EP44: WHY PODCASTING IS FOR YOU! Tools | Resources | Inspiration to Get You Started
Happy New Year Friends! Welcome to 2021!
Wow! I can’t believe we are already in 2021 and I am so glad that the dumpster fire that 2020 was is now behind us! AMEN!!
As I thought about what I wanted the first episode of 2021 to be I was inspired by all the things I am grateful for and blessed with. The first thing that stood out to me was the PODCAST!!
Yes! The podcast is an instrumental part of my life and my coaching practice. It is how I get my message out to the masses. Podcast is a low cost tool to share with people anything you feel will help you create an audience and share your message. 
In this episode I am sharing with you why podcasting is for everyone and why you should start one. I outlined the top 8 tools and resources to help you get started. Bring your pen and notebook for this one! 
Let’s Dive In!
 
Top 8 Resources & Tools for Podcasting
1. Who is your Audience | Avatar | Ideal Client
Your podcast is an outlet to speak to the masses. But you must ask yourself, 
Who is it for? 
Who is your listener? 
What is the purpose of your message? 
These are some of the many questions you want to ask yourself in the process of brainstorming your content, name, description and tagline (more on that later).
2. Equipment
Equipment such as mic and pop filter is essential to produce clear and clean audio for your show. I have a blue yeti mic that I got from Best Buy because I had a gift card, but you can pick one up from Amazon. Blue Yeti’s have different price ranges, my retails $129.99, I got it on sale from Best Buy for $99.00 and had a gift card. You can pick up a decent USB Microphone from Amazon for as low as $35.00
https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Condenser-Recording-Streaming-669B/dp/B06XCKGLTP?ref_=ast_sto_dp  Be sure to checkout the reviews before purchasing
 
Pop Filter: A pop filter is going to cover your mic and help reduce the popping sounds we make when talking. It also helps to make the sound much cleaner and allows for better quality when reducing the noise in between the filter. Amazon has them for $10.00! https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Microphone-Stabilizing-Recordings-Broadcasting/dp/B01N21H9WY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=QWFJ7R2HAO1Y&dchild=1&keywords=pop+filter+for+blue+yeti&qid=1610138113&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=Pop+%2Cmi%2C157&sr=1-4
 With these two pieces of equipment you’re ready to get started in recording! 
 
3: Recording Software
There are a ton of free recording software out there. Find one that is easy for you to use and works with your equipment. Almost all mics are USB and will work on any PC or Mac.
Many individuals will use Audacity or GarageBand to record. Both of these softwares are free. Audacity can be used on any computer. GarageBand is only for Mac users. 
This is going to be important for you to have good quality recordings.
 
4. Hosting Platforms
There are so many hosting platforms available today and it’s hard to always know which one is right for you. I use Podbean for my podcast because it is easy to use and very affordable. I paid $60 for the whole year through a special promo. Podbean offers the flexibility of having an app that is available for Android and iOS. This gives you the option to record from your phone if you ever have a moment of inspiration on the go. Here is a link to learn more about hosting platforms and deciding which one is the best for you: https://www.podcastinsights.com/best-podcast-hosting/
 
5. Episode Recording & Launch Date
**I forgot to mention this in the audio**
At some point...You’re going to want to create an intro and outro for your podcast. This is telling your listeners what your show is about and what they can expect from your show. It is different from an episode intro which comes before the show intro on each episode. An intro is typically no longer than 1 minute long and accompanied by some music. You can do this for FREE too! Your outro is telling your audience