Your film questions. Our professional answers.
Question #1
AJ Hart asks “What is something that is often overlooked in the process of making a podcast?”
You need a mission statement
Why do you record this podcast? How does this podcast enrich you emotionally or challenge you in the way that you want?
When it’s late at night and you are still editing or maybe no one is listening to the podcast at the start, you need something deeper to get you through it.
Question #2
Dave Cintron asks “I would like to sell podcasting services for clients what rates should I charge?
How do I value myself?”
Conduct a survey
Research editing services or other editors at your level, see what they charge, and find the average.
Take note of your skillset and assets
What do you do differently with your services?
What is your education level, previous experience, and what additional assets can you provide.
All of these details will justify the rate that you ask for.
Question #3
ChaseWStine asks “What’s your recommendation for doing a podcast setup outdoors?”
DON’T
If you want to record a professional and clean-sounding podcast, outside recording just isn’t the move.
Use the right gear and an isolated environment
If you must record outside, use a very directional microphone to get rid of background noises and windscreen over it for wind protection.
Next, find an isolated area like a band shell or cabana. Whatever can help protect you from the elements will contribute to a better sound.
Question #4
burningdownthekrause asks “If I’m making a new podcast should I find someone to do it with me like a cohost or should I do it myself?
Also, does it need to be on video for it to be successful?”
There are success stories everywhere
Solo or co-hosted examples of success can be seen everywhere. The key is to be purposeful and use your current resources to make the show as good as it can be.
What does the content need?
Similarly, there are success stories for audio and video podcasts so don’t let that be the deciding factor.
Ask yourself if the content NEEDS a video element to say what it wants to say. Video podcasts take a lot of work and aren’t worth it if they add nothing to the content.
Question #5
AJ Hart asks “What do you look for In a podcast hosting service?”
They are all sort of the same
Most podcast hosting services largely do the same thing. The real deciding factor is free or paid services.
Though free hosting services are convenient, they lack the freedoms and data given by paid services.
Our recommendations
Acast, though pricey, comes with a boatload of analytical data and features.
Another good suggestion is Captivate since it allows for dynamic insertion. This is especially great if you have a large backlog and want to utilize ads.
Question #6
Alec asks “What’s the best way to grow your podcast?”
Host guests and be a guest
Invite other podcasters of a similar type to your show. Their audience already listens to podcasts so convincing them to give your show a try is MUCH easier than someone who doesn’t listen to podcasts.
As your podcast grows, reach out to other shows with the interest of being on an episode. If your personality shines, listeners will surely seek you out.
