Podcast Tips for Getting Started
Podcasting is a medium that has seen enormous growth over the last few years, including a lot of mainstream attention. Some people have been doing it for years in one form or another, but 2007 really saw the medium come into its own. Today, content creators are becoming much more savvy with the new medium, finding ways to make their shows bigger and better than ever. Some are even quitting their day jobs to become full-time podcasters and vidcasters. Before you do anything, though, you have to make sure your show is up to snuff. Here are some tips that can help the newbie get started and have fun with podcasting.
(1) Think of it as a show. You’ll be performing for people, whether you know it or not. You’re putting yourself out to the world, speaking on your chosen topic. However, people won’t listen to you if they think you haven’t put any thought into what you’re saying. And isn’t people listening to you the whole point? Plan, Prepare, and Perform.
(2) Cut it up. Editing is one of the most difficult jobs in showbiz, but it’s also one of the most important. Editing is where the show really gets is glimmer and shine. Even free editing software like Audacity can help to improve the feel of your show.
(3) Be consistent. Many of the people who have podfaded over the last two or three years have done so because they weren’t consistent. They got off topic, they couldn’t hold on to their audience, and they got discouraged as a result. Put out a show regularly, even if it’s every 2 weeks, and stay true to your topic. Give your audience something to look forward to.
(4) Be real. Figure out what talent you have that appeals to people, and use that to your advantage. But don’t force it. “We get enough contrived crap from mainstream media,” says Bob Bichler of the Ordinary Average Guy Podcast (www.oagpodcast.com).
(5) Don’t obsess. “Don’t expect to be a sensation in one show, one week, or one year,” says Bryce Moore of the sufferingfromsanity.com podcast. In fact, forget about subscriber numbers. Most shows aren’t likely to get a big following. “Obsessing about numbers will cause burnout fast.”
(6) Get involved. “Establish a two-way conversation with your audience whenever possible,” says Jason Daniel Evangelho of Insomnia Radio (www.insomniaradio.net). “Solicit their feedback, get them involved. Use social networking sites to present the ‘real’ side of you. If you’re honest and personable your audience will respond to it.”
(7) Get out there. “Promote your podcast outside of the podcasting community,” says Jersey Jamcast host Rob Usdin (jerseyjamcast.blogspot.com). New Media makers can sometimes be very insular and try to make listeners out of other podcasters. If you really want an audience, think about who you’re speaking to, then go after them with stickers, buttons, postcards, emails, word of mouth…whatever.
(8) Be original. It’s tough not to do the same things you see others having success with. Avoid copying other’s styles and idiosyncrasies. Develop what makes you unique and sell that. Just because one vidcast uses jump cuts to make it seem edgy and hip doesn’t mean you should too. It may not even suit your subject. Find out what works for you and own it.
(9) Show your passion. Let people know that you really love what you’re talking about. If you’re passionate about it, your audience will likely come to share in that passion. If you love knitting, talk about knitting like there’s nothing else in the world that makes you happier. Share stories, give tips, revel in the joy that it gives you. It will rub off on your audience, and they’ll come back for more.
(10) Have fun. Here’s the most important thing. So many people get burnt out so quickly because podcasting becomes more like work than a hobby. And no one wants to feel like they’re at work when they’re trying to have fun. Find something that you’re passionate about, and talk about it. Do some research, learn more about your topic, become an expert, and share your love and knowledge. Enjoy the interaction you get with people from around the world. Be goofy. This is all about being a geek about something, so be proud and have fun!
Chris Cavallari has been working in television, video, and film for 13 years as an award-winning cameraman, cinematographer, director, producer, editor, and grip. By day, he is the Lead Television Studio Technician for an Internet TV Network; by night, he writes and directs films and podcasts for his company Filmosity Productions. His website is www.filmosity.com.
