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Every podcaster shares a common dream: to see their audience grow and their downloads soar. Imagine having a strategy that could be your secret weapon to boost exposure. What if you could use trending news to get noticed? Harness the YouTube algorithm to get a hundred thousand new views?!
Enter newsjacking—a technique that could transform your podcast’s visibility. Let’s explore this strategy further and understand how you can wield it effectively, drawing from my interview with marketing guru David Meerman Scott on episode 56 of Inspired Money.
Understanding Newsjacking
Newsjacking is the art of injecting your insights into a breaking news story, gaining the media spotlight in the process. Think of it as surfing the wave of public interest that news stories generate. By providing relevant angles or expertise, you capture attention when it matters the most.
Historical Roots
Newsjacking might sound like a modern buzzword, but its origin dates back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom. David Meerman Scott breathed new life into this concept, notably spotlighting how Donald Trump deftly navigated the 2016 Presidential election cycle, utilizing real-time marketing on Twitter. Scott’s predictions based on Trump’s tactics underscored newsjacking’s power.
Key Takeaways from David Meerman Scott
In my podcast interview, David generously shared key principles behind smart newsjacking:
Speed is Essential: The quicker you respond, the more likely you are to capitalize on the public’s interest. The hardest part about leveraging newsjacking is remembering that you need to be quick and agile. You need to have the bandwidth to act in real-time.Create Relevant Content: Seamlessly tie your podcast’s themes or your expertise to the news narrative. With newsjacking, you need a legitimate ties to the story. Just responding to any old story doesn’t work so well.Strategic Sensitivity: Handle negative news with care to avoid misjudged sentiments. It’s easy to get newsjack-happy, but the process is most effective when you’re selective. Leverage the stories that are most relevant to your target audience and industry.Maximize Social Media: Leverage platforms for real-time engagement, ensuring your content surges in conversations.My Practical Application: Jane’s Addiction Incident
My real-world test of newsjacking began a week prior to writing this, with an unexpected and shocking moment during Jane’s Addiction’s reunion tour — one that left fans stunned and wondering about the future of the band. Perry Farrell’s mid-performance physical altercation with Dave Navarro not only ended the band’s Boston show early, but it ultimately ended the tour.
I saw a perfect newsjacking opportunity.
What tied me to the recent event? I had interviewed Etty Lau Farrell, Perry’s wife, on the Inspired Money podcast two years ago. During the interview, Perry made a cameo appearance—greeting me by name! Although a video about Jane’s addiction did not fit my YouTube channel’s content, I decided that diving into the substantial weekend buzz just might win attention for npth my YouTube channel and the Etty Farrell episode.
Here’s how I did it:
Planning: The news broke on Friday teh 13th, and by Sunday night, I had scripted a strategic video plan. This included finding concert footage of the “fight,” performance videos in New York and Boston, and reading fan comments on Reddit.Execution: On Monday, September 16, I recorded and published the video “Jane’s Addiction Fight Explained: Perry Farrell Attacks Dave Navarro in... -
Recent headlines have been quick to proclaim the demise of podcasting, citing layoffs at major platforms like Spotify and Public Radio. Yet, amidst the tumult, there lies a different narrative – one of resilience and growth. Contrary to naysayers, podcasting is not dying; it’s evolving, adapting, and flourishing in unexpected ways. In this post, we’ll explore why podcasting remains a vibrant medium, despite challenges, and discuss strategies for monetization and success.
THE RESILIENCE OF INDEPENDENT PODCASTSWhile it’s true that some major players in the podcasting industry have faced setbacks, independent podcasts have continued to thrive. These grassroots creators epitomize the essence of podcasting – a platform where anyone with a microphone and a story can find an audience. Unlike traditional media, where gatekeepers control access, podcasting offers a level playing field for creators of all backgrounds and interests.
Independent podcasts often have loyal and engaged audiences, built through authenticity, niche content, and community engagement. Unlike corporate giants, these creators are nimble, able to pivot quickly in response to audience feedback, and can produce content with little to no budget. Moreover, they’re not beholden to shareholders or advertisers, allowing them to maintain creative control and pursue their passions without compromise.
PODCAST LISTENING IS UPAccording to the Infinite Dial 2024 report by Edison Research, the podcast landscape is witnessing significant shifts, with nearly 100 million Americans engaging with podcasts weekly. Despite concerns over a decline in downloads due to alterations in Apple iOS 17, indicating a drop in figures for major podcasts like This American Life, Edison’s survey-based findings present a more nuanced perspective. Contrary to download metrics, Edison’s data reveals a positive trend, with 47 percent of Americans aged 12 and above tuning into podcasts monthly, marking a five-point increase from the previous year, the largest jump since 2019. Moreover, weekly listeners have increased from 31 to 34 percent, estimating around 98 million individuals. By relying on survey data rather than raw downloads, Edison’s report offers insight into the evolving podcast landscape, underscoring its integration into mainstream media consumption habits. Additionally, the report touches on various other trends such as social media usage, smart speaker ownership, and audiobook consumption, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving media landscape.
MONETIZATION STRATEGIES FOR PODCASTERSFor those looking to monetize their podcasts, there are numerous avenues to explore:
Advertising and Sponsorships: While recent layoffs at major platforms might suggest a slowdown in advertising revenue, independent podcasters are still attracting sponsors. By cultivating a dedicated audience and producing high-quality content, podcasters can command competitive advertising rates or secure sponsorship deals with brands aligned with their niche.Crowdfunding and Patronage: Platforms like Patreon have empowered podcasters to monetize directly from their audience. By offering exclusive content, merchandise, or behind-the-scenes access, creators can incentivize listeners to support them financially. This model not only provides a steady stream of income but also fosters a deeper connection with fans.Merchandise Sales: From t-shirts to mugs to stickers, merchandise sales offer another revenue stream for podcasters. By leveraging their brand and creating unique, appealing products, creators can turn their listeners into loyal customers while generating supplementary income.Live Events and Ticket Sales:... -
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“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”
– Coco Chanel
You’re a podcaster. You love creating your show. But sometimes marketing and promotion to stand out can feel like an insurmountable challenge. With so many podcasts (YouTube videos, television shows, radio stations, books, and blogs) vying for an audience’s attention, how can you make sure your podcast doesn’t get lost in the noise?
While traditional advice like “know your audience” and “invest in quality equipment” are important, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about unconventional approaches to help you make a mark.
Here are some out-of-the-box tips for podcasters looking to break the mold and find success in this competitive landscape:
1. EMBRACE IMPERFECTIONPerfectionism can be the enemy of progress, especially in the world of podcasting. Instead of agonizing over every “um” and “uh,” embrace the raw and authentic nature of your content. Some of the most beloved podcasts are praised precisely because they feel like intimate conversations rather than scripted performances. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, flaws and all.
