Three Simple Steps for Successful Podcast Production

The audience for podcasts has experienced steady growth since the early 2000s, with the dramatic rise coinciding with the growing popularity of tablets and the increasing use of smartphones. 

Mobile technology makes podcasts a convenient medium that is perfect for filling in those idle moments on the commute to work or performing mundane chores around the home. More than 229 million Americans have heard of podcasts, and slightly more than half of podcast audiences say they listen to entire episodes. [*1]

It's clear that the audience for podcasts is huge. If you are ready to tap into this expanding market to increase your reach or build your brand, this quick guide will show you how to get started with podcast production in three simple steps

1. Step One - Setting Your Objective

What benefit will your listener receive from viewing your podcast? How will you deliver value? When you know what you want your audience to gain from your content, you can then work on the best way to deliver it.

Common objectives and great reasons for a podcast to exist include:

• To make people laugh

• To educate and inform

• To help people through a difficult life phase (depression, anxiety, relationships)

• Update your audience with the latest industry-specific news

• Deliver a new perspective

2. Selecting a Podcast Title

Naming a podcast seems like it should be simple, but it can be one of the most intimidating steps in podcast production. When you have worked hard on your idea, you don't want to ruin your effort with a less-than-stellar title.

Imagine the episodes you will create. What topics do you plan to explore? Will your podcast cover a tight niche, or do you plan on having a more open-ended format?

Whatever name you settle on, it should provide some idea about the type of content your audience can expect. Keep the following ideas in mind when deciding on a podcast title:

• Length - four words or less is best

• Select a name that reflects your content

• Don't use misspellings, abbreviations, and punctuation

• Create a searchable name - what words will people use to find your podcast?

• Keep it easy to pronounce

Don't settle on a name without doing some research first. Brainstorm with others you trust and pitch your ideas for their opinion.

Make sure the name isn't taken already. Check the social media platforms you want to maintain a presence on, as the name could be taken on those as well.

Imagine the episodes you will create. What topics do you plan to explore? Will your podcast cover a tight niche, or do you plan on having a more open-ended format?

3. Choosing a Podcast Structure

The podcast format is an important decision you will need to make early on before you create your first recording, but what is a podcast structure?

A podcast structure is how you organize the show and will have a lot of say in how it's produced and marketed.

A good structure will help prevent your show from becoming disjointed and confusing, and your listeners will have some idea of what to expect after clicking play.

For example, you don't want to switch between a serious monologue one week, a fictional story the next, and a comedic skit the following week. Listeners will be quick to switch over to a more cohesive brand if you subject them to that sort of randomness

Some of the most common structures for podcasts to consider include:

• 1:1 interview with an industry leader as your guest

• Solo podcasts work well if you have a specific kind of expertise and experience to share

• Co-hosted podcasts featuring a panel of two or more people conversing about a particular topic

• Narrative-style podcasts that tell stories of people, brands, or business

• Panel podcasts are like interviews but feature two or more guests.

Podcast structures can evolve over time as your experience, expertise, team. and audience grows. Whichever one you start with, make sure it's the right fit for your brand and audience.

Whether you are just starting out with podcast production, or you are a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your production values, Co.Lab Studios has the space, equipment, and professional advice and assistance to make your podcast stand out. Visit Co.Lab Studios today to find out how you can take your podcast to the next level.

[*1] buzzsprout.com/blog/podcast-statistics\

By: “Famousangel” Angel Martinez