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Creating and Briefing a Video Project

Podcast 101: What to Consider for Your Podcast

A step-by-step guide to planning, recording, editing, distributing, and marketing a successful podcast.

Thinking about jumping into the world of podcasting? There’s never been a better time! With digital communication becoming increasingly vital, launching a podcast can be a fantastic way to connect with your audience—whether they’re customers, colleagues, or your community. From initial planning to hitting publish, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a podcast that resonates and engages.

The Key to Podcasting Success: Consistency

Regular episodes keep your audience coming back for more. However, podcasting isn’t just about having fun—it requires dedication. If you’re ready to start, here’s what you need to consider:

Step 1: Pin Down Your Theme

What will your podcast be about? Whether you’re sharing industry insights, telling compelling stories, or hosting expert interviews, having a clear niche is crucial. Consider:

What your audience is passionate about
Their key challenges
The unique perspective you can offer

For marketers, leveraging keyword research can help uncover timely, relevant topics.

Step 2: Assemble Your Gear

Quality sound is non-negotiable in podcasting. Here’s what you’ll need:

Microphones: A USB mic works for beginners, but a condenser microphone offers studio-quality sound.
Recording Devices: If doing a video podcast, ensure your camera shoots in high definition. Use a tripod for stability.
Editing Software: Choose beginner-friendly or professional software to refine your content.
Lighting (for video podcasts): Natural light works best, but LED lights can help fill shadows.

Step 3: Plan Your Episodes

To script or not to script? While a natural conversation is engaging, having a plan ensures you cover all key points. Outline:

Your intro
Main discussion points
A strong call-to-action

If you’re interviewing, research your guest and prepare insightful questions.

Step 4: Record Your Podcast

You don’t need a fancy studio—a quiet, comfortable space works. To improve recording quality:

Reduce echo with blankets or curtains
Use a “recording in progress” sign to prevent interruptions
Pay attention to framing and lighting if recording video

Step 5: Edit Your Podcast

Editing refines your podcast. Trim awkward pauses, remove background noise, and smooth transitions. Select software that matches your skill level and experiment to find what works best.

Step 6: Host and Distribute Your Podcast

Once ready, you’ll need a podcast hosting service. Ensure you create an RSS feed for easy distribution to platforms like:

Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify

Each platform has its own submission process, so plan accordingly.

Step 7: Market Your Podcast

Attract listeners by:

Creating eye-catching cover art
Writing a compelling description
Producing a catchy trailer
Promoting across social media, websites, and other channels

Engage with your audience and encourage shares to grow your listener base.

Why Choose Podcasts? Planning for Podcasts

The Strengths of Podcasts

In-Depth Conversations: Great for long-form content that provides value through entertainment or education.
Content Repurposing: One full episode can generate multiple short clips for social media, making podcasting a strategic content tool.

Implementing Podcasts in Your Content Strategy

Consistent Schedule: Whether weekly or fortnightly, maintaining a schedule helps build an audience.
Structured Segments: Even casual conversations benefit from preparation to ensure a smooth flow.

Branding & Production Considerations

Branding Your Podcast

Choose a name that reflects your theme.
Design a visually appealing logo and cover art.
Establish a tone and voice that aligns with your brand.
And let us know! Include these branding guidelines in your brief and upload any podcast logos or cover art you wish to include in your Pro edit.

Production Process & Feedback

Provide references to existing podcasts for inspiration. Feel free to check out Shootsta's Podcast for some inspiration.
Define your show’s intro/outro, including script and voice preferences.
Ensure clear edit notes and transcription edits if needed.
Consider whether you want a simple still image for video versions or a more dynamic animated intro.

Editing Workflow

Some clients prefer full transcripts of raw recordings before finalizing edits. Let us know if you would like to have us transcribe your podcast for the first amendment round to make it easier to timecode what edits you would like to make to your podcast.
Audio-only podcasts allow for seamless content adjustments with minimal noticeable cuts.
Once confirmed, sound design elements (e.g., intro music, logo slides) can be added.

Getting Started

One credit gets you a 60-minute audio-only podcast, while a video podcast requires two credits (custom quoted per project). If you’re ready to amplify your message, grab the mic and start your podcasting journey today!