If one of your big goals is to finally start a podcast, I want to let you in on a little secret: it doesn’t have to be hard, techy, or perfect to be powerful.

I decided to launch The Goal Digger Podcast on a whim, while shampooing my hair (literally). I voice-texted my girl Caitlyn from the shower and said, “You’re gonna think I’m crazy, but I want to start a podcast… like, in two weeks.”

Spoiler alert: We made it happen. No fancy mics. No strategic launch plan. Just a vision, a lot of Google searches, and the decision to start before I was ready.

Now, with 800+ episodes and millions of downloads later, I want to walk you through how to start a podcast in a way that feels simple, doable, and like you.

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Why a Podcast Can Help Grow Your Business

Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about why podcasting is totally worth your time.

Podcasting is one of the most intimate, trust-building platforms out there. It lets people hear your voice, learn your perspective, and build a real connection with your brand, all while they’re folding laundry, walking their dog, or driving to daycare drop-off.

A podcast grows your business by:

• Establishing authority in your niche or industry

• Nurturing your audience consistently (hello, loyal listeners!)

• Driving traffic to your offers, products, or services

• Creating repurposable content for email, blogs, and social media

Bottom line? A podcast gives your brand a voice (literally) and helps you show up where your people are.

RELATED: 5 Effective and Easy Ways to Make Money from Your Podcast

6 quick tips for starting your own podcast

1. Choose Your Podcast Category & Content Pillars

Start by selecting the main podcast category that aligns with your business. You can pick up to three on platforms like Apple Podcasts, which boosts your discoverability. Then, break that down into 5 content pillars or themes you can speak to again and again.Ask yourself: Can I still talk about these topics at episode 25 or 50? That answer will help guide the themes that are sustainable, relevant, and aligned with your audience.

2. Make Quick (and Imperfect) Decisions

Logo? Pick one. Name? Go with your gut. Cover art? Start simple.

These things matter, but they can also be updated later. Don’t get stuck in decision quicksand. I changed the Goal Digger Podcast design a handful of times over the years. Start with your best option for now and iterate later.

I promise, no one else is going to pay as much attention to these pieces as you will. So, make quick decisions and don’t overthink the things that can easily be changed. Start with the best you’ve got and really trust your gut on things like the name and the logo, and know that all of these things can (and likely will) change!

3. Pick a Podcast Format That Feels Easy

There’s no one “right” format. You can do solo episodes, interviews, Q&As, or co-hosted convos. Think about what feels the least intimidating to you right now.

Start with the format that sounds the easiest and most fun. You can always switch it up later once you get in your groove.

4. Keep Your Recording Setup Simple

I recorded my first episodes in my car using my phone and Apple earbuds. No studio, no mixer. Just me and my message.

Grab whatever gear you already have, find a quiet-ish space, and hit record. You can always upgrade later. Editing apps like GarageBand or Audacity are free and simple.

5. Batch Before You Launch

Record 5-10 episodes before your official launch. This helps you avoid the “I launched a podcast and now I’m overwhelmed” crash. It also gives new listeners a little bingeable library to explore!

Trust me, batching is your secret weapon to staying consistent long-term. It’s how I stay consistent for my listeners and keep my creative fire burning!

6. Don’t Wait Until You Feel “Ready”

You probably won’t feel 100% ready. That’s okay.

Get your first episode out there. Hit publish. You’ll grow, you’ll improve, and you’ll find your rhythm. But the key is starting.

Your voice and your story are powerful. Someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you have to share.

Your “Start a Podcast” Checklist

Ready to finally launch your show? Here’s what to do (no tech degree required!):

1. Pick Your Podcast Category

Choose up to 3 categories that align with your niche and brainstorm 5 content pillars to keep your ideas flowing.

2. Name Your Show

Pick a name and create simple cover art but don’t get stuck here. You can update later!

3. Decide On Your Podcast Format

Solo episodes, interviews, Q&As; go with what feels easiest and most sustainable for you.

4. Plan Your Recording Setup

No fancy mic? No problem. Your phone, headphones, and a quiet space will absolutely work to start.

5. Batch Your First 5–10 Episodes

Record a few episodes in advance so you’re not scrambling post-launch and give new listeners something to binge!

6. Create Your Intro, Outro, & Description

Record a few episodes in advance so you’re not scrambling post-launch and give new listeners something to binge!

7. Choose a Hosting Platform

Pick a podcast host (like Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or Podbean) to store your episodes and distribute to platforms like Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and more.

8. Upload + Submit to Podcast Directories

Once your first episodes are uploaded, submit your show to major directories (your host usually makes this easy).

9. Launch Your Show

Don’t wait for perfection. Done is better. Hit publish and go.

10. Promote Everywhere

Share your show on social media, your email list, and wherever your people hang out! They’ve been waiting to hear from you.

Short on Time? How to Launch a Podcast in a Weekend

If you want the fast track to launching your show (without all the tech headaches), I’ve got you.

Check out my FREE masterclass: Podcasting 101: How to Start, Record, and Profit from Your Show. This training walks you through the exact steps I recommend to go from idea to launch quickly and strategically, even if you’re short on time, tech skills, or clarity.

Plan, record, publish, share… and repeat. I truly believe we all have voices, stories, and insights worth sharing with the world! And the best thing you can do to launch a successful podcast is stick with it and stay consistent. You can do this!

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Tune in to my free masterclass on podcasting! 

Grab a seat & learn how to start, record, and profit from your podcast in just THREE easy steps!