School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast

Two reasons people might share things are that they are interesting and that they are useful. Emotions also play into why people share items. When you have something in common with the host it can boost the chance of us sharing the content. Emotions such as laughter or anger. Marketing messages tend to focus on information. But many times information is not enough. They need something more. And that is where emotion comes in. Rather than harping on features or facts, we need to focus on feelings; the underlying emotions that motivate people to action. In the book Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonan Berger they mention six principles of social currency: Social Currency: How does it make people look to talk about a product or idea? Triggers: Peanut butter makes us think of jelly. If our content can harness trigger emotions, or tie into an environment. Emotion: Some emotions increate sharing and others decrease it. In some cases, negative emotions can be useful. Public: Making our ideas more public. Practical Value: If your podcast helps people, people love to be helpful and spread the word. Stories: People don't just share information and facts, they tell stories. People prefer sharing things that make them seem entertaining rather than boring, clever rather than dumb, and hip rather than dull. My audience member said she groups these into four categories: Helpful Social Reciprosity Ego What Was The Last Thing You Shared and Why? Adrea from the Talk about Talk Podcast Steve Stewart gives some strategies of how he using sharing to grow your social media following to promote and upcoming event. Steph Fuccio shared the Smarty Pants Podcast New Media Show had some breaking news about Pandora Tom Tinker Taylor Soldier Sponge Productions shared Shufflecasts cause it made him laugh Paul from the Fighting Through Podcast (WWII) shared a photograph of the Queen Mary to his audience that had been updated to be in color. Sarah Mikutel shared Food Heroes Erik K John shared the School of Podcasting and the Audacity to Podcast as people wanted things a bit more technical than he was comfortable talking about. September Question of the Month How do you decide what's worth spending money on for your podcast? We all obviously have different budgets and needs but what's essential vs what do we aspire to have or use? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Mentioned On This Episode vacuumpodcast.com Podcast Review Show (prices going up)Mentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey

I was at Podcast Movement last week. I've attended all six Podcast Movement eventss and it's been a blast to watch it grow. This year the venue was HUGE and it was weird as the number of people also grew so it was hard to tell just how much bigger it was compared to the previous year. As always this is a class act all the way around. The checking procedure, swag, were all super professional. As a speaker, I would also say I LOVE the tool they use to track my session. If I had one thing that I wish would change (and I say this every year) having loud, live music at a networking event doesn't work. Last year they had multiple rooms so those that wanted to dance could dance and drink. Those that wanted to drink and talk could go into another room. This year all the free beer was in the very loud room (it does seem wrong to complain about free beer). It was a great year, and even over the loud music the networking was great, and from what I hear Tom Webster from Edison Research had one of the best/controversial sessions which showed that listeners don't seem to care if a "podcast" has an RSS feed or not. Podcast Music Announcement While Doug and the team at podcastmusic.com have taken a step getting sound exchange into the game, you can't play your favorite music - yet. It will take some time, but we are headed  (slowly) in the right directions. Pandora to Pay Podcasters? A representative fro Pandora stated that Pandora has planned on sharing revenue with Podcasters. This was said during the live taping of the New Media Show. Question of the Month What was the last thing you shared (that wasn't yours) and why did you share it? Be sure to mention your podcast and website. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question Mentioned In This Show Join the School of Podcasting Ask the Podcast Coach The Average Guy Network Podcast Rodeo Show   Mentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

Last week an announcement from Google stated that podcast episodes will now appear in Google Search Results: Starting today, when you’re searching for a podcast about a topic on Google, such as “podcasts about Awkwafina” or “Instant Pot recipe podcasts,” we’ll show you playable episodes in Search results alongside web pages, news, images and videos. We’ll surface these episodes based on Google’s understanding of what’s being talked about on a podcast, so you can find even more relevant information about a topic in audio form. Soon, you won’t necessarily need the term “podcast” in your search to see episodes, making podcast discovery simpler across Search. Where Do You Think People Search More Apple or Google? With Google adding episodes to search results we need to ask the question, where are people going to find my podcast? According to a Jacobe media report, 70% of people find shows via word of mouth and only 11% search in an app. Another study from Edison Research and prominent podcast producer WNYC Studios states that: 84% of WNYC Studios listeners report having recommended a podcast to a friend, while 78% overall report having recommended a podcast to a friend. And one in three WNYC Studios listeners share podcasts on social media, at 32%. Podcast listeners also report having discovered the medium in the following ways: 17% via their smartphone, 15% via public radio programming, and 13% from an article or program. Getting a Grip on SEO The minute I heard Google was taking podcasting more seriously, (and that the Apple search was not great) I started studying SEO. Here is my limited knowledge after a few months. Always write for humans.  