How to Create a Podcast: 10+ Step Guide (2024)

What is a podcast?

The modern world is characterized by an insatiable thirst for information and entertainment.

In this quest, the podcast has established itself as an innovative and personal way of consuming content.

Originating in the early 21st century, the term “podcast” cleverly merges “iPod”, Apple's famous MP3 player, with “broadcast” (broadcast in English).

Introduction to the podcast:

• Origin: Born in the 2000s, the podcast was once a niche for tech enthusiasts before exploding in popularity.
• Racines: Radio is the precursor to the podcast, but unlike radio, podcasts offer listening flexibility.

Podcast highlights:

• Format: A series of digital audio or video content.
• Listening devices: Computers, smartphones, tablets, and more.
• Diversity of topics: News, education, art, culture, entertainment, etc.
• Producers: Individuals, organizations, businesses, traditional media.
• Flexibility: Listen on demand, on the go, anytime.
• Popular platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts.

In conclusion, the podcast is more than just an audio or video format: it's a revolution in the way we consume and share information.

With its ease of access and diversity of topics, it continues to attract millions of listeners around the world.

READ MORE >> Definition and History of Podcasts

How to Create a Podcast: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Target Audience

Define your audience precisely

To create a successful podcast, the first step is to fully understand your audience:

• Identify your niche : No podcast can meet everyone's needs, so figuring out what content you want to offer is critical.
• Adapt the content : Make sure your content reflects your business interests and perspectives. For example, if you're targeting soccer fans, you could talk about the latest news, scores, or rising sports stars.

A thorough understanding of your target audience is the key to offering the content they want with your podcast.

Interacting with your listeners

Commitment is key for your podcast:

• Provide what they are looking for : To engage listeners, give them exactly what they want to hear. Do you know their typical questions or interests?
• Plan accordingly : By anticipating the needs and questions of your listeners, you can prepare content that resonates with them.

By listening to your audience, you can build content that not only informs them but also engages them with your podcast.

Translating efforts into commercial success

The commercial success of a podcast depends on its clarity of intent from the listener's point of view:

• Clear definition : If your target audience is not well defined, it will be difficult to see positive business results.
• Alignment with business goals : Your podcast should reflect the interests and goals of your business to achieve the desired success.

The key to commercial success lies in precisely defining and aligning your podcast with the needs of your target audience.

2. Value Proposition

Delivering Value

Podcast listeners are looking for relevant content:

• Strong commitment : According to statistics, 80% listeners listen to most or all of an episode. This is an impressive engagement rate compared to other media.
• Rich content : With such intense competition, including over 500,000 podcasts in the U.S., it's critical that your content is rich and engaging from the first time you listen.

Offer quality content on your podcast to retain your listeners right from the start.

Distinguishing yourself in a saturated market

Faced with competition in the podcast world, you need to emerge:

• Loyalty : Beyond a simple episode, make sure that your listener becomes a loyal subscriber.
• Value promise : Beyond current content, sell the promise that the future will be even more rewarding.

In a saturated market, a clear value proposition and a consistent promise are essential to stand out from the crowd.

Clarify Your Proposal

Given the variety of podcast choices, be specific in your roadmap:

• Clear orientation : 65% non-listeners are lost in the face of the multitude of choices. Make sure your proposal and message are clear from the start.
• Alignment with expectations : A podcast is a platform for like-minded people. If you don't deliver the content you promise, your audience base could evaporate.

A well-defined value proposition for your podcast is essential to attract and retain a target audience looking for specific content.

3. Name your podcast

Impact of the podcast title

Your podcast name is the first impression you give.

En 5 seconds, it is this title that makes the difference between a click and a missed opportunity.

Imagine all the work put into creating the content, compromised simply by an inappropriate title choice.

The title of your podcast is crucial for its success.

Key elements for a good title

To make sure your podcast title gets and gets attention:

1. Informative : Be direct and transparent. Integrate target audience, subject, context, and essential keywords.
2. Unique : Make sure your title doesn't blend in with another one. An overlay can cause confusion or distract listeners.
3. Easy to understand : Avoid titles that are too complex or ambiguous. The title should reflect the content clearly.
4. Succinct : 75% Podcast titles have less than 29 characters. Brevity is key to attracting attention.
5. Creative : Let your imagination run wild. For example, the podcast The Moth evokes curiosity.
6. Descriptive : The title should accurately reflect the content. Descriptive names are easy to search and to be located.

