red-x-technology

Perfect Podcast Launch - (Part 1)

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:26:41 GMT

Class Is In Session! > Perfect Podcast Launch (Part 1)

I’m pretty excited you’re here (and you should be too!). Because within a matter of days, you are going to have all of the pieces you need to set your podcast on the road to success.

I get it; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to put your podcast strategy together. I have been where you are, and that’s why I want to help.

Did you know that most podcasters only make it to episode 10 before they throw in the towel? If I was a gamblin’ man, I would say those aren’t very good odds!

I want to make sure podcast burnout doesn’t happen to you. This is why I developed a sure-fire way to get you prepared, organized and ready to kick some podcast butt!

In this free 3-part micro-course, you are going to receive the tools you need to take you from podcast overwhelm to an uber-productive podcast warrior!

So let me introduce you to C.R.A.B.

CRAB is the original system I designed (no, not the kind you eat) for podcasters like you - the kind of person that is mega-creative and has a lot of knowledge to share with the world, but might lack an organized process. You know….the messy desk, post-it note kind of people.

What is CR.A.B. ?

C reate

R ecord

A rrange

B roadcast

In today’s article, we are covering the Create and Record portion of my system. Let’s dig in!

Create

Pre production
Plan ahead! Know your audience. Choose topics based on what THEY want to hear about, not what YOU want to talk about.
Choose a unique name (make sure it hasn’t been taken; Google is your friend-do your research)
Ideation: Make these things a structured part of your podcast’s workflow.
Listen to other podcasts for inspiration
Whiteboard ideas for topics
Planning
What will be the ideal length of your podcast?
Set up a content calendar with dates/themes
Guest outreach/writing (who writes the podcast)? This is for narrative or fiction style podcasts
Use your network of friends/colleagues/connections
Attend networking events and connect with people that are a suitable match for your podcast
Research Facebook and LinkedIn groups
Subscribe to email newsletters of those that might be related to the theme of your podcast

Head to the website for a list of things to consider when launching your awesome podcast! www.podcasttown.net/podcast-launch-service

Next up, the R, Record

Choose a location
In your home (be sure there aren't distractions like yappy dogs, loud kids, or annoying neighbors)
Personal Office
Rented studio/on location
Choose your platform
Riverside.fm or Squadcast are great for virtual recording Zoom works as well
RODECcaster Pro is my favorite for studio recording. It’s the most comprehensive and the most flexible in my opinion.
Zoom H4N is your best bet for mobile and home recording
Choose a microphone
ATR-21XX, RODE Pod mic performs well.
Other equipment
Headphones (most types will work just fine)

Regardless of where you are with planning your podcast, these starting points will make your passage to podcasting more manageable.

Here’s to getting you on your way! Coming your way next is Part 2: Arranging: a (simple) Four Part Process for Podcasters.

As I leave you for the day, I wanted to leave you with a thought:

What do you call a CRAB in self-isolation?

A hermit crab!

Until next time, I’m the MAYOR!

Oh …… don’t forget to join the Podcast Town Community. It’s free to join, you’ll learn a lot and it’ll be fun! www.podcasttown.net/community

Perfect Podcast Launch - (Part 2)

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:24:41 GMT

Class Is In Session! > Perfect Podcast Launch (Part 2)

Welcome back!

As a podcaster, you may have a very clear idea of what types of topics resonate most with your audience. (If not, back up a bit to part 1 of this series and review why this is an important first step). Your problem isn’t the “what”, but the “how”.

Since you’re still with me, I am going to assume that you are all-in with getting your podcast game to a whole new level with my C.R.A.B. plan.

To recap C.R.A.B:

C reate

R ecord

A rrange

B roadcast

In today’s lesson we will cover Arranging.

Arranging includes:

Editing: what types of things should you edit?
Add intro/outro, host read ads or sponsor reads
Extended pauses
Ums and Ahhhs
Interruptions and overlapped conversation
Segments that lack focus or value
Clicks pops, hisses
Graphics
Cover art
In jpeg or png form and either 1400 x 1400 or 3000 x 3000 pixels
Use a platform like Canva
Hire a freelance graphic artist
Episodes art
Audiogram art
Show notes
Notes are an account of what was covered in the podcast
You can include any links to article referenced during the show
Guest bio, their social links and website
Think through what style works best for you and be consistent
Additional content
Blog/Vlog post
Article
Quote
Tweetable
Instruction/guide
List
Transcript
Otter.ai
Rev.com
Temi
Microsoft Word (online version)

We are almost to the finish line! Stay tuned for your last lesson in our series: All About Broadcasting > Mini Course Part 3

To close, I was wondering; do you know what would a crab do with a smartphone?