You need to know where your site ranks Find some keywords that fit your audience, and your website ranks high enough to show up in search results.  Showing up for less popular keywords gets you more results in Google which can lead to higher rankings.  SEO is like Bowling or Golf, LOTS of moving pieces and trying to master it us exhausting.  Some resources I've used: SEO for Podcasters from Daniel J Lewis ( $199) SEO Marketing from Juergen Berkesse of Polymash Skillshare has two classes (and intro and advanced) by Rand Fishkin who started SEO MOZ (one of the top if not THE top sites on SEO) Mangools is a Suite of Tools to help you determine the best keywords and track your progress (free/paid) Ubersuggest from Neil Patel (a free tool that gives you tons of data). WPCRafter has a tutorial that walks you through it.  Yoast SEO Plugin For Wordpress Monster Insights Plugin For Wordpress (Google Analytics) Because of My Podcast, I Got a Press Pass To Comicon Seth/ZAndrex from Geekville Radio (who I just reviewed on the Podcast Rodeo Show) explains how his podcast was enough of a credential to get him a press pass to the Comicon event in Chicago.  Check out his podcast at geekvilleradio.com For more "Because of My Podcast Stories, check out www.becauseofmypodcast.com Are You Making ANY Money With Your Podcast? I'm working on the book "More Podcast Money" and conducting more interviews for the book. If you are making ANY money with your podcast, I'm trying to interview more podcasters to better identify strategies, and what is and is not working. If you'd like to be considered for the book please contact me Question of the Month What was the last thing you shared (that wasn't yours) and why did you share it? Be sure to mention your podcast and website. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

I was lucky enough to meet Kristen Meizner last year and the On-Air fest, and I heard her speak. I knew immediately I wanted to her come on the show. She was working on her new book So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen (also available as an audiobook ). If you're new to audible you can get the book for free. So You Want To Start a Podcast When I started reading this book you might think, "Oh great, a radio person telling us how to podcast" but she even mentions in the book that we should be looking outside of radio for inspiration. We need to rev up our creativity and take advantage of the ability to make any format you want. The book is chock full of ideas to get you to think outside the box, and really fine-tune not just the first five minutes of your show but your entire show. I really liked this book a lot. In today's interview, Kristen talks about The right reason to start a podcast The two questions every podcaster needs to answer What she did for four months to get her format correct Why movies are a topic and not a show How one format idea fell flat on its face You can grab the attention of a larger audience with diversity How long a podcast should be Her feelings toward holiday movies The top thing that makes her tune out of a podcast How introverts can overcome their shyness and reveal their personality How she integrated a story into her podcast Buy the Book Why you need to embrace feedback for your podcast Working with a network The importance of focus groups What she feels is a good length for podcasting How she uses scripts in her show The importance of being yourself How to go "outside the box" with an "Inspirational story" podcast How a podcast is like going to a show where you don't know anyone Contact Kristen Meinzer https://www.kristenmeinzer.com Twitter: @kristenmeinzer Instagram @k10meinzer Buy the Book "So You Want to Start a Podcast"   Mentioned in This Episode Buy the Book "So You Want to Start a Podcast" Get the Book For Free on Audible Work with Me Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey

I had not "take the temperature" of my audience in a while so I put together a quick survey. I use Google Forms, and did some number crunching in Excel, and made a report using Mail Merge in Microsoft word so I could easily consume the data. SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee. Program Includes: LIVE Interactive Online Training Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran Major Discounts on Software and Plugins Lifetime Access to the PES closed community Certificate of Completion Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP. Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com What My Audience Let Me Know Audience: Audience 80% Male 20% Female Age: 31-40 41% 41-50 41% 61-70 18% How far they listen 7% Listen to at least 75% 93% listen to all of it Do You Currently Have a Podcast? Yes - 90% No - 10% Perfect Length of Podcast? 