Let’s first address the reasons why freelancers should start a podcast for their businesses and the ways in which this format can be extremely advantageous…

With the continuation of “unprecedented” times this year, podcasts are a great way to build your community while practicing social distancing and minimising travel. 80% of podcast listeners listen to all or at least most of a streamed episode. What this tells us is that listeners will be more devoted to your voice than they will be to reading information on your website. Loyal listeners are loyal customers – their contribution pays back as brand affinity.
As well as presenting a personal and unique voice via your podcast, the in-depth knowledge that you share will establish you as an expert in your field. If you invest and produce consistent content, this will lead to an increase in your network growth. 

Is your marketing mind already bubbling and brewing with ideas? Then without further ado; here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take the leap and launch your podcast in 2021!

1. Decide on your Demographic
   It will make your job a lot easier if you pick a super niche subject that can cater to the needs of a very focused audience. If you’re a graphic designer, cater to graphic designers and title each episode with a common question. For example “what is the best software to create professional logos?”. This will build a dedicated and reliable community. 

2. The Title. 
   It goes without saying that the name of your podcast should be catchy and memorable. It is a marketable product at the end of the day. SEO and the importance of keywords should also maintain a priority – this will make for more widespread discovery of your podcast via social media. Remember that on Apple Podcasts it states; “the metadata for your podcast, along with your podcast artwork, is your product packaging and can affect whether your podcast shows up in relevant searches, and how likely users are to subscribe to it.” 

3. Write your Bio
   Remember that niche target demographic you decided on? Now it’s time to address them and inform them on how you can help and/or why your podcast may be of interest.  The top three things to consider are your theme, your audience and your podcast’s format  (e.g: one-to-one interview, lecture/seminar, group chat etc). 

4. Get some gear
   It’s tricky to record a podcast – let alone launch one – without a good quality microphone,  although the amount of equipment required is not extensive – safe to say! You will, however, need a good mic (or two if you plan on interviewing), a pop screen and a piece of tech to record your audio (a laptop or audio interface). ‘Audacity’ is also a great recording software – just connect your microphone via USB and record! Plus, it’s free!

5. The importance of editing
   The structure of your podcast is important in keeping the listener’s attention and peaking their interest. An intro and outro both outline each episode’s specificity and give closure. While “ums” and “ahs” are natural in everyday speech, they can collectively take up several minutes worth of time, so the editing out of these, as well as long pauses, helps keep things concise. 

6. Time to hire a graphic designer…if you aren’t one already!
   The cover of your podcast is the first thing listeners will see while browsing – not to mention it will appear on their home screen for the duration of the podcast. If you aren’t one already, hiring a graphic designer is your best bett (and also supports other freelancers!). If you’re working with a minimal budget, however, there are several free apps and softwares that allow you to design a perfectly attractive cover for free (some of our faves are Canva, Stencil and Crello). 

7. Prep for your launch
   In order to be prepared and avoid as many delays as possible (which this pandemic has proved a pro at delivering on its own) it’s a good idea to get at least four to six episodes recorded and edited before launching your podcast. This guarantees consistent content uploading which your audience will appreciate. It also gives you more to market and therefore more social media content which will help your audience growth. 

8. Start promoting your podcast
   Use communities such as Wishu and The-Dots to promote your podcast. As a creative freelancer you will receive amazing support and this will help you grow much more quicker.