Podcasts are all the rage but that doesn’t mean your organization should produce one. In this week’s #ContetnChat we were joined by freelance podcast producer Scott Murray to discuss the pros and cons of podcasting, and how to get started with it.
For ease of browsing, here are a few of the podcast tools mentioned during the chat:
Have a favorite podcasting tool we didn’t include here? Leave it in the comments!
A1: What should I consider before creating a podcast?
Your boss or client just asked you to start a podcast. but before you start working on your cover image and marketing plan, take a moment to consider a few things.
Does your audience need a podcast?
Hi, everyone! A1: What am I passionate about? Who is my audience? Can my theme generate 20-45 topics a year? Do I need a co-host? How should I format it? What can I do to stand out? #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A1. It is important to consider the #audience you’re trying to reach in order to effectively market your #podcast to them. #ContentChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) December 4, 2017
A1
what do you plan to talk about?
What kind of format?
What audience are you hoping to reel in? How often will you post?
How is your podcast different from others?#ContentChat pic.twitter.com/elPxzkwRId— Tony wants Pumpkin 3.141592653589793238 (@SirKingofGifs) December 4, 2017
Can you keep up with a regular podcast publishing cadence?
A1 Can you keep it going? In theory, a podcast sounds fun. But it takes discipline and commitment to do one regularly. #ContentChat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) December 4, 2017
Agreed. Most podcasts stop after 2 months because the host either believes producing it is too hard/time consuming, or they run out of content to talk about. #ContentChat
— Jason Schemmel – Podcaster. Speaker. #GSDChat (@JasonSchemmel) December 4, 2017
Do you have unique and compelling content that is best shared in a podcasting format?
1. Who is your audience?
2. What are you offering that no one else does?
3. What do you need to actually record/edit the episodes?
4. What is your plan for promotion?#contentchat #podcasting https://t.co/80QNsAHNu2— Amanda Milligan (@millanda) December 4, 2017
A1: Do you have something worthwhile to share with people? Will your audience be interested in a podcast format? #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 4, 2017
Do you have the right tools and resources?
A1: What kind of equipment and know how will you need? Is a podcast a more effective/efficient format for the topic than another? #contentchat https://t.co/BE3V87N5Av
— A. B. England (@A_B_England) December 4, 2017
A2: What are the business benefits of hosting a podcast?
Podcasts are more than just another content marketing channel. They have some unique business benefits.
Podcasts connect with your audience on an emotional level and build new relationships.
A2: Podcasts provide a different way for you to connect with your audience and deliver valuable content. #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 4, 2017
A2. #Podcasts are highly #engaging and help build effective relationships with your listeners. It is also another medium that can welcome a new #audience if you haven’t used it before, increasing traffic to your business. #ContentChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) December 4, 2017
A2: A compelling podcast on a topic of interest to your ideal customer will help you start building relationships and gain word-of-mouth referrals as a resource. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) December 4, 2017
A2: Podcasts are another way to humanize and give audience the feeling of really knowing you. #contentchat pic.twitter.com/kb89T3ZHeP
— Alan Fleming (@alan_fleming) December 4, 2017
A2 – My favorite line ever – paraphrased – “It’s a lot easier to call up a perspective customer and ask them to be on a podcast than to buy product.” #ContentChat
— Jeff Reno(e) 🤘🎙🤘 (@Renoe) December 4, 2017
Podcasts build your thought leadership profile.
A2: A new way to disseminate original content to your audience. Can show you are a thought leader on a subject and you have total control of the content as well. #contentchat #podcasting
— SRB Communications (@SRBComm) December 4, 2017
A2. The business benefits of podcast are numerous. You get to:
– Meet new people in your industry and pick their brains
– Establish yourself as an authority in your space
– Offer valuable content to your audience that builds trust
– Etc. etc.— Amanda Milligan (@millanda) December 4, 2017
Podcasts allow you to reach a segment of your audience that prefers audio content.