0-29 3% 30-45 59% 46-60 28% Have you ever told a friend about the School of Podcasting? Yes - 90% No - 10% What Do You Like About the Show: Question of the month and your knowledge of podcasting Learning the best ways to podcast The up to date changes that would affect the day to day podcaster. You consistently provide concise, actionable advice to help podcasters be successful. Interviews with interesting podcasters  and how-to content Multiple topics and specialized guests this way I can identify with other podcasters who’ve encountered the same trials & tribulations in connecting with their audience I really like the real-world examples you cite of how people have made (or are making) their podcasts successful. The high-quality production, how much you assuage my concerns about podcasting, identify speech patterns that drive me crazy, and overall the feeling that you're actually talking to me. General updates on how and with what to create, manage, and grow your podcast and audience I like your honesty and transparency most. The topics I enjoy are tips on creating content and marketing content. Honest Information about growing audience and sponsors I like the honesty, the fact you'll tell the truth and also aren't afraid to give your opinion. Specific sections, I like when you do anecdote, which is odd as I didn't when I first started listening. Just goes to show not to change your format. The interviews, also gear talk when you have it. Just listening to Dave talk with excitement about what's important to him.  I always enjoy the Because-Of-My-Podcast stories. You think about the person who is just starting out and the people who have been at it a while. (so helps me learn as a newbie, but also stretches me to research other things). Love how you use sound effects. Think it captures attention well! Expert interviews, and Last Five in Five (bring it back!) The analogies, which helps anyone at any level understand the picture you are trying to paint (even the painting with peanut butter) The interviews with industry personalities and gear/service reviews. But most of all, it's just your personality that keeps me listening. Your humor,  varied topics, pace, transitions, and awesome ideas and content. I love the end of episode bloopers. What you'd Like to Change: The same podcasters on all the time, how about some variety? For example, if the horse podcasting guy is on, I turn the show-off, sorry, but it's just not my thing. Other than that, I love everything else about the show! Email responses seemed to shorten then stop altogether after a while. Keep emailing/engaging consistently. While it doesn't bother me, I think too often you reference "old" movies, songs etc. and go with your "back in the day" quote which may not resonate with a younger audience. For example, for me, I don’t need to hear all the steps of math to get to an hourly rate for $60,000 a year.  You could just tell me you did the math and give me the bottom line number. Not this show, but your Rodeo - there is too much 'snide' comments. But hey, I was born British I think that Podcast Rodeo Show is a disservice to your expertise and kindness. but that's another show. Sometimes the sound effects get a little too morning zoo for me. All the extra sound effects you’ve been adding (more in the last year or so? Maybe 6 months?). Also, I know you’re against dates on your blog posts, but I wish you had them. Context matters & if I know it’s several years old, that might impact how I approach something. Sometimes there is so much repetition between this show, ask the podcast coach, podcasters round table, the feed, and new media show. I love all of them but fell a little disappointed when there’s too much overlap in topics.  A lot of assumed knowledge from previous episodes or technologies or podcasting I guess the only thing I worry about is I hear you on all of your other shows & know that you have a full-time job & do all of your school of podcasting stuff. I don't want you getting burned out! Take care of yourself, Dave! The only thing I could think of is the occasional repetition (Anchor sucks - it's okay to NOT make money with your show - stop checking your stats) Personally, I'm tired of "beginner" topics. I understand you make money helping people start, but I can imagine even a beginner would appreciate your expertise on more of the "improve" your podcast topics (which you do, but I want more of them). I’m not a big fan of the easy listening/jazz music you use under your commercials. It does not command authority. The occasional crass comment or innuendo is a bit annoying. I know it doesn't happen often, but when it does it makes me cringe. I get that you need to share personal stuff occasionally, as we should all do, and provided it's kept in proportion then I'm fine with it. First and foremost I want you to be a teacher, not a chat show host. For instance, when you did the 5 in 5 with the podcaster talking about atheism and I had to stop and pray for him and I was bummed that there are so many podcasts about people that are fallen away from the church.  So even the stuff I cringe at in your podcast, help me grow and give me a reason to pray.  I haven’t done my show in 5-6 years and yet, I still listen every week.  Keep up the zany antics and stellar content Dave Not the biggest fan of most podcast intros.  I would prefer you to start talking IMMEDIATELY about the show by possibly asking a few questions...the state that we will get into it further in the show. Example: What mics should you use when walking around outside and recording?  What is the difference between condenser blah blah blah?  We will get into it today!!  