Prologue
Segments Will Grow Your Podcast
Radio has segments. Television has segments.
Unfortunately, this idea seems to have skipped a lot of podcasters ...
Interviews are a powerful way to connect with listeners and entertain them. But way too many podcasters rely too heavily on interviews for content ... throwing up "conversations" that have no direction and last way too long.
If you really want to grow your podcast and make impact, consider a "30-Day Challenge" series/segment that takes listeners through the process of trying something for 30 days.
The task doesn't have to be big. But it needs to be something where people might see some positive results and will definitely have a story to tell.
For example:
- Stop eating meat for 30 days (health podcast)
- Saying "no" every day for 30 days (business podcast)
- Approach a random person each day and talk to them for at least one minute (dating podcast)
You'll get good stories from listeners, they'll have camaraderie with each other (and your podcast), and some of them will make their life better, which they'll give you credit for.
If you try it, let me know how it works for you.
Got a challenge idea? Share it with me.
I have a good one for you below, by the way ...
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Steal This Idea
Do you know what happens if you DM everyone who likes your social media posts?
Josh Spector did an experiment on LinkedIn. He sent a direct message to each person who "liked" or commented on one of his posts.
He offered a free course/training he normally sold.
That made him some money, because people wanted additional training. But also ...
- He got to know everybody who regularly engages with his content.
- He knows when someone new comes into his world.
If you do a lot of social media, this would be a good way for you to take a relationship from a casual connection something deeper. It can take a "drive-by comment" and bring somebody over to your podcast, simply by letting people know you have a podcast.
If you try it, let me know how it works for you.
Podcast Production
Segment Idea ... The DIY Dumbphone
If you have an iPhone, you'll probably come across that feature which allows you to see how many times you touch your iPhone each day.
The results are often pretty scary—most of us have very little awareness of how much time and energy we put into our mobile devices.
There are some tricks you can use to make your phone less enticing. An easy one, which I do myself, is to make it black/white. No more bright and enticing colors!
But there's a next level ...What would happen if you gave your smartphone a lobotomy?
One lady did it and here are her results as well as how you can do it yourself.
I share this for two reasons:
- It may help you.
- It's a great example of a "30-Day Challenge" segment/series for your podcast.
If you try it, let me know how it works for you.
Podcast Humor
Opinions are Like (_!_)
Feedback can be incredibly helpful for growth, but it’s important to consider the source before acting on it.
Not all opinions carry the same weight. Always ask yourself if the person giving feedback is qualified or understands the context, so you don’t end up steering your podcast off course based on advice that isn’t well-informed.
Constructive criticism is a tool, but only if it comes from the right hands.
The Business of Podcasting
If You Want to Keep Sponsors ...
Jon Acuff mentioned his three goals when speaking at a live event and they're VERY similar to what you should be thinking about when you work with a podcast sponsor.
- You want the sponsor's phone blowing up (in a good way, obviously), not yours. You're involved with a sponsor for just an ad read, but they'll have to deal with any aftermath long after you do.
- No generic ad reads! You want listeners to feel like you understand them.
- When interviewing a guest, you want the support staff (PR, agents, etc) to have a great time working with you. Also ... remember to acknowledge them in the episode!
NOTE: Want an example of a custom ad read? Listen to me here.
Classifieds
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The Wrap Up
More Help for Your Podcast ...
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