Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps

In this episode, we go back to basics and talk about hosting platforms. A hosting platform is where your podcast lives on the internet. It’s also how you link your podcast to the main podcast apps, like Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Here are our 3 steps to getting started with hosting platforms:

1. Choose a hosting platform without overthinking, as they all perform a similar job - although some have additional features
2. Pay attention to the settings when setting up your podcast, including the episode description and category.
3. Connect your podcast to popular podcast apps and directories like Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Links:

The 10 best hosting platforms blog post from Descript:

Welcome to Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps and Back to Basics and in this episode we are talking about recording your podcast and getting a great sound.

It’s the key to keeping listeners and growing the podcast if the recording isn’t good no one will stay with you: 

So here are our 3 steps:

1. Location- Ask yourself are your surroundings optimised for a good recording?

2. Mics- Test your equipment and settings before recording to avoid technical issues during your session. And wear your headphones throughout.

3. Have some scripted parts to your podcast, it helps you to get going and to remember your calls to action.

Hey welcome to another episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps and this Back to Basics episode were we are talking about managing the workflow of your podcast.

It can quickly become overwhelming creating a weekly podcast so here are our 3 steps to managing workflow well:

1 Use tools such as Trello, Asana etc to plan and manage tasks for your podcast- keeping you organised and on track.

2 Repurpose what you can and streamline new recordings, get audio and video to work well and less editing, plus know what you’ll talk about in advance.

3 Embrace the Al it can really help with managing what you need to do to keep your podcast workflow flowing!

In this episode, Jules and Suzi discuss the importance of scripting in podcasting and provide three steps to help you get started with scripting. They emphasise the need to sound natural and avoid academic or complicated language. The steps include scripting the series introduction and outro, keeping the language simple, and avoiding over-scripting. Suzi and Jules also encourage practice and improvement by recording and listening to yourself. The episode concludes with a recap of the steps.

Takeaways

Scripting your podcast helps maintain structure and professionalism.

Listen to different podcasts for inspiration on introductions and endings.

Keep the language simple and avoid jargon.

Allow for ad-libbing and use bullet points instead of scripting word for word.

Practice and listen to your recordings to improve your delivery.

In this episode, Jules and Suzi discuss different podcast formats and provide advice on how to choose the right format for your podcast. They emphasise the importance of keeping it simple and straightforward, especially for beginners. They also highlight the popularity of narrative or documentary-style podcasts and recommend not attempting this format when starting out. The hosts then provide three steps to help decide on a format: starting with a solo podcast, keeping it simple and manageable, and being consistent. They also encourage trying new formats while keeping the audience informed.

Takeaways

There are different podcast formats to choose from, including interview, monologue, round table, and packaged formats.

Narrative or documentary-style podcasts are popular but can be challenging for beginners.

Start with a solo podcast to make it easier and more manageable.

Keep the format simple and straightforward to streamline the production process.

Be consistent within a series to provide a predictable experience for the audience.

Don't be afraid to try new formats, but communicate with your audience to manage their expectations.

In this episode, we're going back to basics and looking at how to create podcast artwork. The emphasis is on bold, easy-to-see artwork. Avoid fancy or overcomplicated designs.

Simplicity and legibility are key to creating effective podcast artwork.

The artwork must be original (you can't copy someone else's) but it doesn't need to be anything complicated.

It must be the right size and format: 1500 - 3000 px square and a jpg or png file.

In this episode, Julie-Anna and Suzi go back to basics and look at how to choose a name for your show.

Many get hung up on this and it can become a barrier to getting started. 

So here are three tips to help you get started with choosing a name:

1. Check online and major podcast apps if anyone else has the name already

2. Keep it short and simple - can you say it and spell it?

3. Is it relevant and searchable?

If you get really stuck, try a name generator. 

In this episode of "Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps," Julie-Anna and Suzi take you back to basics, helping you to discover where your podcast ideas are hiding and how to hone them. It all comes down to - what does your audience need from you?

Here's where to find those ideas and keep it simple:

Repurposing. Ask yourself what you can repurpose that you are already creating. AI can help here.

Keep it simple. Easy for you to do and continue. Straightforward content is clear in your mind. 1 topic per episode.

FAQs. Which questions come up time and time again, keep a note and answer them for your audience.

Want to know the easiest way to get started in podcasting? Be a guest on someone else’s show! 

Here are Jules’ three steps to help you get going:

1. Make a list of podcasts where you can add value (and be realistic).

2. Approach the hosts with a short, personal pitch outlining why you like their show, what you can talk about, links to previous talks you’ve done and how you can help promote that episode.