I’m Dave Jackson, and I thank you for being here at the SCHOOL OF PODCASTING! Now, let's talk mics. Contributors Pedro My Stuttering Life Brandon from Florida Focus Podcast Lee from We Have Cancer Win from A Diary of Fashionista Martha From Martha Runs the World James from Where We Buy Bill with the You With a Mission Podcast Jas from Giving Up the Ghost Steph from Stephfuccio.weebly.com Mike from Create Pod Alex from Spirits and Lyrics Lee from This is Rammy Jeremy from Transmissions Podcast Brandon from Seahawkers Podcast Garret from Good Patron Podcast Kelly Two Ewes Fiber Adventure Oscar from Deep Listening Laura from Reviews and Randomness Scott from What was that Like Podcast Steve Stewart Money Plan SOS Matt from The Author Inside You JD from Bookworm Banquet Paul from the Fighting Through Podcast( WWII) Tim from the Sled Dog Podcast Lee from Covert Nerd Darwyn from Dealing with My Grief Steve Work Comp Pulse Richard Grimshaw Hershy Orenstein Ismael Matt Simpson Paul Capps Conclusions: You need to know why you are doing a podcast, and who your audience is and what they want. If someone suggests something that doesn't' fit the audience or your goal. you need to ignore it - this show is not for them. You can't please everyone. Keep in mind the new listeners, and don't get bit by the "curse of knowledge" and leave them in the dark. Your audience wants you to be honest and concise. They enjoy your personality (some followed me to other shows) so let your personality out. Be willing to try new things if your audience wants them, and they fit your goals. I hope you enjoyed episode 681.  Question of the Month What was the last thing your shared (that wasn't your content)? Why did you share it? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question before August 23, 2019 Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

From time to time I see people in Facebook groups announcing "Hey I got my first 1000 download episode!" or "I just got (insane amount of money)" for my podcast. When you are just starting out, or even if you've been podcasting for a while if you're just looking at downloads or dollars, the inspiration to keep going can be hard to come by. Today we are going to examine the other ways your podcast is a success. SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee. Program Includes: LIVE Interactive Online Training Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran Major Discounts on Software and Plugins Lifetime Access to the PES closed community Certificate of Completion Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP. Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com Other Ways To Count Podcast Success If your goal was to find like-minded people (cause your spouse said they would not participate in any more conversations around Batman) and you've found some people online to have the conversations you've been longing to have - your podcast is a success. If you had no luck getting in touch with certain people - but the minute they said yes to being interviewed on your podcast - it was a success If your goal was to be seen as an expert and someone sends you an email asking you for your opinion - your podcast is a success If your goal was to "get the message out there" and your podcast has a number that is higher than zero - your podcast is a success. If your goal was to get something off your chest, you want to put your thoughts out into the universe - so you don't feel so invisible - and someone hears it - you're not invisible. Glenn the Geek has people write Christmas songs about his podcast at the horseradionetwork.com  Theracasts can be audio journals that can help you more than your audience in some cases, but they are much less expensive than therapy. Some might say you should do these in a private journal (and you can do that) but sometimes you need someone to hear you - even if its a complete stranger. When someone in your audience chimes in on a conversation that helps you save money or time - that is a bonus to your life. Binders Can Be a Good Thing When I asked Uncle Google what blinders are, I see that blinder "attach to a horse's bridle or hood and prevent a horse from seeing behind and beside him." I mention this alot because its important. Comparing your show to another show is one of the worst things you can do. Blinder can stop you from looking at your past (cause there may be regrets) and they help you focus on your future. Your current value is not based on your mistakes of the past.  Keep focused on your audience and answer every email, tweet, etc and keep the conversation going (don't just answer the question). It Might Take a Bit To Get Some Feedback I started a show called Your Podcast Consultant ( small lessons with big value) for those who like a shorter podcast. I've been doing it for nine months, and finally just got some feedback. The Power of Relationships Jen Briney doest the Congressional Dish podcast that every American should be subscribed to and she recently did an episode on Suprise Medical Bills in America and did a touching tribute to a listener who died. Jen monetizes the show on the "Value for Value" model (meaning it is 100% listener supported) and Jen explains how listeners are a bit like pen pals. It really shows the kind of relationships you build online. Likewise, when I heard Jen cry on her show remembering her listener I wanted to crawl through my phone and give her a giant hug. Why? Because of the relationship, I feel I have with her as a listener. While Jen will blow off and poke fun of herself for crying on the show, what it is - is courageous. She went 100% vulnerable on her show. This also helps build relationships with your audience. The No Agenda Show with John C Dvorak and Adam Curry do a show they deconstruct the media. Their audience is so engaged they are doing meetups to talk about their subject(s). Their audience loves the subject to much they want to continue on the discussion. They even set up a website at www.noagendameetups.com and there are MANY websites maintained by their audience with