Prologue
Message from Mr. Cruz ...
I got a text message from Ted Cruz this week, which was weird, because I don't live in Cancun.
I kid, I kid. But I don't live in Texas either, so it was still weird.
I'm also getting messages from candidates running for something in New Hampshire.
Obviously, this is an inefficient way to get votes, since none of these guys is on the ballot where I am. Maybe it's OK for getting donations, but it still seems like I'm on the "wrong list" for whatever they're asking for.
I bring this up to say a couple of things that relate to your podcast ...
1. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT!! This is the one thing these guys did right.
People aren't going to search your out and subscribe to your podcast on their own. You have to let them know you exist and let them know what you need. A listen? A review?
Also ...
2. Not everybody is a good match for what you do, so don't mindlessly ask "everybody" just because it's easy to send out a ton of emails (or text messages).
You have limited resources, so focus on the people who are most likely to want to listen to your podcast. Do you know who that is? If you want my help to figure that out, check out Big Podcast AMP.
Related ... Need a "subscribe" page for your podcast? Feel free to steal this one.
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:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Podcaster Opportunities
It's Support, Not a Donation ...
If your podcast doesn't have a "backend" product or service, you may find options like Buy Me a Coffee helpful ... but not for the reason most people think.
Yes, there is money. But perhaps more important to the success of your podcast, being able to show "support" for a podcast makes listeners feel even more connected to it.
Listeners often feel a deep connection to their favorite podcasters. These creators (YOU!) provide hours of entertainment, insight, and companionship, often making listeners' daily routines more enjoyable.
By supporting podcasters through donation programs like Buy Me a Coffee, listeners can show their appreciation for the time and effort that goes into producing high-quality content. They feel like "owners" of your podcast, not just passive consumers.
Also, donation programs give listeners a sense of community and involvement.
If you don't have a business attached to your podcast, consider setting adding a "support" option. Buy Me a Coffee is a great way to do this.
Steal This Idea
Does Your Podcast Have an Enemy?
Howard Stern's unfiltered and often controversial style of broadcast radio pushed the boundaries of what's acceptable on public airwaves. On one hand, it earned him legions of devoted fans. On the other, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was not amused by his shock jock antics.
Over the years, Stern's show racked up millions of dollars in fines for indecency violations, making him one of the most fined radio personalities in history.
These conflicts gave him something to talk about and endeared him further to his audience, who saw him as a champion of free speech.
Get more thoughts on this topic here and consider being more vocal about your "enemy" to let listeners know where you stand.
Podcast Marketing
Spotify Algorithm: Tips for Podcasters to Boost Rankings
Learn how the Spotify algorithm works and discover key tips to optimize your podcast, improve visibility, and rank higher on the platform.
Key things to know:
- Spotify's algorithm analyzes user behavior and podcast content to recommend shows tailored to individual tastes.
- The algorithm's ability to surface content based on listening habits, engagement levels, and playlist additions is a game-changer for podcasters.
- Spotify's algorithm prioritizes quality content and engagement over the size of the existing audience, giving new and independent podcasters a fair shot at capturing listeners' attention.
- Spotify's algorithm relies on content-based filtering, scanning podcast titles, episode descriptions, and metadata to match content with user interests.
- Collaborative filtering promotes podcasts that engage users the most through plays, follows, or being added to playlists.
- Personalized recommendations are influenced by users' listening history and affinities, with podcasts that align with popular topics in a category being more easily discoverable.
Podcast Humor
Pop That P
You've hopefully recorded yourself enough to know how to minimize plosives. But what about guests?
It's good to get a mic check on guests before recording to see how to best work with them.
I always love working with new engineers and seeing how they do mic checks. For example, these two questions are very common to ask a guest and get levels:
- Tell me about your first car.
- What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
And if you want to test for plosives, try these:
- Betty bought a bit of butter.
- Please pass the purple pears.
- Bob brought the big blue balloon.
- Paul plays ping-pong poorly.
- The big brown bear bit a big black bug.
- Baby bunnies bounce in the blue barn.
- Pam's puppy plays in the park.
- The prickly porcupine posed for pictures.
I love these because they have a fun element that, like the first couple of "level test" options, gets people loosened up before an interview.
STEAL THIS IDEA: Recording your guests as they answer these questions or say these phrases can be great content for a bonus episode!
Classifieds
Notejoy - Simplify Your Podcast Production
Notejoy makes podcast production with guests, co-hosts, and producers easy!
Whether you're collaborating in real-time or across time zones, Notejoy makes you feel like you're in the same room!
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:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services