Podcasting has taken off in recent years becoming part of our everyday lives – and the lives of your ideal clients.

Across almost every sector, people are listening to and creating more podcasts than ever before. The legal sector is no different, and while slower to adopt podcasting as part of a broader digital marketing strategy, lawyers and law firms are beginning to look at utilising this user-friendly medium to provide information and attract business.

If you want to be part of the podcasting boom, to share your knowledge and win new clients, we can help. In this article, we look at some of the key considerations for law firms to ensure their podcasting venture is a success. From the equipment you might need to how to create a clear plan, the Hey Creates team provide their expert insight into podcasting. 

Create a Clear and Comprehensive Plan

Like any new project, creating a plan and setting yourself up for success is essential. While it may often seem like recording a quick discussion is enough to get started, to really drive value from the endeavour you need to look at your goals, audience, resources, and more. Consider the following:

  • What resource do you have available? 
  • What is the structure and format? 
  • How can the podcast help you to attract new clients? 
  • How will you promote the podcast? 
  • How will you measure success? 

Why are you creating the podcast? 

It Is easy to say ‘to get more clients’ but that doesn’t set the tone or purpose of the podcast. Consider the following purposes: 

‘I want to build trust with my audience’ 

‘I want to establish myself as an expert’ 

‘I want to create more informed clients’ 

‘I want to reach a new audience’ 

‘I want to promote or explain specific services’ 

Who is your podcast for? 

Having a clearly defined audience can help you to provide them with the content they find most valuable. A general law firm podcast is no use. Consider the following examples:

First time buyers – a podcast series on the process of buying a house for the first time.

Unmarried couples – a podcast series on what legal matters they may wish to look at to protect themselves.

Start-up business owners – episodes on incorporation, tax matters, business structures, and different types of contracts delivered in a digestible format.

While it might take you some time to find the right style and what resonates with your audience, planning each podcast in line with what you are looking to achieve can steer you on the right track. 

Ensuring a High-Quality Production

Creating an audio recording is straightforward; creating a high-quality podcast that people want to come back to is challenging. Most people listen to podcasts regularly and so you are competing with the best there is out there. As a result, audio quality is essential. 

What equipment do I need to start a podcast? 

To create a high-quality podcast, you need both the right hardware (a suitable microphone, some soundproofing equipment and headphones) and also editing software. 

You will find that the selection is vast, with both hardware and software to suit any budget. We would recommend starting simple – you can always upgrade if you wish to take podcasting to the next level.  Here is some basic hardware recommended by Dan, from Team Hey: 

Microphones

Rode NT- USB (£209)

The Shockmount & Boom arm are good to eradicate any external banging – if the mic is sitting on a table and someone knocks it for example.

Budget Microphones – (£65)

Noise eradication 

Sound Shield (£35) 

If one time you’re recording a room with less than ideal sound conditions,  this will help to dampen the noise and reverb in the room. 

Acoustic Pads (£30)

Mic Boom Stands (£8.50 x 2)

These are optional, but they are good for allowing you to move the mics more freely and inexpensive.

Headphones

‘On the Road’ setup (£40)

This set up will allow you to record decent quality sound directly into your phone if you are ‘on the road’.

Where you plan to interview others for your podcast, you will need to ensure you have the right equipment for them too. If you are in a pinch, headphones with a built-in microphone can provide decent quality audio for podcast guests. 

How do I edit and produce my podcast? 

Editing software is available if you wish to edit your podcast yourself, and you could even have a go at creating your own jingles, introductions and brand sounds. However, the level of editing and production you need will depend on the aims of your podcast. 

If you are simply looking to provide quick updates and soundbites on the law, production value might not be so important. 

However, if you are looking to create longer, valuable pieces of audio content as part of your digital marketing strategy, it could be worth investing in professional production.

At Hey Creates, we offer full podcast production including recording, editing, your own branding sounds, social media cues and even professional voiceovers and sponsors.We can also distribute the podcast across all major platforms. 

Podcasting with Hey Creates 

Need a little help? Hey Creates is the content creation division of Hey Legal bringing together law firm content strategy experts and highly experienced multimedia producers to create great content for the legal sector. 

Even while lockdown restrictions prevail, we can help you to plan, record and produce a great quality podcast for your firm or legal project. Contact us today to discuss how we can help: hey@heylegal.co.uk

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