3. Sign up to a podcast guesting service. Some of these are free, and others you need to pay for. 

Links to podcast guesting services:

Hey today we have a great episode you won't want to miss all about marketing your podcast from marketing expert and our good mate Helen Perry.

Hi it’s Suzi I’m back and sharing my thoughts on putting your podcast in for an award. Last episode I shared why it’s a great idea to submit your podcast for an award… that's episode #39 and today I’m sharing tips on how to do it in a way to grab the attention of the judges.

I’ve had some recent experience of looking at and judging submissions and here are my thoughts:

1 Context - the judges need to understand your podcast from just the submission. They may never of heard of you and your podcast. Get your audio (as well as your write up) to do the work for you. Including a trailer or an episode introduction can explain to the judges what your podcast is about, what are its aims and how it exists to help the audience.

2 Include feedback - I’ve seen this done really well recently, where a quote or testimonial from a listener is included in the submission. It highlights how your podcast helps or has impacted them. Social proof for the judges.

3 Max out the track listings - sometimes you are limited by a word count, if that’s the case use your track listing to share more details about your podcast; things like background to the guests or topics, impact of that episode on your audience or how this episode fits with your wider series. All this allows you to paint a picture to the judges about your podcast and gives them more context again!

And finally re read your submission a few times and listen through to your audio, even better if you get someone with a fresh set of eyes and ears to do this.  Check it all makes sense and tells your story.

Thanks for listening.

Resources 

Awards which are currently open:

Hey it's Suzi and this week I'm sharing some reasons why it's great to enter your podcast for an award. There are a few podcast awards open at the moment - see details below for ones I mention in the episode.

Entering your podcast for an award can have loads of benefits; from time to reflect on your podcast to networking opportunites. It's alawys work doing. Just take time to gather all you need for your submission and choose the awards that work well for you and your brand.

Come back next week for my tips about putting your submission together.

3 reasons why it's a great idea to enter your podcast for an award:

1. Recognition and Prestige: Winning an award or even being nominated helps to recognise your hard work and it's a great thing to have ;)

2. Makes you more visible and shares your podcast with a wider audience. Marketing potential has a boost!

3. Time to reflect and get feedback: thinking about your entry and your podcast is always valuable. Getting feedback from judges will show you areas you can improve on

and I share even more reasons in the episode. So what's stopping you?

Resources:

In this episode Jules talks through three podcast formats for coaches and consultants.

1. Solo. Just you and your microphone. This is the easiest way to get started.

2. Co-hosted. You and a colleague, friend or peer.

3. Case study. Either with the case study being interviewed. Or you can do without a guest and talk through a client that you’ve helped (anonymising if necessary).

Hi this week we have something a bit different for you, both Jules and I were at The Podcast Show last week so here’s our chat where we digest and debate our three takeaways (each) so you’ll get 6 things to takeaway this week ;)

Here are the picks from Jules: 

1.  What can we learn from the YouTubers. The onward march of video into the podcasting space and the increasing presence of YouTube was evident at the event with some big YouTubers (and their managers) there. They spoke about how they create content, how they focus on some of the tiny details and the cross over between creating a podcast and creating a show. One described YouTube as the cornerstone of the creator economy, as it's the place where you can actually make money from your content.

Hi It's Suzi and today I want to chat to you about The Podcast Show and how to get the most out of it…

Ok so if you are a podcaster in the UK you’ll know the biggest podcasting show is happening in London on 24th-25th May. We went last year and so we wanted to share our thoughts on it and how you can get the most out of the show if you’re going.

(Side note if you’re not going - we will be sharing our key takeaways in a future episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps… so you don’t have to move a muscle!)

But if you’ve grabbed yourself a ticket… Here are my 3 things you’ll want to do:

1.    Pick just a few sessions you want to go to each day. The programme of talks is already available online and there’s loads to do and see.  Have a read through and decide what you’ll get the most out of. If you are already creating podcasts it might not be the big headline names – it may be a session that will really help you with a certain aspect of your podcasting. 

2. Factor in quiet time. Meet ups for coffee with fellow creators and people in your community. Use it as a chance to nurture and build  your community - plus it’s a chance to tell people about your podcast. The show is in a massive space with lots of areas you can catch up and plot your next podcast episode. You could even record one there.

3.    Take time to visit the stands – its easy to think that it’s all about the talks but this is a great opportunity to explore new technology and devices that make your podcasting easier. Try things out, get yourself a goody bag and make sure you factor in time to explore what’s new.