An effective podcast title is informative, unique, understandable, succinct, creative, and descriptive.

These key elements guide the listener to your content and ensure their loyalty.

To get inspired, you can take a look at the list of the most popular podcasts:

4. The ideal episode length

Notion of time

Every minute counts when it comes to podcasts.

The effectiveness of an episode is measured not only by the quality of its content, but also by its duration.

The timing of a podcast is essential to captivate and hold the attention of the audience.

Why is Duration Crucial?

Attention Capacity

• Human attention is a precious and often ephemeral asset.
• Holding the auditor for 20 to 25 minutes is already an achievement in itself.

Statistics to consider

• The average podcast listening time is 43 minutes.
• This duration varies according to the nature of the content and the level of engagement of the audience.

Format Adaptability

• Each podcast has its own signature when it comes to duration.
• Some, like Pacific Content, rely on 25 to 30 minutes, while others, like the “Joe Rogan Experience,” take several hours.

Auditor Commitment

• The ultimate goal is to keep the listener engaged.
• Even long content can be effective if the listener is captivated from start to finish.

The ideal length of a podcast depends on a number of factors.

It's up to you, as a creator who wants to create a podcast, to find the right balance between duration and content to provide the best experience for your audience.

5. Broadcast Frequency: Finding the Perfect Balance

In the dynamic world of podcasts, defining an appropriate broadcast frequency is crucial to captivate and retain your audience.

But how do you balance the desire to produce content with the need to maintain consistent quality?

Importance of Regularity

Regularity is the key to building and maintaining a loyal audience for your podcast.

• Avoid extended breaks : A prolonged absence can cause your listeners to lose interest.
• But without excess : Too much content can overwhelm your audience and affect the quality of your production.

Finding a balance between these two extremes is crucial for the success of your podcast.

Finding Your Rhythm

Each podcast is unique, and the ideal broadcast frequency varies depending on a number of factors.

• Weekly vs Monthly : Some topics need to be updated regularly while others benefit from more in-depth analysis.
• Plan ahead : Good planning allows you to organize yourself and stick to your broadcast schedule.

Listen to your audience, analyze feedback, and adjust your pace accordingly when publishing podcasts.

Quality vs Quantity

In the effervescence of creation, it is easy to favor quantity at the expense of quality for a podcast.

• Quality above all : Better one well-constructed and well-documented episode than several hastily produced episodes.
• Promote engagement : An engaged audience is more likely to follow your podcast over the long term.

Never sacrifice the quality of your podcast in favor of broadcasting more frequently.

Broadcast frequency is a key factor in the success of a podcast.

By balancing quality and quantity, and by constantly adapting to the evolution of your audience, you ensure that you create a podcast that is both captivating and long-lasting.

6. Choosing the right format for your podcast

The format of your podcast greatly influences the perception and engagement of your listeners.

Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

The Importance of Coherence

• Stability for auditors : People like predictability. Changing the format too often can disorient your audience.
• Word of mouth : 92% of consumers trust recommendations from loved ones more than ads. Consistency reinforces that trust.

Different Formats to Explore

• Interviews : This is the classic format, where a guest is asked about a specific topic.
• Conversational : Informal discussions, often between several participants.
• Educational : Information, tutorials, or courses.
• Solo voiceover : A single narrator dealing with a subject.
• Conte : Stories, whether fictional or based on real events.
• Fictional storytelling podcasts are growing in popularity, with notable examples like “Serial,” “The Truth,” and “Adventures in New America.”

Co-animator or Remote Guests?

• Scheduling : The decision to work with a co-facilitator or to invite people from different locations requires careful consideration.
• Technology to the rescue : With tools like Adobe Audition, Soundcloud, Audacity, Anchor.fm, Zoom, or Skype, recording a podcast has never been easier.
• Ecamm (for Mac) : Perfect for recording the voices of guests from anywhere.

To “create a podcast” that resonates with your audience, the consistency of the format is essential.

Research, plan ahead, and stick to your style. This is what will make your podcast a real success.

