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  • Podcasting 101: 10 tips for beginners who want to start a podcast

    Podcasting 101: 10 tips for beginners who want to start a podcast

    Starting a podcast can be an exciting venture, with low barriers to entry, that can ultimately give you a platform to share your passion, knowledge, or stories with a global audience.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links to podcast hosts, meaning should you choose to sign up for a host from my link, I may receive a small commission.

    If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, the odds are you’re already listening to podcasts so you may have some idea how things come together. If not, but you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of podcasting, this post series should help. I’m calling it Podcasting 101 and over the course of six posts you’ll be able to get a feel for what you need to do to start a podcast and believe it or not, for me at least, it all begins with a pen before you go near a microphone.

    To get this series underway, I’m going to share ten things you should do ahead of your first podcast release. You’ll find more podcasting posts and tutorials here on the blog that delve into these topics a little deeper.

    10 things to do when starting a podcast

    1. Define your niche

    Before you hit record, it’s crucial to define your podcast’s niche. Yes (and with apologies), it sounds like a very American thing to say. Just don’t pronounce it as nitch. Essentially, before you hit record or open your mouth, know what it is you’re going to be talking about and what the focus of your podcast is. Is it about general health? Is it something more specific like dealing with diabetes? Is it a football podcast, or a Liverpool football podcast? As yourself, what topics will you cover? Who is your target audience? A well-defined niche helps you create focused, engaging content that will appeal to a specific listener demographic.

    2. Plan your format

    Podcasts come in various formats, from solo and co-hosted shows to interviews, narratives, and round-table discussions. Decide on the format that best suits your content and presenting style. For me, my first season of the ‘Food In 5 Minutes’ was a ‘solo cast’ i.e. just me, discussing the food news of the week, for five minutes.

    A podcast running order. Photo: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels
    A podcast running order. Photo: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels

    For The Football Manager Football Show, the format is clear – co-hosts with a back-and-forth on a specific set of topics. Ask yourself, what should my presentation sound like and, just as important, how long will my podcast be? If you’re aiming for 60 minutes, be sure you can fill 60 minutes and do it regularly (see my final point).

    If you need help with formats, here are 6 reasons your podcast needs a running order.

    3. Craft engaging content

    Cash was king until contactless came in. No matter what they tell you though, content is most definitely king. Once you’ve got your format decided, you should plan out your podcasts meticulously, ensuring they offer value to your listeners. Whether it’s entertainment, education, or inspiration, your content should be compelling and well-organised. Being strict from the offset will reap dividends down the road.

    4. Invest in quality equipment

    Good audio quality is non-negotiable. As someone working in commercial radio, I can tell you with no uncertainty – there is no excuse for poor-quality audio. If you’ve got a budget, invest in a decent microphone, headphones, and an audio interface. You don’t need a professional studio, but a quiet, suitable recording space is essential.

    If you’re planning on recording everything on your phone and you don’t have the budget to spend on hardware, aim for as clean a sound as possible, avoiding wind, plosives and pops. I’ll be honest – I’ve switched off or abandoned more podcasts in recent years because audio quality lets the hosts or guests down. When your listener only has a finite amount of time and you’re hoping they’ll spend it on your podcast, you should be delivering a polished product.

    And if you’re planning on going down the video podcasting route, investing in quality equipment becomes a bigger task when you have to start budgeting for cameras or editing software. But if you’re delivering quality audio straight out of the traps, you’re already streets ahead of so many other podcasts.

    5. Learn basic audio or video editing

    Do yourself a favour and familiarise yourself with audio editing software. Yes, there are tools and services that allow you to record a podcast without the need for any editing software (hello, Anchor), but learning basic editing skills can significantly enhance your podcast’s sound quality, help remove awkward silences, umms, aahs, and background noise.

    Cool Edit Pro. Screenshot: Ken McGuire
    Cool Edit Pro. Screenshot: Ken McGuire / KCLR

    Whether you’re running a 20-year-old version of Cool Edit, a free version of Audacity or the latest versions of Adobe Audition or ProTools, do yourself a favour and get comfortable with the basics of audio editing. You don’t need to spend on the software, but you should get a feel for how you can tighten your final file before uploading.

    6. Create eye-catching artwork

    Your podcast’s cover art is the first thing potential listeners see. Design eye-catching, professional artwork that accurately represents your podcast’s content and tone.

    Podcast artwork.
    Example podcast artwork.

    You can direct potential listeners to your podcast by any means, but if you’re hoping to catch casuals browsing through Apple Podcasts or Spotify, a visual that pops will go a long way.

    7. Write a compelling podcast description

    When it comes to listing your podcast on different directories or aggregators (think Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, Spotify etc.), you’ve got room for a few lines that will help sell your audience on what your podcast is about.

