Starting a podcast is exciting, but it’s also a commitment. Whether you’re an experienced storyteller or a curious beginner, your first step is defining your niche, a subject you’re passionate about and can explore endlessly. For me, that niche was true crime.
True crime had always fascinated me, not just for its mystery but for the human stories behind every case. With an endless array of topics, from unsolved mysteries to legal battles, I knew I’d never run out of ideas. More importantly, it was something I genuinely cared about and still do, which has made the hours of research, writing, and recording feel rewarding rather than like work.
When I first started Crimeatorium, I didn’t have a solid plan. I had never used an audio or graphics editor, didn’t know where to find music, and had zero experience with public speaking. Every step of the process was new, and I learned these skills along the way. That meant my podcast went through a lot of changes as I figured out what worked best. Four years later, I’ve nailed down most aspects of the process, but I’m still making changes to improve.
If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, don’t let inexperience hold you back. The key is choosing a subject you’ll be excited to explore even when the learning curve feels steep. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned while building Crimeatorium, from brainstorming your podcast’s theme to connecting with your audience.
Finding Your Focus | Why a Niche Matters (But Isn’t Mandatory)
When starting a podcast, many experts will tell you to find a niche, and for good reason. A niche gives your podcast direction, helps you target a specific audience, and ensures you’ll always have something to talk about. However, it’s not absolutely necessary to choose one.
Some podcasters prefer a more casual approach, sitting down with friends to discuss a variety of topics. This style can work, and many successful podcasts have been built this way. But if you’re not a celebrity or well-known personality, the growth potential can be slower. After all, most people won’t tune in to listen to strangers talk about nothing in particular.
That’s why it’s worth taking the time to think about what interests you. Whether it’s true crime, sports, history, or comedy, focus on something you’re passionate about and can create regular episodes around. Your enthusiasm will come through in your content, and that’s what draws listeners in.
In the end, a niche isn’t just about narrowing your topics, it’s about finding a focus that keeps you excited and inspires your audience to come back for more.
Consistency is Key: Planning Your Schedule
Decide early on if you’ll release episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and plan to stick with that schedule. A predictable release cadence helps build trust with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
To make things easier, I recommend having at least four episodes recorded and ready to go before your podcast launches. This buffer will help you stay on track and avoid the stress of scrambling to meet deadlines. Consistency in quality and scheduling will go a long way in keeping your audience engaged and growing your listener base.
Choosing the Right Podcast Hosting Platform
Once you’ve recorded your first episodes, you’ll need a platform to host your podcast. There are several free or low-cost options available, and choosing the right one will depend on your specific needs.
When evaluating podcast hosting platforms, consider the following:
- Storage and Hours: Check how much storage space and recording hours the platform allows on its plans.
- Website Features: Many platforms offer a basic podcast website, which can save you money when you’re just starting out.
- Monetization Options: Some hosts provide built-in ways to monetize your podcast, such as ad insertion, listener support, or premium subscriptions.
Most hosting platforms will distribute your podcast to major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and others. However, it will be up to you to research additional platforms and connect your podcast to them. The more platforms your podcast is available on, the more likely it is to reach a broader audience, so it’s worth the effort to get it on as many as possible.
I use RedCircle, and I’ve been very happy with their service. They provide everything I need, from reliable hosting to monetization tools, making it easy to focus on creating content.
Getting Started with Equipment: Keep It Simple
One of the most common questions aspiring podcasters ask is, “What equipment do I need?” The good news is you don’t need a professional studio to start. In fact, many successful podcasts began with just a microphone and a computer.
- A Decent Microphone
Your microphone is the most important piece of equipment. Clear audio makes a huge difference in listener experience.
- Recommendations:
- Budget: Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x (USB/XLR options, great for starting out).
- Mid-Range: Shure MV7 (USB/XLR hybrid, excellent sound quality).
- High-End: Rode Procaster or Shure SM7B (requires an audio interface).
