1. Equipment and Setup
Microphone quality is the most important element of audio production. Always avoid using the built-in microphones on your devices. The next most critical element is the environment in which you record.
Try and record in a smaller, cluttered room rather than a large, open-plan room with hard floors. If you are using a computer, put a rug under the desk to absorb reflected sound. You can also change the way the room sounds by placing absorbent materials, such as foam or thick, soft curtains, in parts of the room. This will help to reduce the amount of sound bouncing around the room and being picked up by the microphone. Lastly, investing in a good, comfortable pair of headphones is a must.
Not only do these help you monitor the quality of the recording, but it’s also vital that they produce a ‘true’ representation of the sound. This means that your headphones shouldn’t emphasize the bass or treble sounds, otherwise, the recording might be ‘equalized’ based on what you have heard, and what you listen back to might be completely different. Good headphones should be comfortable and provide good isolation from background noise; a closed-back design is usually the best choice for recording work.
Closed-back headphones have solid earpieces which should help stop sound from bleeding into the microphone and also prevent you from being distracted by other sounds. In contrast, open-backed headphones can offer a better natural, open sound quality, but because the earpiece is not sealed, sound can leak in and also out of the headphones, which can be a problem when recording and for the person doing the recording.
When it comes to selecting the best equipment and setup for your podcast, remember that a podcast is all about the spoken word! However stunning your visuals might be, your audience will decide very quickly whether your content is any good by the audio quality.
So, don’t rush. Take time to practice and do a few ‘practice’ recordings. Listen back with headphones and be critical – was the sound clear and the volume correct? Be prepared to change things; if you find that your selected microphone isn’t producing a good sound, don’t be afraid to try a different one. With careful selection of the right equipment and setup, you can achieve more control of your recording and guarantee a superior sound quality.
1.1. Choose the right microphone
Remember that no two people’s voices are the same and what works for one individual may not be best for another. Always try and test a microphone before you purchase one. Look for stores that have space for you to trial products or ask if friends or family have a suitable microphone that you could test for a few days. Recording technology does not stay the same over time and new, cheaper, or more advanced products could be released, so be sure to look at reviews and guides that have been written recently to get the most accurate information.
The best option for a USB microphone, as recommended by podcastinsights.com, is the ATR2100x-USB Microphone. It is a versatile microphone and is excellent value for money. Alternatively, Blue Yeti and Rode offer high-quality and highly recommended USB microphones and are both used by experienced podcasters around the world.
Because of this increased complexity, I would recommend starting with a USB microphone and then looking to upgrade as you become more experienced and comfortable with podcasting to ensure minimal risk. These kinds of microphones are fantastic for most podcasts and can be used by streaming and voice-over artists alike.
The last thing you should consider is who is going to be talking into the microphone. If it will only be you on your podcast, then a cardioid microphone is what you need. These microphones will pick up sounds to the front of the microphone and a little from the sides, but almost none from the rear.
This helps to concentrate the attention on the speaker and stops any outdoor noise from creeping in. If you plan to have a co-host or guests on the same microphone, you should look at an omnidirectional microphone. These microphones will pick the sound up from all around, meaning that multiple people can talk into it at once.
However, from a sound quality and control perspective, XLR microphones are the best option, especially as your podcast becomes more established and the potential for having remote guests increases. This is because XLR microphones will support a process called “phantom power,” which will become wonderful when you start to look into advanced audio processing.
Some microphones will connect to your computer via a USB port, whereas technically more advanced microphones will connect using an XLR cable which will need to be purchased separately. The advantage of using a USB microphone is that it can simply plug straight into your computer and be ready to use almost instantly. USB microphones are also generally much cheaper than XLR microphones, especially when you consider you will also need an audio interface to enable you to connect it to your computer.
Podcasters often use dynamic microphones or condenser microphones.
Dynamic microphones are good at handling high-volume sounds and are very durable. They are often used by stage performers. Condenser microphones are more sensitive and have a greater frequency response. They are great for capturing the detail in quieter and more intricate sounds.
When it comes to selecting a microphone for your podcast, the choices can be overwhelming. Remember that the most important aspect you should be looking at in a microphone is the size of the diaphragm. This is the part that actually captures the sound. Larger diaphragms will have a more rich and detailed sound, whereas smaller diaphragms are generally lower quality and feature on items such as phones and mobile devices.
