The process of producing a podcast from start to finish includes many steps. From coming up with ideas, to writing, to scheduling, to production, you need to become an expert at many things to do it well. This collection of resources brings together all the necessary tasks to help you create a podcast that effectively delivers your message and engages audiences. This collection will guide you through the following phases:
- Ideation
- Pre-production
- Production
- Post-production
Ideation
Before you record your podcast, make sure there is a market for your concept. Analyze current podcasts for inspiration and evaluate the intended audience's enthusiasm towards the podcast topic. Use the Podcast Idea Analysis Worksheet to help guide your research and track whether or not you should pursue your idea. This tool will help you understand audience needs and desired market topics.
After researching, review out the Podcast Proposal Guide before going to command with your idea. This template will help you organize your ideas to provide leadership with a clear vision of your podcast.
Pre-production
Explore the Podcast Episode Planner to help plan logistics, goals, key discussion points, participant biographies, show notes and any needed resources for recording a podcast that tells a meaningful story. It's important to create a plan to maximize audience engagement, increase channel subscribers and deliver the highest quality podcast.
Leading up to recording your podcast, you will need to identify the ideal location, schedule and equipment needed. Guide to Podcast Pre-Production Checklist is designed to help you research, plan and prepare for recording a podcast so you don’t miss a step.
Production
The production phase is where you will record your podcast. Guide to Podcast Production Checklist covers everything you need from communication, to gear, to best practices and equipment checks.
Post-production
Now that you've prepared for and recorded your podcast, it's time to polish it for your audience. Follow the Guide to Podcast Post-Production Checklist after recording a podcast to ensure you've completed the final steps for delivery.
Part of the post-production process is to determine how and where to host your podcast. Fortunately, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service offers free podcast hosting services. How to Host a Podcast on DVIDS explains all the steps to create a podcast channel and upload your podcast to DVIDS.
One of the best ways to build and keep a podcast audience is to stay consistent with episodes. An editorial calendar lets you see at a glance what's coming, what has already been recorded, what still needs to be done and who is responsible for each step. Learn how to create and follow a podcast editorial calendar using the Podcast Editorial Calendar template. This resource will help you maintain a big-picture view of your production schedule.
Let this collection of resources guide you through all the phases of creating a podcast so that you deliver your message in a way that will impact and engage audiences.
Note: If you need to brush up on the basics of podcasting, refer to Podcasting 101: A Beginner's Guide.