How To Start A Podcast Intro

Podcast Intro - The Ultimate Guide

Want a remarkable podcast intro? This article will show how...

If perhaps we didn't know better, one would say that sharing information is the synonym of podcasting. That may be true, as podcasting isn't only about listening but sharing content that will help your audience in general.

This big-baby industry includes everything like writing articles, recording voice overs, editing videos, etc. I call it a big baby industry because the industry keeps growing faster than a child would. So even though it's a relatively new industry, its growth has been tremendous in recent months.

Podcasting is so vast that students are now studying it in class, and even colleges offer courses on podcast creation. Even though it has become effortless to produce podcasts with free software, many people are doing that, and the best way to ensure to stand out is to create a podcast worth listening to and subscribing to. You need to use paid service to add extra features like customizing themes and backgrounds.

So here comes the question: how does one start? How can you make your podcast stand out and ensure that your listeners are hooked to your show? With an excellent podcast introduction, you can get your listeners hooked to your content throughout each show.

What Is A Podcast Intro?

A podcast intro is an introduction for your first episode, and it will generally include all of these elements:

An explanation why you created this particular show
What listeners should expect from each new episode in terms of length, quality, etc.
Why should people listen to this podcast instead of others like it?
How they can subscribe, so they don't miss future shows.
Anything else important related to what you'll cover on the show!

The purpose of the intro is to give potential subscribers a reason to keep coming back every week. You need to make sure that you have enough content to fill up at least 20 mins worth of airtime per episode. If not, then maybe consider creating multiple shorter versions of your main topic rather than one big one.

A podcast intro is what happens before each episode begins. You need one for every single episode for your podcast to have any kind of continuity. This means that if you don't write down all the details about recording your next episode, there will be no connection between those two episodes.

How To Start A Podcast: What Makes A Good Podcast Intro?

A lot has been written about what makes for a good introduction online. Some of the articles we have seen explain four elements you need to include when introducing yourself or your topic to make it stick.

Here they are:

A clear call-to-action
An interesting headline
Emotionally compelling text
Proof that people will be interested in what you have to say

In our opinion, these guidelines can help any business create its podcast intro, but if you want to know exactly what works best, then stay tuned for the ultimate podcast intro guide.

How To Make Podcast Intro

Step 1 – Write down a few introductory lines

Once you've written down a few lines describing who you are, why you decided to start doing podcasts, etc., take a moment to think about how these words can help define your personality.

What makes you unique?
How would someone recognize that quality after hearing your name?

For example, I am known as a person who loves learning new things. So I could mention something along the lines of: "I'm passionate about helping others learn more about personal development." Or maybe my favorite quote sums me up perfectly: "Success isn't measured by how high we climb; it's determined by how fast we reach the summit!" Now go back through your list of bullet points again and pick out the ones that most accurately reflect your personality. Make sure you include enough detail to give potential listeners a clear idea of who you are. After all, if they aren't interested in knowing more than that, then it doesn't matter how many times you repeat your tagline throughout the entire intro!

When writing your intro, consider including links to other pages within your website. People often search Google using keywords related to your topic. By linking to relevant articles on your site, you'll increase the chances that someone searching for info on your niche will find your podcast instead of another blog post.

Writing a compelling intro takes practice. But with perseverance, anyone can master this skill. And now that you know how to write a great intro, you're ready to move on to our second step.

Step 2 – Find your niche

Now that you have some basic information about yourself down pat, it's time to choose which topics you'd like to cover. To do this, ask yourself what you enjoy discussing or researching. Think about hobbies, interests, passions, and pastimes.

Also, look at where people tend to congregate online.

Do you see patterns emerge?
Perhaps specific forums focus on self-help and business advice?

While you may not necessarily want to become a full-time blogger, you could still host a weekly Q&A session on YouTube. Whatever you decide, make sure you select a subject area that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

It's important to note that choosing a niche does not mean limiting yourself to a particular industry. Broadening your horizons can lead to better results. If there's one thing everyone has in common, it's their need to succeed.

This means that no two niches are going to cater to every single individual. As long as you stay true to your values, you shouldn't feel restricted when selecting a specific topic.

