Headphones on, volume turned up! Just a click on the play button, and boom! Theme music begins. Soon after, a podcaster’s voice hits the airwave! Yes, Game lovers are lending an ear to gaming podcasts.
Guys are listening; maybe more than you imagine! Data by SmallBizGenius shows 32% of US citizens tune in to podcasts at least once a month.
So if you know much about games, have a clear voice and feel you can produce something better, don’t hesitate to start.
However, gaming podcasts aren’t something to dive into without a clever strategy. High-ranking podcasts are precise, rib-cracking, and equally analytical. They also serve as eye-openers for game-freaks, thus pulling more and more followers.
Gaming is a strategic choice because you can never run out of topics to discuss. Feel free to explore millions of themes, but don’t compromise on delivery.
Focus on creating a popular show and making yourself a name. After all, these days, if it isn’t trending, it isn’t hot!
So how do you create a game-oriented podcast with that oomph gamers are looking for?
Why Venture into Gaming Podcasts?
You may be wondering; is creating a podcast based entirely on games an excellent idea?
Like any other freelance career, this job comes with its fair share of challenges.
However, the following advantages await if you chose to follow this path.
a. Make yourself a name
Connecting with influencers in the gaming sector and hosting them in your show portrays you as an industry expert. It also gives you a chance to influence their followers.
b. You don’t need a huge budget
Gaming podcasts don’t cost a huge budget. You can start with a relatively affordable budget. All you need is a few pieces of equipment, a hosting service, and the right software.
c. Little competition
Podcast creators face less competition than other Content Makers. Considering this option is a stress-free way to make a living.
d. A Stress-free career
Producing a podcast is much easier compared to creating, editing, and trimming multimedia or text-based content.
Gaming Podcasts: 12 Steps to Begin Your Own
Are you ready to join the likes of Filthy Casuals, Game Scoop, How Did This Get Played?
It’s true. Gaming is a topic-rich industry. You can never run out of topics to discuss.
Still, it takes time, persistence, and a well-thought-out plan to produce content that attracts followers.
As a rule of thumb, don’t roll out anything that sounds half-baked or poor quality than competitor standards.
Even in your amateur stages, pose as an industry expert and flaunt your unique talents. Such efforts can help turn your show into a must-tune just months after its launch.
Pair this with a thorough marketing campaign, and you’ll be somewhere just in weeks.
With that said, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of beginning your gaming podcast.
1. Develop a workable idea
“Idea is king” when it comes to creating podcasts: You can roam anywhere and switch between subjects as you wish.
Search for new ideas, like the latest events or newly-rolled-out game features.
Whichever theme you choose, make sure it’s actionable. Do not go for an idea that will limit your subject reach. Consider one that interests you and allows you to discuss at length.
2. Acquire the right equipment & software
Failure to invest in the right equipment makes your podcast sound like just any other amateur material.
If you prioritize audio quality, spend some bucks on the best equipment in the market. However, this can be strenuous for a newbie.
Always put on your headphones if you can’t have access to quality headsets. Remember, your podcasts will sound better if you use a proper headset or mic.
Headsets vary in type, from USB to wired kinds. These pocket-friendly tools offer comfort while ensuring the best sound quality. But if you prefer mics, it’s okay to go for an easy-to-install USB microphone. Other factors, like hosting alongside another podcaster, call for top-quality microphones.
Nevertheless, you do not need a budget to buy the right software for your podcast needs. Consider free-to-use audio software like Audacity. If you use macOS, try GarageBand to enjoy a rich cache of features.
3. Practice a Unique Selling Voice
How do you want to sound on your show? Aggressive, funny, official, informal, relaxed, geek-like?
Well, this is your choice to make.
Be sure to pick a voice that matches the character you represent.
The best podcasters need no introduction because fans recognize their voices almost immediately.
Since your listeners can’t see you, make your voice your identity. Speak like no podcaster ever did!
4. Sign up for hosting services
Podcasting, like other freelance jobs, comes at a cost.
While you won’t part with a lump sum, you must pay someone else to host your gaming podcasts. It is best to choose the cheapest subscription for a start, unless you plan to share lots of content from scratch.
Websites like Podbean and Libsyn charge a small fee for hosting gaming podcasts. You’ll get 250 MB per month for just 15 USD in Libsyn, while Podbean allows you to pay as low as $5 for a generous 100 MB.
