School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

I was speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters in Nashville Tennessee and kept hearing a few phrases that make me worried. Phrases like, “I had some friend, or some temp, or some web guy, or even a professional service” set up my podcast. Then in talking with them, I learned that (in many cases) everyone is setup wrong. We’ve all been in a situation where we don’t know what we don’t know. We don’t know what should be important. Today, in episode 819, I’m going to tell you. Things You Need to Know Apple, Google, and Spotify have additional stats. If you let someone setup your show "for you" you lose access to those stats. When someone orders your media hosting "For you" THEY OWN YOUR SHOW. Media hosts (eventually ) delete your files if you cancel your account. Make sure you have a copy of your media files. You should own your show and then add your editors to YOUR account.  The bottom line is you don’t want anyone between you and your podcast and you and your audience. Question of the Month Share your thoughts and get some exposure for your show and answer the question of the month. Where I Will Be Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:   Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).   Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)   It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).    I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).    Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee    Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode Libsyn (use coupon code sopfree ) Blubrry Captive Buzzsprout Lastpass The Politics Free Podcast  Claim Podparity Congressional Dish

I'm back from speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters event with some lessons learned. I also have some tips on collaborating with other podcasters and a resource that is focused on helping you find collaborators while you earn money selling advertising spots. That resource is audry.io and today I'm talking with one of the co-founders Niklas Hildebrand. Book Launch Secrets Webinar April 5th April 5th I'll be co-hosting a Book Launch Secrets Webinar. If you've ever thought of writing a book, sign up for this webinar (so you can get the replay). See https://schoolofpodcasting.com/booklaunch or check out the Book Launch Blueprint Course Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Audry.io More Than a Guest Finding Resource Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, collaboration is the key to reaching your goals. That’s why at Audry.io, we bring hosts together to help them grow their audiences and find new ways to communicate. Question of the Month I need your answer by 3/25/22 We love podcasting, but there are peaks and valleys. What keeps you going when your podcast isn't growing? Be sure to mention your website and a little bit about your show. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Where I Will Be: Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Utah Podcast Coalition April 21st Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando Mentioned In This Episode Profit From Your Podcast Book Connie Albers Ask the Podcast Coach What was that like? podcast Paul Colligan Podcast Partnership Spybrary Podcast Music Radio Creative (Jingles and Voice Over) Based on a True Story Podcast Home Gadget Geeks with Jim Collison Squoosh App (compress and resize images) Linq QR Code, Smart Business Card Libsyn (Liberated Syndication Podcast Hosting) Use the coupon code sopfree Podcasting Resources.com Dave's Podcast Editing Team

When Neil Hedley emailed me letting me know he would be going through my town and could he buy me dinner I jumped at the chance to hang out with a listener. I had no idea at the time that Neil: Had exclusively done morning shows ever since, including six #1-rated shows in different markets in the US and Canada. Sprinkled among those years is time as a stand-up comic, singer, restaurateur, bestselling author, college professor, world record holder (that's a fun story), and a pile of other goodies including running Knopp Studios and hosting the Voice Inside My Hed (get it Hedley? Voice in my Hed...) The more we talked, the more I thought I should have him on the show.  The Tips: 1 Tighten Up 2. Rules can Help 3. Ums are normal 4. Every word matters 5. Learn how to Tease 6. Set a Benchmark for your podcast 7. Talk to one person Check out Neil at https://knoppstudios.com/ where he has combined all of these past lives into a venture to you be a better content creator. Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:   Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).   Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)   It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).    I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).    Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee    Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned in This Episode Descript Software The Author Inside You (Promo) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People What Was That Like Podcast? (Great Tease) Northeast Ohio Podcasters Meetup Buy Dave a Coffee Profit From Your Podcast Book Where I Will Be Spark Podcast Conference March 7-8 (Nashville) NRB Nashville 8-11 (speaking) Podcast Movement Evolutions March 23-26 Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando (speaking) This is episode 817 of the School of Podcasting you can get the back episode by subscribing/following in  Apple - Spotify - Google - Amazon This podcast is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Every month I ask a question of the audience, and you chime in. This month I ask THE question that everyone wants to know. In January we talked about Grow your downloads 15 minutes a day (episode 812). In June of last year I gave you 30 Strategies to Grow Your Audience. (Episode 727) In this episode I get to hear YOUR ideas, and share some "outside the box" ideas I found on Facebook.  Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned in This Episode Linq "Smart Business Card" and "linktree" type service with stats. (here is an example - www.powerofpodcasting.com) Ingles Podcast - Promo Participants Brandon from Start 100K Scott from What Was That Like? Kim from The Pharmacist's Voice Mark from the History of North America Heater from Watching Netflix Without You Spencer from The Recovery Show Shane from the Tourpreneur Show Jedrzej from the Content Machine Fred from the Podcast Reporter Joe from the 222 Paranormal Podcast Dad from the Dad Joke King Podcast Question of the Month I need your answer by 3/25/22 We love podcasting, but there are peaks and valleys. What keeps you going when your podcast isn't growing? Be sure to mention your website and a little bit about your show. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Subscribe/Follow the Show https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/subscribe Won't More Tips? Check out my newsletter with additional podcast insights www.schoolofpodcasting.com/newsletter

