Podcasting Edition
Han Talbot
Product & Destination Marketing Strategist | Creator of The Remote Creatives & The Remote Life Podcast | Mindful Tourism Advocate
Hey Remote Creatives!
Welcome back to another edition of The Remote Creatives newsletter!
In this edition, and in celebration of the 50th episode of The Remote Life , we're going to talk about starting a podcast and some lessons we've learned from creating our own one.
Is podcasting the right format for me?
As I discuss in the latest episode of The Remote Life Podcast: I never saw myself as a podcaster. I'd been asked a couple of times over the years, but I was always stopped by the question "what would I talk about?"
Until 2021, when I was beginning to create more content on Han Meets World about going into full-time remote life. I would receive questions about the process and other questions about remote life in general, like finding remote work. And somehow I didn't feel like short form content was enough - and not as easy to locate again after a month or so.
But a blog post from my newbie-ish perspective also didn't feel like it was going to cut it. Especially when I thought of the amazing people I had already the privilege of working with in the industry, who I knew could answer some of these questions in much more detail. (Plus, I knew they had these amazing stories to tell and there simply wasn't enough time at events to go into detail about).
So then I thought to myself, why not try a podcast series?
It was perfect! A few episodes that would allow for me to have in-depth conversations about this relatively untalked about lifestyle at the time - and with some of the most inspiring people in the industry!
What have I learned from The Remote Life Podcast?
After I published the first six episodes, I wasn't expecting 1) to have actually enjoyed the process as much as I did and 2) for such wonderful feedback!
"Han, when is the next series??" Was not a question I had expected in this process and honestly, the community feedback has been one of the biggest reasons the podcast kept going.
Unless you already have a large and ready-awaiting audience, a podcast is not something you go into expecting to make lots of money (at least not straightaway). From end-to-end (sourcing a guest to sharing the episode on social media), it takes roughly a day's worth of work per episode. It's a lot of work, and there have absolutely been times where I've seriously debated closing the show out for good.
However, each time I've thought that, I've miraculously had messages come through or opportunities have presented themselves as little reminders to keep going.
It's funny how quickly this little idea stopped being mine and the community started wanting a piece for themselves. From the amazing guests who asked to feature on the show to the excitement for the 'Home is where my laptop is' stickers.
I'd say one of my biggest lessons in all of this is the importance to create a show around something you are passionate about first. I couldn't have made - or continued - the show or created more of the brand without the excitement I get from living what I talk about.
So how do you actually start a podcast?
There are a few more ways to do this now, with the creation of YouTube Podcasts (used to be Google Podcasts) and platforms like SoundCloud.
Most creators will now use one platform to 'host' their podcast (I use Podbean) and then this platform will distribute to the usual platforms like Apple, Audible, Amazon, Spotify and others. And then it's up to you to share on social media (with or without a social media management tool).
And in terms of recording equipment, I've tried a couple of different ways from physical recorders to Zoom. But the best way I've found so far is to use the SquadCast platform to record the interview and then use the Voice Note app on my phone for the intros and outros. For a life on the move - with occasionally questionable internet - platforms like SquadCast film both versions of the interview which can then be edited together later.
Some platforms, like Captivate, do offer resources to help you get started and moving (this isn't an affiliate or a platform I use - I got to know them a little bit when I visited The Podcast Show in London last month).
The future of podcasting
Ultimately podcasting is something I'm so happy I took a chance on, but it is a commitment. And it's a format I see becoming more popular for those of us who are looking for more longer form content (and for on the move). But it still needs to fit into the overarching goals of your business, which we talked more about in one of the earlier newsletters (if you're wondering what those are).
The good news is that the space will never be saturated all the while there are individual voices telling unique stories. And I would like to see more recognition given to these amazing shows in the same ways that radio shows receive their (metaphorical) flowers. Which we've already begun with The Remote Creatives Awards, but more on that conversation in the coming months!
For now, I'd love to know, what podcast (series or full show), would you love to share with the world?
Han
Ps. I am building a community for remote creatives to connect across the world! If you have WhatsApp, you can find it here!
Where else can I find Han, The Remote Life and The Remote Creatives:
Founder ?? Simplifying Marketing & Sales with Aligned & Automated Funnels + AI ?????? Working 1:1 with Business Owners & Teams ?? Remote ? Podcast Host
8 个月Great question to ask yourself when you’re picking the right channels ?? We often show up online based on how others tell us so and then blindly follow their strategy. So thanks for sharing your story Han and I love the behind the scenes of how podcasting became your “hub” ??????