Prologue
Cheat Day
Not really. But I'm behind on getting out the latest episode of Build a Big Podcast.
The good news is that this episode on successful co-hosting is sitting at the top of the list.
Here's the deal ...
People like you and me get tired. We get busy. We need a break.
So I took a break from my normal podcast release schedule this week. I didn't plan to—it just happened.
Should this happen to you, don't sweat it. Let people know and keep moving forward.
I've got a joke about this below ...
New episodes of Build a Big Podcast. To make sure you don't miss any of them, subscribe here.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast.
You can get details here.
Podcast Marketing
How to Choose Your Brand Colors Strategically
I use black and white art for my podcast for podcasters, Build a Big Podcast.
Why? Because similar podcasts were using full-color art and "black and white" stands out.
What are the best colors for your podcast art? This video has insight.
The quick and dirty ...
- Start by focusing on the truth of your brand rather than trends
- Consider the values, beliefs, emotions, and personality you want your brand to convey
- Make a swipe file! - Create an inspiration board on platforms like Pinterest to gather visual ideas that evoke the desired feelings and emotions.
Then ... Use tools like Coolors to extract color palettes from images or inspiration boards.
At that point, she suggests choosing five main colors for a brand:
- Dark neutral for backgrounds and text colors
- Light neutral for text on dark backgrounds or to create white space
- Primary brand color for association
- Accent color in the same family as the primary color
- Contrast color to draw attention to specific elements
Reach out to me via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and include your podcast artwork and/or color palette!
Podcast Hosting Skills
How to Stop Saying “Um,” “Ah,” and “You Know”
People judge you on the way you speak. And using excessive filler words can negatively influence how your message is received.
The first part is identifying the filler words you lean on and pair them with an action. In Toastmasters meetings for example, that action is often somebody in the audience listening for specific words and ringing a bell each time they're said.
It's distracting, but it makes you aware of what's happening, which is the point.
Once you’ve become aware of your use of filler words, when you're just about to say one, force yourself to be silent instead.
Obviously, you need to practice. This is perfect use for a Sausage Factory Podcast.
Here's the full plan to stop filler words.
What's the filler/crutch word you use most often? Reach out via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and let me know!
Podcasting News
How Spotify is Protecting Election Integrity in 2024
There's a ton of money up for grabs between now and the US Presidential Election and this statement from Spotify might be worth looking at, if you're thinking of taking politically oriented ads for your podcast or running other political-related content.
A question for you ...
How "political" do you get with your podcast? Stay away, jump in, or somewhere in-between?
I'd love to know what you're doing as far as topics, guests, and even comments. Reach out via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and let me know what you're doing.
Podcast Production
Podcast Monologuing Is the New Mansplaining
First of all, can we take a second to appreciate this compelling title?
Some highlights for you:
- Podcasts now represent 11 percent of daily time spent with audio media
- Men are more frequent podcast listeners, but only by a slim margin
- Podcasting is the perfect medium for people who largely just want to hear themselves talk
The full article is worth a read, not for the commentary on popular podcasts, but for an example of what not to do on yours.
A "podcast interview" isn't the same as a conversation.
And "effencieny" matters in podcasting. In other words, if you can say it in 30 minutes, say it in 30 minutes ... not 60+ minutes.
Unfortunately, way too many podcasters follow trends and certain podcasters (like Joe Rogan) get an even amount of copycats, which starts trends of things that, while they work for high-level podcasters, probably won't work for smaller-level, independent shows.
The "long form" podcast is one of these trends.
If a three-hour podcast works for you, and it's in alignment with who you are, go for it. But don't blindly copy what you see other people doing, without having the whole picture of why it works for them.
Podcast Humor
This Joke Is on Me!
I'm bringing this one from Issue 169 back as, this time, the joke is on me!
As mentioned above, I'm slightly behind schedule on episodes of Build a Big Podcast. I'm not "skipping" anything, but let's take a look at this ...
It's very easy to fall into the trap of doing something once, then expanding on it. For example, skipping an episode can easily become skipping multiple episodes.
Of course, good things can come from this as well. For example, trying a solo episode, then doing more of them.
I encourage you to try new things with your podcast. I also encourage you to take breaks, when needed. Both of these can be done in service of your listeners.
Classifieds
Podpage
Join over 25,000 podcasters and automatically create a beautiful, listener-friendly podcast site from your RSS feed.
Podpage is the simplest way to create a podcast website.
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
Castmagic - Automated Episode Notes
Over 35,000 podcasters have used Castmagic to automate:
- Episode notes
- Highlight clips
- Podcast summaries
- Blogs posts
- Social media posts
- Newsletters
Upload your podcast audio and Castmagic does the rest!
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services