For the novice podcaster, recording an audio podcast sounds as easy as talking into a microphone while recording the sound on the computer. However, in order to deliver a quality podcast that will ensure a dedicated audience requires techniques that mirror professional recording studios. Ensure your podcast is of the highest quality by following the following guidelines.
Audio podcasters need to have a voice-over booth. While renting time at a recoding studio is somewhat costly, it is worth it. Unfortunately, many small or new businesses need to trim back expenses when first starting out, so renting studio time may not be an option. To create a voice-over booth in your home or office, choose soundproofing, insulating materials to manufacture a booth. Using the design of a furniture or entertainment center armoire, have a backing surface, which has opening doors over it. Open the doors to create a voice-over booth. The ideal result should look like a half of a hexagon and will mimic the studio’s set-up.
Before each podcast, be sure to test all equipment. Create a sample one or two minute podcast to determine if sound recording, editing and playback features are up to standard. Samples and testing ensure all inside and outside noises are eliminated and any feedback noises are gone during playback. Before starting the “official” podcast, create an outline to gauge an approximate timeline for the podcasts, as well as have a script to help keep the podcast flowing and on topic. Routine podcasters can create a sample outline that mimics news’ shows and can include: news and updates, consumer product highlights, listener email and questions, and any promotions/contests.
When delivering a podcast, be sure to speak slowly and effectively. If necessary, create a script to signify important points with bolding, pauses with commas, and announcements ranked by significance. While a script is not necessary to deliver a successful podcast, it is helpful for those that tend to rush their words, as reading aloud takes somewhat longer than ad-libbing and commas help indicate pauses in speech.
If featuring an in-studio guest, prepare a list of questions to ask the guest. You may also wish to share the list with the guest so he/she will not be caught off guard. Engage the guest before the program starts to help the guest feel at ease and relaxed. Your listeners will hear the rapport between you and your guest, and credibility as a good podcaster and interviewer will be shown. Likewise, if interviewing a guest via phone, email a list of potential questions to the guest and telephone for feedback and questions/concerns. Perform a sample podcast before the desired interview time to ensure there is no telephone feedback during the actual recoding. Using a landline may help clear-up any problems, if line feedback persists.
Podcasting does require a bit of preparation before each broadcast, however when properly done, listeners can experience a high-quality show from their podcaster, and guests can feel comfortable knowing the podcaster is well-organized and cares about his/her guests by providing a list of interview questions and completing a trial podcast.
Though it may not seem like a big deal, your podcast name as well as its description is the first impression that allows users to decide whether they are interested in listening to your podcast. It's important that you take the time to consider and compare your options before making a final decision if you want your podcast brand to gain attention.
Picking a name for your podcast
No matter how interesting or relevant the content of your Podcast might be, the name is the real selling point. Pick a title that doesn't bore a potential listener if the title doesn't draw them in, their going to keep looking. Don't be afraid to ask your listener for advice before choosing a final name, once you've narrowed down your options create a survey on your blog and ask for feedback. Some podcasters even create temporary names and then seek feedback from their listeners on a better name.
Developing a theme
To pick your podcast name review the topic or theme of your podcast and create a subject for your podcast. Additionally, your name should tie into the theme of your podcast. For example, a company selling products for use in a garden would likely choose the topic, gardening. Then narrow down to pick a subject to focus on helping listeners plan out their garden and choose items to purchase for their garden. Their podcast name might be Gardening Diva or Green Thumb Experts, something that will instantly help potential listeners identify the brand is related to gardening. It's important to keep the name short so it's likely to be remembered. A podcast called "The Amazing, Wonderful, True Adventures of a Southern Gardner and His Dating Life" is not only too long, it really doesn't have a focus that makes sense to the potential listener.
Creating a description
Your podcast description should tie in information from the title and theme and should only be a few sentences in length. Using the example above, our podcasting description for the Green Thumb Experts might be: "Green Thumb Experts is your first source for in-depth gardening knowledge presented directly from experts in the field. Stay tuned for gardening stories, recipes, poems, current events and more.
Brand the name
Once you have a title in mind, claim it for your podcast domain name and blog. Through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), interested parties can search for topics that they want to find out more about. Using SEO techniques, you can work to get your domain name and blog a better position in ratings and closer to the top of the home page on a search engine. Before deciding on a final name, do a search for the domain and blog that accompanies it, it may already be taken.
Style your podcasting blog
Once you've gained your podcasting blog, you should then write an in-depth description that showcases the information your podcast will cover. Designing the layout of your blog, and adding gardening pictures will give your podcast its own identifiable look.
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