Great Podcast Artwork Is…What?

Great podcast artwork is eye-popping and attention-grabbing.

In order to capture attention, you need to really jump out there and capture attention. Everyone is so time-crunched in their day-to-day and has so many things calling for their attention. Think how many social media posts you’ve looked at just this week. A very, very high number. This same “clutter” is rampant in the podcasting world as well. Great podcast cover artwork needs to stand out from the surrounding podcasts vying for attention. After all, your podcast is going to exist in a sea of millions of podcasts. You need to go with a design that makes people stop scrolling and go, “Whoa. What’s this? Let’s check it out.” (Ok, they don’t need to say those exact words in that order. But you get the point)

Great podcast artwork clearly shows your podcast name.

This sounds obvious, but its importance can’t be overstated. And I will do my best to overstate it. Your podcast artwork needs to clearly include your podcast name. That should be priority #1. Make sure it gets the time and focus it deserves. There’s a wide range of fonts and colors you can use, and there’s no right answer to what works best. Just make sure you include your podcast name, and it’s the biggest and easiest thing to read on the cover artwork. Your potential listener needs to be able to look at your artwork and know your podcast name in less than a second. *Snap* Just like that. Your podcast name is the most essential part of your podcast artwork.

Great podcast artwork makes clear what your podcast is about.

Yes, you already knew your podcast name should be clear. The main subject matter of your podcast should also be clear. What actually gets discussed on your podcast? What category does it fall in? You don’t need to be suuuuuuuper duuuuuper detailed, but you want your potential listener to have a good idea of what the podcast is about – just from looking at the cover artwork. Otherwise, they may not tap on the podcast at all, and will certainly never tune in. Integrate some helpful imagery into your design. Make some strooooong hints to the main topic of the podcast. Some subtle background designs can go a looooong way to doing that.

Great podcast artwork is simple enough to be legible as a tiny square.

This is a big one (get it). If you’re viewing this blog post on your computer, get up and look at it again from across the room. (Side note: realize this font is now too small. Sorry about that). And if you’re viewing on your phone, pinch to zoom out. That’s how small artwork often is when it gets viewed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and beyond. I’m talking 1-2 square inches. With that in mind, you need podcast artwork that looks great and is legible at that small size. Keep this in mind as you design your artwork. It’s fun to see your cover artwork blown up big in high quality, but the impact of the final result depends on whether the design packs a punch when small. Don’t overcomplicate it. If anything, oversimplify it.

What size should my podcast artwork be?

Speaking of size, your podcast artwork must meet the size requirements to publish on Apple Podcasts and other platforms. You don’t want to mess around here. If you fail to meet the required specs, your show may not get approved. That’s not a fun place to be. In most cases, meet the standards for Apple Podcasts and you’re set everywhere. Here they are:

• 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Max 72 dpi
• JPEG or PNG
• Under 500 kb

How do I create great podcast artwork?

The best way to bring these elements to life is to partner with a true professional who knows their way around awesome podcast artwork. For many of my clients and myself, we look no further than my go-to guy, Adam McGinnis. All the artwork in this post was created by Adam. He’s one of the most talented creatives I’ve ever met, and he’s had my “podcast artwork back” from the early planning stages of the Wild Business Growth Podcast to rocking it for many of my podcast production clients today.

Whether you work with Adam or find another design expert online (or offline), handing off the creation of your podcast artwork to a seasoned professional gives you the best shot at creating the stellar artwork you’ll want to show off again and again and again. Just make sure you share your ideas and inspiration, and stick to the essentials outlined in this post: make your podcast artwork thumb-stopping, include your podcast name as priority #1, don’t make the potential listener guess what the podcast is about, and make sure it works as a tiny square – with the required specs, for that matter.

If you have any questions on podcast planning, podcast production, or podcasting in general, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you found this post helpful, you’ll also enjoy “How Do You Edit Your Podcast in Audacity?” and any of the 140+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!

• Settings and Prep
• Editing for Volume
• Editing for Content
• Adding Finishing Touches
• Wrapping Up

Settings and Prep in Audacity

First things first, you need to get Audacity on your laptop or computer if you don’t have it already. There are also some key watchouts when preparing to start your edit:

• Download Audacity – Here‘s where you can download Audacity for Windows, Mac, and beyond. It’s free, and doesn’t take long to install.
• Download the FFmpeg Plugin – This allows you to import and export a wider range of file types, including M4A – which you’ll need if you record any podcast interviews using Zoom.
• Create keyboard shortcuts (see picture below) – That is, for the Audacity features you use the most. You can do so by going to Edit -> Preferences. Some of the most helpful shortcuts I use are for Save, Copy, Cut, Paste, Amplify, Silence, and Sync-Lock Tracks. It saves a loooot of time vs. dragging your mouse everywhere and everywhere and everywhere.
• Wear headphones while editing – It doesn’t matter what type of headphones you wear (I use AirPods and they work great). The point here is 1. So you can clearly hear every detail when editing the tracks, and 2. Many podcast listeners tune in wearing headphones, so you want to edit the podcast with that same final sound in mind (and in your ears).
• Take notes – There’s a ton to keep track of while you edit (get it). Keep your notepad out at all times and make note of the time stamps whenever you take a break, plus any spots where you’ll need to add something in later.
• Save frequently – Also, save frequently. And while you’re there, save frequently. There is NOTHING worse than spending houuuuuuurs on hours editing your podcast episode, only for a freak phantom ghost power outage or computer crash to get rid of your progress and force you to start all over. And miss your episode release deadline while you’re at it. Save frequently. There’s no such thing as saving too much. Save-ty first.
• Take frequent breaks – This is arguably the most important editing advice I can give. Take breaks. Lots of them. I’m talking quick breaks every 5-15 minutes of audio time you go through. Podcast editing is draining, and it plays with your mind because you’re staring at time stamps that say “10:00” – but it might take you 30 minutes or more “real time” to get that far. The best way to avoid burnout from podcast editing is by taking breaks. Once you get to a 5 or 15-minute milestone, hit save, stand up from your desk, walk around your place, go to the bathroom, refill your water, get some fresh air….do whatever helps you recharge, even if it lasts just a few minutes. It’s more necessary than pretty much anything possibly ever.