2. EXPERIMENT WITH FORMATWho says a podcast has to follow a strict interview or storytelling format? Get creative and experiment with different structures and styles. Maybe you want to incorporate elements of improv comedy, or perhaps you’re interested in creating an audio collage of soundscapes and music. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what a podcast can be.
Six months ago, I transformed the Inspired Money podcast from a conventional pre-recorded one-on-one interview show to a livestream with three or four guest panelists. It’s been fun, challenging, and refreshing. I like to say having four guests is like a normal podcast on steroids. Embrace experimentation.
3. CULTIVATE A NICHE WITHIN A NICHEIn a crowded market, finding your niche is crucial. But why stop there? Instead of simply focusing on a broad topic like “true crime” or “self-improvement,” dig deeper to carve out a niche within that niche. Maybe you’re passionate about true crime stories with a supernatural twist, or perhaps you have a unique perspective on mindfulness and meditation. By honing in on a specific angle or theme, you can attract a dedicated audience who shares your interests.
4. COLLABORATE, DON’T COMPETEInstead of viewing other podcasters as competitors, see them as potential collaborators. Reach out to fellow creators in your niche and explore opportunities for cross-promotion, guest appearances, or even co-hosted episodes. Not only does this expand your reach and introduce your show to new audiences, but it also fosters a sense of community within the podcasting world.
5. FOCUS ON ENGAGEMENT, NOT NUMBERSIt’s easy to get caught up in metrics like download numbers and subscriber counts, but true success in podcasting goes beyond mere statistics. Instead of fixating on quantity, prioritize quality engagement with your audience. Respond to listener feedback, foster meaningful conversations on social media, and create opportunities for your audience to participate in the content creation process. Building a loyal and engaged community around your podcast is far more valuable than chasing fleeting metrics.
6. DON’T BE AFRAID TO PIVOTFinally, remember that flexibility is key for any creator. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot and try something new. Your podcasting journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to course-correct along the way.
In a world where...
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In the vast landscape of digital content creation, podcasters are constantly seeking innovative ways to expand their reach and engage with new audiences. One strategy that has gained significant traction is repurposing podcast content into short form videos for platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. While this effort may not immediately increase podcast downloads, there are numerous benefits to this approach that can elevate awareness and take your podcast to new heights.
Broader Audience Engagement: Creating short form videos allows you to tap into different demographics and preferences. Some people prefer quick and visually engaging content over longer audio formats, so repurposing your podcast into bite-sized videos can attract a broader audience base.Increased Social Media Visibility: Social media algorithms favor video content, and platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok actively promote short form videos. By sharing your podcast highlights or interesting snippets on these platforms, you can leverage their algorithms to increase visibility and reach a larger audience.Viral Potential: Consistently publishing short form videos increases the chances of hitting content that resonates with a wider audience and goes viral. A single viral video can bring an influx of attention to your podcast, leading to increased brand recognition and potential listeners.Showcasing Personality and Expertise: Short form videos provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the personality behind the podcast and highlight your expertise on specific topics. This personal touch can create a stronger connection with your audience, making them more likely to explore and subscribe to your podcast for more in-depth content.Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Repurposing content for different platforms opens up opportunities for cross-promotion. You can encourage your podcast audience to follow you on social media for exclusive clips and updates, and vice versa. This interconnected approach helps in building a community around your podcast.
MY RESULTSGrowing a podcast’s downloads can feel like an uphill battle, given the fierce competition for attention. The power of short form videos lies in their potential to break through the noise. Virality is unpredictable, but by consistently sharing engaging snippets, you increase the likelihood of capturing the attention of a wider audience. Even if not every video goes viral, the cumulative effect can significantly elevate your podcast’s overall visibility and attract new listeners.
Over 90 days, I’ve posted a couple dozen short form videos on social media. Please don’t laugh at my modest follower counts!
In my experience, I’ve found that views are highly unpredictable. There’s no way to predict which video will perform best on each platform. The same video will do well on TikTok and not do anything on IG. The next video will do well on YouTube but not TikTok.
Cumulatively, the views add up.
TikTok 10,632
Instagram Reels 9,712
YouTube Shorts. 5,269
OPUS CLIP – AI VIDEO CLIPPING TOOLI recently discovered Opus Clip an AI tool that makes creating shorts that saves me a lot of time!
Here’s how it works.
Drop a YouTube link (or Rumble link, Zoom link, Google Drive link, or select a file MP4, MOV, WEBM)
It previously took me 30-60 minutes to create 1-3...
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HOW TO PROMOTE A PODCAST AND GAIN MORE LISTENERS
Launching a podcast is just the beginning of your journey. The real challenge lies in promoting it effectively to gain more listeners. In this article, we’ll explore fresh and unconventional tactics that go beyond the basics. Let’s delve into strategies that not only enhance the quality of your content but also help you define and engage with your ideal audience, collaborate uniquely, and experiment effectively on social media.
1. Elevate Your Content Quality and Positioning
The foundation of any successful podcast lies in its content. Strive for excellence in every episode. Understand your podcast positioning – what makes your show unique? Can it stand out in the crowded podcast landscape? Your content should resonate with your target audience, offering them something they can’t find elsewhere. Invest time in research, scriptwriting, and production to deliver the best possible show.
2. Define Your Ideal Listener and Go Where They Are
Clearly define your ideal listener – understand their demographics, interests, and behaviors. Once you’ve painted a vivid picture of your audience, find out where they hang out. Be creative in your marketing efforts. Rather than waiting for listeners to find you, proactively go to them. Attend relevant events, participate in forums, and explore niche communities both online and offline. Engage in conversations and share your podcast where your ideal audience is most active.
3. Seek Out Unique Collaborations
Collaborations are a powerful way to expand your podcast’s reach. However, don’t settle for the conventional. Actively seek out collaborations that align with your ideal listener. This could involve partnering with influencers, experts, or other podcasters in your niche. Think beyond guest interviews – consider co-hosting episodes, participating in joint projects, or even organizing cross-promotional events. The key is to bring value to both your audience and your collaborator’s audience.
4. Social Media Experimentation
Social media is a dynamic tool for podcast promotion. Instead of sticking to a single format, experiment with various content types. Post clips, images, and text updates. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, promote upcoming episodes, and tell compelling stories. Leverage different platforms and study your analytics to understand what resonates with your audience. Then, double down on the content that garners the most engagement.
5. Leverage User-Generated Content
Encourage your listeners to create and share content related to your podcast. This could include fan art, memes, or even short videos expressing their thoughts about your episodes. Not only does this foster a sense of community, but it also provides you with a stream of authentic content that you can repost and share. User-generated content serves as social proof and can attract new listeners who relate to the enthusiasm of your existing audience.
