Start Your Podcast: Guide To Amazon Music & Audible!
Are you ready to unleash your voice and connect with millions of listeners worldwide? Podcasting is not just a trend; it's a powerful platform to share your unique perspective, build a dedicated audience, and potentially monetize your passion.
The allure of podcasting is undeniable. It offers a direct line to your audience, a chance to delve deep into topics you love, and the freedom to create content on your own terms. But where do you even begin? The journey of creating a podcast is often broken down into several key stages, each vital to your success. From identifying your podcast's core concept to mastering the art of audio editing, it's a multifaceted undertaking that, when approached strategically, can yield remarkable results.
Before diving into the technical aspects, consider the core of your podcast. What story do you want to tell? What expertise do you possess? What audience are you hoping to reach? The answers to these questions will shape every decision you make, from your podcast's name and format to the specific platforms you choose for distribution.
For many, the prospect of launching a podcast might seem daunting. However, platforms like Amazon Music and Audible offer unparalleled opportunities for exposure and growth. By submitting your podcast to these services, you can tap into their vast listener bases, expanding your reach and potentially attracting new audiences.
Let's delve into the practical steps needed to bring your podcast to life. We'll explore everything from the essential equipment to the crucial elements of promotion and monetization. Imagine your voice resonating across millions of devices, influencing and entertaining listeners worldwide. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to make that vision a reality.
Podcasting
The first step, and often the most crucial, is to identify your podcast's niche. What unique perspective or expertise can you offer? What topics are you passionate about? Thoroughly researching the podcast landscape is vital. Are there existing podcasts covering similar ground? How can you differentiate your show and provide unique value to your listeners? Define your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? Understanding their interests and needs will help you tailor your content and marketing efforts.
Next is selecting your podcast's equipment. The quality of your audio will significantly impact your listener's experience. A good-quality USB microphone is an excellent starting point for beginners. Don't forget headphones to monitor your audio and ensure clear recording. A pop filter is essential to reduce plosives (harsh "p" and "b" sounds). You will also need a recording software. There are various options available, from free to paid, such as Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid). Good recording environment matters. Find a quiet space with minimal background noise and consider acoustic treatment to reduce echo.
Once you have your equipment and the perfect recording space set up, its time to start creating content. It is important to prepare content outline with your key points. For interviews, prepare questions. You should record your episode in a professional environment and after the recording, edit the audio. This is where editing software comes into play. Remove any errors, background noise, or long pauses. Improve audio quality, such as balancing levels and adding music. Create intros and outros. Make a compelling intro and outro to set the tone for your podcast. Consider adding theme music to add personality.
Once you have the perfect recording, editing, and intros and outros done, you need to tag your mp3. This is the process of embedding metadata into your audio file. This includes the title, artist, album, and cover art. This will ensure that your podcast shows up correctly in podcast directories.
Upload the edited audio file to a media host. A media host stores your audio files and generates an RSS feed for your podcast. Popular options include Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and RSS.com. Create a website or landing page for your podcast, and embed your mp3 on your website. This will provide your listeners a centralized location for your podcast and any additional content.
Now its time to submit your podcast. Submit your podcast to various podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. These directories will index your podcast and make it discoverable to a wider audience. You need to follow the specific guidelines of each directory.
The launch is the most important part. Plan your launch date strategically. Promote your podcast on social media and other platforms. Build anticipation. Before you begin to monetize, you need to build your audience.
Monetizing your podcast takes time and effort. Build a loyal audience before introducing monetization strategies. The best way to start is to build your audience, and for that you need to provide valuable content.
One of the significant advantages of podcasting is the ability to leverage established platforms like Amazon Music and Audible. These services have a dedicated audience actively seeking new content. By submitting your podcast, you can significantly expand your reach.
Amazon Music and Audible are adding podcasts and invite you to add yours. By adding your podcast you will have the opportunity to reach over 55 million amazon music and audible customers.
Heres how to do it: create your podcast, get your RSS feed, log into the Amazon Music podcasters site, submit your show. Now it is time to focus on Alexa. To play a podcast on your Echo Show, Echo Dot, or other echo device just say, "Alexa, play the podcast [name of podcast] from audible and your podcast will start. To continue your podcast where you left off on other devices, your Alexa device must be playing the podcast from Audible.
If your podcast is selected and you agree to Audibles standard original content development and production agreement, the podcast will become exclusive to Audible, and cannot be hosted on other channels, websites, or services. Audible, the audiobook and podcast streaming platform, hosts a podcast development program that grants winners $10,000 to pilot new narrative podcasts, from scripted fiction to comedy. All production fees, including talent, are covered, as is access to their production equipment, mentorship, and peer networking opportunities. Apply for the Audible podcast development program.
The Technical Side of Podcasting
One of the critical steps is obtaining your RSS feed from your podcast host before you start the Amazon podcast submission process. The process for obtaining your RSS feed will depend on your host. Hosting your podcast on RSS.com makes distributing it to Amazon Music, Audible, and other key podcast directories effortless.
For those looking for a more structured approach, consider "How to start a podcast" a serial podcast presented by Buzzsprout. This is perfect for the newbie podcaster, the established podcaster who wants to make sure they have all their bases covered, or someone who wants to learn more about what its like to make a podcast. In episode 04 of how to start a podcast, we cover the best recording and editing software for new podcasters.
Spreaker makes it really easy for anyone to start a podcast. They provide free software that works with Skype to record up to 4 people at once. The software also has auto ducking which automatically lowers intro music when the host starts speaking.
Is Podcasting Right for You?
Podcasting is a fantastic way to reach your audience and the perfect time to weigh the pros and cons before diving in. Podcasting is not just a trend; it's a powerful platform to share your unique perspective, build a dedicated audience, and potentially monetize your passion.
Whether you're a seasoned content creator or a complete beginner, the world of podcasting offers something for everyone. The key lies in identifying your passion, crafting compelling content, and leveraging the vast reach of platforms like Amazon Music and Audible. So, take the plunge, embrace the learning curve, and start sharing your story with the world.
Useful Tip
Go to settings > music & podcasts > default services and then tap the change link in the podcasts section. Choose your preferred default service from the list. Now when you say, "Alexa, play the latest episode by hardcore history, shell automatically use your default service.
Further Exploration
For those with big ideas to start a podcast, you can pitch the idea to Audible through the Audible Podcast Development Program.
With the podcasting scene booming and also becoming saturated, its the perfect time to weigh the pros and cons before diving in.
Remember, podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, engage with your audience, and most importantly, have fun. Your voice deserves to be heard, and the world is waiting to listen.
