

PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show
Alitu via The Podcast Host
Podcraft is your weekly, no-nonsense guide to honing the art of podcasting, hosted by veteran creators Colin and Matthew. With over 30 years of combined experience, they cover everything from choosing the right mic to growing your audience and making money from your show. Some episodes dive deep into one topic, like titling episodes or using live events to build your brand, while others feature real-life case studies from podcasters who've been there and done it. Whether you're just starting out or levelling up an existing show, Podcraft gives you the practical advice and honest insights you need to make it work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2023 • 31min
How Can Podcasters Leverage AI & Tools Like ChatGPT?
There’s been a lot of chat about artificial intelligence (AI) in the podcasting industry recently. In most industries, in fact. Since the launch of ChatGPT – an insanely sophisticated AI chatbot that’s generating buzz and fear in equal measures – everyone’s got something to say about it.
Episode Resources
How Can Podcasters Use AI & ChatGPT to Their Advantage?
Which AI Podcasting Tools Are Worth Using?
AI-powered fiction podcast - FantasAI

Jan 27, 2023 • 34min
How Using a Drone Can 10X Your Podcast Content
What do drones have to do with podcasting, you ask? Well, if my visit to the Podcast Show 2022 is any measure, then I’m not the only person (by a long way!) interested in adding video to their podcasting workflow. And if we’re going to make video, we might as well explore every angle. Even the vertical.
So, I thought I’d delve in and figure out whether drones have a place in helping create better video around your podcast. These things aren’t cheap, and they aren’t for everyone. But if you have a show that suits, and the budget to buy, then they might be a way to create amazing video to help engage your listeners, and grow your show.
Let’s take a look at why you might use one, what you might create with it, and finish with a recommendation on what to buy. Time to fly!
Read our full guide to Drones & Podcasting

Jan 12, 2023 • 26min
Taking a Journalistic Approach to Your Podcast
What does it mean to take a journalistic approach to your podcast content? In this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by Katie, who is the driving force behind our new topical content offerings. Katie explains that a "journalistic approach" involves taking time to research your subjects and using a structured workflow to build stories. Some of the tips and suggestions here include using newsletters and Google Alerts as a way to source stories and using Trello boards and spreadsheets to organize content and ideas.
When it comes to fact-checking and sourcing stories, Katie recommends using multiple sources and tracing back to the original source. She also talks about the importance of citing sources, and how to contact people for comment and quotes. Finally, Katie and Matthew discuss the importance of considering what value the content will provide to listeners. They suggest using the acronym WIIFM (What's In It For Me) to help stay focused on providing value to listeners.

Dec 12, 2022 • 48min
Why All The Hype Around Video Podcasting? Will Video Kill The Audio Star?
Video podcasting is no new thing. But it's more talked about than it ever was. YouTube are in the early stages of getting into podcasting, whilst Spotify have finally jumped into the pool, too.
But does this mean that everyone should now be creating video as well as audio content? Or has a lot of this stuff been exaggerated and blown out of proportion?
Undoubtedly video, if done well, can be an excellent compliment to your audio and written content. But it isn't some magic bullet that's going to automatically quadruple your audience.
On this episode of Podcraft, we discuss the pitfalls of video podcasting, and help you make a more informed decision on whether it's right for you and your podcast.
Captivate Blog - https://www.markasquith.com/youtube-case-study/
Video Podcasting Guide - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/should-i-make-a-video-podcast/

Nov 28, 2022 • 41min
Should ALL Businesses Be Podcasting? (And What Makes a Good Business Podcast?)
Podcasting can be a great way to market your business, and add a human touch to your company. But does this mean that every business should be running its own podcast?
On this episode, we're joined by Jacob, who's Head of Marketing here at The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode we'll cover:
- How someone might decide whether or not podcasting around their business is the right move.
- Potential differences between a business podcast and a creative outlet or hobby show.
- Examples of business podcasts that are "doing it right".