Remember that each episode represents an opportunity to share valuable knowledge with your audience. You don't want to limit yourself just because you haven't found the perfect fit yet.

Step 3 – Finding your niche and choosing a theme song

This is probably the part where you get stuck. Many podcasters struggle with coming up with catchy themes for their shows. Some end up reusing songs over and over again until they finally settle on one. Others opt for generic music played during commercial breaks. Still, others try to match the mood of the intro to the theme of their episodes. However, none of those methods works.

Why?

Because they fail to capture the essence of your brand, when listeners hear a song they already love, they subconsciously associate it with your podcast. That leads to higher listener retention rates and improved engagement. Plus, having a consistent background track helps keep your energy levels steady while recording.

So before you jump into finding a theme song, let's talk about what exactly constitutes a good theme song. First, it needs to sound professional. Second, it must convey the same message that your intro did. Third, it should resonate with your voice. Finally, it should complement both the style and tone of your show.

After deciding on a theme song, you'll need to come up with lyrics. Most podcasters use existing tracks so that it won't require too much effort. Just remember to avoid repeating any phrases used in your intro. Additionally, you can always record additional verses later on if needed.

Once you've chosen a theme song, it's now time to find inspiration. There are plenty of ways to go about doing this:

Go through the archives of other podcasts and listen to how they introduce themselves

What works best for them?
Are they using stock images or original artwork?
How often do they change things around?
Where are they getting these assets from?
Is there anything unique about their intro design?

These questions will help you figure out what kind of elements would appeal most to your target market.

Look at popular blogs and websites

Chances are, they're trying to communicate something similar to what you plan on saying. So check out different blog posts, articles, infographics, etc., and take notes. See what resonates with your audience and consider incorporating bits & pieces of their material into your intro.

Read books by successful entrepreneurs who started businesses related to yours

They may have some great tips on crafting a compelling intro. Or perhaps they had a problem like yours and overcame it. Either way, they represent real people who were able to build meaningful brands. Their stories could inspire you to think outside the box.

Watch videos online

YouTube is filled with inspirational speeches of all kinds, including motivational ones. Check out the comments section to see which clips got the most significant response among viewers. Also, look at the video descriptions to determine what makes them tick.

Do they include links?
Do they offer advice?
Can you learn anything useful from them?

Have conversations with friends and family members

Ask them what type of business they'd recommend starting. Then ask why they chose that path instead of another.

Did they ever encounter obstacles along the way?
Were they happy with the result?

All of these answers can give you ideas for your own story. Now it's time to put everything together!

How To Craft A Podcast Intro That Works For You

Now that we know what an effective podcast intro looks like, it's time to craft one ourselves. Here are the steps you need to follow when designing a solid opening:

Step 1: Decide On Your Audience

Before choosing any image, logo, font, color. the scheme, or template, you need to decide whom you want to attract.

Who is going to hear your intro?

If you don't answer this question clearly, then chances are you'll end up creating an intro that doesn't fit anyone. When picking a topic, keep in mind that you want to speak directly to your audience. Don't try to sell them; instead, tell them straight-up what benefits they stand to gain from listening to your podcast.

Here are two examples of bad intros:

A. "Hi, guys! This is my new podcast called 'My Life as an Entrepreneur'. I'm going to talk about entrepreneurship every week."

B. "Hey, everyone! My name is… and I just launched a new podcast called '…' Every episode, I share valuable insights on topics such as customer service, marketing strategies, sales techniques, productivity hacks, leadership skills...etc."

In both cases, neither example speaks to the needs of its intended audience. But if you want to create a more targeted intro, here's a list of potential audiences you can choose from:

I. People who already love your product/service

II. Potential customers

III. Partners

IV. Influencers

V. Competitors

VI. Peers

VII. Friends

VIII. Family members

IX. Coaches

X. Teachers

XI. Students

XII. Employees

XIII. Investors

XIV. Journalists

XV. Bloggers

XVI. Other podcasters

There's plenty of research out there showing how much more likely people are to buy something if they've heard other people talk positively about it before. So if you do decide to pitch a podcast idea to someone, spend time getting to know them. Also, note that each person has their specific interests, so you must tailor the message accordingly.