Are you going to the show? Let us know if you are and come and say hi!

If you're listening in Spotify let me know what you're looking forward to most in the questions.

Resources

Are you an introvert?

In this episode of the podcast Suzi talks through how podcasting can really work for you if you are an introvert (or leaning towards introversion)

Here are the three ways it can work for you:

1. You don't need to speak in front of a big room - you can research and prepare your topic and share the information through a 1-2-1 with your guest and you can hold that conversation together. You get to take your time to consider the content, edit and script words which in turn gives you the freedom to explore more.

2. Networking - do it in a way that’s comfortable to you- rather than a busy room and competing to talk - you can focus on someone you’d like to talk more with and do this at depth. You can also gently nurture a community around your podcast who are ready to listen to you when they can and build and grow on this

3. You can give other people the confidence to share their stories through your enthusiasm during your recording. Yet you can retreat to the calm and solitude to pull it all together. Giving out socially you can retreat and reset.

So what do you think? are you more of an introvert? here's the definition:

Noun

a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.

Adjective Also in·tro·vert·ed .

having a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the preference for quiet solitude.

If you are listening on Spotify let me know on the Q&A how podcasting helps you as an introvert.

Resources Contact us @story_publishing or @decibel_podcasts

Have you thought about starting a podcast for some time, but don’t really know where to begin? Perhaps you’ve been put off by the sound of your voice….or your lack of technical know-how?

Then you’re in the right place! From 16th May, we’ll be running ‘Step by Step to Podcast Launch 3’. This course will take you through each step of the process you need to get started with your own podcast. We’ll help you develop your voice and your confidence. We’ll keep things simple. We won’t baffle you with complicated terms or technology.

How to get your motivation back (to podcast)

It happens to us all, especially after a short break (we’ve just had 2 weeks off our podcast so I know the feeling ;) If you are looking for some motivation to get back to your podcast here are 3 steps to do it, that have helped for me. Let me know what works for you- if you listen in Spotify answer the question on your screen or drop me a message @story_publishing on Instagram. Links below

So in 3 easy steps:

1. Rediscover your WHY - How does your podcast help people, how does it help your business , how does it help you, too? Write it down the answers to your WHY and put somewhere where you can see it. A daily reminder of why you create.
2. Plans; have one - a weekly or monthly one that you can stick to, to getting things done to achieve the end goal. i.e. getting your podcast launched or out every week.  
3. Buddy up, get accountable and have a support group around you to encourage you and ask you how your plans are coming on. Hello Jules @decibel_podcasts thanks for your support!

Resources:

I mention Trello.com for creating lists and plans which help with my workflow

Hi, it's Suzi and this is Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps and today I want to share how to create short podcasts; those under 5 mins in length.

There can be a real benefit to creating short podcasts. They can be a great way to remind your audience you're there - for coaches creating daily 'prompts' they can be a great tool. It's a good way to start a podcast because you are not having to find guests and edit for hours, you can quite simply repurpose content you already have.

So what are the things to remember when you want to create short podcasts?

1.    CONTENT - What can you repurpose simply and easily –break it down into simple bitesize  points for your audience, don't overload them with loads of information.

2.   RECORDING - How you record it, recreating a voice note for your audience – keep it chatty and connect with them.

3.   PLANNING – short podcasts need good planning –record a number at time – 'batch' them, recording and editing will be shorter.

Short podcasts can be a great way to start a podcast- they're more manageable and can be quicker to produce plus they’re a great way to highlight your expertise and knowledge with your audience.

In this episode, Jules looks at what you need to know about recent changes to the hosting platform Anchor. 

1. The name Anchor has disappeared. It’s now called Spotify for Podcasters.
2. The mobile app has some new tools which allow for greater interactivity with your audience.
3. The platform is still free to use and most of its core features remain the same.

Hey it's Suzi here and I want to help you to understand what a hosting platform is and how it works.

So we’ve got our beautifully crafted podcast and now what? we need our audience to listen to it of course. We use a hosting platform to get it to the podcast directories where our audience can stream and download it. 

So here is understanding the hosting platforms in 3 easy steps:

1. Your platform can be free or you can pay a subscription to use the service. They all work in a similar way and that is to host your podcast on the internet. 

2. The hosting platform generates an RSS feed for your podcast. That will then get sent out to the podcast directories, the feed will update the directories whenever you update your show.

3. Paying for a hosting site will give you extras, this could be more analytics and data about your audience, on some you can create your audiograms or edit your podcast directly. 

