The Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started with Podcasting

If you are new to podcasting, it can feel scary and confusing at first, especially if you have no prior technical experience.
In this guide, we share our best tips for making a podcast. We also discuss what we wish we had done differently when we started. Those answers and insights are what we've used to make this step-by-step guide.
Read, learn, enjoy, and NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.

Why Start A Podcast

You might be wondering whether creating a podcast is worth it.
The answer is, yes, podcasting is one of the fastest-growing platforms, not just in the UK but worldwide. Over 18 million Brits listen to podcasts daily, and this number continues to rise.

It serves as a powerful lead generator. According to a Veritonic study, 54% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a podcast ad than from a social media ad.
A good platform for making money exists. Podcast monetisation takes work, but once the work starts paying, it really pays. You can also create a community around the topic you and your listeners care about. This will help with networking and collaborations.

Ready to turn your idea into a show? Here's what you'll need to know.

Step 1: Nail Down Your Podcast Topic

A clear plan = A great podcast 

A microphone and a half-baked idea won't cut it.

Every successful podcast starts with a sharp, intentional plan. Before you even think about hitting "record," define your purpose, your podcast topic, and who you're speaking to. A clear podcast strategy separates standout shows from the static.

Before hitting record, you need to define your purpose, your topic and know who you're speaking to. A clear strategy separates extraordinary shows from the static.

Then comes the "what." What valuable content are you delivering to your listener every episode? Then ask: What am I offering my listener? 

• Actionable business tips? 
• Weekly motivation? 
• Relatable stories? 
• Quick comedy

Nail your offer early. A successful podcast doesn't try to do everything; it does one thing well.

Understand Your Listener

Stop trying to please everyone. When a podcast tries to speak to everyone, it speaks to no one. Who is your ideal podcast listener and what would make them hit "follow" and come back for more? Even your podcast format and tone should be shaped around your audience.

• A relaxed tone might work better with everyday listeners
• A high-production show might suit entrepreneurs or professionals.

Pick Your Topic 

What can you talk about for hours without getting bored? Simple right. 

Your topic should sit at the intersection of what you're passionate about, what you know well, and what your audience is actually searching for.

To find your niche, you must ask yourself these questions: 

• What am I confident in teaching or discussing?
  
• What are common pain points I can help solve?
  
• Are there gaps in existing podcast content I can fill?
  

This is the foundation of your entire podcast strategy. Without clarity here, you'll waste time chasing content that doesn't connect.

The clearer your niche, the easier it is to build loyal podcast listeners from day one.

Name Your Podcast

Your podcast name is more than just a title; it's an excellent tool for SEO. The name should be easy to remember, clear, include keywords, and match your brand. It needs to appear in search results when people type what they're looking for. Use tools like Namecheckrr to check multiple platforms at once

Pick a name that's clear, searchable, and speaks to what your audience is looking for. Some of the most popular podcasts rank well because their names match standard search terms. An example is "The Anxiety Coaches Podcast." You don't even have to read the description; you already know. 

Before you finalise anything:  

• Check that the name is available
• Secure the domain 
• Grab matching handles on social media

This is the foundation of your entire podcast strategy. Without clarity here, you'll waste time chasing content that doesn't connect.

Step 2: Set Your Podcast Format And Structure 

Once you have the topic, the next step is choosing the proper structure to bring it to life. The format sets the tone, your schedule builds trust, and the name helps people find you.  

Let's break it down.

Choose a Format That Fits You And Your Audience 

Your podcast format is a style and experience you're creating for your listeners. 

Here are four of the most common podcast styles:

1. Solo Show

Ideal for thought leaders, coaches, or subject-matter experts. Great for personal storytelling or direct advice. 

2.  Co-hosted

Two voices, two perspectives. This works well if you have great chemistry with someone and want to keep energy levels high. 

Example: ShxtsNGigs

3.  Interview-based

You bring on guests and extract insights, stories, or tips. Best for building authority and cross-promoting with guest audiences.

