Get a game plan

By Carie Statz, Marketing and Sales Instructor

So, you have something important to say to your clients, customers, or other target audiences. You have done your research and you know a podcast is how your message should be delivered. Great!

But where to start the process?

A script is your game plan for producing a podcast. It outlines the duration and content of the podcast.

For a 10-15 minute podcast, your script might look like the outline below, especially if you plan a series of podcasts:

• Intro monologue (Introduce yourself and what you are planning to talk about): 30-60 seconds
• Intro music jingle (repeat for each show so listeners identify the jingle with your show): 30-60 seconds. Make sure that you show pictures of products, services, company, etc. not just music alone.
• Topic 1: 2-3 minutes
• Topic 2: 2-3 minutes
• Optional: Interlude (music or break): 30 seconds
• Topic 3: 2-3 minutes
• Topic 4: 2-3 minutes
• Closing remarks (thank audience for listening, thank guests, talk about the next show briefly): 1-2 minutes
• Closing music jingle (suggest same as Intro music jingle): 30-60 seconds

Tips for Podcasts

• Script for no more than a 10-15 minute podcast
• Research all components of your podcast
• Writing style should be conversational
• Limit the use of jargon or industry specific words
• Two styles of writing – chose either polished (news style, professional) or free style (ad lib with a loose script)
• Technology to record – Most newer computers come with recording and editing software. You may need a better microphone than what’s provided with your computer and even more advanced editing software if needed.

Publishing Your Media

At some point you will be ready to publish your very first podcast. To get started:

• You will need a host on the web that will store the media. (Read section on Media Hosts below.)
• You will need a place to act as the home page for your show.
• You will need an RSS feed that is compatible with podcasting and iTunes. (Read on for more information on Podcast Distribution.)
• Consider URL friendly services that allow you to use your own domain name or provide an easy to use URL.

Media Hosts – Many specialty providers have popped up especially for podcasting at free or reasonable prices. Google “podcast media hosts” to find one that’s right for you. There are options for audio-only or audio and video podcast media hosting.

Distribution of Podcast

Use a RSS feed to distribute your podcasts. Some service providers include:

• FeedBurner, which offers a complete set of services to help you build awareness, track circulation, and implement revenue-generating programs in your feed(s). Website: www.feedburner.google.com
• PressFeed: http://www.press-feed.com/howitworks/rss_tutorial.php
• There are many of these providers so just google for more RSS provider options.

Good luck on your future podcasting!

To advance your writing skills for the various media available to you and your target audiences, take DCTC’s Marketing Communications Writing course. It’s offered both online and in the classroom! Go to www.dctc.edu for more information.