For instance, do you prefer true crime or humor podcasts? Do you like podcasts with one, two, or many hosts, and with or without guests? How long do your favorite podcast episodes tend to run, and how often do new episodes come out? Get inspiration from other podcasts, but don’t try to copy their success. Maybe, for instance, you could focus your true crime podcast on historical (but relatively unknown) crimes rather than recent ones.
For instance, if you have a passion for cinema history, you might develop a podcast that uses each episode to delve into a classic movie that may be new to your listeners. If you read interviews with well-known podcasters, you’ll find that many of them have no clue why their podcast is a hit. However, they’ll nearly always say that they really enjoy making their podcasts.
Interview, in which the host or hosts chat with one or more guests. Monologue, in which a single host speaks on a given topic. Multiple host, in which two or more hosts banter back and forth. Narrative, which is similar to a monologue but focuses on a particular story. Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.
If you’re relating a story or analyzing a topic, you need to research the issue in detail. Listeners must be able to hear and feel your mastery of the topic. If you’re interviewing someone, take the time to learn as much as you can about them, and, if possible, interact with them beforehand to build a rapport. Even if you want your podcast to sound “off the cuff,” you should still have a solid preliminary grasp on any topics you might plan to cover.
For a scripted podcast, write, revise, and rewrite your script several times, and have people you trust read it over for clarity and style. Then, practice it several times so you sound like you’re speaking naturally (and not just reading a script) during the podcast. For an unscripted podcast, sketch out the broad strokes of what will be covered, when, and how. Leave lots of room for improvisation, but give yourself and any co-hosts or guests a framework to work with.
Imagining your target listener will help you shape the terminology you use and the overall tone of your podcast. For instance, if you’re making an astronomy podcast for people who don’t know much about the subject, you’ll want to simplify the terminology you use. If you don’t have a target audience in mind, or simply want to aim for an audience of “anyone,” picture your listener as a friend or family member who you know well. Would your podcast resonate with them? Would it feel like you were communicating directly with them?
A laptop or desktop computer. Practically any model will have the capabilities you need to create a podcast, although some higher-end computers may come with better audio production capabilities. A microphone. A mic that attaches to your computer’s USB port will work, or you may want to consider an analog mic that uses an audio interface to connect to your computer. Headphones. Here again, a basic model will do, or you may want to invest in higher-end equipment. A pop filter and mic stand. These aren’t essential, but the pop filter (basically a screen placed between your mouth and the mic) will definitely improve your podcast’s audio quality. A sound mixing board. This is another non-essential option, but it will enable you to produce much higher audio quality.
Even small soundproofing measures will noticeably improve the audio quality of your podcast.
Free or low-cost DAW options will typically get the job done and may be all you need for a basic podcast. However, higher-end DAW options may give you far greater capabilities to produce a professional-sounding podcast. GarageBand DAW software comes pre-loaded on Macs. Magix Music Maker Plus is a common starter DAW for PCs, with a free trial option. No matter what DAW software you choose, use it to its fullest potential! Take the time to fine-tune the sound quality and edit out things like long pauses or dull tangents.
You’ll upload your podcast to your chosen hosting service’s site, and they’ll create an RSS feed that will alert listeners to new episodes and enable them to download the content. Take a closer look at services that host podcasts that you enjoy, host podcasts similar in content or style to yours, and offer the type and level of customer support you need. Talk to other podcasters you know for recommendations. SoundCloud, Libsyn, and Fireside are just a few of the many hosting service options.
Treat every episode like it’s your first and most important podcast. You never know how many first-time listeners are tuning in, and you don’t want to turn them (or longtime listeners) off with substandard content. Your podcast isn’t likely to be more popular if you release new episodes on Mondays or Fridays, or at 8 am or 8 pm. What matters most is that you stick to the release schedule that you set. If you can’t make an episode deadline, complete it as soon as possible after the deadline.
Of course, social media is a great way to engage with listeners. You can either interact through your personal social media presence or create one specifically tied to your podcast. Don’t ignore options like email, voice mail, and maybe even old-fashioned fan mail.
Give anything a try. Print up flyers for the local coffee shop and bookstore. Make a T-shirt and wear it around town. Have fun with spreading the word!
As a guest, you can promote your own podcast to your host’s audience. Return the favor and invite your host to be a guest on your podcast! Take the opportunity seriously—if you come off as well-spoken, interesting, and charming as a guest, there’s a better chance you’ll draw listeners to your podcast.