1.2. Set up a quiet recording space
Now, you need to find an appropriate space for recording. It doesn’t have to be big, but it’s best to avoid rooms with lots of hard surfaces – like wooden floors or big open windows. Sound can bounce off these surfaces and create a bit of a messy, echo-y recording.
Soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, or curtains can help to soak up this extra noise and give you a clearer sound. If you’re going to be recording at different times of the day, think about when the quietest time is in your house. Perhaps you live near a busy road and rush hour is particularly noisy, or maybe your neighbors like to have a loud chat when they get home from work.
Try and pick a time that’s going to give you some peace and quiet and remember that it doesn’t have to be completely noise-free – difficult noise can always be edited out later. It’s worth doing a test recording in the places you have in mind. These positions are practical and tested for their effectiveness but you might need to adjust your set-up based on the layout of your room or natural lighting.
As a general rule, avoid facing a flat wall – the sound of your voice will hit the wall and bounce straight back which can make the recording sound a bit hollow. Instead, try and face into the room itself. This gives the sound waves more space to move and will help to prevent any echo. However, make sure you’re not too close to a wall or hard surface either – the recommended distance is about 20cm.
This will help to soften any sounds that bounce back and give you a much richer recording. If you’re struggling to find a position that works for you, consider setting up a makeshift sound booth. This can be done with something as simple as a clothes rail and a few thick blankets or duvets. By draping the blankets over the rail (or a similar structure) to create a wall behind where you’ll be recording and then stacking a few more blankets on the floor, you can effectively dampen the sound around your microphone and prevent echo.
Keep practicing and experimenting with your set-up until you find the perfect arrangement for your recording space!
1.3. Invest in quality headphones
When producing a podcast, it is imperative to use a reliable set of headphones, which will allow you to keep track of your audio quality. There are many different types of headphones available to buy on the current market, and some can be extremely expensive. However, it is important not to focus on price or fashion, but instead prioritize the headphones that produce the best sound quality.
Many podcasters prefer to use closed-back headphones, as they help to prevent sound from leaking into the microphone during recording. This design also helps to reduce background noise for the person wearing the headphones. Popular brands for closed-back headphones include Audio-Technica and Sony. When selecting headphones, the key things to consider are that they are comfortable, provide good sound isolation, and are durable. It is essential that they are comfortable, as you will potentially be wearing them for long periods of time.
Good sound isolation is also important, as it allows the headphones to provide a more accurate representation of the audio. Finally, the headphones should be durable and of good quality, to ensure that the sound does not deteriorate over time and that they will not have to be replaced frequently.
By using a high-quality set of headphones, you will be able to pick up on the minor details of the audio, such as lip smacks, background noise, and clipping. This will allow you to constantly monitor and adjust the audio, to prevent any technical issues from going unnoticed during the recording process.
This detailed level of sound quality is simply not possible with speakers, as even the best sound systems can’t provide the same accuracy and focus as a set of headphones can.
2. Planning and Content Creation
In planning for a successful podcast, the specifics of the episodes and amplification can be worked out later as the blueprint and content are developed. But having an idea of the broad direction to steer the creation of the content, will require attention just as the other facets of the podcast will do.
So here are 10 must-do’s for successful podcasting. First, know the goals and objectives of the podcast. What is it that the podcast sets out to achieve? Then, through the content proposal, module, and amplification, decide on the major marketing messages and calls to action that will be used to achieve the objectives.
Next, outline the topics that align with the marketing messages and weave them into the proposed content. Then, consider the different listener groups and how the modulated content could be tailored to meet their needs as well as how each call to action could be used to lead these groups towards relevant conversion points. When the strategy is published, ensure that the podcast is presented as an integral part of the marketing plan and that the vision described is communicated to all stakeholders.
Also, as the podcast gets produced, use appropriate methods to gather feedback from the audience or users of the podcast. Then collaborate with the director to ensure that the ongoing content of the podcast remains on message and delivers the objectives, reviewing this using the podcast blog.
Be prepared at each stage of the proposed content and module that the delivery of appropriate episodes is reviewed. Create and maintain a comprehensive plan that coordinates each episode of the podcast with the overall content proposition and marketing strategy for the organisation.
