Podcasts are the new blog. And they’re becoming easier to make and produce thanks to advances in technology. This opens the door for theater fans to make money as podcasters. However, it results in much more competition for the audience’s attention, so you can’t just put out a podcast and expect to make a lot of money. Here are a few tips on how to create a successful theater arts podcast.
Have a Narrow Focus
There are thousands of generalist podcasts, and these are also competing with radio. The best way to stand out is to create a narrowly focused podcast. This way, you’ll attract an audience that wants that specific content. Whether it is a podcast focused on a particular school of theater, discovering fresh new talents, or playwriting, you’ll be able to build a solid audience and serve something they won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Remember That Content is King
People won’t tune in to your podcast just because you create content about the subject. You need to put the same effort into the podcast as you would a national radio show.
Have a polished, pre-produced show opener. Use branding and teasing so that you come across as a professional. Develop topics instead of just posting reviews. You can also create great shows by interviewing guests.
Give each performance your best, because you don’t know who is listening and which episode will go viral. Be creative, entertaining, and consistent with every performance. Create a new podcast at least once a week, and try to publish on the same day. If you are hit and miss with your publishing, people will tune in to someone else.
Invest in Good Equipment
While you don’t need to spend a fortune on professional tools, you’ll need to have the skills and software for basic video editing. Learn how to mix in music and do fades properly, and invest time into making every podcast sound professional.
If you can’t invest in a home studio, record in your closet. The hanging clothes are great for sound absorption. If you are doing an interview, record the calls, and use the right tools to improve the audio quality before you post the podcast. Another factor to consider is the hosting service. You want one that is affordable but has good service and the storage space and bandwidth you need.
Monetize the Right Way
Big celebrities often make very little money from podcasting, and most podcasts lack the listenership to get advertising revenue. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t earn money from it. Some people use the podcast as demo material for their own work. The 15 minute podcast format is actually perfect for that.
You could also form partnerships with people in the industry. You could work with a company that sells tickets like Ticket Sales or a particular venue in your area. Many will be more than happy to work with you if you have an audience that centers around theater and can get them more people at their shows, so don’t be afraid to look for these types of opportunities.
Podcasting about theater is a great way to serve a severely underserved niche, share your love of the art, and introduce it to new people. The challenge is getting a significant audience and revenue from podcasting, but it is possible.