Behind-the-Scenes of Producing a Podcast with Traci DeForge

What do you do in your role and how does it help authors and experts?

Produce Your Podcast is a full service production, marketing, and distribution agency. We basically help specifically business owners, coaches, consultants, or authors, launch a podcast. Once the podcast is launched, we have all different types of services that help you maintain the podcast, grow the podcast, and even monetize the podcast through sponsorships and marketing your own products and services. So when we say full service, we approach the podcasting process holistically and with a very strong emphasis on business development.

Why should our authors consider creating a podcast?

It’s not just a “take my word for it” situation, it’s just basically a “look around and you’ll see how impactful podcasting has been for business development” situation. Especially for authors, the whole connection point around authenticity and visibility comes back to your voice, right? If you’re using a book for subject matter expertise, I’m sure you’ll agree that podcasts are the new Speakers Bureau. A podcast has become a visibility tool, a lead generation tool, and just an overall brand building foundational pillar.

The other thing that’s an interesting component to the new reliance on audio is distinguishing what’s real versus what’s not real. Initially, AI in our industry started to send some ripple effects of fear. However, at the end of the day, the genuineness of you sharing your expertise and voice with your verbal storytelling is more reliable because listeners can hear you. If you’re on video, they can see you. They may think, “oh, okay, this isn’t an AI generated thing. This is a human who has real intellect and expertise.” 

Do you have any equipment recommendations for beginners?

The most important thing is to have a setup that works for you and is efficient for your needs. Having a microphone is incredibly important and it’s best to have one that fits your podcast. The type of microphone can vary, and there are different ranges of investments. There are a couple of microphones that don’t have the branding cache that other microphones have, and there are far better microphones that are equally as cost effective. One beginner podcast microphone I tend to recommend for people who are first starting out is an Audio Technica 2100 mic. That microphone has very beginner friendly adaptability and is super transportable. With the Audio Technica 2100, you can use a USB that you plug directly into your laptop. As for its transportability, you could easily throw it in a carry-on for all intents and purposes (ex: a big purse, a laptop bag, etc.). 

What are your opinions and preferences regarding distribution of podcasts? 

The hosting decision around your platform is important. There are so many free platforms. Spotify for Podcasters is free, but you obviously get what you pay for. You want to invest in a platform that has all the bells and whistles that you can afford, because it’s going to save you time and energy in the long run. Using a more advanced platform can also give you more opportunities for visibility. Spreaker, for example, is a great platform. Spreaker is owned by iHeart, who is very large in the podcasting space due to their radio blueprint. We are also a fan of Captivate.fm because they have a really solid technology to insert your own ads, obviously geared towards your audience. We want you to be able to advertise your own products and services in your own podcast, and Captivate.fm makes that really easy and cost effective. Other great options include Lipsyn, Blubrry, and Buzzsprout. 

I don’t want to confuse you by giving too many options, but in the end you need to look at affordability for YOU. Additionally, you must think about your expectations out of the platform. For example, does your podcasting platform connect to social media platforms so you can auto post media more conveniently? Brainstorm the capabilities you want your platform to have. Don’t just choose “free,” because you’re ultimately going to have to migrate to another hosting platform if you plan on growing your podcast in the future. Although technology has made this migration more user friendly, there’s always a risk of losing the downloads, followers, or stats you have spent years cultivating. My recommendation: start with a platform that’s going to work for your long term growth, not just the short term.

 

 

Traci DeForge, founder of Produce Your Podcast, is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. Traci is the host of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, and co-host of Ask Brien Radio Show on KHTS AM & FM, Los Angeles, CA. She’s been featured on all three major networks along with CNN, CTV, and American Express Open, RadioINK, and is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council.