Until next time, I’m the MAYOR!

Oh …… don’t forget to join the Podcast Town Community. It’s free to join, you’ll learn a lot and it’ll be fun! www.podcasttown.net/community

Take lots of shellfies! :)

Perfect Podcast Launch - (Part 3)

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:18:32 GMT

Class Is In Session! > Perfect Podcast Launch (Part 3)

Welcome to the final part of my Mini Series!

By the way, I had an awesome dream about you last night. It was 2 months from now and you were KILLIN’ it with your podcast! You had a plan, you executed it and you nailed it!

You followed the C.R.A.B. plan and the money was rolling in. How cool is that?

Repeat after me: dreams DO come true!

If you’ve been along for the ride over the last few days, here is a recap of what we’ve covered in the C.R.A.B mini course.

Part 1: Create and Record (C and R)

Part 2: Arrange (A)

With those pieces now under your belt, it’s time to get to the last part in our podcast series: Broadcasting. Where does your audience hang out? Where should you be marketing your podcasts? Let’s make it simple. Everywhere.

Social post
Facebook and Instagram allow you to upload audio snippets of your podcast
Youtube
LinkedIn
Email list
For each new episode, give your email list the heads up when it is published.
No email list? It’s time to start! Add an opt-in to your website in order to start growing your subscriber list
Blog post
Use the content from your podcast and repurpose for use on your blog
Publish to host
Captivate.fm
Libsyn
Blubrry
Publish to community
Post your episode on your personal Facebook page, in private Facebook groups, market them during networking events
Update website
It’s a great idea to have a page on your site dedicated to your podcast episodes
If you are not a business owner and/or if your show is not related to your business, you should consider building a website for your podcast brand to live
Prep an ad
Define your goal, which platforms you want to promote on, create any visual content
Run your ad
If you aren’t experienced in social media ads, it might be beneficial to hire/contract an Ads Specialist.

So, there you have it. Your guide to getting you set up for continued and long-term podcasting success.

Tell me, did you find this information helpful? Are there other questions or concerns I can help you with? Visit my website https://www.podcasttown.net/ to explore my services or reach out to me personally @ mayor@podcasttown.net . You can also join the Podcast Town Community at www.podcasttown.net/community .

If you want a more in-dept, high touch experience, consider joining the Full program - the Perfect Podcast Launch ProgramTM You can learn more at www.podcasttown.net/podcast-launch-service

Until next time, I’m the MAYOR!

Oh …… don’t forget to join the Podcast Town Community. It’s free to join, you’ll learn a lot and it’ll be fun! www.podcasttown.net/community

Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Equipment Part I

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:15:01 GMT

Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Equipment Part I

Podcasts are becoming more and more popular over the years. According to Statista’s July 2021 survey on podcast consumption, 41% of adults in US has listened to podcasts . Between 2009 to 2019, podcast listeners have jumped between 22-51%.

With that many listeners, it is an exciting time to launch your own podcast. Whether you will have it to boost your business, personal brand, or for your passion, it’s important to get essential equipment to start you off this path.

Below are some considerations for podcast equipment:

Microphones
Headphones
Mic Stands and Shock Mounts
Studio Sound Treatment

Microphones

Getting a quality microphone is important so your listeners can hear you crisp and clear. When you have a clean recording, post production editing will be easier. There are 2 types of mics to choose from.

USB Mics – They are plug and play mics great for podcasters who are getting started for their ease of use, affordability and good sound quality.

XLR Mics- XLR mics need to be connected to a recording device or mixer via an XLR cable. They're mostly used in professional settings since they create premium recording quality and reduce internal noise.

Headphones

Headphones are important since you can listen to your recordings even when doing a solo show. You can hear what is being said and adjust sound as needed. When editing podcasts, choose headphones that have good sound response so you can edit out the background noise. You also want to make sure they are comfortable to wear because you’ll be wearing them for long periods of time. .

