Do you want to start a podcast, but you don't know where to start? I am sharing the do’s and don’ts of podcasting so you can become a successful podcaster too.
This post is sponsored by PodPopuli. As always all onions are 100% my own.
The Dos of Podcasting: Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Podcast
I am so excited to have the experts at PodPopuli leading me through the process of starting my podcast. They are a full-service retail podcast studio with locations in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Miami Beach, Scottsdale, Cleveland, and Hudson, OH. They take “all the hard parts” out of podcasting, and provide top-quality recording, producing, consulting, creative, distribution, and marketing services.
Common Podcasting Questions
Before we get into all the Dos and Don'ts of Podcasting. I wanted to answer some questions I received from my IG audience.
Why Does Everyone Have a Podcast
Podcasting is a great way to educate your audience on topics you are an expert on. People are hungry to learn so you can start a podcast on just about any topic and find listeners. There is a low barrier to entry with modern technology.
How to do a podcast from different locations
If you want to interview someone who is not local you may be asking how to do a podcast with someone far away. At Podpopuli it is as easy as setting up a zoom meeting, their staff will connect the sound system into your computer.
Do Celebrities Get Paid to go on Podcasts?
Normally, podcast guests are not paid money. Payments are in exposure to the audience. The hope is that the guests will be able to highlight their services. It is possible that they made be paid or paid in other perks.
What Should your First Episode of a Podcast Be
Your first episode should be an introduction to you and your podcast. You want to share your goals for the podcast and what listeners can expect.
Can Kids Host Podcasts
Yes, kids and adults alike can be hosts of podcasts. In fact, Podpopuli has a program called PodKidz. They have kids as young as 9 who host their own podcasts.
Determine your Postcast Audience
It is easy to want to say my target audience is everyone. But if you want your audience to grow and grow quickly it is important that you know your targeting from the start.
Select a Good Title
A good title is key to grabbing the attention of your audience and for your listeners to remember to find your podcast later. Don't make it too narrow. Your podcast will evolve and you want the title to be able to grow with you.
Podcast Episode Planner
Consistency is key to a successful podcast. Your fans will want to know when they can expect your next episode. The most popular podcasts have a podcast episode planner. So, pick a release schedule and stick to it. You can publish, weekly, every other week, or monthly. The frequency does not matter, just that you pick a schedule you can stick to. My friend Dawn, from The Empowered CEO who works with PodPopuli said she loves working with them because she booked her time slot for the entire year. This allowed her to be consistent and publish a new podcast each week.
A Professional Microphone is a Necessity
Many people listen to podcasts on the go so they are often listening through headphones. So, your sound quality is very important. You have one chance to grab listeners. If they are turned off by poor sound quality, you will most likely not get a second chance. Yes, your computer has an internal microphone, but it is not good enough. You need a professional microphone.
You don't need a super expensive one, but you do need an external microphone.
Don't want to worry about the quality of your sound? Check out a podcast recording studio like Podpopuli where they use state-of-the-art equipment. And have a concierge, engineer, and producers to monitor and fix your sound quality, content, and experience that will make your show come alive!
Get to the Point
Small talk as you introduce your guest is ok. But, remember to get to the good stuff as quickly as possible to hook your listeners to stay with you.
Show Format and Length
Determine the format of your show. Keep in mind that it can change from episode to episode. And that people's attention span is short. The type of content you are sharing will help you determine the length of your podcast.
-
Can a Podcast be One Person
Yes, you can host and be your own guest.
-
Podcast with Two Hosts
If you have good chemistry with another person you can definitely podcast with two hosts.
-
3 Person Podcast Setup
This is one of the things I love about PodPopuli. The studio is set up with 4 microphones so you can easily have a 3 person podcast setup or even 4.
Editing Matters
Good editing makes all the difference in your final podcast. You want the end product to be crisp and clean.
Add-in:
- Podcast introduction
- Your music
Remove:
- Awkward silences
- Rambling
- Coughing or sneezing
- Curse words
Create Show Notes
Show notes are the written overview of what was said. These should be added to your website and will help drive traffic to your site via SEO.
Distribute Everywhere
Listeners can be very particular and may only want to listen to podcasts on their platform of choice. So, distribute your podcast to all the platforms. I am excited that PodPopuli distributes to all the major platforms for you.
Have a Marketing Plan
When a new episode of your podcast is live how do you plan to promote it?
- Social Media Post
- Instagram and Facebook Stories
- Ask your guests to do the same so you can get in front of their audience too
Measure Your Sucess
Monitor the engagement on your posts promoting each episode. As well as the downloads. This will give you an idea of the topics your audience likes best.
Don'ts of Podcasting
Don't Just Try to Sell
Keep in mind that you need to add value to your listener. You want to entertain them, educate them, or inspire them. Don't have the entire episode as one big sales pitch for your company or products.
Don't Be Too Scripted
You want to be professional and have some questions prepared so that the conversation flows naturally. But you do not want to be overly scripted. Remember people are only listening to you so it is important that you are animated when you talk. Don’t just read off your notes. You will end up with a boring show that will turn people off. A good podcast is driven by two things - PASSION and CURIOSITY. Tap into yours, and the audience will engage with theirs.
Don't Forget to Interact With Your Audience
As you start to build an audience your listeners will want to connect with you. Make sure you respond to emails and DMs. Connecting with your fans will help you get the most loyal fans.
Don't Just Focus on Downloads
Measuring your success is important, but don't just focus on downloads.
Leave a Reply