In the UK, a quarter of us listen to podcasts weekly, and more than a third of us listen monthly. Worldwide, there are more than four million podcasts available, with content catering for even the most niche of interests, produced by a variety of creators. Some create content just for fun, some to boost the profile of an issue they care about, some to build their business, some to pass on expertise, and some to gain knowledge by interviewing experts.
However, starting a successful podcast isn't an easy task. It takes skill to create content that engages and captivates an audience, as well as technical know-how to record high-quality audio. Navigating this learning curve is a major challenge for many new podcasters, which is why a growing number of creators are opting to use professional podcasting studios because of several significant advantages.
1. Improved audio and production values
If you want your show to stand out and attract loyal listeners, putting out high-quality content is essential. When comparing similar podcasts, audiences will usually gravitate towards the one with better production quality.
But setting up your own studio with all the latest gear and keeping it updated over time is very expensive. Professional studios solve this issue by giving you access to state-of-the-art podcasting equipment and the technical expertise to use it optimally.
2. Ability to incorporate video
While audio is the traditional format for podcasts, adding a video component opens up exciting new ways to grow and engage your audience. However, producing quality video alongside your audio adds a load more technical challenges that take time, money and expertise to overcome. You need to consider things like lighting, camerawork, set design, makeup and wardrobe. It also requires a whole other skill set for recording and editing.
3. Consistency, week after week
Establishing a predictable, reliable rhythm with your podcast assures listeners that your content will be there for them and is worth committing to. It's crucial to put out new episodes on a regular schedule and maintain a consistent format, production quality, host, and overall vibe.
Doing this requires coordinating a lot of moving pieces, both human and technical, to pull off each recording session without a hitch. Professional studios are set up to provide the consistency you need. They'll work with you to book regular studio time and handle all the logistics to make sure you're able to record your episodes like clockwork. And they have redundant systems and staffing so that if issues come up, there's always a solution to keep things on track.
4. Budget-friendly option
When you're just starting out in podcasting, it's natural to want to limit your spending. But getting the cheapest equipment will result in inferior audio (and video) that makes your show less competitive. As a result, your podcast is unlikely to gain much traction, wasting the time and money you put into it.
Studios give you a way to test the medium of podcasting while controlling your costs and ensuring a high-quality product. Then, if your show takes off, you'll be in a great position to deliver consistent, engaging content that will hold your audience's attention for the long haul.
5. Valuable pre-production support
There's a lot more to a great podcast than just the technical elements. The most successful shows are carefully planned out well in advance of hitting the record button. If a podcast sounds (and looks) effortless, it’s because of preparation.
Some podcast studios provide pre-production support to help map everything out. They'll collaborate with you to develop questions, outlines and rehearse before your recording sessions. Having these planning meetings with experienced producers keeps everyone aligned and leads to a much more polished podcast.
The studio team will also be on hand during your recordings to manage all the little details, like keeping timestamps, identifying parts that would work well for ads or promo clips, and even doing live editing. This can dramatically speed up post-production and allow you to release episodes almost immediately after you record them, for a more timely, organic feel.
Ultimately, using a professional podcast studio is all about unlocking the full potential of your content. From the technical benefits of better production values and video capability to practical advantages like consistency and cost management, partnering with a studio can help you develop a podcast that attracts and engages a loyal audience.
ABOUT OUTSET STUDIOS
Maz Farsani is co-founder of Outset Studio which provides full-service podcast and video production studios in London and Manchester. Outset specialises in pod- and vlog- casts, live streams and live shopping.
Web: www.outsetstudio.com