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Workbook: Start your Podcast. Make an impact.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. LVL IMPACT LIMITED 2019.

© LVL IMPACT LIMITED 2019


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM 78

Chapter 1 Where to start 9 MY PODCASTING JOURNEY Questionnaire 1 9

MY PODCAST VISION BOARD 14

MY PODCAST COMMITMENT 15

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 16

Trello: Online Tool for Project Management https://trello.com 16

MY PODCAST: Inspiration & To Do 16

MY PODCAST: Episodes 16

Organising your files on your computer 17

CHAPTER 1 CHALLENGE 18

Chapter 2 Topic, Title, Target 22

MY TOPICS 22

MY PERFECT LISTENER 24

MY PODCAST TITLE 31

MY PODCAST LOGO / ARTWORK 33

Requirements - Overview: 33

My first Podcast Logo: 34


Chapter 3 Formats 37

PRO’s and CON’s of common & popular Podcast Formats. 37

Interview|Conversational Podcast 37

Where to record 38

Audio Examples from #impact Podcast 38

Educational Podcast 39

Where to record 39

Storytelling Podcast (fictional/non-fictional) 40



Where to record 40

Podcast Examples in every style 41


Which style fits me? 41

Take the test! 42

My Podcast Format 42

Chapter 4 Equipment 43

Podcast Resource: This will make your voice sound amazing 43

Podcast Resource: Great communities to join 44

Your Editorial Calendar 45

Getting the best guests on your Podcast: 47

Making scheduling your recordings easier. 48


Chapter 5 Your first recording 50

Review: Looking back at Chapter 4 Challenge 50

Before you start preparing your first recording 51

Setting up your microphones and connecting them with your Computer 51

Recording & Microphone Technique 52

Voice Warm up: Simple, quick and easy 53

Additional Resources 54


BONUS: Special Training 56

In this Special Training you will learn how to script your Podcast Episodes, how to be a great Podcast host and ask the right questions and we will also talk about legal issues and how to protect your content. 56

Chapter 6 Audio Editing 57

Preparations for Audio Editing 57

Outline: Intro & Outro 57

Outline 57



Generic 0r tailor made Into/Outro 58

What to consider for your Intro? 59

What to consider for your Outro? 59

Royalty Free Music 60

Where to purchase royalty free music for your Podcast? 60

Podcast Trailer 61

How to choose music for your Podcast? 61

Free Audio Editing Tools 63

Outsourcing Audio Editing 64


Chapter 7 Hit publish 65

Tagging your audio file 65

Why should you tag your audio files? 66

CHECKLIST: Getting ready for tagging 66

File tagging with Auphonic 67

Media Host Options 67

Libsyn 68

Anchor 69

More options 69

Podbean 69

Simplecast 70

Soundcloud 70

Buzzsprout 71

Stay informed | Podcast News 71


Chapter 8 Submitting Your Show 73

Preparing for submission 73

Show notes Examples & Tools 74

Show notes examples from our Podcast productions 74



Outsourcing Show notes writing 74

Transcriptions 75

Where to submit 75


Chapter 9 Distribution & Promotion 77

Where and how to share 78

Fun activities to create buzz around your Podcast launch and beyond 78

Organise a launch Event | big scale or intimate 78

Facebook Live Examples 78

#impact Turns 2 FACEBOOK LIVE (video) 78

#impact turns 1 FACEBOOK LIVE (audio only) 79

Publishing a new episode LIVE (video) 79


Chapter 10 Keeping the Momentum 81

Download Numbers and how to interpret them 81

Fine tuning your Podcast: Vision & Target 82

Template: Listener Feedback Form. Access it here. 82

Free tools to create online surveys 82

Your perfect listener: Revisit what you filled out in Chapter 2 and see if adjustments are needed. 83

2.) Strategic Collaboration 84

3.) Learn & Experiment 85

Learning Platform 85

Voice Messages from your listeners|community 85

Monetise your Podcast 86

Tools to help with monetising 86

Patreon: 86

Memberpress: 86




LINKS to Resources | Templates | Checklists 88

ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM

Access the overview of all the 10 chapters and all the resources (templates, checklists, resources) HERE .


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/course-start-your-podcast/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/course-start-your-podcast/


Welcome!

This workbook will help you as you embark on your Podcasting journey! Keep

your Workbook handy as you work through the video modules. You can collect

ideas, add your own research and links. You will find all the exercises, links to

additional resources, templates and video tutorials in this workbook as well..

You are in for a ride! Enjoy it and have fun with it!

Yours,

Regina Larko

Creator of #impact



Chapter 1 Where to start Refer to the Chapter 1 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

It all starts with your vision to bring your Podcast to life. Take some time to answer the following questions. There are no right or wrong answers. Be kind to yourself and hold nothing back. This is just for you. It will help you reflect on your own expectations, dreams and hopes for your Podcast.

MY PODCASTING JOURNEY Questionnaire 1

1.) I have been dreaming about launching a Podcast since….:

When did you first think about starting a Podcast?

2.) Starting a Podcast is important to me because….

What comes to mind first? Or maybe you can think of even more than one reason.

What do YOU want to get out of the experience?


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/1-where-to-start/


3.) This is what I worry about most when I think of my Podcast….:

What is it that holds you back? You worry about technical hiccups? Worry that no one

will listen? Or that it is a waste of your time? Or you worry about your voice?

