Podcasting has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. Many of us likely have a podcast or two in our playlists, and it’s easy to see why.
Looking at your recent favorites, they may span various genres but all share a common thread: they resonate with you as an audience member. As district leaders and communicators, we aim to connect with our audience in a meaningful way and engage with them where they are.
As with any project, it’s important to ensure that your podcast aligns with your strategic and communication plans. You need to answer the following questions:
Once you’ve defined your purpose, set measurable goals to track success. For example, you could measure the number of listens or seek personal feedback from listeners.
While it may be difficult to track feedback directly, it can be a valuable metric for gauging the impact of your podcast.
Before you begin your district podcast, take a moment to consider who your primary audience is and whether your audience is engaged.
If your main audience is parents, keep in mind that they are likely busy and may not have the time to focus for more than 15–20 minutes. I recommend keeping your episodes within that range to maintain engagement.
Your IT professionals should be your first point of contact when preparing to launch a podcast.
They bring a unique perspective on the technical logistics required for a project like this to succeed. They will help ensure you have the necessary equipment, software, and technical support for a smooth operation.
Before you start your podcast, it’s important to do some research to understand what will make it successful.
Consider the space you have available for recording and the website you'll use to host your podcast. For example, I used our district’s CMS to create a website that was visually appealing and easy to navigate.
If your district doesn’t have a dedicated recording space like a green room, look for a small, quiet room with minimal windows to reduce external noise. Wherever you choose to record, make sure to do a test and listen for any echoes.
Additional logistics to consider before starting your district podcast, include:
Starting a podcast takes time, especially depending on the type of podcast you want to create. Include prep time for scheduling guests and creating a set of guiding questions.
You could start by recording one podcast a month, with a different administrator hosting each episode based on their field of expertise. Set up an initial meeting to discuss the podcast flow, central theme, and episode outline.
When it’s time to record, give yourself at least an hour for preparation and recording, even if the episode is only 15–20 minutes. Keep in mind, editing takes the most time—but with practice, it gets easier!
Though your podcast is not live, it’s natural for nerves to come into play. Encourage your hosts and guests to be themselves, relax, and let their personalities shine.
Remember, listeners want to hear from real people, not perfect performers. Hosts should embrace their imperfections and not worry about pauses or moments of silence.
It’s much easier to edit out quiet moments than to sift through nervous rambling.
Check out my favorite tools when setting up a podcast.
Launching a school podcast is an exciting way to connect with your community and share important information. By assessing your readiness and following these tips, you can set yourself up for success.
Remember, it takes time, but with careful planning, your podcast can become a powerful tool for communication.
Ready to create your own podcast? We can help! Contact us today to learn more about how we can set you up for success.