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What is Podcast?
A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically as defined by dictionaries is called Podcast.
I like to define a Podcast as a form of audio broadcasting on the web. It can be listened to on the go while commuting to the office or even while working. It’s a content medium that doesn’t require all of your target audience’s attention like a video or a blog post.
For business owners, podcasts can be an excellent way to develop an intimate connection with listeners and potential customers. They’re hearing you speak, one on one, which helps to humanize your relationship in a way that your written content can’t. Plus, offering different ways for your audience to engage with your content and your brand which in itself is a great way to build trust.
Podcasting can also help you build a reputation from scratch and position yourself as an authority in your niche. You can drive traffic to your online store, through backlinks in podcast directories as well as direct your listeners to visit your site, social profile and pages at the end of each episode.
Types of Podcasts
- The Interview Podcasts
- Solo Podcasts
- Multi-Host Podcasts
Equipment Needed to Start a Podcast
1. Good microphone
Blue Yeti USB Microphone is a good option.
2. Portable Digital Recorder
Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder.
3. Stereo Headphones
Sony ZX Series is again good to have.
4. Pop Filter (noise cancellation filter)
Audio Recording & Editing Software
- Audacity (free to use for PC and Mac)
- Adobe Audition (paid, for PC and Mac)
- GarageBand (free, Mac)
Before Recording Your Podcast
Prepare and keep this ready before you start recording your Podcast, this is handy.
- Podcast Name
The name of a podcast should help potential listeners know what the podcast is about. By including the exact topic in your name you increase your likelihood of being found for that specific keyword. Podcast tip: include the exact topic in your podcast name and you’ll greatly increase your likelihood of being found for that specific keyword. Simple Podcast SEO tip.
2. Podcast Description
Podcast description must include as many relevant phrases and keywords as possible of your podcast. This is going to help people to find your content – the content that they’re interested in and searching for. Remember, Spotify and iTunes are search engines, and most people that come across your podcast will likely discover it via search, at least primarily when your podcast is new.
Similarly, Podcast categories and sub-categories are also very important, choose the right ones, if you do not find the right one, then go for the best which describes your podcast.
3. Host Name
This is, obviously, your name (or your business’ name) – but you can include a few more things to help your podcast rank higher for specific keywords. For example, a digital marketing training institute could write “[Company Name]: Digital Marketing Strategies.” Search the keyword “blogger” in iTunes and explore the podcasts section and you’ll see what we mean.
4. Podcast Artwork
Get a compelling cover made, this helps in getting your audience hooked. Use images and fonts that are large enough to be visible at almost any size. It should be maximum 2048×2048 and minimum 1400×1400.
Podcast Recording
First, you’ll need a microphone plugged into your PC and an audio recording software open, like Audacity. You’ll also need to ensure your recording software is using your mic as the input device. After that’s done, click the record button in your audio software and chat away.
In this case, we will use Audacity (a free tool), follow these steps.
- Ensure that Audacity has selected your microphone as the default input device by opening the device toolbar. Perform a few tests to double-check.
- Press the R key or “Record” button to begin recording.
- Press the P key or “Pause” button to suspend recording temporarily, but not completely terminate it. You can’t edit in this mode.
- Press Spacebar or “Stop” button to stop recording.
- If you want to start again from where you stopped without making an extra track, press Shift-R or press the “Record” button while holding down the “Shift” key.
- Press R key or the “Record” button again to record a new track.
Podcast Editing
Editing your recording enables you to keep a consistent volume, add in your intro and outro (discussed separately in this blog) as well as correct mistakes or remove gaps of dead air you might’ve created during your session. Again, any of the audio software recommended above, like Audacity, Adobe Audition or GarageBand should get the job done.
Some good settings you might want to test in your audio editor are those that automatically stabilize the volume, thereby removing spikes of high volume and a setting that eliminates or removes background pops and noise. Once you finish the editing, save it as an MP3 file, with a 44.1 Mhz sample rate and 128 kbps bitrate.
Once your recording is saved, we suggest editing the file’s ID3 tags. ID tags provide MP3 players and other devices with more information about the file, like the name of the artist and the name of the podcast episode. This way, MP3 players can display track information.
In Windows and Mac, using Open Metadata Editor and using Audacity allows you to insert ID3 tags like episode name, podcast name and artwork. It can also be done on iTunes. Then there’s also ID3 Editor (costs USD 15) which makes editing of ID3 tags a lot easier on Mac.
ID3 tags editing isn’t necessary and it doesn’t help your listing rank better on iTunes. But it adds a nice touch, especially for those who download your episodes to listen later on different devices.
Podcast Web Hosting Server
One of our best podcast hosting tips is to make sure that you have an individual host just for your MP3 files. Even if you have a website and a web host already, you don’t want to host your podcast audio on the same server. Most shared web hosts don’t have the speed or bandwidth to keep up with the demand that streaming and downloading MP3s require. Fortunately, media hosts make podcast hosting affordable. Here are the ones most podcasters use and recommend:
Buzzsprout – costs $12 a month Upload 3 hrs each month, and more. Good for Beginners. They have a free plan too.
LibSyn – costs $5 a month for 50Mb of space with unlimited bandwidth. No free plans.
Think about your publishing schedule before you purchase podcast hosting. Let’s say you’re planning to release a weekly episode. That’s 4 episodes a month. If each episode is an hour-long, every episode’s file might be around 50Mb, which means you’ll likely require over 200Mb per month. Generally, it’s wise to pay a little more for the option that gives you a little more space than you require, just in case.
Key Podcasting Takeaways
- Develop and test your format (at least a few times)
- Have a recording and publishing schedule (be consistent)
- Have topics prepared for the first 10 episodes (least) before you start
- Know what you have to do to get your podcast hosted, do your research
- Create a website and decide how you will present new episodes
- Account for editing and production time
- Think about audio quality (very important, use the best equipment, do not compromise)
- Work to drive listeners to your podcast. Podcast SEO (check out the tips).
- Podcasts help build a relationship with your audience
- Podcasts provide continued value to your customers
Creating Podcast Intro and Outro
The intro of any podcast sets the stage. Your intro will either grab your listener’s attention or lose it. Your outro should always wrap up the podcast and leave a call to action.
Read further to understand the best practices:
The Intro
When creating your podcast intro, it’s important to include your name, the name of your podcast, whom you are creating the podcast for, and what the overall theme of the podcast is. For each episode, you will want to present a problem and solution in your intro and how you will be discussing it throughout your podcast.
For example, say you are an interior designer and your target listeners are homebuyers who are trying to learn everything they can after they purchase their first home. Their biggest problem is understanding the overall home interior process.
The podcast best practice is to have a pre-recorded intro for each episode that doesn’t change, followed by an episode-specific intro that sets the stage for each episode.
With this strategy, you are setting your podcast up for success and immediately informing the listener how listening to your podcast will add value to their lives.
The Outro
When creating an outro, you should thank your listeners for tuning in, point them to your show notes, offer a teaser for the next episode, and include a clear call to action—such as subscribing, going to your website, or leaving a review.
While your intro and outro will change for each episode, it’s important to plan how you want them to sound to ensure consistency when creating future episodes.
How to Hook Your Podcast Audience?
- Give a Strong Start
- Re-engage with your audience every 2-5 minutes
- Think about your audience and how you will find them
- Use good artwork and write strong descriptions, categories and sub-categories
- Keep a good watch on the data/analyse the statistics
Podcast Hosting Platforms
The best podcast hosting companies as of 2021 are:
Useful Resource:
- OBERLO
- Youtube: How to Start a Podcast
