Jul 14 2024 6 mins
We're discussing the format now, of your planned podcast.
It's really important in the pre-production planning stage, that you get really clear what your podcast format will be? And how often will it publish?
Is it going to be weekly, two weekly, monthly. How long will it be? Will it be one season? Will there be more than one season? (or series) Will you break between seasons?
Will you have a recorded intro and outro, or will you read it live each episode? There's lots to consider here. And don't forget, nothing stops you changing it later on or mix and matching.
Let's dive into the format. There are numerous formats and you're more than likely have heard podcasts of all of these types.
There's a solo podcast just like this episode where the podcast host is talking directly to you on their own. You DON"T NEED TO INTERVIEW PEOPLE TO HAVE A PODCAST!
Is it going to be an interview type? You can have a host where they're questioning you as the expert
There's the co-host. There are two members of your organization going to talk on the podcast. Are you going to invite others in? Will there be a structure or is it ad hoc? You definitely need some key points here as guidance.
Is the interview relevant? Can the interviewee hold a good conversation? Are they interesting?
Trust me, the most confident chatty person can dry up when a microphone is placed in front of them. Is it a panel interview? Is it hybrid? Is it a bit of both? , you've really, really got to think seriously about the format, and like I said, it doesn't have to be an interview. If you’re getting going and you've got all the knowledge, do what I'm doing now and just talk into a microphone about what you know about and that will give you the confidence and the experience to then go into your next series or season talking to someone else.
Just because you have a podcast doesn't mean you have to interview someone.
That's not what it's all about.
It's giving valuable information to people to listen to. That's what the aim of your podcast is, turning them into fans so they then become clients or customers.
When you're planning and thinking about the format, be realistic about what time you have got to dedicate to your podcast. Again, when you're thinking about having interviewees, you've got to fit with their diary Are they going to turn up?
Are they going to reschedule? Is that going to knock your podcast off? If you're doing a solo podcast, you won't have any of those issues because it's just down to you.
How long should it be is something everyone asks? Well again, we need to think back to where your target listener may be listening.
Who is it?, and what will they be doing when they're listening?
There is no definite answer, and it has to be as long as it has to be.
More and more people are going for the 20 to 30 minute pod, but it's up to you. Some of mine here are only a few minutes long. Some are slightly longer. You could listen to the whole series probably in an hour or so, but that's what I'm looking for. That's what I want my podcast to do.
So what do you want your podcast to do?
Do you want lots of five-minute episodes? Do you want lots of 20-minute episodes or do you want a big, long, hourly podcast?
Remember, always have the avatar of your target listener in front of mind when planning: format, length, frequency, any of those things.
If you want to know more, you can always arrange a chat with me. Please go to my website,
If you want to start your very own podcast contact me: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk
Kath Lord-Green of Voice It Podcast Agency