Have you ever been talking with your friends and thought, ‘This would make a great podcast’? Using Shopify’s 11 easy steps to starting a podcast, I added my own tips on how to kickstart your podcast journey.

Here are the steps they listed, along with ideas I gathered from reading the article:

Make sure you have a solid plan for what you want your podcast to be about. Think about how you want it to stand out, and what people may want to hear about.

2. Decide on a format
There are so many ways to format your podcast. It can be interviews, storytelling, news, educational, etc. Pick one that you’re comfortable with and passionate about!

3. Create your podcast brand
This is where it could start to get fun! Start thinking about names, episode lengths, a posting schedule, and more ways to engage with your listeners.

4. Choose your podcasting equipment 
Podcasting software can range in price, from super affordable, to crazy expensive. Pick what works best for you and your budget. Consider USB mics, filters, and over-the-ear headphones. Some apps on your phone may work well, too.

5. Get recording software
There are plenty of apps that were mentioned in this article that will allow you to edit your recordings, getting them ready to publish.

6. Outline your first episode 
The most important point I gathered from this section is that you have a good hook at the beginning of your episodes, making listeners want to tune in and hear what you are going to talk about. Along with that, make sure to plan for Ad spots if needed, and other sections of the episode, depending on the topic.

7. Record your podcast
When recording your episodes, make sure to get a room with solid sound, and no distractions. The article also suggested making test recordings, too.

8. Record an intro and an outro
When recording these, the most important points to make are your name, what the episode is covering, and something to make sure your listeners will still be interested.

9. Edit your podcast
Add the finishing touches to your episode! Throw in some music, and sound effects (when appropriate/needed), and make sure it’s something that will hold the listener’s attention the whole time.

10. Decide on podcast hosting 
Instead of uploading your files directly to the platform for listeners, pick a site for your episodes to go through before being published.

11. Market your podcast
You did it! Now, to continue the momentum, utilize websites, social media, and other tactics to gain viewership.

After reading these, I realized how common it might be for people to start their own podcasts, so I asked a couple of students if this was something they would consider doing. Here are their responses:

• “If I were to start a podcast, mine would be about mental health. From my perspective, I just feel like too many young people are stressing over things they can’t control, living in a box, and not knowing how to foster healthy relationships. I would name the podcast ‘Irieman’ since irie means good vibes in Jamaican. I don’t think I would ever be able to start a podcast, I’m too shy.” – Sachin Dunn, Junior

• “If I started a podcast, I would talk about anything and everything, whatever comes to mind. A good name would be something like ‘I’m Just a Girl’. I think I could eventually start a podcast, for sure.”  – Angel Bryant, Freshman

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