Avoiding
the Pitfalls - Common Podcasting Mistakes
By:Jennifer
Kothe
In learning anything new there is always a sharp learning curve,
and you’re sure to make a few mistakes a long the way, we
all do. However in an effort to save you some grief and embarrassment
along the way I’ve compiled a short list of some common mistakes
and how to avoid them. So read on, and enter the podcasting arena
a few steps ahead of the competition.
Number
One – Reading from a script. While I strongly recommend writing
out an outline of what you want to cover in your podcast it isn’t
necessary to read verbatim from a script. When most people try reading
directly from a script they wind up sounding like Ben Stein. “Bueller?”
It isn’t entertaining and you’ll lose your audience
before you even have a chance to get started. So unless you have
a background in acting or extemporaneous reading it’s probably
a good idea to forgo the script.
An
easy solution is to make a list of talking points, note cards, or
even a more detailed outline of what you intend to say in your podcast.
So long as the format leaves room for improvisation it will come
across as more friendly and conversational. It may take a few tries
to get used to “winging it,” but you’ll sound
much better. It’s still advisable to rehearse and edit your
podcast whenever possible you not to the point where it sounds too
scripted or contrived.
Number
Two – Sound. While not everyone can afford really slick production
values it is important to appear at least somewhat professional.
This means investing in a good quality microphone, some headphones,
and an editing program of some sort.
This
doesn’t necessarily involve a large investment though. The
mic and headphones can be obtained for a reasonable amount, and
you can download a free program like Audacity which will allow you
to edit your show. Audacity will allow you lay down tracks of music,
edit out coughs, “ums”, or even portions of the podcast
that you aren’t happy with. It’s also worthwhile to
do a sound check before spending 15 to 30 minutes recording a podcast
that is unintelligible. Check that the mic volume is properly adjusted
and that there isn’t any background interference.
Number
Three – Infrequent episodes. No one wants to subscribe to
a show if it only airs sporadically. Why? Mainly because it’s
hard to get into and maintain interest in a show if it isn’t
on enough to keep you engaged in the content. At the very least
try to have shows broadcast ever other week if not weekly. It’s
true that some shows are only released monthly but generally the
more frequent the show airs the higher its ratings are.
Number
Four – No call to action. It’s rare that a listener
will come to find your podcast in the context of your site. Most
people will probably stumble across your podcast via podcast directory
that’s why it’s important to make sure you include a
call to action at the end of your podcast. The fact is that if you
don’t provide a clear way for people to interact with you
then they won’t.
Number
Five – No album art. This really only applies when submitting
your podcasts to the various podcast directories and podcatchers.
iTunes, for example, allows album art and more often than not people
don't even take a second look at the podcasts without it. It doesn’t
have to be anything fancy, and you can even use your logo as the
album art so long as it communicates something about the podcast.
Potential
customers are looking for you through search engines, directories
and forums. We help them find your website. How? Check out our marketing
techniques at http://www.itsontarget.com and sign up for our podcast
and we'll let you in on some interesting internet traffic solutions.
Jennifer
Kothe is the talented marketing coordinator at Internet Traffic
Solutions (www.itsontarget.com)
which is a full service marketing agency that offers clients a profitable
way to get the attention of their target audience online.