Well, the objectives of the podcast should be realistic and should be achievable within the expected responses and resources available. And while the overall content and direction of the podcast can be amended, the modulated content proposal should not be changed to suit the individual preferences of the contributors. Instead, directed and constructive feedback should be used to inform and improve the overall content.
2.1. Define your target audience
When creating a podcast, one of the most important things you need to do is define your target audience. This is important because it will help you know who you are directing your content to and what type of content will attract those listeners. To define your audience, you should start by researching other podcasts that are similar to what you want to create. Then, look at the reviews for these podcasts.
By doing this initial research and looking at what people are saying about similar podcasts, you can start to create a rough idea of the type of people that are listening to these podcasts. But, don’t just limit your research to what already exists. You should also consider the type of people that you think might be interested in the topic you want to create a podcast about.
Once you have a clear idea of who you are targeting your content to, you can start to create audience personas. Audience personas are basically profiles of the different types of people that you think would be interested in your content. For each persona, you should include: a rough biography of that person including details like age, gender, and interests; the type of problems or questions you think that person might have that your content is trying to address; and also think about what this person might get out of your content – why would they take time to listen to you?
By creating these detailed personas, you can have a clear reference point for the type of people you are marketing your podcasts to. Also, it might be the case that as your podcast develops and you gain listeners, you will find that your audience changes. For this reason, it’s also important to keep checking on who your audience is.
Look at the listener analytics for your podcasts to see if your audience personas match up with the people who are actually listening to your content. If they don’t, consider why that might be. Is it that your marketing strategy isn’t reaching the kind of people that you want it to, or is it maybe that the content you are producing isn’t quite in line with your audience personas?
Remember, if you start to redefine your content make sure it is a considered change. You don’t want to alienate any current listeners that you have.
2.2. Plan your episodes in advance
Another key to a successful podcast is planning. When you are interested in creating a podcast, you have to develop a plan. When is your first episode going to be released? How often do you intend to release an episode? How long is the show going to be? What will the podcast cover? How long do you think it will take you to work on each episode? These are all questions that need to be thought out and planned well in advance.
Create a schedule that ends at your first episode release date and includes all the tasks that need to be completed – everything from your script writing and recording (on which days and how long each day), to when you’ll edit, when you’ll create your show notes, when you’ll upload your final product, to even when you’ll do your in-house promotion.
The web offers many resources for these kinds of schedules. Planning in advance will help to ensure your success and will keep your stress level low once you get going. As American poet and writer Greg K Patschke once said, “A plan made in advance is better than no plan at all.” The bottom line – plan before you start, and things will go much smoother.
Don’t forget, that going through all the necessary steps to validate your podcast is very important. These steps include making sure there is an audience that is interested in your topic and taking the time to create and validate your content. If you take the time to do these important steps up front, your chances of success are that much greater.
So, really take the time to plan and make sure that you understand your niche and that you have something unique to offer. And again, make sure to run your idea by people who might be interested in your podcast. Get their opinion and ask for feedback! Also, on the technical end, take the time to do your research on what you’d like to use to host your media and develop your feed. And remember, planning will only take you so far – the key is to both plan and execute well.
It takes time to build an audience, but if you plan your podcast well and cover topics that haven’t already been done to death, you’ll find that it’s well worth it. Madalyn Sklar, Twitter marketing expert and host of the #TwitterSmarter podcast, always promotes her podcast in Twitter chats. She includes promo tweets with the hashtag #TwitterSmarter days and weeks leading up to the release of each new episode.
By doing this, her audience is reminded that her show is coming soon, and it creates anticipation for when her promotional tweets shift from “coming soon” to “the new episode is available now!” This is a great teaching on how best to use the social media platforms.
2.3. Create engaging and valuable content
In fact, the content must educate the audience about something by offering insightful knowledge. Not to mention that a podcast will help people with their problems. The content should also entertain the audience by providing them with enjoyment in some way. In addition, to make the podcast valuable, it is suggested that the depth and length of the discussion should be appropriate for the selected topic. Material should not repeat the same points and the discussion should not be too shallow. Moreover, sound quality is also an important factor in creating engaging and valuable content.
There should not be any background noise in the audio because it will distract the audience. Also, it is better to get a good-quality microphone and shock mount to improve sound quality. Last, but not least, try to lead into some kind of a conversation that the audience can continue on with. This means that the material introduced should allow some open-endedness of some sort at some place so that the audience may think about it.
