HAVE SOME FUN AND PROMOTE YOUR STORE WITH A PODCAST

By Anthony Stoeckert

Starting a podcast of your own can be a great way to spread the word about everything going on in your store, engage with your customers, and increase traffic to your social media platforms. And while the idea of recording, editing, and posting a podcast may seem daunting, there are plenty of experts who promise it’s actually quite easy.

“With the technology today, you can start a podcast with just your phone,” says Erik Allen, founder and owner of ErikAllenMedia.com, and the host of a podcast titled, The Erik Allen Show . “There are lots of platforms you could use from your phone to host your podcast, but my favorite would be Spotify for Podcasters. Bonus –it’s free!”

Many podcasters prefer to record their episodes via their computers, which Allen says costs some money, but not an awful lot. He does recommend investing in a microphone, headphones, and a webcam.

“I started with a $40 Snowball Mic, $20 headphones like Sony ZX Series, and the $70 Logitech C920X,” Allen says of his setup. “You could also get away with the built-in camera on your computer if you don’t plan to release a video version of your podcast.”

Khairul Azam, head of marketing for LonelyAxe.com, says you will need either a USB or XLR microphone, depending on your setup.

“For example, if you’re recording solo from a laptop, a USB microphone would be a good choice,” Azam says. “A computer is required to record and edit your podcast. You’ll also need audio editing software such as Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition. Head- phones can also be helpful for monitoring audio quality.”

Dawn-Michelle Lewis is a podcast producer and host of hiStories: Accounts of the Human Condition, who also advises clients on starting podcasts as the founder and CEO of Salutations Media Co. She says that in addition to the standard equipment, podcasters also should use pop filters, or pop guards, which are the foam covers that are placed over the top of a microphone to reduce annoying popping sounds.

She also stresses the importance of one piece of equipment.

“For the love of all things holy – any time you’re doing anything that involves audio, please wear headphones! The naked ear cannot hear everything the microphone picks up,” she says. “With headphones on, you can avoid potential sound issues, such as a bad cord connection, an air conditioner buzzing in the background, or even a dull hum in the room you wouldn’t have heard otherwise.”