7. Podcast Recording Software and Equipment

To captivate your audience, excellent audio quality is essential.

Importance of Audio Quality

Good audio quality increases the credibility of your podcast.

• Distractions avoided: Suppress distracting sounds such as murmuring and distorting
• Sound quality: Quality software eliminates noise, stabilizes sound, and provides audio clarity.

Great sound can be the difference between a casual listener and a devoted fan.

Selecting the Right Software

Your recording software determines the ease of editing and the quality of your production.

• Storytelling: Hindenburg is great for narrative podcasts.
• Beginners: GarageBand for iOS & Mac users
• Automation: Alitu for a highly automated process.
• Popular: Audacity, Pamela, and Anchor.fm are widely recognized.

Choose software adapted to your needs to ensure the best rendering.

Essential Features

The right features improve editing efficiency and audio quality.

• Mixer: Tracks should be mixable and editable.
• Additions: Easy integration of music and effects.
• Edition: Easily cut, paste, and convert audio.

Software with great features makes the recording and editing process easy.

Recommended equipment

Equipment is as essential as software to achieve optimal audio quality.

• Alone: Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone.
• Group: Audio-Technica ATR2100 dynamic mic
• Listen up: High quality headphones with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Investing in quality equipment guarantees a better listening experience for your audience.

If you're just starting out, keep it simple. Software like Spreaker and Buzzsprout can be a great way to get started.

READ MORE >> Best software to edit and record your podcast

8. Building an Effective Podcast Script

Making a podcast is a mixture of art and technique.

So, as Virginia Woolf noted, choosing each word is crucial.

To ensure that your message reaches your audience effectively, here are strategies for building a solid script:

Natural Conversations Instead of Rigid Reading

In the podcast world, how content is presented is as important as the content itself.

• Interacting rather than simply informing : A dynamic exchange is always more captivating than a simple read.
• Stay authentic : Use words that are natural to you and avoid terminology that is rigid or out of context.

By opting for a more conversational approach, you create a deeper connection with your listeners.

Conciseness and Clarity

In our fast-paced world, time is precious. Listeners appreciate clear and concise messages.

• Getting right to the point : Listeners appreciate content that is direct and succinct.
• Prioritize quality over quantity : It's better to be short and to the point than to be long and monotonous.

Conciseness can be the key to keeping your listeners engaged.

Flexibility in Content

While scripting is essential, leaving room for spontaneity is also crucial.

• Be flexible : A good podcast script makes it possible to adapt the content according to the conversation.
• Benchmark tags : Write down the main points to discuss to guide you without locking yourself in.

A flexible approach allows for a fluid and authentic speech, improving the listening experience.

The Art of Improvisation

Authenticity is the core of a successful podcast.

• Each podcaster is unique : Find your own voice rather than imitate others.
• Comfort and adaptability : Select a format that works for you, whether detailed or based on key points.

Improvisation, when well managed, gives a personal touch, making each episode unique.

Use AI Tools to Refine Your Script

‍In the digital age, artificial intelligence can be a valuable ally in creating content.

For podcasts, this is no exception.

• Discover ChatGPT : This tool based on OpenAI's GPT model can help you formulate ideas, write scripts, and even answer technical questions.
• Collaborative writing : Use GPT chat to brainstorm. Ask questions, get suggestions, and refine your script in real time.
• consultancy : While ChatGPT is a powerful tool, remember to give your own personal touch to the script to maintain your authenticity. Think of ChatGPT as a co-writer and not as a replacement.

By combining the benefits of AI with your unique voice, you can create a podcast script that truly resonates with your audience.

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To “create a successful podcast”, the script is your compass. It guides, guides, but should not restrict. Careful preparation combined with a genuine connection with the audience guarantees a lasting impact.

9. The Art of Talking into a Microphone

Standing in front of a microphone can be intimidating, especially if you're new to podcasting.

However, with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can turn this experience into a mastered skill.

Moderate Speed

Stage fright can often cause us to speak more quickly than usual, making our message incomprehensible.

• Breathe : Take a deep breath before speaking to calm yourself down and put your voice down.
• Take your time : Speak at a moderate pace, articulating each word well for better understanding.

By controlling your pace, you ensure that your message is clearly delivered.

