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    "title" : "An introduction to podcasts |Digital.gov",
    "description": "An introduction to podcasts",
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    {"title" :"An introduction to podcasts","deck" : "Understand why and how to start podcasting","summary" : "Explore the basics of launching a podcast and determine if creating a podcast is right for your agency.","date" : "2025-01-06T00:00:00Z","date_modified" : "2025-01-27T19:42:55-05:00","topics" : {
        
            "communication" : "Communication",
            "podcast" : "Podcast",
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      "filepath" :"resources/an-introduction-to-podcasts.md",
      "filepathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/blob/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-podcasts.md",
      "editpathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/edit/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-podcasts.md","url" : "/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/resources/an-introduction-to-podcasts/","aliases" : {"0" : "/resources/how-to-start-and-sustain-a-federal-podcast/"},"weight" : "1","content" :"\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-a-podcast\"\u003eWhat is a podcast?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA podcast is similar to a radio talk show, except it is online and pre-recorded. Because podcasts can be downloaded, users can listen to them anywhere and at any time, making them uniquely accessible to a busy audience on the go.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"why-use-the-podcast-format\"\u003eWhy use the podcast format?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/podcast/\"\u003ePodcasts\u003c/a\u003e are known for their more personal, conversational quality. They can be a great way for federal agencies to connect with the public, address their questions, promote trust, and increase transparency. Podcasts can also be an effective medium to provide vital insight and updates about government work, projects, and upcoming initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut they may not be right in every context, and they’re a lot of work to create and maintain. Before using this format, be sure to ask yourself: why do I need a podcast?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-do-i-start-podcasting\"\u003eHow do I start podcasting?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you decide that podcasts are right for your agency and you have buy-in from leadership, here are four steps to get you started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-1-map-out-your-vision-and-resources\"\u003eStep 1. Map out your vision and resources\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"create-a-launch-plan\"\u003eCreate a launch plan\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider foundational elements such as:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a clear vision for your podcast and where you see it going.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstablish achievable performance goals within a specific timeframe.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDefine your target audiences and consider how your podcast will reach them.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrepare a list of ways in which your podcast meets your agency’s business objectives.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDefine the key messages you’re hoping listeners will take away from your podcast.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetail the roles and responsibilities of team members who will work on the podcast.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"identify-your-theme\"\u003eIdentify your theme\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour podcast theme determines the topics you will cover, the topics you will not cover, and how the show might be structured. Try to identify a theme that is broad enough to be flexible, but not so broad that your audience has no idea what you will be discussing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"understand-your-resources\"\u003eUnderstand your resources\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out if your agency has dedicated personnel and a budget for communications or podcasting. From there, you can decide who will be involved and to what degree you can reasonably expect them to work on podcasting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-2-establish-the-structure-of-your-podcast\"\u003eStep 2. Establish the structure of your podcast\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have a clear understanding of your goals, target audience, and resources, your podcast will begin to take shape. As you determine the structure of your podcast, keep your listeners in mind. Consider how you can create a consistent and engaging experience through every episode you release.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"establish-a-cadence\"\u003eEstablish a cadence\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreating and maintaining a podcast requires an investment of time and effort. Consider the following to choose what sort of cadence works best for your agency:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat information do you have to share at regular intervals?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow many people are available to be dedicated to this effort?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow long will your pre- and post-production tasks (like scripting, editing, and transcription) take?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow long do approvals in your agency usually take?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of your availability and all the moving parts involved. If you take on too much, your podcast might become a burden instead of a valuable communications tool.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"choose-a-podcast-format\"\u003eChoose a podcast format\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format of your podcast determines how your show is structured and presented. Two stand out as common “go-tos” formats:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNarrative:\u003c/strong\u003e As a narrator, you tell a story — often interspersed with snippets from interviews with subject matter experts.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterview:\u003c/strong\u003e As an interviewer, you lead a question-and-answer style discussion with one or more guests.