Thinking about Starting a Podcast?

 

These days the social media landscape is extremely cluttered; it might be hard to stand out (unless you buy ads or purchase a blue check). Audio is a very intimate way to connect. Video is great too, but people can listen to podcasts when they’re walking, driving, running, travelling, etc.

Audio is an intimate medium where you can make a connection with the listener. And it's a great way to share your writing with your prospective readers.

 

What should you share?

Here are some suggestions! Talk about your life as an author. Share your WIP.Talk about your books, characters, settings, etc. Provide writing tips for other authors in your genre. Connect with your readers with behind-the-scenes details. Read excerpts from your books. Feature conversations with other authors.

 

Should you do video too?

Social media platforms love video (it keeps people on their sites longer) but it's not required. If you'd like to add videos, consider creating a YouTube channel where you can regularly post them.

 

Costs

For the most part you can record and post podcast episodes at no cost to you. Your level of investment depends on your goals, the type of equipment you use, and the platform you use to host your podcast.

For instance, if you'd like someone to help with creating and editing, you can hire freelancers. There are also companies that will manage podcast production. (Again, it all depends on how much you want to invest.)

 

Where to distribute?

If you want to keep it very simple, you can post it to your website. However, it makes sense to distribute to a larger audience. In that case you can use platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, among others. In addition, YouTube has recently launched their own podcasting options.

 

How to distribute?

Platforms such as Libsyn and Anchor will host and distribute your files (They both also allow you to record on their platforms.).

There are many other platforms where you and other guests/hosts can record your conversations if you aren’t in the same location. Zoom and Skype are just two examples, though sound quality may vary.

Adobe has recently launched software to record podcasts. They also have editing software called Adobe Audition.

New podcasting tools seem to pop up every day. Next time I'll share a bit more about other things you can do to get started.

The best thing to do is research your options first, so you'll have an idea of the time commitment (and the possible fees). That way you can get a better idea if podcasting is a good option for your marketing goals.