How to Create a Podcast for Lawyers

Ever since Serial, podcasting has seen a resurgence. There are 39 million people that listen to podcasts every month. For those of you that are not familiar with podcasting, think of it as radio on demand. More and more attorneys are asking us questions about how to start a podcast and the benefits of podcasts so we are writing a blog post to help all of you out!

Here are some tips if you are thinking about experimenting with podcasting:

1. It’s all about the content

People will listen to your podcast only if you provide them with entertaining or useful content. The big benefit of podcasts are that people can listen to you while they are driving or running or walking to work. Your goal should be to capture their undivided attention in the 5-30 minute podcasts you produce.

2. Connect with other podcasters

There are several Podcasting meetups that have popped up recently across the US. Joining a meetup is a great way for you to meet other podcasters in order to exchange best practices.

3. It is better if you have a co-host

It is more entertaining to have two people go back and forth than to record a monologue of you talking. If you can, try to find someone else who you can do the podcasts with. If you can’t find anyone that is available on a consistent basis, you can always invite new guest speakers on your podcast every time.

4. Be consistent

If you can only commit to one hour a week or one hour a month, that is okay. However, make sure you stick to a schedule. Just like television, people will begin to expect your podcasts so you should never disappoint your listeners.

5. Be concise

The podcast should be no longer than 30 minutes. The shorter they are, the better.

6. Make sure you have top notch sound quality and recording software

Do not skimp on microphones and headphones. The Heil PR-40 has been recommended by others as a great microphone to use for podcasting. For recording software, Audacity and Podcast Station are popular.

7. RSS feeds

In order to distribute your podcast you need to have an RSS feed that is on Apple’s iTunes podcast category so that people can subscribe to the podcast. Apple has very specific instructions on how to submit your podcast to Itunes.

8. Podcast Hosting and Publishing service

Liberated Syndication (Libysn) is used by most however others exist such as Podbean and Buzzsprout.

9. Come up with a general theme for your podcast and a target audience

Before you start podcasting you should figure out what kind of listeners you are catering to, whether that be other lawyers or consumers. Either way, podcasting allows you to reach out to influencers and colleagues in order to ask him to be a guest on your show. This helps you grow your referral network and puts you on other people’s radars.

10. Be personable and dynamic

Try to show your personal side. In podcasting, you don’t want to sound monotone or explain complex theories. Also, do not read from a script. A podcast should be free flowing and instigate a dialogue between you and the co-host/guest.

If you want to dip your toe into podcasting or are curious about other alternative forms of marketing, contact ONE400 – we are here to help!