Ready to Start a Podcast in 2023? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you interested in expanding your reach or building credibility as a leader in your industry? What about showing off the personality and fun side of your organization? If you answered “yes” to both questions, launching a podcast may be an option for you in 2023.

Now, if you’re looking to start a podcast, there are a few things to consider. You need to figure out where to host your podcast, what equipment to buy, and how to format your podcast for success.

Where are you going to host your podcast?

Producing a podcast is one thing, but distributing it is another. How are people going to find your podcast? Where are you going to store your podcast episodes? While there are many podcast hosting platforms to choose from, it’s crucial for you to assess your needs, how much you’re willing to pay per month for hosting fees, and where you’d like to distribute your podcast (e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcasts).

Here are some podcast hosting platforms you may want to consider:

• Buzzsprout
• Castos
• Anchor
• Podbean
• Libsyn

Take some time to review your options before selecting one. It’s not always easy to switch from one podcast hosting platform to another.

How much equipment do you need?

While podcasting equipment can be costly, you have many options available, especially as a beginner. You can purchase brand-new items, use the equipment you already have, borrow from friends, or even buy gadgets second-hand. It all depends on the budget and goals of your podcast.

For beginners, here’s the list of equipment you’ll need to get started:

• Computer
• USB or XLR microphone
• Editing software
• Headphones

After you’ve been podcasting for a bit, you’ll figure out what additional products you may need. For example, acoustic treatments help stop outside noise from impeding your recordings. You may also need more cables, a USB splitter, or an audio interface.

What’s your podcast’s format?

Another important piece of preparing your podcast is deciding which format to follow. Generally, there are eight format options for you to choose from: interview, discussion, fiction storytelling, non-fiction narrative, multi-story, solo conversation, live or repurposed, and investigative.

The optimal format choice for your podcast depends on your goal. Reflect on your podcast’s purpose before deciding on its format. For example, follow an interview or discussion format if your goal is to build yourself up as an industry leader. You can meet with others in your industry or with whom you work (partners, consumers, etc.) to showcase expertise.

With more than 100 million Americans listening to podcasts in 2022, diving into this realm of content is a great idea. Now that you’re more familiar with potential platforms, the equipment needed, and how to format the podcast, you’re only missing your podcast voice.

And that’s something truly unique you can bring to your show!