Editing for Volume in Audacity

Now that you’re prepped and ready to go, it’s time to edit your podcast! I like to approach podcast editing in 2 major phases: editing for volume, and editing for content. Both of these phases involve going through the episode from beginning to end, but there are some key differences in how closely you need to zoom in and listen for details. Here’s the first part: how to edit for volume in Audacity. Which is super important. Wait…you don’t love listening to podcasts that make your ears hurt or make you constantly adjust the volume?!

• Open the MP3, M4A, or WAV file in Audacity – Make sure your headphones are connected to your laptop and open Audacity. Again, select the speaker option towards the top to select your headphones. Then, click File -> Open, and open your recorded tracks. If you have an interview podcast, I always prefer recording with separate tracks (you’ll see why in a bit). Once your tracks are lined up in Audacity, hit Save. Like clockwork, you should hit Save after every one of these steps, and more.
• Change the Project Rate to 44100 Hz – Do this (in the lower left of Audacity) and save. It’s the most common sample rate for audio content.
• Noise Reduction – What I like to do next is clean up any extra background noise throughout, using Noise Reduction. This is a 2-parter: 1. Select a few seconds of “silence” from the noisier of the 2 tracks. Then click Effect -> Noise Reduction -> Get Noise Profile 2. Then, select all of the content and hit Effect -> Noise Reduction -> Ok. If you’re looking closely, you’ll see the “silent” part of the tracks smooth out a little bit. Be careful to only use Noise Reduction once or twice, as too much Noise Reduction causes too much distortion (and maybe too much tuna).
• Normalize – Next is Normalize. This is a good way to change the volume of the tracks one at a time. Select all the audio in one track, hit Effect -> Normalize, and try out a few different values of peak amplitude until the track is looking good to start. Typically this will be between 0 and -5.0 dB. You’ll want the average waveform/audio of the track to ultimately be as loud as (and line up with) the 0.5 to -0.5 marks on the left hand side. Do the same for your 2nd track.
• Adjust volume – Now for your first pass going through the entire episode. Fear not, this one is quicker, and you can do it all visually after getting a feel for the first few seconds of sound. In fact, listen to a few seconds of each track to get a sense of the sound levels and what they look like, and then take out your headphones and put them away. You can do this part by eye. You can even listen to music or another podcast while you do it (it’s the most fun when it’s something completely different than what you’re working on). Zoom out a couple clicks, then go through both tracks at the same time from left to right, highlighting and making the audio content smaller when it’s clearly too big, and making it bigger when it’s clearly too small. The best way to do this is by selecting the portion of the track, hitting Effect -> Amplify, and putting in a positive/negative number to make the portion louder or quieter. You’ll typically only need to move things up or down by 3, since you already addressed the overall track volume with Normalize.
• Silence (see picture below) – Finally, one of my favorite parts of editing: silencing out any extra background noise. Remember how I mentioned recording on separate tracks? This is huge here. Zoom out a couple more clicks, and go through the tracks, highlighting long moments of “silence” while the person on the other track is speaking. Do this by hitting Silence Audio Selection in the toolbar. You can essentially silence out all these moments, since there’s already sound coming from the other track. It’s even better when a loud truck, a crying child, a plane, lawnmower, or some other loud thing is going on in the background while the person on the other track is speaking.

Editing for Content in Audacity

Now that you’ve fixed the volume of your tracks, it’s time to go back to the beginning of the recording and start editing for content. If you have 2 tracks, make sure to keep your tracks lined up. Here’s what to grim reaper-ize:

• Take out filler words – Ummmmmmm, So, Well, Hmm, Basically…you know words like this, and hear them all the time in everyday conversation. It’s totally ok to keep some of them in, just don’t keep in too many to the point you start calling your guest “Um” out of habit.
• Take out extra long pauses (see picture below) – Pauses are great, especially…………………the pregnant pause. They keep your listener interested and can cause a bit of drama and tension, which is often good. But not long pauses. Those are no fun. Take out pauses that are noticeably more than a few seconds and don’t add any value.
• Take out anything repetitive or factually incorrect – Mistakes and repeats happen A LOT while recording. That’s totally cool. Sometimes there are little goofs that are funny to keep in. But if there’s something that gets repetitive, or will make you sound like a total Idiot of the Month unless you clean it up, go for it.
• Take out anything that puts you to sleep while editing – This ones a bit harder to decipher, but try to remind yourself to notice when a particular section or couple-minute stretch feels particularly, extra, extra boring. The audio will always seem a bit more boring while editing since there’s so much start-and-stop, but if something reeeeeeeally has no energy and doesn’t add anything, take it out. You’re saving your listeners time, which they appreciate even if they never knew that bit existed in the first place.

