Podcasting is a fan favorite (and business favorite) when it comes to sharing your expertise and connecting with your dream clients — but, although you don’t have to be as tech savvy as you used to be to publish a high-quality podcast, you still need to focus on your podcast’s audio quality and improving it to meet industry (and listener’s) standards.

Poor audio quality was overlooked in the past due to the tech requirements and expensive, professional gear required to accomplish it. Now, with the gear readily available and free or low-cost options accessible to podcasters, a higher standard for audio quality has to be met. 

So, if your goal is to produce a podcast that keeps your listeners engaged and ready for your next episode, here are a few tips on making your episodes sound better and improving your podcast’s audio quality.

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3 Ways to Improve Your Podcast’s Audio Quality

Did you know that poor audio quality leads to fewer podcast downloads and can become a major distraction to your listeners — even your most loyal ones? Good audio quality helps establish you as an expert; it shows that you’re a professional in your field, whereas poor audio quality gives the impression that you’re, unfortunately, a podcasting (and, by association, a business) newbie.

And it applies to all podcasters and professionals. Just imagine if you recorded with poor quality audio — you’re hard to understand, listen to, and come off as less of an expert — and it’s the first time someone’s listening to your show. Do you think they’ll stick around? Or do you think they’ll look for the next podcast that shows up in search?

Add another layer to it. What if you started your podcast with no audience, and every potential subscriber has so much more weight behind them? They’ll miss out on all the impactful, insightful knowledge you have to share because of too much static, pops, and background noise.

Quality audio is more than a ‘maybe.’ It’s a must. And now that you know the importance of your audio, let’s talk about how to improve it:

#1. Invest in a Quality Microphone

A quality microphone is not nearly as expensive as it used to be — take the Samsun Q2U or Blue Yeti podcasting microphone. They’re both under $100 and perfect for starter podcasts and podcasters not ready to invest in a higher-level microphone.

Remember to get a set of headphones, preferably ones that plug in, to monitor your audio quality while you’re recording!

#2. Don’t Rush Your Editing Process 

If you’re not editing your episode audio, that’s the first place to start. I recommend using Descript in conjunction with Audacity, a free audio editor. If you are already editing your audio, here’s your sign: Do not rush it — take your time!

Really go through your recording, edit out your filler words, and raise or lower your voice volume to a better level. Reduce the background noise volume so you’re not distracting your listeners, and they can focus solely on your content.

#3. Create or Find an Optimal Recording Space

I’m giving you full permission to hide in your closet to record your podcast episodes because it will be the best recording space if you don’t have one. I’m joking — mostly. Closets are popular because while there are some hard surfaces, they’re not filled with dead space and help your audio sound warm and natural.

If you don’t want to record in your closet (I can’t blame you) or your closet is too small for recording, look for a room of moderate size with minimal echo or reverberation and good sound insulation.

More Ways to Keep Your Listeners Engaged

So you’ve fixed or upgraded your podcast audio quality and want to find even more ways to keep your listeners engaged — and you’ve come to the right place. Audio quality is important (and key) to creating an engaging podcast experience, but it’s not the ONLY thing that helps.

Keep your podcast listeners engaged by speaking directly to them and addressing their pain points, goals, and values. Create podcast episodes that serve them while showcasing your expertise and offers that can help them take the next step. 

Focus on building your podcast’s foundation by creating a strategic podcast title and description and catchy, attention-grabbing episode titles.And if you need someone to support your podcast, help you plan, edit, and publish your episodes, and create a show your future clients will love, fill out this form, and let’s find what works for you!