It may not come as a huge surprise that the best-sounding Host-Read ads are often those with obvious authenticity, effort, and the use of good technology. Ads that encompass all three are more likely to impress brands and score renewals, helping you to continue earning a living through podcasting.
But how does one go about being authentic in their ads? How much effort is needed? And what sort of technology helps to craft a great-sounding ad? The answers to these burning questions, and more, can be found in this post!
Be Authentic
Authenticity goes beyond just telling the truth. To be authentic is to share a real experience with your audience, to speak to them in a casual way, and to go with the flow to help make it a memorable part of your episode.
Think back to a Host-Read ad that you’ve really enjoyed. What was it that made it stand out to you? Was it the experience of the product/serivce that the host shared? Or maybe the playful ribbing that took place between the co-hosts when reading the advertisement. If you’re monetizing your show, then make it a real part of your show rather than a bland addition.
The best (and perhaps the only) way to make an experience authentic is to actually try the product or service. Sign up for the product and give it a try before you record. A good way to do this is to incorporate the product/service into your everyday life. During the ad, speak about your true experience with the product/service. How did it affect your day-to-day life?
Another way to add authenticity into your ad read is to ensure you have a conversational tone. It may seem obvious, but don’t make an ad read sound like an ad read. What we mean by that is instead of reading dryly from the script, incorporate your own voice and personality in the ad! Some of our top performers recommend making the ad feel like a conversation between friends.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to go with the flow. Allow your real-life experiences with the product/service to inform your thoughts and opinions during the ad. Share a tangential story about the product/service to show that you really have used this product/service and really do recommend it.
Authenticity means being true to the experiences you have. But in order to share those experiences, you need to do a little bit of work on your end!
Put in the Effort
A stellar ad can’t be created without some effort. Effort extends past signing up for the product/service, though. You should aim to incorporate into your own life to see how it actually impacts your day. You should also ask yourself what about this product/service that will interest my audience? How can I share my experiences with them without just reading off a script?
Our top-performing podcasters recommend creating scripts, even if you don’t read them word-for-word, since it helps you to understand the key message of the brand and what you want to share with your audience. And while they may not practice the script in the mirror, they do make sure to select the best take for the job. That means no “one-and-done”s!
Effort stretches beyond just publishing the ad, too! Utilize your other channels like social media, newsletters, show notes, and more to ensure your audience is aware of the product/service. Brands are so incredibly impressed and appreciative of extra effort like this as it shows you’re serious partner for them.
Finally, you want to make sure your voice is as clear as the message you’re sharing with your audience. An ad with a monotonous, bored voice isn’t one that will impress the brand or entice your listeners to learn more. Put effort into the recording!
Use Technology Smartly
Don’t be mistaken – we’re not telling you to go out and buy the most expensive microphone or rent out a studio for an ad. But to use your current technology to the best of its ability!
If your microphone tends to pick up external sound easily, then find a quiet space in your home (or wherever you record your show) to record the ad. Use your preferred audio editing software to clean up the audio afterwards.
If you have the funds to invest in better tools, then do! Pop filters, windscreens, mic stands, etc. can all help to turn your audio from amateur to professional in seconds.
Crafting a great Host-Read ad isn’t as hard as you might think. You really just need these key ingredients; authenticity, effort, and the smart use of technology. You can craft an impressive Host-Read ad that creates long-term partnerships with brands and brings in new ones just by encompassing these three things!
Ready to start monetizing your podcast? Sign up for RedCircle today!