5. Work with a co-host
Working alone can portray you as a strong podcaster. However, Don’t limit your show’s potential. Inviting a co-podcaster can ensure a smooth conversation, expand your audience reach, and intensify topic coverage.
Moreover, inviting one or two people to co-host can bring different perspectives and stir hot topics.
While you may know a lot about a specific game, exchanging your experiences with someone else can expand your perspective.
The best duos or trios work together and usually meet physically to record every show.
Still, you can do this remotely via apps like Skype if your co-host is attending from a different location.
6. Practice makes perfect
Before sharing your content with the public, do lots of practice and restrategize it to create a precise, humorous, and informative podcast.
Analyze for content quality and accuracy before moving to factors like audio clarity and volume.
Is your tone right? Or is there an unnatural tremble in your voices?
Doing these quality checks ensures you put out content that your audience resonates with, presenting you as an expert podcaster.
Lastly, you want to do lots of research and listen to as many gaming podcasts as you can get. Researching upfront gives you clues on how to turn your podcast into a trending show.
7. Prepare for your shows
Prepare a list of the themes you’d like to discuss in your show. No matter the topic you choose, the goal is to create a workable plan.
Remember, some fans know a lot more about games than you do. Sharing half-baked info or any inaccurate data can compromise your show’s credibility and ruin your reputation.
Preparing upfront eliminates all sorts of confusion and panic that can compromise your show’s quality. This is also the time to confirm all the facts before you hit the ground running.
8. Edit and fine-tune your work
Poorly-created podcasts can bore listeners and push one to move to another podcast. Hence, you may want to fine-tune your work to eliminate all pauses and unnecessary sounds before sharing it in a podcast hosting service.
Spend quality time listening to your podcast to correct and edit any gray areas that may leave Gamelovers struggling to comprehend show content.
Lastly, remember to pick a theme song for your show.
A word of caution: No matter how much you love it, don’t play the track beyond 30 seconds.
9. Set a regular Showtime
How often do you want to release these gaming podcasts?
Maintaining a regular release, say per week, helps you attract followers and fortify your online presence.
Also, update your fans in case of anything, e.g., when on holiday or won’t host the show for one reason or another.
Communicating with clients and sharing a short alternative podcast is an excellent way to maintain your audience even when regular showtimes find you off-guard.
Remember, consistency is the key to earning a robust online foothold.
10. Invite Guests
Inviting guests is an excellent way to reach a larger audience. Your guests have their fan base, and bringing them to your show might introduce you to a new crowd of listeners.
Invite renowned gamers, famous game podcasters, and virtually anyone who can positively impact your show.
To book guests, share a short email or reach out through social media.
However, do not push them to fit your schedule. Instead, be ready to discuss a schedule that fits the guest’s schedule.
In the meantime, prepare a list of thought-provoking questions to spice the interview. Learn more about your guests and connect with them early. Discuss your expectations earlier so that guests come ready enough to ace the show.
11. Prepare for the extra workload
While starting a podcast sounds enthralling, you must be ready to dedicate lots of time and effort to your show.
It would help if you spent hours getting ready for a 20-minute show. After that, you must review it for more hours and fine-tune it to something your audience can consume.
However, that’s not all. It would be best if you also dedicated some time to advertise your show.
To achieve all these, you must prepare to manage the extra workload. Don’t give up if your first gaming podcasts feel dry. Re-strategize it to a more exciting format and continue your show.
12. Make the most of social media.
In the era of social media, fans seem so close yet so far. As near to you as in your smartphone yet so far if you don’t care to reach out.
Therefore, launch parallel campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you’re hosting a famous guest, create and ask them to share posters on their page. This will help trigger curiosity among followers and attract a larger audience.
Make the most of these engagement platforms to announce future shows, give essential updates and form personal relationships with your followers.
Final Words
Podcasting sounds like fun. However, you must be willing to put in the hard work.
Start by developing a practical plan, then proceed to gather all the equipment and resources you need.
How you package and deliver your show matters because listeners are getting choosey with so much content to enjoy.
Lastly, don’t go solo. Co-hosting your show with another podcast and gaming enthusiast inspires you to improve and welcomes diverse talent.
Game On!
Idea is king! But it would help if you still had a team of experts to help you with stuff like podcast transcripts, audio editing, and whatnot.
Submit your first project at Bunny Studio to get help with your podcast transcripts, or hire an editing expert to fine-tune your audio.