The Power of Pause

A well-placed pause speaks louder than a thousand words.

• Accentuation : A pause can highlight an important point.
• Reflection : It also gives the listener time to absorb the information.

Mastering the art of pausing can greatly improve the effectiveness of your speech.

Volume and tone

A good podcaster knows that volume and tone of voice are as important as the words spoken.

• Adjust the volume : Make sure your voice is audible without being too loud.
• Vary the tone : It makes the speech more lively and engaging.

Good volume and tone control can captivate the listener and keep them engaged.

Positive Energy

A podcast is much more than words. It's also the energy you put into it.

• Confidence : Believe what you say, it will be felt.
• Commitment : Be passionate about your subject and your audience will be too.

A positive attitude can have a huge impact on how your message is received.

Voice power

Voice is a podcaster's most powerful tool.

• Modulation : Variation in voice makes speech more interesting.
• Listen to yourself : Review your records to identify areas for improvement.

Taking the time to perfect your voice can be the key to establishing a solid connection with your listeners.

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While speaking into a microphone may seem simple, it is a skill that requires practice and attention. By integrating these tips into your recordings, you ensure that you produce quality content that resonates with your listeners.

10. Music for the podcast intro

Music has the power to create atmospheres, to capture emotions and to reinforce the branding of a podcast.

But should a musical introduction be included in your show?

And how do you do it right?

The Question of Necessity

Not all podcasts need music, but it can add a special touch to certain formats.

• Serious podcasts : For heavy topics such as politics or news, music can sometimes surprise and distract from the content.
• The impact of intermissions : A melody or jingle during breaks helps to keep the listener focused and give them a moment to think.

The use of music depends largely on the tone and format of the program.

Branding and Recognition

Music can become an integral part of your podcast's identity.

• Intro and outro : A recurring jingle at the beginning and end of a show creates a memorable association for the listener.
• Copyright : Whether you choose existing music or create a new one, be sure to respect intellectual property rights.

Music can reinforce the brand of your podcast and encourage listener retention.

Choosing the right music

The music should reflect the essence of your podcast.

• Consistency with tone : Make sure the music matches the mood and message of your podcast.
• Licenses and rights : Always use royalty-free music or pay yourself the necessary fees to avoid legal problems.

Well-chosen music can enhance the quality of your show and create an emotional connection with your audience.

Incorporating music into your podcast is an artistic and strategic choice.

Do it wisely, in accordance with the tone of your show and in compliance with the laws.

When used well, music can become the lifeblood of your podcast, making it instantly recognizable and memorable for your audience.

Try Artlist for free to find music for your podcast

11. Your Podcast Cover: First Visual Contact with Your Listeners

The first impression counts, and for podcasts, that first impression is often visual.

Your podcast coverage plays a crucial role in attracting new listeners. It is both an introduction and an invitation.

Here's how to optimize that first impression.

Importance of good coverage

In the world of podcasts, visuals are just as important as audio content.

• Immediate impact : An attractive cover can trigger interest and encourage people to click.
• Stand out : In a sea of podcasts, a distinctive design sets you apart from the rest.

Never underestimate the power of a well-designed pouch.

Adherence to the Standards

Platforms, including Apple Podcasts, have specific requirements.

• Compliance with specifications : Make sure you respect the dimensions and other technical criteria.
• Effective communication : Convey the theme and tone of your podcast in a concise manner.

Complying with standards guarantees optimal visibility on the main platforms.

Design Tips

Clarity, simplicity, and relevance are the keys to successful coverage.

• Short titles : Limit yourself to 6 words or less for instant readability.
• Smart policies : Opt for clear fonts that match the mood of your show.
• Avoid cliches : Don't fall into the trap of using microphone or headphone icons. Focus on the message, not the medium.

Your cover should be about your content, not the podcast format.

Helpful resources

Tools and platforms are available to help you with the design.

• Design software : Tools like Canva can make it easier to create professional covers.
• Design platforms : For custom design, consider sites like 99designs or Fiverr.

With the right tools and resources, creating engaging podcast coverage is within everyone's reach.

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Your podcast cover is a visual reflection of your brand and content. It is often the first contact you have with a potential listener. Invest time and effort to ensure that it attracts attention, sparks interest, and encourages listening.

