How can you achieve success as a novice podcaster?
The consensus on podcasts is generally positive. Lately, they have become more and more popular as they fit right into the gaps of our busy schedules. It's no wonder that more and more eLearning professionals are using podcasts to reach a broader audience and increase the profitability of their products. However, it takes time and preparation to turn a podcast idea into an effective marketing tool. If you're serious about launching your own podcast, read on to discover 11 insider tips that will make your first eLearning podcast a hit.
11 steps to set up your first eLearning podcast for success
1. Determine the purpose of your podcast
Why do you want one? eLearning podcast? Is it to market your business and attract more leads? Or are you an eLearning expert who wants to share your expertise with the world? Maybe it's both or a completely different reason. In any case, you should know why you are doing it, as this decision will influence your future choices. For example, if you're looking to build authority in the industry, you'll likely want to share success stories and standout case studies. In that case, your podcast follows a monologue or narrative style to better share information and create a connection with the audience.
2. Know your audience
Speaking of the audience: who is this podcast for? One thing is certain: they are interested in eLearning in some way, but that is not enough. It's important to identify the persona of your audience to understand how they think and feel, what issues they face, and what topics interest them. It can be easy to get existing customers and company followers to listen to your first podcast. But offering valuable content that will convince them to come back will pave the way for success. So start by conducting a survey to determine what topics, products and technologies they are interested in.
3. Research your content
Once you have a list of possible topics for the first ten episodes, it's time to start researching. People will listen to your eLearning podcast to access insights and information that add value to their professional lives. Therefore, you cannot rely on the knowledge you already have. Research your topics and find the latest developments in the field and changes expected in the future. If a topic isn't your area of expertise, you can enlist the help of another expert and even invite them to join your podcast. This way you can be sure that you are offering meaningful and impactful content to your audience.
4. Find your unique voice
All you can do is be yourself, and ultimately that's who your listeners are tuning in to. Try to find your unique voice, style and opinion, a voice that sets you apart from the others. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and open up to your audience. Furthermore, podcasts are not articles or webinars that are strictly informational. Podcasting provides a safe space where you can share valuable information while weaving in personal stories or anecdotes that will entertain your listeners and help them connect with your brand.
5. Create an attractive brand
Podcasts are an extension of your organization's brand and should be seen as such. For this reason, you should highlight the most important aspects of your overall brand, such as colors, values and messages, and add a few compelling elements. For example, think of a striking title that is original and easy to remember. Your podcast's artwork should be intriguing while communicating the topic. Finally, write a concise and compelling podcast description to attract as many listeners as possible. And don't forget to add relevant keywords in the description so that your podcast appears in the right category and is easy to find.
6. Schedule your first episode
Planning is something you should do for all episodes, not just the first one. However, when preparing your first eLearning podcast episode, there are even more decisions to be made. First, you need to create an intro and outro. The former introduces the podcast, the host, and the topic in an engaging way, while the latter thanks listeners and perhaps prompts them to take some action, such as visiting your website or leaving a review or comment. Additionally, you need to plan the actual content to ensure you don't babble or get sidetracked. While we don't recommend writing a script for the podcast, you should definitely follow a short outline to ensure you stay on topic.
7. Buy recording equipment
Podcasts don't require high-end equipment or building a full studio. Some podcasters even use their smartphones. However, since this is professional content, we recommend investing in something more advanced than that. What you need to record a decent quality podcast are headphones, a microphone, a computer, and sound recording and editing software. There is a wide price range for each of these tools, but it's best to keep it simple. Buy equipment that works well and isn't too complicated, especially if you're an amateur podcaster. If necessary, you can upgrade your equipment later or add a camera to produce video content as well.
8. Explore sound editing
As we mentioned earlier, podcasting equipment includes a sound editing solution. And that's because no matter how much you practice, you'll have to edit your content for mistakes, long pauses, repetitions, and so on. So it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the software of your choice. Even if you have a team or expert to help you with audio editing, some basic knowledge of the software is necessary. It will give you a general idea of ideal recording conditions and teach you things like not speaking too close to the microphone and maintaining a constant volume.
9. Practice before recording
One factor that matters a lot when it comes to the success of your first eLearning podcast is how naturally it flows. Listeners are unlikely to come back for the second episode if the first left them confused or overwhelmed. Therefore, make sure you practice before recording your first episode. Practice in front of the mirror or record a demo episode to ensure you sound natural and confident. Try out a few different intros and have some of your colleagues listen to them. Gather feedback to figure out whether you should sound more enthusiastic or speak a little slower.
10. Set a schedule
Consistency is key when trying to reach a loyal audience. You can't expect your listeners to take you seriously if you promise weekly episodes and end up uploading them once a month. Yet many new podcasters make this mistake because they underestimate how much time it takes to record and edit a podcast episode. To solve this problem, record a few episodes in advance so you can create a realistic timeline that fits with the rest of your duties and responsibilities. Having a few episodes on standby also gives you time to work out the intricacies of promoting your podcast and coming up with new ideas without falling behind.
11. Plan your marketing strategy
Promoting your eLearning podcast should start before you upload the first episode. Announce your new venture on your social media to let your audience know that something new and exciting is coming. Share the first topic you'll talk about and maybe ask them to submit questions that you can answer in later episodes. Promoting interactivity will make them more interested in tuning in. Make sure you encourage them to visit the platform that will host your podcast and subscribe so that they are immediately notified when the podcast is uploaded. Once you start uploading, you can share additional content from your episodes, such as short clips, to keep your audience interested and attract more listeners.
Conclusion
Launching a podcast is undoubtedly the right move if you want to promote your eLearning business. Podcasts can help you connect with your audience, improve your online presence, and establish authority in the industry. However, if you've never done this before, you'll definitely need some help getting started. You can take away the stress hosting your podcast by working together with eLI. You don't have to worry about planning your episodes, mastering editing software or promoting the launch, because we'll take care of it all for you.