PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

Each episode you release will be someone’s first impression of your show. A good podcast intro lets you manage your listener’s experience and let them know what’s in store immediately. Give them a sense of what they will get out of it and leave them no doubt that this is the podcast for them. Later on, use your outro to ensure you turn new listeners into followers or subscribers and guarantee they return for more.What Do the Top 20 Podcasts Tell Us About the Perfect Intro Formula?Podcast Intro Script Template & Tips to Open With a BangThe Podcraft Listener Survey

A Call to Action is when you ask your audience to do something. For example:share the podcast episode with a friend,review the show on Apple Podcasts or Podchaservisit the podcast’s website, crowdfunding page, or social media contentclick on a link in the show notesAnd so much more!Many podcasters feel frustrated at the lack of action from their call, however. In this episode, we talk about why you might be seeing little or no uptake with your CTAs, and offer a few tips for putting that right. Check out our full Podcast Calls to Action guide, which accompanies this episode. And our own CTA this week is a request for you to take our (very quick) Podcraft Audience Survey.

In the distant past, when listeners synced MP3 players with iTunes and early homo sapiens tried to get their shows in "New & Noteworthy", podcasting was a tricky medium to create content in. We used Skype and built websites out of sticks, and you could get eaten by a dinosaur when trying to upload your latest episode. These days, it's much easier to make a podcast and reach your target audience. This episode isn't purely an "in our day" ramble, but also (hopefully!) some useful tips and advice about making the best of what's available to you now. MentionedThe IndiePod CommunityRemote Recording ToolsRode Wireless MicroAlituPodpageCanvaUK Business StartupAudio Drama for PessimistsKo-Fi Vs Buy Me a Coffee

A quickfire episode running through the following content frameworks, with examples and exercises on how to apply them in your own podcast. Lists: Where you break things down into bite-sized, numbered pieces that are easy to skim and share. Use lists to highlight top picks, tips, or resources your audience will love.Comparisons: Where you help people decide by putting two options head-to-head. Break down the pros and cons so your audience can make smarter, more confident choices.Reviews: Where you share your honest opinion about a product, service, or experience. Show your audience what’s great, what’s not, and whether it’s worth their time or money.Case Studies: Where you tell real-life stories to inspire or teach your audience. Dive into successes, challenges, or unique approaches that they can learn from or relate to.Costs: Where you break down what things cost and whether they’re worth it. Help your audience understand where to spend, where to save, and what to expect financially.How-Tos: Where you teach your audience how to do something step by step. Make it simple, clear, and actionable so they can achieve their goals with confidence.

Podcast celebrities aside, how much money can the everyday independent podcaster expect to make?Well, the answer is “it depends”. But, based on our own experiences of well over a decade in the medium, here are some realistic breakdowns, examples, and goals. Full article: How Much Money Do Podcasters Make?Elsewhere, we also talk through a brilliant piece by Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt of Podcast Marketing Magic: Podcast Marketing and Publishing: What’s in and What’s Out for 2025?

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/

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I have so much time to work on my podcast, I struggle to even fill it"?  No?  Well, let's see what we can do about that, then. Here are nine great podcasting time-saving tips for you to try out.  Batch recording  Use fewer tools Do fewer things Don't multitask (and, time block) Click/MEE editing  Speeded-up editing Use templates Utilise dynamic ads Automate and outsource wherever possible

Being interviewed on another podcast is a great way to bring value to a wider audience and grow your own as a result. But most podcasters (even those who don't run interview shows) have inboxes choked full of spammy and cynical requests to guest on their show. On this episode, we'll show you how to create a compelling pitch that actually gets seen by its intended recipient. Who knew such things were possible? On top of that, we discuss podcast listener pet peeves, as well as the various ways you can (effectively) get feedback on your podcast! MentionedHow to Get Booked as a Guest on Another PodcastIs Your Podcast Annoying?How to Get Podcast FeedbackInterview with the Founder of PodchaserIndiePod CommunityThe Podcraft Academy

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