18-Point Podcast Checklist
Figuring out how to get started podcasting can be very confusing and overwhelming. This 18-point podcast checklist will walk you through everything that you need to get started podcasting like the pros. Make sure you check out the linked resources as we’ve already done most of
the heavy lifting. Happy podcasting!
Podcast Name & Description
This will be the name and description of your podcast that shows up in iTunes/Stitcher and other podcast directories. Be sure to include keywords, what your podcast is about, who it is for and any other accolades that make you the go-to expert in your niche.
12 Niche-Specific Keywords
These keywords will be sprinkled throughout your description (remember, no keyword stuffing), blog, ID3 tagging and when uploading episodes to your hosting platform.
3 iTunes Categories
When you submit your podcast feed to iTunes, you’ll be required to pick three categories that are representative of your podcast. Choose wisely because some categories have steeper competition than others but you also don’t want to choose a category that’s not relevant to your podcast. See the full list of iTunes categories here.
Podcast Album Art (1400 x 1400 pixels)
This is the cover that you see on iTunes and other podcasting directories like Stitcher. It’s the first thing that grabs the attention of your potential listeners so a professional clean design is essential. If you’re using a headshot, make sure that it’s a high-res photo. Fiver and 99 Designs are great resources if you need to hire a designer.
Quality Microphone
There’s a saying among us podcasters… “People will forgive you for a lot of things, but they will not forgive you for crappy audio.” And it’s the truth. I recommend the Audio- Technica ATR2100 USB to all my clients because it’s affordable, has quality audio, and you don’t have to use an external mixer because it’s USB powered.
Voiceover Intro
Just like your podcast album art, your voiceover intro will leave the first impression on
your listeners so you need to tell people why they should be listening in 15 seconds or
less. You can outsource your intro to a voiceover artist on Fiverr or use a more
professional service like Music Radio Creative.
Podcast Theme Music
This is the soundtrack played as the backdrop over your voiceover intro in the beginning of the episode. It can also be played as background music during narration style podcasts (Serial) or when the episode wraps up (outro) to signify the end of each episode. Audio Jungle is a great resource for finding podcast theme music.
Recording Software
In order to record audio for your podcast, you’ll need software. You can get started with free software like Garage Band (Mac) or Audacity (Mac/PC).
3 Recorded Episodes
Launching with 3 recorded episodes is ideal because it gives listeners a reason to stick around. More often than not, listeners will check out more than one episode. The first episode is typically the host telling listeners what they can expect from the podcast.
Libsyn / SimpleCast or SoundCloud Account
Similar to website hosting, you’ll need a host for your podcast media. Libsyn, SimpleCast or SoundCloud for podcasters are all great hosting options. Once you have the files uploaded to your hosting platform, you’ll need to locate your podcast feed and submit it to iTunes and Stitcher podcast directories.
DropBox Account
Dropbox is the quickest and fastest way to send files to your editing team if you plan to outsource any of the post-production work.
iTunes Account
You’ll need to create an Apple I.D. before you’re able to submit your podcast feed to iTunes.
Stitcher Account
You’ll also need to create a Stitcher content providers account before you’re able to submit your podcast fee to Stitcher.
Wordpress Site
Now that you have your episodes hosted, it’s time to upload/link your podcast to a Wordpress website. You can get a domain at NameCheap, hosting from BlueHost (website hosting is different from podcast hosting) and a theme from Appendipity (Genesis Framework required).
Show Notes Template
Using show notes is a great way to capture listeners email addresses by sending them back to your website. Having a standardized template will keep visitors familiar so they know where to look and what they can expect. Be sure to include useful links to your featured guests website, books and case studies.
Frequency
The frequency simply refers to how frequently you’ll release episodes for your podcast. It can be as many or as few as you’d like, but the main thing to keep in mind is to not kill yourself. Podcasting can be a lot of work if you’re going at it solo. It would be better to release an episode once a week instead of killing yourself by doing a daily show.
ScheduleOnce / Calendly
ScheduleOnce and Calendly are great resources for locking in interviews. Successful people are busy and they don’t have the luxury of going back and forth with emails. Have your guest schedule a time that works best with their schedule.
Outsource
If you’re focusing on business, it’s likely that you’ll have very little time to spend on your podcasting post-production and you will eventually want to outsource. Pod Parrot is a great service if you want to be hands off and focus on revenue generating activities.