If you take a look at various sites such as YouTube or Spotify, you’ll notice that there have been an influx of podcasts in the past few years. A decade ago not that many people took podcasts seriously. Now, even full-fledged celebrities are testing out the waters, and creating their own podcast channels. The beauty about podcasts as a medium, is that it is like having a conversation, wherein you could practically talk about anything under the sun. If you are good at having conversations, and you want to spread your influence around the world, you should set up your own podcast. Here are 8 tips for setting up your very own podcast.

1. Know your target audience

Before you even start on your podcast, it is very important that you know your target audience. While your audience  could expand  later on, it would be a difficult prospect if you are aiming  to hit multiple target markets. By choosing a specific target market, you will be able to make your content as focused and attractive. 

2. Invest In Good Recording Equipment

Aside from knowing your target audience, it is also important that you invest in quality recording equipment. Remember that your main selling point is the conversation you will be having with your guests. If audio is sub-par, your audience won’t be able to hear your dialogue at all. Aside from buying top-quality recording equipment, it is also important that you have a soundproof room to hold your podcasts.

If you want ideas to design  your podcast room, you should check http://guyabouthome.com. It is a website that has great home design ideas. 

3. Take part in podcast conventions

If you want to further expand your reach as a podcaster, it is a good idea to take part in podcast conventions. This will allow you to meet up with other podcasters, and interact with potential fans. Through these conventions, you will also be able to answer your fan’s questions and make a good impression with them. 

If you are going to take part in podcast conventions, you should really set up a booth. This will make you a lot easier to find, and you will have somewhere to sit and converse with your fan base. It is also a great platform to sell merchandise to fans. If you are going to bring a booth, you should invest in Aplus booths. Aplus is one of the best las vegas trade show booth builders, and you could buy or rent your booths at very affordable prices.

If you are going to go to a podcaster convention, it is also a good idea to bring a hand sanitizer with you.Remember that you will be shaking hands and bumping elbows with a lot of people throughout the day, so it pays to be as clean as possible.

4. Get Popular Guests To Attend Your Podcast

When it comes to running podcasts, your choice of guests are extremely important. Remember that the main reason people will be tuning in to your podcast, is that they want to hear a great conversation between two interesting people. Your choice of guests should always depend on your target market. For example, if your podcast specializes in sports news, then you should invite sportsmen and women to your podcast. Just remember that it is not that easy to get a guest to take part of your podcast, so if a guest does accept your invitation, you should be as thankful as possible.

5. Steer Clear Of Divisive Issues

While some podcasters are more than capable of talking about divisive issues, it is a safe approach to ust steer clear of these issues. This is especially true if you are just starting out as a podcaster. The worst thing you could do is tackle a specific subject, and have your listeners get offended.

As a rule, it is best that you steer clear of issues such as politics, religion, or any other topics that may lead to arguments. If you’re going to talk about a specific issue, you should make sure that you have done your research, and stay respectful throughout the podcast.

6. Cater to Advertisers

While it is fun to purely focus on your podcast, you should remember that the main source  of income for most podcasters is advertising. Once a podcaster has reached a certain level of fame, companies will usually reach out to them, and hire them to advertise their products. If you want to make the most out of your podcast, you should accept as many advertising jobs as possible.

7. Be Yourself

If you want your podcast to do well, it is very important that you are as genuine  and interesting as possible. This is a difficult prospect if you are not really the talkative type. However, you should remember that being a podcaster entails you to be as talkative as possible.  

When you talk to your guests, it is important that you don’t affectate a different accent. For example, you hail from the midwest, and your accent has a certain twang to it. If you adapt a Californian accent, you will look and sound pretentious to your guests and to all your listeners. When people listen to a podcaster,they want to listen to someone authentic. They want to listen to someone who will speak his or her mind. If they want to listen to someone reading lines, and not being true to themselves, then they should just watch a TV show instead.

Conclusion

If you are good at having deep conversations, and you want to spread your opinions all over the world, you should set up your very own podcast. Before you do though, you should have a strategy. With these tips, you’ll be able to set up a great podcast.