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Podcast Tips For 2024

By podcast | February 12, 2024

If you’re considering starting your own podcast in 2024, you’re embarking on an exciting journey into the realm of digital content creation.

However, as with any venture, there are challenges and pitfalls to navigate along the way.

Thus, we decided to make a list of our favorite podcast tips for 2024.

You’ve likely found your way to this article by searching for keywords like “how to start a podcast in 2024,” seeking podcast tips and insights to kickstart your podcasting endeavor.

Well, you’re in the right place. At The Podcast Haven, we’ve been on this journey ourselves, learning and growing over the years, and we’re here to share our podcast tips and lessons learned to help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

In this article, we’ll be sharing 12 invaluable podcast tips based on our own experiences.

The goal?

To help you avoid some of the mistakes we’ve made, and to shed some light on some important production tips that you may not be thinking about.

We want to ensure that your journey into podcasting is smooth, rewarding, and filled with creative fulfillment.

Podcast Preparation Tips

For our first tip, we want to talk about preparation, because that’s where everything is birthed.

One aspect that aspiring podcasters often underestimate is the amount of time and effort required for preparation. From scripting episodes to researching guests and outlining interview questions, the pre-production phase sets the foundation for a smooth and polished final product.

This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity!

PAY. ATTENTION.

In fact, we strongly advise aspiring podcasters to plan to spend more time prepping than they might initially anticipate.

Why?

Because the benefits are substantial.

First and foremost, dedicating ample time to preparation sets the stage for high-quality content creation.

By thoroughly researching topics, crafting detailed outlines, and scripting intros and outros, you lay a solid foundation for each episode.

This level of preparation not only ensures that your content is informative and engaging but also enhances your confidence and delivery as a host.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

When you invest the time upfront to plan and prepare, you’ll find that the recording process becomes significantly more efficient. With a clear roadmap in place, you’ll spend less time stumbling over your words or backtracking during recording sessions.

Instead, you’ll breeze through each episode with confidence and clarity, resulting in smoother and more polished recordings that require way less editing.

By minimizing the need for extensive edits and re-records, you’ll streamline the production process and ensure that your episodes are ready for release in less time.

A Lesson In “Winging It”

Trust us, when we started CLIPPED, we prepped a lot for each episode, whether it was a solocast or an interview.

Honestly, it was a pain in the ass to prep in detail, but it truly made the rest of the process faster and smoother.

Then, we started winging because we thought that once the mic’s heated up we were good on our feet, and that we could freestyle our way through episodes.

This lasted for a couple months, but then we noticed a drop in quality and production was taking FOREVER.

Now, we’re back to doing a ton of prep, because we’re passionate about what we do and we want to podcast with excellence.

Plus, the time we save in post-production because of the detailed prep is a win win.

This is one of our most painstaking podcast tips should be well worth your while.

The Art of Active Listening

For podcasters embarking on interview-based shows in 2024, mastering the art of active listening is a HUGE TIP.

While it may be tempting to interject with your own thoughts or insights during conversations, we’ve learned that the key to great interviews lies in listening attentively and responding thoughtfully.

The magic happens when you truly listen.

Instead of focusing solely on getting your point across or sticking to a rigid script of questions, allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and engage with your guest’s responses in a natural way.

This will foster a deeper connection between you and your guest, and open the door to unexpected opportunities and insights.

By remaining open and receptive to your guest’s perspectives and experiences, you may find yourself exploring topics and ideas that you hadn’t originally planned for.

It’s in these spontaneous moments of connection and discovery that the true magic of podcasting unfolds. And, your guests will love your ability to stay present and flow.

So, embrace the art of listening, and watch as your interviews transform from mere Q&A sessions into vibrant and captivating conversations.

Flow baby flow.

How To Get Comfortable On The Mic

If you’re new to podcasting, it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive or self-conscious when first stepping into the spotlight.

However, we want to reassure you that you’re not alone.

The key is to embrace the process and recognize that becoming comfortable behind the mic is a gradual journey. Just like any skill, it takes practice, patience, and perseverance.

The more reps you put in, the better you’ll get at being yourself and expressing your unique voice and perspective.

So, if you find yourself feeling nervous or awkward in front of the microphone, remember that it’s all part of the learning curve.

Instead of focusing on perfection, focus on progress.

Each recording session is an opportunity to grow and improve, and with time, you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and at ease in your role as a podcaster.

Honestly, it took our host Eric around a 60 episodes or so to really get comfortable on mic.

The key is to embrace yourself, don’t worry about how your voice sounds, and don’t try to “put one on” while recording.

HAVE. FUN.

Slowly this will become more and more natural, and that’s what listeners will grow to love about your show.

Authentic podcasts will shine in 2024.

