Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Podcast

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There are many questions you may have before starting a podcast, but there's one important thing you should consider first:

1. Why?

Why do you want to start a podcast? What's in it for you and what's in it for other people? Are you ready to take the next steps into research, buying equipment, writing a script, finding a platform, recording and filming, monetizing your video, and marketing? Before you start these steps, think about your main goal. Do you have the time, and is your heart really in it? Are you making a podcast for the right reasons?

2. What are the next steps?

Say that you've decided that a podcast is the right move for you, that's great! What are your next steps? We've already discussed the basic steps, but now you need to schedule them around your daily routine. Are you changing anything or keeping your routine the same?

If you're creating a podcast for fun, then you may have extra time on your hands and you're able to progress slowly at your own pace. Whereas, if this is part of your job description or even your main job, such as creating a podcast for a client or your own business, then different steps will be taken. You'll have to consider which social media platforms to market on, hashtags, captions, merchandise, a strict episode routine, guests, quality equipment and episodes, cancellations and backups, venue, image, and perhaps even payroll. Don't let this scare you, because you can do it! But think wisely about your next move...

Consider this question again: Why do you want to start a podcast?

Check out Jill's podcast Two Kids and A Career.

Deanna (or "Nana Barratt") is an MA Creative and Media Enterprises graduate from the University of Warwick. She previously studied Popular Music, but decided to take a different career path into writing. She now writes about music, the TV and film industry, and East-Asian culture, and gives student advice and lifestyle tips.