Podcasts are a dime a dozen these days. If you are thinking of starting one, what will set yours apart from others and make people return for new episodes? This is a challenge that many podcast hosts ponder as they strategize for success. The competition is fierce, and without careful consideration, you run the risk of having your podcast disappear into obscurity.

Before launching a podcast, consider this fact: most podcast success stories hinge on killer content. Here is what you need to know about creating podcast content.

Before you start

Consider the technical aspects of podcasting, such as making quality recordings that will not have listeners straining to hear you. It is time to learn about the best podcast hosting tool from Melon App to ensure that you offer a quality product. How are you going to leverage podcast platforms to get yours noticed? Most people find it best to research SEO (search engine optimization) keywords in their show notes to gain prominence.

Think carefully about your target audience before writing a single script. Who do you want to reach, what do they like, and where do they find podcast content? This market research can make or break your podcast. Doing it after you start is like fixing an airplane mid-flight, seldom a successful strategy. The content should not be driven in a podcast-centered manner, as this will not necessarily appeal to listeners. If you get everything right, you could start podcasting for monetization.

Knowledge

A podcaster must create content they are knowledgeable about or risk sounding ill-informed and having listeners question their credibility. Even if you are an expert, research your content to ensure it is 100% fact-based and accurate. Understand what is at the heart of your podcast, and do not be ashamed to look for more information to enhance your understanding.

Being well-versed in your topic establishes an air of authority, which brings listeners back for more. This qualified expertise should shine through in your eloquent scriptwriting and confident delivery.

Scriptwriting

Podcasts that are an endless ramble seldom retain listeners’ attention. While a few parts of your content might be spontaneous, the bulk of it should be scripted carefully. This requires writing multiple drafts of a podcast episode to get it as close to perfect as possible.

Scriptwriting requires skill with the written word, a broad vocabulary, and good proficiency in the broadcast language. Revise your script to avoid wordy phrases, overused words, and long sentences that lose their meaning. Get someone with language skills to help you with the final version of your script.

Practice makes perfect

A great script is only the first step as it needs to be delivered professionally. Before you step into a recording studio, run through it a few times, recording yourself on a cellphone. Play your recordings back, listening for places where you should speed up, slow down, pause, or emphasize a word in a sentence.

Breath control is another technique podcasters should master. When you do not take a breath at the right point, sentences become disjointed and hard for listeners to follow. Once you have practiced enough, it is time for your recording. Even once the final version is recorded, it might require editing, while some parts might need to be redone entirely.

Schedule it

Many podcasters upload new episodes at set intervals. When they are not prepared with a few scripts recorded in advance, they tend to rush an episode. This can adversely affect their content quality.

Do not operate from one episode to the next. Work a few weeks ahead to avoid compromising quality. Remain dedicated to your podcast, setting aside time to devote to it, and sticking to this schedule.

About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.