Lacotll wrote:Hey Zhug!
A friend and I are thinking about starting a podcast in January. Neither of us really have a clue what we're doing, though. Any advice to get us started?
Thanks!
Yep! i always have advice, but I'll make this as universal as possible for anyone reading this post.
1) It really helps to know your tech. The more you know about different ways you can prepare and deliver your content, the more you'll be able to make meaningful decisions that will impact your podcast. Everything from mics to recording techniques to software to final output (and where it's stored) all need to be weighed and measured... and stumbling through the tech can push your show in a direction that you may regret later. This part is usually correctable, but I don't think enough podcasts understand that people really can and will appreciate production and sound when it comes with content that they love.
2) Understand your competition, and be different. If you're creating a podcast, know who else is creating content before you start. If you're competing directly with another show, having an idea of why your show is (or will be) different from those other shows will be KEY. Do something different, even if the overall content is the same... and do at least one thing much better than your competitors.
If you're thinking of starting a WoW Podcast, listen to Realm Maintenance to figure out who else is doing a show. I don't know the actual number, but there are over 50 different WoW shows! How will YOU stick out? What is going to be the reason people will turn away from their favorite podcasts to become your fan? If you feel like you can't do something better or different than your competition, than why do you need to do the show, or better yet: Why would someone else want to listen to your show?
3) Being super focused is okay! I call it having a vector, and I've talked about it quite a bit with others. A vector has both direction and speed. Pick a direction, and set realistic goals for yourselves that can be acoomplished over the first 6 months. Follow your vector, and do it closely... especially at the beginning. Come up with a plan and try to follow it as best you can. If you find that you have to improvise, make sure you're still following your vector as closely as possible.
4) Appreciate your listeners. Bring them into the conversation as much as you can, no matter how many there are. At CTR, I was blown away when we had a couple dozen downloads on our first episode, and I continue to be amazed that we've been able to impact so many people around the globe. Keep every one of them in mind as you build your shows and try to build their trust in your show as a consistent rock that they can lean on.
5) Social Media, websites, etc. are IMPORTANT. Learn them. All of them. Included in social media: YouTube. Did you know that YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine online? Figure out how you can harness its power!
Okay... I think those are some good basics. If you have specific questions, please let me know.
Thanks for the question!
)
) which would you choose?
