Think your business has nothing else to learn about podcasting? Here are 5 areas you should be paying careful attention too if you want to keep your podcast from going stale and stay out of legal trouble.
Take advantage of the freedom
Podcasting is considered the voice of the people since unlike TV, Radio and movies it is not subject to current broadcasting regulations, allowing podcasters to really let their imaginations and creativity flow, to create shows covering topics that would be taboo or heavily regulated under other media forms. For example, an author of erotic books could create a podcast to talk about the newest books being released, provide reviews, read aloud, erotic poetry and even imagery.
Avoiding legal trouble
Most music is copyrighted and when using commercial music podcasters just like any other media form require a license to use. Using copyrighted music without permission could result in serious legal trouble, as will scenes from movies and TV shows. Be cautious and understand the law to avoid trouble. A large selection of royalty free music is available for podcasters online.
Get help
If you find yourself struggling to understand the podcasting process and struggling to edit your podcast, consider if you truly have the time to make your podcast a success. Many businesses and individuals may start a podcast for a few weeks or months then give up when they realize how much work is involved. Podcasting like press releases, Web sites and viral marketing are an affordable expense for most businesses.
If you have trouble doing all the work yourself, take advantage of the talent in your business. A staff member who writes press releases and copywriters may be able to offer help with creating interesting dialogue. While an in-house engineer can be responsible for editing the sound and incorporating musical elements. Ask volunteers to help out within your business and give credit for their assistance.
Stop and play
Once you've recorded your podcast, added in music, and edited there is one final step you should always take. Take a few minutes and actually listen to your audiocast. Is the podcast actually interesting? Would you subscribe to it? Better yet, would you actually listen to the podcast in its entirety? If your podcast doesn't' capture your attention it probably won't hold your viewers attention either. After listening to the podcast, you might decide that your voice just isn't the best to represent your company. Some podcasters may decide to add in a professional voice talent to complement the host's voice and to be used in between segments.
Set some limits
Are you taking to much time with ads and music in the beginning before your podcast gets started? If so, change it, viewers are likely to turn off a podcast if the beginning bombards them with a ton of advertisements and is too slow to get started. The music is important part of the podcast but it still belongs in the background, unless your podcast plays music. For talk segments, background music is soothing and sets the tone of the show, but it should not be so loud the listener is struggling to hear you talk. When using sound effects and music to fade in and out (during the beginning and end of the podcast) don't overdue it! Make sure your music compliments your show and doesn't distract or frustrate your audience.
Regardless of the subject used or your business type, don't take your podcast too seriously. Experiment, try out unexpected ideas to set yourself apart from the competition and remember to have fun with it!
Podcasters take pride in their work and strive to deliver the highest quality programming possible to their audiences. What happens though when those audiences become less interested and start to listen or watch other programs? Well, that is one thing you as a podcaster do not want to find out. Learn how to keep current listeners happy; now and in the future by following these steps.
First, ask for input from listeners. Getting feedback, both positive and negative from your core audience is essential to operating a successful podcast. Encourage listeners to contact the show via email and tell what they like and what they think needs improvement. After all of the responses have been noted, pick some of the best improvement suggestions and have the listeners vote on them. Remember to do this periodically (ask for feedback) as listener demographics change. Make adjustments and change the show for the better by following the suggestions from your listeners.
Next, make the show fun. Part of making a podcast fun is to allow for an interactive fan experience. Encourage the audience to participate in the show as much as possible. From providing feedback to having contents and guest interviewers, have the show and audience interact as much as possible makes listening to the show a fun experience. Some contest ideas include: creating a banner or logo for the show, coming up with a show mascot, composing the podcast’s theme song, and creating other show-related artwork. Reveal the winner(s) live and always mention there will be another contest coming soon. This will help keep the audience interested and coming back for more of your podcasts.
Have a fun day where you will be the interviewed. Creating an “Interview the Podcaster” day is another way to encourage audience interaction. Announce the upcoming event on your podcast and/or website and have listeners submit questions via email. Answer selected questions and, if financially able to, offer small incentives like a t-shirt or bumper sticker to listeners whose question was chosen. Also, announce upcoming guests on the podcast and allow listeners to submit questions for the selected guest. Offer the same kind of incentive as above. Order t-shirts, bumper stickers or other promotional materials in bulk to receive a large discount. Incentives not only keep customers happy but are also great advertising tools for your business and/or podcast.
Finally, be persistent and regular. Always broadcast your podcast at the same time on the same day. This will help retain regular listeners by making your show part of their routine. If unavailable to host a show, have a back-up host available. Keep an emergency script already made out, and if necessary, email it to the substitute host. Illness and other emergency commitments can come at a moment’s notice, so always prepare for the worst, every time.
By following these suggestions, podcasters will remain successful by captivating and engaging a loyal audience. This will also help the show grow, which in turn will help generate more listeners and increased revenue.
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