Hello there! I was told by a little bird that you wanted to start a podcast but don't know how.

Let's get started.

Here are my top tips for creating, distributing and promoting podcasts. And by the way, that little bird also said YOU'RE READY!

Veronica is an online marketing and podcast coach. I've helped hundreds of people start and sustain successful podcasts, and I want you to do the exact same.

Podcasting is exciting - but don't start recording yet!

Yes, I do! Podcasting is so thrilling, you want to grab a microphone and record whatever you have on your chest and any ideas that you have in your brain for years. Then you can broadcast it to the rest of the world. I get it!

Speedy Gonzalez, slow down!

Why? It's because planning is the most important stage of a podcast.

This is where your podcast idea is developed, your audience chosen, and your podcast design on paper.

We'll do it in step 1.

Step 1: Choose an Audience, Name, Topic

Grab a pen and paper, and begin to imagine your future audience.

These are some examples of questions that can help you identify your audience.

• Who is this show for?
• Are I creating this show for GenXers, Millennials or GenZs?
• Do I have to make a show for women over 40 who are going through infertility treatment?
• Do I make this podcast for parents of teenagers?
• Do I make this podcast for first-time buyers of homes?
• What is the struggle of this group?
• What are their biggest desires?

You may feel uneasy about being this particular because you want everyone to see your show.

But, listen, speaking to everyone can lead to speaking to nobody.

Pro Tip - The faster you attract listeners, the more specific your message will be about who your show is for.

You will find your podcast to be tailored for you, your needs and your particular circumstances.

This is the secret combination that makes a podcast irresistible.

Let's now talk about your podcast title or name.

It will take some research and thought to choose a name for your podcast.

This is a quick checklist to make sure you don't make mistakes.

First, ensure your show name is simple to spell and easy for people to pronounce

Use jargon and inside jokes that you can understand.

Avoid using your name in your title unless you are a celebrity.

If I call my podcast Conversations with Veronica, it will be a good example.

"Veronica Talks" or "Veronica's podcast."

Listeners who are looking for new podcasts won't notice "Veronica's Podcast", because they don’t know me and have no idea what my podcast is all about.

You can grab the attention of potential listeners by using descriptive names such as "How to Start a Business," and "Online Marketing Simplified."

The last two items are to be scratched off:

• Check to ensure your name isn't being used already
• Bonus points if you name gives a hint about the content of your show

Don't forget to write down your topic for your podcast.

Let's quickly make a list of topics you can use to develop your show, and then brainstorm some episode ideas.

To find videos and posts on your topic, search social media.

This will help you brainstorm topics and allow you to identify what resonates most with your audience.

OK, great work! We can't afford to slow down, so let's reveal STEP NUMBER TWO.

Step 2: Create promotional assets and build your podcast brand

Your podcast is a digital product that your audience can access and consume. As such, it needs to have proper packaging and a marketing strategy.

This will enable you to promote your podcast via social media, other podcasts and newsletters before you release episodes.

To promote your podcast, you don't need to wait for it to be launched.

NO. 

This is what you will need:

• Podcast cover art
• Elevator pitch
• Promo videos and graphics for social networks

Canva pro is my favorite tool for creating all of this.

It was as if we all were confused. Canva pro appeared from the heavens to assist those who don't have any graphic design skills.

Canva Pro allows you to easily create your podcast cover and other promotional materials for social media.

You can seek out additional help for your cover art at Fiverr and Upwork to find a graphic artist to assist you.

A little writing is also necessary to provide context for your podcast.

This is called a podcast elevator pitch.

Your podcast brand should include a podcast elevator pitch.

This is a brief paragraph that describes the podcast's purpose, its audience, and the host.

This piece will be on your podcast host site (which I'll discuss in a moment), your social media captions and your website. It'll also go in your email communications when you need to pitch your podcast for a featured spot, to schedule guests and to receive sponsorships.

You're doing well! Let's get on to step 3.

Step 3: Create a Podcast Trailer and Four Episodes

Podcast trailers are my jam, ya'll.

Writing scripts and outline for your trailer or episodes is a different type of writing. I'll give some tips in a moment.

Let's first discuss why podcast trailers matter and what to include in your podcast trailer.

A podcast trailer is similar to a movie trailer. It gives listeners a preview of your show, sparks curiosity, and encourages people to talk about the new release.

It is a puzzle to me that people launch podcasts without using trailers as part of their promotion strategy.

