Masterclass Competition
7 January 2025
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In this article, we will discuss the importance of a strong hook, the use of music in podcasts, the value of listening to your own podcast, and the role of editing in improving your content.
Just like in a sitcom, podcasts also benefit from having a strong hook at the beginning. Starting with an interesting piece of content that grabs the listener’s attention can make them want to listen more. It’s important to avoid starting with a billboard or an advertisement. Instead, focus on providing intriguing content that makes the listener curious about what the episode is about.
Ethan Baird, co-host of Baird Media’s Become a Podmaster podcast, explains that they use dad jokes at the beginning of each episode to make it more fun. While the podcast is part of their content marketing strategy, they understand the importance of not bombarding listeners with constant advertisements. By starting with engaging content and then discussing the book later in the episode, they ensure that listeners are hooked from the start.
When it comes to using music in podcasts, there are different approaches. Some podcasts use music throughout the entire episode, while others use it sparingly. Ethan shares his preference, stating that he doesn’t like podcasts that have music playing constantly. He believes that it can become boring and distracting for the listeners.
However, he acknowledges that music can be effective in short doses, such as using musical bridges to link different topics together. This is especially useful when a podcast includes conversations interspersed with interview clips. By adding a few seconds of music, the transitions between segments become smoother and more cohesive.
Hendrik Baird, co-host of the podcast, adds that musical interludes also give listeners a breather and time to process what they’ve heard. It helps them reset and refocus their attention. However, he agrees that using music throughout the entire episode can be overwhelming and take away from the content.
When it comes to sourcing music for your podcast, Ethan advises against using copyrighted music. Instead, he suggests looking for royalty-free music that can be licensed for a reasonable price. There are many websites that offer royalty-free music, allowing you to find the perfect soundtrack for your podcast. Another option is to use public domain music, which is free to use as it has been around for more than 50 years or intentionally placed in the public domain. Lastly, if you are a musician, you can use your own original music in your podcast as a way to promote yourself.
Listening to your own podcast may not be the most enjoyable experience, but it is essential for improvement. Ethan emphasizes that if you’re not listening to your own content, why would anyone else listen to it? By listening to your podcast, you can identify areas for improvement, such as crutch words or mistakes that you may not have noticed during recording. It allows you to make necessary edits and changes to create a better final product.
Hendrik agrees, stating that receiving feedback and notes from others is crucial in improving your podcast. It’s important to have a second set of ears to catch things that you may have missed. By incorporating feedback and making adjustments, you can continuously improve the quality of your content.
Benji Block, a guest on the Become a Podmaster podcast, suggests that new podcasters should start by taking the leap and recording their first episodes. As you gain experience and receive feedback, you can start to refine and build upon your podcasting skills. For those who are already a few episodes in, it’s important to listen to the voices of your audience. Engage with your listeners and ask for specific feedback on what they liked about your episodes. This will help you understand your audience better and tailor your content to their preferences.
Ethan adds that listening to your audience is especially important if you have a specific target demographic in mind. By having conversations with your listeners, you can gain clarity on future topics, guests, and even redefine your podcast’s description. Niche down and focus on delivering content that resonates with your target audience.
Editing is a crucial step in the podcast production process. It allows you to refine your content, remove any mistakes or unnecessary parts, and create a polished final product. Ethan and Hendrik emphasize the importance of listening to your own podcast and taking notes on areas that need improvement. By doing so, you can make necessary edits and changes to enhance the overall quality of your podcast.
Moshe Singer, another guest on the podcast, shares his experience of realizing his mistakes and areas for improvement after listening to his own recordings. Taking notes and internalizing feedback can help you make conscious efforts to improve in future episodes. By continuously editing and refining your content, you can create a podcast that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
In conclusion, podcast editing plays a crucial role in creating a polished and engaging final product. Starting with a strong hook, using music strategically, listening to your own podcast, and incorporating feedback are all important steps in improving your content. By taking the time to edit and refine your podcast, you can create a high-quality show that captivates your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
Remember, podcast editing is an ongoing process. Keep listening, learning, and refining your content to create a podcast that stands out and resonates with your audience.
To learn more about podcasting and get practical guidance on starting your own podcast, you can check out the book “Become a Podcast Master” by Hendrik Baird. They also offer a six-session mentorship program to help you navigate the podcasting journey step by step.