Mic Stand and Shock Mounts

Mic stands and shock mounts can help create better quality recordings. Mic stands keep the mic closer to your mouth so you can speak clearly and loudly to the listener. Vertical alignments of the mouth can affect the sound of your voice while recording.

Shock mounts help keep the mic steady and prevent vibration from traveling to the mic and into your recording. Some of the newer microphones come with a built-in shock mount.

Studio Sound Treatment

Getting the best gear is not enough to get great recording. Investing in background noise reduction is also important. For beginners, there are DIY tutorials on creating your own acoustic panels. You can also consider recording in a closet or under a heavy comforter for that homestyle sound treatment.

We have just tackled the equipment you will need for now. As you have read, the most important goal is to create the perfect recording for quality output. Editing can fix the minor noises and errors but a high-quality raw recording can make a big difference. Tune in to Part 2, we will discuss what you will need during and after recording your podcast.

2021 Podcast Trends to Consider Before the Year Ends

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:05:26 GMT

2021 Podcast Trends to Consider Before the Year Ends

Podcast listening is on fire! In 2021, 55 percent of the population listened to a podcast versus 51 percent from 2019. There are 1.5 million active podcast shows right now and almost 75 percent of the US population is listening to at least one of them.

Podcasting is growing and changing for the better. Whether you have a podcast right now or are planning to start one, this article will list down the trends that will shape the rest of the year for podcasting.

1. Podcast monetization and advertising

Podcast influence is on the rise. According to a Nielsen Report, 62% of listeners consider new products or services after hearing them on podcast advertising and 40% visited websites to purchase. This kind of advertising loyalty paired with the trust and authority the host has with the listener can mean high conversion rates for ads.

Producing and placing ads are more accessible now. You can simply produce an ad via Spotify Advertising that starts at $250 per set or have one made with podcast production agencies like Podcast Town . Once you have an ad, there are podcast placement media groups that can help you land a spot and take the work off your hands.

2. Platform competition will grow strong
Spotify is the current industry leader among the audio platform category. They have been making big acquisitions since 2019 with production houses such as Gimlet and Parcast. They also bought out Anchor, a free podcasting platform. In 2020, they acquired the ad and publishing platform Megaphone. These acquisitions lead to Spotify becoming a one-stop shop for audio content for listeners and for creators.

Amazon has tossed their hat in the game by acquiring Wondery, a podcast firm that has podcast shows that have now been adapted to the big screen.

Apple, the pioneer podcast platform since 2005, is still a popular choice but has been losing ground to Spotify. They are reported to produce original and exclusive content and roll out their subscription model.

3. Subscription
Apple and Spotify have rolled out subscription models to enable subscriptions for their podcasters. This is a challenge for podcasters to create a package to invite listeners to subscribe but can be another viable source of potential revenue if done correctly.

4. Listener experience will be a priority
The quality and content of the podcast will matter more than ever. With stiff competition, a professionally-edited podcast can help attract and retain more listeners. Professionally edited means removal of the background noises and filler statements for a concise podcast.

Be creative with content while making sure it is aligned with the show’s brand and intent. Mix up episodes with new formats and production styles and see if they work.

5. Video platforms will be essential

Adding video to the mix can be additional material for your marketing and key to other platforms. You can upload on Youtube and repurpose content in Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram. Interconnecting a brand’s social media accounts will create a solid user experience in every platform. This can also widen your reach since videos are searchable on Google.

CONCLUSION

Podcasts are predicted to grow as people have seen its benefit especially during the lockdown. Now that the trial barrier has been lifted, opportunities have been made available.

For those who don’t have a podcast yet, don’t be afraid to start today! Maximize the trend and create a strategy for success.

For those who do have a podcast already, scaling up will be easier! Create a new level of listening experience to ensure brand growth and loyalty.

Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Equipment Part II

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:03:46 GMT

Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Equipment Part II

In the first part of the Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Equipment , we laid out the importance of getting the right equipment to prepare when you’re about to record your podcast. Today we will talk about the equipment necessary during recording and editing.

