Shows
Quick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Is Bit Depth?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about bit depth. So each audio sample – those little dots in your waveform – has a ‘bit depth’, which determines the quality of the sound. Some tools will ask you to select a bit depth prior to recording. The most common bit depths are 16, 24, and 32. As is often the case, the higher the number, the higher the quality. Higher bit depths are better at handling noise with substantial differences between its quietest and loudest parts. But this is much more relevant to musicia...
2025-11-2801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are Hz and Sample Rates?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about sample rates. Sample rates are measured in hertz, or “Hz”. Like bitrates, sample rates in audio determine audio quality and file size. You could compare them to pixels in a photograph. Some platforms and tools will ask you to set a sample rate prior to hitting record. The most common sample rate, and one we’d recommend, is 44,100Hz. If you were to load up your audio in your DAW and zoom right in as far as you can, you’d se...
2025-11-2701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are Bitrates in MP3s?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about bitrates. Bitrates represent a sliding scale of quality and size when it comes to the MP3 file format. They’re measured in kbps, or, kilobits per second. Common bitrates for music files are 128 and 192kbps. As most podcasts are purely spoken-word content, we probably don’t need to go this high, though. With our own shows, we tend to opt for 96kbps, but some go as low as 64kbps - most famously, Marc Maron. And he does alright, eh? If set...
2025-11-2601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat’s the Difference Between a WAV and an MP3?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the difference between WAV and MP3 files. The major difference between WAVs and MP3s are size and quality. WAV files contain more detail, but are also much bigger. Think of a WAV file as an original painting, and MP3 files as prints of that painting. Podcast episodes are almost always released in MP3 form because it has a good file size to quality ratio. MP3s have their own size and quality scale too. They’re called bitrates, and...
2025-11-2501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow Loud Should a Podcast Be?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “how loud should a podcast be?” We’ve talked about having consistent volume levels throughout your episodes. But what about the overall volume level of your show compared to other podcasts? Audio loudness is measured in something called “LUFS”, which means “Loudness Units relative to Full Scale”. Sound exciting, eh? Recommended podcast loudness varies, depending on who you ask, and whether your episode is mono or stereo. But a good ballpark to aim for is between -16 and -21 LUFS. You ca...
2025-11-2401 min
PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)In this conversation, Colin sits down with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, to discuss the shifting landscape of content creation. Fresh off completing a 100 Days of YouTube challenge, Craig shares why he chose video over podcasting during that time, what he learned about platform growth, and the powerful truths about podcast numbers versus engagement (where podcasting still shines!)They explore the convergence of audio, video, and email platforms, the challenges of monetization in podcasting, how AI is reshaping content workflows (without replacing creators), and why a few hundred engaged podcast listeners might be more valuable than 100,000 YouTube...
2025-11-2449 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Is Compression?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “what is compression?”. No, this isn’t about blowing your car tyres up. Compression is an audio production technique where you take the loudest bits and quietest bits of a conversation, and bring them all closer together. It’s all about achieving volume-level consistency. Compression allows you to have loud laughter and soft whispering in your episode, and, if done well, your listener won’t even need to adjust the volume dial. Just like noise reduction, compression needs a subtle tou...
2025-11-2101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituNoise Reduction & Audio Clean UpWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about noise reduction and cleanup. Some types of background noise can be cleaned up in the post-production phase. The constant hiss of a fan, or the low static hum of a microphone, for example. Audio software has the ability to recognise this and strip it out, whilst leaving the vocals intact. Of course, it’s easy to go overboard with this and ruin the vocals themselves. Working with noise reduction is a bit like walking a tightrope. Or, using magic in a...
2025-11-2001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituMinimum Effective Podcast EditingWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the minimum effective podcast editing approach. Remember we talked about making mistakes during recording? Our tip was to pause, click your fingers three times into the mic, then start again. Well, now you have a quick and easy way to spot anything that needs chopping out. Aside from that, you’ll want to “top and tail” your recording, cutting any preamble at the start and drawn-out goodbyes at the end. Then it’s the cleanup and volume levelling stuff which you...
2025-11-1901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituEditing & Producing Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about editing and producing your podcast. This is the phase of podcasting where you chop out all your mistakes and cut the fat from your conversations. You can also clean up your audio to remove any background hiss and level it to make everything consistently loud enough. Then, you can mix in things like music, transitions, and pre-recorded segments. Naturally, this is the part of podcasting that puts tonnes of people off. Very few folks have ever used audio editing so...
2025-11-1701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhere to Publish Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about podcast hosting options. Your podcast hosting provider - also known as your “podcast host” - is *the* place you create your show and upload all of your episodes to. There are plenty great hosting options out there catering to all needs and budgets. Hosting providers will offer you stats so you can see how popular your show is. Some of these go really in-depth and can give you geographic and device stats, too. Hosting providers will also give you a basi...
2025-09-0401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhere to Get Your Podcast TranscribedWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about where to get your podcast transcribed. There are two types of transcription service out there - human, and AI. The AI options are cheaper, but generally less accurate, especially if you speak with a Scottish accent. An AI transcription might take a wee bit more time to run through and correct manually. Our podcast-maker tool Alitu now automatically generates transcriptions of all your episodes, so that’s one single place you can go to record, edit, publish, and transcribe your...
