So you want to start a podcast eh? Good, because they're lots of fun! It's also nice to share the wealth of knowledge you and your friends may have. The beauty of podcasts means that anyone can do whatever they like and if you do it well, people will listen!
Let me give you 10 tips I found out from starting the MacTalk podcast. I have absolutely no background in broadcast/audio/production. I listened to a lot of podcasts and knew what I liked, as well as listened to people who told me what to do, as I had no freakin' idea. It also doesn't mean the current podcast is perfect, or that I know everything - far from it. One is always learning and part of my learning is passing it onto you.
01. Over plan what you want to talk about
It's always good to have too much to talk about than not enough. Sure, you can edit stuff out, but that's *hard* and ruins the flow. Get a nice big list of topics and write them up where everyone on the podcast can see so that they know what's happening next. Mark things as "must talk about" and then mark others as "if we have time". Be sure to change topic when you notice the topic bordering on ranting or people saying stuff just to fill.
02. Don't skimp on gear
MacTalk was lucky in that we had some money and the fact I'm a gear slut who can't get enough knobs and dials and switches. It proved to be a worthy investment. Once we learned how to use it and became familiar with it, we were able to get some good quality results. A good sounding podcast can move you out of beginner territory and people will take your show more seriously as well as giving the listener a better experience. Keep an eye out for an article on how to do a good sounding podcast on a budget some time soon, as it's a pretty detailed topic. If you can't afford, borrow (if you're in Melbourne, I can help you out), begging a little is better than sounding bad on air.
Here's a list of the gear MacTalk uses for it's podcast.
03. Maintain a steady cast
I didn't think it mattered who was on the podcast as long as they're interesting - but it seems that if you maintain the same group of people, listeners become acquainted and listen in. The stats for MacTalk's podcast reflect this as when we have the same guys on, we had more downloads, when I was mixing it up, our downloads dropped. It's probably more advisable to have on guests every now and then, as opposed to just rotating people around. Keeping the same people around also helps with point #1 - getting used to the same people makes you more confident and relaxed.
04. Stay on topic, but don't be afraid to deviate
People listen to your podcast for a reason. For MacTalk's podcast, it's because they want to know about Apple stuff. So stick to it. Going off on tangents all the time will lose people who came for what was advertised. That doesn't mean you shouldn't let the conversation grow organically, but when it gets too far, bring it back on track.
05. Control your mic technique
Speak directly into the mic at all times. Not too close, not too far away. Use a pop filter to make sure you don't get disgusting mouth sounds and harsh 'plosives (p's and b's spiking your levels). Nothing's worse than having some good content obfuscated due to someone forgetting to talk into the microphone. It is a skill though and will take a while to perfect. Use of headsets can prevent this as the headset will always be in the right spot regardless of where your head is.
06. Use Levelator
Levelator is gold, total gold. I have no idea how it works, but it's dead easy. Get your AIFF/WAV file out of Garageband or Audacity or whatever you use, drag it onto Levelator in your dock and wait. Levelator goes through the file, making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter, smoothing it out. Anyone not using Levelator on their podcast should really give it a shot - it's small and free. Compare before and after and I think you may be surprised!
07. Don't talk over each other
It's difficult for people to understand when there are multiple conversations or noises happening at once. Make something difficult for people and they'll go to something easier - simple. It also shows a lack of respect for your fellow podcaster, cutting them off might be interpreted as you don't give a shit about what they're saying and just want everyone to listen to what you have to say. Wait for whoever is talking to finish what they are saying, then talk.
08. Release regularly
Pumping out a new episode every day, every week, fortnight or even monthly is a good way to attract listeners. I've noticed that with the MacTalk podcast, when we release them the same day, every week, we get more downloads. I have no idea why, but that's what happens. I thought people would just listen whenever there is a new one as iTunes sucks it down for you anyways, but apparently not.
09. Don't be afraid to edit
Sometimes you just need to edit the podcast. Elongated ums, stutters or even just really goddamn boring sections. At first I thought that editing was a bad thing, that what people hear should be the same as what was recorded. Well, sometimes what is recorded is embarrassing, incorrect or just plain dumb. You've got to use your own judgement to decide if something is funny or stupid. Funny is good, stupid is not.
10. Talk about your passion, be an expert and have fun
People can smell (or in this case, hear) bullshit from far away. Know what you are talking about inside out. Generally, if you have a passion for something you can learn at the same time as helping others, so its' a win-win. Don't be afraid to not know something and then perhaps find out later and let everyone know on the next episode.
Also make sure you're having fun. If it ever gets to the point where you loathe recording, take a break or stop completely. If you can't be bothered recording, chances are your listeners can't be bothered listening.
Hopefully these tips give you some confidence in making a podcast - if anyone on MacTalk has a podcast or is thinking of making one I look forward to hearing it! If you're in Melbourne and want to borrow some gear, send me a PM.
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