The other day, someone inquired on my YouTube channel about free web-based software they could use that would work with their Chromebook. 

When I answered her back, I told her that I didn't know of any type of web-based platform that could help her create her own podcast.  But it was shortly thereafter another user chimed in and said there definitely was software available to create a podcast, but it wasn't branded as web-based software to create a podcast.

In fact, it's a web-based application called Soundtrap that allow one to create music loops for musicians. 

After exploring what Soundtrap does for their podcasting function, I was really impressed with how they were able to fit this type of application into a web-based platform. 

In this blog I want to highlight some of my favorite features with Soundtrap and help you make a decision on whether this is the right platform for you to use if you're just starting your own podcast.  

YOU CAN RECORD WITH...

**NOTE: I MENTION IN THE AUDIO THAT THERE ARE 4 STEPS, THERE ARE ACTUALLY 3**

Recently I was asked, "Shannon, how is it that you created a fanbase of 11,000 on your Facebook page, have fans promote for you and have such a loyal following?"

I'll be honest with you, it wasn't easy and I think it's hard for anyone to realize that just to get from zero to 11,000 takes a lot of work. But doing the work isn't what you should be fearing.

The real fear is about not doing any work and remaining stagnant.

So in this post, I want to break down some simple principles that have gotten me from starting at zero to having a loyal audience.  But first, I want to cover some groundwork that is essential to your podcast success.

START WITH A GOAL IN MIND

When I'd go to podcasting or leadership conferences, I would always hear the speakers tell the audience, "You need to have a clear goal as to what you want to achieve."  

When I heard this I would always roll my eyes and think,...

When it comes to gaining the attention of a listener's ear, traditional radio isn't the only one fighting for that attention. 

These days everyone is fighting for consumer attention. Whether it's watching Netflix vs. going to the theater, Pandora vs. radio or reading online news vs. reading physical newspapers, the fight for attention is tough these days and is nothing like the 90s or 2000s. 

As a podcaster, you're now in the fight for "share of ear" based on these variables:

1) The sound quality and content quality of your podcast: How does your podcast's quality match up against your competitor's?

2) The professionalism of your podcast: Do you know what type of audience you are catering to?

Professionalism doesn't mean the omission of curse words.

Comedians who look for "professionalism" are looking for someone who can tell a joke and get a laugh--and this might include a barrage of profanities. 

Marketers may omit curse words but provide value...

Since I've taken a keen interest in helping podcasters, I have made it my mission to help novice to intermediate podcasters share their message effectively to their potential new audience. This means surveying podcasters like you and learning what they find most important.

I have asked podcasters, like you, about audio sound quality and how important it is to them.  What I have learned is that 70% of podcasters who have taken my survey say that top-notch audio quality is important.  

And, in the last few days I've received a handful of emails from new podcasters telling me they want their podcast to sound like it came out of a radio studio.  

So what does this mean to you and me?

Sound quality is high on the list for podcasters.  But I want to share with you the shades of sound quality and what they will mean to you as a podcast producer.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SOUND EDITING?

When you hear the term "editing" for podcasting, I hear a...

(Disclaimer: This page may contain images that contain affiliate links. By clicking and potentially purchasing products through these images and links issues a commission to Shannon Hernandez for recommending these products.) 

By this point you have either created a podcast or are still in the beginning phases of collecting all that you need to get your podcast off the ground.   It can get overwhelming, right?

I want you to understand that building a podcast with a website doesn't happen overnight.  It does take time and patience. If you're in this for the long haul, you'll need to remind yourself that small steps are better than no steps.  Here are a few things you should know about having your website if you've got an accompanying podcast.

YOUR WEBSITE GETS YOU MORE LISTENERS. SERIOUSLY.

When you start producing podcasts you may hear from your research that your podcast needs to be embedded on your website.  This is true, but depending on who you...

This week was pretty traumatic for podcasters who were/are using Anchor.FM for their podcast hosting solution.  It was also a blow to podcasters who were considering the free service as a podcasting solution. 

If you missed the video I did, it discusses all about Anchor.FM's Terms of Service and whether you should be using it.

 Since making this video, a lot has been updated in the subsequent days and more questions have popped up about using the service.  Please make sure you're checking the pinned comment that I've placed on the video to help you understand what you're getting yourself into.

HOW DO I MOVE FROM ONE HOSTING SERVICE TO ANOTHER WITHOUT DISRUPTING MY ITUNES FEED?

Whether you're on Anchor.FM or not, this next part is really going to help you out...

I received comments and emails from podcasters who have been publishing their audio to Anchor.FM and are now looking to switch over to paid hosting.  However, they aren't sure how to make that...

By now you have realized there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to starting up a podcast.  As if getting the right equipment, figuring out how to record, grabbing guests, knowing where to post your podcast and everything else wasn't enough, you're now worried about getting a podcast ranked in iTunes Apple Podcasts.

Too often I hear from friends and clients alike that they want to rank in the Top 100 or show up in New and Noteworthy.  While I don't have a problem with this, ranking shouldn't be the biggest priority on your podcasting to-do list. 

Today I want to try and set some realistic expectations for the podcaster when it comes to launching and growing a podcast the right way.

APPLE'S MYSTERIOUS RANKING ALGORITHM

For the past 6-7 years I have attended and spoken at conferences/trainings about podcasting and what you can do to make an impact with grabbing more downloads.

During those first few years, the big thing that was being touted was "ranking" your...

There's a lot of excitement that surrounds your very first podcast. Especially when it comes to launching those first few episodes.  But the process leading up to the launch does take a little bit of time.

If you're reading this right now and you're thinking about starting a podcast, let me share with you some of the things that you will encounter as you lead up to the launch of your First episodes.

YOU WILL NOT BE GOOD THE FIRST TIME YOU RECORD

There are plenty of websites and movies that explain the concept of never being good at something the first time you do it.  In fact, I experienced this concept back in 2014 when I started to feel ill with heart pains and back issues.

I knew that I had to start eating right and get daily exercise, but I was afraid to go to the gym in fear of what the others might think of me.  Then one day, I was sitting in front of my computer and my leg fell asleep and my heart felt like it wanted to explode. From that moment on, I made it...

Up to this point, this channel has really helped out the hobbyist. But I have also gotten business owners, bloggers and brick and mortars coming to this website and my YouTube channel to see how they can build a podcast for their business.

I think this is absolutely great because I believe every serious business who is serious about getting more business, a podcast is definitely something that they should consider putting into their marketing strategy.

Today, I want to talk about few things, I want to talk about you and your own personal business philosophy and how podcasting can help strengthen your current assets that you already have in your business.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO VALUE?

First, let’s talk about your business philosophy.

“How are you serving the world?”

I’m sure you’ve heard this many times from other digital marketers out there, but I truly want to know how you’re providing value to the rest of the world.

...

You’ve been bitten by the podcasting bug but you don’t know exactly where to start or which equipment that you need to get. What you do know is that you have a limited budget to start your podcast and you don’t want to go beyond that budget before you get in too deep.

Most podcasters ask the question, “How much is it going to actually cost me to start up a podcast?”

My answer to you is going to be, “It all depends.”

As a beginning podcaster, you may have certain goals that you want to reach and that may result in you asking questions like, “How can I get the best results for my podcast at the cheapest price?” or, “How can I get my podcast to become one of the biggest podcast without having to pay a lot of money?”

Community Research Survey

Before I answer these questions, I think it’s important that I share some research that I have done from some of the podcasters within my community about what type of...