So to sum up on hosting platforms; they all do a similar job of holding and distributing your podcast. It just depends whether you want to pay for the service or not and how interested you are in the analytics and the extras you can get on some of the platforms.

Resources

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I talk about how I use artificial intelligence (AI) in my podcasting. 

There's been lots of chat recently about using AI in writing but I want to talk to you about using it in podcasting. There's no doubt that if you make a podcast that you'll find lots of parts of the production to be time consuming. That's where AI can help us to streamline. I want to say first of all I am all for the humans here, I think that there's lots (at least at the moment) that AI cannot do as well as us. For me scripting, researching, editing and choosing my clips for audiograms is something I want to do and for my it's the areas where my experiences and expertise can shine. But there are a few jobs that I am more than happy to give away. 

So here is 3 Easy Steps - the AI edition by Suzi. 

1. Transcriptions –Ok so who wants to sit and type out an entire show? Transcription services are good and it can really help you streamline your shownotes so you can repurpose easily for other content like blogs and social media quotes. Word of warning - you'll want to read through first as mistakes do happen (especially if you or your guest have strong accents!)

2. Mastering  audio – When I'm not working with a sound designer or engineer I'll use Auphonic to help me get a more polished and professional sound for my mix down. 

3. Audiograms -I use Headliner – it  transcribes your clips in app and it'll mix them with your image. You can use Headliner to automatically generate audiograms across your social media- it’ll listen to your full episode to suggest clips. Clever but I prefer to do this myself. 

How do you use AI in creating your podcasts? Let me know

RESOURCES

Read more about AI and podcasting here : https://podcastle.ai/blog/ai-in-podcasting/ and here: https://www.makeuseof.com/best-ai-tools-for-podcasters/

In this episode, Jules looks at how often you should release your podcast. The more often you release your show, the easier it is to build an audience. BUT if you try and put out a podcast every week (particularly when you’re starting out) it can quickly feel relentless.

1. Work out what’s manageable for you.
2. Be consistent. Whether it’s weekly or fortnightly, try to release episodes consistently.
3. Consider grouping your podcast episodes into series or seasons, taking a break in between.

Stories have the incredible power to engage your audience in a way straightforward facts and figures can’t. And you can use stories to convey all sorts of information and ideas entertainingly and memorably throughout your podcast.

As this week is National Storytelling Week we’ve teamed up with a storyteller, who spends her time supporting others to share their stories. 

Hilary Salzman- runs 22Stories and is the voice of the brilliant The Everyday Storyteller podcast, which helps women to share their voice and their stories through short daily prompts.

Here are Hilary’s three steps to using your story to connect with your audience.

1. Start by identifying the key message of your story - the one thing you want your audience to take away from your story.

2. Spend the time to figure out your hook; you’ve only got a couple of seconds to make an impact.

3. Use anecdotes and examples to bring your story to life - avoid listing out facts and figures and use real-life examples to show listeners what you mean and how this can help them but keep it concise and easy to follow.

Whilst we’re big fans of audio-only here at Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps, there’s no escaping that video is one of the most effective ways to build an audience.

So here are three easy steps for including video as part of your podcast from the very beginning.

1. Use short videos to help promote your podcast. Nothing fancy, just you telling people what’s in the latest episode. You can upload to all the social media platforms that use video (Instagram Reels/Stories, TikTok, Pinterest & YouTube Shorts).
2. Get your audio-only podcast on YouTube. Using Headliner, Wavve or Canva you can convert your audio file into a video (combining the audio with your podcast artwork and/or a template). See below for our own example.
3. Record using a video platform such as Riverside.

Links:

Once you’ve chosen somewhere to record (listen to the previous episode 11 to help you choose the best recording spot), then you’ll probably need to get it set up to maximise the recording quality.

In this episode, Jules explains how to get a room ready for recording by:

1. Covering any hard surfaces which cause echo. You can do this with acoustic paneling or using pillows, blankets, duvets or clothes.
2. Close windows and doors and switch off anything that makes a noise.
3. You can set up your space so you can record standing up. It helps with breathing, energy levels and confidence.

Links:

Buy acoustic paneling from Amazon:

Hey Happy New Year to you! 

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I'm sharing how to get the confidence to start YOUR podcast this year.

We have helped lots of people to start their own podcasts and one of the things that stands in their way is confidence; in their voice, their opinions and thinking about what other people will think. If this is something you're struggling with BOOK NOW for our next course which starts 24th January- details below.