Getting a high-quality output is the goal whether you’re recording the audio only or if you are also recording a video podcast. A cleanly edited podcast makes it easier to communicate with your target market and looks professional. To achieve this, here are our recommended beginner’s podcast equipment:

Audio Interface
Camera
Lighting
Podcast Editing and Recording Software

Audio Interface

Audio interface is useful especially if you will have multiple guests during your podcast. This is advisable to add variety to your episodes and give more value to your listeners. The interface plugs into your computer and acts like a bridge to the analog equipment especially when you’re using XLR mics for your guests. Remember to have enough channels for the guests, sound effects, music. etc.

Camera

Maximize your podcast by taking a video recording and repurpose it for your marketing efforts. According to Vimeo, viewers are more engaged than listeners since their attention is on you. For podcast beginners, any web camera will do but experts recommend cameras with a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) and frame rate of 24fps or 30fps. A higher resolution means bigger file size which can make loading your video online longer.

Lighting
Good lighting adds professionalism to your video podcast and can be beneficial if you will be demonstrating something. If you’re just starting, natural light can work as long as it doesn’t cause any unwanted shadows during the recording. You can also opt for clamp lights but make sure to have the bulb colors so it will look consistent even when viewed from different angles.

Podcast Editing and Recording Software

After recording everything, you need to edit and stitch videos so you can maximize your airtime. An average episode duration is around 20-40 minutes so you can edit yours at the same time. There are different podcast editing and recording software out there with free and paid versions. Before purchasing, consider your skill level and the output you want. Remember that there is a learning curve which can take up your time. If you want to focus on content building and your business, opt for a podcast production agency like Podcast Town . It frees up your time and lets professionals do the job for you.

Ready to start recording? Remember that aside from the equipment, your listener is the star of your podcast. Carefully plan the message and the learnings so your listeners will listen to future episodes. Ensuring good quality means the message is clearly communicated and can be shared to other potential fans as well.

What's New With Popular Podcast Platforms

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:01:59 GMT

WHAT’S NEW WITH POPULAR PODCAST PLATFORMS

2021 is about to close and podcasting is set to hit another record high with the number of listeners and episodes released. There are now 48 million podcast episodes and 2 million active shows to choose from. Podcasting’s rising popularity has opened doors to personalities and even businesses to reach a new audience.

With the increased market acceptance, popular podcast platforms have released updates that aim to make it easier for content creators to monetize and promote. This article is a round-up of what platforms are offering to attract more podcast creators like you!

SPOTIFY

The battle for podcast platform supremacy is neck to neck between Spotify and Apple. According to TechCrunch , Spotify would reach 28.2 million monthly U.S. podcast listeners by end of 2021 beating Apple Podcast’s 28.0 million by a slim margin.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek credits the success to their investment in platform improvements, increased content and product innovations. He was quoted saying “We fought hard to gain new listeners. And our success is not attributable to just one thing, but literally hundreds, if not thousands, of improvements that we’re working on in parallel for the benefit of creators, users and advertisers alike.”

With the increased content, Spotify Advertising added options to make advertising easier by offering voice ads out of text scripts for free. Spotify also launched two podcasts that will focus on its platform for the creators such as “Spotify: Mic Check” and “Spotify: For the Record”.

APPLE Podcasts

Apple began hosting podcasts in 2005 and has been a market captain since then. However, the aggressive entrance of Spotify has led them to lose some listeners and threatened to be displaced as the top podcast platform in the US by the end of 2021. The revamp of Apple’s Podcast was met with disappointment starting with the confusing interface and a series of bugs and errors. Apple issued a fix for one critical bug related to automatic downloads but the damage to its reputation may take longer to recover.

To rebound from this, Apple will work on their Podcast Subscriptions launched in June this year. It allows users to subscribe to premium podcasts with benefits such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series. This also opened doors to new ways for podcast creators to monetize their podcasts.

AMAZON MUSIC

In 2020, Amazon invited podcasts creators to upload their content in Amazon Music and Audible and eventually rolled out podcasts in Amazon Music. With this movement, Amazon seems to be posing as a platform to watch out for.

Amazon acquired podcast firm Wondery before 2020 ended which can boost their plans to go into original content. Recently they released synchronized podcast transcripts for select shows making them a first in the US market. This feature is similar to the lyrics feature introduced by Amazon Music in 2013. Customers can navigate an episode by scrolling through the transcript to find a specific spot and tap on it. This can widen followers by allowing people with hearing impairments to enjoy podcasts in another way.

