Podcast Production for Beginners – A Step-By-Step Guide
Podcasts, a digital program, includes a series of episodes where one or more recurring hosts engage in discussions about a specific topic, current event, etc. It can be recorded in audio and video format. Podcasting is an effective way to impart knowledge to your audiences about various topics.
Since people can listen to or watch podcast shows literally everywhere due to their availability in both audio and video formats, they are a preferred marketing tool used by various business owners, brands and marketers.
If you are unsure of how to start, you can always entrust a podcast studio for rent in Singapore for seamless recording and editing of your podcast shows. However, even before you start to film and record your shows, there are a few key aspects of podcast production that you need to consider.
Steps for Effective Podcast Production for Beginners
Are you new to podcasting? We hope the following steps will guide you in kick starting your journey of podcast production!
Selecting an engaging topic
A podcast features one or more hosts who engage in discussion about a specific topic. Hence, regardless of whether you are a business owner, content creator, brand or a marketer, you need to select relevant topics you want to cover on your podcast. In this regard, consider the subject you are passionate about and possess enough knowledge in. It is usually good to select a broader topic with multiple sub-points that you are comfortable spending long hours speaking about. Furthermore, understanding your target audiences, their likes, interests and even dislikes, can also guide you in selecting a suitable topic. After all, you need to present your podcast to audiences who will be interested to learn more about the topic you are discussing or addressing!
Select a Suitable format
A podcast can be a solo, co-hosted, or interview podcast. Let's discuss each of these formats to help you select the right one for your show.
Solo podcast – In this format, only one host will speak about a specific topic. You should probably select a topic in which you have great interest and in-depth knowledge about. That will allow you to speak confidently, covering various aspects of this topic for a prolonged period. Suppose you have a prominent presence on any social media platform with a decent number of followers, and your audience enjoys learning more from you about a given topic, you could consider launching your very own solo podcast show! However, since you are going to run your show alone, you need to do more pre-planning and scripting of talking points to maintain a good flow throughout the podcast.
Co-hosted podcast – In this format, two or more hosts will discuss a specific topic or concept. If you prefer to have a conversation or brainstorm ideas about a specific topic, this format is suitable for you! In this format, both hosts contribute equally to the show, sharing their knowledge, interests and expertise on a broad or specific topic. Planning is still important however, both hosts can help to cover each other’s weaknesses, making this a team effort!
Interview podcast – In this format, you can choose to interview experts from a specific field or interesting individuals who are able to share their unique perspectives on a specific topic or area. You can select your guests based on the industry you are in that might be related to your topic. Your job is to ensure you engage the interviewee and ask great questions to bring out their knowledge and personality to facilitate an entertaining and possibly educational experience for your audiences. Pre-planning with interview questions and research on your guest and topic is highly advised!
Procure the right equipment
Podcast production involves procuring some basic equipment. These are listed below.
Professional Microphone – Investing in a good quality studio podcast microphone will ensure that your audience can listen clearly to your voice.
Headphones – Procuring good quality headphones can help you monitor your audio quality and ensure that you are maintaining the right volume, especially if you are managing the recording yourself. They will also help pick up room noises that otherwise could have been difficult to hear.
Interface – An audio interface allows you to connect your microphone and headphones to your computer. It helps convert the analogue signal from your microphone to the digital signal that you can record on your computer.
Recording software (DAW) – You also need good recording and editing software for quality podcast production.
Pop filter or Wind Shield – It goes over your microphone to reduce popping sound when you are speaking. Investing in this equipment can help improve your podcast show’s sound quality.
Procuring individual equipment for podcast production can be a hassle as you need to research available options, compare their prices, pros and cons, etc. These equipment can also be very difficult to learn how to use and set up. In such cases, it might be more viable to rent a podcast studio in Singapore, such as LFG Content Co., for professional podcast production.
Conceptualise a Plan
The next step to efficient podcast production involves creating a plan. Considering the following aspects can help you create an effective plan for your podcast.
Outline – Based on the topic you will discuss on your show, you should look at creating an outline for your podcast. You may even choose to create show notes to ensure a proper flow of your podcasts without awkward silences, misinformation and most importantly to keep the podcast engaging.
Episode length – It is ideal to decide on a consistent length per episode such that each and every episode is of a similar length for consistency.
Scheduling episodes – Next, you need to decide on the frequency of your show. Whether you want to release episodes weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Conceptualising a plan will help you stay organized, moreover, maintaining a schedule will help you be consistency and help to attract regular audiences who will know when to expect your next episode. It might also be efficient to produce, record and edit multiple episodes at one go to ensure you can maintain a regular schedule.
Record and edit your podcast
Next, it’s time to record your podcast. While recording, here are some tips to remember:
Speak clearly and dynamically to keep things interesting.
Edit your podcast to remove silences, dead air, filler words such as erms and uhs, etc.
You may choose to add additional Visual Effects or Sounds Effects during the post-production phase to keep your show entertaining and engaging.
Add show notes and useful links such as your website and social media profile so audiences and keep up with updates.
Ensure that the video and audio is clear and basic audio processing is done to reduce background noise and enhance speech clarity.
Branding your podcast
To ensure that potential audiences understand what your podcast is trying to convey, you need to consider the branding aspects of the podcast as well. The following tips can help you in this regard.
Come up with an engaging and catchy name for your show.
Create a logo along with a cover image to upload to the podcast platforms. You can also add your logos and use consistent brand colours (on your website and social media) to maintain consistency.
You may also choose to upload short clips or 'trailers' of your show on multiple social media platform to generate interest among current and new audiences.
Promotion of your podcast
You should use all the digital tools available to you, such as a website, social media platforms, email mailing lists and others to share more about your podcast to reach new audiences. Additionally, cutting short highlights in vertical format and uploading them to platforms such as Instagram Reels, Tiktok, YouTube Shorts and such to attract new audiences and listeners. Adding relevant hashtags on social media can also allow your podcast more online exposure. You are able to encourage your audiences to leave reviews to build authority in your niche and topic as well. As your podcast show grows and more people tune in, you will then be able to start monetizing the platform with selling advertising slots.
Podcasting requires detailed planning. However, once you get a hang of it including the consistency of producing episodes, you will be able to appreciate its benefits for brand building and business marketing. LFG Content Co. is a content creation and podcast studio for rent in Singapore. You can engage and rent our studio to record and produce your podcasts. Reach out to us anytime if you are looking to kickstart your podcast journey in audio-only or audio plus video podcasts.
