How To Start A Design Podcast (and Why)
Although designing is an entirely visual profession, there are many ideas that are open for discussion. Podcasts that talk about design are slowly becoming more popular, and starting a design podcast is relatively easy.
You can upload your podcasts on multiple platforms, but our favorite for design is SoundCloud. By embedding your podcast into your website’s home page, you allow your potential clients to become your listeners. In this way, you’re promoting both your website and your podcast. You can purchase SoundCloud followers to scale up your marketing campaign as well.
Reasons To Start A Design Podcast
You’re probably thinking that starting a podcast will only add to your busy schedule and that it will be difficult. Part of that is not far from the truth. However, before being discouraged, you should know the advantages of starting a podcast.
Creativity
As with any profession, discussing the subject with peers will only serve to inspire you and increase your creativity. You may even find that by podcasting you are learning new things about design that you haven’t thought of before.
Passion
By immersing yourself deeper into the world of design, your passion for it will increase. Different people will have different points of view and will help open you up to new ideas.
Promotion
It may not be an obvious promotion such an advert, but podcasting can bring potential new clients from your audience. Also, when people listen to your thought and design process they will feel more comfortable speaking to you when requesting designs. In other words, a podcast only serves to market your skills and develop your brand image while engaging your potential clients.
What You Need For Podcasting
Before you jump head-first, you must understand how podcasting works and the requirements for starting and running a successful podcast.
Equipment and Software
A high-quality set of microphones and headsets (both with noise reduction features) are a must for any podcaster. Of course, a laptop can serve as your digital recording device. You will also need podcast editing software and an interface mixer.
Content
Always aim to create high-quality content, and try hosting a variety of people, and don’t limit yourself to designers only. Even if you’re discussing with people who are less knowledgeable, it can spark interesting conversations worth listening to.
Hosting and Distribution
Podcasts are distributed on the internet using an RSS feed, and they must be hosted at a server before that. SoundCloud is an all-in-one solution, but you may choose other services for their analytics options and other features such as monetization. A podcast hosting service should distribute your podcast on platforms that listeners can access your podcast from.
Other podcast hosting services include BuzzSprout, PodBean, and Anchor.fm. Research the differences between their features and payment plans to choose the most suitable option for you and your needs.
Promotion
A major function of your podcast is to promote your main business as a designer, but your podcast itself needs a marketing strategy. Share your podcast on social media to diversify your audience and attract more potential clients. Also, you should try to release your podcasts regularly to ensure that your audience is always engaged. Use social media to interact with your followers, to build trust and a reputation. This will in turn drive traffic to your website.
Starting a podcast on design requires a little effort on your part, but the benefits are many. You can release it weekly, or every other week to avoid overworking yourself. Once you start, you’ll realize how much fun it can be, and you might not be able to stop.