These are just some of the popular platforms but there have been improvements with other platforms as well such as Overcast, Luminary, and Twitch. The market for podcasts is growing and is slated to go even higher in the years to come. Whether you’re just starting a podcast or have one already, you have to stay on top of platform updates since these are the go-to places for your audience.

How to Create a Weekly Podcast Content Calendar

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:00:05 GMT

How to Create a Weekly Podcast Content Calendar

Consistency is important in having a podcast. This will help in building relationships, trust, and loyalty with your audience. Creating a weekly podcast can be time-consuming and can turn stressful if you’re not prepared. It’s important to have a weekly podcast content calendar to make sure you are prepared for your next episode.

WHY HAVE A CONTENT CALENDAR?

Having a content calendar is essential for every podcaster. It is extra work so why do it anyway? Here are just some of the reasons:

Create cohesive weekly topics that achieve podcast objective
Time for research to add value for the listeners
Develop high-quality and well-edited podcast

HOW TO CREATE A WEEKLY PODCAST CONTENT CALENDAR?

Now that you see the value of creating a content calendar, you need to get cracking! How do you start creating one? Here are quick and easy ways to do it.

Make a list of subjects that relate to your podcast’s theme

Jot down the topics that you think your target listeners would want to hear about. It’s best to cluster those ideas and see which can be discussed in a single episode. It can be a one-off topic or see if it can be expanded into a podcast series. Even if it is a cliché topic, make sure that you have something new to add to the conversation.

Create a schedule

After creating a topic list, create a schedule on what week those will come out. This helps you avoid having almost the same topic in two consecutive episodes. This also gives you time to see how much time you have for your research, prepare a script, and estimate the technical time frame.

Do your research and network

Don’t come to the party empty-handed. Research your topic so you can include it in your script for fresh insights. Check your network to see if there are potential guests to make it more interesting. You can also check out podcasting groups where you can network and meet potential guests.

Prepare a script

A script is important so you can tackle all the important points without going overtime. It doesn’t have to be a verbatim script as long as it includes the main talking points. During this stage, you can decide to put ice breakers in the middle of the show to jumpstart the energy.

Plan recording, editing and marketing time frame

After your research and script preparation, estimate the podcast production timelines. If you are DIY-ing your podcast, make sure to have enough time to record and edit before the show date. If you are busy, opt for podcast production agencies (like Podcast Town ) so experts can take care of it. Agree on a timeline that will fit your podcast launches.

Taking the time to plan out at least two month’s content can greatly take the pressure off content creation. It also ensures that the quality of topics and podcast itself won’t be compromised if ever your schedule fills up. This also gives you the time to make your podcast consistent and worth listening to.

How to Improve Public Speaking Skills

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:58:47 GMT

HOW TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

Public speaking has been a common phobia in line with death and spiders. It affects 73 percent of the population and is considered a social anxiety disorder. It stems from the fear of rejection and judgement by others.

In podcasting, there are times when you have to host the show yourself or carry the conversation. There might be times that you feel awkward or insecure when you do this which result in fumbling and mumbling. Remember that aside from your message, the quality of your voice also matters to the listeners. It shows confidence and authority that you are worthy to be listened to.

If you’re wondering “How can I improve my public speaking skills?” Here's how.

Organize your Material

Do your research and organize the data before each episode. This lets you familiarize yourself with the topic and references. This process builds your confidence and lets you give information more fluidly. Create a framework with the topic, purpose and central idea so your talk is consistent and easily understood. This also lets you cut out the fluff and give yourself focus when recording.

Know Your Audience

Knowing your audience’s interest, language and humor can give you an idea of how to address the crowd. You can prepare the proper icebreaker or the right opening sentence to grab their attention. Having a psychographic of your audience can give you a chance to visualize who your listener is so you will be more confident when recording your podcast.

Avoid Reading Verbatim

Rather than reading a script verbatim, try to write down bullet points and notes to each section of your podcast. That way it wouldn’t sound robotic and would come off as natural and light. With this flow, your personality can come through while you’re speaking. Don’t forget about voice modulation to keep the episode from being too monotonous.