6. Implement Gamification Strategies
Engage your audience with gamification elements. Create challenges, quizzes, or contests related to your podcast content. Encourage listeners to participate and share their experiences on social media. Offer exclusive rewards, shoutouts, or even special episodes for those who actively contribute. Gamification not only boosts interaction but also adds a layer of fun and excitement to your podcast community.
7. Host Exciting Giveaways
Implementing giveaways can be a game-changer for your podcast promotion. For example, if you interview an author, consider doing a book giveaway with your listeners. Use platforms like KingSumo to structure the giveaway, encouraging social shares, new subscribers, and reviews. Giveaways not only incentivize engagement but also create buzz around your...
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Creating a podcast can be exciting. It allows you to share your unique perspective, stories, and expertise with the world. However, like any creative pursuit, the journey isn’t always smooth, and you may encounter moments of discouragement along the way. In this article, I want to share common reasons for feeling discouraged about publishing your podcast and offer thoughtful solutions to help you overcome these challenges and stay inspired.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
One of the primary sources of discouragement for podcasters is the fear of not measuring up to established shows or industry standards. Remember, your voice and perspective are unique, and that’s your superpower. Don’t hide it, unless you wear colorful tights under your clothes and want to be a super hero. Embrace what sets you apart, and realize that authenticity is a precious commodity in podcasting. Your authenticity can connect with an audience that craves something different, genuine, and relatable.
Solution: Take time to understand your niche and your podcast’s unique selling points. Once you embrace your uniqueness, you’ll find the confidence to continue your podcasting journey.
Manage Expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game, comparing download statistics and reviews to those of more established podcasts. While it’s essential to have goals and aspirations, unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.
Solution: Focus on setting achievable milestones and celebrate the small victories. Be patient with your growth and understand that building an audience takes time. Remember that even the most popular podcasts started small.
Seek Community and Support
Podcasting can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, leading to feelings of isolation and discouragement. You may question whether anyone is listening or if your efforts are worthwhile.
Solution: Engage with the podcasting community, both online and offline. Join social media groups, forums, and local podcasting events. Attend industry conferences like Podcast Movement and Podfest. Interacting with fellow podcasters can provide encouragement, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Sharing your struggles and experiences can lead to valuable insights and support.
Reframe Failure as Learning
Failure and setbacks are a natural part of any creative journey, including podcasting. Instead of seeing these moments as discouraging, consider them valuable opportunities for growth.
Solution: Reframe your perspective on failure. Every mistake, poor episode, or negative review can be a stepping stone to improvement. Learn from your missteps and use them to refine your content and skills.
Consistency and Patience
Creating a successful podcast often requires consistent effort over a long period. It’s not uncommon to feel discouraged when results don’t come as quickly as expected.
Solution: Stay committed and maintain a consistent release schedule. With time, your audience will grow, and your podcast will gain momentum. The longer you persevere, the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing
Maintaining a podcast can be emotionally and mentally taxing, especially when you’re struggling with discouragement. Your passion can quickly turn into a source of stress if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Solution: Prioritize self-care, mindfulness, and your mental well-being. Give yourself breaks when needed and don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if discouragement takes a toll on your mental health.
Keep Hitting Publish
Podcasting is a rewarding medium for self-expression and connection, but it’s not without its challenges. Feeling discouraged at times is natural, but it doesn’t have to define...
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Hey there, fellow podcasters! We understand the hustle and heart that you pour into your shows. Growing downloads, being recognized for your dedication, and getting your voice heard are universal dreams of podcasters, just like sculpting that perfect beach body at the gym. But much like the gym, podcasting success doesn’t come overnight.
It’s about trying different exercises and consistently showing up for those reps. In this article, we’ll be your podcasting personal trainers, sharing ideas and tactics to help you achieve a successful and sustainable podcast show that not only grows but shines brightly in the podcasting universe. So, grab your metaphorical podcast dumbbells, and let’s start pumping up those listener numbers!
1. SUPERCHARGE YOUR STORYTELLINGPodcasts are like storytelling adventures, and in 2023, storytelling is your secret weapon. Take inspiration from “The Moth” podcast, where real people share their stories. Make your episodes engaging, relatable, and filled with emotions. Share your own stories and encourage untold stories from your guests. It will make your podcast memorable!
Action Tip: Start your episodes with an exciting hook, like an intriguing question or a funny anecdote, to grab your listeners’ attention.
2. NICHE DOWN YOUR FOCUSJust like “The Fantasy Footballers,” who found success by diving deep into one niche, choose a specific topic for your podcast. It’s easier to stand out in a small pond than a vast ocean. Your unique angle will attract like-minded listeners.
Starting narrow not only helps you stand out in the crowded podcast arena but also allows you to build a dedicated audience; and as your podcast grows, you can gradually expand your topics while retaining your core listeners.
Action Tip: Explore subtopics within your niche to discover fresh ideas for episodes.
3. LEVEL UP YOUR ARTWORKImagine your podcast artwork as a superhero costume. It should be bold, eye-catching, and give listeners a taste of what your podcast is about. Look at “The Science Vs” podcast for inspiration; their cover art reflects their investigative spirit.
In addition to having a fantastic cover art for your show, consider creating unique episode-specific artwork that resonates with the content. This extra effort not only enhances your branding but also encourages your guests to share these personalized visuals on their social media, spreading the word about your podcast.
Action Tip: Make sure your artwork looks great even when it’s tiny. Test it on a small screen to ensure it’s still captivating.
4. SUPER SOCIAL SHARINGBecome a social media superhero! Share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, and funny anecdotes from your podcast. Be like “My Dad Wrote A Porno” – they engage their audience on social media by asking questions and responding to comments.
To master the art of podcast promotion on social media, think beyond the routine episode links. Get creative, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, ask questions, and foster an engaging online community. Since podcasting primarily operates as a one-way communication from creator to listener, leverage social media to open up channels for feedback and two-way communication with your audience, creating a stronger and more interactive podcasting community.
Action Tip: Use popular hashtags related to your podcast’s topic to reach a broader audience on social
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In a world full of great podcasts, it’s increasingly challenging to stand out and capture the attention of your target audience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to make your mark in the podcasting universe. Instead, you can take calculated risks, as small as 3%, to position your show differently, breathe new life into your content, and create a unique podcasting experience that keeps your listeners coming back for more.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR TOPICBefore you embark on your podcasting journey, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of your chosen topic. I’m not talking about an expertise of your subject matter; but rather, you must study the competitive landscape. Dive deep into the niche you’re passionate about and identify the gaps in existing content. What are the questions that haven’t been answered? What perspectives haven’t been explored? Your goal is to find your unique angle within your niche.