2025-09-0201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by Alitu‘Podcast Maker’ ToolsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about, funnily enough, Podcast Maker tools. A ‘Podcast Maker’ is basically an app or tool that brings everything like recording, editing, production, and publishing together into one place. They can be less flexible and powerful than having a dedicated tool for every job, but so much more simpler, convenient, and cost-effective. Naturally, because we run Alitu, we’re a bit biased and think it’s the best option out there. We certainly strive to be. But that said, we recognise that there...
2025-08-2901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are DAWs? Digital Audio WorkstationsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about Digital Audio Workstations, AKA - DAWs. A DAW is a term used to describe software that you use to record, edit, and produce audio. Most of them are designed and built with music production in mind, but can work brilliantly to create spoken-word content if you know what you’re doing. A famous free DAW is Audacity. Audacity is popular because of its price, or lack of one. It has everything you need to record and produce a po...
2025-08-2801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituRemote Call Recording OptionsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking remote recording software. Many podcasters run interview or co-hosted shows, and with call recording software, location is no barrier to who you can chat with. Online call recorders do exactly what they say on the tin. Two of the most popular options out there are Squadcast and Riverside. These are what’s known as “double ender” tools which record each participant locally, on their own computer. This makes them safer from wonky wifi connections, crashes, and the sound quality is generall...
2025-08-2701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast SoftwareWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to start thinking about podcasting software. The term “podcast software” is pretty general. It could be used to describe the programme or app you use to record, edit, or publish your episodes. Some platforms only focus on one of these aspects, whilst others will do all 3. It’s common for editing software to double up as recording software. Prime examples of these are Audacity, Adobe Audition, and our own Alitu. Many online call recorders don’t have editing functions though - or, if t...
2025-08-2601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast Equipment for Online Interviews or Co-HostsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for online interviews or co-hosts. Typically, the set up here is exactly the same as if you were podcasting on your own. If you listened to the previous episode, then you’ll have heard me talk about the Samson Q2U. This works just as well for remote recordings as it does on the solo podcasting front. You’d then either need online recording software or additional equipment to link up with your guests or co-hos...
2025-08-1301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Is Bit Depth?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about bit depth. So each audio sample – those little dots in your waveform – has a ‘bit depth’, which determines the quality of the sound. Some tools will ask you to select a bit depth prior to recording. The most common bit depths are 16, 24, and 32. As is often the case, the higher the number, the higher the quality. Higher bit depths are better at handling noise with substantial differences between its quietest and loudest parts. But this is much more relevant to musicia...
2024-01-0401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are Hz and Sample Rates?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about sample rates. Sample rates are measured in hertz, or “Hz”. Like bitrates, sample rates in audio determine audio quality and file size. You could compare them to pixels in a photograph. Some platforms and tools will ask you to set a sample rate prior to hitting record. The most common sample rate, and one we’d recommend, is 44,100Hz. If you were to load up your audio in your DAW and zoom right in as far as you can, you’d se...
2024-01-0301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are Bitrates in MP3s?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about bitrates. Bitrates represent a sliding scale of quality and size when it comes to the MP3 file format. They’re measured in kbps, or, kilobits per second. Common bitrates for music files are 128 and 192kbps. As most podcasts are purely spoken-word content, we probably don’t need to go this high, though. With our own shows, we tend to opt for 96kbps, but some go as low as 64kbps - most famously, Marc Maron. And he does alright, eh? If set...
2023-12-2601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat’s the Difference Between a WAV and an MP3?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the difference between WAV and MP3 files. The major difference between WAVs and MP3s are size and quality. WAV files contain more detail, but are also much bigger. Think of a WAV file as an original painting, and MP3 files as prints of that painting. Podcast episodes are almost always released in MP3 form because it has a good file size to quality ratio. MP3s have their own size and quality scale too. They’re called bitrates, and...
2023-12-2501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow Loud Should a Podcast Be?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “how loud should a podcast be?” We’ve talked about having consistent volume levels throughout your episodes. But what about the overall volume level of your show compared to other podcasts? Audio loudness is measured in something called “LUFS”, which means “Loudness Units relative to Full Scale”. Sound exciting, eh? Recommended podcast loudness varies, depending on who you ask, and whether your episode is mono or stereo. But a good ballpark to aim for is between -16 and -21 LUFS. You ca...
2023-12-2201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Is Compression?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “what is compression?”. No, this isn’t about blowing your car tyres up. Compression is an audio production technique where you take the loudest bits and quietest bits of a conversation, and bring them all closer together. It’s all about achieving volume-level consistency. Compression allows you to have loud laughter and soft whispering in your episode, and, if done well, your listener won’t even need to adjust the volume dial. Just like noise reduction, compression needs a subtle tou...
2023-12-2101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituNoise Reduction & Audio Clean UpWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about noise reduction and cleanup. Some types of background noise can be cleaned up in the post-production phase. The constant hiss of a fan, or the low static hum of a microphone, for example. Audio software has the ability to recognise this and strip it out, whilst leaving the vocals intact. Of course, it’s easy to go overboard with this and ruin the vocals themselves. Working with noise reduction is a bit like walking a tightrope. Or, using magic in a...
2023-12-2001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituMinimum Effective Podcast EditingWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the minimum effective podcast editing approach. Remember we talked about making mistakes during recording? Our tip was to pause, click your fingers three times into the mic, then start again. Well, now you have a quick and easy way to spot anything that needs chopping out. Aside from that, you’ll want to “top and tail” your recording, cutting any preamble at the start and drawn-out goodbyes at the end. Then it’s the cleanup and volume levelling stuff which you...