Adding Finishing Touches in Audacity

Ok! The end is in sight. You’ve been through your podcast tracks multiple times from start to finish: for volume, and for content. Done editing, right?! Not quite, but almost there. Now’s the perfect time to add in the finishing touches. This is where the podcast production magic really happens:

• Add in your intro teaser (see picture below) – Find a ~5-second snippet that makes for a great quote or a super intriguing teaser? Make a note of it, and once you get through the content, copy and paste that snippet at the absolute beginning of the episode. Remember to hit Tracks -> Sync-Lock Tracks before you paste, so the added seconds before the interview start are reflected on both tracks.
• Add in your transition beats – Once you have your licensed music (I love finding tracks to license on Jamendo), play around and create a couple-second snippet that would make for a good transition beat. These work great as bookends to the interview, as well as between segments or main topics. This is also referred to as looping music.
• Add in your licensed music – In addition to creating transition beats, you’ll also want to have a ~15-second intro and outro theme you create from that same licensed track. Insert the intro theme right after your teaser, and drop in the outro theme at the tail end of the tracks.
• Add in your customized intro, outro, and ad – Here’s where a little extra recording on your end goes a looooong way. Record a spoken intro and outro that are <1 minute each. The intro should include a welcome (back), the name of your podcast, who you are, who the guest is, and the main 3 topics you discuss in the episode. The outro should include a thank you to the guest, thank you to your listeners, and your top call-to-actions: Follow on your favorite podcast platform, tell a friend about the podcast, and visit my website at blank-blank-blankety blank. And for extra credit, add in a short and shweet midroll ad if there’s a product or service you offer you’re looking to drive with the podcast. For all of these, the more personalized and genuine, the better.

Wrapping Up in Audacity

Now for the best part…wrapping up your edit! Here’s how to finalize your podcast episode in MP3 format so it’s ready to be published and shared with the world:

• Prep your ID3 tags (see picture below) – This is metadata that is often automatically displayed on your favorite podcast platforms. It’s key to insert this info now, when you save as an MP3. The key info you’ll want to have prepped is the Artist Name (Podcast Name), Track Title, Album Title (Podcast Name), Track Number, Year, Genre (Other), and Comments (Episode Description).
• Export your episode as an MP3 – Finally, export that MP3! Once you have everything ready and your edit complete, hit File -> Export -> Export as MP3. You’ll get chills every time.

Recap – How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity

That’s it, you’re done! Follow these steps and your podcast-editing bases will be covered. Turn your raw episode recording into a beautiful, polished podcast episode by prepping Audacity, editing for volume, editing for content, adding the finishing touches, and wrapping up. It’s a lot to take in and can be overwhelming at first, but trust me – it gets easier and quicker the more you do it. Just remember to save very, very, very frequently. And please, please, please take frequent breaks. Your brain will thank you.

If you have any questions on podcast editing in Audacity, podcast production, or podcasting in general, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you found this post helpful, you’ll also enjoy “How Do You Record a Podcast Interview Using Zoom?” and any of the 135+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!

Practice Makes Podcast Perfect

One of the most important steps in your podcasting journey is buying your mic. You can do all the research, prep, and planning you want, but your podcast won’t start to feel real until you have that mic. My personal favorite microphone is the ATR2100x-USB mic. It’s by far the best bang for your buck, has quality similar to mics 3-4x its cost, works directly into your laptop (via USB cable) or into a recorder or mixer (via XLR cable), and is recommended and used by the best of the best, including Tim Ferriss and Pat Flynn.

Once you have your mic, the fun begins! You’ll be tempted to start interviewing people for your podcast right away. But hooooooold your horses. This is the moment that makes the difference between average podcasters and exceptional podcasters. Take some time to practice using your mic. I’m talking recording a bunch of test episodes – anywhere from 3 minutes to half an hour long.

After you’ve recorded each test episode, listen back to it. Yes, you will cringe. Yes, you hate the sound of your own voice. Yes, you really are that awkward (kidding! Except on my part). But something beautiful happens the more and more you practice recording: you become more comfortable. And being comfortable is everything when it comes to speaking into your podcast mic.

The Dreaded Announcer Voice

Now, there’s one big thing you’ll want to avoid when recording into your mic: what I call the “Announcer Voice.” You know when you’re watching a major sporting event, and the announcer yells, “HOLY COW, TOM, WHAT A GAME WE HAVE HERE!” There’s a certain tone and inflection that naturally makes sense for sportscasters and newscasters. As a podcaster, you’ll be tempted to take this same approach – you are projecting something into the world, after all. But you want to avoid this at all costs.

Podcast listeners relate best to your natural voice. Think about it – do you want to hear your favorite podcasters talk in forced, fake, overexcited voices all the time? Do what you can to be your natural self on the mic. Keep the conversational tone, and relax on that baby. The more you practice with this in mind, the more you’ll be yourself on the mic.

Practice Proper Mic Technique

There are a few other things to keep in mind as you practice recording into your mic, and they relate back to proper mic technique. These do vary a little depending on which mic you go with, so make sure to test and fine-tune:

• Follow the 4-Finger Rule: Speak about 4 fingers width away from the mic, if you’re holding your hand up flat between your mouth and your mic. This ensures your mic picks up your natural voice without it sounding like you’re across the room.
• Speak a little “past” the mic or to its side, not directly into it. Mics pick up the sound around them – the sound doesn’t need to be shoved down their throat.
• Use a pop filter, shock mount, and boom stand to properly hold your mic. The pop filter (windscreen) cuts out popping noises and clicking sounds, the shock mount isolates the mic from other noise, and the boom stand is an adjustable arm that can suspend the mic in midair from the side of your desk.