I'm excited because I found a book called Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible and even though I'm only 29% of the way through the book I am "Santa Clause is coming tonight" excited about reading the rest of it. The Red Thread represents the path back to where you first started. By remembering what it was like when you first started in your niche, you can better understand your audience who is right where you started. The red thread is your path to success. When you can explain your podcast in a way that resonates with your audience.  Sometimes you need to address the "wrong" questions your audience is asking so you can get their attention and provide focused content that points them in the right direction and positions you as a trusted source of content.    I'm also going to talk about focus. This is inspired by the book Secrets of Dynamic Communications: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power by Ken Davis. I feel this goes along well with the other book. Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Mentioned In This Episode Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible Secrets of Dynamic Communications: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power by Ken Davis. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio Transom.org School of Podcasting

A trailer has many pros from a creative standpoint. IT forces you to identify WHO you are talking to and what can you say to get them to listen to your podcast.  For me, a trailer is 30,60, 90 seconds. When you mark your episode as a trailer it is stuck at the top of your show in Amazon, Spotify, and Apple. Some podcasts do trailer episodes that are 2-5 minutes long. As always in podcasting, there are no set rules. In This Episode The different types of trailers When do you know if your trailer is good? What do you say in a trailer? Where do you post this? How do you use it? Mentioned in This Show My Spouse Has Dementia Love Thy Lawyer Your Podcast Consultant Branden Ushio at the Geek Nerd Network Ask the Podcast Coach Episode 380 Big Seance Podcast (Trailer by Music Radio Creative) The Trojan Horse Affair Question of the Month (Deadline /25/22) Podcast Promo Show  Cooler Websites (Domain and Web Hosting) 14:04: Join the School of Podcasting  The Voice in My Head (Neil Hed)

You are going through the file of the interview you did a week ago and you notice: 1. The audio of the audience sounds horrible. 2. The guest is boring.  Today I showcase some tools that can help you save the audio, but only you can save the boring.  Join The School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to: Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Question of the Month What Are You Doing to Grow Your Audience (and is it working)? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question to answer Podcasts Can't Be Cancelled Check out the article I published on Medium. Mentioned in this Episode: Ultimate Guide to Interviews Episode My Spouse Has Dementia Podland News The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Interviews Descript software with new Studio Sounds Krisp (silence your noisy environment) Podinbox - It's like Speakpipe on Steroids. Hello Next and Frill Roadmap Tools (could be used by your audience to vote on episode topics) Podpage - New Social Sharting and Guest Tools Libsyn 5 - Has new Snippets tools to make show notes easier. Captivate has introduced dynamic show descriptions, and enhanced its dynamic content tool. Buy Me a Coffee - Receive payments Otter.ai is a transcript tool I use for editing and for finding pull quotes. Podcast Index Indie Podcast Directory Three's Company Clipscribe - Cool Social Videos Quickly Dopesick on Hulu Amend on Netflix WAP - Cardi B Lyric Video Waiting for the World To Change Tips To Grow Your Downloads This podcast is part of the Power of Podcasting Network.

