Looking for an editable document to complete your exercises from Plan Your Podcast?
Here’s the link to a google Doc. Just make a copy to your own account or download as PDF.
RESOURCES FOR NEW PODCASTERS
(Please note some of these are affiliate links.)
Microphones for Podcasting
For your first ten episodes, I recommend that you use the simplest set up possible.
A USB microphone won’t give you radio quality, but it will save you time and space.
My Blue YETI served me very well for many, many episodes.
(Apparently the YETI Nano also works quite well.)
I now use the Samson CU10 with a little tripod.
If you want to record on the go, you can plug the SHURE MV88 into your iPhone.
Recording Software
Audacity (free and open source)
Garageband (Mac only)
Squadcast – browser-based recording software
Riverside.fm – browser-based recording software. Affiliate link as it’s the platform I’m using at the moment, and recommend.
Zencastr – browser-based recording software
You can also use Zoom, though the audio quality is not as good (as of 2021).
Make sure you’re set to record in Split tracks
Editing Software
Audacity and Garageband, for simplicity
Adobe Audition – not for those pushed for time
Descript – steep learning curve, but probably worth the time investment
Polishing Your File
Auphonic – web based up to 2hrs free and flexible pricing after that. There’s also a desktop app you can license.
Website and Media Hosts
I’m currently playing with Buzzsprout. It gives you a modern website and there’s an Archive plan for when you give yourself a rest, or if you stop releasing episodes but want your show to be available.
I host my shows on Libsyn, as I find their prices flexible and accessible.
And I’ve heard great things about Spreaker, a platform that has been around for a very long time, and is very active in the podcasting space.
For more options, of which there are many, search online for:
Website hosting or Media hosting
Check out this great article from February 2021 by The Podcast Host: 10 Best Podcast Hosting Sites, Carefully Chosen For You (Plus 3 Top Free Picks)
Transcription
Otter.ai – limited minutes free
Descript (see above)
Artwork Creation
Canva.com – everything you’ll need. The best platform out there to create artwork for non-designers. Can’t recommend it enough.
GIMP – the free and open source alternative to Photoshop. For more customising and larger file size than Canva will give you with their free account.
Remember to make sure the artwork has the right dimensions before submitting it.
Here’s the link to Apple’s artwork guidelines.
Music for your Show
NeoSounds
Uppbeat
or search online for royalty free music
Organise your Workflow
Trello – very decent free account. Can’t recommend it enough.
I have a template you can use to organise your podcast and collaborate with others. Check it out here.
Basecamp – very decent Basecamp Personal free account
Asana – if you are already using that app, it’s handy too, but I recommend Trello for ease of use.
There are many other decent project management tools, and more to come, but these are the ones I’m using.
Scheduling Tools
Calendly – share a link to your calendar for guests to book their slot. Quite decent free account
OnceHub – as above, the one I use
Doodle – when you need to organise a meeting with a group
Communicating with your Guests – Notes for Guests
Guidelines for guest from My Pocket Psych – host Dr. Richard MacKinnon has done a brilliant job of sharing guidelines online, very simply. The platform he’s used for this is a versatile online workspace app called Notion, where he’s also got his schedule and all information needed for his online content.
Newsletters on Podcasting
Books to take you further into podcasting
I’m proud of Plan Your Podcast, but it’s very limited and will only get you past your first two months. Following that, you might be inspired by these other podcasters.
(All links to Amazon are affiliate links, so I will take a small percentage if you purchase through them.)
Profit from Your Podcast. Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners Into a Livelihood by Dave Jackson
Once you’re happy with your show, you can think about monetising it. This is the book you need to inspire you and guide you.
Make Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum
If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance on how to develop the content of your show, and become a good storyteller and interviewer, here’s the book for you.
Podcasting Marketing Strategy: A Complete Guide to Creating, Publishing and Monetizing a Successful Podcast by Daniel Rowles and Ciaran Rogers
If your podcast is a key part of your marketing strategy, or if you are creating a show for someone else, check this one out.
Content for your Audience Survey
If you’re looking for questions to ask in your podcast audience survey, Edison Research has kindly put together this list: https://www.edisonresearch.com/listener-survey-template/
(I found out about it in the Sounds Profitable newsletter.)
Ready to start, but need a nudge? Sign up to this email challenge.
Have you got any resources that you think should be included in this page?
Do let me know and I will put them up here to share with other podcasters.
