It's time for you to be heard, to give your brand a voice (literally), and to bet on this format in your content strategy .
Don't worry if you don't know where to start. Here, you'll find a complete guide on what a podcast is, with practical tips and key strategies so you can create one successfully step by step.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio content—in MP3 format—that offers episodes on a specific topic. It can include interviews, debates, or informal chats, allowing you to connect with your audience in a close and very authentic way.
It works like a radio show, but with one important difference: you can subscribe to receive automatic notifications, download them and listen to them offline or enjoy them in real time on streaming platforms , wherever, however and whenever you want.
What is the difference between a podcast and a streaming service?
Both are means of broadcasting audiovisual content.
The difference is that a podcast is a pre-recorded audio that can be downloaded and played at any time, while streaming is recorded and broadcast in real time on the Internet.
What is a podcast for and why should you include this format in your content strategy?
More and more brands, big and small, are adopting this new way of communicating due to its power to tell stories and connect with their audience.
Furthermore, thanks to its versatility, this format has been easily incorporated into the digital marketing strategies of many businesses.
You can use your program to talk to listeners about the topic you master, conduct interviews, form a discussion panel, and any other proposal that facilitates interaction with your followers.
In addition, it is a powerful content marketing tool because it allows you to simultaneously humanize your brand, connect even more with your target audience, and increase your visibility and credibility as a professional.
Generate synergies with other marketing strategies
But there's more. You can use the content you generate with the podcast to enrich your content strategy, giving it a second life, recycling it:
You can extract small pieces from the podcast (such as shorts, reels, etc.) and turn them into content for your social networks or newsletter . Even more so if you record it on video.
If you transcribe the audio and post it on a blog , you will be strengthening your SEO positioning, while giving the opportunity to consume the content in different formats, promoting web accessibility , and therefore, the experience of your users.
If you have multiple episodes around a content cluster, you can create an ebook from them.
Similarly, if you find that there is a topic on your blog or social media that has particularly sparked the interest of your audience, it might be a good idea to talk about it.
By recycling your podcast content, you not only extend its lifespan, but you also reach a wider audience across different channels and formats. Do you see the potential?
Now, before I explain how you can make your own podcast, here is a list of the materials you will need to get started.
What materials do you need to make a podcast?
If you're determined to start your own podcast, make sure you have the essential materials to do it successfully.
In addition to a good idea and choosing a popular streaming platform , it is essential that you have everything you need. Therefore, we recommend that you start with the following equipment to record your next podcast:
1. External microphone
The microphone is the most important element of podcasting , since your voice will be responsible for creating that special connection with your listeners.
Don't use the one on your computer or phone. Invest in one that guarantees adequate sound quality.
If you're just starting out, you can purchase a USB microphone that plugs directly into your computer. Otherwise, there are several options available, such as XLR or dynamic microphones, which offer greater control over quality, produce clearer sounds, and reduce ambient noise.
2. Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are also a must.
They allow you to monitor and adjust the quality of your audio while recording. In fact, you'll also use them while editing.
3. Computer
The computer is an essential piece of equipment in a podcasting studio . It will have several uses.
On the one hand, you need it to record and edit audio and video files; on the other, you'll need it to upload content to the Internet, streaming platforms and social networks.
4. Recording and editing program
Use specialized software to record and edit the audio files for your episodes, mix tracks, add music and effects, and produce high-quality, useful content for your listeners.
There are free and paid options, such as Audacity, GarageBand (for Mac users), or Adobe Audition.
5. Podcasting hosting
One of the most important decisions that will influence the success of your show is choosing a podcast hosting provider.
That is, a platform that offers you a place to store your audio content so that people can listen to it, download it, or subscribe to it.
There are free and paid options, but it will depend on your goals and whether or not you want to monetize your content.
6. Pop filter
This mesh filter, made of nylon or metal, is placed in front of the microphone and serves to reduce or eliminate the noise produced when recording vocals in the studio.
If you use it, your recordings will sound more professional and have superior audio quality.
7. Camera
Although it is not essential to create your own podcast, more and more companies are choosing to use video as part of their digital marketing strategy.
Sharing it on social media can help you increase the reach, engagement and recognition of your episodes.
And it's true that the right camera can greatly influence the visual quality of your shows, but the best one for you will depend on your budget, your recording space, and your personal preferences.
8. Lighting
If you're going to be videoing your podcast, you'll also need a france whatsapp number data lighting kit like the following:
LED lights for soft, balanced and high-quality lighting.
Tripods to adjust the height of the lights and ensure they are in a stable position.
Diffusers that soften the light and reduce harsh shadows.
Color filters that allow you to adjust the temperature and tone of the light.
A complete lighting system can help you stand out from the competition and attract the attention of your audience.
Structure of a podcast
Structure refers to the elements that make up the episodes and the order in which a podcast is presented. In general terms, this means that each episode should have an introduction, a middle, and an ending.
And it is just as important as the content itself, as it is essential to maintain the interest of listeners from beginning to end.
Every podcast should include the following characteristics:
Introduction
At the beginning of the show, tell listeners what you're going to talk about today and provide a hook to keep them listening.
