast concept

Choosing the right podcast concept for your new podcast is a big part of attracting the right listeners and staying committed to your show.

Follow these tips to narrow your niche and clarify your message.

Define your goals

Why do you want to start a podcast? It's important to know your why, even if it's to have fun with friends.

Some good reasons for starting a podcast are:

to generate leads for a business

be recognized as an industry leader

share an important message

Podcasting has a lot of benefits for brands and businesses, but it's important to be realistic about your goals.

While some podcasters shoot to fame, most have a small target audience that they build over time.

Pick a podcast theme or topic

You should feel excited to regularly discuss and research your podcast topic. The more you enjoy your topic, the less likely you'll experience podfade.

Once you have some ideas, do some market research to survey the competition in your genre.

Search your show's topic in Apple Podcasts. Listen to a few episodes and ask yourself what you could do differently.

There's always a unique angle or perspective to offer.

PRO TIP

To test out your own podcast concept, try to come up with ten episode ideas. If ideas don't come easily, you might want to change topics.

Make it specific

When you zero in on a niche, you attract a more specific and engaged audience. Podcasts that appeal to a broad audience can end up reaching fewer people.

People are also more likely to recommend a niche podcast to a friend than a generic one.

To make your podcast niche, focus on a sub-category or sub-demographic.

Drill down on what makes your podcast different. What unique perspective can you bring to your podcast's topic?

EXAMPLES OF FINDING A NICHE

Mental health → Mental health for lawyers

Drones → Drone racing

Nutrition → Nutrition for diabetics

Personality tests → Enneagram in the workplace

Business → How to start a nonprofit

Name your podcast

Your podcast name is a core part of your brand. It makes a strong first impression on listeners and sets the tone for your podcast.

Here's Apple's advice on how to name your podcast:

It's important to have a clear, concise name for your podcast. Make your title specific. A show titledOur Community Bulletin is too vague to attract many subscribers, no matter how compelling the content.Pay close attention to the title as Apple Podcasts uses this field for search.

Podcast names should have the following characteristics:

specific and succinct

available

memorable

similar to your business name or brand

Once you have a title in mind, run it through a podcast name checker to ensure the social media accounts and domains are available. You also don't want to use someone else's podcast name.

PRO TIP

Don't create podcast artwork, yet. You'll tweak your podcast concept before you release your episodes, and you don't want to have to redo your artwork.

2. Choose your podcast format

Your format should complement your podcast and feel sustainable.

Ask yourself what gives you energy. Do you love connecting with podcast guests, or do you feel your best going solo?

If you choose to have cohosts, try to keep your group small. Podcasting with more than two or three people makes scheduling a challenge.

Keep in mind that some shows require more production than others. For instance, fiction podcasts usually require more editing than interview podcasts.

These are some common podcast formats:

interview podcasts

cohosted podcasts

scripted non-fiction

news recap

educational podcasts

scripted fiction

Optimal podcast episode length

Make your episodes as long as they need to be and no longer.

Some podcasts are less than five minutes long, and others have episodes the length of a short audiobook. Here are the most common episode durations:

less than 10 minutes (14%)

10-20 minutes (15%)

20-40 minutes (31%)

40-60 minutes (22%)

Over 60 minutes (7%)

Podcast publishing schedule

Podcasting can be a full-time job or something you do on the side. You might decide to publish daily or every two years like Serial.

We recommend publishing once a week to develop a connection with listeners and create the habit of producing consistent content. These are the most common publishing frequencies:

0-2 days (7%)

3-7 days (36%)

8-14 days (39%)

15-29 days (17%)

Over 30 days (1%)

3. Setup podcast recording equipment

You don't have to buy expensive equipment to have good audio. Lots of popular podcasts have a basic setup.

Let's review what to look for in a podcast microphone. Then, we'll make our top podcast equipment recommendations.

Best podcast microphones

A good podcast mic enhances your audio quality and makes editing easier. Less background noise in your recording means less editing on the backend.

Here are a few to consider before getting your first podcast mic. Our top recommendation is the Samson Q2U which you can buy on Amazon for about $70.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic microphones work best for podcasting. They pick up lower frequencies and have less sensitivity. This means you'll have less background noise to edit out later.

Condenser mics have more sensitivity and pick up a wider range of frequencies. Sensitivity is good for recording music but isn't ideal for spoken word.
XLR or USB
Podcast mics have two types of connections: XLR or USB.

XLR mics give you maximum flexibility. There are a lot of XLR mics to choose from, and they usually have a long life. But XLR mics require an interface or mixer to hook up. This can get expensive for beginners.