4.) Topics I want to address on my show….

Right down at least 5 ideas, what comes to mind first? At this point, don’t overthink it,

just write from the gut. The research part comes later.

5.) How much budget do I have to run my Podcast:….

How much are you willing to spend each month on running your Podcast?

❏ USD 0-50 ❏ USD 50-100 ❏ USD more than 100



6.) What people will say about my Podcast in 5 years time….

What do you want them to say about your show?

7.) This is what I want my listeners to feel when they tune in….

What impact do you want your show to have on them? Should they feel inspired? Or

get educated? Shall they be entertained? Shall they be gaining a new perspective?

How should they feel listening to your content?

8.) It would make me happy if my Podcast could help me to….

What is it that you want your Podcast to help you with? You want to raise awareness

about a topic? You want to market your product or services? You want to connect with



influential people? You want to become a better communicator?

9.) My dream guest:...

Let’s dream big. If you could choose anyone, who would you want to interview for your

Podcast?

10.) This is the amount of time I can work on my Podcast each week:….

How many hours can you spear realistically?



11.) I want to air my first episode on:...

Set a realistic goal: Give yourself at least 3 month from now, but put a date on it. You

can adjust this date as you go along.

12.) I want to release a new episode every....

Set a realistic goal: is it every week? Or once a month? Or every other week?

Please return to the Chapter 1 Video 1.3 after your completed answering the questions.




MY PODCAST VISION BOARD

Example. Feel free to add your own vision board here.



MY PODCAST COMMITMENT

There is one thing that will make or break your ambitions to get your Podcast off the ground. It is your COMMITMENT. This might sound so obvious, but you will be surprised how many Podcasts don’t make it to launch day or never make it over their 4th episode because of the lack of commitment. This page is for you to revisit whenever you need a reminder that you are in it - 100%.

Starting today, I will take my ambitions to start my Podcast serious because I have been dreaming

about it for a long time and there are many intriguing topics I want to address that my future listeners need to hear about on my amazing show.



PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Refer to learning video 1.6+1.7 for more details and step by step guidance.

Trello: Online Tool for Project Management https://trello.com

You can create your own Trello boards and tasks according to your workflow. Here are two ideas for organising your workflow that work really well for us at #impact Podcast

MY PODCAST: Inspiration & To Do

In this Board I add following segments to keep on track with my urgent tasks, set deadlines and collect ideas for my show topics and guests.

I organise my notes in these categories

● To Do ● Done ● Topics|Brainstorm ● Guests|Brainstorm ● Guests|Contacted ● Other Podcasts ● LOVE

MY PODCAST: Episodes

This board is very useful to have an overview of To Do’s when it comes to the individual episodes of the Podcast and to keep the production timeline on track.

Use the items on this Checklist to copy paste on your Trello board Episode checklist.



https://trello.com/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Checklist-1-Important-Steps-preparing-recording-editing-and-marketing-your-episode.pdf


Organising your files on your computer

Refer to learning video 1.8. for more details and step by step guidance.

Here is a structure how you can organise your files on your computer/your external drive.

Best practise: Make sure to regularly backup your files on an external disc, e.g. Once a week. Set a reminder on your calendar so you do not forget about it.




CHAPTER 1 CHALLENGE

Listen to at least 1 new Podcast in your niche and pay attention to what you love (not love about it)

PODCAST: please add the link to the Podcast episode here.

1. This is why I chose this new Podcast:

What caught your attention? Did you find a recommendation for this Podcast in an article? Or did you just browse in your Podcast App and found the Logo attractive? Or did the title of the Podcast (episode) sound intriguing?



2. The intro of this Podcast is

❏ Too short ❏ Too long ❏ Just right

3. The music of this Podcast is

❏ Too soft ❏ Too energetic ❏ Just right ❏ Other:

4. The host of this Podcast sounds very

❏ Confident ❏ Arrogant ❏ Educated ❏ Friendly ❏ Aggressive ❏ Engaging ❏ Other:

5. The way the host lead the conversation/show felt very

❏ Natural ❏ Forced ❏ Experienced ❏ Amateur ❏ Other:

6. (if an interview show) Did the host pay close attention to what his guest said

❏ Yes. Why? ❏ No. Why?

7. Did this episode want you to learn even more about the topic?



❏ Yes. ❏ No. If no, did that bother you?

8. Did this episode have any clear calls to action?

❏ Yes. ❏ No.

9. I would listen to another episode of this Podcast again

❏ Yes. Why? ❏ No. Why?

10. I would listen to another episode of this Podcast again

❏ Yes. Why?

11. This is what I think about the Logo of the Podcast:

Do you like the colours? How about the font? What caught your eye and what would you want to do better for your Logo?

12. This is what I think about the Title of the Podcast:

I am referring to the title of the show not the episode.

How do you like the title? Does it fit the topics that were discussed on the episode? Is

the title original and catchy? What do you like about the title? What don’t you like

about it?



13. This is what I loved about this episode and would want to implement on my show

as well:

14. This is what I didn’t like about this episode and I want to avoid on my show



Chapter 2 Topic, Title, Target Refer to the Chapter 2 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will discover your Podcast title, the main topics you want to address and who you want to target with your episodes.

MY TOPICS

This Checklist will help you research and narrow down topics for your show. Please go through it for each of your favorite topics to narrow down your top 5.

