258 Free Speech and 2024 Podcast Predictions Begin
Dec 19, 2023
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Discussion on 2024 predictions, free speech in podcasting, social media strategies, uploading videos to RSS feed, sourcing images for podcast articles, sustainable business ventures, 301 redirects, geographic breakdown of podcast downloads for November, and the impact of iOS 17 on Apple Podcasts.
Free speech is limited when promoting violence or genocide, politicians are likely to invest in podcast advertising during the upcoming election year, and Instagram is predicted to be a powerful platform for podcast marketing in 2024.
Companies relying solely on 'stupid money' face financial challenges, podcasters should not base their entire budget on unsustainable income, and ongoing marketing efforts are crucial for audience growth.
When transitioning to a new podcast host, keep the previous hosting account open for 30 days, choose a host supporting the iTunes new feed tag for a seamless transfer, and understand the risks and recommended practices for a successful transition.
Deep dives
The importance of free speech
Free speech is a right, but that right is surrendered when promoting violence or genocide against any group. Harvard and other institutions' presidents' recent testimonies on free speech demonstrate a misunderstanding of its limitations. The line is crossed when violence is promoted, and freedom of speech no longer applies. While podcasting has protected free speech, politicians are recognizing its potential to reach a larger audience and are likely to invest in podcast advertising, especially during the upcoming election year. In terms of podcast marketing trends for 2024, Instagram is expected to be a powerful platform for promotion. Short-form videos, like reels and story features, are predicted to play a significant role in increasing visibility and awareness of podcasts. It's important for podcasters to adapt their social media strategies due to the decentralized nature of platforms and the changing algorithms. Video content can be beneficial, but it's not necessary to build a successful podcast. Politics is also expected to bring more interest from politicians in utilizing podcasting as a platform for communication and promotion, leading to an increase in programmatic advertising. It is recommended to take advantage of political ad opportunities while being cautious not to rely solely on the revenue generated from this type of advertising. Finally, when considering podcast hosting changes, it is recommended to keep a 301 redirect in place for at least 30 days to ensure a smooth transition and monitor traffic patterns during this period.
The risk of relying on 'stupid money'
The influx of significant funding, or 'stupid money,' from larger corporations has led some podcasting companies to build unsustainable business models. Companies that relied solely on the income generated from these investments are now facing layoffs and financial challenges as the 'stupid money' has diminished. While taking such funding can provide a temporary boost, it is essential not to base the entire budget and business model on this unsustainable income. Podcasters should be cautious about the expectations that come with 'stupid money' and understand that ongoing marketing efforts are necessary to sustain and grow their audience. It's crucial to evaluate the long-term implications and plan for the eventual reduction or loss of this funding.
Recommendations for podcast hosting transitions
When moving to a new podcast host, it is generally recommended to keep the previous hosting account open for at least 30 days. This period allows for a smooth transition and gives podcasters the opportunity to review stats and potential traffic sources that may be missed after the transition. Additionally, it is important to choose a new host that supports the iTunes new feed tag, as it enables a more seamless transfer of subscribers and downloads. By understanding the recommended practices and potential risks involved in hosting changes, podcasters can ensure a successful transition and minimize any negative impact on their audience.
Automating Email Notifications for Published Podcasts
A podcast host is seeking a way to automate email notifications to be sent with each published podcast episode, including show notes and a link to the episode. One suggested solution is to use BlogTrotter, which sends an email when a new post appears in an RSS feed. This email can then be used by a mailing list service, such as MailChimp, to send a bulk email containing show notes and episode information. Another option is to utilize MailChimp's RSS-to-email functionality, where the podcast's RSS feed is connected to MailChimp, and it automatically sends an email whenever a new blog post (or episode) is published.
Sourcing Images for Podcast-inspired Blog Articles
A podcaster is inquiring about sourcing images for their podcast-inspired blog articles, particularly when the episodes cover news-related topics. It is recommended to ensure that any images used are royalty-free and properly cleared of any copyright restrictions. Services like Pixabay can provide a wide range of free, cleared artwork that can be used in blog posts, episode artwork, and show notes. It's important to be cautious about using random images found on the internet, as companies like Getty aggressively pursue copyright infringement cases.
All the predictions discussion for 2024, including how the election year and podcast advertising intersect and expectations about social media podcast marketing and growth. A free speech soapbox from Rob; from RSS to newsletters; the video to podcast RSS feed workflow; discussing the casualties of the podcasting bloodbath, yikes! Details about a 301 redirect plus geographic and user agent and a bit of a deep dive into the Apple Podcasts iOS 17 update and how that affected download numbers!
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