PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show
PodCraft takes you from novice podcaster to confident broadcaster. We’ll teach you how to start and grow a successful podcast in our easy-to-follow seasons. Let’s start at the start with the groundwork and planning stages. Why do you want to podcast, who do you want to reach, and why? Then, let’s learn what we’ll need to record, publish, and distribute it. Once that’s done, we move on to marketing, growth, and monetisation. Here, we help you to reap the rewards of all your hard work. On PodCraft we also run regular Q&A episodes, offer analysis and data on the podcasting industry, and talk about the latest tools, tips, and tactics that are improving our own processes and workflows.
Episodes
We know from previous episodes that consistency leads to podcasting success - but how do you actually become consistent?
It’s all well and good to say, “Go out there and create lots of episodes,” when you might be intimidated by the idea of creating just one.
So, this time around, we’re going to ex...
Almost all the benefits of podcasting stem from one thing – and that’s consistency. If you publish quality content over a prolonged period of time, you eventually hit a critical mass of episodes you can now call your “back catalogue” – and it’s a powerful tool.
On this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to look at the benefits of this published body of work, which includes the ability for new...
What really makes someone a successful podcaster? Is it a certain number of episodes, downloads, or reviews? Is it whether content creation has become their full-time job? Or could it be because they've been recognised with a prestigious award?
In truth, we can gauge success in many ways, but ultimately, there's no certificate and a great degree of subjectivity. One...
Izabela and Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative return to continue our conversation about the ever-evolving podcast landscape. Gear and tools may have gotten much better, but that doesn't always make them easier to set up and use. We also discuss the role of DAWs like Adobe Audition and Audacity compared to newer (often AI-driven) software. Finally, Mike and Izabela answer some questions about podcast growth, being surprised, and ...
In this episode, Colin and Matthew engage in a friendly debate about the role of gear in podcasting. While gear and equipment are often seen as important aspects of podcasting success, the hosts question whether they truly make a significant difference. They explore the mindset of successful podcasters and how their focus lies more on content creation, strategy, and promotion rather than the tools they use. The conversation also de...
As the RSS feed approaches its 25th birthday, so does the word "podcasting" its 20th. But 2024 also sees the tenth anniversary of UKPOD14. On this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by the organisers of this important event, Mike and Izabela. We wanted to catch up on the past decade, talking about what has changed in the medium (as well as what hasn't!). We also touch on what the future might hold, and why simpler is often better wh...
Here, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your approach to collaborations. Get ready to discover unique methods for teaming up with fellow podcasters, creating compelling content, and even boosting your income through strategic partnerships.
Highlights:
- Explor...
Adding a video or live broadcasting element can work well for some podcasters. In this episode, we dig into the tools you'll need if you want to run a successful video series.
Resources Mentioned
In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one might suit you.
Of course, podcast recording and editing software is more than just DAWs these days. There are a lot of great call recorders and podcast making apps too. On this episode of Podcraft, we'll talk you ...
The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic sitting in a cat bed. The bottom line is that creating a pro-sounding home podcast studio is possible, no matter how small your budget or house space.
Key Resources
Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon.
It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their recording device, then link the two together with a cable they’ll spend $5 on.
On this episode, we look to better understand all these different ‘Bits & Bobs’ by running through what th...
Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring", and that's what we'll discuss in this episode of PodCraft.
Key Considerations
- Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) while recording audio to catch any real-time issues.
- Use headpho...
You most likely already carry an expensive recording device around with you everywhere you go. We're talking, of course, about your smartphone.
In this episode of PodCraft, we take a look at the different gear and options available for turning your phone or tablet into a fully functioning podcast studio.
Gear & Resources
Mixers and audio interfaces have much in common with the podcast recorders mentioned on our last episode. One crucial difference is that these are less likely to work as standalone devices, and will need other gear to make them work (typically, mics and a computer).
A mixer or audio interface is an excellent tool if you prefer to use podcast recording software.
Our favourite interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and...
In this episode, we’ll cover why you might want to use a digital recorder in your podcasting efforts, and how to choose the best one for you.
We’ve discussed digital recorders in the past, and in fact, you can find our current definitive guide here: The Best Digital Podcast Recorders on the Market. This episode digs into the very same stuff with a little extra detail.
Each option depends on your own unique situat...
First thing's first, you're going to need something to record into, aren't you?
On this episode we take a deep dive into the world of microphones for podcasting.
The Best Podcasting Microphones
Here, you'll learn
- The difference between XLR and USB mics
- The difference between Dynamic and Condenser mics
- What are Polar Patterns, and which one do you need?
- Can you use built-in mics to podcast?
- And, what are OUR favouri...
Welcome to our new and updated season on podcasting gear and technology. We last recorded this one back in 2019, and a lot has changed in that time.
Or has it?
You can easily keep track of every resource, tool, or product mentioned on our Resources page, and on the Podcraft Equipment Season page.
Affiliate schemes are a great way for podcasters (even completely new ones) to earn some income. On this episode, we dive into what affiliate programmes are, how they work, which ones to choose, and how to get the best from them.
Check out our full guide to affiliate programmes for podcasters, the Alitu affiliate scheme, and the IndiePod Community.
In a world of AI chatbots, it's easy to have your shownotes drafted up in an instant. But how do you create shownotes that are actually good?* That's one of the questions we'll be answering on today's episode, along with considerations around audio ads, variety shows, and email list signups.
Thanks to our listeners who sent in this week's voice questions. Why not submit one yourself?
Listener Podcasts
We love getting voice questions from our listeners and members of the IndiePod Community. On this episode, we've four more to answer, courtesy of:
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Anna Sale explores the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.