How to Host A Live Podcast Event
Are you using live podcasts?
You should be!
Why? Because a live podcast is a great way to engage your audience. A live podcast will allow you to chat with your audience and instantly receive their raw feedback in real time. And by doing this, you are building a rapport with those in your audience and creating loyal, potentially lifelong followers.
Many people have heard of podcasts and probably even participated in them. But they don't know exactly how to present one themselves. Thus the reason they aren't using them even though they are an extremely powerful method of audience communication and engagement.
The Benefits of a Live Podcast
There are plenty of benefits that come from implementing live podcasts into your marketing and follower retention campaigns.
- Increased real-time follower engagement
- Building brand authority, promotion, and retention
- Can be produced on demand
- To create a following
- A podcast atmosphere is more natural and intimate
- Instant feedback from your audience
- Podcast audience interactions provide you with new, fresh ideas and potential trends
Eight Tips for Hosting a Successful Live Podcast Event
1. Teamwork
You will first need to put together a team to help you cover all the necessary rolls such as producer, recording tech, administrative and marketing tasks. If you're just starting out, work with what and who you have available.
2. Determine Your Budget
Your budget should include items such as venue, equipment, sound crew, and other staffing if needed. The equipment will usually be your biggest expense depending on what you need which could include special lighting, microphones, mixers to plug into the house PA, etc.
However, if you want to help offset some of these costs, you can always charge admission to your event or solicit a sponsor.
3. Find a Venue
To find the perfect venue, you will need to estimate how many people you anticipate attending. But it's always a good idea to rent a venue that can accommodate more. Once you've determined that, you will need to visit that venue in person to make sure it's the right fit. Consider the cost, size, its geographic location, parking, public transportation, and the physical characteristics of the space versus your needs.
4. Video Projection
Your video projection can be something as simple as a PowerPoint or Keynote slideshow. If needed, you can also use software such as Q-Lab, which is a theatrical cueing software that automates the lights, videos, and graphics. However, some people find such software programs a bit complicated. So if you decide to go that route, make sure you schedule some time to learn it well before you begin.
5. Promoting Your Live Podcast
They are so many different ways you can promote your live podcast, especially in the current age of social media. Here are some other ideas you can use:
- Fan communities like Facebook Groups, Google+, Reddit, etc. Participate in these communities by posting and answering questions, and sharing comments then linking back to your podcast promotion.
- Publish relevant content, then link it back to your podcast promotion.
- Ask your existing followers to help promote your upcoming podcast.
- Twitter. Find the official hashtag then participate and promote your event on Twitter.
- YouTube video promotions.
- Local merchant participation in exchange for free advertising.
6. Rehearsal Run Through
After arriving at the venue, but prior to the event, once you have everything setup, you should perform a rehearsal run through to make sure everything goes as planned. This will also help you identify any obstacles and fix any equipment issues before you begin.
7. Involve the Audience
Involve the audience as much as possible. You can invite them onstage to participate in games, contests, Q&A's, opinion sound bites, etc.
One word of warning though, never release the microphone to anyone in the audience or you could lose control of the show if the conversation gets spirited or begins to take a different direction. Designate someone on your team to control the microphone at all times.
8. Have an Aftershow
Live streaming can be distracting to some of your audience; therefore, you should consider hosting an aftershow. Just allow enough time, about 15 minutes or so, for you and your audience to transition. This will give your audience another opportunity to participate, share their reactions, and provide you with more feedback.
Hosting a live event doesn't have to be hard, nor does it have to be perfect. You will get better and better with each event you perform. If there's one thing you should remember though, it's to make sure your presentation is informing and entertaining to keep your attendees looking forward to coming back for more!
