Thinking of creating a podcast, then this presentation will give you some ideas to start.

1. Creating a podcast.
Budding Communities Academy

2. What is a podcast?
• A podcast is a series of digital audio or video
files which are distributed via the
internet, downloaded and listened to using
portable media players and personal
computers. Creating a podcast is a great way
of communicating within an organisation, or
enhancing the promotion of its
products, services, employer brand and job
vacancies to an external audience.

3. Why use a podcast?
• Podcasts can be used in many different ways:
– as a source of information
– to educate and enhance learning
– for entertainment purposes
– to enhance brand marketing and communication
People can subscribe to a podcast and have new
content automatically downloaded to their
computer or media player, which they can listen
to whenever they choose.

4. First steps
• Before starting out, it is a good idea to listen to
some existing podcasts to get a feel for what style
best suits particular organisations and subjects.
Find out if similar organisations produce podcasts
and what features they use. It is important to
have a clear idea of the purpose of the podcast,
and who it will be aimed at. The podcast is a
reflection of your organisation and as such should
convey your personality and the type of work you
do. Make sure you know what you wish to
achieve from your podcast.

5. The basics
• Depending on the type of podcast, there are a few pieces of
equipment that are required. For conducting a face-to-face
interview, an audio recorder is essential.[2] Using headphones can
help to determine that the recording is in progress, whilst individual
microphones may be necessary depending on the interview
environment. Using individual microphones can help to reduce
background or ambient noise.
• To conduct an interview over the phone, a cost-effective method is
to set up a Skype account.[3] A call recording system will need to be
used in conjunction with Skype. There are a number of options
available, such as Pretty May (which incurs a small cost) or Call
Graph (which is free).
• There are also inexpensive websites that allow you to record
podcasts. Spreaker is one that allows live broadcast or podcast.

6. Editing an audio recording
• An audio editing program is essential for creating a professional podcast. There are a number of
free packages available online, for example, Audacity offers basic functionality. More sophisticated
packages such as Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio or Adobe Audition can be purchased which offer a
more comprehensive range of tools. Online tutorials, self-help guides (and podcasts!) are also
available to help users understand how to edit an audio recording.[4]
• Many organisations use audio branding as a means of strengthening their brand identity.[5] By
incorporating an element of audio branding content on a website, users are encouraged to make a
connection to a specific brand through recognition of a particular sound. A number of audio
directories such as Audio Jungle offer stock music and audio effects for a small fee.
Alternatively, some organisations use musicians to compose a bespoke audio brand.[6] Some well-
known examples of successful brand identifying audio ‘signatures’ include the ubiquitous
McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle or Intel Corporation’s distinctive, four tone audio signature.
• There are a number of ways to enhance a basic podcast recording, for example:
– using an audio signature (e.g. music or other recognisable sounds) at the beginning and end of the podcast
– inserting a introduction and ending to signpost, draw attention and excite interest in the podcast content
– using presenter links within the podcast to highlight material that is still to come

7. Publishing a podcast
• The next step is to publish your podcast and make
it available on the internet. Many organisations
use a hosting service such as Jellycast
or Switchpod to host, publish and promote their
podcasts. Although many options are free, a
complete professional service will incur a fee.
Alternatively, it may be possible to use your
organisation’s website to host your podcast –
contact your IT department for more
information.[7]

8. Podcast promotion
• An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a file which people can use to subscribe
to regularly updated web content such as blogs, news headlines, podcasts and
video files. RSS means that users don’t need to visit these sites individually, as
updates are automatically provided via their RSS feed.[8]
• Setting up an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed can help to promote and raise
awareness of a podcast to a wider audience. Individuals who subscribe to your
organisation’s RSS feed will automatically be informed of the latest updates to the
podcast series.
• Once you have an established URL for your RSS podcast feed,[9] the next step is to
get your organisation’s podcast listed in a number of online podcast directories
such as iTunes.[10] Directories are particularly useful for promoting podcasts to an
external audience, as people use them to look for specific podcast content. The
free Feedburner tool is a useful means of promoting podcasts and developing user
statistics.
• Including details of the podcast in a press release or written article for an industry
journal or magazine will also increase its exposure. Some organisations also use
blogs and discussion forums to publicise and provide links to their podcasts.

9. Developing your podcasting skills
• Once the basic podcasting skills are established, why
not be more adventurous with the format? Enhanced
podcasting is a relatively new technique that uses a
multimedia format to combine audio recordings in
time with images or video. Many organisations
(particularly those in the education sector) are using
enhanced podcasts to create online demonstrations,
tutorials and presentations. Presentation sharing
websites Slideshare and Myplick offer an easy way to
share enhanced podcast episodes.