Today, we wrap up the podcast mini-series with a review of compression, host service providers and now it’s time for you to launch your podcast! More at www.bemovingforward.com.
Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Part 1: Review and recap of compression
Let:s do a quick review of compression to make sure the concept is clear. I also refer you back to episode 270 for a discussion and illustration of compression.
The idea is that if you choose a host service provider that provides a monthly storage queue such as Libsyn, then you will have to take that into consideration as you plan out your episodes.
With a storage queue, you can upload and plan out episodes that fit within that plan; whether it’s 50 MB, 200 MB or more. Compression allows you to keep the math easy, using a 1 MB to 1-minute ratio.
The reason why I bring this is up is that as we’ve covered, a podcast may have many sound “ribbons” or components. You may have multiple conversation tracks, music, intros and outros and transition effects all within one episode. When you export all of this together, using GarageBand or some other platform, the file may end up larger than the 1 min : 1 MB ratio. A 20-minute convo may end up 40 MB or 50 MB, depending on which editing suite you use. By running the file again through a platform like iTunes (now Apple podcasts) and exporting it using a 128 KBPS (“good”) rate, you will create a new file that fits the easy math ratio. iTunes also has the benefit of being a great editing suite to stamp on your file: you can add title, author, a descriptive blurb, and your artwork.
Keep in mind, compression is only necessary for those host providers that provide monthly queues. If you use a host service provider with an unlimited storage plan, then this won’t come into play. For Moving Forward, I hosted it on Libsyn for seven years (Note: I migrated to Anchor in 2022). For a platform like Libsyn, you pick the plan you need each month based on your storage needs. You can vary it month-to-month or keep it the same if you're producing the same amount on a regular schedule. If you host a podcast on Anchor, you don’t have to think about storage math as hosting is free.
Podcast mini-series recap and roadmap
Episode 262: Start your podcast with an exit strategy.
Episode 263: Pick a topic and niche for your show.
Episode 264: Podcasting styles and an introduction to hosting.
Episode 265: Getting started with equipment and software.
Episode 266: Building arcs into your show and best practices for recording.
Episode 267: Repurposing content into a podcast (and vice versa).
Episode 268: Scheduling interviews and best practices for editing.
Episode 269: Getting guests for your show and adding music and sound effects.
Episode 270: More on editing, file compression, and creating podcast artwork.
Episode 271: Podcast mini-series wrap up.
You can also check out my Podcast roadmap on LinkedIn.
Launch your podcast on Anchor for free
Anchor is an excellent platform with a wide array of editing tools, including a library of sound effects and music, that's completely free.
Part 2: It’s time to launch your show!
Now, it’s time to wrap up the podcast mini-series. Over the past two months, we’ve covered a lot and if you’re new to this podcast and want to start at the beginning, start with episode 262, where I talk about the exit strategy.
Podcasting is a lot of work. If you decide to do this, it will become a part of your weekly or daily life. Make sure you pick a topic or subject matter that you enjoy talking about and have fun with it. But you should also treat it as a responsibility. The point of this is that you are creating content that will speak to an audience, whether it’s to share a skill or expertise or to entertain.
Have goals with your podcast, have an exit strategy, and be realistic with your expectations. When you launch your show, my hope is that it will be a massive hit and you’ll have many downloads and streams. But don’t be disappointed or surprised if that’s not the case. Today, the podcast landscape is so crowded that standing out is harder to do and building an audience and traction takes time. Be patient. Don’t give up if things don't happen overnight. The key is to pick a topic or subject that you could talk about for hours on end without a microphone. Think of putting it on a podcast as gravy; whether you reach 50 or 5 million, those are people you otherwise wouldn’t be connecting with.
Homework
Launch your podcast. You’ve practiced, you’ve learned how to record and edit and you’ve probably practiced some more. At some point, you need to stop practicing and just launch it. Do it. Even if you’re not sure or don’t feel quite ready, put it out there and see what happens. Work on improving and learning as you go rather than waiting and working on it until it’s “perfect.” Set the launch date, get those first episodes ready, and get it out there. Have fun with this and much success to you as you move forward.
Part 3: What I’m reading
The Perfect Christmas and Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber (***): two books that are perfect for the holidays. If you enjoy holiday romances or just a good story, these are light charming books and fast reads. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Enjoy the Moving Forward Holiday Collection
Books by John
Check out my Amazon author profile.
Support the Podcast
The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book: makes the perfect stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.
Try out Audible (affiliate link).
Try out Amazon Prime (affiliate link).
Connect
Follow John on IG
Follow John on Goodreads
Comments