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The Rise of Podcasting

Podcasting has become extremely popular over the years and it is mainly due to the increased number of listeners. This industry matches up the audience that prefers to listen with the creators that prefer to discuss topics verbally. It is very common to find creative types that are not fond of blog writing or the art of writing period. This is one of the fastest-growing industries across the world thanks to the great impact that it has on the public.

Why Podcasting?

In order to get in on the podcasting game, you have to know what angle you would like to take in order to provide the proper content to your audience. That, of course, requires you to know your audience as well. This is not a shortcut because the work is definitely still a requirement. Podcasting is another way to reach an audience without all of the writing and editing for the public to indulge in. This industry is proven to be one of the most intimate ways to connect with an audience. Podcasting is about using non-traditional methods to connect.

What Do You Need to Start Podcasting?

First, you want to brainstorm and come up with a name for your podcast. This will more than likely go along with your niche. Your niche is the area that you are most comfortable with, where you hold the most interest. It is basically your overall target message that you provide for your target audience. Crafting a successful podcast is all about understanding your audience. For example, if you’re aiming for a conservative listener base, it’s key to know where they’re tuning in. To choose the best option, you can check out articles like The Best Conservative Podcasts For Promoting Your Brand to give yourself a roadmap to effectively promote your brand.

The three most common forms of naming are:

  • Personal Name
  • Creative Name
  • Descriptive Name

The Personal name, Andy’s Corner is more geared towards Podcasts that are representing personal brands. And, the Creative name, (StudyGuide) is more appropriate for displaying your creativity. While the Descriptive Name, (College Tips) is better for creating an edge by simply using the name to target the niche. This will make it easier for the audience to be drawn to the Podcast simply through the name.

Next, you will create your cover image. This theme should match that of your overall niche. This will help your podcast stand out from others, sort of like your signature. You should have your Subtitle all figured out. Subtitles are like simple explanations to help the user explain what type of content they can find on your platform. (Guide to getting through college)

Creating cover art plays is very relevant to putting your brands on display. The Cover Art is to provide consistent art for the duration of the documented show. Each separate episode should also have customized art to add emphasis to the content. This will diversify the art, allowing certain subjects to be found easier. The type of Microphone that you choose will always be very important. You should conduct research and find out what investment would be best suitable for your platform.

How to Prepare an Outline of a Podcast?

An outline is usually broken down into many components. First, the intro which leads right into opening statements. Then you have the 1st quarter, the opening conversation of the show. Followed by halftime or the intermission. In the next quarter, you may bring in guest speakers or expert interviewers as well. And lastly, you thank your subscribers and bring the show to a close with the outro.

What is Intro, Outro, Call to Action

There are about 30 seconds of lenient time that can be very useful in adding a polishing touches to the Podcast overall. This element is crucial to building a substantial audience. Audiences respond fairly well to repetition and there are a few pointers to implement into the intro. Along with identifying the Podcast name, title and number of the current episode, you want to add nice music or some type of signature sound effects. In the intro, it is nice to briefly summarize what the topic and conversation of the show are going to be about. Introduce yourself and your intentions during the podcast. You may include any extra disclaimers and sponsors or important information. These are all factors that would be very helpful and beneficial in the intro however, they are not necessary, at all. The idea is that every element is catered to your likes and that it captures the mind of your readers.

How to Create Intro and Outro

There are many ways to create Podcast intros as well as Podcast outros. Take time to consider all of the elements that you want to include that you would personally like to hear if you were apart of the audience. For most channels, the time frame is about 30 seconds and somewhere around 75 words. The most important element in this area is that you are comfortable with the tone you are setting for your audience to listen to. A great way to get an understanding is to listen in on some of your favorite podcasts. This is simply to learn to listen to what you would like to hear.

Sample Script of Intro and Outro

Here is a sample script of an intro to show you how to line up your elements in a nice fashion. Welcome to ( name of Podcasting) from (your location) (add a fun fact about your location) today (what your podcast is actually about) And I am your host (hostname) (a little biographical information about you the host). That meets the standard 30 seconds and it can be tweaked to your liking.

The sample for an outro is strikingly similar except you are simple thanking the audience for stopping by and listening to your content. This layout should be similar to this example. Thank you for listening to (the name of the Podcase) with (hostname). If you enjoy our show and you would like to know more then please check out (name of the podcast website) or please leave us a review on (name of Podcast Platform). Join us next week when we talk about (next week’s show topic). And there you have your Intro and Outro to give your Podcast all of the finishing touches.

Tips for a Good Call to Action

Don’t be afraid to use vague repetition to get a point across. Always be very clear and concise when you are asking your audience to perform an action. (For example: Please subscribe to my Podcast, by clicking the red button in the upper right corner.) That will take all of the guesswork out of the action and surely that will convert more clicks. Chances are that your audience is full of computer-savvy people and chances are that you may come across an audience that is completely new to the scene. Make it easier on everyone if you use simplicity. You should explain what will happen after they click so that it will limit the fear of mistakes occurring. For example, You will be sent to the home page of our blogging website and you will then be asked to enter your email.) This will ensure the audience members that they are taking all of the right steps towards subscribing.

Tools for Enhancing Sound Effects/Music

For starters, you want to record with software that already has great editing attributes. Garageband is free software that has editing capabilities and it is strictly iOS software. Camtasia is a paid software that works for Apple and Android. It is slightly more sophisticated in its ability to edit. There are sites that allow you to locate and hire voice talent for reading ads and scripts, just to add finishing touches. Voicebunny, Upwork, and AudioBag are great places to seek voice talent for great prices.

Music is also great for intros, outros and transitions during the show. A few great places to find music that is royalty-free is Instant Music Now, Beat Suite, and AudioBlocks. As music is great for adding quality, sound effects are always in demand. FreeSound, Soungle and, Sound Dogs are great places that you can search these websites and apps to find the perfect effects for your Podcast.

Get started today

There is never a perfect time to get started with your own podcast. Even with all of your conducted research, if you never begin then you never give yourself the chance to improve. The most important step you can take for yourself right now is to get started, today. At this rate of growth, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get in on this action, find your own niche and audience that resonates with you.

You want to brainstorm and figure out what audience you are targeting and what message you are working to get across. Then you come up with your Podcast name and cover art for the episodes as well. Gather all of the equipment needed such as a microphone and a Podcast name that suits you. Now is the time to outline your message and then create an intro and outro to go along with it. Once you record your podcast, the next step is editing. Don’t forget to incorporate your Podcast calls to action. And, finally, you are able to publish it and market it so that you are now getting views.

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