Starting a podcast is easy.
And there are many benefits for you personally and for your business. Remember this article – 8 Ways You and Your Business Benefit from Podcasts?
All you need to do is come up with your idea for a show. Talk to friends and colleagues and maybe pilot it and get some feedback. Once you’re ready to go you can get away with very little equipment (you can buy more kit once you launch and get established.
You can record your first episodes using the memo feature on your iPhone or Android device. Whilst the built-in microphone is adequate for better broadcast quality you can’t beat this piece of kit.
RØDE SMARTLAV+ Lavalier Microphone For Smartphones – about £65
Of course if your podcast takes off you’re going to want to look at some more equipment. Admit it. The tech geek in you can’t resist toys like this.
The next step up from a smart phone is a portable audio recorder. This one is great value and delivers crystal clear quality.
Zoom H2n Portable Recorder – about £110
You can use your Rode SmartLav+ with the Zoom no problem. Eventually you might want to upgrade to a studio microphone. If you are like me once you get the podcasting bug you’re going to want to build a studio in your office.
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone – about £100
The Blue Yeti is a “Condenser Microphone”. Amazing quality but it does pick up background noise so you’ll want to work in a quiet environment. An alternative is a “Dynamic Microphone” which doesn’t pick up as much background noise but you have to stay quite close to it.
RØDE Podcaster Dynamic Large-Diaphragm Microphone – about £130
Of course then you’ll want to think about a microphone boom and shock mount.
Produce 20 or more episodes and the bug really takes hold. By now you’ll be thinking about buying a mixing desk and plugging a load of wires into your PC. Maybe using Skype to record interviews and Audacity to edit your audio.
Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX – about £115
Podcasting is addictive. And if you stick with it, can bring you clients. Do check out my earlier blog – 8 Ways You and Your Business Benefit from Podcasts? – for more ideas.
Have a great Christmas.
Now it’s Your Turn:
What’s your favourite piece of kit for producing content for your business? Whether it’s for a podcast, or a video, and e-book or a webinar, please share.