A2 I’m not sure but it does bring a different perspective to the brand. Some companies repurpose their content to podcasts which is perfect for people who prefer listening to content. Having a sponsor helps. #ContentChat pic.twitter.com/ixmMDvtoYV
— Tony wants Pumpkin 3.141592653589793238 (@SirKingofGifs) December 4, 2017
If all people know about a brand is via websites, text, commercials…but then they suddenly hear real PEOPLE talking on a podcast…that personal connection can help. Same with video content. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A2: Podcasts help you stay top of mind when people’s hands are busy, as in travel. They position you as an expert. They can add entertainment value for your brand #contentchat
— Joanne Masterson (@attentionisgood) December 4, 2017
Podcasts can provide fuel for your other content channels.
A2: The added gold, I think, in hosting a podcast would be the massive potential for repurposing the podcast transcript. So much material there for all social channels and your blog. #ContentChat https://t.co/MJUA8XopQf
— Darcy De Leon 📝 (@darcydeleon) December 4, 2017
A3: Ok, I’m sold on podcasting. What do I need from a tech standpoint to get started?
It takes more than just a great idea to get your podcast started. You need the right tools for producing and distributing your podcast, and people to take the podcast from topic to distributed file.
Have iPhone, will podcast.
I’ve recorded a podcast with only an iPhone. It’s possible #ContentChat
— Christoph Trappe (@CTrappe) December 4, 2017
Audio editing tools are helpful for creating a polished final product.
A3. To create a #podcast, one of the things you’ll need is an #audio editing software. #ContentChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) December 4, 2017
Totally agree. When I started I got a mic from Amazon, used Audacity for editing and @libsyn account for hosting. Oh, and Ecamm’s Skype call recorder for the interviews I do. #contentchat
— Amanda Milligan (@millanda) December 4, 2017
A3: A lot more tech know how than I had when I started. (my choices in parenthesis)
1) Podcast Host (Simplecast)
2) Editing Software (GarageBand)
3) Microphone (I prefer the Yeti)
4) Websites are nice (NameCheap + https://t.co/83KDSSEjV4)
5) Skype (+knowledge)#ContentChat pic.twitter.com/Mu4FPqEfA4— Jeff Reno(e) 🤘🎙🤘 (@Renoe) December 4, 2017
Invest in a good quality microphone and headphones.
It doesn’t have to be expensive. A quality mic (you can get a USB one for $50), editing software – Audacity is free. Someone to produce a quality logo. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A3: A nice microphone is a must! You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you want to make sure your audio is great. #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 4, 2017
A3)
– Mic AND headphones (for the love of God use headphones!…or find out the hard way like I did).
– Skype & OBS is a good bootstrapped way of recording
– I prefer @zencastr (they offer free basic recording that’s awesome)
– Libsyn or other audio hosting#ContentChat pic.twitter.com/N1jJlYUwAe— Jason Schemmel – Podcaster. Speaker. #GSDChat (@JasonSchemmel) December 4, 2017
If you have the budget, consider a professional audio studio.
A3: It depends on your budget. Low on funds? Get a mic and a quiet space in your office/house. Sky is the limit? Find a studio that has everything for you that you can rent out for the best quality #contentChat #podcasting
— SRB Communications (@SRBComm) December 4, 2017
A4: What is a good thing to remember each time you produce an episode?
we asked our podcasting pros to share one tip for making the most of each podcast. Here’s what they shared.
Start with a plan or show notes for each episode.
A4: Have a plan before you record. Remember the listener is part of the conversation – don’t ignore them. Also EDIT and make good use of listener time. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A4 Always have show notes. Even if your format is supposed to come off as a conversation amongst the hosts, a solid show notes doc keeps things on track. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) December 4, 2017
…But don’t overscript and lose the authenticity of conversation.
A4. When podcasting, remember that people want to hear genuine conversations — not a super-scripted, mechanical story or Q&A. #contentchat pic.twitter.com/yJuxVfLLar
— Amanda Milligan (@millanda) December 4, 2017
Make sure your strategy—and the context of the current podcast—is top of mind.