AI Tips For Your Podcast

AI tools such as Adobe Speech Enhancer, Descript, and ChatGPT undoubtedly offer significant benefits to podcasters, streamlining tasks and enhancing efficiency.

However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach and not become overly dependent on these tools.

While Adobe Speech Enhancer can indeed elevate audio quality, it’s imperative for podcasters to possess a fundamental understanding of what constitutes good audio.

Without this knowledge, there’s a risk of inadvertently distorting the sound and creating a robotic effect by excessively manipulating settings.

Similarly, while Descript facilitates seamless editing processes via text, without having to learn a DAW, it’s essential for podcasters to grasp the nuances of pacing, audio transitions, and conversational flow.

Over reliance on Descript without honing these skills can result in choppy audio and disjointed episodes.

Additionally, while ChatGPT offers valuable assistance in preparing show notes and generating episode content, it’s important to recognize its limitations in capturing the essence of human expression and creativity.

Authenticity and emotional resonance are integral components of compelling podcast content, qualities that AI tools cannot fully replicate.

Incorporating AI tools into podcast production can undoubtedly streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

But, it’s essential for podcasters to strike a balance between leveraging these tools for efficiency and cultivating their own skills and expertise.

In 2024, podcasters can maximize the benefits of AI tools by integrating them strategically into their workflow.

By complementing these tools with their creative intuition and insights, they can fully leverage the capabilities of AI while maintaining the distinct human touch that sets their content apart.

USE. YOUR. BRAIN.

Video Podcast Lighting Tips

Let’s be real, lighting is a bitch.

If you’re starting a video podcast in 2024, it’s essential to understand that lighting plays a crucial role in the overall quality of your picture.

While smartphones can capture more than acceptable video quality, the difference between a mediocre and professional-looking video often comes down to lighting.

Investing time and resources into researching and experimenting with different lighting setups is paramount to achieving the desired aesthetic for your video podcast.

As we’ve discovered, finding the right lighting configuration can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, requiring you to purchase and test various lighting solutions until you find what works best for your setup.

Fortunately, Amazon has a great return policy! Hahaha.

In the competitive landscape of YouTube, it’s essential to stand out from the crowd by delivering high-quality visuals. This means that achieving above-average lighting is not just a luxury but a necessity for success.

We’re still trying to figure out lighting for our podcast.

Guest Booking Tips

When it comes to booking guests for your podcast, it’s essential to shoot your shot and aim high.

In our experience, many “bigger guests” are more than willing to appear on podcasts that align with their interests and expertise, regardless of the size of the audience.

However, it’s crucial to approach guest outreach with professionalism and authenticity. Put on a good show, maintain a professional demeanor, and avoid coming across as overly familiar or insincere.

One key to successful guest outreach is to genuinely connect with potential guests in a way that resonates with them.

Be authentic in your communication, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to have them on your show.

By approaching guests with sincerity and respect, you’ll increase your chances of securing high-quality guests for your podcast.

Often, reaching a small but dedicated and focused audience can be more beneficial for your guests than appearing on a show with massive download numbers but lacks focus.

Fresh Content Podcast Tips

As your podcast journey unfolds and your show gains momentum, you’ll inevitably encounter the challenge of generating fresh episode ideas.

The longer your show goes on, the harder it is.

Imagine having 500 episodes under your belt and still coming up with fresh ideas in your niche? By that point you’ve likely covered everything under the sun!

It’s essential to understand that podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. While launching your podcast may be fueled by an initial burst of creativity and enthusiasm, sustaining that momentum over the long term requires careful planning and preparation.

As your audience grows and your show evolves, the pressure to deliver engaging and relevant content only intensifies.

You’ll find yourself constantly seeking out new angles, topics, and perspectives to keep your audience engaged and invested in your show.

In our experience, maintaining a steady stream of episode ideas requires dedicated effort and creativity. It’s essential to set aside time for regular brainstorming sessions, where you can explore new concepts, themes, and formats for your episodes.

Additionally, staying attuned to your audience’s interests and feedback can provide valuable insights into the types of content that resonate most with them.

Oh, and don’t be afraid reframe previous topics or themes from fresh perspectives. As your knowledge and perspective evolve, you may discover new angles or insights that breathe new life into familiar subjects.

We call this repurposing older podcast episodes.

You Need Lots of Episodes In The Can

This practice not only relieves stress but also provides peace of mind, ensuring that your podcast remains consistent and uninterrupted, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

Imagine this scenario: you’ve planned a well-deserved vacation or encountered a sudden personal or professional obligation that demands your attention.

Without a backlog of episodes, you might find yourself scrambling to produce content or, worse, facing gaps in your podcast schedule that could alienate your audience and undermine your hard-earned momentum.

That’s where having several weeks’ worth of episodes in the can becomes invaluable.

By recording and editing episodes in advance, you create a buffer that insulates your podcast from the unpredictability of life.

