Prologue
In a World ...
My wife wrote a novel. And that's had me thinking about what writers call "world building."
What writers, filmmakers, and television producers do to create their work is very similar to what we do (or what we should be doing) as podcasters, even those of us with interview-format or other non-fiction podcasts.
In short, world building is the process of creating a fictional world. This includes its history, geography, and cultures. It can be as simple as creating a new setting for a story or as complex as creating an entire universe.
In the Big Podcast book, I talk about having a lexicon – a vocabulary just for "insiders."
That's world building.
Your belief system is world building. Your "stake in the ground" (the flag you fly) is world building. Your music and attitude you bring are world building.
Music is a huge way to do this, by the way. This is one of the reasons companies pay big money to use certain songs in their ads. And I've got a great example of how this works in the "Disney David" video linked in the "Podcasting Deals" section.
Bottom line ... World building is what separates your podcast on [INSERT TOPIC HERE] from all the other podcasts that talk about the same thing.
Is your "world" obvious to first-time listeners? If not, this is something you need to look at.
More thoughts in the audio edition of this newsletter ...
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Podcast Hosting Skills
When "Oprah" Calls ...
I can't tell you how many musicians I've worked with who came to me wanting to be on a "big stage" before they actually showed up and did the work.
I'd hear things like, "Man, if I could just play Madison Square Garden, then I'd really bring it!"
That's not how it works. If you want to get on the big stage, you have to play the smaller ones, not just to build an audience, but also to develop the skills you'll need to handle the big stage.
This is true for musicians and it's also true for podcasters.
"If I could only get on Oprah Ellen The View..."
It happens in all industries. And as a podcaster, you'll have your chance for "the big stage" if you stick with it, but you've got to do the work to make it worthwhile. Otherwise, you'll end up in a situation like so many "viral" stars, who didn't have the skills to take advantage of (and extend) the moment that put them in front of so many people.
The solution? Follow this method and you'll be in a much better position to take advantage of media opportunities when they emerge.
Podcasting News
How Your Listeners Define "Podcast"
Interesting graphic from Podnews that is worth 1000 words ... and something that you need to keep in mind when talking to potential listeners.
Bottom line, podcast consumers now think podcasts are "audio or video."
There are lots of arguments like this in podcasting ... I had a guy get mad at me for using the word "streaming" instead of "progressive download." And another thought I was actually using magnetic tape when I mentioned having "raw tape" that needed to be edited.
Don't die on this hill. Your job isn't to educate listeners about the one true definition of "podcasting" – your job is to get them to listen to your podcast, however they define it.
Feature Updates to Help Podcasters Stand Out on Spotify
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly known as Anchor) has some new options for podcasters, including podcast page customizations, impression analytics, and more ways to turn listeners into fans.
Soon you’ll be able to:
- manage your presence on Spotify by customizing your show page and selecting a preview clip when your podcast is recommended to new listeners
- see exclusive insights into how your podcast gets discovered on Spotify (including impression analytics)
- explore more ways to monetize your podcast via Spotify for Podcasters
I know a lot of old school podcasters don't take Spotify as a serious platform, which I get, because it's not a great listening experience for podcasts – it's far better for music. But a lot of people do use Spotify to listen to podcasts and this is something to pay attention to.
Podcast Production
30+ Ways for Podcasters to Use AI
Yes, there are downsides, but for the most part, AI has been very helpful when it comes to podcast creation and production. For example, I love being able to dictate my thoughts into Audiopen and have it give me a written outline of what I've just said – it's the perfect tool for people who speak for a living.
Check out these 30+ ways to use AI for some things you may not have thought about.
And reminders of what you have thought about, but may not be doing. For example:
- As a personal brainstorming assistant
- To summarize large amounts of text
- Generate content outlines and structures (Again, Audiopen is the perfect way for podcasters to do this.)
How are you using AI in your podcast creation? Let me know via T2, Bluesky, or Mastodon.
Podcasting Deals
Custom Soundtracks for Your Podcast
Tuney is only $19 right now and will allow you to create "custom" music for your podcast.
Want to hear what it sounds like? Check out this video of me as a Disney character. Tuney did the background music.
This video was done as a test, using a random clip from my podcast, Build a Big Podcast. And the reason I'm mentioning it here is that it's a great example of how even basic music on a random audio clip can make that clip seem more important and emotional than it is.
That's a huge payoff for only $19.
Podcast Monetization
The 1-3-3-1 Workshop Method
When it comes to making money with podcasts, a lot of people consider advertising and sponsorship as the "first step." And it can be, especially if you have a large audience.
But what happens when you work in a very specific niche without a lot of people in it?
A paid live workshop can be a nice balance of "quick money" and something helpful for your audience. And The 1-3-3-1 Workshop Method is a nice formula to make it happen ...
☝️ A Clear Outcome for the customer
✅ 3 Steps to achieve the outcome
📖 3 Lessons for each step
👩🏫 1 Q&A session to help implement
He's not even talking about a full-day event here – just an hour. So if you're interested in either validating an idea or just an simple way to do something that will help your listeners (and make you a few bucks), this is something you may want to consider.
Want to go really deep with this? Check out Big Podcast AMP because I work with podcasters on setting up live events all the time. I've done over 1500 of them myself, from big multi-day events, to single-day workshops, to quick meetups, and I can get you where you need to go.
Classifieds
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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.
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program has been designed to help 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.