Topic Ideas for my Podcast


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/2-topic-title-target/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Checklist-3-Research-and-narrow-down-your-topics.pdf



My TOP 5 topic ideas for my Podcast

Additional ideas for my Podcast



MY PERFECT LISTENER

The following questionnaire will help you define your perfect listener. Fill out every question and dream up your ideal listener that will become the Number 1 Fan of your show. There is no wrong or right, this is for you to define who you want to address with your show, create your TOP Fan. If you are unsure how to answer any of the questions you can refer to how I answered these questions for the ideal listener of #impact here.

Add a picture of your perfect listener (find one eg on https://www.pexels.com )

Insert - Image - Upload from computer give the person a real name

Name & Age: give the person a real name

Currently lives in:


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/My-ideal-listener_-Taking-impact-as-an-example.pdf

https://www.pexels.com/


Relationships and Family: is this person married or single, does he/she have kids? How

close is he|she they to to his/her family? What other relationships are important to

them?

Past and current Job title

Education Background



Role Models

Interests and Hobbies

Places where to find him/her: where do they spend their spare time (eg are they out

hiking or do they like to hang out in Cafes and read, are they out with their friends or

with their family? etc)



Communications: are they active on social media (if yes, which ones?) or do they

prefer calling/texting etc?

Brands: what products do they like and buy?

Podcast and Books: what other Podcasts do they listen to? What kind of books do they

read?



When does he/she listen to Podcasts? On commute? When driving? When working

out? etc

Dreams when growing up

Something he/she always wanted to achieve



What does she/he worry about a lot?

Why is he/she so worried about that?

Something they would say

Summary: This is how I would describe my ideal listener in 4 sentences.



MY PODCAST TITLE

We are looking for catchy, concise, engaging, SEO friendly, on brand, great feel and sound .

This Checklist will help you shortlist your Podcast Show title.

My TOP 5 ideas for my Podcast Show Title eg #impact

My TOP 5 ideas for my Podcast Subtitle eg A Podcast about stuff that matters

How would you describe what your Podcast is about in 6 words or less?


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Checklist-2-Shortlisting-your-Podcast-Show-Title.pdf



MY PODCAST LOGO / ARTWORK

Requirements - Overview:

File specifications for Apple Podcasts*:

● Size: square; minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels and maximum 3000 x 3000 pixels

● Resolution: 72 dpi

● File type: JPEG or PNG

● Colorspace: RGB

● Show artwork must be original and can’t contain any of the following: ○ Blurry, misaligned, mismatched, or pixelated images

○ Explicit language

○ Placeholder images

○ The Apple Inc., Apple Podcasts, or iTunes Store logos

○ The terms Apple Inc., Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, iTunes Store, or iTunes

○ Visual representation of Apple hardware

○ References to illegal drugs, profanity, or violence

● Note: Artwork that does not meet the guidelines, or does not meet our presentation

standards, may be removed.

*Last checked: Sept. 13,2019 Here you find the link to all requirements for Apple

Podcast


https://help.apple.com/itc/podcasts_connect/#/itc1723472cb


My first Podcast Logo:

Add the Logo you designed yourself with www.canva.com or had someone design for you

here:


http://www.canva.com/


CHAPTER 2 CHALLENGE

Listen to the #impact Storytelling Special with Award-winning Journalist Angie Lau. Listen here.

After you listened to this episode, write down your story when it comes to your Podcast. Write as little or much as you want.

Here some ideas to get you started: What inspires you to start this Podcast in the first place and what experiences that you made in the past do you want to take on this Podcasting journey with you?

This is my Podcasting story:


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcastspecial-crafting-your-story-finding-your-voice-angie-lau-forkast-news/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcastspecial-crafting-your-story-finding-your-voice-angie-lau-forkast-news/


Chapter 3 Formats Refer to the Chapter 3 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will find out which Podcast Format fits your personality, goals and audience best.

PRO’s and CON’s of common & popular Podcast Formats.

Podcasts can be conversational, educational, they can be solo-hosted or co-hosted. They can be structured as interviews or as storytelling audio series (non-fictional, fictional) and each of this formats comes with its particular benefits and challenges.

Interview|Conversational Podcast


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/3-podcast-formats/


Where to record

A quiet place is always great but for this format Background/Ambience sound is ok - if it does not overtake the conversation.

Audio Examples from #impact Podcast

● Recorded in a meeting room ● Recorded in a cafe ● Recorded in a park ● Recorded in a recording studio ● Recorded at an event

Find more examples for great conversational Podcasts here .


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast19/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast39-an-innovative-healthcare-model-for-nepal-designed-to-scale-mark-arnoldy-possible/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast18/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast54-promoting-inclusion-hong-kong-resolve-foundation/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast37-fundraising-event-live-crowdfunding-10x10-hongkong/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/6-ResourcePodcast-ExamplesPodcast-Formats.pdf


Educational Podcast

Find more examples for great educational Podcasts here .

Where to record

A quiet place is key for crisp sound quality.




Storytelling Podcast (fictional/non-fictional)

Where to record

Find more examples for great scripted Podcasts here.




Podcast Examples in every style

Check this resource to listen in to great shows representing each of the formats we discussed.

Access Podcast Examples here.

CHAPTER 3 CHALLENGE

Which style fits me?

Look through the following list and answer each statement with YES|NO|NOT SURE.

