Podcasts are one of the best ways to communicate your ideas while building an audience and making connections with companies and people who can spread your word further. Whether you want to start a podcast about Scandinavian folklore, the best cleaning tips for eco-friendly homeowners, or talking about modern conspiracy theories, you have to have the awesome quality to be able to draw an audience in.Â
These are the top things to consider when starting up your podcast, and how anyone can make it big in podcast spaces if they plan ahead.
Why You Should Create a Podcast
Creating a podcast is the best way to tell a story or create a community without having to go through the classic channels to start a radio or television show. Not only can you find other people who are interested in the same things as you, but you can bankroll your ability to spend time and money on this interest through advertisers and support for your project.
Podcasts are awesome creative outlets that require writing, editing, recording, and advertising, which can turn into a perfect project if you’re prepared. This is an art form that lets you ensure your voice is heard.
Getting Crisp Audio
Since audio is the main way your fans will experience your podcast, you need to make sure you’re working with high-quality goods from the get-go. Working with a high-quality microphone, good noise-canceling equipment, and good editing software are all key.
If you have static or rough audio, it’s going to distract from the point you’re trying to make and can end up frustrating listeners instead of giving them a reason to continue listening.
Editing Can Save Anything
If you don’t like scripts but still want to create a podcast that makes sense and follows a cohesive story throughout each episode, it’s important that you put time and money into editing. You don’t have to get a degree in sound design, but using good software like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg Pro will give you a chance to make your audio sound as you did.
There are countless tutorial videos on YouTube and TikTok that will walk you through using this software and help you decide what the best pick is for your situation. Although you should still give yourself at least a bullet-point list of ideas you want to hit on every recording, editing can take your podcast to the next level.
When and How to Use Music
Music’s place in podcasts is thoroughly debated. Some believe it should only be there for the intro and outro, while others score their podcasts the way a television show or movie would score their projects.
Music should be kept at a low volume compared to your voice and simply amplify the tone or story that’s being told instead of taking center stage. Although getting custom music made for your podcast is an idea, it’s also expensive. Seek out free, open-source music that allows commercial use instead; you can always update what you use later.
How to Keep Background Noise Out
Nothing is as distracting for a listener as trying to listen to an important part of the podcast but dealing with the sound of cars honking, smoke detectors beeping that they’re out of batteries, or kids shouting or chattering in the background.
Working in audio means you need to focus on your voice being the star of the show. Studio acoustic panels can be a great choice to insulate your space. Not only will these block out anything from making its way in, but the audio you produce will be crisp and clear. This can set you worlds apart from going without and will make you more professional, seeming to advertisers and listeners alike.
Create A Recording Studio for Focus
If you have the space and budget for it, building your own recording studio can be a huge boost to your ability to make awesome art. Look into the best insulation for acoustic panels, and create a sound and air-tight area that’s free of any loud machines or electronics. Yes, this means leaving your office mini fridge in the hallway, but it’s better than your listeners having to hear it start up every half hour.
A door with a lock between your studio and the rest of the house will also help you focus the moment you cross the threshold and signal to everyone you live with that you’re going to need silence to concentrate.
Podcasts Are Art
Whether you want to weave a story or help inform people about politics, the amount of work and creativity that goes into podcasts is unmatched. Keep each of these considerations in mind, and get top-tier supplies from acoustic panels to microphones if you want to impress your audience!