By following this, the audience will find themselves coming back to listen to the material time and time again and chances are they probably will tell everyone they know about the podcast too. Well, promoting podcasts is good, isn’t it? Creating valuable content can help encourage the listener to support the podcast whether it is through donation or by rating it in iTunes. In conclusion, valuable content provides knowledge, entertains the audience, and benefits the podcaster as well.
Try to engage in a deep understanding of the material and don’t be afraid to express individual opinion. However, always remember that the opinion of the audience is as equally as important as the content’s opinion. Always be respectful and make changes in the light of anything.
2.4. Incorporate storytelling techniques
Moreover, storytelling is extremely important in every podcast. Storytelling techniques help to keep listeners engaged and entertained. For example, podcasters are encouraged to start with a strong and engaging opening to hook the audience in from the beginning, such as a shocking statement or an intriguing storyline. Then, rather than simply stating facts or sharing information, podcasters should aim to evoke emotional responses from their audience by telling stories that convey certain messages or illustrate particular themes.
This can be achieved through the use of descriptive language and by structuring the storytelling, e.g. beginning with an attention-grabbing start, then providing the main content with rising action and a central point, and finishing with a satisfying conclusion. In addition, one of the benefits of using a storytelling technique is being able to paint a picture and create a more imaginative experience for the audience. This keeps them interested and more likely to stick around and hear what happens, especially when podcasters learn to become good at building up tension throughout a story. By using emotional language and expressing feelings and emotions, a strong connection can be built with the audience.
This kind of connection not only helps to retain current listeners but also encourages them to share their newfound appreciation for the podcast, potentially converting others to start listening as well. All in all, storytelling is a powerful tool for creating an engaging podcast and it does not have to be solely restricted to genres that focus on narrating fictional stories.
Whether podcasters produce a true crime series, a society and culture discussion, or a scientific show, the use of storytelling can immensely improve the quality and enjoyability of the podcast. So, it is recommended to always look for opportunities to incorporate different kinds of story arcs and create personal connections between the content and the audience.
3. Recording and Editing
After settling on the equipment and eluding background noise, recording software has to be selected. It’s noteworthy that most recording software differs when it comes to compatibility with varied equipment, and ease of use among others and therefore, it’s crucial for one to consider a number of comparisons. Multitrack and stockpile are some of the traits of good recording software. Multitrack gives you a chance to record each speaker on discrete tracks while stockpile saves all the voice data on one track. Moreover, you need to be covert on software updates.
Through optimizing audio levels and quality, your viewers will be provided with a solid and stabilized sound. It’s significant for the recording volume to be as loud as possible without distortion and balancing audio levels provides a more enjoyable listening experience. One can make a close-fisted audio better by lightly beating the loudest parts with a thing called a limiter and then dialing up the overall volume of the track.
However, volume peaks will be spurned by recomposing the track to fall entirely under the limit. In a bid to perfect the audio and make the podcast interesting, it’s essential to edit out mistakes and imperfect timings. Through editing the track like a professional, the audio quality of the track will be much improved. There are many ways you could edit your trail like using the cut, erase, split, fade, and amplify tools which cunningly have relatively much impact on the track quality. For instance, should there be any pause or a mistake in the trail, a split tool can be used to erase the paw marks and then the erase tool will be simply tapped so that the selected area is removed.
On the other hand, if you want to make either the filiation or the crescendo of a song better, the fade and amplify tools can be used. Use the amplify tool to either increase or decrease the aggregate and the fade tool to create either a fade-in or a fade-out in the audio track.
3.1. Use a reliable recording software
When you’re setting up your podcast recording space, you’ll need to consider the recording software you’re going to use. You’ll need to choose software that’s reliable, user-friendly, and can work on your computer without crashing or causing issues. There are different programs and software out there, some free and some pay-to-use. It’s worth looking at different options online and researching what might be best for you. Some top recommended podcast recording software includes Audacity, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition, sound editing software used by professionals in the industry. Personally, I use Adobe Audition for editing podcasts.