Practice and Criticize

Getting better means just doing it. Practice your episode with your notes and record it. That way you can be familiarized with the flow and prevent errors during the recording.

When listening to the recording, give yourself an honest assessment. Have a friend or colleague listen to it as well for points on improvement. Improving step by step can help you improve your craft.

Upskill and Check Other Great Speakers

Public speaking is a continuous learning journey. There are training seminars that have public speaking courses that focus on vocal training and voice modulation. If you haven’t attended one, you can check out free courses, listen to veteran podcasters, and watch great speakers like Simon Sinek. Barack Obama, and others.

Public speaking in podcasting can be a fun practice to do. You just need to make an effort to improve not just for personal growth but also for the audience. Never let the message get lost with the medium (which is your voice and recording). Now it’s time to practice and start getting better.

Why Every Business Coach Needs a Pro Podcast?

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:47:31 GMT

WHY EVERY BUSINESS COACH NEEDS A PRO PODCAST?

Personal coaching is a growing industry that’s expected to have a market value of $1.34 billion by 2022. Coaching was originally thought of as a luxury but today, it has proven to be a significant contributor to the success of an organization of all sizes.

With this growth and a warmer reception, there has been a growth in the number of business coaches as well. According to IBISWorld, there are 59,330 business coaching businesses in 2021 which is a 4 percent increase from 2020.

With this increase in popularity, competition can be a concern and with competition on the rise, business coaches need to stand out. One way to accomplish this is embracing new marketing techniques like podcasting. Podcast listening has steadily increased since its introduction but has seen a massive peak during the lockdown. With more shows and new personalities coming out, it looks like podcasting is here to stay. As more and more podcast shows are launched, listening experience is now valued more than ever.. That’s why there is a need to create a professional podcast that reflects the excellence of the brand.

So what are the advantages of a professional podcast for a business coach?

Brand Awareness

Business coaches need to show a certain level of competence to gain trust. A polished podcast demonstrates that a coach is willing to invest in their brand to create a platform that adds value to their listeners. It also shows what it’s like to engage with the brand. The Podcast is a content anchor that can serve as a source of other types of marketing assets like audiograms, blog posts and articles to name a few.

Attract new listeners and convert them to leads

We’re all in the business of attention and making it easy for listeners to hear the message clearly and in your voice is an effective way to deepen relationships with your listeners. By being relatable and insightful, you can turn loyal listeners into potential leads for your business.

Build authority
The most important aspect is building trust. Business coaches need to foster trust in order to attract, close and retain qualified clients. In podcasting, it's building trust and establishing yourself as the expert that yields great results.Each episode is a chance to show expertise in your niche.

Business coaches have to show trustworthiness and experience. Those things can never be quantified but can be built piece by piece. A professional and high-quality podcast is one of the pillars that can help business coaches grow their business.

4 Easy Ways to Market Your Podcast

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:45:14 GMT

4 EASY WAYS TO MARKET YOUR PODCAST

Once your podcast is recorded and polished, the next step is marketing your show. Marketing doesn’t mean social media alone but consists of various channels and platforms. The goal is to consistently show up where your potential listeners hang out so your podcast is visible to them and becomes a part of their media diet.

The rise of social media and podcast acceptability has made it easier for creators to market their podcasts with little to zero investment outside of time. Here are four ways to market your podcast even if you’re just starting with podcasting.

Promote on social media

Setting up a social media account for your business is a big help to marketing your podcast. In a recent survey done, about 233 million Americans will use social media in 2021. According to Statista, the average daily social media usage of internet users worldwide in 2020 amounted to 145 minutes per day, up from 142 minutes in 2019. This goes to show how influential social media platforms are right now and will continue to be into the foreseeable future.

When promoting on social media, you need to post on the right platform with the right message. If your show is business-related, focusing on Linkedin may be the way to go. If your show is lifestyle-related, maybe the best platform would be Facebook or Instagram. As for material, create catchy and uncluttered artwork to communicate your message effectively. Podcast agencies (like PodcastTown ) can create audiograms that you can utilize to market your show on social media. Audiograms are posts where listeners get a snippet of your podcast and serve as a teaser for the episode.

