Prologue
It's a Fluke!
I set up this Instagram account for a show I'm working on.
I posted this video four days ago. I had three followers.
Within three days, the video had over 16,000 "likes."
Cue the air horn.
Those numbers have nothing to do with me. It was a fluke of the algorithm.
And now the account has 69 followers.
Don't count on a "viral video" to do anything to grow your audience. Focus on the basics that you can control, because that's much more effective.
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.
Podcast Marketing
4-Part Podcast Description Template
Saw this from Perry Marshall and I've made a version for you that you can use for your podcast description ...
Who is (and isn’t) your listener? Clearly describe the type of person who will get the most value from your podcast ... and who probably won’t.
What does your listener need to do to benefit? Spell out what actions, mindset, or interests your listener should have to get the most out of your show.
What will your listener gain? Explain the specific benefits, knowledge, or experience your listener will walk away with.
What will you deliver? Describe what you, as the host, will provide. Whether it's expert insights, entertaining stories, actionable tips, or something else, it needs to help your listener achieve the promised result.
Example Template for a Podcast Description
- Who this is for: This podcast is for [describe audience], not for [who it's not for].
- How to get value: If you’re [what they should do/be interested in], you’ll fit right in.
- What you’ll get: You’ll walk away with [what they achieve].
- What we deliver: Each episode, we bring you [what you provide] so you can [result].
Podcast Hosting Skills
How Keith Morrison Perfects His “Dateline” Voice
If you're interested in voiceover and storytelling, this 5-minute video is worth your time.
Big Ideas:
- Storytelling is a performance
- The origin of the story is less important than the telling
- The essence of storytelling is to convey a message with authority and connection to the audience
- Invite listeners to imagine and feel part of the story, emphasizing intimacy and engagement
- Authenticity is key: don't sound like what you think you should sound like; sound like what you know
Go tell some stories!
Podcast Production
There’s a Genetic Reason Your Listeners Can’t Stand Loud Breathing
Can't stand loud breathing? There's a word for it ... misophonia.
About 18.4% of people in the UK have strong misophonic reactions, but most don’t even know misophonia is actually a thing. And without a label, many people with these reactions simply won't listen to you if you don't have breathing and other mouth sounds under control.
Want to reduce breathing sounds in your podcast recordings? Izotope RX is a great option, as is Adobe Enhance.
Podcasting Deals
Automate Your Podcast Interview Booking
Manage podcast bookings on autopilot with Lunacal.
- Create booking questions to get to know guests before interviewing them
- Limit daily/weekly bookings and add buffer time to avoid back-to-back sessions
- Embed your calendar on your website and share booking links via social media and email
Stop the "back and forth" of scheduling interviews via email. Get Lunacal for only $59.
Podcast Humor
You Know the Rules!
People think because we sound great in their headphones that they sound great in our headphones.
Not true ... and it's up to us to educate remote guests about this.
Still, people will show up for remote sessions without the proper equipment (or using the proper equipment the wrong way).
What's the point of recording an interview if the recording isn't going to sound good?
There is no point.
It's not up to you to "fix it in the mix." It's up to guests to show up with what you need to do your job.
Classifieds
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
More Help for Your Podcast ...
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