Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Podcast Startup Guide

If you're interested in sharing your ideas with the world podcasting is a great way to reach a huge audience without spending a lot of money. Podcasts are like the YouTube of radio and from politics to comedy there is something for everyone and it's free! Just like YouTube many podcasters have made a living reaching out to the world with their unique perspectives. If your interested in creating a high quality podcast here is a quick guide to getting started.

The easiest way:

1. Find a microphone that works with your computer or use your phone's recorder.
2. Download the Audacity or Reaper audio editing program for free. 
3. Record directly into the program or upload the file from your phone and edit to desired production value. 
4. Create a libsyn.com account, create a show and put content online.
5. Connect the RSS feed to iTunes to increase audience potential. 
6. Your done!

This way is cheaper but limited and if your computer shuts off or crashes you'll lose your content. 

A better way:

1. Pick up the Zoom H4N digital audio recorder. (Portable!)
2. Get one or more high quality cardioid microphones. I recommend the Senheiser E385 dynamic microphone. The H4N supports 2 XLR cables but with a splitter you can increase as needed. Or go with the H6N which supports 4 XLR inputs.
3. Get an XLR cable for each microphone needed. (Comes with some microphone bundles)
4. Get an SD card. Audio doesn't take up a lot of memory but the bigger the better. Speed isn't an issue if it is a newer SD card.
5. Plug everything in and record your podcast. The H4N has a lot of settings and acts as a limited mixer. WAV is higher quality than MP3 but takes up more space. You can split the left and right channels to have more options in post production. For more on settings and using the H4N I will post a separate blog. Check it out here: H4N Settings
6. Upload your audio file from your H4N to your computer for editing.
7. Edit using the free programs listed above. You don't have to go too in depth with this but having some kind of intro and outro increases production value. Go as simple or as elaborate as you want and remember to have fun. The more entertaining your podcast is the more people will continue to listen and recommend it to others.
8. Create a libsyn.com account, create a show and set up your show information under the Settings tab. 
9. Next, set up the Libsyn Classic Feed info under the Destinations Tab before you link it to iTunes. iTunes has a few specific requirements but it should be straight forward. Just make sure to have a picture that is the right size. That tripped me up when I got started. 
10. Upload your edited file using the Add New Episode button under the Content tab on Libsyn. If your having issues with storage go to Settings tab and check your Billing options. 
11. Connect the rss feed to iTunes under the Podcast tab in iTunes with the Submit a Podcast button. It takes a while for iTunes to accept the podcast but that will allow the RSS feed to be shared with millions of people around the world.
12. Your done! 

Podcasting is fun and inexpensive way to express yourself by sharing your unique perspective to the world. Thans for reading and if you have any questions about podcasting contact me here:

Twitter: @JoeGrins
Facebook: Joe Gray



My Podcasts:


No comments:

Post a Comment