2023-12-1901 minPodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting14 Ways to Grow your Podcast with CollaborationsHere, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your approach to collaborations. Get ready to discover unique methods for teaming up with fellow podcasters, creating compelling content, and even boosting your income through strategic partnerships.
Highlights:
Explore how episode swapping can bring new listeners to your podcast.
Uncover the potential of social media and newsletter collaborations.
Learn how to create engaging live stream events with fellow podcasters.
Discover how affiliate marketing can turn c...
2023-12-1821 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituEditing & Producing Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about editing and producing your podcast. This is the phase of podcasting where you chop out all your mistakes and cut the fat from your conversations. You can also clean up your audio to remove any background hiss and level it to make everything consistently loud enough. Then, you can mix in things like music, transitions, and pre-recorded segments. Naturally, this is the part of podcasting that puts tonnes of people off. Very few folks have ever used audio editing so...
2023-12-1501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Should I Drink Before or During Recording?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about what you should drink before or during recording. Getting behind the mic whilst dehydrated is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you’re just going to have less energy and feel a bit groggy. Secondly, you’re going to make more dry lip-smacking mouth noises that’ll have your listener reaching for the ‘unsubscribe’ button. So be sure to have some water before and during your session. Don’t go overboard, though, as over-hydration can lead to excessive m...
2023-11-1501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPre-Recording PracticalitiesWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about pre-recording practicalities. This is the less glamorous but still vitally important side of recording. Your gear and environment aren’t the only factors that’ll determine whether you sound like a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. As the old saying goes - “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”. Or, here’s a good one to test your mic’s pop filter - “prior preparation prevents poor performance.” On the next few episodes, we’ll take a look at things like mic t...
2023-11-1401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat to Include in Your Episode OutroWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about what to include in your podcast outro. Just like the podcast intro, there are no “rules” as such, but if you want to close your episode effectively, think about the following. Send them to ONE place - your website. Here they can find show notes with links to everything mentioned in the episode. Put transcriptions and follow-up resources here, too. Next, include ONE ‘Call to Action’ - for example, “subscribe to the podcast”. If you give them too much to do, chances...
2023-11-1301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Makes a Good Podcast Outro?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “what makes a good podcast outro?”. The final minute or two of your episode goes towards creating a lasting impression in the mind of your listener. You might have done a great job with the intro and main content. But if the show ends poorly, this can be the difference between a new listener hitting subscribe or not. The job of the outro is essentially to thank the listener for their time. Then, point them in the direction of any...
2023-11-1000 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituUsing Cold OpensWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the “Cold Open”. You know when you sit down to watch your favourite TV show and the episode starts before you’ve even opened your bag of Doritos? Then, after about five minutes, the intro kicks in? Well, that’s what’s known as a “cold open“. Many podcasters use cold opens at the beginning of their episodes. You’ve probably heard them before. You hit play and immediately seem to have landed bang in the middle of a guest explaining “...
2023-11-0901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHooking Your Listener EarlyWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about hooking your listener early. Podcast listeners are selfish. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just that everyone tunes into content with one question in mind - “what’s in this for me?”. If anything is drawn out, confusing, or ambiguous, it’s easy for them to lose interest and switch off. You always have creative freedom with your podcast. But here’s a template you can use as a starting point. “Hello and welcome to the *blank* Pod...
2023-11-0801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat to Include in Your Episode IntrosWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about what to include in your episode intros. There are few “rules” in podcasting - it’s a creative medium, after all. With that said, you can really optimise the intro of your episodes if you include the following things. Firstly, let the listener know who they’re talking to. So, whether you go by your real name or a nickname - introduce yourself. Next, - the title of the show. You might assume they already know it. But they might be w...
2023-11-0701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituIntroducing & Ending Your EpisodesWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about introducing and ending your episodes. Obviously, the most important part of any podcast episode is its main content. But the way you open and close your episodes is vital when it comes to listeners even getting to that stage. Think about it, each episode you release is going to be someone’s first impression of your show. On top of that, you only have five minutes to “hook” a third of all podcast listeners. That’s according to recent data from...
2023-11-0601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituRough Podcast ScriptsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the rough podcast script. This one is near the ‘make-it-up-as-you-go-along’ end of the scripting spectrum. Here, you’ll mainly use bullet points to remind you where you’re going. You’re relying on your expert knowledge on the subject to fill in the gaps. This leads to the most conversational type of podcast and is often the most engaging. When you’re speaking from experience, your voice becomes a lot more active, and a lot less monotone. The problem, of course, is...
2023-11-0301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituDetailed Podcast ScriptsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the ‘detailed episode plan’ podcast script. This is the most common way of scripting a podcast. It’s a great alternative to the word-for-word method. Here, you can write down every point you want to hit, every resource you want to mention, and every story you want to cover. You’re not trying to script every single word, though, so you still have that freedom to talk naturally *with* your listener, instead of reading *at* them. Your personality can shine thro...
