setup for podcast

Blogging can be done in a variety of ways today. Apart from simply typing your posts and including images, you can now create a video blog also known as a vlog or an audio version called the podcast.

Simply reading text online is a different experience than hearing a human voice speak. The impact provided by audio is greater than pure text. But there’s also a strategy on how to capture attention right from the start.

A major advantage of a podcast is the fact that it lets you boost your reach and allows your audience to consume content at their own time. According to Pew Research Center, podcasts have been growing its audience steadily in the recent years. Increased interest in this form of online content can be attributed to the rapid growth of communications technology notably smartphones and other mobile devices.

In the U.S., more Americans are listening to podcasts and downloading them while people who produce this kind of audio content have also been growing. Additional proof is the launch of three new podcast networks via public radio in the year 2014 alone. In 2015, it was reported that monthly podcast listeners grew to 46 million Americans aged 12 and older.

How to Create an Audio Version

If you’re comfortable speaking and recording your voice, you can very well make an audio blog post. Some bloggers can attest to its effectiveness saying that the strategy has helped increase their blog’s exposure by a thousand or even two thousand percent. Additionally, it has improved engagement particularly in the comment section.

To make a podcast, you don’t need to have high-tech equipment. With a laptop and a reliable mic, you can start producing podcasts in the comfort of your home.

Before you make one, though, you will need to choose a theme or topic for each episode and the format you want to use. When it comes to picking a topic, make sure that it is something you’re very passionate about. This way, you can be comfortable and spontaneous talking about it without making gaps in between.

With regards to format, you can decide to stick to just one or vary it from time to time. You can make it conversational and invite a guest for each episode or you can do it yourself in a tutorial manner.

Do consider the length of your podcast as well. A 40-50 minute podcast would be ideal but going beyond one hour can be a bit much to a listener. You may also include music or a recorded message for the introduction and extro.