Prologue
Skip the Video for Remote Interviews
Listed below is some software that will automatically stream your podcast to YouTube, Facebook, and other social media networks. You set up everything once and it does the rest for you.
It works with audio podcasts, but it's made for video.
Lots of "audio software" has added a video component. With the exception of Cleanfeed, all of the major "remote recording" options for podcasters have added video in the last couple of years.
There are some nice advantages to video. For one, tech support is easier – you can see why your guest sounds so bad.
But the disadvantage is that both hosts and guests (but especially guests) approach video interviews completely differently than they do audio.
- People "show" instead of tell – and this is an issue when your podcast goes out as audio only and listeners don't know what you're talking about, because you were "showing" in video, not describing for audio.
- People are more worried about how they look than what they're saying. Which is perfectly understandable given our "image, not substance" culture. But it doesn't work for audio-only podcasts – you want guests who can deliver in that format.
Streaming video is great, if you want to "play in traffic" and get the crumbs left from top YouTube and TikTok infuencers, but if you really want to go deep with your podcast, it's best to record in the same way you release it.
Terry Gross is considered one of the best radio interviewers of all time.
You know who doesn't use video when recording remote interviews? Terry Gross.
My suggestion is to use video as a tool during remote interviews to introduce yourself and get your guest set up, but when you hit record, go to audio-only mode. Your approach to questions will be different, the answers you get will be more detailed, and you'll end up with a podcast that is much better received by listeners.
Try it. And if you get the streaming software I mention below, use it to stream your audio-only podcast. If streaming to Facebook, this will allow people to put you on in the background while they look at cat photos and rant about politics, giving you much longer engagement than a standard video.
Podcaster Opportunities
0 to 34,000 on Twitter (in 10 Months)
Twitter is back. And for podcasters, it's absolutely the best way to connect with listeners in a personal way, because it allows you to:
- Do it in public, so other people can join in on your conversation.
- Keep things short, without offending people or have them think you're blowing them off.
If you're not actively using Twitter, you're missing out. Not only is it good for talking with listeners, it's also great for talking with other podcasters.
Harsh Makadia went from zero followers on Twitter to over 34,000 in just 10 months. And he's put together a list of 16 tools to help you grow your Twitter audience to get you similar results.
NOTE: If you need a bargain "link in bio" tool, try Linkjoy.
Want to connect on Twitter? Here I am.
Podcast Marketing
9 Most Common Website (and Podcast) Mistakes
I love this list, because it shows the parallels of good marketing, regardless of the medium you are using. And it's a great way to "audit" both your podcast website and your podcast itself.
Look at things like:
- Clarity - If I were to look at your podcast name/artwork for five seconds, would it be obvious to me what you talk about? If not, you need to fix this.
- Ease of Navigation - Is it easy for listeners to find the content they want (and that you've promised)? Your episodes need to be organized, just like you would organize a website.
- Making it Easy to Buy - What do you sell? Is this obvious to somebody listening to your podcast for the first time? How can people pay you? Is that easy to do?
- Photos / Graphics - This is important. You need to know the rules, like you should never have your own photo on podcast artwork.
- Call to Action / What's Next? - Now that the episode is done, what do you want listeners to do? HINT: Your best option is almost always to get people on a mailing list.
More in the article. Read it, make a few tweaks to what you're doing, and start attracting more listeners to your podcast today.
What Would The Satanic Temple Do?
In Issue 62, I talked about how a good "welcome email" is important for keeping listeners who sign up for your mailing list engaged.
In this episode of Build a Big Podcast, I talk about how The Satanic Temple, Baptist churches, and other religious organizations are growing their audiences with "Us vs. Them Marketing" and how you can do the same with your podcast.
Note that "Us vs. Them" doesn't necessarily have to be about dividing people, so if you hear that phrase and it makes you a bit uncomfortable, don't worry – this technique can also be used to bring people from multiple backgrounds (or multiple whatever) together. It's really about flying your flag and taking a stand on something. Where we get in trouble with growing podcasts and keeping them going is when we try to create "something for everybody."
If you want to grow your podcast audience and have a more engaged audience, listen up!
Podcasting Deals
Stream Your Podcast Everywhere (Almost)
If you want to stream your podcast on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media networks, check out this alternative to StreamYard.
This works for both audio and video.
What you can do:
- Create live and pre-recorded broadcasts in a variety of formats, for multiple platforms
- Add custom colors, logos, and other visual elements, so you can stand out with branded broadcasts
- Text overlays (like "lower thirds")
- Chat live with your audience for more engagement
- Share your screen option, so you can commentate on news items, articles, etc
And the best part, you can invite guests to join your broadcast with a simple link, so it's easy for people to join in.
Only $59. Take a look.
The Wrap Up
The Wrap Up
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.