Prologue
The Fine Line of Indie Podcast Production
Something to think about ...
People who like indie podcasts want something "real" that they can connect to. They want hosts who are relatable, somewhat unfiltered conversation, and specialized info—not just "something for everybody."
What they don't want is to feel neglected. For example, having to listen to poor-quality audio from guests, or a five-minute rant that has nothing to do with the podcast's promised topic, or general disregard of editing.
Remember this ... Just because you're involved doesn't mean it's interesting.
Want more listeners for your podcast? Think like a listener.
Need help? Check out Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) to personally work with me.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
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Podcast Marketing
How To Write A Podcast Title That Drives More Listens
This article is actually about writing headlines, but everything mentioned applies to your podcast episode titles.
Something mentioned, which also applies to the title of your podcast itself, is that "cleverness" is overrated. You're much better off being direct and letting people know exactly what they're going to get from you than trying to sound smart or sexy.
For example, my podcast on podcasting, Build a Big Podcast. It's not a "clever" title. And personally, I'd much rather the name of this podcast be something else ...
But when it comes to getting people to listen to for the first time, or even just explaining to people what the podcast is about, being direct helps.
Here's the three-step process:
- What Does The Content Deliver?
- What Is The Goal of Someone Consuming This Content?
- What Is The Element of Intrigue?
This is where a good sub-title comes in. For example, Build a Big Podcast - Double Your Podcast Downloads in 30 Days.
Hmmm ... Something to think about!
Podcasting Deals
Generate "Visual Episode Notes" for Only $19
There are a lot of AI tools for automating episode notes, but what I love about this one is it will generate mind maps from your podcast audio.
If you're looking to make your episode notes stand out, this is a good way to do it.
And it's cheap ... $19 for life!
NOTE: It also does episode summaries and transcripts.
Podcast Humor
Hot Hot Hot
It's hot. And this is especially true for podcasters who record in small spaces without air conditioning.
If your space is really hot, one "quiet" option is a bladeless fan. It's not perfect, but I know several broadcasters who use units like these with good success.
What do you do to keep cool when recording in the summer? Let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads.
Podcast Monetization
Insights on Ad Skipping, Frequency, and Repetition in Podcast Advertising
Selling ads on your podcast? This information will help you.
The image says it all, but here are the highlights:
- 46% of listeners say they “always or often” skip ads on podcasts
- 28% of listeners say they listen to “all of the ads” on podcasts
- Why do people skip ads? 37% due to lack of interest/relevance, 28% due to familiarity with the advertised product/service
- 56-59% of listeners are OK with the number of ad breaks in their favorite podcast
- 73% of people expect to hear 2-3 ads in a typical episode of their favorite podcast and most prefer 1-2 breaks.
- Ad repetition decreases interest in the advertised product/service for 26% of listeners and decreases attention to the podcast for 23%
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.
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!
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 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:
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