12. Publishing Your Podcast: Steps to Reach Your Audience

Creating a podcast is an exciting journey, but publishing is just as crucial to ensure its success.

Here's how you can make sure your voice is heard.

Choosing the right accommodation

Choosing to host your podcast is a fundamental decision that can influence the reach and performance of your content.

Let's take a look at the options available to you.

• Specific platforms : Opt for Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Spreaker or Blubrry to benefit from specialized tools.
• Risks of Shared Hosting : Despite its accessibility, it presents reliability challenges.

Appropriate hosting is essential to ensure a smooth and continuous delivery of your podcast to your audience.

READ MORE >> Best platforms to host a podcast

Publishing Considerations

When you publish your podcast, there are several factors that ensure a pleasant listening experience for your listeners.

Here's what to keep in mind.

• High bandwidth : It ensures that your podcast is always available, even during periods of high demand.
• Customer Support : To quickly resolve any technical issue.
• Automatic RSS feed : Simplifies distribution across multiple platforms.
• Mobile applications : Crucial in our digital age.

Careful attention to detail when publishing can dramatically improve your audience's experience.

13. Essential strategies for developing a successful podcast

Hundreds of podcasts are created every day. How can you ensure that yours is listened to? Here are a few tried and tested methods.

1. Build and Refine Your Identity

Your podcast identity is the first impression listeners will get of you. Take care of it for maximum impact.

• Audience targeting: Defining the listener personality helps to better understand your listeners.
• Personification: A fictional persona acts as a compass to guide your editorial decisions.

A strong podcast is based on a well-defined and authentic identity.

2. Maximize Your Online Presence

A strong online presence amplifies your reach, making it accessible to a wider audience.

• Social networks: Diversify your platforms for increased visibility.
• Dedicated website: Create a central hub for your content.

Being omnipresent online makes it possible to reach and engage more listeners.

3. Engage and Retain Your Audience

An engaged audience is the key to the long-term success of your podcast.

• Feedback: Reviews improve quality and increase visibility.
• Rewards and Interaction: Promote loyalty and a sense of community.

Engagement leads to a loyal and growing audience.

4. The power of email marketing

Reach your listeners directly for a personal and effective impact.

• Email list: A treasure that is continuously updated.
• KING: An impressive return on investment for a powerful channel.

Email marketing is a direct and profitable way to reach your listeners.

READ MORE >> Best email marketing software

5. Consistency and Regularity

Consistency is crucial for retaining your audience and maintaining their interest.

• Publishing: Episodes at regular intervals for an engaged audience.
• Routine: A stable pace ensures loyalty and anticipation.

Regularity reinforces the trust and commitment of the auditor.

With this structure, each section is clear, concise, and highlighted for maximum readability.

READ MORE >> How do you promote your podcast?

14. Monetize Your Podcast

Starting a podcast is an exciting adventure. But how do you turn that passion into revenue? Here are a few tried and tested methods.

Finding the right sponsors

Transform your audience into lucrative opportunities with smart partnerships.

• On-air advertisements : Read sponsored ads to present products or services.
• Relevant partnerships : Collaborate with brands that resonate with your audience.

A win-win partnership that enhances your content.

Opt for affiliate marketing

Recommend products and win with every sale.

• Affiliate links : Direct your listeners to specific products through affiliate links.
• Commissions : Earn a percentage of every sale made as a result of your referral.

Monetize your influence without overloading your content.

Sell Your Own Products

Highlight the best that you have to offer.

• Self-promotion : Use your podcast as a showcase for your products or services.
• Mention strategies : Integrate your offers naturally during the introduction or during breaks.

A direct channel to reach your listeners and boost your sales.

READ MORE >> How to make money with a podcast

Analyzing and Understanding Your Podcast

Data can offer you a valuable insight into the effectiveness of your podcast and the engagement of your audience.

• Reflection : After all the work done, assess what works best when it comes to communication.
• Listen : Measure the origin and number of your monthly listens, and identify the main platforms via your host.
• Statistics : Even if data isn't your initial priority, it's critical to assess success and stay motivated.
• Demographics and Engagement : Understand who is listening using data like age, gender, and geographic location. Also, study the completion rate to adapt the format and content.