    As an example, I’ve been listening to a lot of True Spies this year, great on late-night walks. Would this capture your attention?

    “True Spies takes you inside the world’s greatest espionage and detective operations. Our hosts Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Sophia Di Martino and Daisy Ridley talk to the real spies behind the missions. What do they know? What are their skills? And what would you do in their position? We explore and investigate real life thrillers, mysteries and crimes – stories that prove truth is stranger than fiction!”

    In three lines we know exactly what the podcast is about, who the hosts are and what listeners can expect for each episode. Find it on Spotify here.

    So craft yourself a concise, engaging podcast description that outlines your show’s content and unique selling points. Again, your podcast description can help you stand out in podcast directories and attract your target audience.

    8. Choose a Hosting Platform

    Now you’ve got yourself a niche, a format, a name, some snazzy artwork and a compelling description, it’s time to put your podcast live. To do that, you’ll need to select a reliable podcast hosting platform to store and distribute your audio files. Your host should offer sufficient storage, bandwidth, and distribution options to major podcast directories as a standard.

    Gone are the days of having to host a podcast yourself and build your own RSS feeds (been there, done that). Instead, there are plenty of platforms that will see you right, offer embeddable players, dedicated podcast websites, transcription services and more.

    Some providers will charge you per podcast hosted, others will charge you based on downloads but allow you to set up as many podcasts as you like. Where you end up may be decided by your budget, but you’ll find some free and paid options below.

    I’ll break down the best and worst sides of podcast hosts in a later post along with DIY options on hosting your own without the restrictions of a third-party host.

    9. Promote your podcast

    When you’ve got your first episode published, it’s time to leverage social media, your website, and other channels to promote your podcast.

    If you’re opening up social profiles specifically for your podcast, then start by going to where your audience is going to be found. If you’re business and technology-driven, maybe LinkedIn is a good place to start. For The Football Manager Football Show, Twitter was always going to be the place to get up and running first because that’s where a lot of the conversations around the game happen in the open.

    Check Discord servers that you’re registered with, forums, Facebook groups, and friendly Reddit threads or start at the beginning and drop an email to friends and family to let them know you’re up and running.

    As you grow your podcast archive, engage with your audience, encourage subscriptions, promote back-episodes (previous releases) and ask for reviews to help boost your podcast’s visibility.

    10. Stay consistent

    I hinted at point number 10 at the outset, but consistency is key to building and maintaining an audience. Knowing your format is one thing, but being able to hit your releases consistently is such a big thing. There’s nothing that grinds my gears like a podcast advertised as ‘weekly’ only to see three or four weeks between episodes, with the next release finding the host beginning the podcast with an apology. .

    You can either stick to the schedule you’ve planned or you can’t. If you can’t, find one that you can stick to, releasing episodes regularly, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and keep your content fresh and engaging.

    Any advice?

    So there you have it – 10 things you can do when starting a podcast that will hopefully make your experience, and that of your potential listeners, better.

    I’ll go into more detail at a later date but if you’ve read through the above and you’ve got something to add or a tip that you find useful, sound off in the comments below. Above all else, enjoy the process. Podcasting should be a fun, rewarding experience and if you’re passionate, know your audience and have a plan you can stick to, it won’t be long before you start reaping those rewards.

  • 6 reasons your podcast needs a running order, with added music and talk examples

    6 reasons your podcast needs a running order, with added music and talk examples

    Whether you’re a seasoned pro or starting out on your podcast journey – this can apply equally to radio too – you’ve got to consider having a running order. In fact, I’d say it’s a must regardless of the medium you choose to convey your message.

    I’ve produced countless shows, podcasts and events over the years and one of the big standouts is that the ones that find more success on the grounds and with listeners are those with a running order. Whether it’s a one-hour production or a four-hour marathon, how anyone can approach a podcast or radio show without a running order amazes me.

    Fail to plan, prepare to fail and all that.

    So, why should you use a running order for your podcast or show? Here are six reasons that might sway you, with some added pros and cons below because you can’t win everybody over…

    1. Structured flow

    Structure is key. It breeds consistency, making the content you’re producing more digestible and enjoyable for your audience.

    From past experience, even for a drivetime music show, a running order provided me with certain markers from time checks to show features, music, breaks, interviews and the rest. You planned from marker to marker and kept going. The running order also allows for seamless transitions between segments and helps contribute to a more polished, professional sound.

    2. Time management

    Using a running order means you can allocate time to each segment on your show or podcast effectively, making for more efficient use of your time and preventing any section from dragging on far too long. Much like gigs, standup comedy or theatre, people rarely give out about segments being too short but constantly over-running or dragging the tail end out of a feature can be a real turn-off.

