Do you want to know how to do a remote podcast? If yes, then this guide is for you. In the previous guide, I talked about the solo podcast. But, in this particular guide, I am gonna talk about interview podcasts. So, get ready to read some of my secrets too. Haha!
Social distancing means face to face podcast interviews isn't on the cards right now. All the podcasters all over the globe are recording the podcasts remotely from the comfort of their homes. Of course, this is nothing new at all. Remote interviews have always been there.
There are so many podcasters that don't find any problem to record the podcasts online. But, if you are used to recording in person or you just want to start with your podcast journey then you may find some problem in recording remotely. So, I have written some of the secrets that have helped me in recording the interview podcast. Are you ready to dig deep into this article? Okay, so let's move on!
Table Contents
Here's what I will cover in my article
#1. How to record the podcast audio remotely?
Are you a podcaster who want to record the podcasts remotely? If yes, then this guide is for you. Here are some of my secrets for recording high-quality audio:
1. Double Ender Recording
For a double-ender, both you and your guest record each end of the audio locally. After the interview, your guest sends you their audio file and then the two ends of the conversation are stitched together in post-production.
This is the gold standard in terms of audio quality. You will need some recording software like Adobe Audition etc and a platform to connect with your guest like Google Hangouts. By recording locally rather than over the net, it prevents audio compression and also stops connecting issues that will affect your interview.
But do you know that there are some downsides? Yes, there are! Firstly, your guest needs to have a local recording setup on their end to capture their side of the conversation. So, you need to guide them on how to use these tools to record their voice. Secondly, this method is labour intensive as you need to stitch the conversation and then edit and mix them. So, it needs some technical knowledge.
2. Zencastr
I have personally used it to record many of the podcast episodes. But, then I also used Zoom. Zencastr has been a long-standing go-to platform for recording podcasts remotely. It's moreover easy to use the tool and its basic plan is free to use.
To get started, you simply create a new episode and send your guests the link to join in. You will even get access to a soundboard so you can upload sound clips you might want to play during your interview. After you are done with your recording, then Zencastr will send you an MP3 and WAV version of each person's recordings to the DropBox account signed up.
This platform is free to use for only two guests up to 8 hours a month. If you need more guests or recording time, then the subscription fee is $20 per month.
3. Squadcast
It hasn't been around for long, but it's already picked up traction amongst seasoned podcasters. So, how to use it? Well, it's mostly because it records great audio and allows you to video conference with your guest too. Being able to see your guests helps you to establish a connection with them and pick up on anybody language as you would otherwise miss. But, one thing you need to keep in mind is that Squadcast does not currently record videos from your interview, only it records the audio.
The Squadcast team are actively working to add video recording functionality too and this year it will come soon. Once you join a session then you will see each person's video(if they only turned on). When you start recording then Squadcast progressively uploads each person's audio files to a cloud server, so if a person's net connection goes down, then you won't lose the recording. Once you have finished the interview you can download both audio files and drop them straight into your favourite editing software. Squadcast offers a 14-day free trial, so you can see if it meets your needs.
These are the tools that I have personally used while recording my podcast (Remotely). But, one thing I would say that I used Zoom and Zencastr more than the Squadcast and Double Ender for recording.
#2. How to record Video podcast remotely?
1. Zoom
This is really easy to use. Your guest doesn't need to have their own account or download any software. All they need is a link, which you'll be given when you sign up. Clicking the link will take your guest straight to the call with you, all inside their browser.
And it’s not just guests who benefit. Thanks to in-built recording functionality, Zoom is perfect for remote podcast interviews. All you need to do is click the record button on the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Once you’re finished, click the stop button.
Do download your audio and video files, just click “End Meeting”. For each interview you record you’ll get two different file types:
M4a Audio File - which can be dropped straight into your audio editor.
MP4 Video File - which can be edited and uploaded to YouTube or social media.
The sound quality won’t be perfect. But it'll be good enough for the vast majority of podcasts out there.
Zoom is free to use, but the basic plan is limited to 40mins of recording time for meetings with three or more participants. So if you’re planning to record longer episodes with multiple guests, it’s worth upgrading for $15 a month to get unlimited length calls. But, if you just have to record with one guest then it is unlimited.
2. Skype
It is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms - and they’ve recently rolled out a new feature that lets you record calls. Before this update, you needed to install third-party software to record on Skype.
Like with Zoom, the new process is really simple. Connect with your guest like you normally would. Once they’re joined and you’re ready to start the interview, click the “+” symbol in the bottom-right of the call window.
