Prologue
Social Media = Double-Edged Sword for Podcasters
Social media is powerful because it allows everybody to be heard ... sort of. Obviously, some people are being watched more than others, there are algorithms that basically only show us content we're likely to click on (or otherwise interact with), and there's a lot of noise to compete with.
Being in podcasting, you've probably seen the shakeup regarding The Podcast Academy over the last week. It's a good example of not just the power of social media, but the power of words as well.
In this issue of Big Podcast Insider, I'm sharing an opportunity for you to work with AIR (Association of Independents in Radio) as well as some important information to help you spread your message and connect with listeners via social media. Use it wisely. :)
Regarding the situation with The Podcast Academy, I released this episode. If you have thoughts on how we can do better as podcasters as far as inclusivity and the empowerment of people and would like to have a discussion around this, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter.
I hope you're finishing out a great week!
Podcaster Opportunities
AIR New Voices Program – Apply Now!
Each year, AIR identifies and cultivates a diverse roster of early-career talent to arm them with the skills to better understand their role as mission-driven storytellers and emerge with a clearer picture of how they can catalyze change within the industry.
In addition to a $1000 stipend, New Voices receive mentorship, professional development support and structured networking sessions with leaders in the industry. More importantly, New Voices join an incredible network of program alumni who represent all levels and careers in the audio industry. It is your key to career mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.
Podcast Marketing
The Social Media Platforms That Actually Earn Creators Money
You don't need to "be everywhere" when it comes to marketing your podcast on social media. However, if your listeners are on a certain platform, it's a good idea for you to be there too.
Should you be on TikTok? Is Facebook just for old (or conservative) people now? This article has some great info you'll find helpful as well as real numbers on how much money people are making directly from various platforms.
A Beginner's Guide to Reddit: How to Get Started & Be Successful
Reddit is a social media platform, that allows any individual to create and manage their own community, which Reddit calls a sub-reddit. Many podcasts have their own sub-reddit.
It is the best way to get connected with an audience, in my opinion. And here's why ...
It's nice to have a place for people who love your podcast to connect with each other, but even better for most podcasters is Reddit's ability to connect you with topic-specific communities for episode and general audience research.
BONUS: Should you ever need to find out what people really think about a microphone, computer, or anything else, search "[ITEM NAME] reddit" and you'll almost always get better info than SEO-tweaked blog results and anything else that woud come up with a general search of the topic.
Why Email Is an Untapped Opportunity to Reach Gen Z
A majority (66.9%) of Gen Z-ers receive fewer than 20 emails a day according to one study. If you have a podcast made for Gen Z, this is a good opportunity for you as there's a lot less competition in email than other types of online communication.
Obviously, I'm still a big believer in email, but it wasn't always this way. I started an email list when I first started my company in 1995 and used it for years, at one time sending to about 80,000 people weekly.
Then "social media" came on the scene and I placed all my bets there.
I was wrong.
Email is still one of the most effective ways to reach people online, regardless of age. So I encourage you to use it as part of your podcast marketing strategy. If nothing else, get a free account on ConvertKit and set up a simple autoresponder to send listeners a helpful list of resources related to your podcast.
Your "Email Name" Matters
If you go with email, this is helpful. It shows the psychology of why people open certain emails and will help you to create a "sender name" that will get more people to open your updates and other messages.
The Wrap Up
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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.