5 things every podcaster should have for 2019
We’re all guilty of a little self-gifting this time of year, so don’t be afraid to treat yo’ self.
2018is quickly coming to end, so we know that great podcasters like you are busy planning for the year ahead. But don’t forget to treat yourself to some upgrades in the meantime to help elevate your show to new heights. Are you ready for a more specialized mic? Have you been putting off that website update? Now’s the time to take stock of your setup, check in with your brand, and get your show up to speed. Here are five essentials every podcaster should have for 2019.
- A tech boost
Like we’ve said before, investing in your sound is crucial for any great podcast. Take a look at your current studio setup. Whether your gear is outdated, or you’ve simply outgrown it, give yourself an upgrade. If you’ve been using a USB-only microphone, you may find some limitations as you grow your podcast. An XLR does require some extra equipment (like a dedicated digital recorder), but for the additional investment, XLR better supports multiple mics while delivering higher quality sound. To polish your audio even more you can add a pop filter.
This doesn’t just go for hardware. Making sure your editing and production software is updated will keep production running smoothly into the new year.
2. A new look
Does your cover art stand out? Or are you afraid it’s getting lost in the sea of iTunes thumbnails? To create eye-catching cover art, revisit the ideals the led you to create your podcast in the first place. Identify what makes your podcast unique, who your audience is, and what your competition is doing. And don’t forget the specs. All artwork must be a minimum of 1400x1400 pixels in JPEG or PNG format.
If you’re shelling out the cash for a professional job, you’ll want cover art with a shelf life. A good designer will ask a lot of questions so having a firm vision of what you want, what you don’t want, and the “whys” behind each will go a long way.
3. A website makeover
Your website is one of your biggest assets for growing your presence. Don’t forget to show it some love! It’s how you interact with your audience. It’s where you attract potential sponsors, partners, or guests. Your site may just need a simple refresh — swapping out artwork (like your shiny new cover art), including new accolades, or adding a blog. Some maintenance like updating your WordPress plugins and keeping your website running fast will keep you from losing your audience before they arrive.
4. A next-level guest game
Finding guests for your podcast is hard. Finding great guests consistently is even harder. Keep your guest pipeline fresh and interesting by thinking outside the box. Here are 21 resources to get those ideas flowing. But don’t stress about bringing high-profile guests on your show every week. Lesser-known experts can have the same impact if they have a compelling story that will resonate with your listeners. And don’t be afraid of guests who have an opposing (but not controversial) point of view. The conversation may surprise you and your audience.
5. A target goal
Check in with your promotional wish list. Are you satisfied with your current download numbers? Is your email list trending upward? Keep the momentum going! Establish more aggressive benchmarks for the coming year and identify the tactics to get you there. Launch an Instagram contest to boost engagement. Create incentives for subscribing to your newsletter with bonus content. Find the areas for improvement too. Take a look at your best and worst performing content. Ditch what didn’t work and play up what your fans enjoyed the most.
