So how do
you launch a podcast? In this blog I want to take you through the technical
aspects of setting up a podcast, from planning to recording and releasing you
work.
1. Preparing to host a podcast
Once you
have thought about why you want to
create a podcast and what you want to
say, you can move on to the issue of how
you are going to make your podcast a reality. Here are some questions to think
about:
-
Where
are you going to record your podcast, and what equipment will you need? You’ll
need to find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted and you can speak. Then you’ll need a computer (PC or Mac), some
recording software, and a microphone.
For recording software I’d recommend Audacity (www.audacityteam.org). Also,
get the best microphone you can because sound quality really does matter with
podcasts. For interviews I recommend using Skype, and Free Skype Call recorder
software (www.voipcallrecording.com )
-
How
will start and end your podcast? Do you
want to use a jingle? If you want to use some music you’ll need to create some
or buy the rights to some. At the start of each podcast you should introduce
yourself, and say what the podcast is about.
2. Recording, editing, and saving a
podcast
-
Plug
your microphone into your PC/Mac and turn it on, ensuring your machine
‘recognises’ the microphone.
-
Open
your recording software
-
Make
sure the input and output devices are set to whatever you are choosing to use,
-
Press
the record button and start speaking! Just a few words to start with.
-
Experiment
with your microphone, where it’s placed, how you speak, and sound levels.
-
When
you’re all done, record your podcast and then save a copy
-
With
that copy you can now start the process of editing, clipping out all of the
“ums” and “ahs” as well as any gaps or external noises. In my experience you
should allow three to five minutes for each minute of finished podcast
material.
-
Once
you have your recording polished and as good as you can get it, save it as an
MP3 file.
3. Releasing a podcast
-
Once
your podcast is recorded, choose a podcast
host. Their main function is to ‘host’ episodes of your podcast on their
servers. They will also provide an interface on the internet for people to
download and listen to your podcast. I use a company called Podomatic, but
there’s also others: Libsyn, Archive.org, Ourmedia.org, and Podbean. They will
charge you for this service.
- You will also need to create some
artwork for an image to accompany your podcast. This is a square, 1400 x 1400
pixel image, representing your podcast.
-
Your
podcast host will give you a web address for your podcast, and an RSS feed. This
is the link that you have to give to a podcast
client or pod catcher. Their primary function is to promote your
podcast and allow people to download it. The best example of this is iTunes,
but there are others, their service is free and you can link to more than one.
-
Once
your podcast is hosted, and the RSS feed is linked to one or more podcast
clients, your podcast host should be able to provide you with stats for the
number of interactions with your podcast, these could be plays, likes, or
downloads.
And there
you have it, your podcast is launched and out there!
The most
important piece of advice is: podcasting is a marathon not a sprint. Before you
start, think carefully about what a sustainable plan looks like for you, both
in terms of content and consistency of production.
Good luck!
Andrew
Chamberlain (www.andrewjchamberlain.com) is a writer and creative writing
tutor. He is the host of “The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt”, a podcast that gives
practical, accessible advice as well as occasional interviews with writers,
editors, and other artists. You can reach the podcast on iTunes here.
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