    For live radio shows, you might find a PD or programmer who is rigid about clock structure – a running order will help you fit within the allotted time slots you have and adhere to any clock constraints.

    3. Clear communication

    While the first two reasons are borne out of self-produced or single-producer podcasts or shows, when you’ve got multiple people involved in the production – say three or four contributors to a speech podcast and a researcher or showrunner – you’ll find that a running order serves as a great communication tool to keep everyone on the same page. Where guests are privy to the layout of the show, it will also help them understand the flow and prepare accordingly. Got others working on social media aspects of your podcast? This will be the roadmap for their creative work in post-production (see reason six).

    4. Content prioritisation

    You can use a running order to highlight your most important content, ensuring that key messages aren’t lost, or overshadowed. It also means you can distribute different types of content throughout your podcast, thus balancing your delivery.

    5. Contingency planning

    If something’s going to go wrong, it will. If you happen to run into technical glitches or other unforeseen issues in a live or pre-recorded setting, having a running order means you can make quick adjustments on the fly by shifting spots up or down. It also allows you to plan some alternative or backup content to use if needed. Trust me, one day, you’re going to need it.

    6. Post-Production efficiency

    For podcasts, a running order can serve as a roadmap during the editing process, making post-production smoother and more efficient.

    Maybe your radio show is pre recorded? Hand off your links and running order to a producer and they will have no problem slotting in your beds, stings, sweeps, links, and tying together all of your content.

    A podcast running order. Photo: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels
    A podcast running order. Photo: Cottonbro Studio / Pexels

    The pros and cons of running orders

    This is where I should be arguing the case for running orders, but there’s got to be some balance as they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. That doesn’t mean you can’t strike a balance by putting together a running order but allowing yourself some breathing room.

    On the pro side, let’s take three key points. A running order is going to enhance the professionalism of your podcast or show in creating a polished, well-structured and cohesive layout that appeals to listeners.

    Also on the pro side you’ll find that by having a clear plan in place, regardless of running times, your production process becomes more efficient, aiding in the effective allocation of time (and preparation) to each of your planned segments, making for smoother transitions and timely execution. Yes, there’s still a human factor to consider, but it’s still a pro nonetheless.

    Lastly, where teams are involved or you’ve got multiple hosts or guests, a running order is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your arsenal to tackle coordination. It means everyone should be able to understand the flow, manage expectations and reduce any confusion or uncertainty during the recording process.

    Again, while I’m all for running orders no matter how big or small the recording, I’ve been in rooms where they’re not welcome, and here are some of the reasons why.

    To start with, a running order can sometimes – not always – lead to a rigid format, potentially stifling spontaneity and organic conversations that might appeal to some audiences.

    If you’re short on time to begin with, they can be a time sink. Why? Well, you’ve got to out thought and time into preparing your segments, intros, questions for guests, facts and figures, time that some may prefer to simply spend recording.

    Let’s sum it up…

    Running order pros

    1. Professionalism: A running order enhances the professionalism of the show. It helps in creating a polished, well-structured, and cohesive program that appeals to listeners.
    2. Efficient production: With a clear plan in place, your production process becomes more efficient. Now you’re allocating time to each segment effectively, making for smooth transitions and timely execution.
    3. Team coordination: For shows with multiple hosts or guests, a running order is invaluable for coordination. It ensures everyone understands the flow and expectations, leading to smoother interactions while helping to confusion during recording.

    Running order cons

    1. Rigidity: This is where creative presenters and strict producers can clash. A running order can sometimes lead to a rigid format, potentially stifling spontaneity and organic conversations that might appeal to some audiences (and presenters, no offence).
    2. Preparation time: Developing a detailed running order requires time and effort upfront, especially if your show or podcast series varies in style from episode to episode. This preparation might be seen as cumbersome, especially for small teams or individual creators.
    3. Creative constraints: While I see structure as beneficial, it might also limit creative impulses during recording, much like point number one. Presenters might feel constrained by the predetermined format and mat not explore interesting tangents or follow the conversation naturally. The latter is a skill but that’s a conversation for another day.
    Microphone in a studio setting. Photo: Gigxels / Pexels
    Microphone in a studio setting. Photo: Gigxels / Pexels

    Sample running orders

    All that said, let’s take a look at some sample running orders. These podcasts are purely fictional, and purely flexible, with an option for a music-based podcast, and a talk-based podcast with a football flavour. Feel free to copy/paste/adapt. If you find these useful, let me know in the comments below.