Nov 21, 2022 • 33min
Why Are 43% Of New Podcasters Planning to Go Solo?
Colin and Matthew analyse some interesting data from our Podcast Planner tool. 43% of over 1,500 respondents told us they’d rather host a solo show than create content with other people. So why might this be?
Perhaps there's a bit of post-pandemic Zoom fatigue in here where people are fed up with feeling like they are "on a call". There are a lot of positive reasons for going solo, too, including the flexibility, simplicity, control, and ownership.
Here's the full report if you'd like a look over the data for yourself: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/solo-podcasting/

Nov 10, 2022 • 39min
Autism & Podcasting: Life In The Ted Lane
Lindsay from the content team helps produce a show called Life In The Ted Lane with her brother, Ted (apparently the name ‘Ted Talks’ was taken, unfortunately).
"Ted and his sister Lindsay talk about Ted’s adventures, news from Broadway and Hollywood, Muppet News, and also what it’s like to be autistic."
https://lifeinthetedlane.buzzsprout.com/
Joining Matthew on this episode of Podcraft, Lindsay talks us through both the positive experiences and challenges of running the show, as well as the nuts and bolts of how it’s made.
Among the many positive aspects of this podcast is the feedback from parents and caregivers of other autistic people. Ted and Lindsay's adventures have entertained on many a long car journey, and helped give others the confidence to get out there in the world.

Oct 27, 2022 • 36min
SEO Tips for Podcasters
The concept is simple: You create the content your target audience is searching for, they find it, and your podcast grows as a result. But Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) isn't just as straightforward as that, unfortunately. There are nuances, best practices, and stiff competition from rival content creators. On season 16 of Podcraft we're leaning on the expertise and experience of our team here The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode, I'm joined by Sean, who is a full stack growth marketer. Sean knows a thing or two about SEO, and he's here to help you polish up your own search game, no matter what stage you're at. Mentions & ResourcesHow to Make a WordPress Website for Your PodcastKeyword SEO for PodcastersGoogle Search ConsoleAhrefs.comAlituCheck out the new ad, before it hits the Super BowlSupport the show

Sep 27, 2022 • 28min
Best Tools for Creating Short Podcast Clips & Micro Content
Mike from the Konversations With Kinfolk podcast is thinking about micro-content. He's looking for apps or software that can take small clips (video and/or audio) to create short clips for visibility and promotion. This is a great strategy for podcast growth. Micro-content can be highly searchable, shareable, and doesn't demand a lot of time to hook a potential new listener. It can also be quick and easy to create. Resources MentionedCanvaHow to Create AudiogramsHeadlinerPodIntelligenceBuzzsproutHow to Animate Your AudioOvercast SharingRepurpose.ioAlituWe also offer a bonus tip to Mike - improve those episode titles. The podcast will benefit greatly if you make them more descriptive and intriguing. Finally, we're looking for your feedback to help us help you better. Have you got a second to answer this quick question? What are you most struggling with in podcasting right now? Support the show

Sep 12, 2022 • 27min
3 Actionable Podcast Growth Tips
Khaled runs the show Curated Advice on Better Living, and wonders how to increase the number of listeners per episode. At time of recording, he's almost hit the 30-episode mark, which is a great point to reflect on what you've achieved so far, as well as revisit your big picture planning. We recommend that Khaled sets up a dedicated website for the podcast, which is a low-hanging fruit these days. You can do this quickly and at a low-cost by using Podpage. We also recommend that he uses our free Podcast Planner tool to tweak the overall aims, targeting, and message of the show. Finally, we give three actionable growth tips for Khaled to try out. These are:Run a co-hosted or crossover episode with another podcast in your nicheCreate a roundup of podcasts that you love in your nicheReach out to 3-5 true fans of your show and create a focus group For a deeper dive, check out our full guide on podcast promotion. On this episode, we also mention Pocket-Sized Podcasting and Alitu: The Podcast MakerSupport the show