Practice Using Your Mic

Like anything in life, the more you practice using your mic, the better and more comfortable you’ll be. Practicing recording is all about getting comfortable on the mic, getting back to your natural voice (not the “Announcer Voice”), and fine-tuning your mic technique. It all starts with buying that microphone, and it might only take 3-5 short test episodes before you’re feeling comfortable and confident enough to start recording your podcast for real. Practice before you podcast, and take these mic fundamentals to heart.

If you’re excited to launch your podcast and would like some help with the more time-consuming parts of podcasting, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “How Do You Become a Better Podcast Interviewer?” and the wild tips from entrepreneurs in any of the 130+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

10 Ways to Become a Better Podcast Interviewer

1. Prepare by listening to your guest on other podcasts

There are endless ways to research your guest before the interview, including their website, social media pages, and podcast (if they have one). In my experience, by far the best method is to listen to your upcoming guest on other podcasts. In every single interview you listen to, you learn something a little different about your guest, which helps spark questions and discussion topics for your interview. It also gives you a sneak peek at your guest’s personality, tone, and sense of humor. It always helps to research your guest online, but the best way to get a true understanding of your guest is to check out their previous podcast appearances.

2. Write down your bulleted outline before the interview

I always have a notepad in front of me for podcast interviews. And I always write down my bulleted outline at least 10-15 minutes before the interview. The best bits of podcast conversation come about naturally, but it’s suuuuper helpful to have your bulleted outline in front of you. That way, you know what other topics you need to cover before your guest has to hop off. I’m not talking a full script in front of you – I’m talking 5 bullet points down the page, with a few blank likes in between them to leave room for notes during the interview. Doing so with enough time before the interview starts gives you the peace of mind and confidence needed to deliver an outstanding interview.

3. Break the ice before the interview with a dad joke

Okay, it’s always a little awkward when you connect with your podcast guest for the first (or second) time. One of your jobs as podcast host is to break the ice ASAP. That could mean a dad joke, a compliment based on something cool you saw your guest just did, or a random thing you have in common. I’ve found laughs always get your guest in gear best, so let any bit of corniness and goofiness you have shine. What better way to pregame an interview than with laughing, smiling faces?! Break the ice and have some fun before you even hit record.

4. Kick off the interview with an original question

If you listen to a lot of different business podcasts, you’ll know there’s some sort of unwritten rule to start out each episode by asking the guest about their story. Screw that. Asking generally about your guest’s “story” has happened on every other podcast they’ve been on, welcomes an answer that goes on longer than needed, and might already be known by your podcast listeners. Find something surprising, curious, or unexpected about your guest, and start off the interview with a question they’re not expecting. It also serves as another icebreaker (ice-icebreaker?), and your listeners will thank you for the ear candy right out of the gate. Start that interview with a Dang!

5. Shut up and listen, listen, listen

This sounds harsh. But I was once told, “You know why you’re a good interviewer? You know when to shut up.” That doesn’t mean people don’t like to hear your voice. It means, people keep listening to your interview podcast for the entertaining and helpful guests you keep bringing on – not just because of the way you talk and ask questions. Keep the guest the star of your show, no matter what. And while you are being quiet (okay, that’s less harsh), keep your focus on listening. Any way you slice it, the interviews that flow best are due to the host identifying when to probe and when to move on. Pay attention to the words coming out of your guest’s mouth and what they mean.

6. Take brief notes during the interview

Remember that notepad? That thing is a lifesaver for your podcast interview. Take brief notes throughout the interview. And when I say brief, I mean 1-2 words Max (get it) at a time. For example, in this interview I did with Christoph Trappe, he asked me about the importance of listening while interviewing guests. I wrote down the word “Listening” once he brought it up, and was able to give a thorough answer since the note served as a brief reminder. The same thing applies when you’re the podcast host and your guest is talking. Notes on your notepad are the Post-Its or Meeting Reminders of the podcast world. Write it down and free your mind.

7. Ask questions your audience would love to ask

This one is more of a muscle you can strengthen over time. If your guest is giving an answer, and they say something that creates instant fireworks in your head of the “Ooooh” and “Hmmmm” variety, ask that question next! You’ll develop a strong sense over time of the golden time to probe. Ask yourself quickly, did that answer go deep enough? Or is there more, more, more to unpack here? When you ask a question your audience is actively wondering about, you’re sure to bring a smile to their face. And you may just win that listener for life.

8. Bring up a short personal story only when it adds to the interview

Again, your guest is the star of the show. Now, that doesn’t mean you can only ask questions and shut up/be quiet. Oftentimes, your guest will say something that triggers a memory of something from your lifetime. Think quick – If I share this anecdote, does it add anything? Humor, context, education? If not, and you’re going to end up talking for 3 minutes on “OMG saaaaaaaaame,” skip the personal story this time. Stories about yourself can put the icing on your interview cake, but too much icing isn’t good for anyone. Bring up personal stories only when it feels necessary.

9. Recognize when it’s time to move to a new topic

There’s a lot of talk about probing when it comes to interviews. I’m guilty of it in this post. The flipside of probing – sometimes more important – is recognizing when it’s time to move on. If there are 3 main topics you want to discuss with your guest, and you only have 30 minutes for the interview, you miiiiiight be in a bit of trouble if you’re still on Topic #1 at the 29-minute mark. Peek at the clock every 5-10 minutes so you can manage the topics and segments you’d like in the show. Additionally, look out for those moments when you find yourself getting bored discussing something with your guest. If you’re getting bored, your listener is likely getting bored, and it’s time to switch gears a little bit. There’s no shame in moving the conversation along.