The interface is easy to use and the software is very reliable, with lots of options for me to edit each episode to a high standard. Generally, free and open-source software has become large in the podcast industry due to improvements in what is on offer. Many podcast hosts can accept drag-and-drop files and it can be great to edit the main folder to add in the audio or in a similar way using file transfer protocols. This way, once you’ve recorded the audio onto your computer, it can be saved directly into the episode’s main folder without the need to open the recording interface in the editing software – a real timesaver! However, some software such as GarageBand only really lets you produce and record sound using the Mac posted software, and then once the live recording is done the user will have to click the share button.
Once done then the user can export the file and share it to the Podcast Host. However, using a high-quality recording studio and industry-standard audio engineering software is recommended for best results although prior knowledge will be required to ensure your settings will end with a high-standard audio file. Be sure to check the systems and technology you will need to transfer files between your own devices to get used to a new piece of software.
3.2. Optimize audio levels and quality
Another important step in the process of creating a successful podcast is ensuring that your audio levels are consistent throughout the recording. When audio levels vary greatly from one moment to the next, it can create a jarring experience for listeners. To help maintain consistency, be sure to avoid speaking too loudly or too softly, and try to keep a consistent distance between yourself and the microphone. In addition, you may want to consider using the ‘compression’ effect – available in most recording software – to reduce the dynamic range of your voice and create a more consistent overall volume. Starting off with good-quality audio is the best way to ensure your podcast will sound the best it can be. It’s always best to record in a quiet, treated space and make the most of good microphone technique.
Keep your mouth around a fist distance from the microphone for the best tonality and clarity. When recording, aim to have your recording levels peaking at around -6dB. This will give you plenty of headroom and avoid clipping/distortion. Don’t worry if the recording isn’t very loud as you can always bump the volume up in post-production. Using a pop filter can help to smooth out any unwanted loud sounds when recording, such as ‘P’, ‘B’, and ‘T’. It can also help to stop any saliva from your mouth from getting onto the microphone! Many podcasters get put off setting up their recording space as they are afraid of losing the raw, natural sound of a recording.
However, by making sure your microphone is well positioned (for example, by using a shock mount that isolates the microphone from any bumps and bangs to your desk), unwanted background noise can be reduced. This all contributes to a better, clearer sound that you will achieve. By properly caring for your microphone, avoiding excess resonances from your recording space, and using the correct microphone technique, your recordings should be free of any low-frequency hums.
This is fairly simple to remove and is often the result of electrical interference. However, it is imperative that all live sources of electricity in your recording area are properly earthed and that any audio cables are kept well away from any nasty electrical cables – such as power strips and extension leads. If your recordings have a consistent noise present, then using a noise reduction effect in your software can significantly reduce this. This effect essentially ‘learns’ the noise profile and will attempt to filter it out. It is very important that you define the noise profile in a silent portion of your audio recording to avoid mistakenly trying to filter out parts of your dialogue.
This process may reduce the overall background volume, meaning you’ll have to make small compensations with a volume effect once the noise reduction has been run. Don’t overdo it with these; while they can help to create a consistent volume across your dialogue, they can also introduce what is called ‘digital distortion’ – a rather unpleasant and very noticeable side effect that affects your audio quality.
3.3. Edit out mistakes and improve pacing
After recording, it’s time to edit the audio in post-production. The first step is to carefully listen through the whole recording, cutting out any possible mistakes. To do this, listen to the same segment several times, focusing on a different aspect of the pacing for each listen. For example, you might be initially trying to listen to the fluency of words, whether they sound natural, and whether they are spaced well enough apart. Then, listen to and watch the waveform, cutting out any obvious mistakes, such as false starts or extended pauses.
Try not to make the mistake of being overly critical of the spoken word itself. If we focus on the way our own voices sound and the actual words being spoken too much, we may end up taking out areas of the audio that are actually perfectly good. Always remember to spend some time reflecting on what the most organic and responsible pace of the audio should be and how long it takes before one change happens.
The best podcasts embrace a seamless and consistent audio experience, and that’s why you should be confident and give it the time it needs to naturally bridge the gap between two changes. Always remember, while editing the pacing within the podcast is important, sometimes it’s important to leave an area alone if it means that you won’t sacrifice the continuity between pauses or notable changes in the podcast’s narrative or topic. By trying to embrace a more holistic approach, letting areas of potential change be highlighted by pauses, and letting the delivery of words in separate sections change organically, these techniques will help you maintain a positive and healthy pace throughout the audio.
