Prologue
Don't Make This So Complicated!
I was at a meetup for authors recently and the guy I was talking to asked me the type of books I wrote. I mentioned my book, Big Podcast.
Then he asked me some questions about podcasting.
Like a lot of people, he'd thought of starting one, but hadn't yet. And, like a lot of people, he was making the process way more complicated in his head than it actually is.
He told me he has a spreadsheet!
But he hasn't done a couple of things ... actually picked up a mic and spoken into it.
When it comes to podcasting, like most things, you're going to learn a lot more by jumping in than by thinking about it.
So if you're reading this, thinking "I should start a podcast," maybe you need to look at why you haven't.
By the way, I haven't "officially" announced this yet, although I did email a few people about it a couple of days ago ...
I want to make "editing" easier for people who are getting stuck on that part of the podcasting process. If that's you, reach out and let me know what kind of editing you need.
I'm putting together something with some radio friends to get independent podcasters broadcast-quality editing at an "indie" rate. If you want to step up your audio quality, this will do it. And it's likely less than you're paying for editing now.
The downside? There is very little availability.
I expect to take the first handful of people the first week of October. If you want to talk more about it, reach out and let me know what kind of editing you need.
Steal This Idea
What's Your "Competition" Doing?
I love this Instagram account that showcases podcast art (and the stories behind it).
I always think it's good to see what other people in your business are doing, not because you're worried about "competition," but to keep up with related trends, both upcoming and current. And also to get to know other people in your business.
An account like this one would be easy to set up for your niche and is a great excuse to reach out to people and have them share what they're working on.
I do something similar with podcast studios, by the way. Send me a photo of where you record your podcast and I'll help you get the word out about what you're doing.
Podcast Marketing
52 Ways to Grow Your Email List (or Podcast)
There are two ways to look at this list of 52 ways to grow your email list:
- With overwhelm ...
- Like a buffet ...
My suggestion is to browse through it and pick 2-3 things that work for you. Some of what's on the list is very simple, so there are a lot of options that you can do today, without investing a lot of time.
As an example, I just added a link to this newsletter to my email signature. Total time ... a couple of minutes.
Note that almost everything here can also be used for your podcast subscription page, so even if you don't have a newsletter, this is worth looking at.
Speaking on podcast subscription pages, I'll have more thoughts on how to use this list for your podcast on the audio edition of this newsletter, so go to mine and subscribe to my podcast now.
Podcast Hosting Skills
How to Keep People Listening to Your Podcast
I love this article about how to write a powerful first sentence, because it's directly transfterable to what you can do to keep people listening to your podcast.
The TLDR version is ... "The job of your first sentence is to get people to read your next sentence."
Same for your podcast. In fact, Josh actually includes this clip about Howard Stern, which sums up why this works ... "I want to hear what he'll say next."
Are you doing this with your podcast?
Let me give you an example of how I do it ...
As you may know, every issue of Big Podcast Insider has an audio version. And at the beginning of each audio episode, I give a list of each segment of the issue.
That's the tease. It's not fancy, but it works. So if you're looking for an easy way to get going on this technique and keep people hanging on just a little bit longer, doing this is a good place to start. Simply let people know what's coming up.
Example ... "On this episode, I'll be talking about ___, which is important, because ."
Try it and let me know how it works for you. Let me know! Reach out on T2, Bluesky, or Mastodon.
Podcasting Tools
ChatGPT Tool for Podcasters
First of all, know that a tool like Swell AI will do all of this and more. So if you want to do AI-style episode notes for your podcast, that's the easy way to do it. You can try it for free
But if you want another option, this "splitter" tool can take your episode transcript (or any large amount of text) and set you up in a way that ChatGPT can work with.
I know a lot of podcasters are worried about AI, which I get. New technology, especially when it's this powerful, can be scary.
But it's also a big opportunity for us. More thoughts in the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Podcast Production
A 6-Part Framework for Successful Episodes
PASTOR is a framework designed to write sales copy, but it also works great as an outline for helpful podcast episodes.
Here it is:
- P: Person, Problem, Pain
- A: Amplify and Aspire
- S: Story
- T: Transformation and Testimony
- O: Offer
- R: Request a Response
Sound familiar? You may have been using something like this yourself without even knowing it.
Sound too complicated? If you're not worried about selling anything and just want to focus on the meat, the PST elements may be enough for your episodes.
As mentioned earlier in this issue, the "hook" (that's the P in this case) gets people to listen, but the "story" is what will keep people listening. and the "payoff" (that's the T) is what wraps everything up in a nice bow. So if you're thinking, "Six steps is too many," start with these three.
More thoughts and examples of how to use this framework in the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Podcast Humor
Quality Audio = More Trust
This is true.
For you. For your guest.
People will argue to the death that "content" is what really matters in podcasting and those people are right. But if you don't deliver quality audio, you're going to have to work a lot harder to get people to consume your content, because before they actually pay attention to it, they're making judgments on how it was recorded.
You're doing to record your podcast regardless. And a $69 mic is all you need to have quality audio that represents you and respects your guests and listeners.
Related ... As I mentioned earlier, I'm putting together something with some radio friends to get independent podcasters broadcast-quality editing at an "indie" rate. If you want to step up your audio quality, reach out and let me know what kind of editing you need. I can likely get you connected with somebody who can do it quicker, cheaper, and better than what you're doing now.
Classifieds
Swell AI
Swell AI automates writing podcast summaries, articles, social posts, and more.
- Manage multiple shows in one dashboard.
- Build custom templates for each show.
- Connects with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zoom.
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.
Your Ad Here – Only $35!
I believe in podcasting and independent business. Because of this, I've made discount ad slots available for independent companies who support podcasters.
If you'd like to reach an audience of dedicated podcasters via both this newsletter and its audio edition (sent out via the Build a Big Podcast feed), get current availability and book your slot.
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.