PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting

"Authenticity" Is Just Lack of Effort? (And Other Hot Takes)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Does agreeing too much make for boring conversations? Will your podcast fail if you don't listen to other shows? And does the definition of a podcast really matter?

We tackle these hot takes and more on this week's Podcraft. It was a fun yet thought-provoking chat, and we're really enjoying the new format. Here's the full list:

No one cares what microphone you own
Authenticity is just a lack of effort
You should challenge your guests more
You should stop worrying about trying to reach Gen Z
You need to be a podcast listener to be a good creator
If you don't listen back to your episodes, no one else will
Agreeing too much is boring
The definition of a podcast doesn't really matter

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Do Podcast Ads Do More Harm Than Good?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:31:31 GMT

Back in November, our Independent Podcaster Report found that only 15% of creators were actively monetising their shows. Of those that did, the majority were running ads and sponsorship.

If you missed it, the full report is here.

This week on Podcraft, we got into the thornier side of that: can ads erode audience trust? Are they an annoyance? And how many is too many?

We picked apart some other claims, too:

AI voices will become indistinguishable from real hosts
One viral clip can change everything
YouTube rewards podcasters more than podcast apps do
If you don't have 5+ hours a week, don't start a podcast
Your podcast idea isn't unique
If you're not getting feedback, your podcast isn't memorable

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Does "Owning Your Audience" Confuse Reach With Trust?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:24:05 GMT

If you build an audience on a third-party platform, it's often said that you don't "own" that audience. But does this miss the point of what an audience actually is? That's just one of the discussion points this week as we continue our 'agree or disagree?' journey through podcasting.

Are Solo podcasts harder to grow than interview shows?
Are interviews the laziest form of podcasting?
Is owning your email list more important than growing your podcast?
Will AI replace most podcast editing within 2 years?
If you let AI write for you, will you lose the ability to write?
Are long-form podcasts dying?
Does consistency matter more than quality?
If your podcast isn’t growing, is it your fault?

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Should Podcasting Never Feel Like Hard Work?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:49:39 GMT

"Podcasting should never feel like hard work".

It sounds nice, but is it true? If it were that easy, wouldn't everyone have a massively successful podcast?

On the latest episode of Podcraft, we’re back with our “agree or disagree” format, running through a few statements and giving our take on each. Here's everything we discussed...

You should plan at least 10 episodes before launching
The narrower the niche, the better
Audiograms still work in 2026
It’s okay if your first 3 episodes sound bad
You might as well host on Spotify - it’s free
Short episodes perform better
Weekly publishing is unrealistic for most people
Podcasting advice creators are part of the problem

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Do Podcasters Control Their Own Discoverability?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:03:47 GMT

Is your podcast growth at the mercy of "the algorithm", or do you have more control than you think?

On this episode of Podcraft, we run through a few statements about podcasting and debate on whether we agree or disagree with them.

Podcasters need to keep in touch with industry news and trends
Paid subscription requires extra work or content
Podcasters control their own discoverability
YouTube is now more important to podcasters than Apple Podcasts
Sponsor and ad reads should always be host-read
Guesting on other podcasts is overrated

Also mentioned:

4 Simple Ways to Track Podcast Ad Performance

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:33:00 GMT

How do you know if your podcast sponsorships are actually driving results? Here are four practical ways to track listener engagement and show sponsors what’s really working. These tips make it easier to prove value, strengthen partnerships, and grow your show’s revenue!

Mentioned

Alitu: The Podcast Maker
Google Campaign URL Builder

The Creative Reset For Podcasters

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:46:00 GMT

If running your podcast has started to feel like a grind, you risk losing your creative spark. This week, I want to try something that'll help rekindle your enthusiasm for podcasting.

The episode of Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Building a Content Curation System, YouTube-First Podcasting, and Apple’s Improved Video

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:34:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed that a podcast you follow hasn't put out an episode in months, only to find they're still actively publishing on YouTube?

In this episode, Colin’s away, so I’m joined by Jacob to unpack a shift we’re seeing more and more. Creators recording for YouTube and letting the audio feed fall away. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes just because it feels easier.

We talk about why this is not really an audio versus video debate. It’s a distribution debate. When you remove open RSS and rely on a single platform, you change how people can consume your show. You also risk cutting off your most loyal listeners, the ones who want to listen while walking, driving, or working, not sit and watch.

From there, we dig into Apple’s latest move to support video more seriously inside Apple Podcasts. Instead of clunky separate feeds, Apple is rolling out HLS video streaming via hosting providers. We explore what that could mean for open podcasting, how it compares to Spotify’s walled garden approach, and whether pricing could become the real barrier for indie creators.

We also talk about pull-based content systems for curating your podcast or newsletter.

If information is infinite in 2026, curation becomes valuable. I share an idea for building a pull-based workflow that gathers relevant updates automatically, so you can filter and add your own perspective rather than spending hours manually searching. Jacob walks through practical ways to prototype this using AI projects and automation tools, without needing to code.

