4 Ways to Produce a More Professional-Sounding Podcast

There are many reasons to start a podcast. You could focus on niche history subjects, break down health-related topics, weave together a true-crime drama, or even finally indulge that nascent interest in fly fishing. 

Whatever the reason, a podcast is a powerful way to vocalize information and get it out over the airwaves for everyone to hear. 

At least, that’s true if you make a good podcast. But that’s something that’s much easier said than done. If you’re about to launch a podcast (or you already did, and your quality is struggling), here are a few tips to help you produce a more professional-sounding show.

1. Focus on Killer Topics and Good Titles

Before we dig into the hardware and software, let’s consider how to create professional content from a topical level. The topics that you choose for your podcast will be the first chance you have to attract potential listeners. When they see each episode topic, will it draw them in?

One of the best ways to come up with good topical ideas is by researching your target audience. What areas are they interested in? What questions do they need someone to answer? Don’t just focus on what you think is best. Use your audience to inform each topic.

Think through your titles, too. For example, if you run an NFT podcast and you’ve just finished breaking down a major upcoming project called “XYZ,” you don’t want to call the episode “New NFT Project.” That tells everyone precisely no important information. Instead, include a hook right in the title, like this, “XYZ Is Breaking the Glass Ceiling for NFTs.” 

If you want your show to sound professional, make sure each topic targets your audience and that you present it with a clean, informative, clicky title.

2. Invest in the Right Tech Stack

Podcasting isn’t rocket science. Nevertheless, you want to have the right tools in place if you want each show to come out sounding attractive. 

Of course, as with most tech stacks, choosing from the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. SquadCast, a cloud recording studio, has cut through the clutter by creating a nifty list of the best tools to create a powerful tech stack for your podcast. 

The list starts with an obvious one: a professional microphone. You simply can’t get a professional recording on a built-in device in a phone or computer. The good news is you can get a high-quality mic for as little as a hundred bucks these days.

You also want to invest in good recording and editing software. Many of these make it easy to clean up mistakes and cut out bloopers. Some even master the audio (i.e., make it all sound clean, professional, and even) at the click of a button.

There are other factors to consider with your tech stack, like publishing software and social sites. But as far as professional sound is concerned, these are the main bases you want to cover.

3. Consider Your Recording Space

You also want to think about the space where you’ll be recording your show. This is important, as a clean first take ensures that your final product will be high quality (and it’ll speed up your editing time, too). 

Select a space for your recordings that is fairly small. A closet or home office is best, as it minimizes the threat of an echo. You may also want to pin foam or sheets to the walls behind and to the side of your microphone. This also deadens unwanted sounds and helps you only capture the crisp sound of your own voice. 

A pop filter is helpful, as it removes the harsh peaks from your vocal track. A microphone stand is also a good idea, as it’s a good idea to record standing up. Don’t forget a stand to hold your script or laptop, too.

4. Find the Right Length

One of the biggest factors that can influence the professionalism of your podcast (or lack thereof) is its length. Should your show be a bite-size 10-minute presentation? Should it be a two-hour round table discussion? The answer, unsurprisingly, depends on your circumstances.

Audiogram platform Wavve points out that several elements should go into this decision. For instance, your release schedule may affect things. It’s hard to create a two-hour show every day.

Content is another factor. Is the subject matter of your pod something that requires a longer runtime, like a detailed deep-dive analysis of the latest streaming content? Is it a business pod that tackles subtopics for areas like SEO or business development that you can communicate clearly and effectively in a matter of 10 to 15 minutes? 

Look at your competition and see how long their most popular shows are. That’ll give you an idea of what your target audience is interested in listening to. From there, use these considerations to help you hone in on the best length of time for your show and then commit to consistently meeting that standard.

Polishing Your Podcast

Creating a professional-sounding podcast isn’t as easy as it sounds. But it isn’t impossible. 

Invest time into topical research. Determine the best length and structure for your show (and stick to it). Collect the right tech tools to streamline and enhance your efforts. Create a good recording space. Each of these small steps can contribute to creating a polished podcast that can wow listeners with each and every episode.