You could also try making a survey asking questions such as:

"How often would you like me to send you emails?" or
"Do you prefer short messages or longer ones?"

By doing this, you'll find out things like:

a. Which email format gets opened quicker?

b. Whether they prefer receiving information through video calls or reading about it in plain text.

c. What type of social media platforms do they use?

d. Their preferred method of communication

e. What types of products do they use regularly?

Step 2: Determine What Makes Your Show Unique

Once you've decided on your target audience, it's time to figure out how your show differs from other shows out there.

How will you position yourself against others?
Why do people listen to podcasts?
Is your podcast better than theirs?

These questions help you identify what sets you apart from competitors. Once you're clear on those things, you can start brainstorming ideas for your intro.

For instance, let's say your company offers services to small businesses. In addition to talking about your products and services, you can also discuss the challenges small businesses face today. Another idea would be to focus on the struggles of running a startup – something most aspiring entrepreneurs experience before achieving success. Finally, you can mention the importance of having mentors and advisors. By providing value through educational content, you can convince prospective clients that hiring you is worth their while.

If you have no clue where to begin, ask around. Ask friends, family members, colleagues, and business associates which podcasts they enjoy. You could also reach out to online communities and forums dedicated to podcasts. Also, check out some popular podcasts to get inspiration.

As always, remember that your goal isn't to copy someone else's work. Instead, aim to come up with an intro that stands out among all the other ones available.

Step 3: Create An Outline

Now you have a list of possible topics you want to discuss with your audience. You need to think about what kind of structure you want to follow.

Do you want to explore different areas of technology over several weeks?
Or perhaps launch straight into a specific area such as marketing or customer service?

Whatever direction you take, plan. Don't just wing it because you feel inspired later. It might work better to have a few vital points covered early on but then introduce various other topics along the way. Don't forget to keep track of each episode, so you don't lose momentum. If you're planning to cover one particular subject throughout a series, it helps to give each episode its theme.

As well as outlining episodes, consider using outlines to break up long podcasts too. They're great at helping listeners stay engaged while listening.

Step 4: Create A Headline

Finally, once you've figured out your niche and unique selling points, it's time to write down a compelling headline. While headlines aren't everything, they play a crucial role in getting viewers' attention. So instead of writing "Listen to Our Podcast," why not use something catchy like "How To Turn Small Businesses Into Multi-Million Dollar Companies" or "Why Most Startups Fail".

This way, visitors won't feel lost after clicking on your link. Instead, they'll know exactly what to expect when listening to your podcast. Of course, don't forget to include links to your website, social media profiles, blog posts, etc. Don't worry too much. If you miss one thing, it doesn't matter. Just try again until you find something interesting enough to capture users' interest.

Step 5: Have Your Podcast Intro Script

To start with, what is a podcast intro script?

A podcast intro script is simply a pre-recorded segment that will play when your show begins. It's important to remember that these scripts don't replace live recording; they serve only as a brief introduction before listeners tune into your broadcast. This means that your intro shouldn't last too long, so make sure to include everything you want to say right from the beginning. Keep things simple by avoiding unnecessary details like complex metaphors, jokes, etc. Instead, stick to facts and interesting tidbits related to your topic. When choosing topics, focus on those that will appeal to people who enjoy listening to your type of content.

So, when writing your podcast script, you should always …

Say the podcast name and explain how it works
Show why listeners should tune in
Introduce the host and any guest
Explain what sort of information you'd like to share with viewers

Here are some examples of podcast intro scripts:

Intro Script 1 – A brief introduction about your show

Hello everyone! My name is John Doe, and I am a host of the "John Doe" podcast. Every week I share my thoughts on various subjects ranging from technology trends to health advice. Today I'd like to talk about...

Intro Script 2 – An interview with someone you know or love

Hi folks! This is Joe Cool talking with his friend Jane Doe. Let me tell you all about her new book called 'How She Does It'.

