Running your own radio station can be as simple as uploading music and making some playlists, but there are also tons of other things you can do to elevate your radio station. The more you do with your radio station, the more work it takes and the more overwhelming it can be. That's where resources and tools come in handy, to hopefully reduce the time and effort that some parts of running your radio station take. So, we've compiled a list of some great tools below!
If you are looking for tools regarding equipment or content, check out our separate articles on those topics below.
Equipment:
Content:
Note-Taking:
- Notion
- Notion is an all-in-one workspace that provides you with the ability to write notes and other documents, a location for your knowledge base, task and project management, as well as spreadsheets and databases. There is a free plan with all of the basic features, but for unlimited access to all features, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
- Evernote
- Evernote is a tool to jot down ideas and any other notes you may have for your radio station. Then, you can prioritize your ideas and notes and create to-do lists to stay organized and on-top of everything. There is a free plan with all of the basic features, but if you want to collaborate with others, among other features, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
- Google Docs (or Sheets)
- Google Docs is a great free option for note-taking, documentation, script-writing, and other preparation. Also, you can share documents with others and collaborate with them using the simultaneous editing and viewing features.
Scheduling:
- Calendly
- Calendly connects with your calendar and allows you the ability to schedule a variety of meetings without emails and confusion. The availability preferences and scheduling features allow you to set up meetings without the back-and-forth interaction. There is a free plan with the basic features, but if you want unlimited access to all of the features, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
- Google Calendar
- Google Calendar is a free option for scheduling and you can invite others to events as well as share your calendar with others.
Live Video Recording:
- Facebook Live
- In order to get more content out there, you may want to livestream your live radio broadcasts. Facebook Live is a great live video recording option as you can choose for it to stay on Facebook after you end the livestream. This option allows you to give a visual element to your listeners without the work of creating and editing a video to upload to YouTube. Keep in mind that Facebook Live tends to be best for talk segments only as Facebook may mute audio and/or not allow you to save the livestream if they deem that your stream is in violation of international copyright laws. Live365 is not responsible for and has no control over Facebook's actions regarding live streaming recorded and even live music via Facebook Live.
Creating Artwork:
- Design Wizard
- This is a free simple online graphic design tool where you can design your own artwork, but there are also some low-cost paid plans that give you access to more features. Note that all of their features are available in their free subscription and they've got tons of free and low-cost templates and images in their database that you can use.
- Canva
- This is a free site where you can design your own artwork, but there are also paid plans that give you access to more features.
- Colorcinch
- This is a free, no sign up-required photo editing and design tool that allows you to create, edit, and turn your photos into personalized artwork. Some features include overlays, frames, masks, and a library of graphics and icons. They also offer a low-cost paid plan to access more features.
- Snappa
- This is a free site where you can design your own artwork, but there are also paid plans that give you access to more features.
- Photoshop
- This is a paid application that gives you tons of design control if you are interested in making your own artwork, have a specific vision for it, and are either familiar with Photoshop or are willing to learn the program.
- Stock Photos
- Professional Designer
- Some professional designers are Jenny H Design and 99 Designs. You can also use fiverr.com or Airtasker to find freelance designers.
Radio Imaging:
- Benztown
- Benztown is a leading international radio imaging, production library, programming, jingles, and voiceover services company. All Live365 broadcasters qualify for a subscription to one of Benztown’s libraries for just $5 for 15 downloads/month. Broadcasters are also able to upgrade to the custom launch package for $250, which includes 1 page of copy, professionally voiced and fully produced. (Read more about the exclusive offer and how you can get in on it here.)
Marketing:
- MailChimp
- MailChimp is an email marketing tool that allows you to create email campaigns, gather audience feedback, direct people to relevant links, etc. This tool makes reaching out to your listeners to deepen your relationship easy. There is a free plan with limited features, but if you want more features, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
- Buffer
- Buffer is a tool for managing social media that gives you the ability to schedule posts and analyze post performance. There is a free plan with limits on things like scheduled posts, so if you want more unlimited features, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
Creating Shareable Content:
- SpeakPipe
- SpeakPipe makes it easy for your website visitors to contact you or leave feedback. With SpeakPipe on your website, visitors can simply press a button to leave you a voice message. You can then respond to those who send you a message as well as download their messages to use on social media, on your station, etc. There is no free plan, but the first plan starts at $6.40/month if paid annually.
Audio Post Production:
- Auphonic
- If you are doing any pre-recorded pieces, you can complete most of your editing in a recording/editing software, such as Audacity, but Auphonic will help you further clean up your audio. You can balance the levels, normalize the volume, balance multiple tracks, encode your files, and more. There is a free option that allows you 2 hours/month of processed audio, but for more hours, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
There are tons of tools out there that can help you run your radio station smoothly. This list is truly only scratching the surface, so if you are in need of a different resource, some Google searches should provide you with a variety of options that fit your needs. Utilizing resources can be a great way to work on time management, marketing, and preparation, among other aspects of running your radio station. So, don't overlook how helpful online tools and resources can be for your radio station!
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Article Image: Kobu Agency via Unsplash.
