For those who have never podcasted before, getting started can seem tremendously daunting. Yet, beginning podcasting is simple and affordable for attractions.
“All you really need is a microphone, a computer, and a little know-how, says JP Davidson, founder of Pop Up Podcasting, a podcast production company based in Ottawa, Canada.
“There are a lot of resources out there to learn podcasting and free software too,” he says.
Davidson is correct; searching “how to start podcasting” on Google leads to all kinds of free guides and resources.
Equipment
An entry-level Blue Yeti USB microphone that plugs into a computer is good for single or multi-voice podcasts. Free production software, such as Audacity, will support recording and mixing needs. Although if using music, make sure it is original, obtained from a royalty-free music site, or appropriately licensed. After that, post the completed podcast on the website and share links to listen to the show on social media channels.
For attractions seeking a more turnkey and hands-free approach to podcasting, studios like Pop Up Podcasting stand ready to assist.
“We make podcasting easy for our clients by bringing our expertise to the table so that they can focus on their expertise,” Davidson tells Funworld. “Essentially, we take care of the tech and ensure that everyone sounds their best, while our clients focus on sharing their knowledge and connecting with their audience.”
During the global pandemic, Davidson says his company increased its focus on remote production, thus linking clients with remote guests and conducting the interviews online and/or over a telephone. Using the phone or computer audio sources—like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype—can allow podcast producers to tap into a larger range of guests, such as the manufactures of new rides and suppliers.
Posting
To maximize their reach and audience size, savvy podcasters host their finished audio with a service like Simplecast or Libsyn, which in turn enables them to get listed in apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others, according to Davidson. Listeners subscribe in the app of their choice and are alerted when new episodes are available to download or stream.