Why not use trailers from well-respected film production companies like Universal and Disney to promote their new releases?

Your project deserves your full attention. This is your chance to be a star.

What should your trailer include? Good question.

Include the following items in your trailer:

• The podcast was created because you wanted to.
• Who is the podcast for?
• Podcast format
• Who hosts the podcast?
• When episodes will be released and how often
• Your launch date

A trailer is essential because it can be submitted to the podcast directories prior to your launch date.

Your podcast trailer can be used to promote your podcast, and build anticipation.

When creating your trailer, a tip is to write it word for word.

Keep your trailer short and to-the-point.

You should not ramble too much.

While you are in writing mode you can create outline or scripts for the first four episodes.

It is always a good idea for you to launch with a few episodes and keep a few more in your queue so that you are ahead of your production schedule.

We've reached the halfway point and you're doing great!

Let's get to step 4.

Step 4: Record Podcast Trailers and Episodes

You will need equipment to record your podcast, and software that allows you to record your voice.

Let's start with equipment.

There are many choices for podcast equipment. I can guarantee you that you will find the best equipment to fit your needs and budget.

If you are new to recording, I recommend that you start with a basic setup. This will allow you to plug the microphone directly into your computer.

I would recommend either the Smason or the Shure.

These are two great options! A pair of studio headphones is also necessary to hear what your voice sounds like while it's being recorded.

Many people get overwhelmed when it comes to editing and recording a podcast.

You don't have to worry about it, all you need is an audio editing program or computer program and then start practicing.

These are my top recommendations for audio recording apps:

• Reaper.fm
• Hindenburg and
• Descript

It's important to allow yourself enough time to let go and enjoy the process.

Podcasting is just like any other activity in life.

Recording more will make it easier and your performance will improve.

Ready? Great! Let's get to step five.

Step Five: Editing your trailer and episodes

Once you are done recording, it is time to edit the raw recordings and make the episode broadcast-ready.

You can edit out filler words in order to sound more articulate.

It is possible to remove irrelevant and unnecessary information.

To enhance your podcast experience, you can add music or sound effects.

Audio production can be difficult, especially if it's your first time.

Don't let this stop you from starting your podcast.

Let's look at some options together.

You have the option to create your own podcast. In that case, you will need to learn podcast editing.

Another option is to hire an editor for podcasts.

A podcast editor will take care of all your concerns.

Let's jump to number six!

Step Six: RSS.com Hosting and Distribution

Once you've created all the assets you need to podcast, it's time to upload them on RSS.com.

To create an RSS.com account, you will need to first enter your email address.

This step is free and requires no credit card information.

After you have chosen a password, click on "Get Started for Free" to get an email with a 6-digit code.

The next step is to click "new podcast".

You will be taken to a new page. Here you can enter your podcast title, description, and upload your podcast cover artwork.

Additionally, you will be asked to provide additional information about your podcast. Finally, you can upload audio files of your episodes and trailer.

You have the option to publish the trailer or episodes immediately, or schedule them for publication at a later date.

It is easy to create a podcast. Your podcast will be live in no time and available for sharing with the world.

RSS.com makes it super simple to distribute your podcasts to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Simply upload one episode, then click this button/toggle to log in to your RSS.com account.

Automatic distribution will help your podcast reach a large audience. Spotify has 32.5 million podcast listeners per month.

Okay. Now we're at the final step. Let's now reveal step seven.

It doesn't take a lot of time to create a marketing plan or read marketing books.

All you have to do is share your enthusiasm for your podcast every day.

You can:

• Short videos can be made for social media
• Discuss your podcast on IG Stories
• Send emails to your newsletter subscribers
• Ask publications to be featured
• Participate in other people's shows as a guest
• Sending cold messages and emails
• Reach out to your local news station...

Simply put, you can do anything to spread the word.

These are not all things you have to do.

Choose the strategy that you are most comfortable with.

Perhaps you are an introvert and prefer to communicate via email or direct messages on social networks.

Being on other podcasts is a great way to have conversations with others.

It is important to share your podcast at least once a day with someone until it becomes a routine.

Promoting your podcast never stops.

Your podcast will be promoted when it's being planned, produced, launched, and whenever you publish a new episode.

This is how to create a podcast that attracts new listeners and keeps them coming back.

That's all, my friends.

Think about the ideas that you have for your show.

RSS.com is available to assist you at every stage of your journey.