Friday, June 14, 2019

A beginner’s guide to starting a podcast

Podcasting is a valuable way for creating and marketing content. Whether you get into it for entertainment purposes, to discuss points of interest, or to offer a wide array of tips on your field of expertise, it is a great inbound marketing tool and a convenient method to get your voice heard, says long-time podcaster Mike Volitich.

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If you’re sold on creating your own podcast, the first thing to work on is deciding on your master topic. The growth and recognition of your podcast begins with getting your mindset right to this end. Remember that a podcast is more like a marathon than a sprint. Your niche topic or subject matter should thus be sustainable, sparking in like-minded listeners not just interest but a willingness to stick by you in the long haul.

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Many beginning podcasters take for granted the need to create an avatar, but this is a huge mistake. Your avatar works like your own, perfect listener, that one person who will always be there to listen to your voice. Work hard on establishing your avatar— ask important questions in the process, like is it giving valuable information, offering insights on moving past one’s biggest struggles, or addressing specific pain points? Base each podcast decision on what your avatar wants, from frequency of airing to podcast length and topic presentation.

While you shouldn’t scrimp on your podcast equipment, don’t spend too much as well. We suggest getting a decent zoom microphone like the Audio Technica ATR-1200. It’s recommended because of its mid-range price and USB port connectivity. Podcasting software can simple begin with Windows Moviemaker or iMovie, but we suggest at some point getting Adobe Audition or Audacity, adds Mike Volitich.

UCLA student Mike Volitich combines his passion for sports and anatomy through his pursuit of a Sports Therapy degree. Mike likes listening to podcasts and doing outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, ultimate frisbee, and kayaking. For related posts, visit this blog.