PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

We've run a fair few surveys and reports this year, all of which have produced some interesting and actionable data. On this episode, we look at nine headline stats from 2024, and talk through the takeaways and lessons we can glean from them. “If It’s Not Got an RSS Feed, It’s Not a Podcast,” say 67% of PodcastersMost Podcasters Upload Audio-First Content to YouTubeSurvey Reveals How Listeners Want to Engage With Your PodcastOnly 8% of Podcasters Enter AwardsOnly 1 in 4 Podcasters Monetise The Blue Yeti is Still the Most Popular MicInstagram and Facebook Are the Most Popular Social Platforms for PodcastersData on How Podcasters Measure SuccessMost Listeners Find it Easy to Discover New Podcasts

It's tempting to take a break from podcasting over the holidays, not because you necessarily want to, but because you think your audience will do the same. However, data from the latest Podcast Marketing Trends Report suggests that isn't true, and December is actually one of the top months for combined podcast downloads. On this episode, we dig into the details and offer some tips for keeping your feed active without doing yourself out of a well-earned rest. MentionedKeep Publishing Over the Holidays, Podcast Report SaysYour Podcast Won't Go Viral, and That's a Good Thing

It's time to delve into the findings of our 2024 Podcast Discoverability Survey. Here, you'll find data on everything from whether or not it's easy to find new podcasts, to how audio quality and ads affect podcast listenership. We also talk through some other new posts on the site, as well as some published elsewhere (including one that we disagree with quite heavily!). The Podcast Discovery Report 2024MOVO iVlogger-PRO ReviewBest Podcast DirectoriesFull Disclosure: The Power of Unedited Audio (Blubrry)Do we need to kill off the word Podcast? (John McDermott)Adapt or Get Left Behind: The Future of Podcasting Is Multi-Platform (Max Cutler)The Hidden Risks of YouTube and Spotify That The Suck-Up Podcast Bros on LinkedIn Won't Admit (Neal Veglio)

In this episode, Colin covers two major topics to help podcasters improve their shows. First, he dives deep into creating a unique value proposition, sometimes called a unique selling proposition (USP) for your podcast, explaining how to make your show stand out and attract more listeners. He breaks down what makes a great USP, using examples from brands like Airbnb and Fjallraven, and shows how to apply these principles to podcasting. The second half focuses on interview preparation, where Colin shares nine actionable tips to conduct better podcast interviews, from proper guest research to creating engaging conversations that benefit both the guest and the audience.

There are plenty of places online where you can ask for podcast comments and get in on the episode discussion. Here are some of the more popular options.And, does your podcast need a media kit? Yes, definitely. A podcast media kit is a package of information about your podcast that’s easy to share and consume.Also MentionedThe Podcraft AcademyThe Podcraft Listener Space

Dive into the common pitfalls of podcasting and learn how to sidestep them with a dash of humor. Discover the challenges of maintaining enthusiasm while juggling production demands. Understand the importance of clear goals, audience connections, and how to spice up advertisements without losing authenticity. Tips for engaging new listeners are emphasized, from catchy titles to effective episode descriptions. Plus, explore the best boom arms for every budget and the evolving preferences for podcast length that keep audiences coming back for more.

To grow audiences of people as passionate about your show’s topic as you are, podcasters need to do the work to engage non-listeners. Not only does this grow your show, but it helps the podcast medium as a whole. It’s rare for a podcast listener to only listen to one show, so others will benefit from the work each creator does to engage non-listeners. As the old saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats”.We’ve written about the “Why” before; now it’s time to turn to the “How”. So here are 13 tips and strategies to reach podcast non-listeners and turn them into podcast lovers. Also MentionedBest Podcast GiftsThe Yoto PlayerThe Lizard Pro Boom ArmThe Podcraft AcademyThe Podcraft Listener Space

Discover how to sustain your podcasting passion with vital tips on content quality and avoiding burnout. Learn about the importance of storytelling and maintaining a manageable schedule. Dive into strategies for boosting listener engagement and crafting effective calls to action. Explore gear selection and navigate the complexities of podcast interviews with practical advice. Don't miss the discussions on community interaction and feedback, which are essential for growth and motivation in your podcasting journey.

Many podcasters are looking beyond download stats to get success metrics for their shows. But the nature of podcasting doesn't make it easy. On this episode, we discuss data from a study that suggests indie creators want podcast measurement standardisation. Also MentionedPodcasting News & AnalysisPodcast Promotion on WhatsApp Finding & Using Podcast MusicBest Patreon Alternatives for PodcastersThe IndiePod Community

There’s no doubt that we’re living in a world of micro-content overload. With the rise of short-form platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creators and brands are in a continuous fight for a piece of our attention spans (which are now shorter than a goldfish’s, apparently, thanks to smartphones). You don’t need to look far to see marketers proclaiming the death of long-form content. I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s certainly the sentiment we’re being fed: Our lives are way too busy, there’s too much to consume, and no one has the time or patience to go deep into the detail anymore.But is this really the case? And is the rise of short-form content really a threat to podcasting?Full article: Is There a Future for Long-Form Content in a Short-Form World?How to Sell Podcast EpisodesOpusClip ReviewTop 10 Worst Pieces of Podcasting Advice (Blubrry)6 Ways To Turbocharge Your Podcast Growth With LinkedIn AdsHelp Share the Podcast Discovery Survey