So 3 easy steps to getting the confidence you need to start your podcast: 

1. Talk about stuff you know. The things you talk about all the time will feel 'comfortable' we tend to get discomfort and unconfident when we are unsure of what we are sharing or things we need to do loads of research about. 

2. If not you now, who and when? We get one life, and if you need a kick up the ass,  read some Brene Brown (link below to a brilliant video) Start sharing now, because if you aren't talking about it someone else will. Confidence is a grower. Surround yourself with positivity and supporters. 

3 Start simple. Keep it easy, that way you'll want to and be able to keep creating. Too complex and you'll stop (and guess what you're confidence will dent)

This is the third TAKEOVER of the podcast by voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman.

This topic is probably one of the most discussed when we are helping people to start their own podcast. They struggle to sound conversational when they are reading from a script- which we need because we can't remember everything can we!?

So in this the last of voice coach Nic Redman's takeover she's back to share her tips of sounding relaxed and just like you. 

So 'How to sound conversational reading from a script in 3 Easy Steps'...

Here are Nic's 3 Easy Steps:

1. Write your script as you speak - this takes time to perfect

2. Warm up, you’ll then be able to access your voice fully!

3. Tweak your environment

Resources

Find out more about Nic on Instagram @nicredman and https://nicolaredman.com/

This is the second TAKEOVER of the podcast by voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman.

Do you want to create a deeper connection with your audience? We all know that audio is powerful, whether it be radio or podcasts it creates an intimacy between broadcaster and listener. So in this episode of the podcast Nic shares 'How to connect with your audience using your voice in 3 Easy Steps'

Here are Nic's 3 Easy Steps:

1. Picture your audience as 1 person

2. Change the focus of your voice – it’s not about you it’s about your listener

3. Prepare your voice and body – the power of the warm up!

Resources

Find out more about Nic on Instagram @nicredman and https://nicolaredman.com/

This is the first of 3 TAKEOVERS of the podcast by the brilliant voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman. 

If you have a fabulous accent but have concerns about how it's going to sound on your podcast this episode is for you! 

Nic is here to share her 3 Easy Steps of 'How to work with your accent as a podcaster'. In short, she's all about EMBRACING your accent and sharing it with your audience and she's going to share her ways of doing it well. 

Here are Nic's 3 Easy Steps:

1. Get used to your accent, get to know it

2. Involve your accent in your podcast!

3. Use your intro to get people used to your accent

Resources

Find out more about Nic at @nicredman and https://nicolaredman.com/

In this episode, Jules explains how to choose somewhere suitable to record. It may not be the most obvious choice. She explains why you should:

1. Choose a room  that doesn’t echo (small rooms with lots of stuff in are best, such as a  messy child’s bedroom)
2. Face an open wardrobe if you don’t have a suitable room
3. Find somewhere quiet, and record at a point in the day when everyone is out

Resources

Choosing the right room to record in:

Want to get your dream guest for your podcast?

In this episode Suzi explains how to approach a guest and do it well!

Here are your 3 easy steps:

1. Be bold and ask - they can either say yes or no, the more you do it the bolder you’ll get

2. Get your pitch right and do your research

3. Talk about your audience and the interviewees ‘fit’  with them

Resources

How do you find music to go into your podcast and make it sound great and what things do you need to consider?

In this episode, Jules talks about finding music for your podcast.

Here are your 3 Easy Steps to finding music for your podcast... 

1. This is really important; you can’t just use any music for your show. You have to own the rights to it or it has to be royalty-free.
2. To find royalty-free music, you can use a website or you can buy music direct from musicians. Links to some sites below.
3. When choosing music, think about the tone or mood of your show. Does the music you’ve chosen make you feel that way? Get a second opinion.

Please let us know how you get on choosing music for your show.

Resources:

In this episode, Julie-Anna explains how to start your podcast script. 

Here are your 3 easy steps:

1. Listen to the beginning of other podcasts for how to start your script.

2. Keep it simple. Don’t overthink it or overcomplicate it. You’re not writing a novel. 

3. Don’t write it out word-for-word. Allow for a degree of ad-libbing.

Resources:

How to get a great remote recording for your podcast

In this episode Suzi explains the 3 easy steps to getting it done well, and it's not just the technical stuff to think about.

Here are your 3 easy steps:

1.  Whatever software you use try it out before recording with a guest. Practice makes it better!

2. Give your guest a checklist, direct them into making a good recording too.

3. Take the time to break the ice with your guest. Remote is different to studio in other ways too!

Resources: