PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

James Cridland, the mastermind behind Podnews, has been delivering essential daily briefings to podcasters since 2017. In this discussion, he shares the secrets of running his consistent content operation, including insights on equipment preferences like the Lewitt RAY mic and software choices such as Hindenburg PRO. He opens up about managing feedback and maintaining journalistic integrity while exploring the challenges and triumphs of publishing daily. Cridland also highlights the importance of creativity, resilience, and diversified revenue streams in the podcasting world.

In this final episode of the SCALE framework series, we dive into the last two powerful growth strategies: Live & In-Person events and Email & Engagement tactics. Drawing from our recent experience at the London Podcast Show, we share how speaking at events, running booths, and recording vox pops can build genuine connections with your audience.We also explore nine proven email marketing and engagement strategies that turn casual listeners into loyal fans. From the networking magic of getting on stage to the owned-platform power of building an email list, this episode reveals why these "old school" approaches still outperform many digital tactics.Plus, we announce an exciting opportunity for listeners to get free podcast coaching on upcoming episodes - could that be you?MentionedGet free podcast coaching on PodcraftThe SCALE Framework: full guideSCALE Framework Notion checklistPodcraft Pointers newsletterHow to run a booth at an eventMaking a montage episodeEmail marketing for podcastersBest social media platforms for podcastersPodcast CTA best practicesQR codes for podcastersAnimate your podcastText-message marketing for podcastersWhatsApp promotion for podcastersHow to track your podcast reviewsAI tools for creating short video clips

Video takes up a lot of focus in the wider podcasting conversation. Do we need to work harder to shine a light on the benefits of pure audio?We spoke to a bunch of kind and patient people at The Podcast Show London who were happy to share their thoughts. Send us YOUR thoughtsJames Cridland - PodnewsAna Ratala & Alec Trunley - RedCircleJoel Pearlman - RiversideCarl Hartley - University of LeedsAbisoye Adelusi - A1 Content StudiosPete Donaldson - StakJay Nachlis - Coleman InsightsSarah Golding - Indie AFYoung Zhao - OpusClipLauren Passell - Podcast Marketing MagicNaomi Wing - Blueprint StudioJack Drury - ShureKaleem Willock - TipaltiLouise Lambert - Reviewed & ClearedGary Aylott - CaptivateTavia Gilbert - The Podcast AcademyJustin Jackson - TransistorIzabela Russell & Bethany Jane - Music Radio CreativeTodd Cochrane - BlubrryDan Kendall - Health Podcast NetworkFelix Trench - Wooden Overcoats Ian Prowse - VortexSarah McDowell - Podcast ConsultantClayton M Coke - The Cashflow ShowKevin Field - Think ListenerJeremy Enns - Podcast Marketing Academy

As part of our SCALE framework, we discuss the importance of community and collaboration in growing your podcast. Learn how to effectively use listener surveys to understand and cater to your audience, turning feedback into powerful content. Discover how collaborating with fellow content creators can expand your reach and enhance podcast visibility. The episode also explores using low-cost merchandise as a marketing tool, rather than just a monetisation strategy, and shares practical insights on engaging with your podcast community.MentionedWork with usPodcast Growth: the bookHow to run a podcast listener surveyRephonic 3D audio graphHow to make a podcast trailerSparkToroPodcast Marketing Magic newsletter (co-hosted episode tip)How to get booked on a podcastHow to be a great podcast guestHow to advertise your podcast

We're going to tackle the huge topic of podcast growth by walking you through our SCALE framework. S – SyndicationC – Communities & CollaborationA – Advertising & Paid PromotionL – Live & In-PersonE – Email & EngagementOn this episode, we start with S for Syndication.Syndication is all about getting your podcast in front of as many ears as possible. Start by submitting your show to big platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Make your website a go-to hub with an About page, Subscribe links, Contact info, a media kit, and easy-to-use social sharing buttons. Keep it clean, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized so new listeners can find you. Use clear episode titles, detailed show notes, and link to any tools or resources you mention. Don’t forget a short trailer on your homepage and a separate page for transcripts—it all helps make your show more accessible and shareable. Resources MentionedHow to make your podcast trailerSEO for podcastersOur podcaster resources pagePodpage - build a podcast websiteHow to follow a podcast on Apple PodcastsHow to follow a podcast on SpotifyWork with us