Intro Script 3 – A short story about something random

Last night, while driving home, I heard an unusual sound coming from behind me. So, without thinking twice, I turned around to investigate. What I saw made my jaw drop. There stood a man dressed entirely in black standing next to a large truck. He looked at me with eyes full of hatred. Suddenly he opened fire. I took off running as fast as I could. But I wasn't going anywhere. Bullets were flying everywhere. By now, I had reached the end of the street. At least until one hit me in the leg. I fell, screaming. All I wanted to do was get away.

Step 6: Pick A Voiceover Artist

If you haven't done this yet, now's the time! Having a professional audio recording of yourself delivering your message adds credibility to your content. Audio quality matters here, though; avoid sounding robotic or overly enthusiastic unless that's what you sound like naturally.

It's worth checking out some examples of previous podcasters' intros to see what style suits yours best. We recommend finding a person whose voice sounds similar to yours and watching their videos to get inspiration.

Once you've found someone suitable, record the intro yourself. Be sure to test it first! Listen back carefully and offer feedback until you're satisfied.

Step 7: Keep It Simple

People love simplicity. A clear call to action is always going to be easier to understand than complex jargon. And remember, even if you're talking about something technical, your listener will probably not fully grasp all of the details. Make your introductions brief and concise by focusing on key facts rather than trying to explain every aspect of whatever topic you're discussing.

Podcast Intro Examples

Here are some examples of good podcast intro ideas:

What's Up, Everybody?! Welcome to another edition of "The Social Media Marketing Show". We talk about social media trends, news, and insights for small businesses who want to succeed using social media marketing.
Hi everyone. My name is Tom hunt. If you haven't heard of me yet, welcome. Today I'll be interviewing Chris Ducker. He owns a fantastic company called Wealthy Affiliate which teaches people how to create websites and grow profitable affiliate programs through his personal experience. We're going to have a great discussion about internet entrepreneurship and increasing wealth.
Hello Internet! Thanks for tuning in to Another Round of Questions from the internet! I am Mike Rugnetta, host here at Quick Sprout. And today, I'd like to introduce you to our special guest, Mr Paul Jarvis. Now, he doesn't live on the internet, but he was kind enough to answer my questions by sending me emails back and forth. And now it's time for him to share those answers with you.

Music For Podcast Intro

Who doesn't love music?

Music adds feelings to your show, and it makes it more pleasing. If you want to grab your audience's attention, add music to your podcast introduction. It's one of the best hooks around. People like simple stuff. Clear calls to action are always going to be easier to understand than complicated jargon. Remember, even if you talk about something technical, your listeners won't fully grasp all the details. Make your intros brief and concise by focusing on key facts rather than trying to explain every aspect of whatever subject you're talking about.

The benefits of including music in your podcast intro

Including music in your podcast intro has numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why:

Music helps create an emotional connection

Music creates feelings within us. When listening to songs, we often become emotionally involved with the lyrics. As humans, we crave connection, so adding music to your introduction gives your listeners a chance to connect with you. If you do have trouble getting started, here are some examples of great song titles to consider using:

"Losing My Religion" – Coldplay
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" – Queen
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" – Nirvana

The music grabs listeners' attention

When you play background music during your podcast intro, you automatically draw attention to certain parts of your introduction. People subconsciously tune in to hear those sections instead of reading through your entire script. Then again, music isn't necessary to grab attention. Some other ways to stand out include:

Using infographics
Providing links to additional resources

Your audio will be better quality

Adding music to your intro is like having a professional recording studio right inside of your own home. Once you record your audio file, you can easily edit it later by removing unwanted sounds. Plus, when you upload your podcast to iTunes, Apple uses high-quality MP3 files to make sure your podcast looks good everywhere.

Background music keeps you focused

You don't want to lose focus while delivering your presentation. But without proper preparation, you could find yourself drifting off-track mid-way through your talk. Adding music to your intro ensures that you stay focused and deliver valuable lessons.

Audio recordings last forever

With podcasts, you never know precisely how many listens each person will give your show. And even if they stop after only 10 seconds, that still means that your audio recording lasts much longer than a regular blog post.