This will open a short dropdown menu, click “Start Recording”. When you do, your guest will be notified that the call is being recorded. You can stop recording before the call ends. The recording will then appear in the text chat section of the call window, and you can download it as an Mp4 video file.
Though I haven't used it many budding podcasters use it. But, to be honest I will prefer Zoom always. So, you can go with Zoom over Skype.
So, basically, these were the tools that you can use for recording your podcasts.
So, let's see what are the future steps once the recording part is done.
#3. How to edit your episode?
Once you have recorded your remote interviews, you will need to do a bit of editing before publishing. You might want to add an intro and outro, some music, or cut out parts of the interview to shorten the episode length.
You can do all this for free using Audacity - and I have created a guide showing you how to do it. So, I hope that you will find it helpful. Personally, I have used Audacity for editing as it is super easy to use. So, do go through this guide to know more about this software.
You can check the guide.
#4. How to distribute your episode?
What to do after you have edited your episode? Haha! It is to know how to distribute your episode and I have created a guide showing you how to do it. So, I hope that you will find it helpful. No matter, whether the podcast is Solo or interview, the steps to edit and distribute are the same. So, do go through this guide.
#5. How to book your podcast guest?
Finding the guests is one of the hardest parts of podcasting. If you are new, then it's damn difficult to know where to start and If you have been around a while then it can be challenging to find different guests for your podcast. So, just read on!!
How booking guests can improve your show?
As a host, booking podcasts guests is one of the best ways to bring fresh and valuable content for the listeners out there. Interviewing guests add dimensions to your episodes by offering audience different perspectives and people get to learn a lot from all the guests.
So, let's see how to invite the guests on the podcast:
1. Invite guests with upcoming publications
When an author releases a new book or brand puts out a new album, then their publicists will try to land them interviews to get their latest project as much as publicity as possible. So, this is the strategy to be followed.
Invite the guests who have launched their new project or are about to launch it and it also provides a great talking point. But, if you don't have publicists pitching your guests then you can reach out to people who just published a new book or album and ask them to be on your show and of course, many of them will say Yes, cause they also need a platform to promote their new project. Isn't it a great strategy? Use it and then do let me know how it worked for you.
2. Cross-promote with other content creators
If there are already a handful of podcasts in your niche, there are probably many other people creating similar types of content on other platforms. You can create valuable partnerships with the host of YouTube channels or popular blogs.
Let's say you partner with a popular blogger who writes about Travelling—the same topic as your podcast. By inviting her on your podcast, you will gain access to their blog readers who would probably love your show.
The best way to find popular blogs in your space is with a Google search. Start as specific as possible, and then broaden as necessary. From there, you can read some of their posts and invite them onto your podcast.
3. Connect with guests in online communities
Another way to find great guests is in online communities. These are both excellent sources for potential guests and new listeners.
For that social media platforms can really help you like LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter Facebook etc. to find your guest.
It's best to follow an influencer or expert for a while, read the posts they share, and comment on something they wrote or created. If they recently published a blog post, let them know what you thought about it. Once you establish rapport, you can ask if they would be willing to do a short interview on your podcast.
4. Allow guests to request to be on your show
How irritating would it be to find out that an awesome guest was looking to be on a podcast, but couldn't find any way to reach you? It's not uncommon that many guests would love to be interviewed, while lots of podcasts are looking for guests. Many matchmaking services help connect you with guests, but you can do a lot of the footwork on your own, too.
Start by building a page on your website where potential guests can request to be on your show. You don't have to give out your email address but can set up a straightforward questionnaire to see if somebody is a good fit.
Like you can create a form for free that you can place on your website so that potential guests can request to be on your show.
Though you will get very rare guests like this and if you get then you are lucky. Haha! Yes. Cause every podcaster themselves reaches to the guest.
5. Use a matchmaking service
If you are having trouble landing some guests, or don't feel like you have the time to track down good leads, then a matchmaking service might make sense. You can use any matchmaking services for that matter. But, I have personally used only one matchmaking services:
1. Podcast Guests
It is a free guest-booking resource with a directory of thousands of authors, experts, and podcasters across a wide array of categories. Just you have to enter the topic of your podcast or episode, and you will likely get at least several matches.
Once you find a match you want to interview, fill out the contact form to invite them on your show. So, if they agree to this then congratulations. Though I only got one guest by using this method one should learn how to reach out.
There are many like Podchaser Connect, Interview Valet etc. You can use any of them.
6. Reach out via email or social media
I have personally got many of the guests by this method. Truly cold mailing acts like wonders if done correctly. But, for this, you need to know their mail ID and you can find that from their social media handles. Once you have got their mail ID then you can start drafting emails inviting guests on your podcast.
