Prologue
When is a Podcast Ready to Launch?
On Monday, I'm submitting the last draft of my podcast launch book for final editing. And this got me thinking, "When is something done?"
There's a famous quote by SNL producer, Lorne Michaels ... “The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30.”
I've got more than a couple of stories of bands who were in the studio, working on a new album, where one guy in the group thought there was more to do, but the producer (or somebody else) were ready to do a final mix and release it.
Sound familiar? A lot of podcasters feel this way – you don't know the "right" time to release something, or even get started. Especially new podcasters.
Here's my answer: I don't know either.
What I do know is that no creative work is ever really "done." Even when you release something to the world, you're going to think, "What if I changed this?" at one time or another.
And sometimes you will change it. Musicians like this guy do this all the time, depending on where they are. And it works ...
Another thing I know is that this book in being released on 11/5 and it's not going to be perfect, but it will help a lot of people. And it wouldn't help anybody if it didn't come out.
If you've got questions about launching your podcast, hit up me here and I'll get you your answer. And go here if you're interested in an imperfect book on the subject that will also help you.
Podcaster Opportunities
Google's “Helpful Content” Algorithm = Helpful for Quality Podcasts
Google is currently rolling out its “helpful content” algorithm update, and this is going to be a big opportunity for quality podcasts, because Google indexes more than just text.
According to Gaetano Nino DiNardi, here's what this update means for you:
- Websites and podcasts with high amounts of "unhelpful" content are unlikely to perform well.
- Your website and podcast will benefit if it has a clear and primary focus.
- Your website and podcast will benefit if the content clearly demonstrates first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge.
- Will someone reading your content or listening to your podcast leave feeling like they've had a satisfying experience? If so, you're in good shape. More info on what this means is here.
- Content created primarily for search engine traffic is strongly correlated with content that searchers find unsatisfying, so don't worry about "optimizing" in this way.
- After consuming your content, will someone leave feeling they've learned enough about a topic to help achieve their goal?
Again, this isn't just text-based content – it also applies to podcasts.
This is yet another reminder that it's important to:
- Have podcast episode titles that accurately reflect what you talk about within your podcast.
- Get to the point.
- Deliver what you promise.
Podcasting Tools
A $400 Mic Stand for $60?!
I used plans from Marcus dePaula to build custom acoustic panels for my studio, which are exactly what I need, much higher quality than what I could buy, and much cheaper than off-the-shelf options.
If you watch a lot of podcasters on YouTube, you've probably seen this low-profile mic stand that's made for video and goes for about $400.
Marcus will show you how to build the same thing.
It's easy to put together and you can get the parts from Amazon for around $60.
Podcast Production
How to Make Your Live Streams Sound Better
Want to see Marcus' $400 mic stand in action?
Going "live" on Facebook, YouTube, or elsewhere is different than recording a podcast. Still, you're being judged on your audio and you want to sound great.
No problem – Marcus dePaula has you covered.
Like me, Marcus has a music business background, so he knows all about what it takes for good "live" audio. And that's what he shares in this presentation.
This is the mic he's using. And more info on his custom mic stand is above.
Podcast Humor
Before you talk about your new mic, know this ...
This is a joke, but also something most podcasters will face at one time or another ...
"Good equipment" is subjective. You could invest $10,000 or more getting the very best broadcast-quality mics, compressors, booms, and whatever else for your studio and somebody will have a problem with it.
If you're happy with the way your podcast sounds, great. If your listeners are happy with the way your podcast sounds, great. Don't let comments from random people on social media make you feel bad about the equipment you've got.
Is there always room for improvement? Yes. I'm tweaking the sound of Build a Big Podcast right now, for this very reason. And I think you should have a similar attitude toward "good sound" for your podcast – this is something to always be working on.
But don't make audio decisions (or any decisions) for your podcast based on random comments posted on social media.
Podcast Monetization
Advertising to Gen Z? What you need to know ...
This article specifically talks about Gen Z's reaction to advertising in general, but it's a good parallel for how most podcast listeners, regardless of age, feel about ads on your podcast.
Marketers know that personalization is the key to reaching audiences online, but this study highlights just how important tailored ads are in reaching Generation Z in particular.
57% of millennials and 43% of baby boomers said they liked personalized ads. Gen Z came in at 81%!
Consider this the next time you take ads for your podcast. And let it be a reminder to never take advertising from a company where the connection to your podcast isn't obvious.
What's the weirdest podcast/ad combination you've ever heard? Let me know!
The Wrap Up
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