Vicki Weinberg, host of the award-winning podcast Bring Your Product Idea to Life, recently celebrated her five-year podcasting anniversary. On this episode, Vicki shares her journey from launching during the first week of lockdown to building a successful show with a dedicated audience.Starting a Podcast During LockdownVicki launched her podcast right as the UK entered lockdown in 2020, which presented unique challenges as she recorded weekly episodes at home with two small children. Despite the timing, she was determined to create something different from the business podcasts she had been listening to."I couldn't find anything where the person that was talking to me wasn't that much further ahead than I was," Vicki explained. She wanted to feature product business owners who were still in the early stages of their journey, making their advice more accessible and relatable to her audience.Finding and Booking GuestsOne of Vicki's biggest initial challenges was finding guests for her brand-new podcast:She started by asking people she knew through business networksShe found "warm" connections worked better than cold outreachOver time, as the podcast established itself, she began receiving inbound requestsNow her schedule is booked months in advance with guestsThe Evolution to Video ContentAfter recording as audio-only for years, Vicki expanded to video in early 2024:She was already recording video for the calls but not publishing itMade sure to inform guests that video would now be sharedCreated a YouTube channel featuring full episodesAdded YouTube shorts featuring guests' top advice and key momentsDeveloped a team workflow to create social content from episodes"The YouTube shorts and Instagram reels have been great for promoting the episodes and highlighting my guests' expertise," Vicki shared.Building a Podcast TeamVicki's journey includes gradually building a team to support her:First hired an editor after 12-18 monthsAdded a VA after about 2 years to manage publishing and adminNow has support for video editing, content creation, and guest management"The only things I'm doing now are booking the guests and having the conversation, which is the bit I think I'm best at," she said.Content Strategy and Format EvolutionVicki's content approach has evolved over five years:Initially mixed solo and guest episodes randomlyThen did every fourth episode as solo contentNow produces two episodes weekly: Friday guest interviews and Tuesday solo contentSolo episodes are shorter (15-20 minutes) and more focused"I realized that I have my own business, my own consultancy, I have a lot of knowledge to share," Vicki explained about adding dedicated solo episodes.Looking AheadAfter five years, Vicki plans to continue her podcast with the current format while remaining open to organic evolution. Her main goal is to grow engagement with her audience through her Facebook group to ensure her content remains useful and relevant.Want to learn more about Vicki and her podcast? Visit her website at vickiweinberg.com where you can find links to her podcast and all her other work.

This discussion highlights three telltale signs of an amateur creator mindset, such as writer's block and fear of sharing ideas. The hosts reveal that clarity triumphs over mere inspiration, and suggest using small rituals and voice memos to spark creativity. They also emphasize the importance of effective title creation for engaging content. Quick tips include leveraging AI tools, documenting your creative journey, and the necessity of action to combat the fear of idea theft. Consistency in creative practice is presented as key to overcoming self-doubt.

With its impressive 50k per episode download numbers and strong YouTube presence, Cal Newport's Deep Questions is a podcast in the "top 1%" category. On this episode, producer Jesse Miller joins me for a chat about going from regular caller to planning and running the show. We'll find out more about the role of a podcast producer, as well as the similarities and differences between creating a show with a five-figure audience and the more typical podcasts of the average indie creator.

The landscape of online search is changing rapidly. While roughly 60% of Google searches now end without a click (known as "zero-click searches"), we discuss how this trend has actually been evolving for years - it's not just about AI.Key points from our conversation:Search behaviours have been changing gradually - Google has long provided direct answers for weather, sports scores, currency exchange, etc.Content in the "middle ground" struggles most - generic, shallow content that doesn't fully answer questions.The "barbell approach" to content creation: Focus on either high-utility, data-rich content OR uniquely human content (stories, experiences, opinions)Distribution is becoming decentralized - YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit are becoming search engines in their own right.Recommendation algorithms are replacing traditional search in many contexts.Content sites aren't dying, but their role is evolving more toward conversion rather than discovery.We also touched on how podcasting fits into this changing landscape, discussing the trend toward video podcasting while acknowledging the unique advantages of audio-only formats.5 key takeaways:Adapt your SEO - Keep the fundamentals but optimize for snippets and AI summariesDiversify discovery channels - Don't put all content eggs in one basketBuild your owned audience - Email newsletters are rising again for good reasonPick your side of the barbell - Expert structured content OR human stories and experiencesBe loud and unmistakably human - Personality matters more than ever

A great podcast episode title isn’t just catchy—it grabs attention, boosts discoverability, and sets clear expectations for your audience. On this episode, we break down best practices, including ideal character length and front-loading key information, and introduce the WHISPER TITLES framework—13 proven structures to make your episodes more clickable. Whether you’re aiming for curiosity, emotion, or problem-solving, these strategies will help you craft titles that drive engagement and grow your podcast.Also MentionedWant to work with us? Get in touchPodcraft Pointers newsletter (full WHISPER TITLES guide will be emailed out next week!)