What do you need to make a podcast? How much is involved in the process? What sort of equipment should you have?
Well, in 2021, not much!
Equipment.
Today, you just don’t need to spend more than about $100 — in terms of equipment — to start your podcast. As a matter of fact, quite a few episodes of my podcasts (Build Your Tribe and The Chalene Show) are just recorded from my iPhone.
That’s right, I don’t even use a microphone!
I speak into the speaker, record it on Voice Memo, and then upload to Dropbox. Not to mention, half the time I record them in my car.
So, you don’t need:
- a studio
- special mic
- boom
- external mixer
- audio software
Learn first.
Check out/invest in a podcasting program. Like, Pat Flynn’s Power Up Podcasting (amazing resource!).
Watch YouTube videos on how to set up your podcast. A visual guide is super helpful. Make sure you search for videos on how to get started for under $100 — $200.
Bottom line: I have never had a negative review because of the sound quality of a show. And, if I haven’t made this clear, I’ve recorded many shows using $50 mics!
The truth is, people care more about the content, connection, authenticity, value… than fancy equipment (or anything else for that matter).
Interviews.
If there’s more than one person on the show, it does help if you each have an external mic ($50 or less). Recording from the microphone built into your laptop sounds far away — as if you’re in a big empty room. So, if you can, when you’re interviewing guests, double-check and make sure they have an external mic.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been really frustrated when I’ve listened to great interviewees with bad audio. It’s almost impossible to pay attention!
For much more related to this topic, like:
- The importance of knowing how to monetize your podcast
- Why/how podcasting can be fulfilling (and not related to your business)
- The areas in which I’ve changed my opinion re: you starting a pod today
Then, check out this episode of Build Your Tribe:
And don’t forget to subscribe to BYT for weekly shows aimed at your business / social media success!
