Thinking about Starting a Podcast? Part 2

Today I'm sharing more information about starting a podcast. If you're looking for ways to market your book outside of the usual social media channels, it's worth checking out.

In my last post I gave an overview of costs and distribution. Here are more specifics about getting started.

 

Podcast name

You can choose whatever you want (within reason, of course). Take a look at  other podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify (and other platforms) if you want to get an idea of what’s out there.

 

Podcast description

This should be something brief that describes what the show is about. (Sort of like a book blurb!) A paragraph or two would be fine.

 

Cover art

Most platforms want you to upload an image that represents your podcast. Not sure what to use? The Canva graphics platform has podcast templates. (Get a free or paid account on Canva.)

You can use a picture of yourself. A picture of one of your book covers. Abstract art or any image that is royalty free (or one you have the rights to use).

Now you have your podcast name, description and cover image. Let's continue. 

Equipment

Expensive equipment is not necessary. When you're starting out, it would be best not to buy a lot of podcasting equipment. Try podcasting first then, if you want to continue, you can make larger investments.

Here are some recommendations:

CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone – approx. $29

Fifine USB Podcast Microphone (K678) – approx. $56.99

Logitech Blue Yeti Premium USB – approx. $129.99

I've used the Fifine mic and it works very well. I’ve tried the Logitech mic and though they are very popular (especially the Blue Yeti) I found the quality of the Fifine product was just as good.

You can also use headsets that have earphones and mic attached. Or you can record directly on your phone or mobile device (there are many recording apps available). If you use a Mac you may already be familiar with the Garage Band app.

If you want to record on your computer without a mic, no problem. Depending on the sound quality, it may be just fine.

 

Frequency

You should also have an idea of how long your episodes will be and how often you’ll post them. It’s not set in stone, you can make changes as you go. However, building an audience will require some consistency.

 

Show Notes

Show notes are a description of the episode, which may also include a transcript of the episode. Be sure to include links to your site, social media and buy links for your book(s).

Now all you need is to record!

 

Options

-Record your episode on your computer or mobile device.

-Record your episode directly if you are on platforms such as Anchor.fm or Libsyn.

There are many other platforms where you and other guests/hosts can record your conversation if you aren’t in the same location. A Google search will bring up several to choose from.

You can edit using software or hire podcast editors (or producers). You can create a podcast very cheaply or make a major investment. It's all up to you and your marketing goals. And don't forget that you can also be a podcast guest if you prefer.

Whether as a host or guest, you can use podcasting to market your author brand and your books.

 

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.

 

Five Helpful Tools for Writers

 

When it comes to marketing and promoting your books, it might seem totally overwhelming to find the best tools. Creating graphics and other assorted items can be a lot of work. That's why I'm always looking for ways to work more efficiently, if possible!

Here are a few tools that might be helpful. Even if you're already using them, there are additional features that you might not be aware of.

Dropbox – I've been using this for several years for file storage and sharing. One of the things I like about it is you can upload files, then create links so that others can download and/or view the files. If you use multiple devices, you can upload files from one device, then access them from another. I've connected Dropbox to MS Word on my laptop, so I can save my WIP directly to the Dropbox folder. That way, I never have to worry about losing my work.

Unsplash – When this site first came on the scene it was the place to find interesting royalty-free images. It still is, but I also use this platform to create collections of the images I like. For instance, if you want to create a collection of images to use as inspiration for your WIP, you can create a collection. Then you can share that collection with others using the link provided. That way, you don't have to download every image that you want to save.

Canva – This platform is extremely popular, though it's not the only one of its kind (there are others such as PicMonkey and Adobe Express). You probably already know you can create mock-ups, book covers and social media posts. But you can also connect your social media to your Canva account and create calendars for sharing. Another thing I recently learned is that you can make printables. So, if you want to print items like cups, notebooks or t-shirts using your design, Canva has you covered.

Adobe Express – This was originally called Spark (in case you're familiar with that product). Now it looks a lot more like Canva. I've used it to create a video for YouTube and it was very easy. I added my own images and used their music. If you're looking to create a trailer for your book, or other promotional video or image, give it a try. (If you already have Adobe Creative Cloud, this product is included.) It can also be downloaded to your mobile device as an app.

Voice Dream Reader – I use this text-to-voice app on my tablet when I want to hear my WIP being read to me. When you read it's easy to skip things – or fill things in that aren't there. And, to be honest, there are times when I'd rather just listen. The app can be downloaded to your mobile devices and be connected to file storage platforms, like Dropbox. What I like about this reader (as opposed to Word's reader) is that you can choose different voices and accents. It comes with a set of voices, or you can upgrade for more.

If you have any favorite tools from this list – or if you have others that I haven't mentioned – please share!

Three Book Marketing Ideas

Social media options seem to be in a state of flux. Instagram is making major changes that have been interesting to watch. Whether they will help or hurt in the long term remains to be seen. 

TikTok continues to grow. But it has a different style than other apps and might not be the answer for everyone. Meanwhile, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn are the mainstays (so far) though they may not be a fit for every author.

If any of these platforms are working for you - great! But if not, here are some other options to consider.

Blogs & Newsletters – Several years ago I blogged regularly about topics for my non-fiction book about careers. I didn’t think anyone was reading the posts but surprisingly, they were. And I found that a few sites had added my blog to their "Top 10" lists.

Back when social media exploded, a lot of people switched over to Facebook pages and groups. Nothing wrong with that, but having your own space isn’t a bad idea. Especially considering how quickly algorithms change and how a platform can shift focus (as Instagram has shown) and disrupt everything you’ve been building.

Authors have varying opinions about newsletters, depending on if they find them helpful or not. There’s nothing wrong with connecting to your readers on a regular basis, so if you don’t have one it might be something to try. And, in spite of what some might believe, email hasn’t gone away.

Classes – If you have experience to share, why not present classes online or in-person? Do you have tips and tricks that other writers are looking for? If so, you can share your expertise while you promote yourself as an author. I’ve given a few fiction writing classes for a local library. It turned out to be a great experience, and the class participants enjoyed it so much that they ended up forming their own writing group. I’ve also presented online courses for the past few years on a few platforms. I get to meet other authors and share what I’ve learned about my craft.

Podcasts – They can be a great way to form a lasting connection with listeners who may also become readers for your books. Create a “one sheet” with your bio and book descriptions, then reach out to podcasts. You can do so directly or work with a service that does bookings (or have a PR person do it if you have one). Of course, you can also start your own podcast to feature your work.

There are many ways to market, make new connections and sell more books.