In this post you’re going to learn the easiest and most effective way to start a podcast, and with all free tools!
Also:
- Why you especially need to start a podcast—as an author.
- The best platform— that broadcasts automatically to 11 different big platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and and and…
- Killer tips on the technology and sound recording required.
- An awesome way to put a book together—fast!
- And even a killer tip for generating more traffic to your podcast!
- Go to this link if you want to watch the presentation.
Or…
You can listen to the podcast
Why You Should Podcast
Instant Authority
Once you start podcasting — it automatically raises your authority, regardless of your genre or niche.
Influencer Outreach
When you start a podcast you get to meet amazing people.
You also instantly improve the conversations you have with people— and you get to ask questions you would normally would never get a chance to ask!
Increase Traffic to YOUR Platform!
When you start a podcast you will almost instantly increase the traffic to your platform:
- Blog/website
- YouTube channel
- Whatever you choose!
Especially when you start re-purposing your content, you can really squeeze out the “Internet juice” to the last drop!
Did you just make an Instagram video? Guess what? That can also be a podcast!
Not only can you publish on the normal podcasting platforms (see the “HOW” section) but you can also publish your podcast on YouTube— Free advertising!
The Easiest Way to Start a Blog – Ever…EVER!!!
Do you want to start a blog but don’t know how or what to publish? —get on that podcasting!
- Make a “wish list” of all the people you want to interview in your niche.
- Then start that outreach campaign.
- Don’t stop til you have your 1st guest…
- No excuses!
- Everyone has to start somewhere…go listen to my 1st podcast if you want—the audio is terrible. And what was the topic? Audiobooks! (Ironic eh?)
“Virtuous Cycle” Upward Spiral
Once you start a podcast you will automatically start networking with influencers and in general, people that can help you and add value. It might be a book collaboration or package deal of some products…or…they might just send their 10,000 followers to your blog.
Either way you look at it, it is a win-win deal for both participants.
The Fastest Way to Get a Book Together
Also part of this “virtuous cycle” or deal flow…
You can get a book together real fast by podcasting. Just make sure you inform your guest beforehand that you intend to make a book. This way they can avoid any problems that might pop-up. Some big gun authors are bound by their publishing contracts—and won’t like it if you publish your podcast as a book before they do.
How to Podcast
Recording Sound:
There is only one thing you need, and that is a noise canceling microphone.
Regardless of which setup you buy, make sure to read the product description and see if it has some kind of noise canceling feature.
I use a Sennheiser U320 a middle-of-the-road setup for gaming which costs less than $100
Make sure that your headphones come with an adaptor so that you can use it with a computer, a laptop, or smartphone.
Which Platform?
There is only one to really consider now, and that is Anchor.FM. It’s so easy anyone could do it…seriously! They also have a really handy episode builder. So you only have to record your intro and outro once, upload it to the platform, and then you can tack it on to any audio or video file you upload.
The folks at Anchor are also starting a sponsorship program, which matches up content creators (you) with paying clients and companies who would just love a tiny little advertisement on your podcast. (Remember that keyword “deal flow”?)
Always have a back-up, or 2 or 3!!!
My first pic for podcasting is Anchor but you can also use Zoom or ScreenCastify + Chrome Browser if for some reason Anchor doesn’t work for you. It’s always good to have a backup plan. Regardless of which platform you use to talk, Skype, Zoom, etc., you can record it all with Screencastify. Here’s a video of me recording a podcast call with Tom Morkes.
Other options in podcasting include: MP3 Recorder (free download compatible with Windows and Mac), Google Hangouts+Screencastify, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Google Talk, Easy Webinar, and more.
Be Prepared
Share a Google Doc with all of your Questions with your guest, even questions that you might not ask.
- Typically, a full page of questions, (14 pt Ariel, double-spaced) is more than enough for an hour-long interview.
- You can add comments on the document as needed.
- Also, be sure to ask your guest if there are any topics they don’t want to discuss or need to avoid, so that when the interview takes place you are both on the same page and no bad surprises happen.
Watch Your Speech—No “um’s”.
This one is challenging… But help is on the way…Toastmasters! Toastmasters isn’t just a good way to practice speech, it is also a fabulous way to network. You will gain readers and buyers of your books when you go to Toastmasters. And…remember that virtuous cycle/upward spiral? This is part of it. It’s a win-win all around.
Don’t Interrupt!
It’s super exciting to talk to one of your mentors or heroes, but you gotta…go… deep!
- If your guest is on a roll—don’t stick to the questions.
- Stay with it and let them flesh-out what they are talking about fully.
- Your listeners will love you for it (or hate you if you don’t).
Custom Thumbnail
Cover art is important. I highly recommend making a custom thumbnail for each platform:
- YouTube
Canva is great for these, it’s free and easy to use, plus they have templates for each social media platform. And you don’t have to be a graphic designer to make it look good.
Follow UP!
Very important, yet often forgotten (especially when you start interviewing a guest a week, or more). Make sure to thank your guest, and ask them for leads! You can hop from one guest to another this way—never worry again about where you’re going to find your next guest!
So, there you have it, the crash course in podcasting. After all of this, the question is now: “Why WOULDN’T you start a podcast?!”
Anita Rodgers Mystery Writer 