USB microphones are less expensive and plug directly into your computer. You can also run it through an interface if you record with multiple people.

USB mics are affordable, practical, and sound great. This mic is the best option for the majority of podcasters.

TOP MIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

Example podcast setups
1. One-person setup ($70)2. Two-person setup ($400)3. Three-to-four-person setup ($960-$1,080)
At $200, the Zoom P4 is a cost-conscious replacement for the RODECaster Pro.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES:

4. Choose your podcast software

Once you've recorded your podcast, it's time to make edits. This is where you can structure your episode and optimize audio.

Fortunately, podcast editing software is often affordable. There are even some high-quality, free podcast editing tools.

Remote recording software

If you frequently do remote interviews, you'll need software specifically for long-distance recordings.
1. Riverside.fm

Cost: $9+ per month

Studio-quality recordings

Riverside allows you to record local audio and video, even if you don't have a great internet connection.

Users can take listener call-ins, livestream to social media, and edit videos within a browser. Files continuously upload to the cloud during recording, so you never lose your work.
2. SquadCast

Cost: $10+ per month

Studio-quality recordings

SquadCast makes it easy to set up a remote podcast interview and capture high-quality, lossless audio.

Squadcast's sound quality is much better because it records local WAV files to each person's computer. The initial setup is more complicated than Zooom, but this tutorial can help.
3. Zoom

Cost: Free - $15/month

Average recording quality

Most guests have experience with Zoom

Zoom is a go-to remote recording tool with average audio quality. And most people already know how to use it.

The app's default features compress audio, but you can improve the audio by using the best settings for Zoom recordings.

PRO TIP

Don't use Skype to record your podcast. Skype calls are typically much more compressed and of lower quality than the other options.

Editing software

1. GarageBand | Free

Difficulty: Beginner

Compatibility: Mac and iOS

GarageBand comes pre-installed on most Apple computers. If you don't have it, you can easily download it for free. We think GarageBand is a more intuitive interface than Audacity.

GarageBand is not available on Windows computers or Android phones. This tutorial can help you learn how to navigate the workspace.

2. Audacity | Free

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, and Linux

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor with pro-level features. This DAW is more than enough for most podcasters to produce great episodes.

Audacity has a steeper learning curve than GarageBand, but we have many Audacity tutorials to help you navigate the platform.

3. Descript | $10+ per month

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac and Windows

Descript is an all-in-one editing tool that lets you record, transcribe, mix, and edit your audio files like you would a text document.

Descript can automatically remove filler words and dub over a phrase with text-to-speech voice cloning.

This Descript tutorial shows how to use the video and screen recording feature and the in-browser editing suite.

4. Hindenburg Pro | $12 per month

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac and Windows

Hindenburg is a pro-level audio editing software designed specifically for podcasters and journalists.

The workspace features simple tools made for spoken word and automated options to streamline your workflow. This Hindenburg walkthrough gives you an idea of the workspace.

Alternatives:

Other podcast software

These tools aren't required but can improve your workflow and help optimize your content.

1. Otter.ai | $13 per month

Otter.ai is an automated transcription service. The tool is highly accurate and has a quick turn-around time.

Buzzsprout has an Otter.ai integration, so you can easily upload your Otter transcripts into your dashboard when they're ready.

This service is a great option if you speak English. If you speak another language or have a heavy accent, it won't render accurate results.

2. Magic Mastering | $6 per month

Magic Mastering automatically levels out and optimizes your audio file, like an Instagram filter for your podcast.

This tool helps simplify your workflow and guarantees your podcast meets industry best practices.

3. Audio Hijack | $64 one-time fee

Audio Hijack lets you record audio from any website or application and save it as an audio file.

Audio Hijack is an excellent option if you livestream with Twitch, StreamYard, or Facebook Live.

5. Record your first episode

Recording your episode requires a little preparation on the front end. Follow these three steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Write a podcast outline

Rambling is one of the most common mistakes new podcasters make, and the best way to fight this tendency is by writing a podcast script or outline.

Even taking a few minutes to jot down a list of bullet points will dramatically improve the flow of your episode.

If you're working with a cohost, share the outline with them so you can work on it together.

2. Pick a good place to record

If possible, record in a quiet room with lots of furniture, curtains, rugs, or carpet.

Noise bounces off of hard, flat surfaces, so eliminate these where you can. You can also sound treat your space with foam panels on the walls.

3. Set up your recording equipment and software

Connect your mic to your computer or audio recording device.

If you have a USB mic, plug the cable into your computer's USB port. If you have multiple hosts, run each mic through an audio interface and plug the interface into the computer.