10. Listen to your final interviews

How do you become a better interviewer after the interview? Listen to the final product. Yes, it can be painful, but there’s no better coaching than soaking up your own podcast episodes and critiquing your technique. This time, as an actual listener, keep an ear or two out for things you did well and things you can do better next time. Did you keep your guest the star of the show? Did you probe at the right times? Were there several things you were left wondering, or scratching your head as a listener? Give yourself some constructive criticism. Yourself will thank you(rself). Take some time to be your own podcast listener.

A Better Podcast Interview Makes for a Better Podcast

That’s how you become a better podcast interviewer. Rock the prep, make smart decisions throughout the actual interview, and genuinely listen back after it’s final. Use brief notes as your anchor, know when to probe and when to move on, and always keep the guest the star of the show. There are small tweaks at every touchpoint that can add up to a masterpiece of an interview. If you find yourself lagging in any of these areas, make it a priority to improve on that aspect in your next interview. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back 20, 50, 100 podcast interviews ago and realize how much you’ve grown as an interviewer. Make your podcast the best it can be by becoming a better podcast interviewer.

If you’d like help with podcast production so you can focus your podcasting energy on bigger and better interviews, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “How Do You Launch a Podcast in Less Than 10 Days?” and any of the 130+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

**Please note** While these key decisions and actions were made during the course of 9 days, the team at BetPrep had of course been thinking about starting a podcast for much longer. They had all necessary equipment and personnel ready to go, which made this timeline possible.

What do you need to decide on to launch your podcast in less than 10 days?

Day 1 (Thursday) – Intro Call and Proposal Sent to BetPrep

A week after my friend Cody Darwick from Full Slate introduced management from BetPrep, management and I were able to connect for a quick intro call. In the call, we discussed the background for the podcast, what needs to happen to get it launched, and what it would look like to work together. I sent the proposal with all the details shortly after the call. Getting rolling right away was crucial for getting this launched efficiently.

Day 2 (Friday) – Test Episode Recorded and Shared for Feedback

Management sent over a test episode of the podcast, recorded by Host Michael Salfino and BetPrep’s Player Prop Guru Brad Feinberg. We agreed to listen to the episode individually and share feedback over a call on Monday. Getting the test episode together so quickly put Michael and Brad in a great place heading into the first official recording.

Day 3 (Saturday) – Previous Work Shared of Podcast Artwork Designer

I shared some past podcast artwork with management created by my awesome artwork contact, Adam McGinnis. Management requested an intro to Adam that night and expressed his goal to get the podcast and first episode launched by Friday. Podcast artwork is such an important consideration, it was essential to get this kicked off ASAP.

Day 4 (Sunday) – Introduction Made to Podcast Artwork Designer and Artwork Briefed

I introduced management and Adam over email that morning and included the key priorities for the design, as well as the key requirements for Apple Podcasts approval. It’s important to stick to those artwork size requirements, which are:

• 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Max 72 dpi
• JPEG
• Under 500 kb

Day 5 (Monday) – Podcast Name Decided, Licensed Music Options Shared, and Intro to Libsyn

Management and team finalized the podcast name, Givin’ Props, after researching availability and getting feedback on fit. I sent over 5 tracks of licensed music options to choose from based on the vision management and team had in mind, and pulled them from my favorite provider, Jamendo. I also shared directions for management to get an account set up on my favorite third-party podcast host, Libsyn. Sites like Libsyn provide a space for the podcast to “live” and create the RSS Feed, so the podcast and episodes can be pushed out to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.

Day 6 (Tuesday) – Licensed Music Decided and Show Set up on Libsyn

Management let me know which music track to license and provided confirmation on their new Libsyn account. Management, Michael, Brad, and Adam also connected for a quick chat on the podcast artwork after Adam sent his proposal. There were several quick phone chats throughout this week between management and I as well, which was super helpful for making quick decisions and discussing next steps.

Day 7 (Wednesday) – Podcast Description Decided and 1st Round of Podcast Artwork

Management sent over the draft podcast description, I gave feedback and we finalized it, and we finalized the show settings in Libsyn. Adam sent over the 1st Round of podcast artwork for review. Seeing potential podcast artwork for the first time is always one of the most exciting parts of launching a podcast – it’s getting real!

Day 8 (Thursday) – Music Licensed and 1st Round of Podcast Artwork Feedback

Management secured the music license for use in the podcast. We then connected for a quick call to discuss artwork feedback (after he consulted with his team), after which he gave 1st Round feedback to Adam. His feedback was exactly what it needed to be – feedback from lots of people, distilled down to the few most important points. It’s super key to stay actionable here as opposed to overwhelming with information.

Day 9 (Friday) – 2nd & 3rd Round of Podcast Artwork, Pilot Episode Recorded & Edited, Published to Libsyn, Submitted to Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Podcast Launch Day! What a day. Adam sent over Round 2 of the artwork in the morning. Management gave feedback, and Adam took the feedback and sent over the final podcast artwork that afternoon. Meanwhile, Michael and Brad recorded the 1st podcast episode that morning and sent it over to me for editing. I edited the episode that afternoon, integrated the licensed music, published the episode to Libsyn (creating the RSS Feed), and submitted the podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Ta-da!!! The first podcast episode was available to listen on Libsyn almost instantly, Spotify within a couple hours, and Apple Podcasts a few days later (Apple Podcasts can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks to approve your podcast). As we got in a rhythm each week, I also shared Show Notes and audiograms to help market each episode. The best part – once you knock out all the key decisions we knocked out in the planning stage, it gets much easier to share a new podcast episode every week.