Whether it’s a planned hiatus or an unforeseen circumstance, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that your podcast can continue seamlessly without missing a beat.

To get on top of this we reccomend recording 6-7 episodes before your launch your show. THEN, commit to weekly or bi-weekly recordings.

That way, your backlog will provide a solid foundation upon which you can build, allowing you to transition to a more manageable week-to-week recording schedule once your show is up and running.

It’ll also help you stat creative and not have to force ideas. Forced podcasting isn’t fun, it’s a grind and leads to burnout.

Trust us, we know.

Pod Friends Are Key To Sustainability

Podcasting thrives on connection, collaboration, and camaraderie. Cultivating relationships within the podcasting community can be instrumental in your journey to success.

In our experience, we’ve found that the majority of individuals in the podcasting world are eager to connect, share insights, and offer support.

This sense of camaraderie is palpable at meetups, masterminds, conferences, and other gatherings where podcasters come together to exchange ideas, forge friendships, and celebrate their shared passion for the medium.

But beyond the professional benefits, engaging with the podcasting community offers something even more valuable: a sense of belonging.

By immersing yourself in this vibrant and diverse ecosystem, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for podcasting and are eager to support you on your journey.

However, it’s essential to approach community engagement with the right mindset.

Rather than viewing it as an opportunity to promote your podcast or expand your audience, focus instead on building genuine connections and fostering meaningful relationships.

The strongest bonds are forged not through self-promotion, but through genuine friendship and mutual respect.

DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR SHOW, MAKE FRIENDS.

Podcast Editing Tips

Nobody wants to hear you ramble on, at least at this point.

Once you have your Superfans, you’ll have more wiggle room for going on tangents and injecting some unpopular opinions, or levity.

But, one of our favorite podcast tips for 2024 is that editing is an indispensable tool. With more and more people starting podcasts it’s important to be concise with your messaging and not waste your listeners time.

This reminds us of the famous quote by Berry Gordy, Founder of Motown. “Don’t Bore Us, Get To The Chorus.” In songwriting, the chorus is the middle of the song that’s typically the catchiest and most remembered part of a song.

In any case, keep your episodes concise, and quickly get to the meat of whatever it is you’re trying to say.

This will help keep your audience hooked. This can sometimes be tough to do when recording, but that’s where the beauty of editing comes in.

You can chop things down as to not bore your listeners time with filler. This can make all the difference in engaging your audience and delivering a memorable listening experience.

Trim ruthlessly.

With every edit, ask yourself a critical question:

Does this segment contribute to the overall premise of the episode, and does it provide value to my listeners? By adhering to this principle of purpose-driven editing, you can craft a podcast that not only entertains and informs but also leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

Social Media Growth vs. Podcast Growth

Ahhh, the dreaded social media landscape.

Here’s our podcast when it comes to social media – Social media followers, views, shorts, and TikToks might seem like the key to podcast growth, but in reality, it’s not that straightforward. Sure, you want to be visible, get your face out there, and talk about topics relevant to your show.

However, directly promoting your podcast on social media might not be the most effective approach. Instead, focus on positioning yourself as an authority in your field.

This helps with branding and credibility.

While sharing clips and videos on social media can certainly boost your online presence, it doesn’t necessarily translate into increased podcast downloads.

Why?

Well, social media users and podcast listeners are often two distinct audiences.

Convincing someone to transition from watching a reel to actually subscribing to or following to your podcast is quite the journey. It’s a significant leap for them to navigate through various links and apps just to follow your show.

Don’t solely rely on it to expand your podcast audience.

To truly grow your podcast, you’ll need to explore other avenues.

Consider advertising on other podcasts, engaging in podcast swaps with shows in your niche, or appearing as a guest on relevant podcasts.

Fine-tune your growth strategy within the podcast ecosystem itself, rather than focusing solely on social media. This is when you’ll start to see real growth and engagement.

Microphone Selections Tips

For our last and final podcast tip, we’re talking about microphones, one of our favorite topics.

Many aspiring podcasters make the mistake of assuming that the most expensive microphone will automatically deliver the best results.

In reality, finding the perfect microphone for your voice requires careful experimentation and consideration.

When it comes to microphones, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

What works well for one podcaster may not necessarily yield the same results for another. That’s why we encourage podcasters to approach microphone selection as a process of exploration and discovery, rather than simply focusing on price or brand name.

Experimentation is key.

Don’t be afraid to try out different microphones and see how they sound with your voice. You may find that a mid-range microphone delivers better results than a high-end model, or that a particular microphone complements the unique qualities of your voice in ways that others do not.

In addition to considering different microphone models, it’s also essential to pay attention to other factors that can impact sound quality, such as microphone placement, room acoustics, and recording environment.

Even the most expensive microphone can sound subpar if it’s not used correctly or placed in an acoustically untreated room.