Define Concept and Format
3-5 daysPick niche, episode length (20-45 min), and weekly vs biweekly schedule.
Field context
This workflow is part of 13 niche fields
Free step-by-step podcast launch for podcast beginners. Plan podcast launch with calculators and checklists covering define concept and format, budget gear.
Pick niche, episode length (20-45 min), and weekly vs biweekly schedule.
USB mic ($80-150), headphones, free DAW (Audacity/Reaper), hosting ($12-20/mo).
Record -12 to -6 dB peaks; edit dead air, filler, and noise.
Submit RSS to Apple, Spotify, Amazon; create QR code for events.
Budget mic, hosting, and art costs.
Estimate episode length from script word count.
Generate QR linking to show page.
Count show notes and script length.
Evaluate sponsor revenue vs production time.
US minimal viable podcast costs.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB mic | $80-150 | Samson Q2U, Audio-Technica |
| Hosting | $12-20/mo | Buzzsprout, Transistor |
| Art | $0-50 | Canva free tier |
Apple New & Noteworthy favors shows with catalog at launch.
Closet full of clothes beats $500 mic in echoey room.
Weekly beats sporadic — algorithms and audiences reward consistency.