Make quick, smart decisions to launch your podcast in under 10 days

There you have it. You really can launch your podcast in less than 10 days. It all goes back to teamwork, clear communication, and quick decisions. Enormous credit goes to management, Michael, Brad, and the team at BetPrep for making this efficient launch possible, plus Adam and his crazy good, crazy speedy artwork skills for making it pop. Big thank you to Cody as well, who connected management and I in the first place. It was suuuuch a blast bringing this podcast idea to life so quickly, and I would do it on this timeline again in a heartbeat. You can listen to the final product on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you’d like to start your podcast or need help with podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “What Should You Name Your Podcast?” and any of the 125+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

What should I name my podcast?

Something that clearly identifies what your podcast is about.

The most important consideration about your podcast name is it must clearly identify what your podcast is about. A potential listener should have a great idea what to expect from your podcast just from the name. Write your potential podcast name down on a blank sheet of paper. Can you tell what your podcast is about just from those words? Above everything else, make sure your podcast name communicates what your podcast is.

Something that is attention-grabbing.

So, your potential podcast name does a good job of describing what you discuss in your podcast. Now, is there something about the name that would make someone stop scrolling through their podcast feed? Is it eye-catching, thumb-stopping, exciting, intriguing? No one likes boring podcast names. They allude to boring podcasts. Name your podcast something attention-grabbing.

Something that is around 2-5 words.

Hey, you – listen to my new podcast, A Podcasty Podcast About Podcasting Featuring Podcasters Being Podcasty on This Podcasty Podcast. Actually, don’t. Who wants to deal with a mouthful before they even listen to a single podcast episode?! You don’t want your podcast name too long. Name it something around a few words long, and stay sticky in the minds of your listeners.

Something that is clever.

Bonus points here. A podcast name that is witty, has puns, and/or is corny goes the extra mile for your podcast. Is there any sort of play-on-words you can come up with that fits the topic of your podcast? Could you use some amazing, astounding, and awesome alliteration? Maybe some prime rhymes? A podcast name that is clever will never be podcast lame.

Pick a good name for your podcast

A good podcast name starts your listener’s journey with your podcast on the right foot. Come up with a name that clearly identifies what your podcast is about, is attention-grabbing, around 2-5 words, and is clever. Brainstorm dozens of names and evaluate each under these guidelines. See if any jump out to you personally, then ask friends and family what potential names they like best. See what other podcasters in your industry are naming their show and if any create a spark, showcased here by top content marketer Christoph Trappe. If you pick an awesome name for your podcast, you’ve checked the first box toward having an awesome podcast.

If you have any questions on podcasting or podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “Should You Interview Guests or Host a Solo Podcast?” and any of the 125+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

Why should you interview guests for your podcast?

Going with an interview format for your podcast can benefit you in a number of ways:

It’s incredible from a networking standpoint.

Podcasting is easily the best networking tool I’ve ever experienced. Let’s say your podcast features you interviewing a new guest every week. That’s a new, relevant contact every week that’s now in your network – and you got off on a strong foot with them. Or, it’s someone already in your network who you just had a fantastic time with and took your business relationship to the next level. Interview podcasting gives you the means to reach out to experts in your industry you otherwise couldn’t imagine reaching out to, and makes it possible to grow your network every single week.

It’s easier to record each episode.

This comes down to personal preference, but for me, it is wayyyyyyyy easier to record an hour-long podcast with a guest than it is to even record a 1-minute intro and outro by myself. There’s something about having a guest be the star of your show that allows you to focus on active listening and guide the conversation, rather than being forced to come up with all the content yourself. You can treat each episode like a conversation.

It’s more fun.

What’s more fun than having fascinating conversations with some of the coolest people you’ve ever heard of, all around the world? Interview podcasting opens more doors than you could imagine and opens the door to a whole world of awesome people telling awesome stories. It’s a blast. There’s a one-of-a-kind glow that comes after wrapping up an exhilarating interview with someone you’ve always dreamed of talking to – and knowing your listeners will love it.

Why should you host a solo podcast?

If you don’t want to go the interview route for your podcast, you can certainly have a successful podcast in the solo format. Here are the benefits of a solo podcast:

You can establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Imagine your listeners are listening to you – just you – for a bit of time every week, or even multiple times a week. Whatever you’re podcasting about, you establish yourself as more and more of an expert in your industry with each episode. Having a solo podcast keeps the spotlight on you and your message all the time, as opposed to a guest being the main attraction of your episode.

You can record whenever you want, for as long as you want.

Ahhhh, what a relaxing thought. Being able to record on your own time, not having to worry about anyone else. It’s just you, your notes, and your mic. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a guest having to jump off for their next meeting. Record as long as you want, and mess up as much as you want, because hey – why not?!

You can have a different theme for each episode.

If you have an interview podcast, you can certainly tweak your segments and overall style over time. But a solo podcast gives you complete freedom to change things up whenever you’d like. You could do an episode that’s a deep dive on a topic close to your heart, followed by an episode that shares lessons from a personal story you have, followed by an episode where you celebrate a client milestone. Solo podcasts give you the opportunity to switch it up and keep it interesting for yourself and your listeners.

Is interviewing guests or hosting a solo podcast right for me?

