Everything begins somewhere. If you’re a beginner podcaster, you need a place to start and today’s world makes it easier than ever for you get a good start on your chosen subject or subjects.
There is hardware and software — some inexpensive and some not — that can turn out just about any quality of production you desire. Free stuff is available, whether it be information or programs or sites, and it is easier than ever to be syndicated.
There are so many people out there in the world that are creative in many differing ways and their ideas for podcasting (both audio and video) cover the spectrum from “the ridiculous” to “got to have it daily”. I am quite amazed at how much diversity really is available. Some of it I like and some of it is absolutely useless. (Oops, there I go getting opinionated again.)
If you are a beginner, it doesn’t hurt to do a little research on the history of this popular medium called podcasting. You don’t have to let that keep you from getting started, but it is always good to know the roots of your chosen interest. This will help you understand where it came from, but more importantly, it will help broaden your vision for the future. This is a relatively new industry and it is looking to go forward and not repeat the mistakes of the industries that preceded it and yet take the best things from those predecessors and build on their positives.
If you think it is easy to turn out a quality product without forethought and effort, you can rest assured that your stay in this arena will be short. Whether you offer daily or weekly broadcasts similar to radio or TV, or information on your favorite handy tip for around the house, you will soon recognize that quality is going to become more and more important. People want to listen to a good sounding program or see a good looking video product. That is why you will want to experiment with different hardware and software to find what works best and easiest for you. Spending a little time with some demos could possibly save you a bundle in the long run, when it comes to investing in those products you want to, or will, use. Reading about or listening to some veterans’ thoughts on the type equipment that can work best for your situation is always a good investment.
It is work (although it can be a lot of fun) to turn out a product that will cause your audience to want to return again and again. That is why it is so important to enjoy what you are doing. When you’ve had a rotten week and the world has crashed down around your shoulders, your podcast can be a sanctuary for you. It can be the place you forget about all of the problems and stresses and just enjoy doing whatever it is you do and offer people a place to come and enjoy that very same thing.
Beginning at the beginning seems to be a good place to start BUT it doesn’t have to hold you back. Spending some time studying and listening to the veterans will make your advancement take place more quickly because you won’t have to stumble around in the dark, looking for the right equipment and software to turn out your best product.
That is why I do highly recommend this book, Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting (Solutions). It is a wealth of information and really is a “Complete Guide to Podcasting”. If you are a beginner in podcasting you won’t regret the investment. The same holds true if you are an advanced podcaster. It is a good investment!