Then count your YES’s. Where have you answered YES most often? You might have found your perfect format fit.

Please keep in mind that this is a very generic test. If you are still unsure about your format, then revisit your ideal listener as you defined her/him in Chapter 2. Think about which format fits your ideal listener. Which kind of show would she/he love?

Still uncertain after this. There is another thing that helps for sure. Listen to more Podcasts! This will give you an idea of what is the right fit for you. You can check out examples for Podcasts of all the different formats we discussed here .






Take the test!

Count your YES’s! Which format is the winner for you after this test?

My Podcast Format

After working through this Chapter this is the format I want to use for my show. It is a

great fit for me because...



Chapter 4 Equipment Refer to the Chapter 4 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will find out which equipment won’t break the budget and how to get your editorial calendar and your guests sorted.

Podcast Resource: This will make your voice sound amazing

Check this resource to find the #impact equipment and best practise tips for set up as well as audio examples so you can make an informed decision which microphones to get.

Resource: Podcast Equipment. Access here.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/4-equipment-and-more/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Resource-Equipment-This-will-make-your-voice-sound-great.pdf


Podcast Resource: Great communities to join

Resource: Podcast Communities. Access here.

If you need quick support when you have open questions about recording equipment or anything related to Podcasting is to reach out to other Podcasters in Podcast Groups online. There are many great groups and you can join them easily through Facebook for example, I have put together this resource for you with links to Online Podcast Groups that I have really enjoyed being part of over the past few years. People are very active and helpful and you can simply search old posts for answers to your questions - not only when it comes to equipment of course.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resource-Great-Groups-for-Podcasters-.pdf


Your Editorial Calendar

Template: Editorial Calendar. Access here

Step by Step: How to fill your editorial calendar


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1w38Y7cOKk6x7fNyWuJ1ubFrSqvveGtkZLWeTRsIWQXQ/edit?usp=sharing



Please check the learning Video 4.2 of Chapter 4 for a detailed introduction to the structure of your Editorial Calendar.

The template includes helpful step by step guidance on how to fill your editorial calendar as well as research links and ideas that will support you to plan your content efficiently aiming for high impact and reach within your audience.




Getting the best guests on your Podcast:

Please check the learning Video 4.3 for a detailed introduction on how to choose the best guests for your Podcast.

Overview:

1) Do your research. 2) Do they burn for their topic? 3) Brief them well.

Template: Guest Briefing. Access it here .

4) When in doubt, trust your instinct.



https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Template-Guest-Briefing-impact-Information-Sheet-Template-for-Guests.pdf


Making scheduling your recordings easier.

Plans change. Recordings get rescheduled. Especially when you record online across time zones it will take forever if you try to figure out which time will work for both of you and manually adding this in you calendar.

That’s why I have started using a tool called Calendly. It is really handy to schedule meetings and you can link this with your calendar so that whenever your guest picks an available time (or reschedule it at a later point) it will always automatically update.

Access calendly here: https://calendly.com


https://calendly.com/




CHAPTER 4 CHALLENGE

Your first test recording. You are ready!

For today’s chapter challenger I want you to schedule a test recording with a friend or your partner, a colleague, whoever you would feel comfortable with.

● For interview recording: The interview should be related to your topic but your interview partner does not need to be an expert in this topic.

Ask them about their opinion when it comes to your topic, ask what they always wanted to learn about the topic. Ask them why it is an important topic to discuss and something they think would be really valuable to address on your show. Start off with these questions and just see how it goes, feel free to add your own questions of course.

● For solo-show recording: If you are intending to start a solo-show, record a little mini episode of 10 minutes where you introduce your listeners to the idea behind your podcast.

It doesn’t matter if you already have access to your equipment or not, you can do this test recording simply using your phone and the Voice Memo function or another voice recording app.

If this is the first time recording with your phone you can find Voice recorder options here:

● Voice Recorder for Iphone: There is a native App on your IPhone called Voice Recorder. Simply search your phone for the App or find other options here

● Voice Recorder options for Android.

Have fun recording!


https://techwiser.com/best-voice-recorder-apps-for-iphone/

https://www.androidauthority.com/best-voice-recorder-apps-for-an%20droid-615332/(


Chapter 5 Your first recording Refer to the Chapter 5 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will get you ready for your first “proper” Podcast recording. You are ready for this!

Review: Looking back at Chapter 4 Challenge

Your first test recording. How did it go?

For today’s chapter challenger I want you to schedule a test recording with a friend or your partner, a colleague, whoever you would feel comfortable with.

Listen back to the recording and write down what

you notice:

What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? Did you sound shy? Or confident?

Do you say filling words/phrases you could avoid in the future?

What would you do differently next time?

How do you like the structure of your episode?


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/5-your-first-recording/


Before you start preparing your first recording

A thought might run through your mind:

There is no perfect length but looking at these questions might help you figure it out:

- How long will it take you to get your message across - Where and when does your ideal listener usually listen to the Podcast?

Setting up your microphones and connecting them with your Computer

If you use a Mac you already have a free audio recording and editing software on your Mac. This is what I use to record and edit my Podcast.

As part of the Chapter 5 learning video you will find 2 tutorial videos how to set up 1 and 2 microphones (e.g. ATR2100) with your Mac (refer to Video 5.2, 5.3 of Chapter 5). You will




also find a video tutorial how to set up a Zoon H4n Pro recorder ( refer to video 5.4. of Chapter 5 )

If you do not use Garageband|Mac or a Zoom to record please feel free to search on Youtube for tutorials for your particular set up.

