Starting a genealogy podcast can be a very rewarding project for anyone passionate about family history and storytelling. Here is a beginner's guide to help you create your own genealogy podcast from concept to launch.
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Define Your Podcast Concept
Identify Your Niche
- Specific Focus: Decide if your podcast will cover general genealogy topics or if it will focus on something specific like DNA testing, Research methods, or specific ethnic or regional research.
- Audience: Determine who your target audience is. Are you targeting beginners, seasoned genealogists or people who are interested in specific topic?
Develop Your Unique Angle
- What makes your podcast different? Try to focus on something that no one else is doing. You'll stand out from the rest if your content is unique. Maybe you want to include personal interviews, highlight lesser-known historical records, or provide insights from genealogy experts.
Plan Your Content
Create an Episode List
- Start with an initial list of 10-15 episode topics. Depending on your focus, here are some general genealogy topic suggestions:
- How to Start Building Your Family Tree
- Best Online Resources for Genealogy
- Understanding DNA Testing and Results
- Interviewing Family Members for Oral Histories
- Overcoming Common Genealogy Research Challenges
- Q & A with a Genealogy expert
Develop a Script or Outline
- Plan the structure of your episodes. Decide if you’ll have a co-host. Will you want to include interviews? Do you just want to present stories? Don't cram too much information into one episode. Break it up over episodes to draw your listeners back.
- Write scripts or detailed outlines for each episode. You want the dialog to sound natural, but you need to keep the topic in focus so you don't go off on tangents. People have short attention spans and they will lose interest if you are getting away from the topic you promised them.
Put Together Your Podcast Equipment
The Basic Essential Equipment
- Microphone: Invest in a quality microphone. Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and the Blue Yeti are two that are affordable with good sound quality. They connect to your computer either using a XLR or an USB connection. Do your research on the best microphones to get for podcasting. A good microphone is the number one essential piece of equipment you need to make a professional impression to your listeners.
- Headphones: Use good headphones to monitor sound quality while recording. There are many options available.
- Pop Filter: A pop filter reduces unwanted noises like “pops” that can occur naturally in people's normal speech.
Recording and Editing Software
- Recording Software: Audacity is free and very user-friendly. It is available to download as a desktop app for Windows, and macOS.
- Editing Software: For editing, there are many software options out there. A good beginners one is GarageBand (for Mac users). Garage Band is free. Adobe Audition is also a good choice and has some more advanced features. There is a free trial available for Adobe Audition.
Record and Edit Your Podcast
Setting Up Your Recording Space
- Choose a quiet room with minimal echo. If you want to take things to the next level, you can add foam panels or blankets to help reduce exterior sounds and echo.
- Test your equipment and record a few practice sessions to ensure everything works well.
Recording Tips
- Speak clearly. Don't rush what you are trying to say.
- Use your script or outline to stay on track, but allow for natural conversation flow.
- Keep your podcast roughly the same length each time you record it. Your listeners will appreciate the consistency and will know what to expect.
Editing Your Podcast
- Remove background noise and edit out major mistakes or long pauses. But remember that sounding authentic is more appealing to audiences. It's ok to flub a few words.
- Add music or sound effects for intro, transitions, and outro. Make sure you have the rights to use any music you include. There are free options for music out there, if credit is given. Bensound.com is a good example.
Step 5: Publish Your Podcast
Choose a Hosting Platform
- There a free trials and subscription platforms to choose from. Popular hosting services are Libsynor Podbean. These platforms will distribute your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- YouTube is fast becoming a leader platform in creating and hosting podcasts. Content creators are turning their video content into video podcasts and attracting large audiences.
Upload and Schedule Episodes
- Set a consistent release schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to build an audience.
- Write compelling and creative episode titles and descriptions to attract listeners. CleanVoice.ai offers a free AI-driven Episode Title Generator to help give you some ideas.
Step 6: Promote Your Podcast
Build a Website, Blog or Social Media Channel
- Create a website to host your episodes, show notes, and additional resources. Platforms like WordPress or Squarespace and YouTube are good options.
Utilize Social Media
- Promote episodes on social media channels. Engage with genealogy communities to reach potential listeners.
Collaborate with Others
- Reach out to other genealogy podcasters or bloggers for cross-promotion.
- Attend genealogy conferences or events and network with like-minded individuals.
- Invite other podcasters to appear on your podcasts.
Encourage Listener Interaction
- Invite listeners to submit questions or topic suggestions.
- Consider starting a listener Facebook group or community forum for discussions.
Conclusion
Starting a genealogy podcast involves planning, the right equipment, and effective promotion. By following these steps, you can share your passion for genealogy with a broad audience and help others discover their own family histories. Remember to be patient and persistent, as building a podcast audience takes time and dedication.
See also
Explore more about how to start a genealogy podcast
- Blast From My Past episodes on the MyHeritage blog
- Create a Podcast using YouTube Studio