So, you’re ready to start a podcast—but suddenly, you’re spiraling into a black hole of Google searches, overwhelmed by tech jargon, and questioning every decision? Deep breaths. Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are five essential tips to launch your podcast without the stress. Let’s make this easy, shall we?

1. Pick a Podcast Topic & Name 

First things first—what’s your podcast about? Whether it’s business, storytelling, interviews, or deep dives into the best reality TV moments of all time (highly support this), choose a topic you’re genuinely excited about.

Pro tip: Start a list of name ideas and search Apple Podcasts & Spotify to make sure it’s not already taken before you commit. You don’t want to fall in love with a name only to realize it’s already in use!

2. Get a Microphone (or Don’t) 

Good news: You don’t need fancy equipment to start a podcast. Your built-in computer microphone works just fine to begin with, but if you want to level up your audio quality, here are some solid options:

• Budget-friendly: Use your built-in mic with Zoom or GarageBand (Mac users).
• Step up your game: The Blue Yeti is a great USB mic for beginners.
• Pro-level: Upgrade to a Shure MV7 for podcast-quality sound.

Avoid using Apple headphones or AirPods. The mic quality is inconsistent and can cut out, making your audio sound unprofessional.

We LOVE Riverside for recording—it lets you record high-quality audio and video, automatically separates tracks, and makes editing a breeze. Sign up HERE!

3. Batch Record Your Episodes 

Life gets busy, and the last thing you want is to stress about recording an episode every single week.

Instead, batch record a few episodes before launching. This way, you have a buffer and can stay consistent even when life happens (because it will).

Pro Tip: Whatever your release schedule is—BE CONSISTENT! If you constantly switch up your episode frequency or release days, your audience will get confused (and might stop checking for new episodes altogether). Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, pick a schedule and stick with it!

How many should you record? Aim for at least 3–5 episodes before you launch, so you’re not scrambling right away.

4. Edit Like a Pro (or Outsource It!) 

Editing can be intimidating, but you’ve got options:

• DIY editing: GarageBand (Mac), Audacity (PC), or Riverside’s built-in editor.
• Outsource it: Hire an editor on Fiverr or Upwork, or check out my team—we offer podcast editing services so you can focus on creating, not cutting out awkward pauses.

Bonus tip: Riverside’s University section has tons of free editing tutorials if you want to learn the basics. Check it out HERE.

5. Choose an RSS Feed Host & Publish 

To get your podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, you need a podcast hosting platform. Here are a few great options:

• Anchor (Spotify for Creators) – Free & beginner-friendly (my personal go-to!).
• Buzzsprout – Great analytics & distribution options.
• Libsyn – Trusted by long-time podcasters for reliability.

Bonus: If you have a Squarespace website, you can also use their built-in RSS feed for podcasting.

Bonus Tip: Promote Your Podcast Like a Pro 📢

Once your episodes are live, get them in front of your audience!

• Use Canva to design eye-catching podcast graphics.
• Create video clips with Headliner or Riverside to share on Instagram, Youtube Shorts & TikTok.
• Repurpose content by turning key points from your episode into social media posts or blog content. Don’t forget to also post on YouTube, and create Pins that lead to your podcast episodes!

And just like that, you’re officially a podcaster! 

Final Thoughts: Just Start!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time, the perfect equipment, or the perfect strategy—this is your sign to just start. You’ll learn and improve as you go!

Need a little extra help? Check out Riverside HERE for easy recording, editing, and sharing.

Have any questions, or want to chat about podcast editing services? Send us a message!