Episodi
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As an instructor for the Direct Marketing Association of Northern California, Susan Finch regularly updates her hands-on workshops. This is for tomorrow's Podcasting Production Masterclass Part 3: Publish, Promote, and Grow! This is a quick checklist of 13 items you should have ready before you launch. It's only a taste of the course, but we hope you find it helpful. It's a two-hour course limited to 15 people and is jam-packed with tips, tools, and guidance.
Links from this episode:
DMANC.org
Susan Finch on LinkedIn
Funnel Media Group to help you produce your podcast or reboot your existing video content in a new venue
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Tired of lackluster virtual and hybrid events? Do you want to captivate your audience, whether in-person or by logging in remotely? This episode will open your eyes to creative techniques for producing engaging hybrid experiences.
Join me as I speak with Howie Zales, an expert in live event production. With decades under his belt working high-profile concerts and stadium events, Howie knows how to make online viewers feel part of the action.
You’ll hear Howie’s tips for incorporating multimedia, leveraging technology seamlessly, and rehearsing for smoother execution. Discover easy ways to boost production value without breaking the budget. Plus, we’ll discuss how to maximize your investment by repurposing content long after the event ends.
If you’re ready to step up your hybrid event game, you won’t want to miss this lively discussion. Tune in now to pick up pointers that will stick with your team long after the stream wraps!
About our guest:
Howie Zales is an Emmy Award-winning Camera Operator who turned his passion for television broadcasting into several entrepreneurial endeavors. Howie created HJZ Productions, Inc. in 2000 to address the New York market's need for professional-level sports crewing/staffing. Under his leadership, HJZ Productions grew to a multi-million dollar nationwide provider of top talent in the broadcasting field. In 2019, Howie and his team founded Viridity Entertainment Services, Inc. (VES), initially focusing on staffing in non-union markets.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, they quickly pivoted to offering best-in-class, broadcast-quality live streams of professional sports shows and interviews, corporate interviews and meetings, and religious services. VES now focuses on meeting the growing demand for virtual hybrid event production.
Links from this episode:
Viridity Entertainment
Funnel Media Group, LLC
Viridity Entertainment Services on LI
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Today we're wrapping up our series on using Google to promote your podcast. I'll share tips for leveraging Google Maps to get more visibility for your podcast. We'll cover how to create a custom map for your show, add guest pins with episode details, make it public and shareable, and use layers to organize by season or topic. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable strategies to enhance your podcast's searchability and connect with more listeners through the strategic use of Google Maps.
Here are the key points:
Create a custom Google Map for your podcast under your show's profile.Add pins for each guest/company, using your show's icon.Include episode descriptions and links in pin details.Make the map public and share it on social media.Use layers to organize pins by season or topic if needed.Consider multiple maps if you have over 100 episodes. -
Welcome to another episode of Behind the Mic! I'm your host, Susan Finch. Today we're continuing our series on using Google's free tools to promote your podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss 7 ideas for leveraging your Google My Business profile to spread the word about your show. We'll cover creating posts when you publish new episodes, asking intriguing questions to prompt listens, making episode series, mentioning guests and their companies in posts, resharing posts on social media, highlighting meaningful guest quotes, and tips for posting frequency. Stay tuned to learn how to maximize your Google My Business profile and boost your podcast discoverability!
Key Points:
Create a post on your Google My Business profile when you publish a new episode. Include an image and call to action.Ask a compelling question in posts to intrigue listeners.Make a series for episodes on the same topic and promote the series.@ mention guests and their companies in your posts.Reshare Google My Business posts on other social media.Highlight meaningful guest quotes in posts.Post on your business profile about once per week. -
In this episode of Behind the Mic, host Susan Finch discusses how to leverage Google Workspace tools for your podcast. She recommends getting a dedicated domain and email address for your show through Google Workspace. This opens up free analytics tools and helps establish your podcast's online presence. Susan then outlines the 9 steps to get set up:
Get a dedicated domain for your podcastSet up the podcast as a business in Google WorkspaceDocument login informationCreate a Cloudflare accountChange domain name servers to CloudflareAdd podcast domain to Google WorkspaceCreate a dedicated podcast email addressCheck if your main business site has a Google My Business profileCreate a Google My Business profile for your podcast site -
Today is the perfect day to set up Google Analytics 4.0 and elevate your tracking game. Even if you need assistance, our team is here to support you. And if your current team lacks the know-how, we strongly encourage them to take courses that reveal the logic behind Google Analytics 4.0. It's not just an upgrade; it's an entirely new frontier.
The DMANC has a three course series that I found super helpful.
https://dmanc.org/workshop/google-analytics-4-workshops/
After you convert or set up, be prepared for a transformed analytics experience. While reports and dashboards may be different, the customization options are unparalleled. Dive into the granular details and unlock insights like never before. Upgrade your code, ensure proper tracking, and avoid skewed information that makes you look good but hinders your decision-making.
Listen to this 4-minute "Behind the Mic" episode and discover how Google Analytics 4.0 can validate your podcasting and content creation strategy. Handle the transition with simplicity, ease, and success. The future of analytics awaits!
BIG TIP - don't forget to update your analytics code in all plugins and add-ons with your podcast hosting company.If you use Podbean, it will be easier.
https://help.podbean.com/support/solutions/articles/25000004993-using-google-analytics-with-my-podbean-site
I found this article filled with tips and logic.
https://martech.zone/how-to-migrate-events-from-universal-analytics-to-google-analytics-4/
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Have you ever thought about how many keynote speakers are actually introverts? Think about the distance on the stage from the audience - even when you have an engaging speaker who includes the audience. Then think about podcasting and the intimacy of podcasting. You are putting the show in your ears - you are listening to them in your car, your home, while walking the dog. You build a personal relationship with the host and their guest.
I’ve been a speaker at events. I see the pluses, but I’ve also seen how limited the opportunity for that 3-5 day effort returned. The biggest benefit is strengthening the relationship with the organization that invited me to speak to its members. Most of my speaking is to private professional organizations, so nothing is recorded and definitely not published. Adding these events to my portfolio of speaking can be problematic as I usually speak on proprietary topics specific to the audience. I’ve also spoken on behalf of my non-profit to large ballrooms, and conferences. It made a memorable event, but rarely outside that event led to much more than a few compliments. Even when the carrot to speak at the event was access to the list, the attendees were rarely decision makers, so they would read the subject, and typically, that was that.
Here is a recent post on this topic comparing the effectiveness of both options.
https://funnelmediagroupllc.com/speaking-gigs-vs-podcasting/
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Tenlo's Chief Technology Officer and podcast host, Tessa Burg joined Susan Finch to talk about the recent merger with Mod Op. Tessa talks about the expanded opportunities for their team, their clients, and the beauty of having an HR department. Sometimes trading the owner hat for a W2 is a very good thing. Tune in for this 15-minute visit, "From owner to employee - when mergers align with your vision."
About Tenlo:
Tenlo is a digital B2B marketing agency. They use data-driven marketing for lead generation and customer retention. Digital and sales tactics are aligned to drive more traffic to your website, trade show booth and sales team. Their passion for increasing a digital marketer's contribution to sales is pipeline marketing—a discipline focused on results. Learn more: https://tenlo.com .
About Mod Op:
At Mod Op, everything they do starts with understanding their clients’ marketing opportunities. Then, they identify the unique methods to help them achieve those goals. That may mean launching a complete, integrated advertising and PR campaign or tapping into some of their more specialized expertise for a given project. Learn more: https://modop.com .
They have experts in B2C and B2B communications with deep industry experience in consumer and lifestyle products, energy, media and entertainment, technology, and travel and hospitality. Currently, they have offices in New York City, Miami, Kansas City, Dallas, Portland, Los Angeles, and Panama City, Panama.
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Before You Commit, Know the Answers to These Questions
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? Is it to launch an initiative? Build reputation? Boost egos of your executives or clients? Give value to your existing clients? Open the door for new clients/prospects? Have fun with your lighter side?WHO WILL HELP? Anyone involved needs to know and commit to the time and tasks for their portion of the podcast’s success. Then you have to decide: If you have the money but not the time, how much can you outsource? WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? Once you know this, you can determine where you can find them listening to podcasts, their habits, do they “listen” or read captions? At work or on the treadmill. What are you competing with when they hit play? Do they binge-listen?This is CRITICAL and where a lot of podcasts fail before the first episode. You MUST be realistic.IDEAL LENGTH? Once you know all the players, the tasks, the audience you can determine the length. I have some shows that are always 25 – 35 minutes – a good “lunch” episode. Others do quick micro episodes of 4-7 minutes. Many combine – do the full show and later extract a nugget and create a new “highlight” episode from that. This will help you plan the time needed to record and edit. CAN YOU COMMIT? WHO IS THE TALENT? WHO IS THE TEAM? Potential hosts - this is where you may have to tell a hard truth or two. Just because they are good leaders, doesn’t mean they know how to lead an interesting interview. Some will be better than others. You may have to have a “casting call of unexpected hosts.What if you are getting help from an outside company?
If companies simply send you links, videos and pdfs, you have to decide if that’s how you want to communicate with your producers. I know for Funnel Media Group, our hosts love the relationships we have with them and that we are very open helping them improve. Sometimes people have speech patterns or bad habits such as “EXspecially, rather than especially. This may not matter to you. But, if you are sharing this with your networks, prospects, investors, clients, it may matter so that you are not distracting because of these patterns. Can you hear the excitement in their voices. Will they will be coming up with ideas on the spot as they get to know you and your goals. How do they share those ideas? If they have no new ideas regularly, they are not thinking about your account.
What is included?Host coaching. Will they tell you the truth when you need to improve? Do they care? Someone has to have the experience to help you improve fast.Pre episode prep – testing with the guest? Creating a preview of the episode before publishing? Live option – If you want that. Vetting guests. Writing the post. Voiceover work? Template for each episode.Production – are they in the recording session? Voiceover work as the overall host – intro, commercial, outro? Editing – what type of editing? How detailed? Can they correct bad audio when the guest chooses to show up from their car or in an airport? How do they recommend recording?Publishing – posting the episode to hit all podcast apps, creating guest packages – what’s included in the guest package? What about a type of “Boost” package for host and guest teams to share it out.Who orders the transcripts? Do they provide transcripts? What is the quality – AI or by hand?Who pays for hosting? Who owns all the hosting accounts, feeds, materials? Music license.Post – 2-3 months later – how are they going to help you use the content? Create a round-up post? What about milestones in your show – so many episodes, so many listeners, focus on topics – will they write those posts for you or will you?Ask to talk to some of their hosts. Are they pleased with the results? What would they wish they’d known before they started this? Check out their presence on ListenNotes, Podchaser – are they all around?Do they charge to update your commercials, intros/outros each time? What about if a host changes?What is the turnaround time?Is one person assigned to my account that we can talk with or is it all via email? Can we have recap meetings included?Learn more about my courses at https://dmanc.org
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We are regularly asked at Funnel Media Group how to jump-start a show's reach into new markets, and reach new audiences. This episode covers advertising, sponsors, and the change in best practices over the past two years. Consumer behaviors have changed - how they consume media. This is where our guest, Mary Ann Pruitt shines through her agency, Mosaic Media Agency. You will want to consider all of her insights and advice, as well as some great suggestions you can get started with today.
Who are we targeting?
How are we targeting?
What about the third-party cookie thing?
First-party data is available to you - you just don't realize it. It's time to invest in collecting your own first-party data.
Listen to this episode: Programmatic media buying has changed everything.
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About Mary Ann Pruitt
Mary Ann Pruitt is the CEO and President of Mosaic Media, a collection of media buying experts and creative strategists who negotiate, purchase, and monitor advertising space and airtime. Mary Ann started her career in media by working as a senior sales executive for some of the nation’s largest media outlets. After discovering her talent and love for all things media strategy, she founded Mosaic as a way to provide niche expert experience to agencies and marketing departments across the country.
