🎤 Your Lucky Day (Issue 198) September 13th 2024

Prologue

Dot Com Domains - Ego Stroke or Good Decision?

First of all, happy Friday the 13th! You may find this article about how to get lucky with podcasting helpful.

As I mentioned in the previous issue of Big Podcast Insider, I'm in the middle of a rebrand of my podcast on podcasting.

A podcaster asked me a related question this week ...

"Should I buy the dot com domain that's the name of my podcast?"

Maybe.

If the name isn't currently registered and you can get it for $12-15, yes, get it. If it's on the aftermarket and you can get it for a price you're comfortable with, why not?

But let me remind you of another option you have when the domain name you want is owned by somebody else ...

Get creative and come up with something even better. Use this free tool to find domain names that are available now.

For example, Procter & Gamble owns UnderArms.com, which can work for any number of their billion-dollar deodorant brands. (It currently points to Secret.com, by the way.)

Over the years, I've spent a lot of money for aftermarket domains, including BigPodcast.com. Some have been massive bargains, while others ... not so much.

More thoughts in the audio version of this newsletter ... Until then, enjoy this issue about growing your audience and how to make your podcast punch above its weight.

Podcaster Opportunities

Be a Guest Here - Book Your Interview Now ...

A few years ago, Engel Jones made a goal to interview 1500 people for his podcast, 12 Minute Convos.

Today, he's done over 3000 and he's finishing out the year by doing even more.

Want to be interviewed by Engel? Schedule a time here.

The interview is about you, so you don't need to do any research or special preparation.

It's a cool experience. if only to see how he does the backend organization and scheduling. You have to run a tight ship to do this kind of volume and Engel does!

Get more infomation on the project here.

Podcast Marketing

How to Name (or Rename) Your Podcast

If you're thinking about changing the name of your podcast, read this.

Ready to move forward? Here are some great tools to help you.

Included:

Brainstorming
Vetting
Etymologies
Cautionary Tales
Agencies & Services (If you need help ...)

I heard an author say he doesn't write a book unless he feels its on a topic he's OK talking about for three years. You can always change your mind if something doesn't work for you, but I think the "Three Year Rule" is a good one of podcasters as well, because most podcasts take a while to build momentum.

Think about that before you jump in on something ...

Podcasting Events

"Robot" Podcasting and More (from Radiodays Asia)

Some interesting thoughts on where podcasting is headed by Shrikant Joshi.

Some very "human" things are also mentioned, like an analysis of the success of the Hamish & Andy, which mentioned these elements of their success ...

Preparation
Team
DNA
Authenticity
Respect
Quality over Quantity
The Journey
Play to Your Strengths
Fun
Loyalty

I like "basic" lists like these, because I believe that it's the foundational elements of podcasting and human connection that great podcasts are built upon.

More thoughts on each of these in the audio version of this newsletter.

Podcast Production

This Trick Will Make Your Podcast Sound “Bigger.”

I've done the work to become a competent podcast/radio host, but when I started, I was having to work pretty hard to get through a single episode and it was far from smooth.

So I was a bit nervous when the station's Program Director ask me me to come in the production studio with him ... I thought he was going to review some of my work and criticize me.

Instead, he asked me to do some liners ... "You're listening to [STATION NAME]!"

He told me, "We're trying to get more voices on the station. The more voices you have, the more interesting it is to listeners."

This is good advice for your podcast ...

Do you ever get emails from listeners and want to share them on your podcast? This is a good opportunity to use an AI-generated voice.

Podcast Humor

The Bad Boys of Podcasting

Want a bigger audience for your podcast?

Assuming your hosting skills are up-to-speed and your content is solid, the next thing I'd look at is how consistent you are with releasing new episodes.

Consistent releases in podcasting are crucial for building and maintaining an audience. When listeners know they can expect new episodes on a regular schedule, it builds trust and shows you're reliable. This predictability encourages listeners to make your podcast a part of their routine, whether it’s during a commute, workout, or downtime. When episodes are sporadic or unpredictable, listeners will often look elsewhere to fill the void.

Consistent releases help with the growth and visibility of your podcast. "More volume" isn't necessarily helpful in growing a podcast, but it will give you more opportunities to reach people.

Behind on releasing new episodes? Reach out to me via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and let me know what kind of help you need.

Classifieds

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