2023-11-0200 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWord-For-Word Podcast ScriptsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the word-for-word podcast script. This method is great because you’ll never forget or leave anything out. It can also help a lot if you lack the confidence to speak for any length of time. But, there are big cons, too. Scripting a show this way takes ages. Few podcasters can also pull off word-for-word reading and make it sound conversational. You run the risk of your episodes being a bit flat and monotone. By all means, give it a sh...
2023-11-0101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWriting a Podcast ScriptWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about writing a podcast script. Podcast scripting is a very personal thing. Some hosts script their whole show, word for word. Other hosts write down the episode title and just ad-lib it from there. Neither way is right or wrong and, in reality, most people go for something in-between. Scripting can be viewed as a spectrum, with `fully-scripted` and `not-even-slightly-scripted` covering each end. That means it’s impossible to tell you exactly how to do it. But, we can tell you a ...
2023-10-3100 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe How-To - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the how-to method, when it comes to creating shareable content. This is the classic problem-solution pairing. What are your audience struggling with? What do they need help with? You might already have a decent idea of this, based on our recent ‘Question Research’ episode. Starting your title with, “How to” is arguably the most effective way of getting folks to click on it. You might say “well, that’s just clickbait”. But is it really “just clickbait” if it delivers what it pro...
2023-10-3001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituCase Studies - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the case study method, when it comes to creating shareable content. Case studies use examples of people doing things, or events taking place. For example, a biking podcast might do a deep dive into how one rider prepared for and won a big tournament. Or a football podcast might chronicle the journey of a team of underdogs from a small village who won a national trophy. You can almost think of it as a movie. It’s a great oppo...
2023-10-2701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituCosts - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the cost method, when it comes to creating shareable content. When people buy things these days, they do their research online first. So here’s where you can help your target audience get the info they need. What cost-related questions do you think they might commonly type into Google? For example, a nutritional therapy podcast might run an episode titled “how much does a food intolerance test cost?”. Or a show about living off-grid might run one about, “how much does...
2023-10-2601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Comparison - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the comparison method, when it comes to creating shareable content. Mac versus PC, Pepsi versus Cola, Nike versus Adidas. This is the celebrity death match episode format where you’re going to throw two rivals into the arena and see who comes out on top. Here, you’d tend to look at key relevant factors such as cost, quality, and ease of use. This is almost like the review method but you’re looking at two things, rather than one. We’...
2023-10-2501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Review - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the review method, when it comes to creating shareable content. Before people try or buy things themselves, they generally like to hear the opinions of others. You probably do this yourself each time you nip on to Amazon. Reviewing products, services, or other topic-relevant things can help your listeners to make more informed decisions. They’ll really appreciate you for this, and they’ll want to share these episodes with others each time they see this particular thing being discus...
2023-10-2401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe List - Creating Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the list method, when it comes to creating shareable content. Let’s face it, we all love lists. There’s something compelling about content that promises knowledge like “the top 7 guitarists of all time”, or “the best 11 beers in the world right now”. So it’s just a case of taking this method and re-working it for your own topic. You can base this on products your listeners might use, places they might visit, recipes they might cook-up, or movies they migh...
2023-10-2300 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Create Shareable ContentWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how to create shareable content. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to grow your podcast. According to our Discoverability survey, over 33% of listeners find new shows to listen to based on what others have shared or recommended. So how do you make your podcast episodes shareable, or “recommendable”? There are actually six frameworks you can build your episode around. And, after hearing them, your listeners will be dying to tell others about them, too. These framew...
2023-10-2001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituDoing Question ResearchWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about doing question research. One of the best ways to come up with episode ideas is simply to answer the common questions your audience is asking. But what if you don’t have an audience yet? Well, there are a couple of handy and free ways to find these questions. The first is simply to type something you think your avatar would ask into google, then scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see suggestions of what they’re also ask...
2023-10-1901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituComing Up With Episode IdeasWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about coming up with episode ideas. As is often the case in podcasting, this depends a lot on your topic. But there are some common themes we see with podcasters coming up with episode ideas. Maybe a recent personal experience or funny anecdote can tie in to your subject or topic. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned from a book you’ve just read, or a movie you’ve just watched. Or maybe there’s something in the news right...
2023-10-1800 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPlanning Your EpisodesWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about planning your episodes. Great podcasters and terrible podcasters both have one thing in common - they make it sound like they haven’t planned their episodes. For the great podcasters, it’s because they plan them so well. For the terrible podcasters, it’s because they don’t plan them at all. An episode plan doesn’t need to be an in-depth dissertation or treatment. It’s more about asking some top-level questions like “Why this topic right now?”, “What problem will th...
2023-10-1701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Link to and Share Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how to link to and share your podcast. This is a big mistake many podcasters make when they promote their content - they share a link to somewhere like Apple or Spotify. Sure, these places are where a lot of podcast listening happens. But remember, there are hundreds of other apps and directories, too. You definitely can’t link to them all, especially not in a tweet, so what do you do? Quite simply, you send them to one plac...
2023-10-1601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituGetting Listed in All Other Podcast DirectoriesWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about getting listed in any directories and apps your show isn’t yet appearing in. As we mentioned before, the fact that you’re in Apple Podcasts means you’re automatically in a hundred other places. Google Podcasts will start noticing you without you needing to do anything, either. Well, they are in the search business, after all! But, there are three other platforms you’ll want to log in to or create an account for, in order to submit your RSS f...
