Prologue
Plans Change. People Change. Podcasts Change.
In the previous issue of Big Podcast Insider, I talked about dropping things that aren't working for you, even if they worked for you at one time. Who you are now (hopefully) isn't the same person you were last year – we should be moving forward as people.
This means our work and podcasts will change. And I'll give you an example...
I started a marketing podcast called RED in July 2014. I'd done podcasts before RED, but it was what got me really deep into podcasting (and not just radio).
RED started as a co-hosted podcast. Then I went solo with it. And over the years, I've done a ton of interview-format episodes.
Last month, I decided to stop RED entirely. The final episode will be released next week.
Why? I feel it's time to move forward with other things. Things like this newsletter, a new book on podcasting, and new podcast projects that are entirely different from what I'm currently known for.
This kind of stuff can be scary, which is why I'm bringing it up here – somebody reading this, maybe even you, knows it's time to move forward.
And you can't move forward doing the same thing you've been doing. You have to do something different.
If you're ready to jump into something new, now is a great time to do it. January is the time when people expect this kind of change to happen. You don't have to quit anything to do this, by the way – your "big change" may be putting more gas on the fire.
In this issue of Big Podcast Insider, I've got some opportunities for you to take advantage of in the upcoming year as well as a great, "set-it-and-forget-it" tool that can double your podcast traffic.
Podcaster Opportunities
Breaking the Law (and Getting Caught)
One of the things I love about podcasting is its "outlaw" feel – you don't need permission to do a podcast, you just do one.
Here's a related story I think will inspire you to do something similar:
A new law was put into practice in France limiting the speed limit for vehicles to just 30km/h (18 mph). A boutique running store, decided to take this new speed limit as a challenge. Could runners actually go faster than 18 mph via their feet?
On August 31st, a group of runners ran through the streets of Paris at full speed with the sole intention of getting caught by traffic speed cameras and fined. And they did it.
There are so many things I love about this – it's great publicity and it provides an element of "us vs. them" that's so important in building community and attracting new people to what you do...
Could you do something similar with your podcast and those who listen to it? Yes.
Need help coming up with a plan? Here's how to work with me.
Podcast Marketing
The Best Time to Post on Instagram
If you follow the Big Podcast Instagram page (and you should), you'll notice that i post at the same time every day.
Why? Because that's when my people are most likely to see my posts.
If you're on Instagram, and you want people to see your posts, you should be doing the same thing.
This article has important info for you.
Want to Build a Strong Podcast Brand? Here Are 8 Strategies
A successful podcast starts with a successful brand, but most podcasters have no idea what is involved with that.
This is a quick read and will help you evaluate what you're currently doing with your podcast, then make it stronger. Having these elements in place will make the marketing that you do 10x more effective and allow you to grow your podcast in a big way.
Podcasting Deals
Double Your Podcast Audience for $49?!
When you see this tool, you'll think, "Yeah, I've seen that before."
I was skeptical when I saw it, but talked to a friend who has been using it for a few months. He credits it with doubling his podcast listeners.
How? You can connect it to your RSS feed and automatically share new (and old) episodes with people who aren't even subscribed to your podcast. So it's a great way to bring casual listeners into the fold, get them used to listening to you, and then get them to subscribe.
Read the reviews and you can see how other people are using it.
For the price (just $49), I think it's worth the punt. I just set it up at BigPodcast.com and it's been working great so far.
The Business of Podcasting
Your Podcast Could "Steal" These Advertisers
As the podcast industry consolidates, many advertisers say they’re getting priced out. One mentioned in this article talks about how advertising costs doubled on one of his brand’s go-to shows after it was acquired.
Also, have you noticed how top podcasts cram 5-6 ads next to each other? For many advertisers, this has killed the appeal of advertising on these shows.
And that's an opportunity for you to jump in and pick up some of the business these big podcasts have dropped...
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.