We have been employing these tips and tricks in editing our Transforming Teaching and Learning Podcast Series, and the responses and comments we have received about the pace and fluency of the audio have been truly exceptional! The last step is to add in any music, jingles, or extra filler sounds if required and adjust the vocal and background sound levels. Also, add in the podcast introduction at the start and a call-to-action at the end. This can subsequently be exported and saved as an MP3 file, and you’re good to go!
4. Promotion and Engagement
Developing a marketing strategy is key to any successful marketing campaign. For promoting your podcast, the first step is defining your marketing goals. This could be to increase podcast subscribers, to boost engagement, or drive traffic to your website. Having a clear focus will help you to effectively choose your marketing strategy. For example, to increase subscribers, you could create a giveaway prize draw to encourage people to sign up. Or to drive traffic, you could create compelling blog content on your website and market this through organic and paid social techniques.
Another key step is to know your target audience. In this case, you need to research where your desired subscribers are already interacting, so you can put your podcast in front of them. For example, understanding which social media platforms your audience is most active on will inform your choice of advertising channel. This will help you to get the best possible results from your marketing efforts by targeting the right people. In addition, consider your unique selling point. This is the thing that sets your podcast apart and gives people a reason to listen. This could be your original content, your guest speakers, or even just the style of your podcast.
Make sure to remind people of this throughout your marketing material to encourage them to hit that subscribe button. It can also be useful to conduct a “SWOT” analysis. This means thoroughly evaluating your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This could be in relation to your podcast as a whole before you start promotion, or you could carry out this analysis on individual marketing strategies. For example, a very common marketing method is to pay for space in a newsletter.
By cross-examining your strengths and opportunities with the weaknesses and threats, you will be able to make informed decisions. When you’ve developed your ideas for the marketing strategy, take the time to discuss these with your friends, family or colleagues and get any feedback you can. A fresh pair of eyes might shed some light on something you hadn’t considered, or they might strengthen your belief in a particular strategy. It’s always better to iron out any issues with a plan before the marketing campaign launches. And as the results start to come in, make sure to adapt and change your strategy where necessary by using data insights.
This will make sure you’re always aiming to get the best results possible for your goals.
4.1. Develop a marketing strategy
Engaging the right advertising tactics is another important step. You can start by cross-promoting your podcast with blogs, social media, or anything that has a similar thread of forums. Then, reach out to online publications related to your specific podcast topic and ask for a feature story or an interview. Don’t hesitate to send out press releases whenever you have a new episode. Moreover, investing in social media advertising can also help to expand your audience.
On Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you can simply create an advertisement for your podcast. All you need is a good eye-catching visuals, some pithy copy and a target demographic and you may find followers come when you add published. Consider any physical opportunity to publicize your podcast, such as your business card, digital signature or your car with permanent or temporary decals. Posting flyers in community parks, nearby cafeterias or local libraries. The more interesting the places, the more people will find curiosity and may listen to your podcast.
Always look for an opportunity to include your contact information or web address. Every link created by your marketing effort will improve the traffic to your podcast and eventually expand your audience base. Remember, never stop submitting your podcast to aggregators. From social networks like Facebook to streaming services like Spotify, make sure your podcast is where it can be found.
By including your podcast in the aggregator, more and more listeners could access your episodes. It can be a maximizing way to boost your online presence. Lastly, monitoring the results of your marketing efforts is crucial. You should always be ready to re-evaluate and modify your strategies based on the feedback. Google Analytics and social media insights can help you understand the demographic, interests, and behavior of your audience.
Meanwhile, reading reviews, analyzing download data, and talking to people also give you a better picture of what is working and what is not. Always keep testing different approaches and find your most effective way to market your podcast.
4.2. Utilize social media platforms
Another key practice to growing your audience is to use social media platforms as part of your marketing strategy. Link your podcast to popular social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Share new episodes on your podcast’s accounts. Also, encourage your listeners to follow and interact with you on social media to help create a community around your podcast. And when your listeners do reach out to you on social media, respond! An open dialogue with your listeners not only helps to build a loyal audience, but can also provide inspiration for future episodes.
By sharing updates and content on social media, along with engaging with your listeners, you can take advantage of the modern trend of ‘second screening’ – where people use their smartphones or tablets whilst watching TV or listening to audio. If you manage to get your followers interacting with you on social media whilst listening to your podcast, they can share the experience via retweets, shares, or comments and thus help to spread the word to more potential new fans.
