Do you want to create your own business podcast?

Do you have the passion and drive to make it happen, but you’re just not sure where to start?

Keep reading for 4 tips to set you down the path of podcasting success.

Why Podcasting?

Podcasting is a unique tool that allows you to deliver relevant, on-demand and targeted content to a massive, worldwide audience.

What’s special about podcasting beyond its reach is that, unlike any other social platform, it allows you to connect with your audience on a personal, one-on-one level during a time when they are looking for hands-free, audio-only content.

Podcasting can be a powerful delivery platform in your marketing toolbox. Image source: iStockPhoto.

Pat Flynn of The Smart Passive Income Podcast, who was recently profiled for the success he’s had with his podcast, stated, “I’ve been able to make a much deeper connection with my audience. When I go to conferences, the first thing people who meet me say is, ‘I love listening to your podcast.’”

A podcaster’s ability to create a show that consistently delivers high-quality content to a captive audience, like Flynn does, will determine his or her success.

Here are four steps you can take to set yourself up for podcasting success.

#1: Buy Recording and Editing Equipment

There are a lot of different types of equipment and software out there for recording and editing your podcast. As you can imagine, they range in price from free to really expensive. However, one of the many great things about podcasting is its accessibility—whether you have $100 or $10,000 to spend doesn’t matter.

Here’s what you’ll need to get set up.

A Microphone

One option is to simply use the built-in microphone on your computer to record your podcast. While you will definitely be forfeiting some of your audio quality by going this route, it is possible.

The Logitech ClearChat Headset is a low-cost option ($26.78) and a big step up from your computer’s built-in microphone. This headset will connect straight to your computer via USB.

If you’re not willing to forfeit your audio quality on any level and have some money to spend on a high-quality microphone, the Heil PR-40 is a great option that will cost you just around $300.00. This microphone functions via an XLR connection, not via USB, and thus requires that you also purchase a mixer.

The Heil PR-40 is a great choice for a microphone because it delivers high-quality audio every time.

A Mixer

A mixer allows you to manipulate the audio signals, dynamics and frequency of your recording. While a mixer is not a requirement, it is an important piece of equipment to have if you want to provide your audience with high-quality audio.

If you’re going to purchase a mixer, an all-in-one is the way to go. The PreSonus FireStudio Project is a great option and allows you to record audio on two separate tracks, which is a huge benefit if you plan on doing interviews. With this, you cansilence out background noise and easily edit both sides of the interview. The Presonus Firestudio mixer runs around $400.00.

Recording and Editing Software

Recording and editing software is required because this is what actually allows you torecord, edit and convert your audio into an MP3 file.

Much like the microphone equipment, there is a free option and an option that costs money.

• Free options: Mac users can use GarageBand while Audacity is available for PC users.
• Paid option: Adobe Audition is a top-notch recording software program that has amazing capabilities. If you do not subscribe to an Adobe software package likeCreative Cloud, then you can check out package options or simply purchase access to Adobe Audition alone for $19.99 per month.

4 Steps to Creating a Top-Ranked Business Podcast | Social Media Examiner.