ANALYZING EXISTING SUCCESSFUL SHOWSSuccessful podcasts offer valuable lessons in positioning and engaging content. Take the time to analyze them. What makes them tick? Is it their format, storytelling, or the way they connect with their audience? This is where you’ll discover patterns you can use as inspiration for your unique approach.
THE POWER OF 3% RISKSNow, let’s talk about the magic number: 3%. The idea here is to take calculated risks that deviate from the norm by just 3%. This small shift can make a world of difference and set you apart from the crowd.
Here’s how to apply it:
Revamp Your Format
If interview-style podcasts dominate your niche, consider incorporating storytelling elements.Swap long episodes for shorter, more digestible content, or vice versa.Experiment with different episode structures, such as debates, roundtables, or live recordings.
Find a Unique Perspective
Challenge conventional wisdom within your niche.Bring in guest experts from unrelated fields to offer fresh insights.Share your personal experiences and anecdotes related to the topic.
Engage with Your Audience
Encourage listener participation through Q&A sessions, polls, or listener-submitted content.Create a community around your podcast through social media or a dedicated forum.Actively respond to listener feedback and suggestions.
CASE STUDY: THE 3% DIFFERENCEFive weeks ago, I made significant changes to my one-on-one interview, personal finance podcast. In publishing Inspired Money weekly for six years, I always focused on good audio quality, improving my interviewing skills, and landing great guests. In that time, I realized steady organic growth, but it was hard to break out of the very crowded one-on-one interview podcast space. It was time for a makeover, and I wanted to try something bold.
To apply the 3% rule, I decided to:
Revamp The Format: Instead of traditional interviews where the guest drives the topic, my team decided to map out one hundred episodes that includes everything from budgeting to philanthropy, from luxury watches to wine collecting, from side hustles to retirement. With the topics decided ahead of time, I can strategically reach out and book a panel of three experts per episode and moderate a thoughtful conversation.Find a Unique Perspective: With a panel of guests, there’s room to challenge the status quo by highlighting not only success stories but also stories of failure and the valuable lessons learned from them. For example, in an episode on Financial Freedom, we took a critical look at Early Retirement. Spoiler alert: many young, early retirees are not happy after leaving the rat... -
For independent podcasters, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities can be a daunting task. You not only have to host engaging episodes but also take on the roles of a researcher, producer, and marketer. However, with the help of advanced language models like ChatGPT, you now have the opportunity to access a powerful tool that can help you perform like a fully staffed podcast team. Let’s explore how ChatGPT can empower solo podcasters, providing research assistance, production support, and marketing insights to elevate the quality and reach of your podcast episodes.
STEP 1: RESEARCH ASSISTANCEResearching topics and gathering relevant information is a time-consuming aspect of podcast production. ChatGPT can serve as your virtual research assistant, helping you gather data, explore different angles, and uncover valuable insights. Engage in a conversation with ChatGPT to discuss your research needs, ask open-ended questions, and seek guidance on credible sources and data points. The model can assist in streamlining your research process, allowing you to focus more on content creation.
Sample prompts:
“Can you help me find recent statistics on [topic] to include in my upcoming episode?”“What are some reputable sources or studies that discuss [specific aspect] related to [topic]?”“I’m exploring [subtopic] for an episode. Can you provide me with a brief overview and key points to consider?”“What are some unique angles or lesser-known facts about [topic] that I can incorporate into my podcast episode?”“I need some expert quotes or opinions on [topic]. Can you suggest any renowned individuals or sources I can look into?”Remember, these prompts can be tailored based on your specific podcast’s theme and the information you are seeking. Be sure to always fact-check the results. Engaging in a conversation with ChatGPT using these prompts will help you access valuable research assistance to enhance your podcast episodes.
STEP 2: PRODUCTION SUPPORTProducing a podcast involves various tasks, such as editing audio, adding music or sound effects, and structuring episodes effectively. ChatGPT can lend a hand in these production aspects, offering suggestions and tips to enhance the overall quality of your episodes. Seek the model’s advice on audio editing techniques, episode structure, and engaging storytelling methods. It can provide insights on pacing, transitions, and creating captivating intros and outros that keep your listeners hooked.
Sample prompts:
“What are some effective techniques for editing podcast audio to enhance its quality and clarity?”“Can you suggest royalty-free music or sound effects that would fit well with the tone of my podcast?”“I’m structuring my episode around a specific theme. How can I create a compelling narrative flow that keeps listeners engaged?”“What are some creative ways to incorporate storytelling elements into my podcast episodes?”“Can you provide tips on creating attention-grabbing intros and outros for my podcast episodes?”Engaging ChatGPT with these prompts will help you receive valuable suggestions and ideas to improve the production quality and overall listening experience of your podcast episodes.
STEP 3: MARKETING INSIGHTSEffective marketing is crucial for expanding your podcast’s reach and attracting a larger audience. ChatGPT can help you develop a marketing strategy tailored to your podcast’s niche and target audience. Engage in a conversation with the model to explore different marketing channels, content promotion ideas, and audience engagement tactics. It can provide insights on social media strategies, guest collaborations, and leveraging email newsletters or other platforms to amplify your podcast’s visibility.
Sample...
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Don’t just be a podcaster. Dream bigger and be a creator. The act of producing original audio content requires coming up with episode ideas, writing scripts, recording, and editing, and promoting to build an audience.
Similar to other types of creators, such as writers, artists, and filmmakers, you use your creativity to create something out of nothing that entertains, educates, or informs your audience. As you improve your craft, you’re likely to develop a unique voice and perspective, and specialize in a particular topic or genre. You’re also developing technical skills that include editing, audio engineering, and rendering.
In my experience, one challenge that all podcasters face is the constant hamster wheel of production. There is little time to promote your last episode because you’re probably already working on the next one. In a world where consistency promises growth and success, it can be challenging to find moments of stillness and quiet. But research shows that making space for ourselves, scheduling quiet time, and taking regular walks can increase creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. Let’s explore the importance of each of these practices and how they can help boost creativity.
MAKING SPACEMaking space is about creating physical and mental space for ourselves. It’s about decluttering our physical surroundings, getting rid of anything that no longer serves us, and creating a calm, clutter-free environment. It’s also about creating mental space by taking breaks from technology, work, and social media. Breaks allow our minds to rest and recharge.
Making space is essential for creativity because it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and come up with fresh ideas. When our environment is cluttered, our minds become cluttered too. We’re more likely to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and distracted. But when we create a calm and peaceful environment, our minds can relax. We can access our creativity more easily.