4.  Narrative/documentary

You script the story, layer in music, voiceovers, and sound design. High production value is ideal for storytelling podcasts. 

Example: Ray William Johnson 

Structure Your Episode Length & Frequency

No one-size-fits-all exists here, but your consistency matters more than your content length.

Here's a rough guide:

• Daily episodes: 5–15 minutes
• Weekly episodes: 30–50 minutes
• Monthly deep-dives: 60+ minutes

Ask yourself:

Can you keep up with this schedule long-term? It's better to show up weekly for 30 minutes than burn out after trying to post daily.

Start with a format that suits your content. 

But above all: stay consistent. Whether 20 or 60 mins, train your listeners on what to expect.

Step 3: Choose The Right Podcast Equipment (Without Breaking The Bank)

Your podcast isn't just about what you say; it's also about how it looks and sounds. Strong branding helps you stand out, feel professional, and build trust with your listeners from day one.

Recommended specs:

3000×3000 pixels, under 500KB, JPG or PNG format

Tools to try:

• Canva (drag-and-drop designs)

• Tailor Brands or Looka for logo creation

Add Audio Branding (Intro/Outro Music)

First impressions matter, so think about the sound of your show. Adding a short intro jingle and a clean outro helps define your identity and give your episodes a polished, professional feel. 

Make sure you choose music that fits your brand, i.e. frantic and cinematic for storytelling or true crime. 

Use licensed tracks only:

Browse royalty-free music from sites like Epidemic Sound, PremiumBeat, or Artlist to stay legally protected.

Step 4: Set Up Your Podcasting Gear

Great sound doesn't require a full studio, but you do need decent equipment to achieve a professional audio quality sound. Start with your budget, then focus on the essentials first.

Microphones

• ATR 2100x – USB/XLR mic that's durable, sounds great, and won't break the bank. Perfect for beginners.
• Earthworks Ethos – Pro-level sound quality
• Budget pick: A simple USB lapel mic  is a good budget podcast microphone (under £20)

Headphones

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro - Comfortable and accurate
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20x - Budget-friendly and dependable

Camera

• Start with your smartphone's 4K camera.
• Upgrade to a DSLR or webcam later if needed.

Optional Add-Ons

Want to level up your quality? Consider adding the following:

• Pop Filter
• Mic Stand
• Ring Light or Softbox 
• Audio Interface- Only needed if you're using XLR microphones 

Camera

 Start with your smartphone's 4K camera. Upgrade to a DSLR or webcam later if needed.

Step 5: Pick Your Podcast Editing Tools

In 2025, having the right software increases productivity. The right podcasting tools can save hours off your editing process by letting you:

• Edit straight from your transcript
• Automatically create show notes and subtitles.
• Clip short, punchy segments for social posts or trailers for your target audience.
• Generate episode titles and summaries with one click.

Best Podcast Editing Tools in 2025:

• Descript – Edit audio + video like a doc. Killer for beginners.

• Riverside – High-res remote recordings + automated AI tools.

• CapCut – Simple, social-ready video editing for TikTok clips.

No audio engineering degree needed. These tools do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the content.

Step 6: Get Ready to Record Your First Episodes

You've got the mic. You've got your recording software. Now what? Don't wing it. Nail your first episode by setting yourself up like a pro before you even hit record.

You can start by contacting potential guests through email, Instagram, or LinkedIn DMs. As Drake said, it goes down in the DM.  

Most new podcasters overthink this part. Don't. You only need one great guest to start. Reach out via:

• Email
• Instagram or LinkedIn DMs
• Guest-booking sites like PodMatch or MatchMaker.fm

 Map Out Your Interview Flow

Create a loose framework for your conversation and prep:

• A few solid open-ended questions
  
• Some topic-specific prompts
  
• Room for spontaneity and follow-ups
  

Real talk = real connection, and that's what keeps people listening.