2023-10-1301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituGetting Your Show in SpotifyWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about getting listed in Spotify. Spotify is hot on the heels of Apple when it comes to global podcast consumption. You’ll definitely want to get your show listed here. And, it’s even easier than submitting to their fruit-loving rivals. Most hosting providers have simple one-click “submit to Spotify” buttons in their distribution sections. What’s more, some of our recently launched shows have appeared on Spotify less than an hour after submitting. You can easily submit manually, too, if your host...
2023-10-1201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituGetting Your Show in Apple Podcasts (AKA iTunes)Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about getting listed in Apple Podcasts - AKA, iTunes. Apple has always been - and remains - the number one place where podcasts are consumed. We also know that, by being listed here, your show will automatically pop up in a trillion other apps you’ve never heard of. To submit to Apple you just need to create a free Apple ID. Or, you might have one already. Bottom line, you need to log in to [PodcastsConnect.Apple.com](http://Podc...
2023-10-1101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituGetting Listed in Podcast DirectoriesWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about getting listed in podcast directories. People listen to podcasts on hundreds of different apps and platforms. In a previous episode, we learned that you only need to upload your content to one place - your hosting account - and it’ll appear in all these places automatically. But how do we make sure these directories know our podcast exists in the first place? For this, we use a unique URL called an RSS feed. You’ll get one of these...
2023-10-1001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituIs My Podcast “Launch” Important?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the myth of the podcast “launch”. The term “launch” is ambiguous, because, creating your show and publishing your first episode means you’re “launching” your podcast. But we might also think of our launch as something glitzy and hyped-up, like the release of the latest iPhone or Xbox console. When new tech, or even new books are released, they only have a few weeks to “sink or swim” because of how sales and charts work in these fields. The good news? This has...
2023-10-0901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Make an Episode Zero?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about why you might make an ‘Episode Zero’. This is the name given to a type of introductory or “pre-launch” podcast episode. It isn’t *essential* to create an Episode Zero. But many podcasters do – and there’s a few good reasons why it might be worth considering for your own show. An Episode Zero can be similar to a promo trailer in the way it introduces your show and your topic. The main difference is length. An Episode Zero would ideally stil...
2023-10-0601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Create a Podcast TrailerWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about creating a trailer for your show. A promo trailer can help you win over potential new listeners by giving them a flavour of your podcast. They can easily be played on other shows, too, which can help you grow your audience. A podcast trailer should be between 30 seconds and 1 minute. The shorter, the better. There are certain things you *definitely* want to mention in your podcast trailer. What’s the show called? What’s it about? Who is it for? A...
2023-10-0501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhere to Publish Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about podcast hosting options. Your podcast hosting provider - also known as your “podcast host” - is *the* place you create your show and upload all of your episodes to. There are plenty great hosting options out there catering to all needs and budgets. Hosting providers will offer you stats so you can see how popular your show is. Some of these go really in-depth and can give you geographic and device stats, too. Hosting providers will also give you a basi...
2023-10-0401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Publish Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about publishing your podcast. This stage can cause some confusion for new podcasters. You might think that you need to upload your episodes to listening platforms like Apple and Spotify, but that isn’t the case. Instead, you create an account with a podcast hosting provider. That’s the place your podcast “lives”. Your cover art, your show description, and your episodes all go in there. Then, there are a couple of small steps needed to “tell” platforms like Spotify and Apple that...
2023-10-0301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhere to Get Your Podcast TranscribedWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about where to get your podcast transcribed. There are two types of transcription service out there - human, and AI. The AI options are cheaper, but generally less accurate, especially if you speak with a Scottish accent. An AI transcription might take a wee bit more time to run through and correct manually. Our podcast-maker tool Alitu now automatically generates transcriptions of all your episodes, so that’s one single place you can go to record, edit, publish, and transcribe your...
2023-10-0201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Use Transcription?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about why you should be providing transcriptions of your episodes. Podcasting *is* predominantly an audio medium, and so, word-for-word episode transcriptions were traditionally seen as a luxury form of bonus content. These days, however, things are different. Podcasters should *always* be providing transcripts for each new episode they publish. This is for two main reasons. Firstly - accessibility. Millions of people out there are deaf or hard of hearing. Providing a transcription means that you’re not shutting them out from...
2023-09-2901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by Alitu‘Podcast Maker’ ToolsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about, funnily enough, Podcast Maker tools. A ‘Podcast Maker’ is basically an app or tool that brings everything like recording, editing, production, and publishing together into one place. They can be less flexible and powerful than having a dedicated tool for every job, but so much more simpler, convenient, and cost-effective. Naturally, because we run Alitu, we’re a bit biased and think it’s the best option out there. We certainly strive to be. But that said, we recognise that there...
2023-09-2801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are DAWs? Digital Audio WorkstationsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about Digital Audio Workstations, AKA - DAWs. A DAW is a term used to describe software that you use to record, edit, and produce audio. Most of them are designed and built with music production in mind, but can work brilliantly to create spoken-word content if you know what you’re doing. A famous free DAW is Audacity. Audacity is popular because of its price, or lack of one. It has everything you need to record and produce a po...
2023-09-2701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituRemote Call Recording OptionsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking remote recording software. Many podcasters run interview or co-hosted shows, and with call recording software, location is no barrier to who you can chat with. Online call recorders do exactly what they say on the tin. Two of the most popular options out there are Squadcast and Riverside. These are what’s known as “double ender” tools which record each participant locally, on their own computer. This makes them safer from wonky wifi connections, crashes, and the sound quality is generall...