the goal of helping to promote the show Jim Collison is my cohost for Ask the Podcast Coach on Saturday mornings and host a show for his job at Gallop as well as Home Gadget Geeks. He just mentioned that he had started enjoying a cigar every now and then and he was contacted multiple times by his audience who wanted to send him their favorite cigar. Question of the Month This month I'm doing an audience survey (my first in YEARS) and I would love to know 1. What you like about the show 2. What you wish I'd change (I'm a big boy, be honest) 3. What would you like to hear in the future (guests, topics) Please go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question and leave your response (there may be a prize for a random person who takes the online version AND leaves an audio version) Last Five in Five What were the last five podcasts you listened to? Dan from the Thank God I'm an Atheist and the How to Heretic show God Awful Movies The Constant Scathing Atheist  Pod Save America The Allusionist Mentioned on This Show Dealing with My Grief Congressional Dish No Agenda Show Home Gadget Geeks Your Podcast Consultant Todd Cochrane New Media Show Zoom.us Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:2025 Audience SurveyI Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey

SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee. Program Includes: LIVE Interactive Online Training Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran Major Discounts on Software and Plugins Lifetime Access to the PES closed community Certificate of Completion Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP. Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com What Do I Need To Start A Podcast? I recently appeared at a local meetup for a group in Alabama. The question, "what do I need to start a podcast" came up. I've talked about this in the past and hit different aspects, and I'm going to try to hit all aspects in this episode. Things Everyone Needs No Matter What A Pop filter for your microphone. This could be a foam ball to put over the end, or a mesh shield that goes between you and the microphone. I'm a fan of the Nady SSPF-3 if you're using an ATR2100 or a Samson Q2U. If you are using something like an Electrovoice RE320 you might consider a foam shield with a shock mount or this "repop" filter only available at BSW Your Topic Your topic should be something that you can't help but talk about. You would be willing to talk about it for free for HOURS (cause you are). It's a topic that needs to hold the attention of your target audience and inspire them to tell a friend. It also needs to be in alignment with your goals for the podcast. It Depends... From there you get the most used answer in podcasting, "It depends." While this is true, you often don't get the pros and cons of your options so that is what I'm going to try to do here - make you away of your options. What Microphone Should I Use for My Podcast? Why it Depends: Option 1: Traveling Podcaster If you're going to be traveling alot and need something a little more durable, you might use the Audio Technica Atr2100 as it has a lifetime warranty. Option 2: Stationary Podcaster I like the sound of the SamsonQ2U a little better than the ATR2100. It doesn't have a lifetime warranty, but you're not moving it much. Another option for the stationary podcaster on a semi-professional level is the mic I use the Electrovoice RE320 What Microphone Stand Should I Get for the Microphone? If you are stationary (meaning you're using a room as your studio) check out the Samson MBA38 boom arm that can clamp on to a desk. If you need to take down your gear or if you're traveling, check out the On Stage Combo Stand Recording Co-Hosts or Interviews  What Do I Need? Why it Depends: If they are in the room with you I like the Focusrite 2i2 for two people or the Focusrite 8i8 for four people. You could also purchase a Zoom H6 (and be able to record anywhere) If you're on a budget, then see the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD (for two people), or the UMC404HD for four people Another option for recording up to four people in the room with you is the Rode Rodcaster pro Shouldn't I Use a Mixer? When it comes to mixer vs interface, a mixer allows you to adjust the audio (add bass, treble) where an interface you would do this in software later. Some people prefer interfaces as they are less confusing due to a generally smaller number of knobs. If you want a mixer, one of the best values I feel is the Presonus AR8 USB 8 as it has up to four people, connects to your computer, AND it has a built-in recorder. If you are on a budget then you could check out Mackie PROFX8V2 Do I Need a Portable Recorder? If you're traveling yes. My favorite is the Zoom H6 as it is super versatile. If all you need is a recording, you might check out the Zoom H1 I'm Going to Do All My Episodes on the Road If you're traveling and only going to be recording you and a guest you might check out the Tascam DR-10X that you plug your microphone into. In this situation, you might look into the Rode Interview Microphone My Guests/Co-hosts Are In Another Location If you're on a budget you can use Skype and Ecam call recorder on the Mac, and Squadcast is my Favorite way of recording remote people no matter what the type of computer (you just have to use chrome). Everyone is in the Same Room, but our guest is not... Then you could use the Focusrite 2i2 and connect to the guest via Skype or Squadcast. If your co-host can join Squadcast as an individual (with their own computer) then make sure you and the co-host have even volume levels as you will be on the same channel. How Much