Crossover to video

Creating a simple video that you can record alongside your podcast is another great way to market your product. There’s a survey done saying 60% of marketers said video tends to drive more engagement.

You can create clips to use on Facebook, Instagram and even Tiktok. This adds more channels to reach your audience and drive interest.

Pod catchers or podcast aggregators are apps that play podcasts from different sources. This is not as targeted as social media but can definitely send you to the same group that you want to target. This is most recommended if the target audience are heavy podcast listeners.

SEO your podcast

SEO or search engine optimization can be your friend in promoting your podcast. This means making your podcast searchable on Google making it easier for people to find you easier. To maximize this, upload your podcast on your website and transcribe each episode. The text version can make your website searchable as well as attract potential clients and listeners. There are a number of online transcribers to minimize the hassle for you.

Marketing your podcast doesn’t mean you have to shell out money to get ears listening to you. Initially, you can do organic marketing and experiment with different ways to grow your listeners. Just keep in mind to continually improve until you get the right mix of content and promotions to boost your podcast.

Make Your Podcasts SEO-Friendly

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:43:54 GMT

Make Your Podcasts SEO-Friendly

Did you know that you can make your podcasts SEO-friendly? In Google’s 2019 developer conference, the search giant announced that it will be indexing podcasts as well. This means that podcasts will be displayed in search engine results pages (SERPs) when a user types in a keyword related to your podcasts. This is another reason why you should start a podcast and include it in your promotion strategy. Optimizing your podcast requires a bit of research and planning but are all worth it.

What is SEO and what do I need to do?

SEO or search engine optimization is the process of driving traffic to your website by being visible on SERPs. When you think of a search engine, you might think of Google first. This is no surprise since 70% of users in the world do their searches here.

For successful podcast SEO, you need to have the right set of keywords. Keywords are words or phrases that make you visible to current and potential customers. This set of words can bring your website closer to the audience when doing an organic search. These keywords can be done by trial and error or you can use keyword search tools online.

How to Optimize Podcast for SEO?

Once you have decided on a set of keywords, it’s time to prep your podcast. Here are some simple ways to make your podcast searchable and primed for SEO.

Make the title keyword-rich

Make sure that your keywords are included in the podcast title. The title should address the concern that users are looking to address and add value to their research. Before they press that PLAY button, they need to know what the podcast is all about.

Remember: Great content can help you secure followers and repeat listeners.

Make your podcast available on your website

Having the podcast on your website can have positive effects. It can help drive leads to your website, allow people to get to know more about you, and associate you with the main brand. Apart from that, displaying your podcast on your website can help improve your podcast’s SEO by providing additional context to it.

By inviting potential customers to your site, it can be a launchpad to offer lead magnets for newsletters and events. Your podcast can start your sales and marketing funnel in a non-salesy way.

Transcribe your Podcast

Transcribing your podcast will benefit audiences who might have hearing deficiencies but it can also benefit your SEO. A podcast transcription can assist search engines to understand your podcast further. It can also be a keyword-rich document that can drive searches to your website.

Conclusion

Recording a podcast gives your business a boost in different levels. Making your podcasts SEO-friendly can match you to potential clients and followers. It is most vital to have the right content and the right keywords that will be useful for your customers.

Podcasting for Business: The New Way to Build Relationships

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:57:57 GMT

Fast Growing Medium

Podcasting is quickly becoming the go-to medium for businesses looking to build relationships. It's a great way to connect with customers, employees, and other businesses. In this blog post, we'll discuss why podcasting is so popular, and how you can get started with your own branded podcast.

Tell Your Brand's Story

Podcasting is a great way to share your brand's story, connect with customers on a deeper level, and create long-term relationships with key stakeholders.

Podcasting is also a great branding tool for businesses, as it provides an opportunity to share your brand's story and connect with customers on a deeper level. Podcasts are also more personal than other forms of marketing. Podcasts provide listeners with the opportunity to learn about a topic from someone who has actually been through the same experience or struggles that your audience is going through. Podcasts provide a unique perspective on the world, and they can be used as a way to educate listeners on topics that may not be discussed in traditional media outlets.

Return On Investment

Podcasting is a fantastic method to get your message out there. You may create a podcast that will help you reach potential consumers or use it as an educational tool for staff and business partners. Podcasts are easy to produce, so it's not expensive either! Podcasts provide listeners with the opportunity to hear directly from people like you, and they can be a great way to connect with customers on a personal level.