Her hard work and savvy strategy skills have led Mosaic to year-over-year growth and has expanded her impact as an industry leader in all things traditional, digital, and everything in between. Reflecting this is a 2020 award from Cynopsis Media naming her as a Top Woman in Media.
Mary Ann has helped develop effective marketing strategies for agencies of all sizes, small businesses, service businesses, private educational institutions, and legal and professional services businesses along with many others. She is passionate about passing on the experience that she has gained to eager professionals looking for actionable marketing tips.
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This episode was inspired by the great guests Interview Valet has been sending us for our hosts, and by a blog post, "Checklist Before You are a Guest on a Podcast". This episode covers expectations for guests hiring a podcast guest management firm, for those being contacted by them to have their clients on your shows, and what should be expected of all for a successful appearance on a show. You can read the post here. Listen to this conversation with my guest, Lasina Jensen, Client Success Team Manager at Interview Valet.
Please listen to this episode and share it out to your circles that are podcasts guests and hosts.
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About Interview Valet:
Interview Valet is the concierge-level podcast guest marketing service providing the fastest way for authors, speakers, coaches, consultants, and brands to maximize the benefits of podcasting.
Our premium white-glove solution takes care of everything but the speaking to reach your ideal audience with the least amount of snags or hassle.
Interview Valet's all-inclusive system empowers clients with interview preparation, Certified Guest™ training, and personalized attention that ensures you, the podcast guest and host, the best experience in the podcast industry.
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In this 13 minute episode we cover our favorite podcast equipment and the reasons we prefer one over another. There are some additional items we suggest to give you a more professional look and sound.
Podcast Microphones - Rode USB Condenser mic , Yeti RiversideFM has more ideas:If you’re on a tight budget or just want a mic that doesn’t have a huge learning curve, consider one of these plug-and-play USB microphones:
Rode Procaster ($250)Rode NT-USB ($177) Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB ($80) Webcams - Logitech BRIOPop Filters and Mic MuffsSound PanelsBackgrounds vs. greenscreens (no link tells you we are not fans of greenscreens)Lighting kits articleRecording Zoom vs. Riverside.fmMixing boards article Amazon, BHPHOTOHeadsets for recording and editingTelepromptersRiversideFM has additional podcast equipment lists you may find helpful.
Need help with your set up or editing, let us know. [email protected]
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This episode covers one of the questions from the recent one with EJ and Nina in Funnel Feud. These are the top 8 answers given by 100 podcast hosts, guests, and team members. Aside from swearing, revealing too much, and other simple editing issues, why would a podcast host ask the guest for a do-over? We'll give you tips on how to work around these 8 common issues in this 13-minute episode. Email me for the recap graphic. If you have additional reasons, please tell us. You can find me on LinkedIn here or email me [email protected].
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You know the music, you know how it works. Play along with our version - Funnel Feud to hear the answers to these questions:
1. What is a reason you would want a do-over with a guest?
2. What is the reason your podcast failed?
3. What is your favorite podcast equipment?
We asked 100 podcast hosts, producers and teams and the answers in this episode are what they said. You can get the full list from us - just email us. If you want to know our favorite equipment, we'll tell you that, too! It will be part of another upcoming episode on Behind The Mic - Funnel Media Group's favorite equipment and tools for producing podcasts.
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Podcasting editors' tips from EJ Albaugh. EJ reminds us that if we can do a bit of practice we can save time and money with our editing solutions. Don't be afraid of a retake, and beware of Zoom twang when there are bandwidth issues for your host or your guest, or your producer. If you listen to this and would like the podcaster's checklist magnet from Funnel Media Group, email [email protected] with your mailing address and we'll get one to you. While you're at it, send us your podcast URL so we can check it out!
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Taking advantage of search engine goodness, building communities of podcasters and their teams, as well as profiles for creators is what Podchaser's Dave Keine and Susan Finch talked about today on Behind the Mic. Do not miss the list of free tools, tips and ways to build your listenership and expand your audience demographics.