Storage Do I Need For My Media Host? To figure out how much space you need, you need to know: 1. How often you will publish 2. How long your shows will be 3. What format This short video tutorial helps you calculate any how much space you need https://libsyn.d.pr/XDpqmM I did a podcast about different formats that explains stereo vs Mono vs 64 kbps vs 128 kbps at https://overcast.fm/+IzZEC-P0/4:29 For more information on file formats, go to https://support.libsyn.com/kb/recommended-file-formats-encoding/ I've also created speadsheet that will calculate these for you. Use the coupon code sopfree  to get a free month at Libsyn.com What Web Hosting Should I Use? Here again, it depends. If all you need is a place for people to listen and subscribe to your show your media host often has a free website that will suffice. Right now I'm a fan of Cooler Websites (My Goaddy Reseller) for many of my sites. Siteground starts at $4/month for their Wordpress hosting (which is $12/month after the first year) Recording Podcasts on the Road In this situation, it's best to understand the gear and what it does and then mix and match to create the system that suits you best If you're traveling and only going to be recording you and a guest you might check out the Tascam DR-10X that you plug your microphone into. In this situation, you might look into the Rode Interview Microphone. This is great for the person who is trying to eliminate carrying around a lot of gear If you want people on separate tracks, but don't want a ton of gear the Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit with Interface & 2 smartLav+ Microphones is great for iOs phone users. The Zoom H6 is a sweet spot of not too large, and tons of versatility to record up to six people, and mix in sounds of an iPad if needed. No computer required. You would want to consider a headphone amplifier and headphones for everyone The Rode Procaster is great for performing live shows and can be stored in a backpack or in one of the special cases. Podcast Rewind: Podwrecked I appeared on the Podwrecked show where I explained how I released an episode with a boo-boo, and what my options were to fix it. Podwrecked is about helping you and your podcast survive the ebb and flow of the podcast industry. Check it out at http://podwrecked.com/salvaging-your-podcast-with-dave-jackson/ Question of the Month: Audience Survey Please go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey19 Then go to our Contact Page and upload your recording where you answer the questions: What do you like about this show? What do you wish I'd change? What topics would you like to see in the future? Please submit your audio by 7/26/19 Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

I've performed over a hundred interviews, and I've been interviewed over 130 times on different podcasts. Today I wanted to make an episode to answer ALL the questions about podcast interviews.  Free Podcast Interview Guide There is SO MUCH information in this episode, I've combined it into a Free Interview Guide. Click Here to Get the Guide For Full Show Notes go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/678 Topics Include: 3:15 Appreciating your audience 7:29 Don't get blinded by resumes 10:40 Connect the Dots 16:13 How to turn down someone who wants to be on your show 18:38 Where to find Guests 20:20 Interviewing Celebrities 21:20 The Ask 25:37 Pre-Interviews 28:08 DO THE WORK 32:11 Be Vulnerable 34:08 Tag Team Interviews 41:02 Setting Guest Expectations 44:12 Shaping the Interview Questions 46:36 The Day of the Interview 49:23 Introducing the Guest 50:36 Get them to tell stories 54:15 The NPR Formula 56:54 the Importance of Shutting Up 01:01:00 Gear for conducting interviews on the road face to face 01:06:47 Proper Mic Technique 01:07:16 Recording "in the studio" 01:08:14  Recording podcast interviews remotely 01:14:10 Controlling the Interview 01:17:25 The End of the Interview 01:18:15 Getting your guests to share your podcast 01:23:22 Editing the Interview 01:26:17 Being a guest on podcasts 01:27:13 Do the work 01:30:12 The Golden Rule Guest If you'd like the full show notes for this episode you can get them as a PDF SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee. Program Includes: LIVE Interactive Online Training Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran Major Discounts on Software and Plugins Lifetime Access to the PES closed community Certificate of Completion Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP. Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

I keep seeing statements like, "Well, I've done this podcast for 2 years and it's time to start monetizing." With this type of mindset, I can see many podcasters getting discouraged or even burned out. I played music in local bars from the age of 16 to 50. 