You can follow the steps below to schedule a broadcast on AWeber. Keep in mind that the steps are very similar for the other popular broadcast platforms.
Step 1. Select the platform you’ll use.
You’ll need to decide which platform you’ll use for your broadcast. AWeber offers a free version that allows up to three broadcasts per week. You can also upgrade to a premium account and schedule as many broadcasts as you like.
If you’re new to marketing, you might want to consider trying AWeber for your first broadcast. The platform is extremely easy to use and has all the features you need to create a great looking program.
If you already use another platform, you can switch to AWeber quickly and efficiently. The importation of existing contacts and scheduling of new attendees is made especially easy on AWeber.
Step 2. Create a title for your program.
The title of your program will appear in the email notifications you receive when someone listens to or watches your program. The title should be concise, and should fit within the constraints of the agreed-upon broadcast length. Keep in mind that the podcast listener or viewer may only spend a few minutes with your program before moving on to the next episode. As a result, you want to make sure that the title is memorable and fits the few minutes of their attention span.
For example, you could create a program called, “How to Create a Profitable Marketing Mix Using MarketingCharts.” The details of the program don’t really matter. What does matter is that you come up with a catchy, memorable name for your program. After all, you’ll be promoting the show for the rest of your life.
Step 3. Choose a relevant date for your broadcast.
Each podcast or stream that you schedule will have a daily episode frequency that varies by platform. For example, the popular History podcast has daily episodes, and the average listener turns over the episodes every four weeks. As a result, four weeks seems like a reasonable amount of time to ensure that people still remember your show.
You can use the weekly recurrence pattern to your advantage. For example, if you wanted to create a program that promoted an indie film festival, you could use the last week of each month to promote the festival. New attendees will remember what the show is about because it occurred so frequently, and existing attendees will feel encouraged to tune in because it fits within the context of their interests.
Step 4. Decide on an intro and outro song.
Intros and outros are short musical passages that occur before and after your program’s content. The outro is usually the passage performers use to express their enthusiasm for the show. The outro is also the section of the podcast that listeners and viewers linger on longest. This is why you should choose an outro that is catchy, memorable, and fits the message of your podcast or stream. For example, you could use Metallica’s, “Hold Your Head Up High” for a program that encourages people to follow their dreams regardless of what label they’re signed with. The outro doesn’t need to be a lengthy segment, but it should include key elements of your show’s theme.
Step 5. Set the time for your broadcast.
On most platforms, you’ll need to set the time and date for your broadcast. In AWeber, you can simply enter the start and end times for your show. The platform will do the rest. Just be sure to enter the times in the correct format. The time zone should be set to your location, and the length of the show should match the constraints of the chosen platform.
Step 6. Create a description for your program.
Every podcast or stream on the planet has a description. It’s an optional field, and it provides additional information to people who are interested in listening or watching your program. Your description can include information about your show’s content, or it can simply be a vehicle for promoting yourself or your brand. Your description serves as a bio for your show.
You shouldn’t expect people to read your whole description. They’ll quickly skim over it in order to decide whether or not they want to listen to or watch your program. As a result, keep your description concise, and try to avoid using too many keywords. Remember, you’re only describing your program, not the whole internet. Be creative, and use your best judgement.
Step 7. Optional: Set the recording location for your broadcast.
Some programs like to record their shows in a studio. Others prefer to record live at the location of their choosing. You may also want to record some live events for your show, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you have the option, choose a studio. The benefits are numerous. You won’t have to worry about location sound quality, lighting, or any other technical difficulties. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about finding a space that’s large enough to accommodate everyone involved in the recording process. For live broadcasts, you may want to consider setting up a soundstage at home.
Step 8. Create a short bio for yourself.
Every podcast or stream needs a bio. It’s an optional field, and it provides additional information to people who are interested in listening or watching your program. You can use the bio to promote your show, or you can use it to provide additional information about yourself. Your bio doesn’t have to be lengthy; it just needs to cover the basics. Remember: you’re telling people something about yourself, not your show.
If you’re trying to create a brand for yourself, create a single-paragraph description that includes your role in the industry, whether you’re recognized as an industry leader, and a short blurb about your background. Keep it concise, but give it enough content to pique the interest of the reader.
You can also use your bio to provide links to your social media accounts. If you have a website, blog, or other platforms where you regularly write content, provide a link to each. Your social media links will provide a handy way for people to connect with you. Don’t forget to keep your social media links up-to-date. If you have a LinkedIn account, for example, you can easily see the connections you’ve made. Check to see if anyone that you follow on social media is connected to an industry figure. If so, you can probably find a way to connect with them. If not, you might not have much to offer someone interested in your industry.
Step 9. Create a description for your show’s logo.
Many podcasts and streams use their logos as a means of identifying the content across platforms. When someone hears or sees the sound or visual cue, they’ll instantly know that they’re listening to or viewing your content. Ideally, your logo should be a seamless extension of your show’s branding.
For podcasts, you’ll usually need to provide the url for the episode’s RSS feed. If you’ve ever used an RSS reader, you’ll have no trouble entering the required information. Just remember that the feed url may be different on each platform. You can also use the iTunes logo checkbox on the podcasting website to automatically verify that your episode is available on the platforms iTunes supports.
Step 10. Create a short segment to introduce yourself and your show.
You’ll also need to create a short segment to introduce yourself and your show within the podcast or stream’s context. This is generally the section where you say something about the show’s purpose, or you can use this opportunity to provide additional details about your show’s content. While you don’t have to write an entire essay, you should write a short paragraph that includes everything you need.
For example, you could begin by stating that this is a show about marketing, and then you could list off a few relevant marketing terms and concepts. You may also want to include some statistics about the current state of your industry. Lastly, you could mention a few key influencers in your industry and how others can benefit from listening to or reading your show.
You don’t need to go overboard with this segment. Just make sure that everyone understands what your show is about, and why they should listen to or watch it.
Step 11. Schedule your first show.
Use your podcast’s or stream’s login to log in to the appropriate website, and then navigate to the “schedule” page. From here, you can choose which shows you want to broadcast and when you want to do it. If you have a one-hour podcast, enter 1 for the hour, and then choose a date and time that works best for you.