Making a podcast or audiobook or spoken word production can be an overwhelming experience. Where do you start? How can someone help me? Here are some answers to those questions which we frequently get asked.
Ventoux.Digital
Who runs Ventoux.Digital?
Mark Kendrick. He’s been making podcasts mostly for businesses for over 13 years. His passion for audio started from the age of 6 when he visited a BBC Essex Open Day. He trained at the University of Manchester. Mark went on to work for the BBC and commercial radio stations and has been making podcasts since 2007.
Where is Ventoux.Digital based?
We are based in Rayleigh, Essex, and able to be in central London within an hour. It doesn’t matter where we are as I can work with you wherever you are in the world.
Do you do talks?
We speak regularly to editorial and content teams giving reasons why to create audio.
Podcast
Why should I create a podcast?
Well, why not!? Podcasts are different and fun. They also have very high engagement rates as 90% will listen in solitude.
What do I need to create a podcast?
You need two things. 1. An idea of a story you want to tell. 2. Knowledge of who exactly you want to listen to it.
Who would listen to my podcast?
Podcasts are a niche activity. Don’t think about pleasing everyone, think about the person you want to listen and make something that appeals to them.
Can I get leads from a podcast?
Not directly, however, it could be possible. We always say that a podcast is a top of funnel activity and use it to signpost towards gated content.
How frequent should our podcast be?
I think it should either be daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Anything longer than that will just make the audience drop off. The best way to decide your frequency is when you know what your podcast will sound like and what you need to do for each episode.
What equipment do I need?
It’s essential in 2020 to try and aim for the highest quality recording which you can. Think about buying a recorder like a Zoom H6. The make a decision on where you’ll record most of your content and get a mic to suit that environment. If you would like help or advice, then feel free to contact us.
What if I’m trying to interview someone who is in a different part of the world to me?
No problem at all. There are many online platforms out there which we can advise to use plus a few other tricks!
Can you just edit my podcast?
Of course, you send us the audio, tell us any critical edit points and how long you want the episode to be. Finally, we’ll want to know what you want your episode to say. We’ll use our expertise to make it all killer, no filler.
What advice do you have to make my podcast better?
Think about your listener and take them on a journey. Be creative with your script, describe things you see and add in music and other production to bring it to life.
What is a podcast host?
We always like to describe a host as a conveyor belt. Throw the audio on the host platform and it will upload to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and everywhere else.
Is a podcast just for Apple Podcast, Spotify or Google Podcasts?
No, podcast hosts offer embeddable players for the whole podcast or individual episodes. You can place them on websites, in blogs, social media, email campaigns and many other of places. Best thing is that no matter where someone clicks you capture the stats.
What is your favourite podcasts?
Gosh, there are so many! Right now I’m a huge fan of George the Poet. His podcast is a wonderful example of storytelling and the music adds suspense and heightens emotions. Other podcasts such as 13 Minutes to the Moon, Gossipmongers and Football Ramble all fit into my weekly listening plans.
What one bit of advice would you give me to make my podcast better?
Talk to the listener
Audiobook
What is the process for making an Audiobook?
Firstly it’s a case of transforming the book from something which is read into a script, making sure parts are conversational. It’s then dealing with issues like graphs & illustrations and verbalising them. Once all that has been done it’s recording it, finalising it and uploading.
What is the secret to recording a audiobook?
The key is consistency! Need to maintain consistent delivery of the book, consistent quality and consistent level of background noise.
I want to record myself reading my book?
No problem at all, I think an audiobook read by its author is compelling and passionate as there is the connection with the characters etc. However, it is a time consuming experience.
Why should I get my book voiced by someone else?
Harry Potter wasn’t voiced by its author JK Rowling. It’s about finding the right voice for the right content to appeal to the right people.
Can you supply a voiceover?
Yes, we have access to over 50 different voices who have a wealth of experience. You tell us what voices you think your project needs and we’ll give you some samples.
Are you able to edit my audiobook?
Yep, of course we can. We’ll ensure the audiobook is consistent and we can ready the audio to ACX standards.
How quick does it take to make an audiobook?
It all depends on the word length and whether you want to read the book or have it read by someone else. If it’s the latter it’ll be a much quicker experience.
Spoken Word
What is spoken word audio?
It perhaps is having a blog or product guide or report or white paper professionally voiced in an audiobook style. It can give your audience an option on whether to read or listen to the content. It is also a great way to bring audio to your website to determine whether there is an appetite for further audio content like podcasts.
How is it created?
Same as an audiobook. It need to be converted into a script and then can be read by you or have one of our experienced voiceovers read it on your behalf. It will be edited and then presented back to you as an MP3 file to be hosted on your website.