2. Headphones
- A good pair of headphones helps you monitor your audio and catch issues like background noise or distortion.
- Recommendations: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sony MDR-7506.
3. Audio Editing Software
You’ll need software to edit and enhance your episodes. Many great tools are free or affordable.
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- Recommendations:
- Free: Audacity (great for beginners).
- Paid: Hindenburg Pro (user-friendly for podcasters) or Adobe Audition (more advanced features).
- Recommendations:
4. Pop Filter or Windscreen
- These inexpensive tools reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” popping into the mic).
5. A Quiet Space
- You don’t need a studio, but a quiet room with soft surfaces to absorb sound will improve your audio quality. You can even use blankets or foam panels for DIY soundproofing.
6. Optional Upgrades
As your podcast grows, you might invest in:
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- An audio interface (like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo series) for higher-quality recordings.
- A boom arm or mic stand for comfort and positioning.
The key is to start with what you have and build gradually. Don’t let the idea of expensive equipment stop you from launching your podcast. Great content matters more than perfect sound, though investing in your audio quality will help your audience stick around.
My Current Setup
When I started Crimeatorium, I used the Samson Q2U, which was a fantastic beginner mic that served me well. Over time, I upgraded my equipment as my skills and needs evolved. Today, I use:
- Microphone: Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB
- Editing Software: Hindenburg Pro (very user friendly and great for structuring audio). and Adobe Audition (there’s a learning curve, but it can’t be beat for noise reduction and fine tuning your audio).
This setup has significantly improved my audio quality, and I highly recommend these tools if you’re ready to invest.
The key takeaway? Start simple, and don’t let the idea of expensive equipment stop you from launching your podcast. Content matters most, and you can always upgrade as you go.
Finding Music for Your Podcast
Choosing the right music for your podcast can set the tone for your show and create a memorable experience for your listeners. However, finding music isn’t always easy, especially when you’re working within a budget or navigating usage terms.
Here are some options for sourcing music:
Free Music Options
- Pixabay: A great resource for finding free music. Many tracks require only an attribution, and some don’t even ask for that.
- YouTube Creators: Some creators offer royalty-free music. I personally use CoAg Music on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@co.agmusic, which is free to use with attribution.
- Tim Kulig: Another excellent source. His music is also free with attribution timkulig.com
Paid Music Options
- Epidemic Sound: A popular choice for podcasters, offering a massive variety of genres and tracks.
- Bandcamp: Search for the music you need and check the artist’s terms for usage.
Important Notes
Once you find the music you’re looking for, always check the artist’s terms for usage. If the terms are unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Respecting usage rights is critical to avoid potential legal issues and to support the creators.
Finding the perfect music may take some time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure it aligns with your podcast’s theme and enhances the overall listener experience.
Getting a Website for Your Podcast
Having a website for your podcast is essential for building your online presence and growing your audience. A website serves as a central hub where listeners can find your episodes, learn about your show, and even contact you.
I use Podpage for my website, and it’s been a fantastic choice. Podpage is specifically designed for podcasters, fully SEO-optimized, and offers features like episode pages, subscription links, and easy customization. It saves you time and effort while creating a professional-looking website that helps your podcast stand out.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Starting a podcast is a learning process, and you don’t have to do it alone. YouTube is an excellent resource for tutorials on everything from editing to marketing. Watching other podcasters share their experiences can save you time and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Follow other podcasters on social media, (follow me on X @crimeatorium) and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or guidance. Most people in the podcasting community are happy to share their knowledge and experiences.
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to email me at crimeatorium@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help fellow podcasters on their journey.
Remember, podcasting is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Take it one step at a time, and don’t let the bumps in the road discourage you. You’ve got this!
Supporting Crimeatorium
If you found this guide helpful and are interested in the tools I mentioned, consider purchasing them through these affiliate links:
- Podpage Website Builder
- Rode Procaster - Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
- Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
Using these links doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support the podcast. Thank you for your support!