But, are you confused about how to craft an effective outreach email? Then don't worry. I will help you with that:
1. Write a compelling subject line
Instead of asking for a favour from your potential guest, do communicate that you would value the opportunity to work with you on a common goal. Shorter is better so try to keep your subject lines shorter.
2. Personalize the message
Isn't it so easy to copy and paste an email when you pitch to several people at once? Yeah, it is. But always take out some time to write a custom email as it always goes a long way towards getting a positive response.
3. Make a specific request and keep it short and crispy
To make it easy for your potential guest, give them a straightforward CTA, instead of asking various questions.
4. Follow up and never be afraid of rejections
If you don't get a response within a few days, you can send one brief to follow up email, but don't go with more than one follow up.
Once you send the follow-up, don't take it personally if they don't respond. Actually, they aren't interested in collaborating with you. So, even if they reject your invitation then it doesn't matter. Never get depressed or as such. Learn from your mistakes and move on!
So, these are the ways that helped me to reach out to various people.
#6. What all mistakes to avoid as a Podcaster?
I have been into podcasting from 8 months now and I can say that I have made a lot of mistakes in my whole podcasting journey and I too have learnt a lot from those mistakes. So, if you are starting with your podcast then do avoid making these mistakes:
1. Selecting the too broad topic
You need to take care of this point. If suppose one of your episodes talks about entrepreneurial tips and the next episode discusses how to manage a big business then you are probably not catering for the same listeners in both episodes. So, there are chances that you might lose them. Be careful about this.
2. Failing to identify a core listener
Once you have identified a niche topic you should also pinpoint an ideal core listener. If you can picture a person instead of a group of non-descript followers then you will be more likely to connect with people.
3. Not having any CTA
Although you can easily lose listeners by trying to sell too much, you also shouldn't be afraid of having at least one call-to-action on each episode. Remember that CTA is super important.
4. Using low-quality audio equipment
Remember that quality always wins. You might attract many listeners for a short period of time but you can lose them cause they are not able to understand your voice. After all, it's not clear. So, buy a microphone for yourself. I am not saying that buy an expensive one but you can buy that microphone which suits your pocket.
5. Using a home-made podcast image
When you manage to get your podcast to appear on iTunes and other podcasting directories, an image will appear next to your listing. So, remember that you create that creative carefully and with full dedication.
So, these were the mistakes that one should avoid while starting their podcast journey.
#7. How to market your podcast?
Marketing plays a vital role. So, one should learn how to market their Podcasts. What is the worst thing about throwing a party?
Of course, it's not sending the invite. Haha! Isn't it? The same goes for any Podcasts too.
If you already have an existing channel like YouTube, Blog, email-list, social media, use it to announce your podcast.
So, you can share your podcast on social-media sites like:
1. YouTube
2. Facebook
3.Twitter
4. Pinterest
5. Instagram
It is natural to not get many views on your first few podcasts but as you continue publishing, the listener will be browsing your old shows as well. So, consistency is the key. Keep going with it and eventually, you will see the result.
You can also create a video version of your podcast, that could be used on YouTube, Instagram or other social networking websites. I make it and it is a great way to market your podcast.
So, marketing really plays a major role, do it nicely.
Just to make your life easier, here are a few additional tips for podcasting:
1. Set a definite date and time for publishing
2. Have one evergreen recorded podcast (As a backup plan)
3. Mention Website link at the start & end of Show notes
4. Use an animated video overlay and publish your podcast on YouTube or other social media handles.
5. Connect with best minds in your industry by inviting them to be a guest on your podcast show.
So, I hope these points will help you.
#8. CONCLUSION
Remote podcasts might be difficult due to network issues and also the quality of voice may also get affected at some point but the tools that I have mentioned have really helped me. So, I hope that you will find this guide useful. Though every show is different so, it's totally up to you to decide which method will suit you the best.
I have written about how to start the solo podcast. You can check the whole guide.
So, by this, we come to an end with this podcast series. In these two blog posts, I have shared what has helped me in my whole podcasting journey. So, I hope that you also find it helpful in some or the other way. If you haven't listened to any of the episodes of Shaggy Talks Podcast then you can tune in right away.
Podcast links
Spotify:- https://spoti.fi/2TEn5dL
Apple Podcast:- https://apple.co/3oEcSwj
Google Podcast:- https://bit.ly/31Y46iZ
Ganna:- https://bit.ly/37srTLa
Jio Saavn:- https://bit.ly/2KcL1nz
Thank you for reading it till the end. If you liked this post then do share your thoughts in comments.