    Sample running order: Music podcast

    For this podcast, I’ve gone with a mix of chat and music, covering industry news, an artist interview, back-to-back songs from an artist’s spotlight, a playlist segment that covers up to eight songs and some closing remarks. Before Spotify playlists, music podcasts were more about music, but the format is still applicable whether for podcasts or a special interest radio show.

    Podcast Title: Give your podcast a title here
    Episode Title: Give your episode a title here, save thinking of one at the end of post-production
    Total Duration: 60 minutes

    • Segment 1: Introduction (2 minutes)
      • Host introduces themselves and the podcast, providing a brief overview of what listeners can expect in this episode
      • Tease the special guest artist for this episode and the artist spotlight
    • Segment 2: Industry/topical news roundup (5 minutes)
      • Use this segment for a quick recap of significant events or news in the music industry
      • Announce or tease any big upcoming music releases or events
    • Segment 3: Artist interview (15 minutes)
      • Introduce your guest artist
      • Discussion on the artist’s career, recent works, future projects
      • If you can, get a live song or two, perhaps book-ending the feature i.e song/interview/song
    • Segment 4: Music Playlist (25 minutes)
      • Playing 8-10 songs with short links every other song
      • Better again, get the playlist put together by your guest artist
      • For links think artist name, album, release, socials or upcoming gigs
    • Segment 5: Artist spotlight: Back-to-back songs (10 minutes)
      • Without an interview, this section can be used to spotlight another artist
      • Play 2-3 songs by your chosen artist, with some commentary on each song’s significance or background
      • Again, provide contact/social details to wrap the segment
    • Segment 6: Closing remarks (3 minutes)
      • Thank the guest artist for joining the episode
      • Recap the highlights of the episode
      • Announce next episode’s date, topics and guest
      • Closing remarks and sign-off

    Your running order should also include details of all songs played including artist, track name, track duration and any other relevant info.

    Podcast producer. Photo: Alberto Lara
    Podcast producer. Photo: Alberto Lara / Pexels

    Sample running order: Talk-based podcast (football-themed)

    For this running order, I’m taking the sports route, spreading the content between news, an interview, fan engagement, analysis and previews, a debate and a quick roundup. That’s more than enough to see you off and running.

    Podcast Title: The Soccer Show
    Episode Title: Countdown to the Champions League Knockouts with Cristiano Ronaldo (wishful thinking)
    Total Duration: 60 minutes

    • Segment 1: Introduction (2 minutes)
      • Host introduces themselves and gives a quick overview of this episode
      • Tease out the special guest(s) and upcoming segments
    • Segment 2: Football news flash (8 minutes)
      • Recap major news and developments in the big European leagues.
      • Brief discussion on significant transfers, headlines of recent days, injuries or controversies
    • Segment 3: Featured interview (15 minutes)
      • Introduce the special guest for this episode (let’s call him Cristiano Ronaldo), or maybe it’s another player, manager or supporter
      • Conversation about their playing/managerial career, insights on the game, some personal anecdotes
      • Discussion on current team performance, expectations for the season
      • Note: this section might need to pre-prep with the guest so they’ve also done their homework
    • Segment 4: Fan’s corner (7 minutes)
      • Use this segment to highlight fans’ comments and opinions (maybe on the previous episode or topic for this episode)
      • Host(s) read selected fan messages or play voice notes sent in by listeners
      • Offer quick reactions and responses to fans’ opinions
    • Segment 5: Match previews (10 minutes)
      • Preview upcoming round of Champions League knockouts (as per the title) or standout games in various leagues or competitions
      • Provide analysis and predictions for each of the key games
    • Segment 6: Round table debate (10 minutes)
      • This one certainly works better in a two-hander scenario unless you’ve got a solid rant / soap box ready.
      • Involve different viewpoints either from co-hosts or invited experts
    • Segment 7: Roundup & closing remarks (6 minutes)
      • Do a quick roundup of the episode’s highlights
      • Announce the next episode’s date and tease the content that’s coming up
      • Thank guests and any participants from the debate segment
    • Segment 8: Guest’s song pick (2 minutes)
      • “End on a song”, get your guest to pick a song to close the episode. Lord only knows what Cristiano Ronaldo listens to.
      • Host introduces the song, thanks listeners, gives the subscription details, off you go.

    This running order offers a balanced and engaging structure for a football-themed podcast, providing variety and comprehensive coverage while allowing for interactive and entertaining segments and, if you can stick to the timings, it’s all wrapped up in 60 minutes. It’s hard to beat consistency like that.

    You’ll notice some of it in play with The Football Manager Football Show.

    Feel free to adjust the durations and content to suit your podcast’s unique style and audience but if you launch a podcast based on the running order or framework above, be sure to let me know in the comments so I can give it a listen.