Introduction
Buying new gear for your podcast can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's important to know how to make smart purchasing decisions that will help your podcast grow. In this blog post, I discuss the difference between needs and wants, how to resist the temptation of new gear hype, and how to make informed purchasing decisions.
Understanding the Difference Between Needs and Wants
The first step to making smart purchasing decisions is understanding the difference between needs and wants. A need is something that you cannot do without, while a want is something that you would like to have but can live without.
When it comes to your podcast, you will need a few key pieces of equipment, such as a microphone, headphones, and recording software. These items are essential for creating a quality podcast.
Once you have the essential items, you may consider adding additional equipment to your setup. This is where it's important to distinguish between needs and wants.
For example, you may want to buy a new camera to improve the video quality of your podcast. However, a new camera is not needed. You can still create a great podcast without one.
Resisting the Temptation of New Gear Hype
It can be tempting to get sucked into the hype of the latest and greatest gear. However, it's important to remember that not all new gear is created equal. Some products are better than others.
Before you buy any new gear, do your research. Read reviews, watch videos, and talk to other podcasters. This will help you make informed decisions about which products are worth your money.
It's also important to remember that you don't need the latest and greatest gear to create a great podcast. Some of the best podcasts out there are created with very basic equipment.
Prioritizing Lighting over Camera Upgrades
If you're looking to improve the quality of your podcast, one of the best things you can do is invest in good lighting. Good lighting can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your podcast.
A new camera, on the other hand, is not as important. You can get away with using a very basic camera if you have good lighting.
Making Informed Purchasing Decisions
When it comes to making purchasing decisions for your podcast, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Set a budget: This will help you avoid overspending on gear.
- Do your research: Read reviews, watch videos, and talk to other podcasters to get the best possible information about different products.
- Consider your needs: Not all gear is created equal. Some products are better suited for specific needs than others.
- Don't get caught up in the hype: Some products are marketed very aggressively, but that doesn't mean they're the best option for you.
Avoiding the Allure of Future Growth Features
It's important to remember that you don't need to buy all of the gear you think you might need in the future. Just buy what you need now and upgrade as needed.
Buying gear with future growth features in mind can be a waste of money. You may never use those features, and you could end up spending more money than you need to. I've purchased software that had all sorts of features I could grow into, and in the end I never used any of them.
Really, It's Not the Gear
Joe Satriani is an amazing guitar player (he plays in Chickenfoot with Sammy Hagar), and a fan won some sort of contest that ended up with Joe in his house playing his guitar and using his amplifier. Joe proves it's not the gear and shreds on this cheap guitar.
Think On It
Making smart purchasing decisions for your podcast is important for ensuring that you have the gear you need to create a great podcast without overspending. By understanding the difference between needs and wants, resisting the temptation of new gear hype, and making informed purchasing decisions, you can set your podcast up for success. If you're really jazzed about a piece of equipment, sleep on it. Often when you wake up the emotions have subsided and you can think with the more factual side of your brain.
Related Episode
To learn more about making smart purchasing decisions for your podcast, check out my episode on the School of Podcasting podcast:
