At the height of the pandemic in 2020, it is estimated that more than one million podcasts were created as a means of staying connected in a newly masked, contagious world. Since that time, the yearly number of new podcasts has dropped significantly, now around 200-thousand per year. Still, when I am on LinkedIn, I see new podcast announcements daily. Many are intrigued by the excitement of being an on-camera host, while others may want to launch a more interesting way to connect with their target audience. Either way, there are some things to keep in mind if you are considering launching a podcast:
What’s Your Goal?
Do you need clicks/views and time spent watching? Or are you using the platform to build relationships with clients and third parties? These are two very different goals. The first will require stepped-up production, including B-Roll, on-screen graphics, and multiple camera angles, as well as any ramped-up production techniques to keep the audience locked in. Booking a guest with a great story is key. A recognizable name is even better.
If your goal is to help build client relationships, the pressure is off. Don’t get me wrong. The podcast will still need to be professionally produced. But it won’t come with the stress of needed clicks.
Podcasts are Time Consuming
Along with the need for the purchase of the necessary equipment like cameras, professional mics, lighting, editing software, etc., creating a podcast is also time-consuming. You need to book the guest, review interview questions and content, schedule the guest, and record the show, which in this format, can be long (30 – 60 minutes not atypical).
Once you are “in the can”, the edit comes next. You will need to clean it up and remove any mistakes or interview hiccups, which means the editor will need to review the entire show in real time. Don’t forget the time required for graphics, B-Roll, show open and close, etc.
You need to understand this time suck before committing.
It’s not about you.
We understand. Being a TV host can be exciting and adrenaline-pumping. However, it’s important to remember that it’s NOT about you. As host, you are simply the mechanism to keep things moving and interesting. The person you are interviewing will be the reason people take a listen or don’t. My best advice is to get in the habit of using the fewest words possible as a host to elicit the desired guest response. The harsh reality- unless you are already a celebrity, nobody is watching to hear you blather. A podcast is interesting because the guest has a great story to share or invaluable information worth hearing.
Rich Dubek is the President of the Dubek Media Group, which is based in Tempe, Arizona. DMG specializes in media training and on-camera coaching, PR, and video storytelling.