A4. What you spoke about in the prior episode, what your #message is to your target #audience and what has been working in terms of increasing #engagement with your #brand. #ContentChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) December 4, 2017
Do a systems-check before you hit record.
A4 test out the equipment and make sure it works. Test the sound and also have an idea of what your beginning middle and end is going to be for that episode. #ContentChat pic.twitter.com/1uMLQpoVj7
— Tony wants Pumpkin 3.141592653589793238 (@SirKingofGifs) December 4, 2017
A4: be sure you’re recording? #contentchat pic.twitter.com/b01UUDD1Gb
— Alan Fleming (@alan_fleming) December 4, 2017
A5: What are some strategies for growing my podcast audience?
Podcasts don’t always have an audience development budget. We asked our #ContentChat participants to share some smart low-cost strategies for building a podcast audience.
Pick guests who have adjacent audiences and will share your podcast with them.
A5: Book guests that will tell everyone they’re on your show. Post episodes on a consistent basis. Cross promote with similar shows. Get the show out there – iTunes, Stitcher, iHeart, GooglePlay, Spotify, etc. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
Create an editorial calendar and publish consistently.
A5: Make sure you’re sharing new content regularly. Create a podcasting schedule and stick to it! When a new episode is live, spread the word. 👍🏻 #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 4, 2017
A5. Be unique, be consistent, share your #content on social media frequently and create a sense of #community within your #podcast #audience. #ContentChat
— SourceMedia (@SourceMediaCo) December 4, 2017
Be social on behalf of your podcast.
A5: Be engaged on social media. Keep your current audience engaged while growing visibility.
Reach out to awesome influencers to feature & get the benefit of their knowledge & existing audiences.
Create transcripts & other written content so you’re found in search.#contentchat
— Laura Ferruggia 🌻👽 (@lauregg) December 4, 2017
A5: Grow podcast audience by 1) inviting guests with good mailing lists; 2) putting your podcast link in your email signature; 3) update your social media profiles like @SFerika 4) post recaps!; 5) list in good directories https://t.co/0ejEQpimVD #contentchat
— Joanne Masterson (@attentionisgood) December 4, 2017
A5: Guests always help, also cross-promotion on multiple #podcasting outlets as well as #SocialMedia. And as always, have original and innovative content! #ContentChat #Podcasting
— SRB Communications (@SRBComm) December 4, 2017
Seek out untapped sources for guests.
A5: Easier said than done, but secure guests who aren’t everywhere. Give people an exclusive listening opportunity. Also, “show me the money.” Our promoted episodes had 3x downloads vs. organic. #contentchat
— chad mitchell (@cmmitchell4) December 4, 2017
A6: If I create a website for my podcast, does it have to be in WordPress?
Although I’m a fan of WordPress, not everyone is. The #ContentChat community shared their POV on wether or not it’s the right platform for a standalone podcast website.
Look into options other than WordPress to host your podcast.
A6: No. If you’re comfortable with WordPress, go for it. If not, you can use other builders and post shows using HTML code players from your podcast host. I use Weebly & listeners frequently stream shows from the site. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A6. WordPress is an excellent website for your business. However, I would not suggest using it fully for your podcast #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
I use @blogtalkradio because all you do is record there and then they upload the episode and then distribute it to the platforms you select like @itunes @Stitcher and @GooglePlayMusic #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
A6B. You can embed the podcast from your blogtalkradio account to your WordPress website and that can draw your listeners to your business website #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
WordPress has great templates and support for podcasts.
A6) It doesn’t have to be, but I found that the podcast ready templates were wonderful to have. My site is a novice one, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.https://t.co/DNwHO7lBU1#ContentChat
— Jeff Reno(e) 🤘🎙🤘 (@Renoe) December 4, 2017
A6. Yes, it does. 😬 Ok, “have to” might be strong, but #WordPress is highly scalable, well documented and has a large community for support. I always recommend it. #contentchat https://t.co/r4a1VhOC3d
— Jennifer Novak (@jnovakfl) December 4, 2017
You can keep your podcast within the Google ecosystem.
