Audio Content Is King: A Beginners Guide to Podcasting

Podcasts are here, and they are here to stay. Nearly one in ten US adults downloaded or listened to a podcast in the last 30 days, and with the current pandemic, more people are stuck at home looking for good content than ever before.

Not only are podcasts popular, but with the right learning philosophy and design system, they can be a straightforward, effective way to promote your company or brand. This post will not only guide you through the technical elements of a successful podcast but will help you cultivate your unique presence on this increasingly popular platform.

Reducing Digital Distraction With Podcasts

Power of Podcasts: Michael Wolf, chief analyst of NextMarket Insights, recently labeled podcasting as a great alternative to blogging. Podcasting content channels are far less crowded than blogging platforms and are therefore a great place to share your voice without unnecessary digital distraction.

The intimacy of this straightforward communication engages listeners on a deep level. While visuals and text stimulate us, hearing someone’s voice helps us imagine they are there with us, keeping us company on even our most stressful days.

Flexibility And Accessibility: Between 2009 and 2019, the number of Americans who had ever listened to an audio podcast increased from 22 to 51 percent. For modern multitaskers, audio content consumption is highly appealing.

For example, while blog posts require you to sit down and concentrate, you can listen to a podcast while you cook, do laundry, or commute to work. Not only that but with the overwhelming presence of smartphones, most people can access a podcast with the click of a button.

Your Personal Talent Development

Confidence is Key: It’s not usual to be self-conscious of the sound of your voice and have doubts when beginning a new creative project. Keep in mind, however, that you are the only one holding yourself back when it comes to making a stellar podcast.

To make your podcast sound engaging and professional, try practicing beforehand in the mirror and focusing on the tone and pace of your speech. While it isn’t necessary to create a script, an outline will help remember your main topics and arguments when on air.

Content is King: It’s important to ask yourself what your podcast is going to look like, what kind of message it is going to send, and what kind of people it is going to feature. Metafilter founder Matt Haughey, who has conducted extensive research on podcasting, recommends that your show involve two or three hosts.

The consistency of your content is also important. It is in your best interest to post early in the week so that your audience has something to look forward to as the week progresses. Try posting every Tuesday to make sure your followers are getting the freshest content possible.

Building Better Digital Habits

Proper Equipment: Since podcasts are not a visual medium, audio quality is key. The better microphone you buy, the more professional your podcast will sound. While technology and equipment can be daunting, there are affordable options for people new to the field.

USB microphones, like the Snowball, start at around $60. If you have multiple people on your show or are looking for more audio flexibility, you will want to look at microphones with an XLR output. With the proper microphone and a functional laptop, you can continue your podcasting learning experience, and start building your audience!

Easy Design System: iTunes is a great platform for beginning your podcasting journey. To air your material, open iTunes, find the store, click on Podcasts from the top menu, and go to the “Submit a Podcast” link, which you’ll find in the right column under Quick Links.

Once you create your content, it is up to you how to share it. Platforms like Soundcloud offer an expansive set of sharing options and can be good for podcasting beginners. If you have an Instagram, Facebook, or twitter account, simply embed the audio link directly into one of your posts, add an inviting caption, and make your mark in the podcasting world.

The Podcasting Learning Experience

Despite common beliefs, podcasting can be completed by anyone on a small budget. As long as you invest in some basic equipment and put your fears of sounding silly to rest, you can create compelling audio content.

What are some ways you have integrated podcasting into your business? If you haven’t experimented with podcasting, what is holding you back? Come and share your thoughts with us here at WeLearn’s learning development blog, and remember that we are in this together.