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Tune in for this packed episode with free tools podcasters can use to expand their reach. There are two free tools we are going to cover in this episode:
Using Playlists to increase your exposure in the podcast venues including Spotify, Apple Podcasts/playlists, Podchaser, and the rest that give you that option.
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Using Podcast venue profiles to engage with a new audience, in particular Podchaser's creator and claim your podcast feature. There are so many ways just on Podchaser's site. By registering, you are able to make the news feed with your activity including Trending lists - How can you create a list that isn't just, "listen to me! Listen to me!"?
If you need help cultivating these lists, at least to start, contact Susan Finch at Funnel Media Group.
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Sometimes guests are hard to secure during the holidays. Sometimes you are pulled in many directions and don't have the same time for your show. That's OK. Make the use of this time to improve your podcast for next season. Listen to these 10 tips you can start right away.
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You can listen, or just jump to this list without the logic behind it:
Review all posted episodes for typos, check links.Review your music, commercial, intro, outro. Is it time to freshen them up?Is host info still current?Verify your host and team have added to their LinkedIn profiles.Can you do a few recap episodes - highlight reels to save production time during the holidays and year-end?If these are in a drip campaign, test each drip, links, graphics to make sure they all work.How does your show look in all the podcast venues?Have you missed any or have new ones been added like Podchaser that you want to be listed in - it's free.What about a "tell us your favorite episode" contest on social. Have them tell you a quote and a timestamp from an episode. Give out show swag. T-shirts, caps, etc.Look at your stats and do a post on the top episodes for the year and top episodes for all time to link back to them - don't forget to mention those guests, their companies, and THANK THEM! -
You created this great podcast, or so you thought, and you liked how it was set up, but not really. And you have new team members and they say, "I hate that software, I hate that platform, let's do something better." Or maybe even that platform went away or stopped being as effective, whatever the reason there's a need for a move. But there are some different types of moves. This episode is going to cover what you need to be aware of, how you can prep, and how you can avoid getting missed listeners and losing all your subscribers.
If you do need to move your show and this list is too daunting, reach out to [email protected] - The team at Funnel Media Group can help you with this transition so nothing is missed.
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Let's talk about television families.
The good:The Brady, the Flintstone, Huxtable, Barone, Evans, Drummond & Jackson, Addams, Munster, Cleaver, Duke, Clampett, Arnolds, Jetsons, Partidge, Carwright, Bradford, Cunningham, Ingals, and Kyle Families
Then the not so good but lovableBluth, Simpson, Griffin, Bunker, Bundy, Belcher
And the bad.Soprano, Ewing, Roy, Dutton, Carrington, House of Lannister, and Fisher Families
When we talk about the Lone Ranger, yes, he had one support team member, surly as he could be from time to time. I'm sure he also shook his head at the guy he worked with at how ridiculous and helpless he could be.
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Now suppose instead, there was a group of equally intelligent, enthusiastic, genuine, articulate people that wanted you to succeed and that you wanted to succeed. If there was a plan in place for all to support and succeed with minimal effort, wouldn't that be appealing?
What if there was a small group comprised of fans of all of you, and with skills - big skills - to share your podcast content with new audiences? Now you are no longer a Lone Ranger with a surly assistant, you are part of supportive podcast family cheering you on and talking about you everywhere - to NEW people. Cool, huh?
I've run across pod squads, LinkedIn link pods and more. They are heavily vetted, and require that the members each promote each others' posts EACH day. that's a lot, especially if you are in more than one because you want the shares to be thoughtful.
Think of Funnel Media Group as your hand-selected Link Pod. Setting up some of the rhythmic routines of sharing frees you up as the outstanding host to personally connect with commenters, listeners, fans, guests, prospects. Our job is to keep the audience growing through the good social media ju-jus with honest, organic posts.
Get more ideas in this episode and listen to our initiative to wind up the year with a heart - Pause for a Cause.
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