If you have an XLR mic, connect its cable to a USB interface or an external audio recording device like the Podtrak P4.

Once plugged in, go to your audio editing software settings and select your audio input.

Microphone technique

Position your mouth 2" to 4" away from the microphone for the cleanest sound, but the optimal distance may vary based on your microphone.

If you notice too many plosives or harsh sibilance in your recordings, the simplest solution is to move off-axis from the microphone.

Set your mic up to the side, angled slightly toward your mouth. This adjustment prevents bursts of air from hitting the capsule and results in more natural audio.

Record test track

Try recording yourself talking at a consistent volume at several different positions. Then, listen to the recording to see which position gave you the best audio quality.

Don't worry about mistakes, stammers, or silence. You can make your edits in the next step.

6. Edit your audio

Podcast editing is primarily for cleaning up the audio and making basic changes to the structure. Try to keep the process simple. If you focus too much on production, you'll get overwhelmed.

Follow these four tips to streamline your editing workflow.

1. Create an engaging intro and outro

Your podcast intro tells your audience what you're about, and the value your podcast brings. When done well, your intro hooks listeners and convinces them to stick around for the whole episode.

You can get royalty-free music for no cost or purchase your show's intro music through one of these resources:

2. Edit for content, then distractions

Edit for content on your first pass and work on noise issues or other distractions on your second go-around.

If you focus on noise issues too early, you might polish sections you remove later on. Focus on getting the content right first, then double back to fix audio issues.

3. Fade between tracks to remove unwanted noise

When you cut sections of audio, you can sometimes get little pops or clicks in the finished product.

Use the fade tool at the beginning and end of clips if you run into those issues.

4. Create a punch-list

If you don't want to listen to an entire episode multiple times, create a list of audio distractions to check during your second pass.

This list can save time and ensure you don't miss anything.

Export audio file

After you edit your podcast, export it as a .WAV file. Buzzsprout will automatically add ID3 tags and convert your file to the correct file format.

If you use another podcast hosting platform like Anchor, you'll need to export your file in the format your hosting site recommends.

PRO TIP

Don't worry about ID3 tags. Buzzsprout will add the correct ID3 tags to your audio files automatically.

7. Create podcast artwork

Your podcast cover art is the first thing potential listeners see on Apple Podcasts or social media.

Good artwork implies quality content, and 62% of new listeners are more likely to listen to a podcast if they like its cover art.

Your podcast artwork should follow these technical specifications based on Apple's Podcast Artwork Requirements:

square Image (3000 x 3000 pixels)

resolution of 72 dpi

PNG or JPEG file types

colorspace RGB

5 Tips to make your podcast artwork stand out

Follow these five tips to make artwork that stands out in podcast directories and attracts new listeners.

1. Visually communicate the subject of the podcast. Potential listeners should know what your podcast is about just by looking at your artwork. Too much symbolism or ambiguity can turn people away.

2. Design for a variety of sizes. You will use your artwork across several mediums and platforms, so it must look good even at 55 x 55 pixels.

3. Don't use too many words or fonts. Don't use more than four words on your cover art, and make sure it's legible even in small sizes. You should also limit yourself to two complementary fonts.

4. Avoid podcast imagery. Just as movie covers don't have pictures of DVDs and TV sets, your podcast cover art shouldn't show podcasting equipment. You don't need to remind people that they're listening to a podcast!

5. Use consistent branding. Your podcast artwork is a part of your overall branding. Feel free to make subtle changes to artwork to fit various layouts and pages, but the imagery should stay consistent.

Tools to design your podcast artwork

Buzzsprout's Canva integration allows you to create your own podcast cover within your Buzzsprout account.

Choose from 250,000+ templates, edit the template to match your podcast brand, and click Send to Buzzsprout.

Using this tool automatically guarantees that your cover art meets spec requirements for every podcast app.

Adobe Creative Cloud Express (previously Adobe Spark) is a free service similar to Canva.

Create a free account and browse a catalog of templates, text styles, and color pallets to design your unique podcast logo. When you're done, download your file as a .jpg or .png.

Fiverr is a more affordable way to outsource your artwork. Prices vary based on the experience of the designer.

Make sure you pick a designer with examples of good artwork in their portfolio.

99Designs lets you run a contest where designers compete to create the best design. Designers submit their ideas based on your guidelines, and you pick your favorite!

You can use this link for $20 off any contest.

8. Set up podcast hosting

A podcast hosting service like Buzzsprout stores your audio files and distributes them to podcast platforms so listeners can find your show in directories like Apple Podcasts.

