According to Ragan Communications, here are 20 things you should do when creating a podcast:
- Make it short. No longer than 15 minutes.
- Take the podcast seriously, not yourself. Don't introduce yourself as "America's most practical small-business marketing expert."
- Be whimsical. The best podcasts have fun, and it shows.
- Be chunky. Make segments short and diverse. Use audio bumpers like music, sound effects, voice tricks, etc.
- Be organized. Don't ramble.
- Cram as much good stuff in as you can.
- Be regular, but only if you've got quality.
- Get decent audio.
- Get a buddy. Get someone who brings another layer of expertise.
- Make buddy member of opposite sex. The best podcasts have a man and a woman.
- Have show notes on your blog. Make a list of links to explore the topic in more depth.
- Let your guests talk.
- Make content fresh.
- Try to be natural.
- If you do a crappy show, throw it away.
- Edit.
- Use music.
- Orally identify your podcast at the start of the podcast. Include date, issue number and topic.
- Put in iTunes and Odeo chicklet with appropriate link on your blog to make easy to subscribe.
- If you have something important to say, get it out there. If you've got great content, some omissions from this list are tolerable.