34 years I played music, but I never fell delusional enough to think I would make the big time playing local bars in Northeast Ohio. If I wanted a career I would've had to move to a city like Los Angelas, Nashville, or anything that wasn't Akron, Ohio. While it's commendable to commit to something for a long period, it's not the longevity that inspires people to share your episodes. It's the content. Nobody has ever said, "Hey Dave you have to listen to this show!" and when I ask why they say, "They've been podcasting since 2014!" With that said, as I write the updated version to my book More Podcast Money, here are the ways you make money with podcasting. SPONSOR: Podcast Engineering School Be equipped to start their own podcast production company or be hired as an employee. Program Includes: LIVE Interactive Online Training Two Mentoring Sessions with Chris Curran Major Discounts on Software and Plugins Lifetime Access to the PES closed community Certificate of Completion Super Early Bird Specials Apply and prices WILL GO UP. Check it out at www.podcastengineeringschoool.com [click_to_tweet tweet="The Top Five Ways to Make Money With a Podcast @davejackson " quote=" The Top Five Ways To Make Money With a Podcast" theme="style3"] The Top Ways to Make Money With Your Podcast Sell Your Own Products or Services This is the top way to make money with your podcast. You harness the power of influence. As you have lived and breathed in your target audience for a while, you should know what they need or want. I was amazed at a WordCamp I attended recently that the documentation for the new Gutenberg is sparse at best. Everyone hates it. Nobody understands it. That is one learning curve that needs to be flattened and if I had time I would dive into it myself. Why some of your audience will buy from you is due to you bringing value on a consistent basis. This triggers the law of reciprocity. You've done something nice for them, and now your audience feels a need to do something nice for you. If you've shared a little about yourself then they probably like you (if they didn't they wouldn't be listening). If the information you provide is solid then they trust you. When you are known, liked, and trusted the buzz phrase for this is you are an "influencer." When you launch a product or service you can influence them to purchase your product. This could be a book, a course, a membership site, a crowdfunding campaign, a live webinar, etc. These products should fill a need in your space, or entertain them. Sell Other People's Products or Services (affiliate sales) Affiliate sales are when you sign up with a company to promote its products. You are given a link (or a code) that proves the traffic/customer came from you. If a sale is made, you earn a commission. When you match the right product with the right audience, you can make decent money. I once made hundreds of dollars a month promoting fitness cards on my weight loss show. The commission was $1.50 per deck. This product fit my audience. I later would do the same when the Fitbit first came on the scene. I bought one and loved it. This is a great place to start. Find a product that you love that your audience ( a weight loss show in this case) would love. I was able to openly and honestly talk about how I loved my Fitbit and ever since I bought it I was more active. Again, I was earning hundreds of dollars per month when the commission was $9 per sale. Pat Flynn makes a TON of money with Affiliate sales. He created a video tutorial showing how easy it was to install WordPress on a web hosting company. The video was short. It made building a website look super easy, and his affiliate link was right beneath the video. Find the right product for the right audience and affiliate sales can be a nice source of income. Crowdfunding / Donations This form of income requires an extremely engaged audience. When people donate their motivation is one of two things typically They want you to continue to create content and have the freedom to keep going. They believe in your message/content They want additional information or content. Adam Curry and John C Dvorak called the donation model "Value for Value" model. Their show the No Agenda Show dissects the media and helps you understand what is really going on in politics and in some cases society and culture. They produce two episodes a week that are roughly two hours long. They have a segment at the beginning thanking people who gave over $250. They have a segment in the middle to thank anyone who donated over $50, and they have a ceremony to "Knight" anyone who has donated over $1000 and welcome them to be a "Knight of the No Agenda Roundtable" and you also get a very nice ring (which of course people can wear, and have other people ask "where did you get that ring). The No Agenda show is so engaged they are now holding meetups without the hosts. Adam and John provide any tools to their audience that they can use to promote the show. Jennifer Bryney also does a show about politics called Congressional Dish. She started the show by reading every bill that went through the US Congress. Every American should listen to at least one episode of Congressional dish. Jen thanks all of her supporters at the end of the show. Both of these shows provide information that you (sadly) can't get any place else. Both are done in an informative and yet entertaining fashion. The No Agenda Show accepts checks and paypal. They have a jingle that promotes the website to go and donate ( www.divorak.com/na ). Congressional Dish will take your support using whatever payment tool you want The top reward people offer at Patreon (the top crowdfunding tool ) is additional content. When is the best time to add a Patreon campaign? When a listener asks you to start one. Host Read Ads While currently, less than 10% of podcasts get 5000 downloads per episode (the metric advertisers are looking for, although some need 20,000 per episode) this doesn't mean you can't get a sponsor. I've had sponsors on this show that fit my audience. While some advertisers use an old way of advertising held over from radio where you pay a rate based on the number of downloads ( CPM price per thousands ) this doesn't' work with podcasts who have a smaller - but more engaged - audience. I charge per episode (not CPM). This is sometimes called a "flat rate." When using the CPM model of (for example) $30 per thousand downloads and your show gets 200 downloads per episode that episode earned $6 (which is why CPM doesn't