2023-09-2601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast SoftwareWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to start thinking about podcasting software. The term “podcast software” is pretty general. It could be used to describe the programme or app you use to record, edit, or publish your episodes. Some platforms only focus on one of these aspects, whilst others will do all 3. It’s common for editing software to double up as recording software. Prime examples of these are Audacity, Adobe Audition, and our own Alitu. Many online call recorders don’t have editing functions though - or, if t...
2023-09-2501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituShould You Record Outdoors?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re answering the question “should you record your podcast outdoors?” On the previous few episodes, we’ve talked about the importance of good recording environments. Well, one of the best is actually right outside your window. I’m talking, of course, about the great outdoors. If you’re plagued by reverb, loud distracting background noise, or a simple lack of space, then I’d encourage you to try recording your next episode whilst out on a walk, or sitting on your favourite park bench. Su...
2023-09-2201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituBackground Noise: Sound Treatment Vs Sound ProofingWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about background noise. Let’s clear up a bit of confusion amongst podcasters - the difference between sound treatment, and sound *proofing*. On the last episode we talked about reverb, and that’s very much in the sound *treatment* camp. But many folks mistakenly believe that, once they’ve stuck up some acoustic tiles, they have sound *proofed* their room. If Dave Grohl was to move into the flat next door and start playing his drums, you’d quickly find out that y...
2023-09-2101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Eliminate Reverb in Any RoomWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about reverb or echo - and - how to get rid of it. Excess reverb can make even the best podcast sound amateur. This unwanted echo effect happens in smaller, boxy rooms with a lot of hard surfaces. Here, the soundwaves of your voice will bounce around the room like a ball. Typically poor-sounding environments include caves, the bottoms of wells, and in the average person’s bathroom. It’s unlikely you plan to record in any of these, but the ro...
2023-09-2001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Does Your Recording Environment Matter?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your recording environment. It’s easy to think that your audio quality is determined by your equipment - and, to an extent, that’s true. But the room or place you record in has a much bigger impact on how your content’s going to sound. There are 2 main factors when it comes to your environment affecting your audio. Firstly, there’s the “sound” of the room itself. Echo or reverb can be a real problem for podcasters, and we’re going to...
2023-09-1901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Are Polar Patterns?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what are polar patterns?” These are also sometimes called “pickup patterns”, and they’re essentially the settings that determine the area a mic will focus on when recording sound. To think about this visually, imagine your mic as a torch or laser. The area it shines light on is the area it’s “hearing” your voice. Most microphones you’ll come across - including the Samson Q2U - have a ‘Cardioid’ polar pattern which means they’re designed to reco...
2023-09-1801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat is a Dynamic Microphone?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what is a Dynamic microphone?”. Dynamic mics tend to be tougher and more durable than their Condenser counterparts. A Dynamic mic can be looked at as something you’d typically use in “live” environments, and rougher “on-the-go” settings. If you record live, on-location, or just like having a mic on you at all times for ad-hoc recordings, then a Dynamic mic is a great option. Most Dynamic mics only have a Cardioid polar pattern, however. This means they’re gener...
2023-09-1501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat is a Condenser Microphone?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what is a Condenser microphone?”. “Condenser” and “Dynamic” are two of the most common types of mic. The terms refer to how they’re built, and how they function. We can get really technical with stuff like this, but I’d rather keep things simple. That means I’ll make some generalisations that aren’t *always* the rule – now and then you’ll find exceptions. But here’s a good starting point for differentiating between the two. A Condenser mic can be lo...
2023-09-1401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast Equipment for Multiple Local ParticipantsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for recording multiple people, locally. If getting people in the same room together is the key for your podcast, then there are a few different options out there. On the previous 2 episodes, we’ve mentioned the Samson Q2U mic and the Zoom PodTrak P4 podcast recorder. Get yourself a PodTrak P4 and then a Q2U for each person you’ll be recording, and you’ll have a brilliant set up for only a few hund...
2023-09-1301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast Equipment for Online Interviews or Co-HostsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for online interviews or co-hosts. Typically, the set up here is exactly the same as if you were podcasting on your own. If you listened to the previous episode, then you’ll have heard me talk about the Samson Q2U. This works just as well for remote recordings as it does on the solo podcasting front. You’d then either need online recording software or additional equipment to link up with your guests or co-hos...
2023-09-1201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituPodcast Equipment for Solo ShowsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for solo shows. If you’re podcasting on your own then this makes choosing equipment easy. You’re just going to need a USB mic and some headphones. I say “headphones” but even your trusty earbuds will do the trick here. You’ll use these to “monitor” yourself as you record. That way, you can hear exactly *what* you record, as it’s recorded, and pick up on any sound issues there and then. On the USB mic front...
2023-09-1101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat’s the Deal With Podcast Equipment?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And over the next few episodes, we’re going to talk about the gear you need to actually record your show. When we hear the term “podcast equipment” it’s easy to imagine a pro-level studio filled with lots of intimidating and very expensive kit. But for the vast majority of podcasters, this looks nothing like their own recording setup. You can break podcast equipment down into categories, based on how you record and capture your voice, from mic to mixer to recorder to computer. The recording process...
