PodCast: find out everything about this trend [2021]
Nowadays, we are increasingly having a fast-paced routine, with many tasks and little time to complete them. When we think about content consumption, the story is the same. The amount that reaches us daily is very large and, most of the time, we don't have time to consume them all. Therefore, an excellent alternative for this is the Podcast.
Podcasts came to help us make better use of our free time, in addition to increasing productivity. This is due to the ease of access; With just one play you can consume the content on your cell phone, computer, car, among other means, during your routine activities.
During the pandemic we are living in, this option is also of great value for entertainment. Since we spend most of our time at home, you can listen to or watch podcast episodes while working from home, while washing dishes, taking a shower, and doing other tasks.
This is the ideal time for your company to also start producing content. But if you still don't know how, don't worry. We prepared this text to explain everything about this new trend.
Are you curious? So, continue reading and find out more!
What is a PodCast?
A podcast is like a radio or TV program, but its content is tailored and can be heard or seen whenever and whenever you want. With this format, you can transmit information, entertainment, education, stories and much more. In short, whatever your creativity wants.
Previously, we were only able to access this content through supplier websites, to download or play and listen or watch on the computer, manually. However, this method was not ideal for listening to podcasts, as the internet user needed to go to the website.
However, this only happened until 2004, when a guy called Adam Curry revolutionized this universe, creating an automated way for content to reach programs. Thus, he developed podcast aggregators, as they still work today.
How to listen to PodCasts?
Currently, the public follows all new episode releases directly from their mobile device and computer, in an automated way. So, you can listen to them directly through cell phone applications (podcast aggregators) and also download them to listen or watch offline. In addition to these apps, all the main internet streaming platforms also have podcasts, such as Twitch, Deezer and Spotify.
One of the main advantages of this program is the low bandwidth transfer, which does not consume as much as videos, for example. This way, consumers can save more on their smartphone data usage.
Below, we list some examples of podcast aggregators:
- Spotify
- YouTube;
- WeCast;
- Google Podcasts;
- Stitcher Radio;
- Among others.
Search your app store for them, and choose the one you think is best. A very common question among the public is: how to start a podcast project? With that in mind, we will help you now to plan, record and edit your program. So, get to work!
How do I create a podcast for my company?
1 - Planning
Carrying out good planning is an essential step to succeed in your podcast. Here, it's time to define the objective that your company wants to achieve in order to retain and delight all listeners. Therefore, pay close attention and care when planning.
Some important points for planning are:
Audience
The identification of your public-bowel It is important to define the vocabulary that will be used. Therefore, you need to speak in language that suits whoever will listen to your podcast. It can be formal or informal, complex or not, it all depends on this initial analysis.
Competitors
Always try to have a difference compared to your competitors. Knowing the competition's model is always good, but also try to find out about the most successful programs, regardless of the niche. However, don’t think that only those models can work.
The ideal is the format that pleases your audience and brings positive results for your business. It may be difficult at first to find the best way, so test until you find it.
Format and Themes
Defining the format and themes of your podcast is fundamental to the program’s DNA. You need to know what you are going to talk about and how. It can be an interview, chat, debate, educational, among others. But the main thing about it all is to talk about a subject that you understand.
Contents
After defining the format and themes, you must plan the content of the episodes. Try to put together a checklist for each of the programs, so you won't forget anything during recording.
road map
Define a script as a basis for the specific subject of the episode. The best thing is when the conversation flows naturally, however, if you get lost, go back to the script and continue as planned.
Scenario
Your podcast scenario must be well planned. Try to find elements that catch the public's attention, but also not too decorated so as not to take the focus away from the people and the content. A good setting also contributes to the program’s identity.
Guests
Guests only have to add to the podcast. In addition to bringing more knowledge to you and all listeners, you can capture more people by sharing the interviewees' social networks.
Identity
Over time, the podcast has great power to retain listeners. You can be closer to the public, as they will always be hearing your voice and seeing your image. Try, then, to explore some characteristics to improve your identity, whether with jokes, catchphrases, etc.
