Kim Fox is a professor of mass communication and journalism at the American University in Cairo (AUC). She’s also a podcast producer and the founder of PodFest Cairo, the Middle East’s first podcasting conference. In a workshop, she led at the AUC on Tuesday, March 16, she offered attendees quite valuable knowledge and resources to explore doing a successful podcast.
We were there, and here are some of what we’ve learned from Fox…
1. Be Bold, Be New, and Be Prepared
Fox advised audiences to thoroughly prepare the podcast’s vision, budget, and execution.
Grasping your vision and having the team fully grasp its intricacies leads to a more exact execution of what you have in mind, according to Fox.
Photo via iStock.
“Get creative and do not let anything be the barrier. I really encourage you to have fun with it, but definitely treat it like a product.” – Kim Fox, Professor of Practice, AUC’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Founder & Organizer of Podfest, Cairo.
This preparation will only be achieved through extensive research. Fox advises you to listen to podcasts that have the format or topic you’re interested in pursuing. This determines what you can bring to the table. It could also sharpen your ability to pinpoint problems and defects in your own podcast.
2. Know Your Audience
This applies to potential and current listeners of your podcast, and it doesn’t just include market research. There’s a subjective side to it as well, and it’s getting acquainted with your audience. It gives you a better sense of their preferences.
Photo via ED Times.
Fox urged attendees to find out what type of podcasts their listeners enjoy, and what topics would make them more engaged. She also called on podcasters to survey their listeners through questionnaires and focus groups to accomplish this.
The frequency you post with is also crucial, Fox emphasized. To determine that frequency, she added, you should first figure out your listeners’ habits.
3. Know How You Will Position Yourself in the Market
Just like in any business, you need to know how to make a name for yourself. And on that note, Fox listed some factors that could help you enhance your market presence:
The name of your podcast affects its searchability on all digital platforms. Aim to become more searchable without straying away from your scope. This applies to each episode’s title as well, and will substantially make it visible to more relevant potential listeners.
Your brand identity will be affected by your logo and how memorable your titles are. So, make sure your logo has a unique appeal to it and your titles are memorable.
Tonality and delivery also play a role here; the way you sound in your podcast could either make you come off as friendly or too rigid and formal. So, make sure you adopt the tonality and delivery that suit your listeners the most.
Photo via Kasto-Adobe Stock.
“You need to know what the competition is doing, know your topic, and find your niche. You need to be able to set yourself apart.” -Kim Fox, Professor of practice, AUC’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Founder & Organizer of Podfest, Cairo.
Podcasting may be in its debut stage in Egypt, but Fox is convinced that there is immense hope. Global and MENA region investors are scouting them and looking for the most promising ones out there right now.
