Today we will present some information about how to record a podcast episode for the Auto Shop Podcast. If you have listened to the show you may have questions about doing a podcast recording.

The goal of this show is to give you information about how podcasting can help your auto repair business. And since we recommend using podcasting to grow your business we need to talk about how to take part in recording an episode. 

With that in mind we’ll present introductory information about the two systems we use for the Auto Shop Podcast. The technical process of recording a podcast conversation is not complex with today’s technology. 

The stay at home order that we've been dealing with has caused many employees and businesses to use of online meetings. The software we use to record our episodes is the same as the online meeting software. If you haven’t taken part in an online meeting you will find this introduction of how to record a podcast helpful.

If you have participated in recording a podcast episode or used an online meeting, that’s great. The following information has some tips you may find helpful.

How to use Zoom and SquadCast to record a podcast episode

I work with auto shop owners who prefer using a phone to communicate so the primary method of recording with Zoom will be by work phone. Few shop owners have microphones and headphones for use on their shop computer.

With the recent changes due to COVID-19, and the increase of online meetings, they are more common than they were a few months ago. Online meetings use a microphone and headphones and that is the only option with SquadCast. It doesn't use conventional phones lines.

Zoom services have a lot of flexibility in how you can record episodes. With the Auto Shop Podcast Zoom has been the primary recording software we’ve used. With it we can: 

·      Record audio with a work phone

·      Record on mobile phone by dialing a phone number (poor sound quality)

·      Record on mobile phone with app

·      Record on desk top computers with a microphone and headphones

SquadCast is a system that is built for podcasting. It gives better control and sound quality than Zoom. Here are some features of SquadCast:

·      Uses desktop computers with microphone and headphones

·      Each audio recording file is saved on local computer and is then pushed to the SquadCast server

·      SquadCast works on an Android mobile phone

Both of these recording systems have their own specific benefits. This episode is recorded in the middle of May 2020. Zoom just came out with an update to their system. Both Zoom and SquadCast are adding new features. I will be using the new version of Zoom to determine if the sound quality is better than the previous version.

As a company we offer done-for-you podcast creation for auto repair shops. We set up a show and provide co-hosted podcasting with shop owners to assist them in developing their show. We assist with coaching and content creation. 

In the future if Zoom sound quality doesn't improve we will use SquadCast for more of our podcast recordings. We want to have the best audio quality possible.

Now lets go a little deeper into getting ready to do a podcast recording. We’ll answer some questions and give you some details about using the systems. An important aspect of being a good interviewee is to be relaxed and prepared to share your expertise with the audience.

How to prepare for a podcast recording

We won’t cover all details here. There will be a check sheet emailed to you once the call is scheduled. Here are some basic steps to get started. 

Set up your computer if recording via a desktop computer with a microphone

·      Restart your computer around 20 minutes before getting on the meeting

·      Clear out your computer by closing active programs 

·      Close open browser tabs that don’t relate to the recording 

·      Turn off screen savers or wallpaper

·      Test your microphone and headset

·      Use wired internet connection rather than WIFI

Set up your mobile phone you’ll be using for the call. Here’s a list to get started: 

·      Close as many apps as you can

·      Download and install the app for the recording

·      Clear your browser history

·      Restart your phone 

·      Turn off the ringer and notifications

·      Have your microphone headset ready

So now that you know about clearing out your computer and phone we should talk a bit more about preparing for the recording. Depending on your experience and the topic to be discussed there may be a need for extra prep time. Here are some additional points about preparation:

·      Prepare topic notes and main points your want to share

·      If you have any questions you want to host to ask share them before the recording

·      There will be a pre-recording meeting to discuss and plan the episode content 

·      Pre-call meetings may be days before the recording call or on the same day

How to have the best recording experience

Using your work phone and Zoom:  

·      Sit comfortably with good posture

·      Hold the phone in one place to have a consistent recording volume

·      Minimize distractions in your work area and on your computer

·      Close doors and notify others in the building you’re recording

·      Try to relax and enjoy the process

·      Remember that most mistakes can be cleaned up during editing

·      If you make a mistake just tell the host you want to redo that section 

·      Take a deep breath, relax and re-state your point

·      Take your time when speaking

·      Pause between points so you don’t talk when the host is talking

·      Smile! The tone of your voice changes when you smile 

How to connect with Zoom and SquadCast on your computer

·      Connect your microphone and headset

·      For both programs the host of the meeting will send you a link to open the software on your computer to set up the recording session

·      Both installs are safe and easy to use

·      Zoom gives you a link to download the app on your computer

·      With SquadCast there is no installation. The system uses the browser for all functions

Conclusion:

So that it! I’ve presented an introduction about using the two systems we use to record episodes for the Auto Shop Podcast.

Podcasting is one of the fastest growing methods of learning about any topic you find interesting. It is the most flexible format of entertainment and education we have available. 

Listening is not limited by the type of activity you’re doing. You can walk, ride a bike, hike, work or just relax while enjoying a podcast.

As a podcaster you can share your expertise about your auto repair business. You can share about the type of repairs you specialize in. The type of vehicles you service, and your affiliations like being a NAPA Service Center. You can interview your employees or someone from your community.

Podcasting is a way to put your knowledge and experience in an audio format. It can be delivered directly to your website. Your website’s SEO can be enhanced by having an active company podcast.

We hope this episode on how to record a podcast episode is helpful as you explorer having a podcast for your auto repair shop.

If you liked this information we would ask you to share it with your friends from other shops. If you have some specific questions you can leave a comment below or contact me on the Auto Shop Podcast website.