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Six Simple Ways to Rocket your Podcast to the Top of the Charts

by Ken Hando

There are many Podcasts and more coming online everyday, It is still in the earliest stages of growth. Many topics have less than five podcasts on it when you search iTunes or Yahoo's Podcast directory (http://podcasts.yahoo.com). However as the Podcasting scene grows more crowded, many people feel they have missed the boat. If your niche is a crowded one, you need to know how to make your Podcast a success.
Here are some major points to remember when you start recording your podcast.The main issue is not the content. Yes, what you say has to be great information, topical and exciting, but how you say it is even more important. You have to keep them interested in what you have to offer. Are you passionate about your subject? Are you having fun? If you are not, why do you think your listeners will?
Be yourself. If you are not a professional DJ, newscaster, or MC, don't try to sound like one. One of my favorite Podcasts is by Mr. SEO. He recently mentioned that when he recorded his podcasts as a news Podcast - serious, reading the headlines, super serious -- it was a flop. As soon as he decided to just be himself and talk with his listeners like he was having a cup of coffee over at his favorite coffee shop, his subscriber base shot up and he is still one of the most popular Podcasts on Podomatic.
Have fun; it will show in your Podcast. Be able to laugh at yourself and anything else. If you are having a good time so will your listeners. People know instinctually if you are truly enjoying what you do, so give them something to really enjoy with your Podcast.
Don't record a Podcast when you have nothing to say. Don't abuse your audience by wasting their precious time. Having said that, you will always have lots of interesting things to say. If you can't think of anything, then head over to Google News and search for the latest news on your topic. Comment on the latest happenings.
Make sure you podcast regularly. People get into habits and one habit you want to encourage is listening to your Podcast on a regular basis.
Listen to your Podcast before uploading it. Are there a lot of awkward pauses? . Use a sound editor to remove them. Sony's Soundforge or Audacity are good programs to edit out the parts of your Podcast you don't want heard. Audacity is free (http://audacity.sourceforge.net). If you are starting out, rehearse. It helps to practice. If you don't like any of a Podcast you recorded, delete it and start over. Remember though that with time you will improve and often the important step is just getting it up and online. That is a huge accomplishment. Celebrate it.
Don't read. Unless you are a pro, when you read your 'script' into a microphone, you will sound like a robot. People want to hear a live, breathing human. Be enthusiastic and know your stuff. If you want to do interviews, which is one of my favorite ways to Podcast, make sure to share the mike. Ask engaging and topical questions, and let your guest answer without interruption. Try not to overcomment between questions. I listened to one Podcaster make a long preamble before asking his question and in it he basically took a strong position. After the guest's answer, which was totally the opposite position, the interviewer reversed his position. It was not pretty. Don't paint yourself or your interviewee into a corner. Set your agenda. Know what you want to accomplish in your Podcast. You must be clear what you want to say and get across. I recommend making short notes - one or two words -- covering the major points you want to cover. Remember, you are the expert. You know your topic. Take a deep breath. Relax and start talking!