5 Tips for Podcasters
At Wayne Media Group, we have launched, managed, and promoted dozens of podcasts for clients across the country. Hosts and prospective podcasters often ask us for our advice on the subject. So, we wanted to offer you this basic guide to best practices in podcasting. The following points are what we’ve learned over our years of recording, distilled into 5 easy concepts:
1. Promotion
No one will find your podcast if you do not promote it.
Social media serves as the primary vehicle for attracting and engaging listeners. Many podcasters post teasers, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content to keep their shows top of mind. Not only does this content promote your show, it also opens a channel for you to engage with your listeners. Answer comments. Pay attention to feedback (well, some of it, it’s still the internet, so your mileage may vary). The more accessible you and your show are to listeners, the more authentic the experience will be for everyone.
2. Consistency
If you tell your listeners that a new episode will be available next week, and you do not follow through, they will go elsewhere. There is too much content out there to wait for an inconsistent podcaster.
It sounds severe, but breaking a promise like that will sabotage your credibility. For this reason, it’s important to work as far ahead as possible. Batch record episodes. Split long episodes into two-parters. Record an in-case-of-emergency podcast just so you have a backup. Whether it’s a guest canceling or a host getting sick, life happens. The best way to prepare is to stay ahead of your drops.
3. Content
What is it you are offering to your listeners? Is it your expertise on a particular subject? Is it the chance to listen in on a funny conversation? Crazy stories to share?
Whatever you are offering, understand that the “same, but different” mentality should apply. The host(s), presentation, and overall style of your show must be broadly consistent if you want listeners to keep coming back. Off-topic episodes, holiday specials, etc. can be a ton of fun, but they should be the exception. Fortunately, this tends to come with time and practice, but it may take a bit of tinkering to figure out what kind of content you will deliver. Once you find a format that works, stick to it.
4. Communication
Your ability to consistently schedule guests and other hosts on your podcast will make or break the show. While nobody can control a last-minute cancellation, being a good communicator will make the whole process much easier.
Set up an email address for your show to communicate with potential guests, listeners, and sponsors. Use Google Calendar reminders and invitations to remind others of recordings. Create instructions for remote guests that you can easily share. Even after the show is complete, follow up and ask your guests to share the podcast when it drops. Or, if they want to review the footage before you release the episode, give them ample time to do so. Setting these strong professional habits now will make it much easier to book bigger guests when they come calling.
5. Authenticity
Be real.
Be confident in your show and own every aspect of it. Listeners do not expect perfection, but they do expect a podcast that feels genuine. When I listen to your show, I ought to have a pretty good idea of who you are and what you’re about, even if I didn’t start with Episode 1. I find it easiest to connect with shows that do not emphasize gaining subscribers and sponsorships, at least not on the show itself. If listeners can see you are committed to a larger goal, for reasons other than just money, you’ve given them something to believe in. No trendy topic or crazy story will endear you to listeners quite like a real, emotional connection.
Let your enthusiasm for podcasting shine through!
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you want to learn more about what we do, check out this awesome website to find out more!