Recording & Microphone Technique

If you have a dynamic microphone like the ATR2100 that I use, then you can place your mouth around 2.5cm/or 1 inch away from the microphone and speak in your normal tone of voice. That will give your recording a very nice intimacy and quality.

Refer to video 5.5. of Chapter 5 for a closer look on how to get the microphone technique right.






Voice Warm up: Simple, quick and easy

There are tons of great voice exercises you can do. Refer to video 5.6. of Chapter 5 where I walk you through really easy and quick exercise that will have a big, positive impact on your voice.




Additional Resources

Want more inspiration? This TED talk is fantastic and also includes a bunch of voice warm up exercises.

Watch the TED talk “How to speak so that people want to listen” here.


https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen?language=en


CHAPTER 5 CHALLENGE

Make sure to schedule your recording as soon as possible and get that audio file because in the next chapter we will be working on editing your very first episode. So another motivation for your really get it done!

Once you have that date in your calendar, you might feel like some extra help to get your interview notes ready or the script for your first solo show episode.

That’s why I have prepared a Bonus Tutorial for you to get you even more excited about going into this first recording.

You will find the Bonus Tutorial right under the Chapter 5 learning video .




BONUS: Special Training

In this Special Training you will learn how to script your Podcast Episodes , how to be a great Podcast host and ask the right questions and we will also talk about legal issues and how to protect your content.

Check out the Special Training Video that you can find right under your Chapter 5 learning video to give you that extra bit of structure & confidence to go into your first recording.

Find all the resources and links mentioned in theSpecial Training Video in this Resource Paper. Included in this paper these checklists & templates. Check LINKS OVERVIEW for Chapter 5.




https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/RESOURCE-PAPER_-Scripting-your-Podcast-and-being-a-great-host.pdf



Chapter 6 Audio Editing Refer to the Chapter 6 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter you will learn how to edit your audio files. It’s really not that hard. If I managed to learn how to do it, you can do it too!

Preparations for Audio Editing

Before you get into the hands-on editing, make sure to prepare the different elements/segments of your Podcast, like your intro and outro and potentially music you want to use, so we can get you set up for editing your first Podcast episode.

Outline: Intro & Outro

Outline


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/6-audio-editing/


The intro is the bit that comes right at the beginning of your Podcast episode. Followed by the main part. The outro is the bit that comes all the way in the end, as you wrap up the episode. You could keep your intro and outro very generic and use them for every episode which would save you lots of time as you only record them once. Or you could record a new, tailor-made intro and outro for every episode.

Generic 0r tailor made Into/Outro



What to consider for your Intro?

What to consider for your Outro?

Get inspired by other Podcasts.

Listen in how intros & outros are scripted on other shows, e.g. the ones mentioned in this Resource “Podcast Examples”.

That can help you implement some of the things you like best for your own show.





Royalty Free Music

Royalty Free Music refers to a type of music licensing that allows the purchaser to pay for the music license only once and to use the music for as long as desired. For example, you purchase a Royalty Free Music license for a music jingle for your Podcast and you only pay once, a one time fee, that entitles you to use it as often as you like and you don’t need to pay royalties or license fees for each use.

Where to purchase royalty free music for your Podcast?

There are many music libraries you can find online. I personally like Pond5 best.

Pond5 Website: https://www.pond5.com

Browse for Music on Pond5 here: https://www.pond5.com


https://www.pond5.com/

https://www.pond5.com/


Podcast Trailer

Should you have one? I think so. It’s a great way to create buzz around your launch. Here’s a Checklist what to include in your Podcast trailer

Access the Checklist here.

How to choose music for your Podcast?

The music should fit the vibe of your show.

Is it a high energy show with a bubbly host, choose high energy power music, do you want the show to be relaxing, smooth, maybe choose some acoustic guitar riffs.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Checklist-Podcast-TrailerWhat-to-include.pdf


You should personally enjoy the melody, it should fit your show and target group.

Give it some time until you choose. Because this will be something that makes your show very recognisable and you don't want to change the music for every episode, it should stay the same, ideally forever.

Get inspired by other Podcasts.

Listen in how the music is used in the shows mentioned in this Resource “Podcast Examples”.

Do they fade them in and out? Is there something you really like?

Find some inspiration in YOUR favourite shows as well.




Free Audio Editing Tools

Garageband should already be on your Mac. So just search for it on your Computer with the Finder Function to open the App. If you don’t find it on your Mac, you can download it from the apple website.

Apple Website: https://www.apple.com

Download Garageband for Mac here. https://www.apple.com/hk/en/mac/garageband/

Check learning video 6.4+6.5 . for a tutorial on how to use Garageband for audio editing

Audacity Website: https://www.audacityteam.org

Download Audacity for Windows here https://www.audacityteam.org/download/windows/

Download Audacity for Mac here https://www.audacityteam.org/download/mac/

Check learning video 6.6. for a tutorial on how to use Audacity for audio editing.


https://www.apple.com/

https://www.apple.com/hk/en/mac/garageband/


https://www.audacityteam.org/

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/windows/

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/mac/



Outsourcing Audio Editing

There are tons of audio production companies out there and many of them offer audio editing for a very reasonable price. Of course it depends on your requirements and budget you have but if you feel like the auditing bit is slowing you down, you can look around online and see if you find a production company you want to give a try.