Step 7: Record Your Podcast

Prep Your Recording Space

Choose a quiet, echo-free area ideally with soft furnishings or sound panels to reduce bounce. 

Press Record and Dive In

Speak like you're talking to one person. Be yourself, but keep an eye on your levels throughout. Clear audio and natural delivery go a long way in keeping listeners hooked

Step 8: Edit Your Podcast Episodes Like a Pro

Excellent editing turns a rough recording into a standout show. In 2025, you don't need a studio or a sound degree, just the right tools and a clear checklist.

Platforms like Descript or  Riverside let you edit your audio and video like a doc: just tweak the transcript, and your changes apply instantly to the recording.

You can also clean up sound quality, add captions, and export clips for social all without needing a sound engineering degree (sounds cool, right?) 

Your Edit Checklist:

1. Shape the flow

Cut off rambles or parts that slow down the pace. Rearrange segments to make things engaging. 

2. Polish sound 

Use volume levelling tools and noise reduction so you and your guests sound crisp, consistent and clear, whether you're using your phone or a cheap microphone. 

3. Add subtitles

Captions will make the podcast social media-friendly and accessible, and the good thing is that most platforms now generate them automatically. 

4. Add visuals 

If you're doing a video podcast, drop your logo in, overlay guest names and titles to help stay on brand. 

5. Final touches

Layer in your sound effects, intro and outro music, and anything that gives the episode a finished feel. 

6. Save and export

Export your video as an MP4. For audio, choose WAV for top quality or MP3 for a smaller file size.

Step 9: Publish Your Podcast and Get It Everywhere

You've planned, recorded, and edited; now it's time to launch.

Now, all you need is a hosting platform that allows you to store and distribute your episodes on platforms, such as Transmitter.FM, Spreaker, Simplecast and for video podcast options are but not limited to Spotify for creators, Podbean and Podomatic. Your podcast host provides, as many do, with analytics and monetisation tools.

Include a captivating hook that draws in listeners to your show, like a fun statement or intense question. Your descriptions should be clear. Use keywords that relate to your podcast topic. This will help more people find your show.

Some beginner-friendly options are Spotify, which is user-friendly and free and Buzzsprout, which is popular for its simplicity, analytics and built-in tools for optimising episode descriptions and titles.  

Include a captivating hook that draws in listeners to your show, like a fun statement or intense question. Your descriptions must be clear, and keywords are a must; they must be related to your podcast topic to increase discoverability. 

Each platform has different requirements, but the basic steps are the same.

1. Upload your episode(s) to a podcast hosting service.
2. Create an RSS podcast feed.
3. Submit feed to the podcast directories you're publishing to. 

Once all this is done, any new uploaded episode on the hosting platform will be automatically pushed on the chosen platforms. 

Once you upload and publish your podcast, your host will create an RSS feed. This feed helps platforms like Apple and Spotify automatically get your episodes.

Don't stop at Apple and Spotify. Publish your show on as many platforms as possible for maximum exposure. 

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music / Audible
• YouTube
• Deezer
• TuneIn
• Deezer
• Transistor
• TuneIn

Don't forget to use shorts to increase your exposure and engagement.

Step 10: Promote and Monetise Your Podcast

You've launched, now it's time to build momentum and turn your podcast into a money-making machine. Publishing is the start. Promotion fuels growth. Monetisation rewards your effort.

Don’t just drop an episode and hope people find it. Treat your podcast launch like an event:

• Publish 1-2 episodes on Day 1 to hook new listeners.
• Create teaser trailers and video shorts for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn.
• Blast it across every platform you use: email, social, your site. Everywhere.

Promoting Your Podcast

A launch isn't a post. It's a campaign. Done right, it builds momentum fast and gets you discovered faster. Treat a launch day like an event, and remember that growth takes time, but SEO fast-tracks it.

