Being successful is about more than just being smart. It’s about connecting with people in new and exciting ways. Now it’s easier than ever to connect with an audience and build relationships with people all over the world. Thanks to the power of the internet and the low cost of multimedia equipment, anyone can broadcast their message.
But what about podcasts? Are they a good method to do this? There’s an old joke about people who aren’t very good looking going into radio. But you don’t have to be aesthetically challenged to want to give podcasting a try. A study by Edison Research back in 2014 found that podcasts had a 1.7 percent share of the total time people listened to audio. When you consider just how much radio and music people listen to, that’s a lot!
The question, therefore, is whether you should start podcasting. Can it really be a route to success?
That depends on you. Sure, you can monetize your podcast. But you have to get the basics right first. Here’s what to do.
Start With A Goal
Is there something that inspires you? If there is, then turn that inspiration into a purpose. If you love researching the latest in nutrition news, then build a podcast around the benefits of a healthy diet. If you’re into business, grab a mic and a buddy and start talking about all the new startups that have caught your eye. The chances are that if you’re passionate about it, other people will be too. Create a show that you’d like to listen to yourself. This way, you’ll keep coming back to the microphone. Remember, a successful podcast isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Produce High-Quality Audio
If you want to get your podcast noticed, your best bet is to get featured on sites like iTunes and Noteworthy. A surefire way to guarantee that you’re not featured is to have poor sound quality or a bad mic. It’s essential, therefore, that you invest in the quality of your sound, and in a big way. First off, soundproof your VO booth. There’s nothing worse than the sound of sirens or music in the background when you’re trying to record a podcast. Next, get a mic that is fit for purpose. Too many podcasters just use their mic on their phone. And, as a result, the sound quality is poor and full of plosives. Finally, recordings should be edited to help the podcast run along as smoothly as possible. You don’t want long pauses halfway through when you decide to go to the bathroom.
Grab Amazing Guests
One of the cool things about podcasting is the people you get to meet and talk to. You’ll find amazing people throughout your chosen field. But actually getting them to come on your show can be difficult. The first thing to do is to use your friends and personal contacts to build up a small following. After that, you’ll be in a much better position to attract bigger names. Also, try if you can to conduct interviews face to face. These tend to sound more natural, and they have higher audio quality.
