Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps

How to get your motivation back (to podcast) It happens to us all, especially after a short break (we’ve just had 2 weeks off our podcast so I know the feeling ;) If you are looking for some motivation to get back to your podcast here are 3 steps to do it, that have helped for me. Let me know what works for you- if you listen in Spotify answer the question on your screen or drop me a message @stor...

Hi, it's Suzi and this is Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps and today I want to share how to create short podcasts; those under 5 mins in length. There can be a real benefit to creating short podcasts. They can be a great way to remind your audience you're there - for coaches creating daily 'prompts' they can be a great tool. It's a good way to start a podcast because you are not havi...

In this episode, Jules looks at what you need to know about recent changes to the hosting platform Anchor.  The name Anchor has disappeared. It’s now called Spotify for Podcasters. The mobile app has some new tools which allow for greater interactivity with your audience. The platform is still free to use and most of its core features remain the same. You can read Spotify’s announcement here .

Hi its Suzi and welcome to 3 podcasting in three easy steps. In this episode we’re looking at how to use the podcast hosting platforms. To understand the hosting platforms please check back episode #25 where I talk about what they are and why we use them.  Here is how to use the hosting platforms in three easy steps 1. Have everything to hand it - have everything in a file on your desktop rea...

Hey it's Suzi here and I want to help you to understand what a hosting platform is and how it works. So we’ve got our beautifully crafted podcast and now what? we need our audience to listen to it of course. We use a hosting platform to get it to the podcast directories where our audience can stream and download it.  So here is understanding the hosting platforms in 3 easy steps: 1. Your plat...

In this episode, Julie-Anna talks about how to test your equipment before you start recording. Now some of this may seem obvious, but we’ve both been there when a laptop conks out halfway through an interview or the mic records at the wrong level leaving you with rubbish audio. Step 1: Plug in your lap or make sure it’s fully charged. Recording remotely takes up a lot of power, so having a laptop...

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I talk about how I use artificial intelligence (AI) in my podcasting.  There's been lots of chat recently about using AI in writing but I want to talk to you about using it in podcasting. There's no doubt that if you make a podcast that you'll find lots of parts of the production to be time consuming. That's where AI can help us to streamline. I w...

In this episode, Jules looks at how often you should release your podcast. The more often you release your show, the easier it is to build an audience. BUT if you try and put out a podcast every week (particularly when you’re starting out) it can quickly feel relentless. Work out what’s manageable for you. Be consistent. Whether it’s weekly or fortnightly, try to release episodes consistently. Con...

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps we start to look at editing. And we've asked one of our talented friends, Micky Curling to share his thoughts. Mickey runs Mix Broadcast and he's an audio engineer and sound designer. He's worked on award winning shows like Fight of the Century and Jamie Cullum's show on BBC Radio 2 and he's got lots and lots of experience putting together documentarie...

Stories have the incredible power to engage your audience in a way straightforward facts and figures can’t. And you can use stories to convey all sorts of information and ideas entertainingly and memorably throughout your podcast. As this week is National Storytelling Week we’ve teamed up with a storyteller, who spends her time supporting others to share their stories.  Hilary Salzman- runs 2...

In today's episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps We're opening the mailbag and answering three questions we get asked … a lot…. What technology do I need to get started? What makes a great podcast? I have an idea for a podcast. Now what? If you have any other questions or topics you want us to cover drop us a DM - you'll find us @storypublishing or @decibelpodcasts

Whilst we’re big fans of audio-only here at Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps, there’s no escaping that video is one of the most effective ways to build an audience. So here are three easy steps for including video as part of your podcast from the very beginning. Use short videos to help promote your podcast. Nothing fancy, just you telling people what’s in the latest episode. You can upload to all the s...

Once you’ve chosen somewhere to record (listen to the previous episode 11 to help you choose the best recording spot), then you’ll probably need to get it set up to maximise the recording quality. In this episode, Jules explains how to get a room ready for recording by: Covering any hard surfaces which cause echo. You can do this with acoustic paneling or using pillows, blankets, duvets or clothes...