A good argument could be made for interviewing guests or running a solo podcast. What’s right for you? It depends on your goals and what you and your listeners would enjoy most. Think through why you’re starting the podcast in the first place. Now, which of these formats best lends itself to achieving those goals? And would you enjoy running your podcast that way, or is it something you’ll dread over time? If you see serious value in both formats, you could even do a combination: alternate solo episodes and interview episodes. This give you the perks of each option, and may just be the variety that’s perfect for you and your podcast listeners.

If you have any questions on podcasting or podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “Why Do You Need to Edit Your Podcast?” and any of the 100+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

Why should you edit your podcast?

You need to edit your podcast for these reasons:

• So you can even out the sound levels
  • Have you ever listened to a podcast where you constantly need to lower and raise the volume on your phone or in your car because it’s so inconsistent? Maybe the intro is SUPER LOUD but the main interview is so quiet it fades into irrelevancy….It’s annoying and can even be painful to listen to. Edit your podcast so you can keep each part of the episode at an appropriate sound level.

• So you can eliminate background noise
  • Let’s say a loud truck drives by your home while you’re recording an episode. If you publish the interview without editing, your listeners might be tempted to look left and right for the loud truck passing them. Edit your podcast so you can silence out background noise and make it “invisible” to your listeners.

• So you can remove major mistakes
  • Okay, you don’t need to take out every mistake. In fact, a lot of slip-ups can be pretty funny and help keep that natural feel. But taking out some obvious “umms,” mispronunciations, filler words, and stutters can go a long way to polishing your final episode. Edit your podcast so you can clean up mistakes.

• So you can eliminate long pauses
  • Ah………………………………………………………………………………pauses. Did that make you uncomfortable? It’s good to keep pauses in your podcast every now and then, as they can cause a bit of discomfort and add drama – which can be great. But sometimes there are long pauses that just aren’t necessary. As you listen back to the recording, think about whether each pause makes the episode better or worse. Edit your podcast so you can shorten loooooooooooooong pauses.

• So you can smoothly add in your licensed music, intro, outro, and ads
  • Editing in your music, intro, outro, and ads makes your podcast complete. It’s amazing how adding these elements transforms your podcast episode from a basic recording to an engaging episode. Edit your podcast so you can bring it to life with music and extras.

Edit your podcast

Editing your podcast gives it the finishing polish it 100% deserves. It makes the difference between solid and outstanding podcasts, and keeps your listeners satisfied – not pissed off. Whether you’re editing your podcast yourself or hiring a podcast editor, remember to normalize sound levels, eliminate background noise, remove mistakes, eliminate long pauses, and add in your music and extras.

If you have any questions on podcasting or podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “Why Should You Focus on Audio for Your Podcast?” and any of the 100+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

I’m all for video content, and there’s no question it’s the most engaging form of content. And there’s a lot of upside to recording your podcast on video. But when it comes to podcasting, the vast majority of your listeners are likely going to be listening only. Whether your podcast is audio-only or includes video, here’s how to keep your focus on the audio.

How do I optimize my podcast for audio?

Here’s how to keep your podcast audio-first, even if you’re using video:

• Maintain good mic technique
  • Follow the 4 Finger Rule as much as you can: keep your mouth ~4 fingers length away from your microphone, if you’re holding your hand and fingers up vertically (test this, as it does vary by mic). If you’re recording your podcast on video, this means positioning your mic close enough where you can speak at this distance without jumping off screen.
  • Speak a little to the side of the mic, or “past” the mic, as opposed to right down the center of the mic. This sounds a bit better.
• Wear headphones
  • Nobody wants to hear echo from their favorite podcast host when their guest is talking. And vice versa. Wearing headphones is your best defense for echo. Just make sure you don’t keep your ears super close to the mic as your guest is talking, as your mic could even pick up some of the sound through your headphones.
  • Most headphones work for podcasting. If you already have AirPods, they’re perfect.
• Avoid making visual references
  • If you start commenting on your guest’s shirt, or what you’re seeing in the background, or starting to draw something out on a whiteboard you’re referencing, you’ll immediately become irrelevant to those who are listening to your podcast. You might even piss them off. Avoid making references like this as much as you can. They’re not needed in your final podcast episode.
  • If you absolutely need to diagram something out, be over-the-top articulate so your listeners can clearly visualize what you’re doing and immediately understand it. On that note, don’t bother sketching out something complex.
• If you’re not doing anything with the podcast video, record with audio-only
  • You can record a podcast interview over Zoom with video off. This allows you to:
    • Avoid the distraction of video and eliminate visual references.
    • Likely be much more comfortable, along with your guest.
    • Use muuuuch less bandwidth, which improves the sound quality.
    • Wear whatever you want, look wherever you want, take as many ferocious notes as you’d like, and make goofy faces at your screen if you want.
  • You can still take behind-the-scenes interview pics (see below), or even record a few-minute teaser clip to help promote the episode on social media.

So, how do you keep your podcast focused on audio?

Audio is what makes podcasting unique, and it’s incredibly important to prioritize your podcast audio, even if you’re recording using video. To keep your podcast audio-first, remember to maintain proper mic technique, wear headphones, and avoid making visual references. And if you’re not planning to do anything with your podcast video, record as audio-only for a better experience and final product.

If you have any questions on podcasting or podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, or it made you say “Hmmmm,” you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “How Do You Record a Podcast Interview Using Zoom?” and any of the 100+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!

