make a podcast

How To Make a Podcast in 4 easy steps!

Dan

So you’re thinking of making a podcast? Follow these four easy steps to do it quickly!

1. Get the right equipment

Firstly you need a basic, easy to use microphone. I suggest the Blue Yeti – it’s cheap, incredibly sturdy and most of all gives you an awesome sound. As a Radio DJ I use very expensive microphones but this one easily replicates broadcast quality sound on a shoestring budget. You can get this amazing microphone for under $100!

Check the Blue Yeti out here

The Blue Yeti Microphone

The other thing you’ll need when you’re making a podcast is a computer with a basic soundcard. Any computer that’s 2 or 3 years old will do fine (laptop, PC or MAC).

Next you’ll need headphones so you can hear what you’ll be recording! In my job as a Radio DJ I personally recommend and use these headphones and they are ideal for podcasters and again really light on the finances.

Check out the Sennheiser HD 202’s here

Sennheiser HD202 Headphones

 

 

Finally you need to download Audacity software to record your audio. You can do that here.

Once you’ve got the software, then get the mp3 plug in. You can grab that here.

2. Record yourself

Hit the big red button in Audacity and start talking. The blue wave that you see on the screen is your voice being captured by the computer. Be careful not to speak to loud otherwise you’ll get distortion (like when your TV is turned up to loud!!). I’ve made a quick video for you below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj-jOpOa2_g[/youtube]

 

When you’re done recording, export your file as an mp3.

3. Tag your mp3

Once you’ve recorded your file it’s time to attach vital information to that file. The name of the episode, author (that’s you), artwork (to make it look nice), date etc. You can easily tag your file using iTunes. I’ve made a quick video showing you here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBwG8UOZR-s[/youtube]

 

4. Publish to the world!

Once you’ve tagged your mp3 file it’s then time to upload it to your host and publisher. I use Buzzsprout. They host my audio, give me great statistics on how many people listen and they help me put my podcast into ITunes really easily by giving me a link that I submit to Itunes. I’ve made a quick video for you below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYiAKQC90lI[/youtube]

 

To get started on your own professional sounding podcast  download a copy of Dan’s new FREE report “Podcast Like A Radio DJ”. Get it here!

 

 

 

15 Fast Tips To A Better Podcast

Dan

Does your podcast need a facelift? Or perhaps you’re about to start a podcast and want to get things right from the ‘get go’. I’ve compiled 15 fast tips to a better podcast below.

  1. Record in a quieter room. Choose a room with carpet and curtains (they help deaden the sound)
  2. Upgrade your microphone. I recommend the Blue Yeti microphone. It’s broadcast quality and super cheap as well. Check it out here
  3. If you don’t already, consider editing your episodes in editing software like Audacity
  4. Add compression to your audio to even out the levels and get that pro sound. Get the levelator.
  5. Create cool sounding intros and outros for your podcast. Click play for an example here
  6. Consider getting a co-host to bounce off!
  7. Step out of your comfort zone and do more interviews with guests that your audience will find interesting
  8. Add equalization (more bass, more crispness) to your voice to make you sound even more like a Radio DJ!  (I’ve made a tutorial here)
  9. Consider a professional consultation session to really lift your game and take your podcast to the next level. Click here to find out about professional consultation
  10. Update your podcast artwork every 10 episodes to give your audience the sense of things being “fresh” and “current”.
  11. Try recording on location using field recording equipment like an Iphone or other portable recording device (ambient recordings can sound great)
  12. Produce a radio style documentary about something your audience will love and feature it on your podcast
  13. De-breath every second breath of your audio, to slicken up your sound
  14. Start releasing shorter episodes. (shave 5 minutes off your episode to tighten up your sound, yet still deliver on the content)
  15. Record first thing in the morning, or late at night (do the opposite of what you normally do) and listen to the difference in your energy results. Observe which time you sound your best and lock in a schedule
To get started on your own professional sounding podcast  download a copy of Dan’s new FREE report “Podcast Like A Radio DJ”. Get it here!