SCHEDULING QUIET TIMEScheduling quiet time is about intentionally setting aside time for ourselves to be alone with our thoughts. In today’s hustle culture, it can be very uncomfortable to sit alone without a smartphone or device. We must disconnect from the noise and distractions of the world and allow ourselves to reflect, meditate, or simply be still.
Quiet time is essential for creativity because it allows us to tap into our inner world and access our intuition. When we’re constantly bombarded with external stimuli, it can be challenging to hear our own thoughts and ideas. But when we intentionally create quiet time for ourselves, we can tune out the noise and connect with our own inner wisdom.
TAKING REGULAR WALKSTaking regular walks is about getting outside, moving our bodies, and connecting with nature. It’s about taking a break from our screens and our busy lives. Allow yourself to be present in the moment.
Regular walks are essential for creativity because they allow us to clear our minds and access new ideas. When we’re stuck in the same environment, doing the same things every day, our minds can become stagnant. But when we get outside, breathe fresh air, and move our bodies, we stimulate our brains and create space for new ideas to emerge.
It’s counterintuitive to say, “I need to go take a walk to make my podcast better.” But don’t mock it until you’ve tried it. Making space, scheduling quiet time, and taking regular walks are essential practices for boosting creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. By intentionally creating calm and peaceful environments, disconnecting from external stimuli, and getting outside, we can access our inner wisdom and tap into our creativity more easily.
So, the next time your podcast feels stuck or uninspired, try incorporating one of these practices into your daily routine. Ignite your creativity for a great podcast episode.
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Consistency is often touted as the most important factor for successful podcasting. While having a regular schedule is important, there are other factors that are equally or even more important. Let’s be real. Things happen. If your podcast is not your full-time job, sometimes your next podcast episode might have to be delayed. That’s okay.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five things that are more important than consistency when it comes to podcasting.
Quality ContentThe most critical aspect of any podcast is the content. Your podcast must offer something of value to your audience. This means having informative, engaging, and entertaining content that your listeners will want to come back to again and again. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most of us do not take enough risks with our podcasts. Once we’re in a groove, it’s easy to get comfortable. Try to push the envelope with every new episode but remember… the quality of your content will have a significant impact on the success of your podcast. Ensure that every episode is well-produced, well-researched, and well-executed. Never compromise on quality.
AuthenticityAuthenticity is crucial when it comes to podcasting. You cannot afford to take the connection and trust that you build with your listeners for granted. Your audience can tell when you’re not being genuine, so it’s important to be yourself and share your unique perspective. This means being honest about your opinions, experiences, and knowledge. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your audience can tell.
Great HostIf you are the face of your podcast, it’s essential to be engaging, interesting, and relatable. As a host, you should be passionate about your topic and able to connect with listeners. You should also be knowledgeable and able to guide the conversation. An engaging host can make a huge difference in the success of a podcast.
ListenListening to and engaging with your audience is another crucial factor that can make or break a podcast. By listening to your audience, you will better understand their needs and preferences. This can help you tailor your content to meet their expectations and create a more engaging listening experience. Encourage feedback and respond to comments and questions from your listeners. This shows that you value their input and are committed to building a relationship with them.
Marketing and PromotionEven the best podcast cannot succeed without effective marketing and promotion. This means utilizing social media, email lists, and other forms of marketing to reach new listeners. It also means collaborating with other podcasters or influencers to expand your reach. Don’t be afraid to promote your podcast aggressively, as this is the only way to grow your audience.
In conclusion, while consistency is essential, it’s not the only factor that determines the success of your podcast. Quality content, authenticity, an engaging host, consistent quality, and effective marketing and promotion are equally important. By focusing on these factors, you can create a podcast that stands out and attracts a loyal following of listeners.
NOW IS YOUR TIME!I really enjoyed this LinkedIn post from Rob Greenlee, Founder and CEO of Spoken Life Media. It seems the pendulum is swinging back in favor of the independent podcaster who can be a lean and mean showrunner.
It reads...
Podcasting is heading back to its roots now with the down economic environment - independent content creators and lower cost niche targeted content production is now the opportunity to grow a new show as big media content creation that has overspent on content is being reset.
Power shift to the independent creator again as big media companies...
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Podcasting has become an incredibly popular medium for people to share their ideas, stories, and insights with the world. I absolutely love it. Hitting publish on a great episode you created feels really good.
The trouble is that the competition to stand out in the podcasting world has become increasingly fierce. You're up against hundreds of thousands of actively published podcasts. Some are supported by podcast networks with marketing budgets. If you're looking to increase downloads and create a successful podcast, it's important to find ways to differentiate yourself from the pack. One way to do that is to zag when others zig. In other words, try doing things differently than what everyone else is doing.
One of the most common ways that podcasts are produced is by recording pre-recorded episodes. While this has been the tried and true method for podcasters from the start, it's also an opportunity to do things differently. For example, you could experiment with live streaming your podcast, either through social media or a dedicated platform like Twitch. This would allow your listeners to interact with you in real-time and give you an opportunity to create a more engaging experience.
Another way to stand out is to record your podcast in person. While it's common for podcasts to be recorded remotely, there's something special about the energy and chemistry that comes from recording in person. This can be especially effective if you have co-hosts or guests on your show. You could even consider recording your podcast in front of a live audience, which would give you the opportunity to interact with your fans in a more personal way. I actually did this at Hubspot's Inbound conference in 2019 when I interviewed Facebook marketing expert Mari Smith. It's the only time that I recorded with a live audience. It was scary and fantastic. I highly recommend it.
In addition to these production techniques, there are other ways to zag when others zig. For example, you could focus on a niche topic that isn't being covered by other podcasts. Alternatively, you could take a contrarian approach to a popular topic, offering a unique perspective that challenges conventional wisdom.
Ultimately, the key to standing out with your podcast is to be authentic and true to yourself. Don't try to mimic other successful podcasts just because they're popular. Avoid common listener pet peeves and overused podcast phrases. Instead, focus on creating a show that reflects your own interests, passions, and expertise. Lean into you, the creator, because you make your podcast unique. You are your podcast's secret sauce. If you're passionate about what you're doing, your listeners will be able to tell, and they'll be more likely to stick around.
If you want to grow your podcast audience, it's important to find ways to stand out from the crowd. I'm suggesting one way to do that is to zag when others zig. By experimenting with different production techniques, focusing on niche topics, and staying true to yourself, you can create a podcast that is truly unique and engaging. With persistence, dedication, and a little bit of creativity, you will build a loyal audience and establish yourself as a podcasting powerhouse.
How is your podcast unique so it stands out?
