Podcasting Like a Pro: Essential Tips & Tools You Need Today!
Have you ever thought about starting your own podcast but felt unsure of where to begin? I completely understand—I’ve been there too. Just recently, I received an email from my podcast provider congratulating me on reaching 46 episodes making me realize how far I’ve come. They mentioned that only 20% of podcasts make it past 10 episodes, which means I’m part of that top 20%! While I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I’ve definitely picked up some valuable insights along the way, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Consistency is Key
I launched my podcast, RV Rental Secrets, in August 2024 with the goal of releasing one episode per week. Obviously, I didn’t quite hit that target since I’ve been at it for over a year and have only produced 46 episodes. However, I’ve learned to become more consistent over time. One strategy that’s really helped is batching episodes—recording multiple episodes in one sitting, then editing and scheduling them in advance. Another game-changer has been blocking out two hours each week on my calendar specifically for podcast recording and editing. This ensures that nothing else can interfere with getting it done.
Editing Like a Pro
Let me start by saying that editing is not my strong suit. When I try to edit videos in CapCut, I spend way too much time on it, and don’t even get me started on Photoshop—it’s a no-go for me. I also tried a few of the popular podcast editing tools out there, but found them too time-consuming when it came to editing audio. That’s where my favorite tool, Descript (and no, it’s not even an affiliate link) comes in. For only $15 a month, it’s a game-changer. You just upload your video or audio file, and it provides a transcription. From there, you can edit the transcription by removing blank spaces, using the AI feature to automatically eliminate “um’s” and “ah’s,” and then listen to the audio for any additional tweaks. I then use the transcription to create show notes for the episode. It’s super simple, and I think it’s great for beginners.
Keep it Simple
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need fancy equipment, but I started my podcast with just my iPhone and AirPods, and I’ve had no complaints about the quality. My advice is to use what you have to get started—you can always upgrade your gear later. Even for guest interviews, I haven’t invested in platforms like Riverside or other paid recording tools. I simply use my free Zoom plan to record, and it’s worked out just fine!
Podcast Hosting
Another thing that can trip people up is deciding where to host their podcast. I went with Podbean because it's user-friendly, allows you to create a website, and even lets you record directly from your phone using the app. It also integrates seamlessly with Descript, making it super easy to publish episodes. Plus, it automatically links your podcast to all the major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more, so your podcast can be easily discovered and listened to!
Getting Inspiration
I never would have started my own podcast if I didn’t love listening to them. Here are a few of my favorites! If you’re new to podcasts, I recommend checking out a few for inspiration. Pay attention to things like format, episode length, intros and outros, and whether or not you want to include guests. To stay organized, I create a Google Doc for my podcast framework and another one for episode ideas. Anytime inspiration strikes, I add to the list so that when recording days come around, I have plenty of ideas to get me started.
For RV Life
• RV Life – Hosted by Patti Hunt, this podcast was recently voted the #1 RV podcast by RVshare. It covers all aspects of RV life and is a must-listen for anyone in the RV community.
• RV Queens – Hosted by Kate White, this podcast features inspiring women who live and work full-time on the road. Kate has also built a community where you can connect with like-minded women embracing the RV lifestyle.
For Business
• RV Entrepreneur – I’ve been a fan of this podcast for years, even before becoming a full-time RVer or business owner. The stories of RV entrepreneurs are both inspiring and full of great insights. You can listen to my episode link.
• Well Oiled Operations by Stacy Tuschl is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses efficiently. Stacy shares actionable strategies for streamlining operations, building strong teams, and implementing systems that drive growth.
For Homeschooling
• Homeschool Your Way is a wonderful resource for homeschooling families, offering reassurance that you’re not alone on your journey. This podcast provides valuable tips, ideas, and resources for day-to-day homeschool activities. It’s a great listen for anyone looking to make homeschooling a bit easier and more enjoyable!
I hope this gives you the motivation to start your own podcast! If you’d like some additional resources, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to send you a workbook to help you get started.
The best time to start was yesterday, the next best time is now
I also want to make sure I’m writing content you love.