Each year, an ever-increasing number of people listen to podcasts, tuning in to keep updated about topics of personal interest. For a business that has something to say, a podcast can help you expand your customer base, get more leads, and put your business in the spotlight. People can listen to the podcast in the car, while walking their dogs, or when working out. Podcasts boost audience engagement, so, not surprisingly, business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers want to leverage their popularity. What about you? Starting a podcast is a good idea, but it’s not a piece of cake, so be prepared to venture into this project. If you want to experiment with this expanding and highly lucrative medium, consider this step-by-step guide.
a) Find A Good Topic
Now, what are you going to say? Selecting a topic is something you must rigorously consider. Cover key topics in your niche segment and show the depth of your knowledge. Find an idea that’s both interesting to you and your target audience. Here are some examples of what would be a great topic:- How to make money from your side hustle
- Your story of failure and how you overcame it
- What to do when you feel burned out
- Using SEO to market across generations
- How to find joy in your work
If you aim to educate and inform listeners, your podcast should take a more professional approach, but if entertainment is your chief focus, you can have a less stressful structure. Figure out what you want to say and what your audience is interested in – above all, find a compromise.
b) Decide On a Format That Works for You
Podcasts can be done in various formats, and to know which one is best suited for your needs, learn more about your target audience. Ultimately, podcasting is about having a message that resonates with your audience. To successfully create a business podcast, you must prepare, research, and have a format that lends itself to the subject matter. This list will point you in the right direction of where you can take your show:- Solo /Co-hosted shows. If you have specific expertise to share, all you have to do is talk into the mic. Think of it as a TED talk but without the live audience (and all the pressure). On a co-hosted show, you share the mic with another presenter. Having a regular guest will make your podcast more engaging, as it offers an alternative perspective.
- Interview. An interview offers unique conversations and perspectives, so you, too, can learn from the ideas and strategies of some of the most talented people. Your guests will do most of the talking. Needless to say, the podcast stimulates discussions and adds value for the listener.
- Non-fictional storytelling. Tell others where you’ve been, where you’re going, and why you’re on the journey in the first place. Basically, the podcast is about real life. The subjects can vary, but they’re all defined by deliberate construction. Addiction, you’ll be happy to know, is equal opportunity. You can use environmental sounds to improve the listening experience. It’s ok to use royalty free music for podcasts.
c) Get The Right Equipment
You don’t need a professional studio to record a podcast, so if you’re just starting out, it’s wise to invest in a good mic. Condenser mics ensure rich sound, but make sure to buy enough mics in case you have numerous speakers or guests. A USB mic will connect directly to your laptop or tablet, meaning it’s easy to use and requires minimal setup. Once you’ve chosen the mic, have a pop filter to minimize the clicking and smacking sounds people make when speaking into the mic. Of course, record in an echo-free environment. A room with no windows is ideal.d) Have Words on Paper
Successful podcasters use a script. While you don’t need to write your podcast word for word, it’s a good idea to write down what you’re going to say. For the first episodes, make a plan about what to talk about so that you can maintain a smooth flow and avoid fumbling. You can do a rehearsal for the recording to prepare for the emotions you’ll feel behind the mic. Your audience will give you helpful tips you can incorporate into your presentation. Make sure to edit the rough patches and include relevant information (some efforts can be a hit-and-miss).e) Embellish or Trim Your Podcast
After having recorded the audio, edit the file before you can publish it. You can learn how to do it yourself or hire a freelancer via Google. An intro and outro will add personality and professionalism; the music you use should be the same. The point is to reassure listeners they’ve made the right choice in opting for your podcast. Before you start making edits, decide how long you want the episode to be, which depends on how much you have to say and the needs of your audience. Don’t stretch out the material or cram too much information in an episode.A podcast is an audio-only format, so you need music to provide a full experience. Before you jump into a tune or jingle, don’t forget about copyright laws. If you want to play copyrighted music, you need the permission of the person who owns the music. Equally, you should collaborate with a legal professional. Just like with books and movies, cover art creates a strong visual impression. Listeners will see the image when they look through directories like Google Play or iTunes, so leverage simple fonts and high-quality images. Regardless of the platform you’re hosting the podcast on, the cover art will make potential listeners want to give it a try.
In conclusion, after all that time and effort spent researching and recording, you’ll want to watch your efforts pay off, so put the podcast on your company website. Have several episodes completed and uploaded before the launch day. Don’t wait for your target audience to find your podcast through the search engine, and take extra time to promote your show.
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