• Account Setup
• Scheduling
• Pre-Interview
• Recording
• Saving

Account Setup: How do you set up Zoom to record podcast interviews?

The first thing you’ll want to do is sign up here. It’s free, and the free account allows you to interview another person at an unlimited time length (though you’ll probably want to wrap up the interview at some point). In most cases, this is all you’ll need. This free account lets you interview 2 or more other parties at the same time as well, but there’s a 40-minute time limit at which the meeting will end. If you’re often interviewing multiple parties or interviewing someone along with a co-host in a separate location, you may want to upgrade to a Zoom Pro account with unlimited group meetings for $149.90/year.

Once your account is set up, there’s a key setting you’ll want to check right away. Under “Settings,” then “Recording,” make sure you’re set up for Local Recording – not Cloud Recording. Local Recording allows you to record your interviews using separate audio tracks, which helps out when it comes to editing and bodes for a much cleaner final episode. Think about it – if a loud truck drives by your home when your guest is talking, don’t you want to be able to edit out that loud truck for the sake of your listeners?

Scheduling: How do you schedule podcast interviews in Zoom?

There are a few different ways to schedule meetings aka podcast interviews in Zoom. The most efficient way is to use a scheduling tool, so your guest can pick the best time that works for them. My favorite scheduler is Calendly, which is free for 14 days and then $8/month for a Premium account. Calendly allows you to integrate your Zoom account, making it easy for your guest to schedule a Zoom interview with you directly in the scheduler.

Another way is to schedule a meeting directly on the Zoom website. If you’re signed in, click “Schedule a Meeting” in the upper right to do so. Once the meeting is scheduled, make sure to add it to your preferred calendar and share it with your guest, along with the password.

Finally, if you’re in a pinch, you can start a Zoom meeting whenever you want when logged in to Zoom. Click “Host a Meeting” in the upper right, with Video Off or Video On. Once you’re in and ready, you can share the meeting invite link with your guest over email. This requires your guest being ready to watch out for your email when it’s go time. To do this, hit “Participants” once you’re in your Zoom meeting, then “Invite” in the side panel that opens up.

Pre-Interview: What do you do Pre-Interview in Zoom?

Once you join your scheduled meeting, there are a few things you’ll want to knock out before you hit record. First, test your speaker and microphone. Zoom gives you a great reminder to do this before you even officially start your meeting, and you can select the options available to make sure your headphones and microphone are connected the way they should be. It’s best practice to have your desired headphones and microphone plugged in, turned on, and ready to go before you even join your Zoom meeting. If all sounds good, hit “Join with Computer Audio.”

Once your guest is on and you can hear each other, there are a few settings you’ll want to check in “Audio Settings” by clicking the little arrow next to the “Mute” mic icon in the lower left, then going to “Audio Settings”:

1. Under “Microphone,” uncheck the “Automatically adjust volume” box. It sounds funny, but Zoom overcompensates with this feature and if turned on it will literally make you sound funny. Make sure your guest does this, too.
2. When you’re still in Settings, click “Recording” on the left panel and make sure this box is checked: “Choose a location for recorded files when the meeting ends.”
3. Right below that, make sure this box is checked as well, as mentioned above: “Record a separate audio file for each participant who speaks.”

Those are the only settings you really need to check in your Zoom meeting before you hit record. You’ll also want to rock your short and sweet pre-interview chat overall. This means a quick icebreaker with your guest (try to make them laugh), making sure your headphones and mics are correct, confirming how much time they have, silencing your phones and closing other windows and email, and bringing up anything specific you need their input on or want to call out about the interview before you get started. This is also a great time to take a quick behind-the-scenes pic if you’d like (you can flip video on and off). Most importantly, ask the guest how to pronounce their full name if you’re not sure.

Recording: How do you record a podcast interview using Zoom?

Now for the fun part: hit that “Record” button! For the sake of your time and frustration, please make sure you do this. You’d be surprised how many podcasters have horror stories of that unbelievable, life-changing interview-that-never-was thanks to never hitting Record. You and your guest will know you’re recording if you see the blinking red dot that says “Recording…” in the upper left.

Then, do your thing! Put on your podcast host hat (figuratively, or maybe not), rock the interview, ask thought-provoking questions, let your guest be the hero, and have fun. And remember, you can always edit out any major slip-ups after you’re done, so keep it casual and fun. Once you’re done with the interview, hit “Stop Recording” in the lower right, which might be under “More” depending on the size of your window.

Saving: How do you save a podcast interview in Zoom?

You’re done with your interview! Phew, what a rush! Now let’s make sure that baby gets saved properly. Extend your thank yous and give your guest a ballpark idea of when the final podcast episode will be released. Then, hit “End” in the lower right, “End Meeting for All,” and wait for the meeting to convert. Have found this is also an excellent time to take a minute for that much-needed bathroom stop. Finally, create a folder where you want your interview files to go, and BAM! You just successfully recorded and saved a podcast interview using Zoom. Your separate audio tracks will be in the “Audio Record” subfolder within the folder you just created.

Summary: How do you record a podcast interview using Zoom?

That’s it! I hope you found this guide helpful for recording a podcast interview using Zoom. It’s an awesome tool, and pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it. Remember to set up your account, schedule your interview, rock your pre-interview chat, record the interview, and save it where you want it to go. Keep your files organized, stay efficient where you can, and always have fun.

If you have any questions on Zoom podcast interviews, podcasting, or podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you found this post helpful, you’ll also enjoy “The Top 10 Things I Learned in My First 100 Podcast Episodes” and any of the 100+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!