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After ruminating on my podcasting pet peeves (I’ll share them at the end), I searched Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook to find out what bothers podcast listeners the most. There were commonalities and upvotes that we can use to improve our podcasts. It turns out that listeners do not just want to be entertained, educated, or inspired, but they want podcast creators to respect them and their time.
Here’s what I found.
TOP 10 PODCAST LISTENERS’ PET PEEVES:Uneven audio levels (especially louder ads)Too much rambling banter at the startPoor audio qualityAn interviewer who interrupts their guestMouth noises (lip smacks and clicks)Host’s lack of preparationGoing off topic for too longInside jokesToo many adsMentioning books, articles, etc., but not including in the show notesWhile I’ve heard creators say that content quality trumps audio quality, listeners’ most frequent complaints focus on uneven volume and poor audio quality. Uneven audio within a podcast episode that requires the listener to constantly adjust the volume is a big turnoff. Also, having your podcast episode too soft or too loud compared to other podcast episodes is also a problem. While commercials on television often boost the volume to make up for you heading to the kitchen for a snack, podcast listeners do not appreciate loud ads played in their earbuds. Quality is most important but do not pass on a relatively easy fix to keep your listeners happy.
Solution: Manually fix audio levels in your DAW. There are also very useful plug-ins and tools that can help.
Here are my favorites.
Waves Vocal Rider Plugin or Waves MaxxVolume Plug-in: These are very similar and help to adjust levels on individual audio tracks or on an overall mix.Auphonic is a fantastic tool for leveling and normalization that uses AI-based audio algorithms.Izotope RX 10 Mouth De-click is a great tool for automating the removal of weird mouth noises.Listeners want a podcast episode to deliver on its promise. That means getting to the meat of the content quickly, without too much rambling or going off-topic for a long time. If you host an interview show, this requires preparation so that you ask questions that listeners want to hear answers to, not interrupting or talking over your guest, and not spending too much time on inside jokes.
Solution: Follow the British Army adage: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Follow the 7 Ps and the payoff will be a stronger podcast.
MY (MAYBE CONTROVERSIAL) PODCASTING PET PEEVESBig microphone – Not sure if I’m in the minority here but the proliferation of big microphones onscreen bothers me. I’m all for great audio and understand that being close to the microphone / proper technique helps a lot; but for some reason, I do not like it when the microphone dominates the visual. Perhaps I’m just realizing that I’m a podcasting pacifist and protesting against the microphone arms race. P.S. I like the Shure SM7b but do not have one. Maybe it’s mic envyOpening with, “Tell us about yourself.” – This one is controversial if you do it. My rationale for not opening with this is that I have yet to find a journalist or TV talk show host that opens with this question. In my opinion, it is a weak way to start an... -
Marc Maron has struck a three-year deal with Acast to host, monetize, and distribute the comedian’s hit podcast, WTF With Marc Maron.
Comedian Marc Maron launched “WTF” in 2009.
1,335 episodes have been published, with new ones coming out twice a week.
The show gets about 55 million listens per year.
Wow, that is a platform. And platforms are worth money.
For example, former late-night host Conan O’Brien recently sold his podcast company to SiriusXM for a reported $150 million.
In May 2020, Spotify announced a licensing deal with Joe Rogan to host The Joe Rogan Experience, exclusively on the streaming platform, for what insiders say was a three-and-half-year deal worth at least $200 million.
Spotify’s exclusive deal meant that Joe Rogan fans could only listen to or watch JRE from the Spotify app. Shows were removed from YouTube and all other platforms.
Generally, being on fewer platforms means sacrificing listeners who do not want to migrate to an exclusive app. For $200 million, Joe deemed it worthwhile!
I’m curious, what would your number be?
Going a different route, WTF With Marc Maron will be hosted, monetized, and distributed via Acast. Notably, WTF will continue to be available on all major podcast platforms.
“Entering into a partnership with the podcast giant Marc Maron is a big win for Acast and for the open podcasting landscape, as this deal guarantees that the podcast can continue to be listened to by everyone, everywhere, and on their preferred listening platform,” Ross Adams, the CEO of Acast, said.
Deal Highlights:
WTF will offer bonus content, merchandise, and live event offerings via Acast+, the podcast company’s subscription service. The WTF back catalog, currently available without ads on SiriusXM’s Stitcher Premium, will be moved over to the open feed. A “small portion” will be paywalled on Acast+.Advertisers will be able to place dynamic ads or use Acast’s in-house team for premium spots that will appear on Maron’s show.WTF also hopes the Acast partnership will help grow the show’s international listenership.
EXPERIMENT LIKE A SCIENTISTBig podcasts with lots of downloads can sell lucrative ad spots, but they too are experimenting.
Open podcasting vs exclusivity.
Paywalled bonus content.
Dynamic ad spots and Premium spots.
These ideas can inspire the niche, independent podcaster too.
Figure out which advertisers (sponsors and affiliates) would most benefit by reaching your audience. Make a pitch deck and earmark times to consistently sell your podcast to advertisers.
Be willing to experiment by offering different packages and campaigns to see what works.
BUILD A PLATFORMDon’t shortchange your podcast by just thinking of it as a podcast. Build a platform.
Celebrity podcasters are taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the decentralization of content. But you do not have to be a celebrity.
Today is the Golden Age of the creator and one reason is that you have countless distribution channels at your fingertips.
You can ideate and execute episodes more nimbly than ever as a solo creator or small team.
Seize the opportunity to build a loyal audience.
How can you do that?
Follow the dataKnow your target listener and look at your analytics to see what episodes performed well. Are there topics that you should revisit or go deeper into?Be authenticYour audience knows and trusts you. Lean into your brand and... -
“And all this science I don’t understandIt’s just my job five days a weekA rocket man”
― Elton John // Bernie TaupinDuring your podcasting journey, you’re bound to feel a bit lost.
Things have been a little crazy for me recently.
After many close calls, COVID got my family last month.
I’ve caught 6 mice in my house in the last 10 days.
My dad just returned home after a stint in the hospital. (Being a self-appointed patient advocate is exhausting.)
The stock market is correcting.
I foolishly tried running across my retaining wall yesterday in the pouring rain, slipped, and fell 4 feet onto the wet grass below. I tried to gracefully execute a ninja roll, but I looked more like the victim of a ninja who had kicked me off the wall.
My pipeline of podcast interviews went down to zero.
None of this appeared in my social media highlight reel, by the way.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month so be sure to take time for yourself, if you need it.
For me, guitar is my medicine. If you’re in New Jersey this Saturday, come hear my friends and me play at The Heritage of Asian Pacific Islanders (HAPI) Fest NJ. The hula dancers will be fab.
If you fall, literally or figuratively, pick yourself up and hope the neighbors didn’t see you. Lucky for me, karate men bruise on the inside. And mud washes out of jeans easily.