So promoting your podcast does not have to be a separate job from enjoying creating content and engaging with your audience; by using a variety of marketing methods and social media, growing your podcast listeners can become as much of a buzz as recording the episodes themselves!
4.3. Collaborate with other podcasters
One effective way to grow your podcast audience is to collaborate with other podcasters. When you collaborate with other podcasters and appear as a guest in their podcasts, their audience will get to know you. This can be a very effective way to reach a wider audience. In fact, statistics show that 63 percent of listeners bought something a host had promoted on a podcast with an integrated ad. This means that if a podcaster is promoting you as a guest, their audience is very likely to check out your podcast, download your content, and engage with what you have to offer.
If you’re on the same wavelength as other podcasters, consider teaming up and creating a co-branded podcast series. By doing this, you’ll be able to build a community of listeners who will not only engage with the content but also become more engaged in your own community. Also, this provides cross-promotional weapons, where both of the parties can promote each other’s content and therefore help grow each other’s audiences.
Finally, when you collaborate with other podcasters, you are opened up to the opportunity to do integrated advertising. This type of digital marketing provides more than just a shout out to your podcast. It provides the potential for the business owner and host to create a working partnership and grow their businesses together.
Visualize scanning through different podcasts and realizing material that you have listened to in the past, and then realizing that two individuals have created a collaboration which has resulted in fresh and exciting content. It has been statistically proven that integrated ad space is a solid method of increasing customer conversion and promotion value.
Data shows that over half of listeners have visited a sponsor’s website or purchased a product. By utilizing integrated ad disputes and collaboration between your co-host, you can enable not just promotion but also a mutually beneficial working relationship which could elevate both of your businesses.
By creating original and engaging content together, both the business and host have the possibility to attract new customers and produce excellent results. When engaging with the sponsorship workflow process in tandem with helping each other to develop and optimize integrated marketing strategies, a much closer bond is established between both parties. Ergo, successfully increasing the promo power for podcast supernatural podcasts. Only by working together and combining the services of both host and business can integrated ad space really deliver the results expected, to support the creation of more original and innovative projects. Collaborative integrated advertising provides unique challenges different from any other medium of moving images or sound.
The difficulty of making an advertisement stand out to consumers and generate revenue from incoming traffic can only be solved by engaging and participating in the concepts of promotion outlined. As a business owner, finding the best method to drive traffic to services and products whilst maintaining an increasingly interconnected body of potential consumers is the real challenge.
So by employing such strategies as integrated marketing collaboratively on a platform such as a podcast, where there is inherently more scope for engagement on a personal level from consumers, the potential to maximize promotional efficiency surpasses that of ten-second ad space on popular television or mass email marketing.
4.4. Engage with your audience through feedback and Q&A
By involving your audience in your podcast, you can not only provide the content they are looking for but also increase the loyalty to your podcast. It is a great way to actively involve your audience and give them a voice. A simple way to engage with your audience is to get people to suggest ideas for podcast topics – this can be through something like a Twitter poll, where you give them a list of options to choose from.
Using an audience participation tool that allows people to respond in real-time, or a ‘Q&A’ feature in your podcasts are also easy and effective ways to get feedback from your listeners. Also, you could create a section at the end of each podcast where you respond to any feedback or questions your audience has sent you. This could enable you to create a personal connection with your listeners as they will feel more involved and will be able to understand and feel satisfied when you respond to their specific comments or suggestions.
In relation to this, some podcasters create dedicated episodes that are oriented around answering listener questions – they may call this type of episode a ‘mailbag’ or ‘Q&A’ episode. This is a good way to help you out if you ever struggle to think of new content. However, remember feedback should be viewed and reviewed as constructive advice – use it to tailor and improve the quality of your podcast. If you choose to ignore all feedback, you run the risk of producing podcasts that may not retain as many listeners in the long term.
Also, creating lots of opportunities for your audience to interact with your podcast can lead to strong community development that may even exist independently of you as a content creator. For example, listeners may give their own responses to feedback and create a sort of ‘discussion’ through a comments section or a social media page.
In this way, your audience can feel connected to the topics and themes in a different sort of way through the feedback system you have created.
Bidemi Adedire
Creative Director