Hey Happy New Year to you!  In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I'm sharing how to get the confidence to start YOUR podcast this year. We have helped lots of people to start their own podcasts and one of the things that stands in their way is confidence; in their voice, their opinions and thinking about what other people will think. If this is something you're struggling with BOOK N...

This is the third TAKEOVER of the podcast by voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman. This topic is probably one of the most discussed when we are helping people to start their own podcast. They struggle to sound conversational when they are reading from a script- which we need because we can't remember everything can we!? So in this the last of voice coach Nic Redman's takeover she's back to...

This is the second TAKEOVER of the podcast by voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman. Do you want to create a deeper connection with your audience? We all know that audio is powerful, whether it be radio or podcasts it creates an intimacy between broadcaster and listener. So in this episode of the podcast Nic shares 'How to connect with your audience using your voice in 3 Easy Steps' Here ar...

This is the first of 3 TAKEOVERS of the podcast by the brilliant voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman.  If you have a fabulous accent but have concerns about how it's going to sound on your podcast this episode is for you!  Nic is here to share her 3 Easy Steps of 'How to work with your accent as a podcaster'. In short, she's all about EMBRACING your accent and sharing it with yo...

Want to become a great interviewer.. Suzi explains how to do it 1. Watch and listen to great interviewers- observe how they do it 2. Research is key – do your prep, know your questions and where you want to take the conversation 3. Practise the art of listening - and respond to your interviewee And Bonus step-  don’t be afraid of the pause… Resources Find us on Instagram:  Suzi @story_pu...

In this episode, Jules explains how to choose somewhere suitable to record. It may not be the most obvious choice. She explains why you should: Choose a room  that doesn’t echo (small rooms with lots of stuff in are best, such as a  messy child’s bedroom) Face an open wardrobe if you don’t have a suitable room Find somewhere quiet, and record at a point in the day when everyone is out Re...

Want to get your dream guest for your podcast? In this episode Suzi explains how to approach a guest and do it well! Here are your 3 easy steps: 1. Be bold and ask - they can either say yes or no, the more you do it the bolder you’ll get 2. Get your pitch right and do your research 3. Talk about your audience and the interviewees ‘fit’  with them Resources We are holding a workshop all about...

How do you find music to go into your podcast and make it sound great and what things do you need to consider? In this episode, Jules talks about finding music for your podcast. Here are your 3 Easy Steps to finding music for your podcast...  This is really important; you can’t just use any music for your show. You have to own the rights to it or it has to be royalty-free. To find royalty-fre...

How to warm up your voice ready to present your podcast In this episode Suzi talks through 3 steps to warming up your voice so you are ready to present Here are your 3 Easy steps to warming up your voice… 1. Hydration, I find drinking lots of water and warm drinks keeps my voice in good condition 2. Read aloud from a book, kids books are great for practicing expression  3. Tongue twisters… th...

How to choose the best format for your podcast In this episode Suzi talks about the different ways you can create a podcast and what you may want to consider before you decide which one’s for you! Interview 1-2-1, monologue, round table, packages – how do you work out what’s the best way to share your ideas? Here are your 3 Easy steps to deciding which format is for you… 1. Be realistic with your...

In this episode, Julie-Anna explains how to start your podcast script.  Here are your 3 easy steps: 1. Listen to the beginning of other podcasts for how to start your script. 2. Keep it simple. Don’t overthink it or overcomplicate it. You’re not writing a novel.  3. Don’t write it out word-for-word. Allow for a degree of ad-libbing. Resources: Here’s a link to a guest blog that Julie-Ann...

How to get a great remote recording for your podcast In this episode Suzi explains the 3 easy steps to getting it done well, and it's not just the technical stuff to think about. Here are your 3 easy steps: 1.  Whatever software you use try it out before recording with a guest. Practice makes it better! 2. Give your guest a checklist, direct them into making a good recording too. 3. Take the...