Last week, I only had time to publish a 5-minute solo episode.
Do what you can.
If you cannot. that’s okay too.
Your podcast is valuable. If you want to monetize, it is critical that you create engaging content and drive audience growth. Many experts will tell you that it should be in that order.
Podcast advertising is growing like a rocket defying gravity.
The sixth annual IAB U.S. Podcast Advertising Revenue study by PricewaterhouseCoopers is out and the data is impressive.
For the first time ever, the podcast advertising market surpassed $1B in 2021.
Revenues increased 72% YoY to $1.4B and are forecasted to exceed $2B in 2022 and almost triple by 2024 to over $4B.Podcast advertising grew 2X faster in 2021 (+72%) than the total internet ad market (+35%).Podcast advertisers are not only seeing the benefits of brand-building and driving business outcomes, but they are getting more sophisticated.
In 2019, dynamically placed ads made up less than half of the podcast ad market. That has changed. Last year, 84% of ads were dynamically inserted into podcasts.
Advertisers are using technology to manage campaigns that target listeners based on location, age, and gender. Further, there are better methods for advertisers to track the effectiveness of their ads.
The rapid growth makes sense. If advertisers can better...
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“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”― Isaac Asimov
The word for this post is “open.”
Be open to unexpected guests.
Be open to new ideas.
Be open to being uncomfortable.
Publishing a podcast regularly can be a slog sometimes. Being open to new things can keep things fresh — in a good way.
I’ve talked previously about striving to get 100 nos in a year. This can push you to invite more guests and to reach higher.
Since May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I decided to try something I’ve never done — attempt to book 4-5 AAPI guests.
I proudly report the following:
No: Margaret Cho, Ali Wong, Ronny Chieng, Nims Purja
Maybe: Michael Paul Chan
Yes: Etta Lau Farrell, Steven He
If you don’t know Etta (I didn’t), she is the wife of Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, a long-time dancer for the band, and backup singer. She just released her debut single.
It’s unexpected so I’m going with it!
I’m excited to interview Steven He. Emotional damage!
About 20 of my invites remain unanswered so I still have work to do. Wish me luck.
Meanwhile, I put together a list of 31 Asian American Podcasts for AAPI Heritage Month. Please add a few to your playlist.
Monetization is always a hot topic for independent podcasters. It’s doable but can be hard.
If you’re monetizing your show, how are you doing it? Hit reply, I’d love to hear from you.
IMHO, here are three ways:
Sponsorships – I’m not talking about MailChimp, Squarespace, or Blue Apron. Leave those to the big download shows. If you’re small and your niche, you can proactively approach businesses that sell a product or service that fits your audience’s needs. Price a quarterly or 6-month campaign according to the value of your niche listenership, not by your number of downloads. Ask enough prospects, and you can land sponsors.Affiliate marketing – This one is working for me. Again, the key is to find products or services that your listeners could use. Mention a link or code for listeners to support your podcast, and the affiliate partner will pay you a percentage of sales. Pro tip: higher ticket items can be better. My top seller is an $80 side hustle how-to manual that pays out 40%. That’s much better than Amazon book links that pay a few cents.Sell your own product – Because you are building trust with your listeners, you have a great opportunity to sell them things like your course or one-on-one coaching. This is a popular one because it works. It tends to be a higher-ticket item so the potential revenue can be meaningful.Should you ask guests to pay to be on your show? This one can be controversial.
John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire charges some guests a $3,500 appearance fee. You can place a PayPal link on your booking page requiring a guest to pay. I do not know about you; but if I were a potential guest, a surprise “marketing fee” would turn me off.
I’ve heard of podcasters charging PR companies $100-200 to book their clients. On the higher end, I know of a podcaster who successfully offers a VIP red rope package to PR firms. For $500, PR firms get their client’s episode moved up in the production schedule, social media...
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“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.“― Theodore Levitt
Pivot is a popular word in the start-up world. A pivot means fundamentally changing the direction of a business when you realize the current products or services aren’t meeting the needs of the market.
It’s a fact that most entrepreneurial firms fail. For an entrepreneur, the idea that you can pivot and survive is critically important.
Since most podcasts podfade, we’d better pivot too.
This week, I read Carrie Caulfield Arick’s piece entitled, “F*ck Consistency. I’ll take quality over it any day of the week. Fight me.” It was good to get a different perspective on the 3C’s of podcasting: content, consistency, and community. Carrie says the podcast industry is too rigid in putting consistency first.
It got me thinking. Publishing for the sake of consistency may make us less likely to listen to our audience and less willing to pivot.
How often have you made significant changes to your show? Probably not often enough.
I’ve been publishing weekly for 4.5 years without taking a break. Seasonal breaks would provide time to listen, reflect, and refresh. I admit that my weekly production schedule does not give me much time to think or act strategically.
Consistency is meeting expectations in the present. We are told that listeners come to expect a new episode on a regular schedule. They thrive on consistency and predictability so it’s essential that you deliver it if you want to grow your audience.
But has your growth stalled? Have your downloads plateaued?
Here is the problem.
If you are only consistent and not innovating, you will get the same results.
Another thing we tend to do as podcasters is emulate bigger podcasts. What if like some big corporations, big podcasters are too content with where they are and at risk of losing touch with their rapidly changing environment. Think Blockbuster, Radio Shack, Toys R Us – retail leaders that collapsed in the last decade.
Indie podcasters have a tendency to follow established behaviors that may have at one time brought success. What if they now result in failure? Our time is too short to be another me-too, water-downed podcast.
We must be nimble podcasters who are willing to push boundaries and disrupt ourselves.
Innovation is meeting expectations in the future.
For an example of a podcast pivot, I present my friends Steve and Veronica. After publishing 108 episodes of Pod Sound School, they’ve done the unthinkable and said goodbye to their beloved podcast.
As full-time content creators and business owners, they explain that they’ve grown out of their podcast. They realized that their thing is not only podcasting – it’s just one skill set among many. Case in point, their YouTube channel currently has 55.6K subscribers. They’re fabulous video creators.
They will soon rebrand their podcast as “Content Jefe Podcast by the Pod Sound School.”
This innovation is worth emulating! Analyze your audience and your strengths. Decide where you want to go together.
Pivot!
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Today, I deleted 3,300 emails from my inbox. 5,748 unread messages stand between me and inbox zero. Oh dear.
I’ll come back to my disastrous inbox later, but first…
You want to grow your podcast, right?
Many podcast gurus say the best way to grow your podcast’s downloads is to guest on other podcasts. Why? Because you’re getting in front of listeners who already listen to podcasts.