You can try Buzzsprout free for 90 days to see how you like it. Then, follow these steps to set up your account!

Fill out your podcast information

Go to Podcast Info inside Buzzsprout to fill in your podcast title, artwork, and description. This information helps you appear in search engine queries.

Your podcast description is where you tell listeners what they can expect from your content. It's also a good place to use keywords to draw people's attention.

If you have a business podcast, use related words and phrases so readers know your content is relevant to them.

Upload podcast artwork

Upload your podcast artwork into the designated field.

You can upload pre-made artwork or use click the Canva button to create your cover art within the dashboard.

Pick a podcast category

This is where you pick which category your podcast appears in Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes).

Pick the category that best fits your podcast. You can always change this later.

You can also pick a subcategory to narrow your niche. It's better to be at the top of a subcategory than further down a general category.

Upload your first episode

Drag and drop your file into the dashboard and then schedule when you want it to go live.

Individual episodes have their own metadata, including an episode title, and can even have their own episode artwork.

Write podcast show notes

Your Episode Description is where you can write your show notes.

These notes show up with your episode in podcast apps and next to your episode on your podcast website. Quality show notes can help with your SEO and overall accessibility.

Try to include these things in your show notes:

helpful links

ancillary information

contact information

short summary of the episode

Most major apps support formatting within your episode notes, but not all do. Keep that in mind when you format your episode description text.

Bonus features in Buzzsprout

Now that you have the basics done, you can check out these extras to optimize your podcast.
Buzzsprout customizable website
Every podcast should have a website where your podcast lives. All Buzzsprout podcasters can create a free customizable website where you can keep your transcripts and episodes and have more information on your podcast and hosts.

You can set up this website within Buzzsprout and put it on your own domain. This site is primarily for podcast listening, transcripts, and show notes.
Transcripts
Transcripts help with your accessibility. Some people just prefer to read rather than listen to your content.

Within Buzzsprout, you can transcribe your episode using the Otter.ai integration or transcribe it yourself. Upload your transcript, and we'll distribute it to every directory that supports the feature.
Magic Mastering
It's challenging to fine-tune your audio. Magic Mastering levels out your audio, removes background noises, and makes voices sound full.

Once you have an account, you can try out this feature for free on one episode!
Visual Soundbites
Visual Soundbites are video clips of your audio animated with your podcast artwork image and waveform.

These soundbites are a great way to promote on social media and stand out in someone's feed. Posts with a visual component get an average of seven times the engagement.

9. Get listed in podcast directories

Podcast directories, like Apple Podcasts, are a centralized place for podcast listeners to find new shows.

Getting listed in the top podcast directories is a critical part of your podcast marketing strategy. Most of your new listeners will find your podcast through these directories.

Here are the steps for getting listed in the top three major podcast directories.

Submit podcast to Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the world's number one podcast directory, accounting for 37.4% of all podcast downloads.

Here's how to get into Apple Podcasts:

Log in to Buzzsprout

Go to the Directories tab

Click Get Listed under Apple Podcasts

Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect

Click Validate

Click Submit

It can take up to 24 hours for a podcast to be approved, as Apple does a human review of every new podcast. You'll receive an email once your show is approved.

Submit podcast to Spotify

Spotify launched its directory in 2018 and is now the second-largest podcast directory, with 26.8% of all podcast downloads.

Here's how to get listed on Spotify:

Login to Buzzsprout

Go to the Directories tab

Select Get Listed under Spotify

Select Submit Podcast to Spotify

Once you submit your podcast to Spotify, it should be listed almost immediately.

Submit podcast to Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts makes your podcast visible in Google web searches and on Android phones. This directory accounts for 2.4% of all podcast downloads and works differently from its competitors.

Rather than submitting your podcast to a directory, you just make sure Google can crawl your podcast website.

You can manually submit your podcast RSS feed to Google to help speed up the process.

All Buzzsprout websites are compatible with Google Podcasts. Most podcasters see their episodes show up in Google results in a couple of weeks.

If you use another podcast platform, check out this article on how to get a podcast into Google Podcasts.

Other podcast directories

Once you get listed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, your podcast is in front of 95%+ of all podcast listeners.

Submit to these smaller directories to further broaden your reach:

10. Launch and grow your show

When it's time to launch your podcast, you have two options. Choose whichever one feels best to you.

Strategy #1: The grand opening

A grand opening is when you build hype for your show before its launch. This is the approach used by most podcasters with an existing following.

Pick a launch date a few weeks away and reach out to people who might be interested.

You can pay for ads, submit to Apple Podcasts' New and Noteworthy, or reach out to publications.

