One of the most crucial things you can do for your new podcast is pick the right name, secure the domain, and brainstorm a bunch of episode ideas before ever hitting the record button.
As an experienced podcast coach, I see many podcasters fail by not investing enough time in planning their show.
In this post, we delve into the vital steps of podcast planning, from picking a name, to securing your domain and social handles.
1. Choose the Right Podcast Name
The name of your podcast plays a significant role in attracting listeners so I’d recommend avoiding generic or self-titled show names.
Instead, aim for something unique and descriptive. For example, if you’re looking to highlight storytelling in music, names like ‘Lyric Chronicles,’ ‘Unraveling Song Stories,’ or ‘Melody Mysteries’ can be compelling choices.
The goal is to have a name for your show that’s clear and appealing to potential listeners, something more than just ‘music storytelling.’
Your name should help people understand the topic of your show.
2. Secure a Domain Name
Next, it’s crucial to secure a domain for your podcast.
Why?
A domain will allow you to create a website for your podcast which will act as a central hub for all your content. A website improves your podcast’s visibility online, can provide you with monetization opportunities, and is where listeners can find all your episodes, show notes, and additional content in one place.
Using domain registration platforms like Namecheap.com or Hover.com will allow you to see what’s available and can provide you with options if your first choice isn’t available.
For example, while a .com domain is often preferred but already taken, alternatives like .fm might be available.
Remember, your domain name should be easy to pronounce and remember, especially since you’ll be mentioning it often in your podcast.
Generate Episode Ideas Using AI
Having a backlog of episode ideas is essential, especially for weekly shows and AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate a list of potential topics.
For example, if you’re focusing on music, you might explore songs with deep stories or themes like the power of protest songs. The aim is to have 20 to 30 solid episode ideas ready to go.
creating Artwork That Stands Out
Your show’s cover art is another critical aspect of your podcast.
When browsing through categories on platforms like Apple Podcasts, take note of which artwork stand out and why.
You’ll want your podcast’s artwork to catch someone’s eye and spark curiosity when looking for show’s similar to yours.
While tools like Photoshop or Canva are great for creating your final designs, AI tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, or Adobe’s Firefly can be used to experiment with different color schemes and design elements.
Your artwork should “pop,” embody the essence of your podcast, and use fonts and a design that aligns with your show’s theme.
Bringing It All Together
Launching a successful podcast involves careful planning, from choosing a descriptive name and securing the your domain name and social media handles, to preparing episode ideas and creating standout artwork.