I have made a really good experience with Counterweight Creative.

Disclaimer: Feel free to check them out and mention that your heard about them through this course. This is an affiliate collaboration and we only recommend service providers we use ourselves and have been exceptionally happy with their services.

https://counterweightcreative.co

CHAPTER 6 CHALLENGE

In this weeks chapter challenge I want you to implement what you learned this time. I want you to produce your Podcast Trailer.

Have a look at the Checklist I put together for you, get your trailer script ready, start recording and editing.

Maybe you get some friends listen to it once you are ready and get some feedback. Ask them if they’d be intrigued to subscribe to the Podcast after listening to your trailer.

Get that Trailer ready before you continue on with Chapter 7 where we we will polish your audio file, tag it and get it ready for uploading on your media server.


https://counterweightcreative.co/




Chapter 7 Hit publish Refer to the Chapter 7 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will find your Podcast and online home. We get your audio file polished and ready for airing too!

Tagging your audio file


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/7-hit-publish/


Why should you tag your audio files?

You want to add some additional information to each audio file, not only to make your audio files look more professional and help your listeners get some additional information on their media player display. E.g. They will recognise your Podcast Logo, they will understand which Podcast this episode is part of and who the producer is.

Adding additional information to your audio file (so called “meta tags”), like a short summary or topics that are discussed in this particular episode can help with search engine and Podcast directory discovery.

CHECKLIST: Getting ready for tagging

A few things you have to get ready before you can start tagging

❏ (MUST) audio file of the episode you want to publish (already edited, including your intro, outro, music etc)

❏ (MUST) title of your Podcast (revisit Chapter 2 MY PODCAST TITLE if you haven’t chosen your Podcast title yet)

❏ (MUST) your Podcast Logo (revisit Chapter 2 MY PODCAST LOGO if you haven’t created your logo yet)

❏ (MUST) title of the episode you want to publish ❏ (OPTIONAL) topic(s) of the episode you want to publish ❏ (OPTIONAL) summary of the episode you want to publish



File tagging with Auphonic

There are many options to tag your audio file. I personally really like Auphonic as it not only allows me to tag the file but it will polish the episode at the same time e.g. equalising the volume throughout the episode and reducing noise.

Visit Auphonic Website here.

Media Host Options

Media Hosting is the hosting account that stores and delivers your audio files to your subscribers.

There are tons of media hosting websites out there (SLIDE), some are free to use, some require you to pay a monthly subscription. The paid options give you more features like detailed stats of your Podcast and more data upload volume.

The list of media hosts I am presenting you here is by far not an extensive list, so feel free to look around yourself as there are tons of options. I just want to present you a few options I have tried myself and had a good experience with. So if you want a shortcut you can just start from there.


https://auphonic.com/


Libsyn

Libsyn Website

How to submit via Libsyn your show to Apple Podcasts.


https://libsyn.com/

https://support.libsyn.com/knowledgebase/itunes/


Anchor

Anchor Website

Anchor Pricing: free (unlimited)

How to submit your show via Anchor to Apple Podcasts

More options

Podbean

Podbean Website: https://www.podbean.com

Podbean Pricing: starts free (with limited time/5hours total)

How to submit your show via Podbean to Apple


https://anchor.fm/

https://help.anchor.fm/hc/en-us/articles/360022416191-Apple-Podcasts-Distribution

https://www.podbean.com/

https://www.podbean.com/podcast-hosting-pricing

https://help.podbean.com/support/solutions/articles/25000004811-submitting-my-podcast-to-itunes


Simplecast

Simplecast Website

Simplecast Pricing: starting USD15/month

How to submit your show via Simplecast to Apple

Soundcloud

Soundcloud Website

Soundcloud Pricing: Free with limits, paid plans available

Soundcloud Guide: How to host your Podcast with Soundcloud


https://simplecast.com/

https://simplecast.com/features-pricing/

https://help.simplecast.com/en/articles/786077-legacy-simplecast-how-to-publish-your-podcast-on-apple-podcasts

https://soundcloud.com/discover

https://checkout.soundcloud.com/pro?ref=t992

https://blog.soundcloud.com/2018/05/30/host-podcast-soundcloud/


Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout Website

Buzzsprout Pricing : starting free but files hosted limited amount of time, paid plans available

Buzzsprout Guide: How to submit Podcast to Apple

Buzzsprout Resources: Lots of Guides, Tutorials and help to get started and set up.

Stay informed | Podcast News

To stay updated in the fast moving world of Podcasting, I recommend you get on some of the newsletters that I found extremely helpful to stay updated on developments in the Podcasting industry.


https://www.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.buzzsprout.com/pricing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKS01tUN80

https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog


Access the Resource Link “Podcast News” here .

CHAPTER 7 CHALLENGE


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Resource-Great-Podcasting-Newsletters-to-subscribe-to.pdf


Implement what you learned in this chapter and schedule in the time to tag your audio file and upload it on the media host of your choice.

You want to get this ready before you continue on with the next chapter as we are then taking the exciting step to submitting your show to Apple Podcasts and preparing your show for the big launch day! YAY!!! We are so close now!



Chapter 8 Submitting Your Show Refer to the Chapter 8 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will get you ready to submit your show to lots of Podcast directories, making sure it gets found by new listeners easily.

