Whether you’re starting a podcast for the first time or are a seasoned mom podcaster, you need to know the best podcast tools. Below I share the 10 best podcasting tools to support you with creating a binge-worthy podcast that your listeners will look forward to each week. These tools are the ones that I use and recommend to my podcast launch and management clients.
With so much information available online, it can be difficult to know what you actually need to start, maintain, and grow your podcast. If that’s you, welcome! You’re in the right place. Continue reading to learn what podcast tools you actually need without breaking the bank.
What Equipment is Needed for a Podcast?
So what equipment do you actually need to successfully start and continue with a podcast? Depending on who you talk to, you will get an array of answers. If you’re reading this blog, I’m guessing you’re a mama who is either a solopreneur or maybe has one team member. That means that, most likely, you are or will be recording your episodes from the comfort of your home. I’m all about simplicity as a mom running a business because our time and capacity are limited, so we don’t need the bells and whistles. Starting out, you don’t need to worry about a video podcast. That adds another layer to complexity, so just focus on the equipment you actually need to launch and maintain an audio only podcast. For an audio only podcast, you need a microphone, headphones, recording and editing software, and a podcast hosting platform. Keep it simple.
12 Podcasting Tools for Moms
As a mom podcaster and podcast strategist who has supported over 30 women with launching, growing, and monetizing their podcasts, I’ve had much experience with different podcast tools and equipment. This list consists of my top rated podcast equipment, software, and resources that have helped me and my clients successfully start and grow our podcasts.
Podcast Hosting: Captivate.fm
Having worked with many podcasters, I have used many of the podcast hosting platforms available, and by far, the best one is Captivate.fm. Captivate offers top notch customer support. They are always looking for ways to improve and provide a better user experience. The resources they have available for podcasters are incredible – live trainings on podcast growth, monetization, and more. This podcast host offers options for both public and private podcast feeds in each plan. Other features include dynamic ad insertion, tools for monetization and marketing, customized podcast players to match your brand, and so much more. When you go with the personal pricing plan, the investment is $19/month or $204 for the year.
When you sign up using the link, you get a 7-day free trial!
Podcast Editing: Audacity
There are many podcast editing software options available; however, I have found Audacity to be the easiest to use. The best part is that it’s free! You can also record your solo podcast episodes in Audacity. Because it is used for both recording and editing, you are able to edit as you record with the pause recording feature. Imagine knocking out both recording and editing your podcast in one sitting. To get started with Audacity, just head to the website and download the software onto your computer.
Audio Leveler: Auphonic
Have you ever listened to a podcast episode, and the audio is really loud one moment and then the sound drops to really low? It’s really frustrating having to turn the volume up and down, ruining the listening experience. To avoid this as a podcast host, run your edited podcast through Auphonic. Auphonic will even out the audio level to ensure a smooth listener experience.
Podcast Page/Website: Showit
Of all the website builders I have used, Showit is by far my favorite. It is one of the easiest to use because it does not require any code. Showit is a drag-and-drop website builder that is great for SEO. There are also Showit website templates available for purchase. You can easily create an eye-catching podcast page for your website on Showit.
When you sign up using the link, you get a 30-day free trial!
Microphone: Samson Q2U
The Samson Q2U is one of the best microphones for recording podcasts at home. It is a dynamic microphone, which means it is not sensitive to sound and doesn’t pick up a lot of background noise. This microphone is easy to set up and use. Since it is a USB microphone, you can easily plug it into your computer. The best part is that it is budget-friendly at less than $100 on Amazon. I’ve been using this microphone for 2 years, and it has not failed me once in capturing quality audio.
Headphones: Lorelei X8 Over the Ears Headphones
The best headphones for recording and editing audio are over-the-ear wired headphones. While recording, you need headphones that will help block out background noise, and you don’t have to worry about going out due to the Wi-Fi connection. My favorite is the Lorelei X8 headphones because they work great, are cost-effective, and come in a variety of cute colors. I was even able to find some that matched my brand colors, which was exciting!
Podcast Management Workflow & Organization: Trello
The key to staying consistent with your podcast is having a good system and processes in place. If you aren’t tracking what you should be doing each week with your podcast and staying organized, you will become overwhelmed and struggle to publish new episodes weekly. Personally, I use Trello to manage my podcast. I use it to map out my content each month and have a checklist that I follow for each episode to ensure I am completing everything for production. If you’re not a Trello girly like me, there are other options, such as Asana, ClickUp, Airtable, and more.
Podcast Monetization: Make Money Podcasting Audio Course
Let’s be real. If you are a business owner with a podcast, you most likely want to know how to monetize it. Many of my clients work with me because I support them with developing a monetization plan before we even launch their podcast. If you’re not looking for done for you podcast launch or management support, my Make Money Podcasting Audio Course is perfect for you. I break down my Podcast for Profit INCOME framework, which is the exact framework my clients and I implement to generate leads and sign clients from our podcasts.
Strategic Podcast Content Planning: The Lead Generation Playbook
If you just want to know what type of podcast content you should be creating to attract your dream clients and convert them into your paid offers, then you need The Lead Generation Playbook. In this private podcast, I share the different types of podcast content you should be creating to attract, nurture, and convert your podcast listeners into your paid offers and programs. This private podcast stops you from wondering, “What should I talk about on my podcast?”
Email Service Provider: ConvertKit
Now, you may be wondering why I’m mentioning an email service provider when we’re talking about podcasts. While podcasts are a great way to build a deeper connection with your audience, the conversation is one-sided. The best way to keep the conversation going with your listeners is to connect with them through your email list. This gives them a chance to actually respond and have a one-on-one conversation with you. You can get to know your listeners individually through email marketing. My favorite email service provider is Convertkit. ConvertKit offers so many great features for business owners and they just recently updated their free plan to include 10,000 subscribers! You can definitely start with the free plan and upgrade along the way.
ConvertKit offers a 14-day free trial to new users when you use the link!
Podcast Guest Management: The Workflow Workshop
One comment I hear from the majority of my podcast guests is how seamless the process was for them to apply and schedule their podcast interviews. I use my CRM Dubsado to manage my podcast guests. If you currently use Dubsado and want to set up a streamlined guest management process, I highly recommend Phylicia Pough’s The Workflow Workshop. She walks you through how to use Dubsado seamlessly onboard and manage podcast guests.
Podcast Guest Recording: Zencastr
Last but certainly not least is software for recording podcast guest interviews. I personally love recording interviews in Zencastr. I’ve recorded on a few different platforms, and Zencastr, by far, has been the most reliable. In the almost 2 years that I have used it, I have only had one glitch. Outside of that, it records quality audio (even when guests don’t have a microphone or headphones), and the video quality is incredible.
Wrap-Up of the Best Podcast Tools for Mom Podcasters
There are many podcasting tools, software, and equipment available, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to find the best ones for you. The tools listed are tried and true by myself and other mom podcasters. Don’t feel like you have to go with everything on this list, especially if you have some tools that have been working for you already. I recommend first looking at where your gaps are in your podcast launch and management process and starting with what you actually need.
This blog post may contain affiliate links for products and services I personally use and love. If you click one of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
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