Strategy #2: The soft open

A soft open is more discreet. With this method, you publish episodes as if people are listening, but wait to promote your episodes.

This strategy lets you get comfortable, iron out kinks, and overcome imposter syndrome.

When you see your podcast succeed in a lower-pressure environment, promoting it more confidently is easier.

Imposter syndrome

A lot of podcasters feel like a fraud when they first start. Maybe you dislike your voice or feel inadequate to speak on your topic.

It's easy to sideline yourself, but you have a valuable perspective to offer. Know that this is a normal phase of podcasting that gets easier.

7 Marketing tips to grow your listenership

It takes time to get the word out about your podcast. Follow these five steps to build a successful podcast marketing strategy.

1. Share your podcast with friends and family

Share your podcast with loved ones and ask for feedback. You can get their honest opinions and have them leave your first reviews on Apple Podcasts.

2. Create a Buzzsprout Ad

You can grow your listenership by running a podcast promo with Buzzsprout Ads. Podcast promos are more effective than traditional ads since they target the right audience for your show.

When you create a Buzzsprout podcast promo you:

target people who listen to podcasts

find listeners already interested in your podcast's topic

reach 5,000 listeners for just $100

When listeners click on your ad, they'll be taken to your podcast page, where they can subscribe to your show and get notified of new episodes.

3. Post episodes on social media

Sharing podcast content on social media helps you build a connection with your listeners that can be hard to achieve over just audio.

You can create Visual Soundbites for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, boost tweets on Twitter, and post content on LinkedIn. If you do this right, you could pick up ten new listeners over your first few episodes.

If you're comfortable filming yourself, we've seen multiple podcasts go viral after posting original content to TikTok.

4. Join groups and forums

Providing value on forums like Reddit, Quora, or Facebook groups helps direct people to your podcast.

Respond to relevant, recent questions you can confidently answer. Include a link to one episode to direct your podcast traffic.

Aim to post one or two answers like this for each new episode.

5. Cross-promote with other creators

Cross-promotion lets you partner with other podcasters and promote each other's shows.

This marketing method lets you get your podcast in front of a new audience.

You can contact fellow creators on Podchaser or find hosts' contact information on their websites or social media.

6. Overcast Ads

The Overcast podcast app runs ads exclusively for podcasting. In our experience, we get 100 new subscribers each ad cycle. This is an excellent way to get your first 100 subscribers if you have the money.

7. Create a call to action

A call to action (CTA) is one thing you ask your listeners to do after listening to an episode, and it can be a powerful way to reach your podcasting goals. You can ask listeners to:

subscribe to your show and leave a review

download a lead magnet

sign up for your email newsletter, etc.

Just make sure to limit yourself to one CTA per episode so you don't overwhelm your listeners.

Free resources

If you encounter any issues during your launch or have questions while podcasting, consult these Buzzsprout resources.

Celebrate your launch!

If you've made it this far and are ready to publish your episode, we encourage you to submit it soon and celebrate your accomplishment.

Launching your first podcast is an achievement, so congratulations from the entire Buzzsprout team! We can't wait to see how far your podcast takes you.

Alban Brooke

Alban Brooke is the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. Have any questions about this guide? Reach out on Twitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

The cost of starting a podcast varies depending on the quality of the podcast equipment you purchase. If you already have a computer and start with more affordable options, you can spend $60-100 on a microphone and headphones. If you purchase an audio interface, podcast recording software, and higher-quality gear, you can spend over $1,000.

Do podcasters make money?

Yes, podcasters can make money through various direct and indirect monetization methods, including sponsorships, paid subscriptions, selling physical products, and online courses. However, the amount earned depends on factors such as the size and engagement of the audience, as well as the chosen monetization strategies. Nonetheless, with proper planning and execution, podcasting can be a lucrative venture.

How do I start a podcast with no experience?

Starting a podcast without experience requires a solid marketing strategy to attract new listeners. The best podcast marketing channels include social media, getting listed in directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, optimizing new episodes for SEO, and publishing consistently.

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Launching your first podcast can feel daunting, especially if you try to find all the answers on your own. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to start, launch, and grow your first podcast in as little time as possible!

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This could be a promising platform to run all of the podcasts. This YouTube playlist covers how to use Soundtrap: Spotify's recording platform.

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Since Ichi and Martin have experience with audio engineering and I have experience with video editing, we are planning to use video editing software (Adobe Premiere) to cleanly and seamlessly splice our podcast. We will also run our audio through descript before editing to easily remove any filler words, as well as potentially add in extra descriptive words we feel we should have used. Using these, our podcast can flow nicely and stay engaging for the audience.