PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

No podcaster in history has ever just run one show. In fact, many find their biggest or most successful podcasts to be a second or third attempt. They’ll learn the ropes on the topic they think they want to discuss, then start a new one later on, on a completely different subject.

If you already run a podcast, then starting a second (or third, or fourth) is inevitable. BUT, if you’re just constantly starting new shows, you probably won’t get any momentum or success with any of them.

SO, if you’ve got an idea for a new podcast and are itching to dive in, this episode provides you with a checklist of questions you can run through first.

Resources

• The 10-10-10 Podcasting Challenge 
• Alitu: The Podcast Maker 

It’s a bit of a data discussion this week, with a few numbers to break down and analyse. Some of this data came via our own sources, whilst others have been the topic of much discussion in the mainstream media recently.

Do Spotify layoffs and new podcasts dropping by 80% since 2020 mean podcasting is on the way out? And why do 60% of new podcasters worry about marketing their shows?

Also mentioned on this episode: The Trailer Park Podcast, how to make a podcast trailer, 43% of new podcasters plan to go solo, how to run a podcast survey, what’s your podcast USP?, Podcast Growth (book), The Podcast Host on YouTube, and The Podcraft Community. 

There’s been a lot of chat about artificial intelligence (AI) in the podcasting industry recently. In most industries, in fact. Since the launch of ChatGPT – an insanely sophisticated AI chatbot that’s generating buzz and fear in equal measures – everyone’s got something to say about it.

Episode Resources

• How Can Podcasters Use AI & ChatGPT to Their Advantage?
• Which AI Podcasting Tools Are Worth Using?
• AI-powered fiction podcast - FantasAI

What do drones have to do with podcasting, you ask? Well, if my visit to the Podcast Show 2022 is any measure, then I’m not the only person (by a long way!) interested in adding video to their podcasting workflow. And if we’re going to make video, we might as well explore every angle. Even the vertical.

So, I thought I’d delve in and figure out whether drones have a place in helping create better video around your podcast. These things aren’t cheap, and they aren’t for everyone. But if you have a show that suits, and the budget to buy, then they might be a way to create amazing video to help engage your listeners, and grow your show.

Let’s take a look at why you might use one, what you might create with it, and finish with a recommendation on what to buy. Time to fly!

Read our full guide to Drones & Podcasting

What does it mean to take a journalistic approach to your podcast content? In this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by Katie, who is the driving force behind our new topical content offerings. Katie explains that a "journalistic approach" involves taking time to research your subjects and using a structured workflow to build stories. Some of the tips and suggestions here include using newsletters and Google Alerts as a way to source stories and using Trello boards and spreadsheets to organize content and ideas. 

When it comes to fact-checking and sourcing stories, Katie recommends using multiple sources and tracing back to the original source. She also talks about the importance of citing sources, and how to contact people for comment and quotes. Finally, Katie and Matthew discuss the importance of considering what value the content will provide to listeners. They suggest using the acronym WIIFM (What's In It For Me) to help stay focused on providing value to listeners.

Video podcasting is no new thing. But it's more talked about than it ever was. YouTube are in the early stages of getting into podcasting, whilst Spotify have finally jumped into the pool, too. But does this mean that everyone should now be creating video as well as audio content? Or has a lot of this stuff been exaggerated and blown out of proportion? Undoubtedly video, if done well, can be an excellent compliment to your audio and written content. But it isn't some magic bullet that's going to automatically quadruple your audience. On this episode of Podcraft, we discuss the pitfalls of video podcasting, and help you make a more informed decision on whether it's right for you and your podcast. Captivate Blog - https://www.markasquith.com/youtube-case-study/ Video Podcasting Guide - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/should-i-make-a-video-podcast/

Podcasting can be a great way to market your business, and add a human touch to your company. But does this mean that every business should be running its own podcast? On this episode, we're joined by Jacob, who's Head of Marketing here at The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode we'll cover: - How someone might decide whether or not podcasting around their business is the right move. - Potential differences between a business podcast and a creative outlet or hobby show. - Examples of business podcasts that are "doing it right".

Podcasting can be a great way to market your business, and add a human touch to your company. But does this mean that every business should be running its own podcast? On this episode, we're joined by Jacob, who's Head of Marketing here at The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode we'll cover: - How someone might decide whether or not podcasting around their business is the right move. - Potential differences between a business podcast and a creative outlet or hobby show. - Examples of business podcasts that are "doing it right".

Colin and Matthew analyse some interesting data from our Podcast Planner tool. 43% of over 1,500 respondents told us they’d rather host a solo show than create content with other people. So why might this be? Perhaps there's a bit of post-pandemic Zoom fatigue in here where people are fed up with feeling like they are "on a call". There are a lot of positive reasons for going solo, too, including the flexibility, simplicity, control, and ownership. Here's the full report if you'd like a look over the data for yourself: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/solo-podcasting/

Lindsay from the content team helps produce a show called Life In The Ted Lane with her brother, Ted (apparently the name ‘Ted Talks’ was taken, unfortunately). "Ted and his sister Lindsay talk about Ted’s adventures, news from Broadway and Hollywood, Muppet News, and also what it’s like to be autistic." https://lifeinthetedlane.buzzsprout.com/ Joining Matthew on this episode of Podcraft, Lindsay talks us through both the positive experiences and challenges of running the show, as well as the nuts and bolts of how it’s made. Among the many positive aspects of this podcast is the feedback from parents and caregivers of other autistic people. Ted and Lindsay's adventures have entertained on many a long car journey, and helped give others the confidence to get out there in the world.