Frequency
Maintaining a good frequency of episodes helps with audience engagement. If possible, choose specific days to broadcast. Every Tuesday, at a certain time, you start your program, for example.
This way, the public will have a commitment to you. Also, don't forget to honor your commitment, don't miss scheduled podcasts.
Call To Action
To insert a CTA (Call To Action) in the podcast, you need to know the right moment to invite listeners to take some action. Carry out tests and see which brings the most results; whether the invitation brings more conversions at the beginning, middle or end of the program.
Site
When listeners become interested in your company, through conversations and the CTA, it is important to have some destination to welcome them. In that case, a website will be your great friend. There, the public will be able to find everything about your business, products and/or services.
Voz
The presenters' voices must always be in good condition, after all, the chat can last for hours. To do this, try to stay hydrated throughout the program.
2 - Equipment
Now, we'll show you the basic equipment to start your podcast:
Microphone
As a podcast is content consumed through audio and video, a quality microphone is the first piece of equipment you need to ensure. He is responsible for making his listener receive the message clearly.
If you don't have much budget to buy high-end microphones, start with the simplest ones and then improve the quality. But, choose those that have a P2 or USB input, to be easily connected to computers.
Audio Interface
An audio interface is important for the quality of the podcast to be good. Make the choice thinking about the needs of the project.
You can set up the interface at the recording location, leaving it in your studio.
Recording and editing software
Having a good podcast recording program is very important to help you. Furthermore, also have a good editing program. With it you can explore episode cuts, and there are many that are free and easy to use.
Below, we have an example of a cut:
Cameras
Cameras have gained a lot of traction in recent years, and almost all podcasts are recorded these days. With them, you can disseminate your content in other ways, such as, for example, a story or reels on Instagram.
The cameras need to be of good quality, as they transmit the program's images. Also pay attention to their positioning, and try to accommodate all participants.
Depending on your budget, it is a good idea to have more than one camera, to have other angles during the program. This way, it is possible to make the podcast more dynamic for the audience.
3 – Recording
Now, the time has come to start recording. All participants need to be in a comfortable place, so look for good chairs. If possible, also invest in air conditioning for greater comfort.
Additionally, you need to prepare your studio. Choose a quiet place and, preferably, buy acoustic foam to help with sound reverberation. This way, the audio quality will be excellent and will also save editors work with noise.
You can also stream the program live. This will depend on a video editing table, which greatly reduces editing work later. Therefore, also invest in the lighting of the location to ensure that the public is seeing a good image.
4 – Edition
Editing is a fundamental step for the podcast. This format can adapt to many platforms, so you need to edit it to be available on Spotify, for example.
All cuts also need to be edited from the raw file. This way, you can explore the episodes in many ways.
5 – Publication
By broadcasting the program live, you can share it on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, among others. After the live ends, you can also publish it on audio platforms.
The best known and most used are SoundCloud and Spotify. So, now, let's talk a little about each one:
SoundCloud
This platform is complete and has tools that allow the audience to interact with comments, follow the profile, as well as traditional social networks.
For those who are just starting out, this option is very good because it provides free storage of up to 180 minutes of audio. As time passes, you can add more content if you purchase one of the platform's plans.
Spotify
Spotify is growing and becoming more and more popular, especially for those who enjoy listening to music. It has a category for podcasts, where you can find a wide variety of programs.
According to data from the platform, at the end of 2019, 14% of the user base had already listened to a podcast from the application's library. Additionally, you can monetize your podcast through clickable ads.
Beatz Podcast
Here at Beatz, we are already putting this idea into practice. The Beatz Podcast is a channel dedicated to bringing content to marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, business managers, in a relaxed, light way, but without losing focus, which is to bring more knowledge to those who are already in the area or looking to improve their skills. KPI”
We have a YouTube channel, live, every Tuesday, from 18:30 pm, always with a new guest. In addition, we also transmit via our Instagram e Facebook and, in the end, we make it available on the Spotify.
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Thanks for reading!