2023-09-0801 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Get Good Podcast Cover ArtWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your show’s cover art, sometimes known as your artwork or your podcast logo. Just like your episode titles, first impressions are everything. Having attractive cover art that stands out is so vital when your show lines up against thousands of others in apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your artwork should be at least 1400 x 1400 pixels, in JPG form, and it needs to be under 500kb in size. Apple actually recommends 3000 x 3000-pixel files, but we’ve found becaus...
2023-09-0702 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhat Should Go In My Podcast Description?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your show’s description. Did you know that this is THE most important thing potential new listeners will judge your show on? This is in that crucial period where they’ve found it, but haven’t hit play yet. By the way, this isn’t my opinion - it’s right from the horse’s mouth, via our Podcast Discovery Survey, which you can find at [ThePodcastHost.com/discovery](http://ThePodcastHost.com/discovery) So, a quick bit of clarity on what’s mean...
2023-09-0601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow Should I Name my Podcast Episodes?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how to name your podcast *episodes.* We spent a bit of time earlier on talking about what to call your podcast as a whole. But how you title your episodes can be just as - or maybe even more - important! The biggest mistake when it comes to naming your episodes is to pop in meaningless details. Like Episode 1: This time I talk with... blah blah blah. You’ve already lost them by the time they hit the 5th word...
2023-09-0501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Podcast in Seasons?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about releasing podcast episodes in seasons. On the last episode, we talked about the tricky balance of finding your ideal release frequency. So, what if the podcast you’d like to create is a really in-depth, highly produced show, that goes out every single week? But, you know that, in the long run, that weekly schedule is a bit unsustainable? The ideal answer could be to take a leaf out of your favourite TV show’s book, and podcast in season...
2023-09-0402 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow Often Should I Release Podcast Episodes?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking how often! As in how frequently should you be releasing podcast episodes? Just like the “ideal length” question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best podcast release schedule is really the most regular one that *you* can stick to, on a consistent basis. So, if you can only manage once a month, that’s fine. If you can manage every 2 weeks, even better. If you can manage weekly, then that’s about ideal. You can still have a big impact with...
2023-09-0101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow Long Should my Podcast Episodes Be?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how long your podcast episodes should be. Here’s the bottom line - podcast length depends solely on content. Don’t cut down good content - or, pad out succinct work! How long does your episode need to be to get the message out? Then that’s the ideal length for you. If you asked most podcast listeners, a “short” episode would probably be anything under 15 minutes. And a “long” episode would probably be anything over an hour. Anything from 20 to 45 mi...
2023-08-3101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituUsing Your Own Name in Your Podcast NameWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about using your own name in or as your podcast’s name. If you’ve heard of Tim Ferriss or Joe Rogan, then you’ll know what we’re talking about here. Podcasts that are named after their hosts generally have one thing in common – the host already had an audience *before* they started the podcast. These names offer no hints about the show's content. If you've never heard of Tim Ferris, his show could be about literally anything. As it happens, th...
2023-08-3001 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituChoosing a Clever, Quirky, or Mysterious Podcast NameWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about clever, quirky, or even, mysterious podcast names. Famous examples here include The Moth, and 99% Invisible. Creative or “clever” names are often built around puns, plays on words or in-jokes from the show's topic or niche. Many of these names make sense when you look deeply enough into them. But others are just plain abstract and offer no hint into the show's actual content. If you already have an audience, a reputation as a good content creator, or a big market...
2023-08-2901 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituChoosing a Descriptive Podcast Name**Choosing a Descriptive Podcast Name** Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about “descriptive” podcast names. Famous examples of descriptive names are The Property Podcast and Football Weekly. This type of name can be described as “doing exactly what it says on the tin”. You might think of this as the “boring” option, but as long as your content isn't boring, nobody's going to care. Descriptive podcast names are immediately identifiable to their target audience. And they're easier to find because they perform better in searches. However, if you have a re...
2023-08-2800 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituHow to Name Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest decisions made by new podcasters - naming your show. There are 3 main camps when it comes to naming your show - you might simply use your own name, or, you might opt for something clever or descriptive. We’re going to look at each option, in more depth, over the next few episodes. Start by creating a shortlist of potential podcast names. Then, do a search in a directory or app like Apple Podcasts to see...
2023-08-2501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Documentary or Fiction Podcast FormatWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about documentary-style and fiction podcast formats. Documentary podcasts are often referred to as “BBC-style” or “NPR-style”. These shows mix in multiple voices, musical elements, and actuality to add an extra layer of production and storytelling. The end product can sound great, but the time and work needed to put them together will increase drastically. Another high-production format is the fiction podcast. These come in many forms, from “audiobook style” to fully soundscaped audio dramas, where every footstep is accounted for. Again, the end...
2023-08-2401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Roundtable Podcast FormatWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the roundtable podcast format. A “roundtable” refers to the idea of getting a larger number of participants together to discuss a set topic. Normally there would be at least one regular host, if not two or three. Then the rest of the ‘table’ is made up of guests who are experts in the topic at hand. Your job as host is to direct the roundtable, asking questions and steering the topic, so that everyone gets a turn and contributes to a great...
2023-08-2301 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Interview Podcast FormatWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the interview podcast format. This is where you ‘borrow’ the expertise or entertainment value of others. With this style of podcast format, a huge benefit is getting to talk to your heroes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to have a chat with people in your space that you’ve always looked up to. On top of that, your guests will have their own audiences who may listen to the interview and end up subscribing to your show. If done right...
