Salutations™!!
You’ve known about my podcasting and about my producing the video for Tart & Tangy Triad‘s “Appetizer” each week. I’m not saying I’m a Hollywood producer or videographer, at all! But, I’ve done okay, especially when I have good content. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard me talking about it and how I want to produce for others. That’s what I’m talking about today. What can Such-N-Such Media do for you!? That’s the question. Let’s answer it.
So, you want to do a podcast? Great! What’s your podcast about? Is it pop culture? Is it cooking? Is it how to change spark plugs on your car? Is it just talking about the 13 cats you own and how you want to do more? Great! I really don’t care what the subject, we can do a podcast for you. I will say, however, that I’m allergic to cats so don’t bring them to the studio.
Whatever the subject is, though, there are a few rules that you have to follow. You have to really be dedicated to your podcast. Getting a friend or two together to talk in 
front of the microphone is great for you, but who cares about that other than you? I’m pretty sure that unless you’re two girls talking about what you have or would like to do with the local university’s football team, people aren’t going to just listen to a “shoot the breeze” session. Be focused on the subject matter, even if the subject matter changes, take it by the horns and wrangle it. If you’re doing a show about cats, each episode should be dedicated to one subject. This week, it could be what size litter box your cat prefers (I’m assuming there’s multiple sizes, again, I’m allergic to cats) and spend your 15-30 minutes talking about that. Be specific, on point, and try to keep the tangents to a minimum. If you have questions you want to field from listeners, friends or family, then put that all together. Example, open the show with: “Now, we’re going to field a few comments from the listeners that have written in.” Or do it at the end, or as a break. Just don’t spread that, around; it dilutes the continuity of the show.
Another key is scheduling consistency. If people don’t know when you’re going to have a show, they’re not going to care to listen. Yes, you may be on iTunes or Stitcher and it may show up when they check in, but if it’s been a month and a half since you produced something and it was two months before that and a few weeks prior to that, then you have no “show.” You have a sound recording that you talk about cats (or whatever). If you’re only going to do it once a month, then tell the listeners and followers that the schedule is once every month. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you say you’re going to do it once a week, pick a day of the week and put it out on that day. Here’s a hack: in podcasting, it doesn’t matter when you record the show. It matters when you publish the show. If you are worried about consistency, start broad. Say you’re going to do it every two weeks. Then when you go to start recording it, record as many as you can at once, without wearing yourself out (it does happen) or making it uninteresting.
Sometimes, The Beer Dads will crank out up to three shows in one setting and release them one at a time; once every week. That way you have some in reserve if something comes up, you want to go on vacation, your equipment goes awry, etc. Another thing is, we record The Beer Dads on Monday evenings but they’re not published until Thursday. The other end of that, The Less Desirables, Fan Interference, Tart & Tangy Triad are all published the day/night of recording. Usually, within 20-30 minutes of finishing them. Just make sure you’re consistent.
Another hint, have not only good content but good sound quality. People aren’t going to listen and aren’t going to take you seriously if your sound quality is less than stellar. There are way too many shows out there that do what you do for them to have to listen to garbage. In my studio, I use professional grade equipment and put out a good sounding product. I can do that for you, too. The bonus of having me do your podcast is that you don’t have to worry about how it’s going to sound. You’re going to sound good. I pride myself on good production. We can record up to 5 people simultaneously or even more if you’re (collectively) willing to share mics. We can Skype people in either on video or via phone calls. I take the file, produce it, shine it up for you nicely and deliver it to you in whatever form and whichever platform you prefer.
Okay, say that you absolutely know this podcasting thing is for you and you don’t want to rely on anyone to make sure it’s done. You want to do it in your underwear sitting at your dining room table at 1:30am. OR, you have those 13 cats and want to have them with you on the podcast. Well, I can tell you, I’m probably not going to be at the studio and I’m probably not going to come to your house to record that. You want to do it all by yourself? Great! I’ll help you figure out what exactly you’re looking to do, the best equipment (just to get your feet wet, not like my setup; least cost-intrusive) to purchase, the programs you need and what to do with it after you’re done. I’ll order the parts for you and include that in the consultation fee so it’s all there. We sit you in front of your computer, get things rolling and after a few tweaks and instructions, you’ll be on your merry podcast way.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. We do promotional, instructional, educational and “just because” videos; voice overs for commercials or narration; record audiobooks; consultations (as explained); copywriting and editing and the list goes on. If it’s digital media, we’ll have a way to help you anyway that you need it. We’re competitive and affordable. We don’t have “set” rates for most of our services as we offer “personalized media solutions,” tailored to your needs. Is there something here that interests you? Then send me an email, visit our Facebook page or give me a call (the number is on the FB page). Let’s set up a meeting and talk about how we can help you get yourself heard and seen.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
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“New media’s not very old, hence the word new, so we don’t know a lot of things about new media and by the time you’ve taught it it’s probably out of date. I think it’s much more beneficial to have an experiential lesson versus a classroom lesson in new media.” – Ben Huh