Preparing for submission

There are a few things you should have ready before you submit your show to Podcast directories because you’ll be surprised how quickly your show will show up on some of these Podcast directories.

In Training video 8.1. I walk you through this checklist to make sure you have everything ready and set up.

To get even more out of this Checklist you can also revisit what you filled in the questionnaire 1 MY PODCASTING JOURNEY.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/8-podcast-directories/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Checklist-Submit-your-show-What-to-prepare.pdf



Show notes Examples & Tools

If you want to make written content available for your Podcast, then this is referred to as Show notes. Show notes have the benefit that - although technology is changing fast, and audio files are getting better searchable each day, adding written content, even just a short summary of your episode on your website can be very powerful for discovery

It can also generate additional leads for your business. This is very useful for example if you are running an educational Podcast, as you can send listeners to the show note link to encourage them to download a free goodie. And if you are doing a good job with entering keywords on your written post for your episode, it will help with the discovery of your show.

Check Chapter 8 video 8.2.+ Show notes examples to see how I am making use of show notes for my shows.

Show notes examples from our Podcast productions

#impact Podcast | on the hashtagimpact.com Website

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcasts-advocating-for-social-and-environmental-impact-sonalie-figueiras-green-queen/

OFF THE RECORD | on the media host site Anchor https://anchor.fm/impact-podcast/episodes/Trailer-Off-the-record--Podcasting-with-impact-e8s09p

A Zero Waste Journey Podcast (in collaboration with Green Queen Media)

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/a-zero-waste-journey-live-on-air-podcast-series/

Outsourcing Show notes writing

There are tons of companies and freelancers (check Fiverr to find a freelancer!) out there that offer show notes writing for a very reasonable price. Of course it depends on your requirements and budget. I have made a really good experience with Counterweight Creative .

Disclaimer: Feel free to check them out and mention that your heard about them through this course. This is an affiliate collaboration and we only recommend service providers we use ourselves and have been exceptionally happy with their services. https://counterweightcreative.co


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/8-podcast-directories/



https://anchor.fm/impact-podcast/episodes/Trailer-Off-the-record--Podcasting-with-impact-e8s09p

https://anchor.fm/impact-podcast/episodes/Trailer-Off-the-record--Podcasting-with-impact-e8s09p

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/a-zero-waste-journey-live-on-air-podcast-series/

https://www.fiverr.com/





Example show notes that Counterweight Creative did for #impact

Alice Mong on #impact https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast58-alice-mong-asia-society-hong-kong-make-an-impact/

Transcriptions

Many Podcasters opt for having their full audio episode transcribed.

An online transcription tool I was happy with for automatic transcription is Happy Scribe. Having said that, I am not using transcriptions for my Podcast productions, I only used this tool for my market research and going through the transcription and correcting the automatically generated text is very time intense so have a think if you have the time and budget to offer a full transcription.

Where to submit

The more Podcast directories you are on, the better. It’s usually very quick and easy to submit your RSS feed.

Access the Checklist here.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast58-alice-mong-asia-society-hong-kong-make-an-impact/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/podcast58-alice-mong-asia-society-hong-kong-make-an-impact/

https://www.happyscribe.co/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Checklist-5-Podcast-Directories-Where-to-submit-my-Podcast.pdf


CHAPTER 8 CHALLENGE

I want you to shoot some behind the scenes pictures and videos. Make a little selfie video sharing how excited you are that you have just submitted your show to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Take some nice pictures of your “recording” studio - wherever it is, how ever it looks. Save these little videos and pictures in a folder on your phone. We’ll be working with it next time as we start to put a promotion strategy together for you!



Chapter 9 Distribution & Promotion Refer to the Chapter 9 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will get you ready to submit your show to lots of Podcast directories, making sure it gets found by new listeners easily.

Access the Resource Promotion Tools here.

I put all my favourite tools for creating promotional graphics and videos in this resource list.

Check Video 9.2. as I walk you through this list to show you some examples of how I put them to use.

Access the Social Media Calendar Template here .


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/9-promotion/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Resource-Promotion-tools-to-help-market-your-Podcast-1.pdf

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/9-promotion/

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14Sdfl0QRyUQd1idPOCIHFwyferGcxgj3eNey72vYKKY/edit?usp=sharing


Where and how to share

I’d recommend you start with your personal network to get more comfortable with putting yourself out there. These are the people you are very close to today or that you have been very close to in the past and just fell out of touch. They are your existing circle. Leverage that!

They will be your first subscribers, many will - I guarantee you, reply with congratulations, encouragement, you’ll be surprised some might even share that they always dreamed about starting a Podcast too (that happened to me!)

Use this email template to get you started working on your first email promotion.

Fun activities to create buzz around your Podcast launch and beyond

Organise a launch Event | big scale or intimate

Check examples from our LIVE Podcasting Event experience here

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/events/

Facebook Live Examples

#impact Turns 2 FACEBOOK LIVE (video)

https://www.facebook.com/hashtagimpact/videos/366057950892844/


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Template-Email-Promotion-that-gets-you-the-first-100-downloads.pdf


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/events/



#impact turns 1 FACEBOOK LIVE (audio only)


Publishing a new episode LIVE (video)

The featured #impact guest is right there with us as we hit “publish”


CHAPTER 9 CHALLENGE

Looking ahead

In this Chapter Challenge I want you to take a quiet moment and look at the road ahead. Because this is just the beginning and with the right mindset your Podcast will allow you to

grow in ways you’d never imagined possible.