Top 10 Places To Find Podcast Intro Music

Finding your favorite song on Google and including it in your podcast intro would have been great, but copyright laws prevent that. Fortunately, there are many other options available. Here are ten sites that offer royalty-free audio files for download.

SoundCloud

Free Audio Hosting Site with Over 100 Million Downloads

Pixabay

Get Royalty-Free Songs & Sound Effects

TuneCore

Create Your Own Albums Using Thousands of Tracks

MusicBee

Find Great Music to Download and Share

Audioboom

Record Live Videos and Add Background Music

SoundBetter

Royalty-Free Songs

Freemusicarchive

Thousands of Free Audio Files to Download

AudioJungle

Over 200 Million High-Quality Sound Effects

TunesKit

Freeware Tools for Creating Your Own Podcast Intro

Vocaroo

Get Unlimited Premium Vocals in Seconds

How To Choose A Good Podcast Intro Music?

Choosing a good podcast intro music-free for your podcast intro is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make as a podcaster. Below I'm going to share my thoughts on what makes a good podcast intro music. This guide includes tips from my experience working with clients over the years.

Here's What Makes A Good Podcast Introduction Track:

It fits nicely into the overall theme of your episode.
It doesn't take away from the main topic or message being delivered.
It contains elements that match your personality.
It matches up well with the tone of your podcast.

To help you decide which tracks would fit these criteria, let me introduce you to two different types of people who listen to podcasts:

Listeners who actively seek new information about something specific. These folks love to learn but aren't always looking for entertainment.
Listeners who just need to relax after a stressful day. They're usually seeking comfort rather than knowledge.

1. Avoid generated sounds

It might sound cliché, but there is no substitute for a natural-sounding voice-over. You may think that you can get away with playing an instrument or singing along with another vocalist. However, this approach won't work because it lacks authenticity. We all know that human voices speak more naturally than any artificial instrument or synthesized beat. So why not use them?

2. Use real instruments to create a variety.

If you plan to add vocals to your podcast intro, try finding someone else to sing along with. That way, you'll avoid monotony. Also, if possible, select a mix that has several layers of musical instruments. For example, if you're planning to cover multiple genres, then look for a playlist that features jazz, rock, pop, reggae, hip hop, etc.

3. Choose music with an emotional impact.

The best podcasts start with solid introductions. If you have trouble coming up with ideas, check out some other shows in your genre. Then analyze their intros and see where yours falls short.

This is extremely helpful because you can also compare notes with fellow podcasters and ask them questions such as

What was the first thing you noticed about our intro?
How did we come across it?
Why do you think our audience likes us?

From here, you should be able to figure out ways to improve your podcast introduction.

FAQs

How do I make sure I don't bore my audience when introducing myself or my guests?

You can easily change the mood of a presentation with the right audio track. For example, upbeat music will focus on positive aspects, while sad songs help bring down the tension. Also, choose tracks based on the type of content you plan to present.

Are podcasts considered as part of traditional radio broadcasting?

No, not really. However, most podcasters include music during their shows to enhance the overall listening experience. This includes commercials, background noise, etc.

Do you recommend adding music to every episode of your podcast?

Yes, definitely. Music has been proven to increase engagement and interest levels. Plus, having music playing throughout the entire program helps set the tone for each segment.

Should I play specific types of music depending on the purpose of my show?

This depends entirely on the topic of your podcast. Some audiences prefer soft rock tunes, while others appreciate hard-hitting rap beats. Whatever fits your personality and brand better should determine whether you play certain kinds of music.

Final Thoughts

Having an excellent podcast intro is central to making sure your show gets off right when it starts. Don't underestimate its importance!

Here at bCast.FM..'ve helped hundreds of podcasters master their scripts so they could produce quality content without hassle. Our goal is to provide tools that allow you to create high-quality podcast intros anywhere using your smartphone quickly.

We're passionate about helping podcasters succeed. We spend countless hours developing services that streamline every aspect of producing a podcast to achieve this mission. As a result, the process of preparing a podcast becomes easy and less time-consuming.

So go ahead and sign up now. Let's begin by getting started.