The most powerful metric is the evolution of your podcast, not the comparison to other different podcasts. Measure your personal growth and adapt accordingly.

Podcast monetization is a delicate art that combines content quality and business strategies. By diversifying your sources of income and remaining authentic, you will ensure the sustainability of your project.

What are the different categories of podcasts?

Podcasts can be divided into several categories based on their format and content. Popular types include:

• Interviews: The host interviews one or more guests on specific topics.
• Narrations: These podcasts tell a story, whether true or fictional.
• News: They focus on the latest news or trends in a specific field.
• Educational: They are intended to instruct the listener on a particular subject.
• Audio book : aim to have you follow each episode with immersive narration and sound effects.

Each type of podcast meets different needs and interests, offering creators a multitude of possibilities to reach their target audience.

FAQs

What are the tools to record and edit a podcast?

To record and edit a podcast, several programs are available, suitable for beginners as well as professionals.

‍Audacity is a free and open-source option that is widely used for audio editing.

‍GarageBand is a popular alternative for Apple users.

For those looking for more advanced features, Hindenburg and Adobe Audition are great paid options.

Choosing a tool that matches your technical skills and production needs is critical.

How long should a podcast episode last?

The ideal length of a podcast depends on its content, its target audience, and the format chosen.

However, a recent study showed that the average length of the most popular podcasts is around 43 minutes.

Keeping the listener engaged is crucial: a podcast that's too short can leave the listener hungry, while a podcast that's too long can discourage them.

The key is to provide quality content that meets the expectations of your audience, whether it lasts 10 minutes or 2 hours.

How much does it cost to create and manage a podcast?

Creating a podcast involves varying costs depending on the quality and complexity you want.

The initial costs usually include the purchase of equipment, such as a good quality microphone and headphones, which can range from a few dozen to several hundred euros.

In addition, there are the costs of recording and editing software, which can be free or paid, and the costs of hosting the podcast.

On average, expect to spend between $100 and $500 to get started, although this amount may be higher if you opt for high-end hardware or professional services.

How do I start a radio show from home with a computer?

(+ and what equipment is required to ensure optimal quality?)

If you want to start your own radio show from home, it is essential to have a powerful computer.

You will need:

- Hardware: Invest in a quality recording device, like a good microphone, to capture your voice clearly.

- Software: Use appropriate software, like Garage Band, to edit, mix, and create your podcast.

- Planning: Define a clear objective for your podcast, choose relevant topics, and decide what format you want (interview, story, news).

-Broadcast: Share your episodes on a dedicated website with an RSS feed to allow listeners to easily access your content. Don't forget to promote your work on social media and platforms like Apple Podcast and Google Podcast.

- Interaction with the audience: Read feedback and feedback from your audience to improve.

What are the steps to follow for a successful podcast?

Here's how to do it and how to optimize your presence on platforms like YouTube or social networks to succeed:

Creating a successful podcast requires creativity, rigor and a well-thought-out strategy:

- Idea: Make sure you have a unique idea that stands out and meets a need of your audience.

- Hardware: A good device, like a smartphone or tablet, is required, but adding a microphone or other tools can dramatically improve audio quality.

- Check-in: Make sure to record clean, in a quiet location, with a good mix to avoid background noise.

- Publishing: Make your episodes available on popular platforms like YouTube, and be sure to add relevant texts to boost your SEO.

- Promotion: Use social media to share new episodes and engage with your audience. A good name for your podcast and catchy episode titles can also increase your visibility.

With these basics in mind, you will be well equipped to promote your podcast in France and beyond!

Summary

If you're looking to build a loyal audience online, it makes sense to start a podcast. There are a ton of podcasts on the market right now and you can look for inspiration just about anywhere.

Whatever subject you are interested in, always remember that there may be a market for that subject somewhere. It is up to you to fill this void and respond to the wishes of your audience.

However, with the sheer number of podcasts on the market, you need to offer something different and unique to your listeners. You need to pique their interest and slowly increase your market share in your niche.

Finally, be sure to use the right equipment to record your podcasts, name your podcast correctly, prepare the right promotion strategy, and remain consistent. It will take time, but making money by podcasting isn't impossible.

Other recommended reading: If you want to grow your online presence this year, check out my ultimate guide to learning To create a blog.