Prologue
Don't Be Fooled by "Downloads"
Forget downloads—we need more listeners for our podcasts. And the "holiday season" is the perfect time to establish (or strengthen) the foundation that will help you do just that.
I just released an episode of Build a Big Podcast (subscribe here) with a plan to make guests remember your podcast and the same technique can be used with listeners.
It's simple, but it takes time and effort. But the next year will pass regardless, so why not do a little extra work to push yourself (and your podcast) over the top?
You can start today. Both holidays and "the end of the year" are great times to reach out to people you haven't talked to in a while.
Seriously, reach out to somebody you haven't talked to and say hello. Jordan Harbinger recommends getting on your phone, scrolling through your text messages to the very last one, and starting there. And you could do something similar with your email box ... assuming you can find the end.
The "Woo-Woo" Version
I once read an article by a feng shui expert about how to bring more "helpful people" into your life. She recommended either calling or writing (your choice) one helpful person from your past each day for 30 days. At that point, she said you'll have cleared up stagnant energy, allowing that same energy to flow and bring new people into your life.
By the way, if you send physical mail, put it in a red envelope.
Does it work? Yes.
When you're a person who keeps in touch with people, you'll attract people who want to keep in touch with you.
More "Holiday" Opportunities to Grow Your Podcast
I've been writing about this all week via my daily newsletter, Big Podcast Daily.
Steal This Idea
College Radio and Podcasting
Like a lot of podcasters and radio talent, I started on college radio.
Radio has changed a lot over the last 20 years, especially college radio, which is pretty much dead.
Still, there are a lot of great lessons that podcasting can learn from college radio and Live from the Underground by Katherine Rye Jewell is worth looking at if you're interested in the topic.
Things you'll recognize from podcasting:
- Economic Crisis
- Connecting the Underground
- Business Models
- Cultivating a "Radio Alternative"
- Selling Out (This song from 1991 called it.)
Need a gift for the podcaster in your life? It works for that too!
Podcasting Tools
PodRoll - A Solution to Podcasting's Biggest Challenge?
PodRoll says they are "solving podcast's biggest challenge."
What is that? Discovery.
This is one reason so many audio-only podcasters are switching to video and focusing on YouTube ... But "YouTube" and podcasting, even video podcasting, are two totally different things, so it's nice to see a company throwing us a bone with a similar solution.
How well does it work? I don't know. But I think new options like this are always worth investigating.
Podcast Production
How to Take a Break from Your Podcast
This is how five newsletter operators handled an extended break. Everything here applies to podcasters as well.
You have a big opportunity to grow your podcast during holiday periods, but if you're need to take a break now, do it.
Some advice for taking extended breaks:
- Develop a content plan for while you're away
- Tell listeners you’ll be away
- Set up an "out-of-office" message
- Review your welcome series
- Get the input of someone you trust
Remember the "Overly Attached Girlfriend" meme? Like many memes, it blew up quickly and, because of this, completely changed the life of Laina Morris.
This is that story. And if you want to go even deeper, here is a longer version.
Fame and notoriety is never what you expect. Having a podcast is never what you expect. Don't keep pushing when you need a break—take care of yourself first.
Podcasting Deals
Book More Interviews with Video Outreach
My wife has a new book coming out next month and she's been using video outreach via Hippo Video to get podcast interviews, YouTube book reviews, and other press.
She is getting reviews, writeups, and interviews from about 25% of the people she's reaching out to.
If you're looking for more podcast interviews for yourself, this is a great tool to make and send outreach videos to get the ball rolling.
Right now, it's only $59 for life.
Podcast Humor
The One True Podcast Format
Have you ever wondered why so many podcasts sound the same?
The short answer is ... we're all copying each other. We do this not only with formats, but with equipment, ad strategy, and marketing techniques.
Why do you think do many podcasters, especially those on YouTube, use this mic?
Radio has this problem too. One station will add a song to its playlist, then other stations follow. Before long, stations around the country are playing the same song, because they assume someone has already vetted it.
The most successful podcasters are innovators. And one of the best ways to innovate is to look outside your market, or even podcasting, to see what people in other industries are doing to get attention, grow audiences, and sell advertising.
The Business of Podcasting
Has the Podcast Bubble Finally Burst?
I'm including this story in Big Podcast Insider because "podcasting is over" is a theme that comes around every few years and this is something you need to be aware of.
Podcast isn't "over." It's very much alive and well. But podcasting is changing.
Everything happens in cycles. Sometimes something is hot, sometimes it lies low for a while, often times going into "niche mode" and staying out of the public eye.
This happens with celebrities, it happens with music, and it happens with fashion brands.
"Disco" didn't die in the 70s, it went underground. And today, disco-based club music is bigger than ever.
Something else for you to consider about stories like this is that individual podcasters (you?) are playing a different game than organizations like NPR. I love NPR and, when it comes to storytelling and journalism, they do an amazing job. But NPR-level podcasts are only a small part of the world we live in.
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.
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.