. Think about these 2 questions and write your answers down. In the coming chapter 10 we will focus on these points to make sure that you keep getting the most out of your

Podcasting journey moving ahead.

Looking at my Podcast, this is something I want to get better at...

Is it your audio editing skills or the actual recording? Is it the curation and planning of the content or is it the marketing of your show?

Anything else you can think of?

What’s one thing you find the hardest at the moment and what you want to improve moving forward?

Looking at my Podcast, this is a creative promotion idea I want to try out in the future

to grow my audience.

Is it running a Live Event or or working on being featured on other blogs and Podcasts? Is it cross-collaborating and cross-marketing with other Podcasters?

Do you have any other ideas? Think of one thing you can commit to realising in the coming year.



Chapter 10 Keeping the Momentum Refer to the Chapter 10 learning videos for more details and step by step guidance.

In this chapter we will make sure you stay motivated along your Podcasting journey. You get tips on how to grow and engage your listeners and continuously expanding your network and community.

Download Numbers and how to interpret them

Can download numbers show if your Podcast is a success? No! It’s relative. Don’t look at numbers only. There is much more to take into account. But if you want o have a number as a reference, here is a good overview:

Source: The Podcast Host (July 2019)

Source mentioned in the article for the statistics: The Feed Episode 145 (released June 2019)

It’s good to keep track of your stats and your numbers to monitor which episodes and topics work particularly well. But do not obsess about the numbers. That won’t help you grow.


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/10-keep-going/

https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/whats-a-good-number-of-downloads-for-a-podcast/

https://thefeed.libsyn.com/145-wwdc-2019-apple-category-changes-and-itunes-no-more


What will help you grow is to

1.) fine-tune your target group and checking in with your original vision, 2.) looking for strategic collaborators and cross promotion, 3.) and never stop learning and experimenting.

1.) Fine tuning your Podcast: Vision & Target

Template: Listener Feedback Form. Access it here .

Adjust the intro text and questions according to your needs.

Free tools to create online surveys

Google Forms https://www.google.com/forms/about/

Survey Monkey https://www.surveymonkey.com


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/impact-Podcast-Listeners-Feedback.pdf

https://www.google.com/forms/about/

https://www.surveymonkey.com/


Your perfect listener: Revisit what you filled out in Chapter 2 and see if adjustments are needed.

Your vision: Revisit what you filled out in Chapter 1 My Podcasting Journey Questionnaire 1 to see if it still fits.



2.) Strategic Collaboration



3.) Learn & Experiment

Learning Platform

Coursera: https://www.coursera.org

Voice Messages from your listeners|community

SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com


https://www.coursera.org/

https://www.speakpipe.com/


Monetise your Podcast

Tools to help with monetising

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com

Memberpress:

https://memberpress.com


https://www.patreon.com/

https://memberpress.com/


CHAPTER 10 CHALLENGE

Send me a message! I want to hear how it is going! Fill out the feedback form and I will give you and your show a shout out in an upcoming episode of OFF THE RECORD Podcast :-)

Send in your feedback HERE.

It’s been my honour to guide you through starting your Podcast with impact and I am incredibly proud that you have made it!

Keep me posted on how everything is going for you and if I can help you with anything else! Find me at [email protected]

Yours, Regina


https://www.hashtagimpact.com/offtherecord/

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/offtherecord/

https://forms.gle/ftJQbUdDGhvxS4Qv7

mailto:[email protected]


LINKS to Resources | Templates | Checklists

Chapter 1

Checklist | Preparing, Recording, Editing and Marketing your Episode


Chapter 2

Template | My ideal listener - Taking #impact as an example


Checklist | Research and Narrow Down your Topic


Checklist | Shortlist your perfect Podcast Show Title


Chapter 3

Resource | Podcast Examples |Listening Examples of different Podcast Styles


Chapter 4

Resource | Equipment: This will make your voice sound amazing
















Resource | Great Online Community Groups for Podcasters


Template | Guest Briefing: Let your guests know what they are in for.


Template | Editorial Calendar


Chapter 5

Special Training 1: Scripting your episodes and being a GREAT host

● Resource: Interview Notes

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resource-Interview-Notes-.pdf

● Solo Podcast: Episode outline and script

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Template-Solo-Podcast-Outline-and-Script-.pdf

● Resource: The art of crafting a great story (for every Podcast format!) https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resource-The-art-of-crafting-a-great-story-.pdf

● Speaker Release Form Template

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Template-Speaker-Release-Form.pdf

Chapter 5: Special Training 1: RESOURCE PAPER (15 pages)


Chapter 6












https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resource-The-art-of-crafting-a-great-story-.pdf

https://www.hashtagimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Resource-The-art-of-crafting-a-great-story-.pdf






Checklist | What to include in a Podcast Trailer?


Chapter 7

Resource | Great Podcast Newsletters to subscribe to


Chapter 8

Checklist | Submit your show - What to prepare before submitting your show to Podcast directories (like e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc)


Checklist | Podcast Directories | Where to submit my Podcast


Chapter 9

Promotion tools to market your Podcast


Template Social Media Content CalendarContent
















Template | An Email template that will get your new Podcast its first 100+ downloads


Chapter 10

Template Listener Feedback Form







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