Prologue
The Secret to Being a Top Podcaster
I know AI is scaring the hell out of people in the podcasting industry right now—editors, producers, hosts, etc.
It has affected us. For example, short voiceovers that helped many beginners get their start are now going to AI. And automated transcripts have killed off the work that so many court reporters used as a side hustle.
But AI doesn't have a personal connection to the stories it generates or the empathy to deliver them in a way that really connects to people. It doesn't know personal experiences that have never been written down and posted online.
If you want to AI-proof your podcast, dive deeper into humanity and personal connection.
Still worried? Read this.
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Podcaster Opportunities
20 Lessons for Digital Media
Here are 20 lessons for digital media’s present and future.
The five most important ones that apply specifically to podcasters:
- Cultivate Parasocial Relationships: Building a strong connection with your listeners is crucial. Like Call Her Daddy, successful podcasters create an on-demand companionship experience. Engage deeply with your audience to become a trusted voice and a constant presence in their lives.
- Be Multi-Platform and Multimedia: Don't limit yourself to just audio. Expand your presence across various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and social media to reach a wider audience. But don't just put your "audio podcast" online ... use clips, live streams, and other formats to diversify your content and engage different audience segments.
- Adapt to New Platforms: Keep an eye on emerging platforms and be ready to commit early. Being a pioneer on a new platform can help you capture a significant audience share before others catch on. For example, Bluesky.
- Focus on Direct Audience Relationships: Build and maintain direct connections with your audience through newsletters or dedicated communities. This ensures you have control over your outreach and engagement, independent of any single platform's future.
- Define Your Unique Voice and Purpose: Clearly understand why you're podcasting and what makes your show unique. This clarity will help guide your content creation and ensure you're aligned with your audience's interests and expectations.
Podcast Marketing
Race to the Bottom
This blog post by Seth Godin made me think of a conversation I had with a friend of mine in the speaking business. We were talking about the online "booking sites" that promise to get you gigs.
"The buyers who use these sites aren't looking to spend a lot of money, so to get the gigs, providers lower their prices," he told me. "It's pretty much a race to the bottom."
Sound familiar? Similar sites that promise podcast interview opportunities operate in the same way, but instead of low-cost jobs, they offer low-quality guests.
Great guests don't post "personal ads" because they don't have to—people come to them.
Podcast Production
Validate a Podcast Idea
Will your new podcast work? This path to validating a business idea can help you think it through.
You need:
- A Why
- A Problem
- A Solution
- A Customer
- Knowledge About This Customer
- Problem-Solution Fit
- Resources (Time/Money/Talent)
More thoughts in the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Podcast Humor
Relationship Advice - Part 3
Keeping on the "Valentine's Month" thread ...
Do you discuss podcasting-related purchases with your significant other?
Personally, I do. But because my wife is in a business (photography) where she also needs specialized gear, it's not really a discussion as much as it is letting her know there's something I need to do my job.
And she does the same with me.
It feels good to be with somebody who gets you.
Classifieds
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The Wrap Up
Do This Next ...
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