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery episode doesn’t have to follow the same format, but you do want to give your audience a sense of what to expect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"determine-episode-length\"\u003eDetermine episode length\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you consider episode length, think about sustainability. Remember: longer episodes may require more time for production, editing, research, and other tasks. While each episode does not have to be the same length, consistency helps your listeners know what to expect and encourages you to be realistic about your production capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-3-build-a-content-creation-workflow\"\u003eStep 3. Build a content creation workflow\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"start-with-accessibility\"\u003eStart with accessibility\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to create \u003ca href=\"https://www.section508.gov/create/synchronized-media/\"\u003eaccessible media content\u003c/a\u003e that can be enjoyed by your listeners. For example, consider whether you will provide episodes through a pre-written script or using transcription software. Establish a plan to check your transcripts for accuracy and post them in an accessible format.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"be-aware-of-copyright\"\u003eBe aware of copyright\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the \u003ca href=\"https://copyright.gov/what-is-copyright/\"\u003ecopyright\u003c/a\u003e and terms of use for any image, art, or music for your podcast. Be sure you have permissions for all types of media you plan to incorporate.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"choose-your-distribution-platform\"\u003eChoose your distribution platform\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot all podcast platforms are federal-friendly in terms of \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/accessibility/\"\u003eaccessibility\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/security/\"\u003esecurity\u003c/a\u003e, and other considerations. Before selecting a platform, you’ll need to do your research. Talk with your IT and contracting office colleagues to find out what software or applications are approved for use at your agency.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"pick-your-recording-technology\"\u003ePick your recording technology\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome people have state-of-the-art microphones and advanced editing software, while others use their phones or a common conference platform. Podcasts can be as elaborate or as basic as you want. The important thing is to understand how your technology works, and to be sure that the technology meets your users’ needs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-4-evaluate-your-performance\"\u003eStep 4. Evaluate your performance\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"promote-your-podcast\"\u003ePromote your podcast\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work isn’t done after you release your first episode. Create and use a promotion strategy to make sure your podcast reaches the target audiences you identified in your launch plan. Use any existing platforms available to you, like social media pages or RSS feeds.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"track-engagement-for-success-metrics\"\u003eTrack engagement for success metrics\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/analytics/\"\u003eanalytics\u003c/a\u003e to understand how your podcast is performing and if it is reaching your intended audience. Return to your launch plan and identify metrics that can measure your performance goals. These could include the number of podcast downloads or streams, or demographic information on where listeners are finding your podcast. Pay attention to what the quantitative data and qualitative audience feedback are telling you, and make changes as necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003carticle class=\"dg-ring\" aria-labelledby=\"b969e7cf6db8fe35f94b09381903ba0c\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"b969e7cf6db8fe35f94b09381903ba0c\" class=\"dg-ring__title\"\u003eCase study: GSA Does That!?\u003c/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe U.S. General Services Administration’s “GSA Does That!?” podcast offers an inside look at how GSA and its partners provide value and impact for the public. It features in-depth interviews with GSA leaders and experts, as well as others who can offer a fresh perspective to listeners.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of its first season in 2023, \u003ca href=\"https://www.gsa.gov/blog/2024/02/28/gsa-podcast-launches-second-season-with-conversation-on-jobs-and-sustainability\"\u003ethe podcast had an aggregate of over 6,000 listeners and ranked in the top 10% of government-produced podcasts\u003c/a\u003e. Executive producer Max Stempora offers three important pieces of advice from the podcast:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnow your audience and the story you want to tell.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemain flexible and embrace change in methodology and planning approaches\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocus on feedback from leadership and listeners instead of getting too bogged down in the metrics.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c/article\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-can-i-do-next\"\u003eWhat can I do next?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo your research on other federal agencies and government organizations with podcasts (like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/listen-to-the-gsa-does-that-podcast\"\u003eGSA Does That!?\u003c/a\u003e”). Reach out to other practitioners to identify lessons learned and learn how they manage and sustain their podcasts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also join the Digital.gov \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/communicators/\"\u003eCommunicators\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/social-media/\"\u003eSocial Media\u003c/a\u003e Communities of Practice to connect with other practitioners communicating digitally and get inspiration for your podcast.\u003c/p\u003e\n"}
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}