Prologue
Measure Twice, Cut Once
I'm back in the field this week doing about a dozen interviews for a documentary project I'm working on. This is my second round of interviewing and, when you get this newsletter next week, I'll hopefully be done.
Then it will be back to the studio for edits. And organizing everything in a way that tells a story that makes sense. And getting on the mic myself to narrate everything and make the story crystal clear.
Podcasts, even "simple" interview or monologue shows, don't just happen – they take a lot of organization and planning.
The same is true for building a community around your podcast. If you want people to listen, you have to give them something they want to listen to. And that takes thought.
This issue is all about planning your podcast and how to make sure you get what you need when the time comes to record.
Podcast Marketing
People Are Buzzing About "Community" — But What Does Community Mean?
If you want to build more "community" around your podcast, you want to look at this.
Here's what's inside:
- What is a community?
- Who belongs in a branded community?
- What do people love about community?
- Should podcasters build communities?
- Is community a marketing channel for podcasters?
If you've got a great community around your podcast, send me a photo of your studio along with your story, so I can feature you on our social media channels.
Podcasting Events
See you in Nashville?
Speaking of a great community...
Have you ever wondered what happened to all the "metalheads" from the 80s? Believe it or not, there's a huge podcasting community around metal and these guys are coming to Nashville August 6-8 for a conference all about those two things – podcasting and metal.
I'll be doing a live radio broadcast with legendary MTV VJs Mark Goodman, Matt Pinfield, and Riki Rachtman and would love to see you there.
Get a discount ticket here with "BIGPODCAST" as the code.
Podcast Production
OOPS! I bought a fake Shure mircophone!
Consider this a warning if you're buying a microphone for your podcast...
The Shure SM58 is not only the most popular mic in the world, it's also the most counterfeited. I bought an SM58 off eBay and would have never known it was a fake had it not been for another I had just purchased and been able to compare the two side-by-side.
Take a look at these photos and see if you can tell the difference between the real mic and the fake one.
WHY IT MATTERS: I'm no Sunday School Teacher. When it comes to knockoff goods, I don't worry too much. Still, when you're recording something important, you want to make sure you have equipment that will get the job done. It's one thing to get a cheap/fake mic for karaoke at your local bar and another to use for an important podcast. To do your podcast, pay the extra money for good equipment, order from an authorized dealer, and get something that works.
How to Start a Podcast in 10 Simple Steps
OK, this is really about how to start a newsletter, but everything he's saying applies to new podcasts as well. But know a mailing list is great for podcasters who are looking to create something that will connect with an audience, so if you want to add a newsletter to what you're doing, even better.
Need a cheap newsletter solution? SendFox is great for newsletters.
WHY IT MATTERS: Planning goes a long way when it comes to delivering a podcast that will attract an audience. While it's fun to get behind a mic and let 'er rip, it's not going to get you where you want to go as far as listeners. It takes just a few minutes to work through the process here and doing so will help you and your podcast tremendously.
Podcast Monetization
Have a Patreon for your podcast? Here's how to estimate your revenue...
Like planning your podcast, if you're thinking about taking donations via a site like Patreon or starting a "membership site" around your content, it helps to have a few things in place ahead of time.
Read this before you start a Patreon or do anything with recurring billing.
The Wrap Up
Like this newsletter? Tell a friend!
My goal is to better empower podcasters to be more successful spreading their messages and make more money with their podcasts.
I'd love it if you'll help me spread the word about this newsletter by sending your podcasting friends to bigpodcast.com/newsletter.