Prologue
The Best Podcast Format?
Interview-format podcasts have a lot of advantages, but also a lot of disadvantages. For example, not all guests are created equal and scheduling great guests can be difficult at times.
I think this is why so many people who like a "second voice" on their podcasts are moving to a co-hosted format.
I just released a new episode of Build a Big Podcast that's an conversation with Jim Collison, co-host of a few successful podcasts, including Ask the Podcast Coach.
We talk about:
- finding a great co-host
- partnership agreements
- how to come up with great segments
- reputation management
- much more ...
Do you have a co-hosted podcast? I'm looking for examples to feature in my upcoming book! Reach out to me via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and let me know what you're doing.
Podcast Marketing
The Harsh Reality of Podcasting
Everything here is in the title, which is officially "If You Are Asking How To Get More People To Listen To What You Make Now …You Are Probably Going To Fail".
We don't like to admit this. We're close to our work, think we have the "One True Religion," and want to do what we do because we're right.
And we are right! For ourselves.
But when it comes to reaching new people, we'll have an easier job if we focus on making what THEY are interested in, not finding a way to convince them to listen to what we make now.
You're not in the convincing business.
Podcasting News
Podcasting Skews Younger
This isn't anything you haven't heard before or figured out for yourself, but I think it's a great jumping off point to also mention that, as a podcaster, you're a lot different than the "average person."
Most people aren't as familiar with podcasting as you are.
Which means, if we want "more listeners" for our podcasts, we need to make it as easy as possible for them to do so. And for "older" listeners especially, that means ...
- Make it easy to subscribe with a simple podcast subscription page.
- Have a web-based player on a domain that's easy for people to remember and spell.
Most people who are watching broadcast television and listening to broadcast radio are only tolerating them—they're there because television and radio are easy to access.
Remember that television news host that everybody loved? The one who got fired ...
What was his name? It doesn't matter, because there's some new guy who took his slot that everybody is watching now, because watching "the slot" is easier than figuring out where the old guy went and how to access his new show.
Strive to make listening to your podcast as easy as possible. Then follow these 10 Podcasting Lessons to bring personality to it, so people will follow you wherever you go.
Podcast Production
25 Rules For Running a Great Podcast
I hijacked this one. The orginal list was about newsletters, but most of the things mentioned also apply to your podcast.
Like these:
- Podcasting is an “owned” channel, but ownership belongs to your listener.
- Identify a clear audience for your podcast. Doing this will dictate episode content, direction, etc.
- Your listener comes first ... not you.
- Be willing to go where others aren’t.
- Make your choice: Hyperscale or hyperniche?
I'll have more thoughts on all of these and how you can apply them to your podcast in the audio edition of this newsletter. Until then, read the original list.
Podcasting Deals
Izotope Neutron Elements - Get it Free!
Doing custom music mixes for your podcast? You may find Izotope Neutron Elements helpful.
As I mentioned in Issue 181, Izotope just updated its RX line of software and that's a great tool for spoken word audio, such as podcasts. If you're just getting started with audio plugins, that's where I would start.
Podcast Humor
Let's Talk About Release Deadlines ...
I appreciate all the hosts, producers, and editors who do what it takes to get episodes out on time. Consistency and timeliness are important to listeners and having both will help your podcast grow.
But if you're finding yourself in a constant struggle to get your episodes out "on time," you may want to consider changing up your production process and/or schedule.
Listeners are willing to wait for quality content. And they'd rather wait than have you do something that harms yourself and makes you unable to release anything.
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