Starting a podcast is exciting! You have all the ideas for everything you can talk about, and you can picture yourself recording and publishing your episodes! But when it comes down to researching how to start a podcast, you’re getting overwhelmed with all the moving parts of producing a podcast – like equipment, publishing schedule, and podcast editing software. It’s easy to get stuck in the “planning” part and not execute it!
I don’t want you to get “stuck” in the planning phase and is why I created The V.O.I.C.E. Method! The V.O.I.C.E. Method is a 6-week podcast launch process to take your podcast from idea to published in six weeks or less! A simple and actionable framework that helps you go from idea to launch with clarity and confidence.
Here is The V.O.I.C.E. Method
V = Vision
Just like anything you start, you have to know the vision of your podcast. The vision of your podcast is the “why” behind starting this show. Knowing your ‘why’ is going to help you stay focused and grounded when challenges arise. And trust me, challenges will come up.
Here are a few questions to ask to establish your vision:
- Why are you starting this podcast?
- What are you going to talk about?
- Who are you going to talk to?
It is very important to be specific about why you’re starting, what you’re going to talk about, and who you’re talking to, because your show isn’t for everyone. If you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one.
For example, my first podcast, “The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants,” is about immigrants sharing their stories of coming to the United States. The why behind the podcast is to provide a safe space for immigrants to share their stories. The show is for immigrants so they can feel validated, safe, and seen.
My second podcast, “Podcasting for Latina CEOs,” is about starting and growing your podcast—the why behind the podcast is to help Latina entrepreneurs and busy moms own their voice through podcasting. The podcast is for Latinas because there aren’t enough Latina podcast hosts, although over half of the Latino population who listen to podcasts are Latinas. On this show, I share how to start a podcast, how to grow and monetize, and I share my experiences as a podcast host.
O = Outline
Now it’s time to get into the details of your podcast. Knowing your vision is the starting point for creating your roadmap, which serves as the outline of your podcast. This help will assist you in setting up your podcast systems and staying organized for long-term podcast success.
During this step, you’ll answer the following questions:
- What is your format (Solo, interviews, co-host, or a mixture)
- Select a launch date (preferably 6 weeks from the time you start planning)
- Choose your podcast title (make sure you have a keyword in it for Podcast SEO)
- Choose a publishing schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, seasonal, etc.)
- Create your cover art in Canva
When it comes to choosing how often you want to publish your episodes, I always tell clients to keep the podcast cycle in mind. Select a publishing schedule you can stick to for consistency based on your current capacity and other responsibilities. Look at your business schedule, home schedule, kids’ schedule, etc., and see how often you can realistically publish a podcast episode. The key to podcasting success is consistency, but you have to determine that for yourself.
For example, when I started The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast, I released episodes on a bi-weekly schedule for the first two years. That was the capacity I was able to achieve at the time. Now, I have a VA that helps me with editing my episodes, and I can release weekly. Do what works for you!
This outline will be your blueprint for your podcast – it gives structure to your creativity.
I = Implement
This is when the podcast starts coming to life! Implementation is about taking action because that is where the change happens. So, this week you’ll be focusing on gathering your recording equipment (download my equipment & tools list here), if you don’t already have it, you’ll set up your account with a podcast hosting site, you’ll write the description of your podcast, and lastly, start planning your trailer episode.
Here are a few podcast hosting sites to choose from:
- Spotify for Creators
- BuzzSprout (this is my affiliate link)
- Simplecast
- Libsyn
- PodBean
- Acast
My best advice for choosing a podcast hosting site is reviewing all of them and see what features they offer. There is a fee for most of them except for Spotify, they are free. So, check them out and see what you need for your show.
C = Connect
Now, you’ll want to record your trailer episode and start planning your first six episodes. You will start playing around with editing and putting your episodes together. And lastly, start thinking of your marketing plan for your podcast. This is the time to start planning how you want to connect with your audience and how you’ll build a community around your show.
Here are a few examples of ways to connect with your audience:
- Invite listeners to subscribe, review, and share your podcast
- Engage with your audience on social media or through an email list
- Share personal stories and behind-the-scenes moments so listeners feel part of your journey
During this week, I have my clients reach out to five people in their network who they know will help them get the word out about their podcast during launch week. Ask your five people to share your podcast with five people within their network. That is twenty-five people total who will learn about your show within launch week by word-of-mouth marketing. Again, this is completely optional but it does help get the word out about your new podcast.
E = Execution
You made it to the execution part of The V.O.I.C.E. Method! Here you will upload your trailer episode to your podcast hosting site. You’ll upload your cover art, the description of your podcast, start recording your first three episodes (including your intro and outro to each episode), and have your launch team start telling their network about your show!
How are you feeling? I love to have my clients check in with themselves during this time. Because we are almost towards the end of the process a lot has been accomplished. You should feel proud of yourself for all the work you’ve put into this podcast!
You’re a Podcaster!
OKAY! IT’S OFFICIAL! YOU’RE A PODCASTER! By week six, it’s launch time! Your first episode is out there! You are marketing your new show, the downloads are rolling in and you’re officially a podcaster! You went from having an idea of a podcast to launching a podcast into the world!! Congratulations – how do you plan to celebrate this huge accomplishment?
By now, you should be planning your next three episodes and start getting familiar with the podcast cycle. I am with you every step of the way, so you can reach out with any questions! But you are a podcaster and you should be very proud of yourself.
Different Options for The V.O.I.C.E. Method
There are three options to help you go through The V.O.I.C.E. Method:
During 1:1 coaching session we will meet on Google Meets for one hour a week for six weeks. During these sessions I will talk you through The V.O.I.C.E. Method and answer any questions that may arise during the week while you’re working. I am with you every step of the way! This option is for those who need extra support and an accountability partner to get them through the process. You also have the option to going through the podcast launch course.
I’ve created a podcast course that you can go through in six weeks or less. It is completely self-pace and each video is 15 minutes or less. I created it this way because my promise to my cleints is to be straightforward and not include fluff! Time is valuable and I am not here to waste your time with having extra stuff in the course that isn’t needed to get you to your goal.
When you sign up for the course, you’ll also download the eBook to follow along with each module, you’ll get the podcast starter kit that will help you organize your podcast episodes and outline your show notes and episodes. You’ll also get access to three exclusive interviews with three podcast leaders who share their stories of starting their own podcast and share tips.
While you’re going through the course you can reach out to me for questions via email! Again, I’ll be there for you every step of the way.
This workbook will walk you through The V.O.I.C.E. Method and since it’s a PDF downloadable option you can go through it in six-weeks or less. The choice is up to you.
Conclusion
After a year into my podcasting journey, I decided to start coaching others on launching their podcasts because I know first-hand the power of podcasting and the doors it’s able to open. And I saw too many aspiring podcasters struggling to figure this out on their own. That was also me in the beginning. I wanted to be who I needed when I started!
And as a Latina, I grew up being afraid to speak up and I never spoke my mind. But my podcast has given me the confidence to speak up, advocate, and share my story! And I want the same for you!
Starting a podcast shouldn’t be overwhleming and that is why I created The V.O.I.C.E. Method! It’s a proven process to help you get from idea to launched, with clarity and confidence! Let’s make you a podcaster!
With Love, Heidy
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