How to start a Podcast from home and make it sound amazing in 7 simple steps
Here I explain how to start a Podcast from home if you are a beginner. As daunting as it may be, it’s easy to start a Podcast with a very basic set up from any room in your home.
Here is a rundown of what you need to start a Podcast from home.
Best Microphone for a home studio
While it may be tempting to use an inbuilt laptop microphone or an iPhone, I always advise against it. Buy yourself an affordable microphone and it will immediately boost the quality of your Podcast.
To keep things simple and inexpensive, I suggest a USB mic due to how easy they are to set up and start using.
The best option is either a Dynamic microphone or a headset microphone. They are relatively inexpensive and perfect for any room in the house.
Avoid condenser microphones and blue yeti microphones - these mics can give a spacious open sound, they are not suitable for home recording setups.
Recommendation 1: Dynamic - Samson Q2U
One of the best and most inexpensive Podcast microphones out there. It has quality, ease of use and an affordable price.
Check out this mic test playback that I recorded myself in a spacious living room and notice the level of quality.
Recommendation 2: Headset - Mpow USB Headset
It's not the most glamorous, but a headset mic delivers a solid, consistent sound. Great for a home studio, and If you have never used a mic before, this is probably the perfect beginner microphone. No need to worry about microphone technique.
Check out this mic test playback I recorded using this exact headset mic:
2. Learn How to Use a Microphone
The most commonly overlooked thing I encounter from people who start Podcasting is microphone technique
It is not enough to buy a podcast mic; set it up on your desk at home and start recording. It needs to be positioned correctly to get the actual value of a microphone.
I recently had a client who had recorded 20 podcasts with a mic incorrectly positioned. When she came for help, the first thing I pointed out was that her excellent mic was being misused. Take a listen to the difference:
In order to get correct positioning with a dynamic mic, a mic arm and clamp may be necassary. They are available from amazon for relatively cheap:
If you are having trouble with mic sound due to positioning, contact me, and I will jump on a call with you for free to help you figure out a solution.
3. Best Free Podcast recording platform
If you record a Podcast with everyone in the same room, buy additional microphones and get yourself a free recording platform like Audacity
Today most podcasts recorded from home involve remote interviews or chats. Tons of paid recording platforms will do a great job recording remote interviews.
However, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to start a Podcast from home, here are 2 free options that can work great.
Option 1: Zoom
A platform we have all become so familiar with since Covid.
Yes, zoom can work wonders if used correctly. Follow these instructions to get a much better sound out of zoom than what it gives you by default:
Check out the sample audio below of one of my Podcast partners that use zoom with enhanced settings:
Option 2: Cleanfeed
Cleanfeed is an excellent free platform for people looking to figure out how to start Podcasting in an inexpensive way. Cleanfeed can record multiple speakers at a reasonably high standard. There are no limits on participants or time with the free plan.
Check out the sample audio below of one of my Podcast partners that uses cleanfeed:
I do not recommend the free plan of zencastr. The audio quality on this plan is heavily compressed and degraded. Either of the options above will give a better sound.
4. Best Podcast Hosting platform
A hosting platform is a place you upload your audio, write show notes and manage your Podcast as a whole. The host creates an RSS feed (like a web address) that you submit to platforms such as Apple, Spotify and Gooogle.
Captivate.fm is the best choice, but not the most cost effective.
If you want to keep things easy and inexpensive, your best option is Anchor.fm
Anchor is a free platform run by Spotify. It's straightforward to use. Upload your audio and release it to the public in an instant.
If you have high aspirations for your Podcast, using a paid hosting platform is probably worth it. As Anchor is free, it technically owns your podcast material. This is fine if you are a hobbyist, but a paid platform is better if you think big.
The most cost-effective paid platform is Podbean.
5. Royalty free Music sources
It's nice to use music to give your Podcast identity. Using over the intro and outro is typically what most Podcasters choose to do.
For music, I recommend audiojungle.net - where you will find tons of music in any style and it’s inexpensive. For as little as $5, you can get music that you will have permission to use on your Podcast.
Never use copyrighted music without permission. Your Podcast will be removed from platforms such as Apple.
6. Podcast cover art
Similar to music, having well-made artwork will boost your brand. Cover art is the first visual representation people get of a podcast, so you must try and win them over with something impressive.
Cover art can be purchased through a freelancer on Fiverr. This can cost you as little as $15 for something that will look nice and professional.
7. Additional advice on how to start a Podcast from home
Now you have all the essentials. You are ready to start recording. Here are some additional tips on how to start Podcasting to help you on your way:
Niche & Format - make sure you nail down a niche. Don't make a vague podcast "for everyone". It needs a specific hook and focus. Check out this article for help on structuring your show.
Length - keep episodes short when you start Podcasting. Long episodes are a big commitment. By keeping episodes short, new listeners are more likely to give you a chance. 20 minutes is perfect. 30 minutes should be the max for a new Podcast.
Podcast Editing - Audacity is free software you can use for editing a podcast. However, consider the time saved by hiring an editor to make your show sound ultra slick. Contact us today for a chat if you need an editor.
Start a Podcast today with Podlad
Whether you need help with equipment and home studio set up, editing or promoting your Podcast. We can help you every step of the way. Contact us for a free podcast consultation:
