TL;DR
A great podcast setup is mostly a checklist, not a shopping spree.
- Nail your show promise and format
- Get a simple mic + recording workflow you can repeat
- Choose hosting and confirm your RSS feed
- Submit to Spotify + Apple, then publish consistently
- Add a voicemail link before episode 1 so listeners can talk back
- Try whatayarn to collect voice messages in minutes
If you want a “perfect setup,” you’ll never launch.
If you want a setup that ships, use this checklist and keep moving.
Starting from scratch? Read How to Start a Podcast in 2026 for the full step-by-step.
Before you buy anything
Do these first. They’re free and they prevent expensive mistakes.
- ✅ Write a one-sentence promise: “A podcast for _ who want _.”
- ✅ Pick a format you can sustain (solo, co-hosted, interview)
- ✅ Decide your publishing cadence (weekly beats “whenever”)
- ✅ Name check: search Apple + Spotify for collisions
Minimum viable setup (launch in a weekend)
If you’re impatient (good), this is all you need to ship Episode 1.
- ✅ Record on a phone or laptop in a quiet room
- ✅ Use free editing software to trim dead air
- ✅ Choose a podcast host and publish an RSS feed
- ✅ Submit/claim on Spotify + Apple
- ✅ Add “leave a voice message” to your show notes
Your first goal is shipping consistently. Fancy gear is an upgrade, not a prerequisite.
The complete podcast setup checklist
1) Concept + positioning
- ✅ Who is the show for?
- ✅ What will a listener say after a great episode?
- ✅ What does your show do differently?
- ✅ 3-5 pillar topics you can repeat for months
2) Brand basics
- ✅ Podcast name + subtitle/tagline (optional)
- ✅ Cover art that’s readable as a tiny square
- ✅ Description draft (use a template): Podcast Description Template
- ✅ Intro/outro script (use a template): Intro + Outro Script Templates
3) Recording stack
- ✅ Mic (USB is fine for beginners)
- ✅ Headphones (optional but helpful)
- ✅ Room plan (closet, soft furnishings, minimal echo)
- ✅ Recording app/software
- ✅ Backup plan (save locally, not only in the cloud)
Gear deep dive: Podcast Equipment for Beginners.
4) Editing + publishing workflow
- ✅ Episode template (music bed, intro, outro)
- ✅ Basic loudness and noise cleanup workflow (keep it simple)
- ✅ File naming convention (
showname-ep012-title.wav) - ✅ Export settings you’ll reuse every time
5) Hosting + RSS feed
- ✅ Choose a host that makes distribution easy
- ✅ Confirm your RSS feed exists and updates correctly
- ✅ Fill in show metadata (author, categories, explicit flag)
Hosting guide: Best Podcast Hosting for Beginners.
RSS explainer: Podcast RSS Feed Explained.
6) Distribution (Spotify + Apple + more)
- ✅ Submit or connect your RSS feed to Spotify
- ✅ Submit your RSS feed to Apple Podcasts Connect
- ✅ Claim your show in each platform dashboard
- ✅ Confirm your trailer/first episode plays correctly in-app
Walkthroughs:
7) Show notes template (and your engagement CTA)
Show notes aren’t optional. They’re where your links live.
- ✅ Create a reusable show notes template: Podcast Show Notes Template
- ✅ Add your “leave a voice message” block near the top
- ✅ Add links mentioned in the episode
Here’s the simplest CTA you can paste today:
8) Listener interaction (do this before Episode 1)
Most beginners focus on distribution and forget the feedback loop.
Add a voice message link so listeners can:
- Ask questions
- React to episodes
- Share stories you can feature on air
That’s the wedge: you’re not just launching a podcast. You’re launching a conversation.
Want a full voicemail workflow (mailbags, clips, call-ins)? Read How to Add Voicemail to Your Podcast.
9) Launch assets
- ✅ Podcast trailer (optional but powerful)
- ✅ 3 episode titles ready to publish
- ✅ A “launch post” for socials
- ✅ A short clip from Episode 1
- ✅ A link hub or simple landing page (optional)
Checklist to Get Started
- ✅ Write your show promise + pick a format
- ✅ Set up your recording workflow (simple, repeatable)
- ✅ Choose hosting and confirm your RSS feed
- ✅ Create your description + show notes templates
- ✅ Submit/claim on Spotify + Apple
- ✅ Add a whatayarn voice message link before Episode 1
FAQs about podcast setup
Final Word
Your setup should be boring. Your content should be alive.
If you want the easiest engagement add-on, make your show interactive from day one: Create a voicemail link
