Prologue
December's Two-Sided Coin
It's hard to believe that we're already to December and finishing out the year, but here we are...
I want to mention something here, because a lot of people don't know this:
Your podcast downloads (and interaction) will go down in December.
Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule. If you've got a holiday podcast, your numbers are likely to go up this month. Most podcasters are going to see a dip though, so if that's you, don't freak out – nothing is wrong.
Why do numbers go down in December? Because people are busy with holiday/family obligations. Even with the pandemic going on, there is a lot to do.
But here's something else to consider...
Many people are isolated and feel even more isolated in December. And that's a great opportunity for you.
I go deeper into this concept on the audio companion to this newsletter on Build a Big Podcast. You can listen (and subscribe) via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
The point is this >>> This month, you have a big opportunity to really connect with people when they need it.
Yes, we listen to podcasts alone, but we feel like we're connected to the hosts. We also feel like we're connected to other listeners. I want to help you to both and that's just one of the things I'm going to talk about with you in this issue of Big Podcast Insider.
I hope you're off to a great December and finishing out the year in a big way!
Podcaster Opportunities
What Does a Murder Mystery Game Have to Do With Podcasting?
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, I'm starting to see a lot of ads for various gifts with "things you didn't know you needed."
Something that's been popping up a lot in my feed is subscriptions boxes like Hunt a Killer. There are a ton of them, each for various niche audiences – singles, couples, dog owners, etc.
Recurring billing can be a game changer for podcasters (or anybody) as it makes it so much easier to budget, manage your time, and plan ahead. But to really go big with it, most podcasters need to think beyond "donation sites" like Patreon.
But Hunt a Killer goes beyond just a recurring-revenue business model – it's also a clever way to tell a story and get people interacting with each other. And there's a way to do this with your podcast, if you're willing to dive in and look.
Questions to ask yourself to make this happen:
- How can I get listeners of my podcast to interact with each other?
- How can I tell my story (or spread my message) in an interactive way?
- How can I add recurring revenue to my podcasting business?
Maybe it's just a Patreon membership where you post exercises for people to try and people comment. Or maybe it's something more. The opportunity is there, if you're willing to look for it.
Need help? This is how to work with me.
Podcast Marketing
How to Get Promoted on Apple Podcasts
Being featured on the front of Apple Podcasts is a quick way for you to get a ton of new listeners.
Note that they want you to provide graphics for the promotion and you'll need a layered PSD (Photoshop) file that's 4320 x 1080 pixels that's ready to go before you submit. Here is the template to give your graphic designer.
RELATED: I am always looking to feature podcasters on our social media channels, including the Big Podcast Instagram page. You can submit your info here.
A Podcaster Marketing Lesson from Banksy
When it comes to self-marketing, few are as talented as Banksy. This article will give you some Banksy-style ideas and strategies that you can use to market yourself and your podcast, including how to use:
- The Wow Factor
- Humor
- Mystery
- Meaningful Causes
- A "family theme park unsuitable for children."
You will be inspired by this.
Podcasting Events
Golden Crane Podcast Awards
Lee Uehara was inspired to carve out a space in the podcasting landscape for those who identify as Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI), after realizing that no organization of this kind existed, so she and Andrew Wang founded the Asian American Podcasters Association.
The purpose of the Golden Crane Podcast Awards is to recognize and increase the visibility of Asian and Asian-American podcasters.
The deadline is 12/7, so fill out your submission now.
The Business of Podcasting
14 Steps to $1.3M in Revenue
This short Twitter thread is a quick read and will give you good insight into the mindset and strategy needed to build a business around your ideas. If you're doing a podcast based around your expert knowledge, you will find it helpful.
Look at these numbers:
- Consulting: $880k
- Products: $341k
- Community: $81k (collected)
Even if you've got an entertainment or message-based podcast and don't have "expert knowledge" to sell, there's something here for you.
Remember in 2020, when things were completely crazy with the pandemic, and we thought, "I can't wait for 2021."
Well, 2021 was pretty crazy too. We're still very isolated from each other and many, including me, aren't doing live events.
In short, a lot of people are lonely.
You have a huge opportunity this upcoming year to build a community around what you're doing. You may not do something as big as this guy, but you can still be pretty comfortable and help a lot of people.
If you need my help making it happen, let me know.
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.