Three Steps to Creating Your Own Successful Podcast

Ever listen to a podcast and think, “Wait, that seems easy enough. I could do that, right?” Then five minutes later, you’re deep in a daydream about creating the next true crime hit, making millions, and ditching your job forever?

Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Podcasting sounds simple, but the truth is it takes a little more than just talking into a microphone. Let me break it down for you.

What Does It Take to Start a Podcast?

Here’s the thing: starting a podcast seems like you just hit record and boom, instant celebrity status. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works. 

You’re gonna need a few tools first. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on quality if you want people to actually stick around and listen. You’ll need stuff like:

• A solid microphone (I love the Rode NT-USB—crisp, clear, and it makes you sound like you know what you’re doing).
• Noise-canceling headphones (because no one wants to hear your neighbor’s leaf blower in the background).
• A recording platform (Squadcast is a go-to for keeping things professional).
• A podcast host (Podbean’s great for this).
• A music library (because, yes, you need good intro music).

Is all this necessary? Technically, no. Does it make you look like a pro? Absolutely. Now, let’s dive into the three big steps: prep, production, and promotion.

Step 1: Podcast Prep (aka Doing Your Homework)

Let’s get real: there are over 3 million podcasts out there. That’s a lot of competition. You have to make yours stand out—and that requires a little bit of homework.
Prepping means figuring out what your podcast is about, planning episodes, and probably learning to read very fast. If you’re interviewing guests, you’ll want to do your research thoroughly. For example, when preparing for an interview with a journalist, you could read their articles, watch relevant documentaries, and listen to past interviews. This will give you a solid foundation for insightful and engaging conversations.

Step 2: Podcast Production (Making It Sound Like You’re Not in a Tunnel)

Once you’ve prepped, it’s time to record and produce. If you think this part is all “fun and games,” I hate to break it to you—it can be a beast. Podcasting can be a time-consuming process, especially in the early days when editing an episode might take up to 10 hours. Yes, 10 hours! However, as you gain experience, you'll find your groove, and the editing time can shrink down to just a couple of hours. The key is to stay patient and be ready to play the long game.

Step 3: Podcast Promotion (AKA Don’t Let Your Podcast Be a Tree Falling in the Forest)

Once you’ve got a shiny new episode, you need to get it out there. Otherwise, it’s like throwing a party with no invites—awkward.
Promotion can be tricky, but you don’t need a million-dollar budget. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

• Owned: Make sure your podcast is available on all the major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Google. Creating a website and possibly a newsletter can also help you connect with your audience.
• Earned: Seek opportunities to appear on other podcasts or get featured in media outlets—people love a good success story.
• Paid: If budget allows, consider investing in ads on platforms like Google, social media, or Spotify to broaden your reach.
• Shared: Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Tell your friends, family, neighbors—anyone who’ll listen.

The key takeaway? You don’t need to be a millionaire to get your podcast out there. Just hustle and keep pushing.

Stick to Your Podcast’s Vision (Because Compromise Is for Suckers)

One of the hardest things about podcasting is staying true to your original idea. There’s going to be a moment (probably more than one) when you’ll be tempted to compromise—whether it’s lowering your guest standards, cutting corners on quality, or trying to churn out episodes just to stay on schedule. But trust me, don’t do it.

If your big idea is important to you, don’t dilute it. Even if that means slower growth or fewer episodes, it’s better than selling out and losing what made your podcast special in the first place.

Reality Check: You Probably Won’t Be Joe Rogan (But That’s Okay)

Look, I get it. We all hear about podcasters making millions (looking at you, Joe Rogan). But the truth is, most podcasts don’t rake in big bucks. The top 3% of podcasts average around 6,700 downloads per episode—everyone else is looking at, like, 28 downloads.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t podcast. It just means you should love doing it for reasons other than money. Do it because you’re passionate about your topic, because you want to meet amazing people, or because you’re a total nerd about your subject. Whatever the reason, make sure it’s a good one. 

Why Podcasting Is Still Worth It

If I haven’t scared you off yet, good news! Podcasting is still one of the most rewarding things you can do. Here’s why:

1. The People You Meet: The podcast world is full of interesting, talented, and passionate people. Whether it’s fellow podcasters or your dream interview guests, you’ll build a network that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
2. The Stories You Tell: Having a platform to share incredible stories is powerful. It’s not just about telling your story, but also giving a voice to others who deserve to be heard.
3. The Stuff You Learn: Podcasting is a crash course in so many skills—research, editing, interviewing, marketing. Plus, it forces you to think deeper about your subject, making you an expert in no time.

The Bottom Line

Starting a podcast isn’t as easy as it seems, but if you’re willing to put in the work (and accept that you probably won’t be a millionaire), it’s one of the most fulfilling creative projects you can take on. Just remember to prep, produce, and promote like a pro, stay true to your vision, and have fun with it. 

Now, go get that microphone and start recording!