A6: You can all-Google-host your podcast on Blogger and Google Drive: https://t.co/Xco8YVCeIJ #contentchat
— Joanne Masterson (@attentionisgood) December 4, 2017
Whatever you pick, it needs to be easy for non-technical people to update.
A6: WordPress certainly isn’t the only option (although the fact that it’s so widely used means lots of awesome free plugins are available to enhance your site’s functionality), but I would strongly recommend using something that’s easy for non-developers to update! #contentchat
— Laura Ferruggia 🌻👽 (@lauregg) December 4, 2017
A7: What are some strategies for landing great guests when my podcast is starting out?
Once you have a few episodes out there, it’s a lot easier to get new guests to commit. So how do you land great guests when you are just starting out?
Start with reaching out to your personal and professional networks.
A7: Start within your network of friends and colleagues. Tell them about your show and ask for their introductions and suggestions. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) December 4, 2017
A7: Networking! Look within your professional circle, you would be surprised who you have already in your pocket. Also, don’t be afraid to cold call someone you would like on your #podcast, you never know! #contentchat
— SRB Communications (@SRBComm) December 4, 2017
A7. You basically invite the people you have built strong relationships with on your podcast and build from there because big name people will not want to be on a show that is just launching #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
Put in the time to create an exceptional guest experience.
A7: Start small and build a track record. Spend time prepping for interviews so you can ask quality questions. Research the guest. Write pitch emails that are focused and concise. Get a toll-free guestline. Make connections on social. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
Use social to find great guests.
A7B. If you are a twitter enthusiast, participate in twitter chats and build strong friendships first #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
A7C. If you are on snapchat, build a tribe and show your audience a behind the scenes of your podcast. That might get them intrigued to be on your show at a later time #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
A7) Reaching out on social networks works better than you’d imagine. BUT! You *have* to have a strong pitch to get them interested!
Just emailing or LinkedIn messaging has led to some of my biggest guests!#ContentChat pic.twitter.com/lBxa2sUSs0— Jason Schemmel – Podcaster. Speaker. #GSDChat (@JasonSchemmel) December 4, 2017
A8: Where can I distribute my podcast?
Our #ContentChat attendees shared where they distribute their podcasts.
A8. You can distribute your podcast on @itunes, @stitcher, @GooglePlayMusic as the primary places #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
A8: You need a reliable host like Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, etc. Don’t use Soundcloud for “hosting”. It’s not a podcast host. Instead use it and even YouTube to post show clips that drive people to your site or other source. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
A8: Find what your audience uses most and work with that. No point in putting your #podcast on multiple platforms if you are not reaching your intended audience. #contentchat
— SRB Communications (@SRBComm) December 4, 2017
A8: iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher. Those are the three I’ve chosen, and they cover a wide array of audiences. The key is choosing a podcast host that makes it easy to share your RSS. It’s why I prefer @Simplecast. #ContentChat.
— Jeff Reno(e) 🤘🎙🤘 (@Renoe) December 4, 2017
A9: What are your favorite resources for getting a podcast off to a good start?
Use these tools and resources to get your podcast off to a great start.
A9: Canva and PicMonkey for graphics. MP3 Skype Recorder to record conversations (I hear ECamm is good for Mac). Fiverr to produce opens, closes and other production. Facebook Groups dedicated to podcasting. #ContentChat
— Scott Murray (@MrScottMurray) December 4, 2017
I have these two articles bookmarked from when I kicked off my podcast:
Audacity tutorial: https://t.co/kB34F7ljkH
How to start your own podcast: https://t.co/iDa7he1Bfj#contentchat #podcasting https://t.co/3kfyurmvnC— Amanda Milligan (@millanda) December 4, 2017
A9B. I would recommend @SMExaminer because they are doing well with their podcast and they created a report for content creators #contentchat
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 4, 2017
A9: Thank you @searcySledge for mentioning images in SEO. I have found that surprisingly helpful too. Put your podcast url on your image too. #contentchat
— Joanne Masterson (@attentionisgood) December 4, 2017