I first discovered Kevin when contemplating creating a new show based on podcast growth. It's well-produced and has actual steps you can take. Kevin started his first podcast Philly Who? Then quit his day job. So how did he turns things around to the point of making six figures? He stopped and took time to learn what works, and then give it to the audience. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Question of the Month Contributors When looking at a new podcast in an app, what catches your eye? The artwork and description often came into play along with the episode titles, but what really counts is the first few minutes of your show.  Grow the Show Brandon from Start 100K Erik from Raising Financial Freedom Heater from Watching Netflix Without You Scott from What Was That Like? Kim from The Pharmacist's Voice Mark from the History of North America February Question of the Month As we talked about growing your show today, what have you been doing to grow your audience, and do you think it's working? Answer it at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question. I need your answer by 2/25/22  Kevin's INterview Topics 02:24 Discovering Grow the Show 03:37 What Inspired Philly Who? 04:37 Kevin Quit His Day Job 06:00 Things Got Scary 06:46 1000 Downloads Per Episode 07:22 Sharpening Your Axe 07:54 Multiple Streams of Income 10:47 Laser-Focused Criteria 11:10 Six-Figure Salary 11:45 Sponsorship Tips 13:07 Niche Down 17:12 Most Broad Success Started With a Niche 18:08 Kevin Shut Down a Profitable Show 19:19 TDE Targeted Daily Engagement 20:48 The Baked in Strategies That Don't Work 22:15 ENGAGEMENT 26:49 Get More Specific 27:38 Go To Where Your Audience Is 29:37 Build Relationships 30:59 Kevin's Program JANUARY QUESTION OF THE MONTH: What triggers subscriptions? 33:28 Question of the Month 33:52 Brandon Start 100K 36:27 Heather -Watching Netflix Without You 38:47 The Lost Sheep Has Been Found! 41:11 Scott: What Was That Like 44:07 Kim: The Pharmacist's Voice 47:37 Eric: Raising Financial Freedom 48:47 Mark: The History of North America 50:16 Dave: School of Podcasting FEBRUARY QUESTION OF THE MONTH 51:43 February Question of the Month 53:18 Quick Libsyn Update START YOUR PODCAST TODAY Join the School of Podcasting and start your podcast in the right direction with access to step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, 1 on 1 coaching, a private mastermind, and a lack of fear of sounding unprofessional or buying the wrong equipment.  Need more? There is even a 30-day money-back guarantee.  schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Are you one of those people who has thought about doing a solo episode where you open the microphone and talk directly to your audience, but can't overcome how uncomfortable you feel trying it? This show is for you. We also talk about understanding the different roles when you are doing a solo show, an interview, appearing on a panel. Join the School of Podcasting Quit worrying about sounding bad, spending too much money on equipment you don't need. At the School of Podcasting, you get access to step by step tutorials, a private mastermind group (filled with brilliant podcasting minds) and group coaching as well as one on one coaching. Sign up today at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start The Advantage of a Solo Episode Solo podcast episodes have their advantages: You are 100% in control. You can be as creative as you want You know ahead of time what the content is (instead of hoping you get good answers from your guests) Less production. You won't be interrupting people or trying to match levels with your guest. There is only one level- yours. No Scheduling Conflicts The Hurdles of Solo Podcasts It is all on your shoulders for content You need to watch voice inflection It just feels weird talking to no-one People think it needs to be as long as other episodes TIPS 1. Embrace the Weirdness 2. You Don't Have An Audience (yet) 3. Talk to One Person 4. Answer the question from the invisible person 5. Record it with the thought of never using it. - Just a Sound test  6. Script Your Show 7. Throw Out the Grammar 8. Be yourself and just up your natural voice Question of the Month Submissions I need your answer by 1/28/22 see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question for more information Full notes at schoolofpodcasting.com/811

I am seeing people that seem to be afraid to reach out to their audience. I get it. It's easier to have the reason of "lack of engagement" on your downloads instead of asking people for feedback on your show.  Today I share a story on how I was ready to make sweeping changes to the Podcast Rodeo show until I decided to open up a discussion with my audience. I was at one point thinking of shutting the podcast down. It turns out that ONE person who had ideas of changing the show was in the minority.  That doesn't mean their suggestion has no merit. I was reading Eric Nuzum's newsletter and he (of NPR experience) to 18 months to play with the format of their new show. With this in mind, I'm still doing my show, but I'm looking into implementing the things that my audience enjoys while aligning the show a bit more with my brand. I always say, "Your podcast is a recipe - not a statue."  Question of the Month Submission When you are in an app and see a show you probably should be listening to what inspires you to go further and potentially subscribe or follow. I need your answer by 1/28/22 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question My New Page with Affiliate Links Check it out at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/support if you are a person that doesn't feel they would benefit from the School of Podcasting, but wants to support the show, I've now made it easy. Join the School of Podcasting When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about: Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want). Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing) It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks).  I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving).  Get access to step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge.  Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start Podcast Rewind Too Many Podcasts Earn and Invest Love Thy Lawyer Mentioned in This Episode Affiliate Link Support Page Profit From Your Podcast Book Eric Nuzum Newsletter Jordan Harbinger Deals Page Podcast Rodeo Show Too Many Podcasts Earn and Invest Love Thy Lawyer School of Podcasting