Podcasts are fantastic for promoting your brand, and just about anyone can make one. While doing podcasts is easy, making them well is more difficult. In this article, you will learn about what to Avoid in Terrible Podcast Mistakes.
If you’re thinking about making podcasts, it’s vital to know what you’re doing and avoid common mistakes. Try to avoid making the common podcast errors we highlight below, and your podcasts will be much better.
And remember to finetune your podcasts with analytics software. That way, you will have a better understanding of your audience so you can make your broadcasts even better!
Table of Contents
Poor Sound Quality
Podcasts have a low entry barrier – much lower than film or tv – which makes it such an exciting way to reach your audience. But there are some upfront costs you need to address before you start recording.
The big thing is sound quality. You can have the most awesome content on the planet, but if your sound quality stinks, people will bail.
Luckily, you can buy high-quality microphones for less than you could a few years back. A radio-quality microphone isn’t necessary, and most podcasters don’t have expensive recording setups with sound booths and professional mikes. Look at microphones in your budget, read user reviews, and get the best one you can afford.
But there’s more to consider than microphones before you record your first podcast. Also, consider where you’re recording. A golden rule of podcasting is that audio usually sounds best when you record it in a small room such as a closet or duvet studio.
You also can ask your local library if they have podcasting space. Many university libraries now have them available. Recording spaces are found in more libraries these days, a boon for us podcasters who need an affordable place to do our work.
Another thing to remember about sound quality is to know about the odd noises our mouths can make. If you have a dry mouth, your voice will have clicks and sound ‘sticky.’ The same is true if you only hydrate with sugary drinks rather than water.
Also, think about how you pronounce “p,” “b,” or “t,” and how those sounds hit your mic. If those sounds hit peaks in your waveform, you could need a pop filter. Or, position the mic, so it’s not so close to your mouth.
Having a Podcast For No Reason
Before you record your podcast, think about why you’re doing it. Do you want to have a podcast because it’s just something cool people do?
The truth is that podcasts are fun, but making a good one takes work. A podcast that doesn’t share interesting information isn’t going to be anything but a waste of your time and money.
So, be sure your podcast has a purpose before pressing the record button.
Maybe your purpose is to feel you are creatively fulfilled or keep in touch with people. Or perhaps you love a particular topic you want to share with your listeners.
Those are good reasons to make a podcast. The actual purpose doesn’t matter as much as making sure you HAVE one. Having a good reason for the podcast will fire your passions, and your listeners will feel that. And they’ll come back for more.
Not Listening to Other Podcasts
Many creative writing teachers say that it’s tough to be an excellent writer if you don’t read. The same is true for podcasts.
If you want to make a fantastic podcast, listen to many popular podcasts. Focus on what those podcasts do that you could do. Don’t steal their ideas, but think about how you can make what they do on the podcasts your own thing.
Try podcasts in different styles and genres to see what speaks to you. There are nearly endless numbers of podcasts now. So there are lots of people doing fantastic work with podcasts. Learn from them, and then start doing your own.