If you're new to podcasting, do not let the word intimidate you. Creating a podcast is actually quite simple. The only tools you will need to create your podcast are a computer, a microphone, and a recorder that lets you record in MP3 format. You will also need some means of distributing your podcast. If you already have a website then this is suitable.



If you do not have a website, then you may want to consider starting one otherwise the only method you will be able to use to distribute your podcasts would be to burn them on CD. If you use this method, you will also need a CD burner and applicable CDs. There are also podcast hosting services that you can use to upload your podcast for users to listen to, but these services are usually more expensive then hosting for your own website. Using your own website also offers you more control over your podcasts.

To record your podcast, you will need an audio recorder and microphone so that it can be recorded from your computer. You can perform a search using your favorite search engine for Mixcraft or Audacity; both of these programs are suitable for recording podcasts. Once you have selected a recorder and purchased a microphone then all you will need to do is record your podcast, save the file and get it ready to distribute using your chosen distribution method.

When recording your podcast, you will need to include a few elements. First, your podcast will need a nice introduction message. Your introduction message should not be too long, but yet provide enough information about yourself or your company and what your podcast is about. Once you've completed your introduction, then you can record your podcast's actual message.

If you plan to include advertisements in your podcast, then you will also need to make sure that you inform your listeners of a break in the podcast before each advertisement. This is so they will know that an ad is about to be played, and will not think that your podcast is completed. A simple message like "We'll be right back after a word from our sponsors" will let your listeners know that the podcast has not ended.

Finally, you will want to add a closing statement at the end of your podcast. Your closing statement can inform listeners of what your next podcast is about, or you can just say a simple goodbye and thank them for listening. When you complete your podcast, make sure that you end on a note where your listeners will feel satisfied about your information. If you end your podcast with a subject not completely covered, then your listeners may feel a sense of missing something.

You can also add nice background music to the introduction and closing statement of your podcast. If you decide to do this, make sure that you use music that you have obtained permission to use. It is not legal to use copyright protected music in podcasts without permission.