This blog post was written by Crazy Town’s partner Akseli Plane from Filme Moi. Filme Moi podcast studio Moi Cast is located in Crazy Town in JyvĂ€skylĂ€.
How to start a podcast? â From dream to reality at the microphone
Podcasts are a bit like modern-day coffee table conversations â full of stories, emotions, and information. Maybe you already have an idea that won’t let you rest, or your friends have said, “You should record your stories!” Whatever your starting point, having your own podcast is not just a distant dream, but completely achievable â even for you. In this guide, I will share tips on how to get your ideas off the ground and your voice out into the world.
1. Start with the dream â What do you want to say?
Before you dive into the depths of the microphone sea, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself, why do you want to make a podcast? Do you want to share tips on entrepreneurship or parenting, entertain with stories from your life, or perhaps build a new kind of visibility for your business? When you know why you are speaking, you also know who you are speaking to.
Remember: the podcast can be exactly how you envision it. It doesn’t have to be perfect or flawless, as long as you are genuine and passionate. That will resonate with the listeners!
2. The concept of the podcast â Let your personality shine
A good podcast starts where your personality shines the brightest. If you’re wondering how on earth you will stand out among hundreds of other podcasts, hereâs a comforting truth: you donât have to speak to everyone. Itâs enough to speak to those who want to listen to your voice.
At this stage, itâs also worth remembering Jack Conte’s (Patreon CEO) philosophy of “The Death of the Follower”: itâs not about how many followers you have, but how much your listeners care.
A podcast doesnât need to compete with the view counts of viral TikTok videos; it needs to find its own community. How can this be achieved in practice?
- Create an enthusiastic community: Focus on topics that ignite your passion â your enthusiasm will resonate with the listeners. Whether itâs local stories, personal experiences, or expertise in various subjects, your uniqueness is your strength.
- Leverage interaction: Invite your listeners to be part of the journey. Perhaps they can suggest themes for episodes, comment on their experiences, or ask questions that interest them as part of your podcast.
- The power of quality: As Conte emphasizes, small and committed communities are more important than massive follower counts. A new listener who finds you is a new member of your community â not just a statistic.
3. Necessary equipment â Donât stress too much, but invest in sound
At this point, many stop to think: “Do I need to buy expensive equipment right away?” The answer is no. Starting a podcast can be surprisingly simple. In fact, you can record your first episodes using your mobile phone’s voice recorder.
Your phone, of course, does not provide studio quality, but the free Adobe Podcast Enhance software can make your recording more listener-friendly by removing background noise and clarifying your voice. This is a great way to start if your budget is tight and you want to focus on content first.
When you are ready to invest in sound quality â which always makes the podcast more listener-friendly â you will need a microphone, an audio interface, and headphones.
If you want to immediately enjoy high-quality production without acquiring your own equipment, the Moi Cast Podcast Studio at Crazy Town in JyvÀskylÀ is the perfect solution. The studio is equipped with professional equipment, and all you need to do is show up and press the record button.
Remember: the most important thing is not to achieve perfection right away, but to start. You will develop your skills and equipment over time. Every recorded episode brings you one step closer to your dream podcast!
4. Content planning â Speak from the heart
Making a podcast is not just about talking â itâs a story that evokes emotions, conveys messages, and brings listeners closer. Especially in a business podcast, itâs important that the content resonates with both the audience and your companyâs brand.
A brand-consistent soundscape, a clear structure, and content that engages listeners from start to finish are the cornerstones of a successful podcast. Itâs good to plan the structure of a podcast episode in advance, but remember to leave room for spontaneity. Instead of strictly following a script, focus on what inspires you most when recording the podcast. The freedom to let the conversation flow adds authenticity, which listeners will find most relatable.
As an example, hereâs a clear and easy-to-follow basic structure that maintains listeners’ interest throughout the episode:
- Intro: Grab the listener’s attention right away. Start with an interesting question, story, or even a clip from the episode’s key point. Add a theme music that makes your podcast recognizable and memorable.
- Theme or problem statement: Introduce the topic and explain what the listener will gain from listening to the episode.
- Main content: Provide depth to the discussion â this can include stories, interviews, or expert perspectives. Utilize the basic structure of storytelling: beginning, middle, turning point, and resolution.
- Call to action (CTA): Encourage listeners to leave reviews, subscribe to your podcast, or follow you on social media.
- Outro: Summarize and thank the listeners. Leave them with a good feeling and anticipation for the next episode.
In the structure of a podcast episode, it’s beneficial to utilize various segments and transitions, such as sponsor ads, music, or sound effects, which make the episode dynamic and rhythmic.
5. Publish â Let your voice soar
Once the first episode is recorded and edited, it’s time to publish. Popular platforms in Finland include Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. If you’re wondering how to get your podcast into people’s ears, here are some tips:
- Utilize social media: Social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook are great ways to promote your podcast. A short video or a fun image from the episode’s content will spark interest.
- Invite your networks to listen: Tell your friends, colleagues, and partners about your podcast and share it in groups interested in the topic. They will be your first fans!
6. Listen and develop â You are always on a journey
The first episode is just the beginning. A podcast is a learning process that grows and evolves. Ask for feedback from your listeners and don’t be afraid to try new ideas or change direction.
A podcast is more than just a voice. It is a way to share thoughts, inspire others, and find your own community. If you have a desire to start, now is the time to begin!
If you have a dream of starting a podcast or your business wants to try new marketing channels, Moi Cast Podcast Studio in Crazy Town JyvĂ€skylĂ€ offers assistance with the technical and production side. We provide everything you need for your podcast â regardless of your budget. Feel free to contact us, book a time www.vello.fi/filmemoi and let your voice shine to the world!
Akseli Plane / Filme Moi
