Prologue
The Practice Room
I studied music in college. This is actually how I got into radio – I went to the campus radio station my first week there, thinking if I could get on as a jock, I could play my own music.
I never got that airplay, but that's another story ...
This story is about how you get good – at music or podcasting.
All classically-trained musicians know about "the practice room," a 6'x8' space with only a piano, a chair, and a music stand.
This is where serious students go to get better. And if you walk by one of these rooms, you'll likely hear the same few measures of music being played again and again, over the backdrop of a metronome that's keeping the time (and giving instant feedback).
Click, click, click, click.
As a podcaster, you'll benefit from something similar, like The Podcast Sausage Factory.
It's free, by the way. But you'll need to invest a few minutes daily.
Podcast Marketing
How to Easily Batch Social Media Videos (and Other Content)
This is an easy method to turn a single short-form video into something you can use across all major social platforms and will give you some ideas on how you can batch your podcast content as well.
Not using video? This will also work for audio content using an "audiogram" service like Headliner.
Here are the ratios you need:
- 16:9 – Youtube, Facebook, Twitter
- 1:1 – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
- 9:16 – Instagram Stories, Snapchat
Intimidated? Too busy to do this yourself? This is something that can easily be outsourced. If you need a recommendation of somebody who can do this for you, reach out to me.
Podcasting Tools
Audacity 3.2 is Here (...and it's still free)
Audacity 3.2 is here. It has some big changes, including stackable effects and nondestructive editing.
For a full list of everything that's changed, check out Audacity Version Updates, a free site by Mike Adams of Audacity Bootcamp.
Podcast Production
Newsletter Rules = Podcasting Rules
I love these newsletter rules, because so many of them apply to podcast production.
Check this out (translated for podcasters):
- Solve one specific problem for one specific type of person.
- Consistency can’t be overstated. Never skip a week.
- Great podcasting is concise — cut as many words as possible.
- The best way to “find your voice” is to podcast every day, even if for just 15 minutes.
- Writer’s block isn’t about having nothing to say, it’s from lacking a repeatable process.
- People love listicles because they’re easy to read and can provide immense value.
- Don’t underestimate audience feedback. They’ll tell you what they want if you know what to listen for.
- Promoting your work is necessary, but focus on THEIR desired state vs my ask.
- Don’t shy away from being vulnerable — personal stories are relatable.
- Podcast like you talk. It’s more fun to record and more fun to listen to.
- Always edit before publishing, and never after 10pm!
- That said, mistakes happen. You’re human. It’s all good.
- Have fun and enjoy the ride, and your audience will too.
Podcast Humor
Cue the air horn sound ...
What's the one thing that really sets you off when you hear podcasters doing it?
Podcast Monetization
The Apple Podcasters Program
In October 2017, he launched Darknet Diaries, a show that explores “true stories of the dark side of the Internet” covering hacking, data breaches, and cybercrime.
In 2021, he had 22.9 million downloads. He regularly gets over 300,000 downloads per episode and currently has 6027 patrons on Patreon, paying over $20,000/month.
You may want to read his story of his First 45 Days With Apple Podcasts Paid Subscriptions to get a feel how Apple Podcasters Program works.
Would it work for your podcast? Maybe. Would your listeners be willing to pay for these things?
- Ad-free listening. Let subscribers focus on the story.
- Additional episodes. Give subscribers more to love with additional episodes.
- Early access. Offer subscribers new episodes before everyone else.
- Subscriber-only shows. Give subscribers shows that are only available to them.
- Archive access. Unlock access to all the past episodes.
Whether you go with the Apple Podcaster Program, Patreon, or do something on your own, all of these elements are something to consider providing to listeners, especially your "true fans" who are willing to contribute financially to your podcast or be engaged with the community around it.
Not ready to commit, but want to test the waters? Both Buy Me a Coffee and PodInbox have nice, one-off options that will allow listeners to do single donations, rather than sign up for recurring payments.
The Wrap Up
Like this newsletter? Subscribe to the podcast!
If you like the newsletter, you'll love the podcast. It's called Build a Big Podcast and it will help you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast.
You can subscribe for free.
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