Starting a podcast can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, but it can also be expensive. However, with the right tools and resources, it is possible to start a podcast on a zero budget. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the steps to start a podcast without spending a dime. Just like I did in 2020, when starting my podcast Girl with a camera: The Hustlers Club.
Step 1: Determine Your Podcast Idea
The first step in starting a podcast is to determine your podcast idea. What will your podcast be about? Who is your target audience? What format will your podcast take? Will it be a solo podcast, an interview-style podcast, or a co-hosted podcast? Once you have a clear idea of what your podcast will be about, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Choose a Name
Choosing a name for your podcast is crucial. Your podcast name should be unique, memorable, and relevant to your podcast’s content. To ensure that your podcast name is unique, do a quick Google search with the name followed by the word “podcast” to see if there are any existing podcasts with the same name. If there are, consider tweaking your podcast name to make it unique.
Step 3: Create a Podcast Cover
Your podcast cover is the first thing potential listeners will see when they come across your podcast. Therefore, it is essential to create an eye-catching and professional-looking podcast cover. You can create a podcast cover for free using online graphic design tools like Canva. Make sure your podcast cover is in a square format and includes your podcast name and any relevant images or graphics.
Step 4: Recording
To record your podcast, you will need a quiet room, a smartphone, and a laptop. You can use the Anchor FM app to record your podcast directly on your smartphone. The Anchor FM app allows you to record, edit, and distribute your podcast for free. When recording your podcast, make sure to hold your phone close to your mouth and speak clearly. If you are recording an interview-style podcast, you can use Zoom to record your podcast and then upload the audio file to Anchor FM.
You can also use a platform called Riverside FM for a high-quality audio and video recording which allows you full flexibility in the edit. It is a paid service but they do have a FREE package as well.
Step 5: Edit Your Podcast
Editing your podcast is essential to ensure that it sounds professional and polished. You can edit your podcast for free using the Anchor FM app, now called Spotify for Podcasters, or other free audio editing software like Audacity. When editing your podcast, make sure to cut out any mistakes, long pauses, or background noise. You can also add music or sound effects to enhance your podcast.
When editing, think about how listeners consume your podcast. Most people use headphones to listen and that is why I always edit my podcast using airpods.
Step 6: Distribute Your Podcast
Once you have recorded and edited your podcast, it is time to distribute it to podcast streaming services. Anchor FM makes it easy to distribute your podcast to popular podcast streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Simply upload your podcast to Anchor FM, and it will automatically distribute it to multiple podcast streaming services.
Step 7: Promote Your Podcast
Promoting your podcast is essential to attract listeners and grow your audience. You can promote your podcast on social media, through email newsletters, or by creating a blog. You can also create short trailers or teasers for your podcast to share on social media. Additionally, you can create motivational or inspirational quotes from your podcast and share them on social media.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast on a zero budget is possible with the right tools and resources. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a professional and engaging podcast without spending a dime. Remember to be consistent, promote your podcast, and engage with your audience to grow your podcast and achieve success.
If you need any help with podcasting production or planning, promotion or marketing strategy, book a consultation with me.
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