So, what are you waiting for? Podcasting is the new way to build relationships in the business world! Get started today!

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How to Choose Your Next Podcast Guest

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:54:38 GMT

Having guests on your podcast episode is a great way to add a fresh perspective. It can open up new conversations and give more depth on topics you may not be an expert on. How do you choose a podcast guest? Read on to learn what you need to look for in a podcast guest.

Decide what type of guest you want

Do you want a celebrity, medical expert, educator, or trainer? Finalize a topic and decide which guest will be most suitable for the episode. This can filter down some names and give you focus on what to look for. Celebrities or influencers usually have managers who you have to talk with initially. Medical experts would usually ask the topic to check if it’s in their scope. The type of guest can set the tone of your podcast so you need to brainstorm the right one.

Request for credentials and cross-check

Once you shortlisted a list of podcasts guests, check for potential guests’ credentials. You can check how relevant they are to the topic. This can also serve as your reference when verifying achievements and other details. Performing due diligence will protect your podcast from guesting frauds or liars that may hurt the credibility of our podcast.

Check their online presence

See if they have an online presence. Review livestreams, podcasts, videos, or posts so you can have a feel of what they are as guests. Having a large following wouldn’t hurt but it shouldn’t be the basis of your final decision. Check also if they had any negative posts or comments that are in contrast with you or your show’s values to prevent awkwardness.

Review if they have podcasting or public speaking experience

Knowing if they have a background can help in building your script. With professionals, you can just have notes and bullet points to keep everything in check. Inexperienced ones may need more questions to prevent dead air.

Is this someone that can connect to your audience

Lastly, and most importantly, can this guest connect with your audience? Their tone and speaking style must match yours and the listeners for a great listening experience. Remember to keep it on brand so you will have a cohesive sound to your episodes.

Having guests can be fun and exciting not only for you but your listeners as well. Make sure to pick out a great topic with a great guest so you will enjoy it too. An additional perspective can add trust to your podcast, more people liking you and forging authority in the subject.

How to Interview a Guest For Your Podcast

vimal@outreachmedia.ca (Vimal Siva) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:47:31 GMT

Having a guest in your podcast is a surefire way to keep your show interesting. We already discussed why having a guest can be positive for your show and how to choose your guest in HERE ( HOW TO CHOOSE A GUEST ). Having guests can also relieve you of the pressure to be the sole creator of the content.

If you’re a first-time podcaster, remember that having guests is more than just having a conversation on-air. It has to have substance that aligns with your brand and is relatable to your listeners. Here are some tips on how to have a great interview with your guest for your next episode.

Prepare questions in advance

Doing this gives you time to review the subject and brainstorm great questions. Avoid cliche and yes-or-no questions that the guest can’t add more insight to. Add in some “why” and “how” questions to expand the discussion.

It is best to send the questions ahead of the taping date so they can prepare notes and also choose what info to highlight especially if there is a time limitation.

Practice active listening

Don’t just wait for the question to be over and throw in your next one. Listen to their answers and try to get your next question from there. Never interrupt your guest and listen to what they have to say. This can make the conversation smooth and natural rather than heavily rehearsed.

Have a show walkthrough before recording

Whether it’s a live guest or a remote recording, give your guest a heads-up on how the show flows and what you expect of them. How long the intro will be, will there be games or phone-in questions, etc. Never surprise your guests with segments that might throw them off. Giving them a walkthrough lets them adapt and make the episode better.

Minimize distraction

Keep doors shut and don’t look at your phone when doing the interview. If you are taking notes it is perfectly fine to let the guest know that you are taking notes. This sets their expectations as the conversation takes place. Listen intently. They took the time to be in your show so you should respect their time as well.

Keep the conversation moving forward

Do your research on the subject to help the conversation flow smoothly. Use what you learned about your guest as well to keep the topic going. If needed, you can redirect your guest to certain topics so you can cover more ground during the episode.

Interviewing can be a lot of fun especially with guests that you’re already friends with. Most of all your listeners will benefit the most since having a natural and insightful interview can make them focus on the topic being discussed. Don’t be afraid to expand your network and have guests in your podcast!