Audio is a valuable resource; here are six formats for creating good podcasts
The power of audio is often underestimated, especially with the emergence of video in today’s digital environment.
However, it’s important to remember how valuable quality-audio content can be. For instance, let’s consider the information published by the Nieman Journalism Lab in April 2011. In the article, Nieman Journalism Lab reported on NPR’s findings for digital audio, which found that audio consumers are more engaged, as they rack up more pageviews.
The same article discussed a survey from TargetSpot, which found that Internet radio listeners were “twice as likely to respond to an ad – by clicking it, “liking” the company on Facebook, searching the web for additional information about it, or purchasing a product – than ordinary web surfers.”
As this data shows, audio helps enhance content and is appreciated by audiences.
Six formats for creating audio podcasts
In a recent article from eMedia Vitals, the following six podcasting formats were discussed. According to the article, all of these formats have been used successfully by media companies, either separately or combine with one another for engaging audio pieces.
#1 – Chatter: This audio podcast format is very conversational in style. For online publishers, a main topic or a popular subject relevant to your audience would qualify as content for “chatter” pieces.
To create this type of podcast: compile a group of people knowledgeable on a topic and let them give insight on the topic in a roundtable manner. It’s necessary to produce and edit the content to offer the best possible product.
#2 – Live shows: A live show offers the chance to present content while having an interactive environment. Recording the live shows allows the producer to include additional content prior to the release.
#3 – Interviews: Creating interview podcasts gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at an influential person within the industry. While conducting interviews, make sure to ask questions your audience will be interested in hearing an answer to. Having your audience submit questions to you prior to the interview affords the opportunity to promote the event while interacting.
#4 – Narrative/eclectic: This format works for heavily produced podcasts that include an array of the other formats mentioned. Often times these podcast types will focus on one main subject with a variety of content on it.
#5 – Round-up: A round-up is a review of the week’s content in audio form. eMedia Vitals discussed how this format has worked for big publishers like The New York Times, but may not work for smaller publishers. If smaller publishers want to create round-ups, eMedia Vitals suggests incorporating additional content, like interviews.
#6 – How-to: Although it may be difficult to create audio how-to pieces, if you can communicate effectively in this manner, your audience will likely find the information valuable. How-to information is very popular throughout the digital landscape.
Are you creating audio podcasts for your audience? If so, what types of engagement have you experienced? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below.