Here’s where 2.4 million active podcasts in Apple Podcasts are a really good thing. Even if only 21% have published within the last 90 days, that leaves hundreds of thousands of podcast hosts eagerly looking for guests.
The challenge is they’re not looking for just any guest.
You’re going to have to pitch yourself to tell them why you’re a great guest.
One of the quickest places to start is a guest-host matching platform like Podmatch. Register for free and create a guest one-sheet.
The Podmatch algorithm will immediately start recommending podcasts for you based on your guest profile. You can send your pitch and when a host accepts, it can be scheduled within the platform. It’s that easy.
For a more targeted effort, I recommend using Listennotes or Podchaser to search for podcasts based on your podcast’s topic.
While you might be able to land a guest spot on The Tim Ferriss Show, your time would be better spent starting smaller.
Listennotes has a cool Listen Score (LS) that estimates the popularity of a podcast and a Global Rank that ranks the LS relative to the total podcast universe.
While you’re at it, it might be fun to look up your own podcast.
Remember that the score and rank are just an estimation, but they can serve as a handy guide. I suggest pitching top 10% shows, then 5%, then 1%, until you’re ready for Tim Ferriss.
Your pitch will be unique to you so I’m not going to tell you precisely how to pitch yourself.
Back to my inbox. I receive a ton of guest pitches — including lots of samples of which ones worked and those that didn’t.
In my experience, know the podcast you are going to pitch. After listening to several episodes, you’re ready. Make your pitch concise and to the point.
While every pitch will vary, here are the non-negotiables.
Explain who you areTell a great story about what makes you an interesting guest who is qualified to speak on the topic that you’ll bringExtra points for why you think it will be interesting to the podcast’s audienceIf you’ve been a guest on other podcasts, name drop
WHAT NOT TO DO[Visit podcastgym.com to see the email]
Yes, a few weeks have passed, but my name is still not James!
Further, the pitch is so vague that I have no idea what her “unique insights” might be.
Too much effort to find out more. Next!
[Visit podcastgym.com to see the email]
Uh oh. Tough start.
I get these form letters a lot. This one got my name correct but forgot to fill in for Guest X.
I was always quick to eliminate resumes with glaring errors. I do the same with incoming pitches. Next!
THIS ONE WORKED[Visit podcastgym.com to see the email]
Jim’s email is short and sweet.
He opened with who he is.
He piqued my interest because he got COVID and his business lost $400,000 in annual recurring revenue. Double ouch!
His story was not only topical, catching COVID during the...
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“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”Henry David Thoreau
I was told early on, “Don’t look at your downloads.”
Guess what? I looked at my downloads.
If I had zero downloads, I would still enjoy hosting my podcast.
To which a friend responded, “Then why do you bother editing?”
Touché. Good friends keep you honest, even if they’re a pain in the ass.
Ashley Carman wrote a very interesting article in Verge entitled, “How SiriusXM Bought and Bungled a Beloved Podcast Network: SiriusXM leapt into podcasts with a $325 million deal — insiders say it’s off to a messy start.”
Here’s Ashley’s tweet: https://twitter.com/ashleyrcarman/status/1506284893474537479
What do you think?
Is it getting harder to garner support and care?
Do your downloads define your success?
With the number of podcasts still growing, including those hosted by celebrities, it feels harder to get noticed.
But are we really competing against them?
I will never compete with Matthew freakin’ McConaughey.
While it can happen, most independent podcasters are a long way off from signing with a major podcast network.
Until you get there, be creative as hell. Niche down if you have to. Lean into you.
With the ups and downs of podcasting, it’s okay to cry on a friend’s shoulder, as needed. Or on the collective shoulder of podcasters that you don’t know.
Buck's tweet: https://twitter.com/2ndFiddles/status/1506372607704195081
I enjoyed reading all the replies to Buck’s tweet. Podcasters are pretty awesome.
Advice from Apple:
What’s the best way to make your way on and up the charts? Make an incredible show that is unmissable for listeners!Try your best to not focus on downloads. Redirect your attention to your craft.
Big opportunities abound for podcasters, including new ones, to grow a loyal audience. Even small podcasts can be monetized.
I’ve been at this for over 4 years and have only just begun to focus on growth and monetization.
Hopefully, this old dog can learn new tricks. I plan to share tests and outcomes here.
I’d love to hear what you are doing.
Have a growth hack to share?
Are you making money from your podcast?
Leave a comment, please.
P.S. Make a sad happy by downloading Second Fiddles wherever you get podcasts.
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Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of the creative effort.
– Franklin D. RooseveltI read an article in the New York Times, “Surrounded by Big Tech, Small Podcast Shops Swim With Sharks.” The subheading reads, “Independent companies like Prologue Projects, Campside Media and Rococo Punch try different strategies in a market roiled by Silicon Valley and Hollywood.”
The first subject is Leon Neyfakh’s podcast production company, Prologue Projects, and how it needed to seek new funding for its fifth season of “Fiasco” after not getting renewed by Luminary.
The good news is that big tech companies like Amazon, Spotify, Apple and SiriusXM have spent billions in recent years acquiring or developing podcasts.
Here’s the bad news.
“Even if one isn’t swallowed by a bigger fish, the competition for advertisers — critical sources of revenue for many independent podcasters — has intensified as the platforms leverage advanced technology and user bases in the tens or hundreds of millions. Additionally, the sheer volume of new podcasts (Spotify alone now has nearly four million, up from 500,000 in 2019) has made it increasingly challenging to attract and keep audiences.”
Spoiler alert: After considering free, ad-supported, or paywalled models, Neyfakh pivoted “Fiasco” to Audible where the new season will premiere on March 24 as an Audible exclusive.
Wanting to learn more, I read Leon’s tweets.
[Visit www.podcastgym.com to read the tweets.]
Wow, $250,000 for a podcast!
As independent podcasters, many of us are used to producing content on a shoestring budget. What’s your budget? Is it in the hundreds of dollars? Maybe, thousands? Sadly, most of us cannot pay ourselves.
Soraya, an NPR editor, weighed in and upped the ante.
Soraya makes good points.
If we are to normalize million-dollar shows, indie podcasters need to step up too. We will need to get serious about monetizing so we can pay ourselves. If we build a great team, we need to pay them too.
Further, we can no longer focus solely on content creation. We must begin to treat our podcast as a business. That means reaching out to sponsors, considering crowdfunding on platforms like Patreon, and partnering with other independent podcasters.
Of course, it will vary depending on your show and audience. Think about what it may look like for your podcast.
It is time to go bigger.
Bigger episodes
Bigger collaborations
Bigger budgets
Make your podcast worthy of $1M.
What’s your budget for your podcast? What do you think about going bigger? Post a comment.
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- Näytä enemmän
