Converge South 2015

Podcasting Lab with Mike DellHost of The Podcast Help Desk

Lead Tech Support for Blubrry.com

Who is Mike Dell?and why is HE talking about podcasts?• I started podcasting in 2005 (just about the beginning)• I’ve been working in the podcasting business

for the last 7+ years.• I’ve made just about every mistake you can

make in podcasting at least once• I spend my days fixing other peoples

podcasting mistakes

What is a Podcast?

noun1. a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer automatically using RSS.

How does Podcasting Work?Podcasting is really just a extension of blogging, only in audio (or video).

From a producer standpoint, here are the steps:

How does Podcasting Work?1. Produce the content. Record and

edit.2. Put that content where it can be

served (Media Host)3. Post the episode (blog post)

linking that media file to the post.4. Publish to your blog (RSS feed)

Once Posted, here is how it gets to your listeners

1. That RSS feed is then checked by your subscribers, Podcast Apps and directories.

2. The Podcatching App discovers there is a new episode and downloads it.

3. Your listener plays it.

Other ways people listen

• Streaming from your website• Streaming from the Stitcher App• Direct downloading from a link on

your website and playing it on the computer locally

• Syncing to OLD iPods (Yes, some people do listen via the old click wheel iPods)

What are you going to need to start a podcast?

• A way to record• A way to edit your media• A media hosting site• A blog to publish to• RSS feed compatible with Podcasting• A way to promote

Recording your MP3

1. Microphone2. Way to connect the Microphone to your

computer or Digital recorder3. Editing/Recording software

Microphones:A good starter Microphone is theAudio Technica ATR-2100 or ATR-2005

Microphones:The Best mics are one of these

Heil PR-40

Microphones:The Best mics are one of these

ElecrovoiceRE-20 / 320

Microphones:The Best mics are one of these

Shure SM7B

Mixer/interface:Mixers allow you to connect more than one microphone to your recorder/computerAnd add sound effects “Live to the hard drive”

Mixer/interface:You do not need a mixer if you are going to do a solo show or are going to record interviews in person using a portable recorder.

USB Interface:To hook your mixer up to your computer, use a USB Sound card instead of the analog hookups.

USB Interface:You CAN get a USB mixer, but they tend to be more trouble than analog mixers. I prefer to use analog mixers with a USB sound card.

My Mixer of choice is the Mackie 1202-VLZ4

DON’T forget the cables!

Editing Software:

Free: Audacity

Free: Garage Band (mac only)

NOT free (but really the best):Adobe Audition

Editing Software:

Audacity comes with an MP3 encoder called LAME --- And it is LAMEIf you record/edit with Audacity, save as a .WAV file and then convert to mp3 using iTunes desktop software.

Editing – How Much?

The rule of thumb I use is it should not take any longer than 4:1 to produce your audio. Meaning for every minute of finished audio, you will spend 4 on Prep, Recording, Editing and posting.

If it takes more than that, you will lose interestIf it takes less than that - YEAH! You are getting the hang of this!

The Geeky Part

Audio Format: MP3 Video Format: M4V/MP4 using H.264 encoding

MP3’s should be at 44.100 KHZ (44100hz) and save at 128kbps Stereo or 64kbps Mono

DO NOT USE M4A (Apple AAC format for podcasting) (mostly a Garage Band Issue)

Media Hosting

Free: Archive.org - If you are just going to be playing around with podcasting for fun, you can use archive.org for some media hosting.

If you get serious, you want a paid media host.

DO NOT PUT YOUR PODCAST MEDIA ON THE SAME SITE AS YOUR WEBSITE!

Media Hosting

Paid hosting: I have 3 criteria I use when selecting a host for my media. 1.Don’t mess with my file2.Charge me enough so you will stay in business3.Give me a way to leave if I want to

Media Hosting

Paid hosting:

Only 3 hosting companies, that I would trust with my media, exist right now. 1.Blubrry.com (I work for them and whole heartedly recommend them!)2.Libsyn.com (they have issues but are good)

Media Hosting

Paid hosting:

Only 3 hosting companies, that I would trust with my media, exist right now. 1.Blubrry.com (I work for them and whole heartedly recommend them!)2.Libsyn.com (they have issues but are good)

Web Hosting (Your Blog)

Self-hosted Wordpress is the BEST way to keep your brand totally under your control.

Choose a good web hosting company. Shared hosting will work most of the time, but if you get big, you may have to move to a VPS or Dedicated server.

Web Hosting (Your Blog)

I recommend any of these companies for Wordpress Hosting. (NO Wordpress.com will not work) 1.Dreamhost.com2.Godaddy.com3.Bluehost.com4.Hostgater.comThere are others, but these I know work well for podcasting.

Album Artwork

• You are going to need what is known as Album Artwork.

Album Artwork

• Your Artwork needs to be 1400px by 1400px square.

The Dreaded RSS feed

Demo time!

We are going to Record, Edit and Setup a Wordpress site using WordpressPowerPress with blubrry.com hostingPost – Publish the episode and subscribe in iTunes.

Promotion and Directories

• THE big 800lb Gorilla is iTunes• Stitcher is a good one• Blubrry Directory

For a complete list, go to http://podcastplaces.com

Promotion and Directories

• Facebook Groups about your subject• Google Groups• Yahoo Groups• Google Plus Groups• Forums

Just don’t be pushy. Get to know the people there and then tell them about your podcast.

Promotion and Directories

Just Remember, building an audience is a slow process. The more you get to know individuals in your audience, the better. I make it a point to talk to, email or social connect to one audience member a month at least. (most of the time more than that).

THANK YOU FOR Attending!

You can find this slideshow and all the resources I mentioned at Podcasthelpdesk.com/convergesouth2015

Use my Promo Code HELPDESK at checkout at Blubrry.com for a free month of service hosting, or Media Stats or the upcoming Powerpress Sites.

THANK YOU FOR Attending!

mike@mikedell.com - Personal Emailmike@rawvoice.com - Work Email@mgdell – Personal Twitter@podcasthelpdesk – Podcast Twittermikedell.com – Personal Blog/Podcastpodcasthelpdesk.com – My Podcast