Starting a Podcast

18 items · Productivity · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

Launch your podcast with this step-by-step checklist.

• Define podcast purpose and target audience

  State your niche, goals, and the listener you want to reach.

• Choose a clear show name and tagline

  Pick a memorable name and short tagline that convey topic and tone.

• Decide format, episode length, and publishing schedule

  Select solo, co-host, or interview format and a consistent cadence.

• Outline the first 8 episode topics and episode structure

  Draft titles, key talking points, and a repeatable segment order.

• Choose essential equipment (microphone, headphones, pop filter)

  Prefer cardioid USB or XLR mics and closed-back headphones for monitoring.

• Set up recording space to reduce echo and noise

  Use a quiet room, soft furnishings, or portable panels to dampen reflections.

• Position microphone, pop filter, and test recording levels

  Keep mic 4-8 inches from mouth and aim for clean peaks, not clipping.

• Record a short test clip and review audio quality

  Listen for noise, plosives, and consistent volume across voices.

• Pick recording and editing software and learn basics

  Options: Audacity, GarageBand, Reaper, Hindenburg; learn recording and export steps.

• Create cover art and episode template

  Design 3000x3000 px JPG/PNG; keep title readable at small sizes.

• Write and record a 1–2 minute trailer episode

  Introduce the show, topics, and launch date; end with a CTA.

• Record the first 3 full-length episodes

  Batch record episodes to create buffer for consistent publishing.

• Edit episodes: remove noise, normalize, and add intro/outro

  Aim for -14 LUFS and export MP3 128–192 kbps or host-recommended format.

• Choose a podcast hosting provider and set up RSS feed

  Compare storage, analytics, and distribution features before subscribing.

• Submit podcast to Apple, Spotify, Google, and other directories

  Use your RSS feed and follow each directory's submission steps.

• Prepare episode show notes, timestamps, and promo captions

  Include links, episode summary, and keywords for discoverability.

• Schedule launch date, upload episodes, and promote on social

  Announce trailer, share clips, and coordinate launch posts.

• Monitor analytics and gather listener feedback after launch

  Track downloads, retention, and listener messages to iterate.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.