work for most podcasters). The more niche your audience, and the more niche the product the better the match. The better the match, the higher you can charge. Dynamic Ad Insertion While the technology behind dynamic ad insertion is not bad, currently podcasters who are using some services are getting the shaft in my opinion. For me, generic dynamic ad insertion is the equivalent of Podcast Welfare. One system I am checking is paying my .0017 (not a typo) per download. If we go back to that show that has 200 downloads per episode they are making 34 cents per episode. When you see companies saying "You can make money from DAY ONE" this is what they are using. Yes, you will earn money. However, you might be better checking your couch cushions. People That Make a Living With Podcast Have a Few Things In Common I've noticed a few traits with those people who make a living from the income that was generated from podcasting activities. They have MULTIPLE income streams. They sell products, affiliate sales, ads, etc. They have a combination of the above. The people that JUST have ads HAVE HUMONGOUS audiences. That take DECADES to build. They often have a spouse/partner that has a decent job with health benefits (not all but many)  Had an audience before they started podcasting (not all, but many). There are Other Ways To Measure Success It's not all about downloads and its not all about money. In some cases, you get paid in confidence. You get paid in speaking gigs, or maybe even a permanent job. In some cases, you get paid in friendship, and peace of mind knowing you belong. Quitting Your Day Job There are tools online you can use to see how much money you need to have a certain take-home pay. I live in Ohio and using https://us.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/salary.php I live in Ohio and in Ohio 60,000 will put you in a place where you don't have to worry about your bills. If I want to have a take-home pay of $60,000 a year I need to bring home $75,576.62 (as 20-30% of this is going to taxes). However, if you’re married with children you might be paying for health insurance via COSE (which can be around $1700 a month) which would mean you would need to have $98,192.92 in gross revenue to take home $60,000. Apparently, I'm also never going to retire (as I'm not putting any money away - just a thought). Now if we break that down that is $1888.33 per week. Assuming you are working 40 hours a week that is $47.21/hour. There are some things to keep in mind. This means your calendar is booked from morning to night if you are doing consulting. This also means you’re never taking a vacation. Wait, you want two weeks of vacation? Then you need to make $101,969.58 in gross revenue (as we will assume you are not making money while you are on vacation. This then means your hourly rate is $49.02/hour and you are working 40 hours a week. Why You Need Multiple Streams of Income In a post on their blog, Patreon mentions that only 1-5% of your audience will become Patrons. The average donation is $7. I checked mine, and it was $5, but we will stick with $7. If I use the gross number from above of that would mean I need to make $8,182.74 a month. If the average Patron donats $7, I will need 1,169 Patrons. If only 5% of my audience becomes Patrons I need a total number of downloads of 23,379 per month so 5% of them will become patrons. While you could say that 23,379 a month is 5845 downloads per week, but that 23,379 should be unique listeners. Question of the Month What do you like about the show? What do you wish I'd change? What do you want to hear in the future? Upload/Leave your answer on the contact page.  Please take the online survey (with a chance to win a price) at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey19 Mentioned in this Show More Podcast Money Book More Podcast Money Podcast Fast Pitch Softball Useful Resources Graphtreon (shows how much people are making on Patreon) Patreon Crowd Funding Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with an answer: Melanie from the Beer with an Engineer show likes to throw a party for her listeners Brad from the Cinema Guys loves milestone shows - loves where people take small clips from past shows (or breaking format to do something special) Terry Noorda from the Discovering America podcast brought his family on the show Brian from Engaging Missions hasn't really done any kind of special episodes Kim from Toastmasters 101 is going to pass on anything special Stuart from the Great Escape is going to have a special Scott Johnson of the What was that like? show doesn't do anything special and prefers to focus on the audience Seth from Geekville Radio has done clip shows. Thomas from Multiverse Tonight made a special graphics and is changing his format Because of My Podcast Craig from Ingles Podcast did a study on podcasting and was able to present it at the largest event in his industry. Check out his show at https://www.inglespodcast.com/ Question of the Month For July Take the full survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey19 I haven't taken the temperature of my audience in a while, and you should do that. So we are going to do this in audio format What do you like about the show? What do you fast forward through (dislike - I have thick skin) What is your perfect length for an episode? What would you like to hear in the future? Use the tools at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact Work With Me Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentorMentioned in this episode:I Want Your OpinionI am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey252025 Audience Survey2025 Audience Survey