Subscriptions: Offer bonus episodes, early access, or ad-free content to paid subscribers. Mention your support tier mid-episode and link your support page in every episode description.

Donations: If you've built a loyal fanbase, ask your audience for donations. Thank supporters in episodes or offer perks like call-ins during live recordings to boost engagement.

Want the full monetisation breakdown?

Read: How to Make Money from a Podcast in 2025

Step 11: Assess Your Podcast's Success

If you're not tracking your podcast performance, you're flying blind. Growth comes from data, not guesswork.

Start with the basics:

• Downloads per episode are people actually listening?
• Demographics: Who's tuning in?
• Engagement spikes when they are hooked or dropping off?

Don’t guess; your analytics are there for a reason. Let the data gods guide your next episode. 

Celebrate achievements like your first 100 downloads, acknowledge early reviews, and appreciate messages from listeners. 

The feedback you get is everything, when people start listening, refine your format, continue with what works and ditch what doesn't. 

The best podcasts evolve. The worst ones stay stuck. Listen, adapt, grow. Repeat.

Start Strong, Stay Consistent, Grow Fast

You now have the full guide from picking your niche to recording, editing and publishing your first episode. Just know you don't have to be perfect, you just need to be consistent and clear with your message, and learn as you go.

No podcast started big. No confident host didn't shake on intros once upon a time. Go ahead, record your first episode.

Still Got Questions?

Check out the FAQs below to clear up the most common concerns and make sure nothing holds you back from launching your show.

Q: Is podcasting challenging?
A: Imposter syndrome stops more podcasts than bad audio ever will. You question yourself. Start ugly and improve along the way.  You don't need to be a tech wizard either. And don’t fall into the "buy-every-gadget" trap. A good mic, basic headphones, and your phone cam will do.

Podcasting has a learning curve. But the longer you stay in the game, the smoother the ride gets.

Q: Who can start a podcast?
A: Anyone with a voice and a message. You don't need a degree or a big audience. All you need is the guts to start and room to learn and improve. 

Even kids can start podcasts, though there is an age limit. 

Q: How do you talk on a podcast?
A: Talk like Morgan Freeman… (just kidding).
Talk like yourself. Be the authentic you. That's who your listeners are showing up for. Keep it conversational, like a voice note to a mate.

Real always wins. 

Q: How much money does it cost to start a podcast?
A: You can technically start for free. But realistically, a solid beginner setup starts at around £100 (mic, headphones, basic software).

Q: Do podcasters pay their guests?
A: For small or mid-size shows, guests often join for free promo. They want the exposure so it's a win-win.
But on high-traffic podcasts, sometimes guests pay to be featured. And sometimes, yes, big names may ask for a fee.

Q: Do you need a license to start and publish a podcast?
You don't need a license to podcast.
But, using copyrighted music without a sync license can land you in trouble. 

• Use royalty-free music.
• Or pay for a license.
• Or get custom jingles made, lawsuits aren't worth the risk.

Ready to Turn Your Podcast Into a 6-Figure Income Stream

You've planned your topic, bought your equipment, recorded your episodes, and learned how to edit, publish, promote, and even monetise your podcast. But you might still have questions, or not know the secrets to scaling your podcast to hit the 6-figure income mark. 

That's why we want to invite you to our brand new, exclusive, virtual masterclass: The Podcast Online Accelerator

Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner, author, coach, trainer, mentor, public speaker, or side hustler, podcasting is a goldmine. 

Join our virtual, live, Zoom Masterclass and learn how to launch, automate, and scale a high-converting podcast.

This is your chance to get access to unfiltered strategies that have helped small podcasters consistently hit £10,000+/month.

There will be no recordings. No replays.

Secure your FREE place now and discover:

• The proven system to build a loyal, buying audience.
• The strategy behind hitting 6/7 figures in less than a year.
• How to scale using A.I while working less than 5 hours a week.
• How to launch with confidence and clarity and scale FAST.

…plus much more!