2023-08-2201 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Co-Hosted Podcast FormatWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. On this episode, we’re talking about the co-hosted podcast format. This is when you present your show alongside another regular host - whether it's a friend or a colleague. This is a great format for anyone, but particularly early podcasters. It reduces that ‘mic fright’ you get when recording solo, or the possibility of being a bit monotone. Instead, find the right co-host and you can have a totally natural conversation. Someone to bounce off, debate with, or even take mickey out of. The best co-hosted podcas...
2023-08-2101 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituThe Solo Podcast FormatWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the solo podcast format, AKA - the monologue. Each podcast format comes with its own pros and cons. The big benefit of a solo show is that you don’t need to rely on anyone else to record your episodes. On top of that, it’s YOU who’s building a reputation as the authority on your subject. The podcast is also exclusively yours, so you can make all the calls on sponsorship and monetization. And you don’t need to sp...
2023-08-1800 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituChoosing a Format for Your PodcastWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about choosing a format for your episodes. The format you choose is really personal, and depends on who’s involved. If it’s just you, you’re not doing a co-hosted show any time soon, for example None of this is set in stone, either. So whilst it’s good to have an ‘average’ format, so your listeners know what to expect, you don’t have to stick to it every single time. You might do your first few episodes using a certain...
2023-08-1701 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituNiches and Narrow Podcast TopicsWelcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about niches (nitches?) and narrow topics. There’s a bit of a misconception in podcasting that, the wider and more open your topic, the bigger your audience will be. I know, it makes sense because covering lots of ground means there's loads more people who *might* be interested in your show. The reality, though, is that listeners love podcasts that feel like they were made *just for them*. So instead of our personal trainer doing a podcast about general health, diet...
2023-08-1601 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Should They Listen?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about giving your audience a no-brainer reason to listen. This, my friend, is all about supplying value in your very own unique way. But what does that *actually* mean? Well, let’s take the example of our personal trainer, I mentioned last time. If they’re serving up content that helps their listeners to, let's say, complete a couch to 5k, then they're providing value. If they can help a listener lose a few stone, or run a faster race, then t...
2023-08-1501 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWho is Your Podcast For?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. On this episode, we’re asking a big question: Who are you making your podcast for? The thing is, unless you know exactly *who* you’re making your show for, and *why* you’re doing it, you’ve got no chance of growing an audience. Let’s imagine a personal trainer who’s making a health and fitness podcast to market their business. Their target audience might be people who are interested in healthy eating, weight loss, or HIIT training, or bodybuilding. Or, let’s imagine a hobbyist who loves z...
2023-08-1401 minQuick Daily Podcasting Tips by AlituWhy Are You Doing a Podcast?Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re asking the question “Why?” Why do you want to make a podcast? Are you a freelancer? A business? Or working for a company? Whatever you do, you'll know that podcasting's a great way to build trust and authority. Plus, of course, give your customers or your audience a whole bunch of valuable and entertaining content. The other option is that you're in podcasting as a hobbyist? That could mean you'll be creating a show in your spare time, and on a subject you're...
2023-08-1101 minPodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of PodcastingSEO Tips for PodcastersThe concept is simple: You create the content your target audience is searching for, they find it, and your podcast grows as a result. But Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) isn't just as straightforward as that, unfortunately. There are nuances, best practices, and stiff competition from rival content creators. On season 16 of Podcraft we're leaning on the expertise and experience of our team here The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode, I'm joined by Sean, who is a full stack growth marketer. Sean knows a thing or two about SEO, and he's here to help yo...
2022-10-2736 minPodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of PodcastingPodcast Gear Stats: What Are Podcasters ACTUALLY Using? RODE Procaster GiveawayOkay, granted, having a top-of-the-range mic doesn't necessarily mean you'll have top-of-the-range content. But the various bits of equipment different folks are using to create audio can become an obsession for some podcasters. We know this because the Equipment section of our site is by far the most viewed and visited. Combine that with your average podcaster's love of stats, and that's what led to us running our first podcasting gear stats survey back in 2017/18.Well, that survey is back, and we want to see what the podcast equipment landscape looks like now, in 2019. Has a...
2019-05-2218 minPodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of PodcastingThe Podcast Host 2018 End of Year ReviewAs another year draws to a close, we sit down to chat through the last 12 months at The Podcast Host Towers. What went well? What didn't? And what do we have planned for the future?In terms of big milestones this year, we had the long-awaited launch of Alitu - The Podcast Making App, the switch up of The Podcast Host Academy to an annual membership, the launch of our Podcast Launch Service, and we brought down the curtain on this first season of our space-science audio drama documentary podcast Hostile Worlds.We put out...
2018-12-1849 minPodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of PodcastingPromoting Your Podcast with an Audio TrailerCreating a 30 second promo trailer for your show is a great way to grow your audience. A trailer is a little "taster" for potential new listeners, and gives them an idea of the tone, feel, and content of the show. It's easy to consume, and easy to share too. On this episode we're going to listen to and offer feedback on some promo trailers that were created by members of The Podcast Host Academy as part of our monthly ($50 prize) competition. The shows are; The Postcard Academy - https://postcardacademy.co Tog & Thel - http://aducklingknits.com The Curious...
2018-09-1224 min