Myself, Jamie "The Podmedic" Davis, and Chris "Geekymedic" Montera
While podcasting is quite a bit different from blogging, many of the concepts for distribution and format remain the same. Here are the things I look for in a podcast before hitting that subscribe button:
- Format – whether it be a solo recording or a roundtable discussion with numerous people, there needs to be some sort of format that is repeatable
- Openings – the opener of the show you should have the name of the podcast and the URL of the site where it can be found
- Introductions – Whether it be the same solo voice, the same cast, or an ever changing dynamic pool of talent everyone on the podcast should introduce themselves before the conversations starts
- Content – I need to be able to relate to the content on some level. Broad topics don’t usually work well because they lack the details most audiences crave while localizing your topics will indelibly narrow your audience, but to a point where it may become miniscule
- Closings – I always look for the way to interact with the show in the closing, whether it be the URL of the show’s site or where I can reach all of the individual guests, that’s something I want to know considering I just gave them X number of minutes (hours) of my life I will never get back
- Connectivity – I want to be able to connect with the podcast (and its participants) beyond the recording. Whether it be a Facebook Page, Twitter account, or a blog I want that level beyond the recording to go to
- Show Notes – Show notes to me have taken on a new importance ever since I got my iPod Touch. I don’t need the blow by blow of the recording in the podcast, but I do want to see both the topics and who’s on the recording (preferably with links to where I can find them) so I can peruse the topics easily and select something I’m in the mood for as opposed to playing iPod Roulette
What do you look for in a podcast?
