How to Make a Video Podcast

Creating a video podcast, especially for your business, is a fantastic marketing strategy. In this guide, we'll go over the critical components you need to consider to get started.

Essential Gear for Your Video Podcast

First, let's discuss the essential gear you'll need.

Camera Options

Starting with the basics, your smartphone is a great option for recording video. However, if you want to invest in higher quality, consider a DSLR camera.

• Smartphone: Most modern smartphones have excellent video capabilities. This is a great place to begin before you start spending a ton of money on gear/equipment.

• DSLR Camera: A DSLR camera offers superior video quality, but it's a pricier option. Ensure this investment is sustainable for your business before making a purchase.

Lighting Solutions

Lighting is crucial for a professional-looking video. Here are some budget-friendly lighting tips:

• Natural Light: Utilize natural light by filming near a window or outside. Avoid direct sunlight; instead, use a translucent shower curtain over the window to soften the light.

• Affordable Lighting Equipment: As you grow, invest in ring lights or softbox lights. Ring lights start at only $35 and give you a more consistent and controllable lighting.

Audio Equipment

Good audio is essential for a video podcast. Start with the built-in microphone on your phone and gradually upgrade to dedicated microphones.

• Built-in Microphone: Your smartphone's microphone is a good starting point. I would suggest you start here, but make this the first piece of equipment you upgrade.

• External Microphones: Invest in a quality microphone for better sound. Having multiple audio sources ensures backup in case one fails. And if anything is going to fail...it'll be with the audio. Every. Time.

Accessories

To complete your setup, you'll need a few additional accessories:

• Tripod: Stabilizes your camera for steady shots.

• Microphone Stands: For positioning your microphones.

• Cables and Adapters: Necessary for connecting your audio and video gear, and you can never have too many cables. If there's a piece of gear that'll fail...it'll be a cable. <smh>

Editing Software

Editing software ranges from basic free apps to professional-grade programs:

• Basic Apps: Many smartphones come with preloaded video editing apps and there are dozens if not hundreds more you can choose from.

• Professional Software: Programs like DaVinci Resolve offer advanced features and are available for free with optional paid upgrades.

Finding Engaging Topics

Choosing the right topics for your video podcast is crucial for attracting and retaining an audience.

Start with Common Questions

Begin by addressing the questions your current customers frequently ask. These topics are a great starting point because they directly address your audience's interests and needs. Remember: this is about your client, not your store/business.

SEO Research

For more specific topics that can draw in a wider audience, use SEO research. A technique developed by Nate Woodbury, known as the "Leaf Strategy," can help you identify niche questions that have less competition, making it easier to rank higher in search results.

Steps for SEO Research

1. Use SEO Tools: Identify questions people are asking in your industry.

2. Analyze Competition: Find questions with low competition (blue ocean) versus high competition (red ocean).

3. Create Content: Develop content around these specific, less competitive questions.

Promoting Your Video Podcast

Once you've created your content, promoting it effectively is key to growing your audience.

Slice and Dice Your Content

Break down your longer videos into shorter clips and share them across social media platforms. This method increases your content's reach and drives traffic back to your main episodes.

Utilize Nate Woodbury's Guide

For a comprehensive understanding of YouTube promotion, Nate Woodbury's book, "A Hero's Guide to Influence on YouTube," is an invaluable resource. It covers everything from SEO techniques to editing and lighting.

By following these steps and using the right gear, you'll be well on your way to creating a successful video podcast for your business. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Get your copy of Nate's book here.

And once you get it...keep it within arm's reach! It will be your new YouTube bible guaranteed!