The episode of Podcraft is sponsored by Beamly, and is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

The Advice We Needed When We Had 7 Listeners (Classic)

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:27:35 GMT

Our indiepod legends have given us many insights, tips, and words of advice this season. They're speaking from positions of authority and experience, but they didn't get there overnight. On the final episode of Season 20, we'll dig into what they wish they'd known before they started and ask about some mistakes they see new podcasters make.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

How to Sell Audio-First Podcasts to Potential Sponsors in 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:02:50 GMT

On last week's episode of Podcraft, we agreed that sponsorship was broadly overrated for the average indie creator.

But... that doesn't mean it isn't the right fit for you.

Maybe you podcast within a specialist hobby, professional field, or enthusiast community.

In many niches, sponsorship fits naturally because you're talking about certain tools, products, or services anyway.

Getting paid for those endorsements can help support your work without any disruption to your content. It's only a matter of reaching out and asking.

But that's the tricky part. Does the person you speak to understand the power of audio? And do they want to make a split-second decision based on comparing your download numbers to the social media metrics of your average "influencer"?

On this quick episode of Podcraft, I run through what I learned after creating a 2026-proof media kit for my own hobby podcast. If you're even considering sponsorship, I think you'll get a lot from it...

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

What’s Underrated, What’s Overrated in Podcasting (And Why)

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:22:06 GMT

Which podcasting best practices are actually worth your time, and which ones are overhyped?

In this episode, we take a deliberately opinionated look at common podcasting advice, tools, and assumptions, and decide whether each one holds up in practice.

Good mic technique - underrated or overrated?
Written podcast descriptions - underrated or overrated?
Podcast show notes - underrated or overrated?
High bitrates and lossless audio - underrated or overrated?
Short video clips for social - underrated or overrated?
Researching guests and planning out interviews - underrated or overrated?
"Celebrity" guests - underrated or overrated?
Podcast sponsorship - underrated or overrated?
Intro music - underrated or overrated?
Hiring a podcast editor - underrated or overrated?

We also tackle a thoughtful listener question on how to relaunch a podcast with existing episodes. The answer outlines a practical two-week sprint focused on SEO, guest sharing, collaborations, email lists, and early momentum, without relying on social media.

Mentioned

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Podcast Predictions 2026: What Fails, What Survives, and What Thrives?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:34:00 GMT

What will podcasting actually look like by the end of 2026, once the hype settles and habits stick?

In this episode, we make grounded predictions about where the medium is heading and what creators may want to do less of. We examine the growing pushback against video-first shows that neglect audio listeners, why audio-only content may regain strength, and how screen fatigue could reshape creator priorities.

We also look at the future of tools and platforms. Where AI editing genuinely saves time, where it risks flattening personality, and why rougher, more human solo content may become more valuable rather than less. We explore distribution too, including what might come next from Spotify, whether Apple Podcasts is likely to evolve, and why open RSS still matters even as video grows.

Finally, we wrap up by looking ahead. Which formats are likely to thrive, how monetisation and advertising may shift, and how creators can decide what is actually worth their time.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Podcasting in 2026: What Still Matters (and What Doesn’t)

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:08:56 GMT

Do you still need all the “must-do” podcasting advice that gets recycled every year, or has some of it quietly expired?

In this episode, we revisit a long list of podcasting essentials and ask one question of each: Does this still matter in 2026? We look at what still earns its place, what has changed, and what you can stop worrying about entirely.

The focus is on practical decisions, not trends. When consistency helps and when it gets in the way, why some advice was never essential to begin with, and how much effort makes sense depending on whether your show is a hobby, a growth project, or a business.

The thread throughout is simple. Understand why you are doing something, not just whether you have been told you should.

Do you still need...

A podcast website?
A podcast trailer?
Apple Podcasts reviews?
A microphone?
A consistent format or length?
To launch with three episodes?
An email list?
To add metadata to your files?
Interview guests?
An RSS feed?
To listen back to your episodes?

Also mentioned

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Using Copyrighted Music or TV/Radio Clips in Your Podcast

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:24:11 GMT

Can you legally use music, TV clips, or radio audio in your podcast, or is it a fast track to takedowns and trouble?

In this episode, we unpack how copyright actually works for podcasters. What fair use really means, why it is a legal defence rather than permission, and where creators most often get caught out. We look at the practical risks, including automated copyright detection, platform removals, and takedown requests from rights holders.

A quick note before you listen: we are not lawyers. This episode is based on our experience and understanding of how copyright is applied in practice, not legal advice. If you plan to rely on a fair use defence, you should understand the risks involved and make that call deliberately.

Our conversation also widens into modern podcasting workflows. We discuss why video podcasts still need to work as audio-first shows, how many “video listeners” are actually listening in the background, and how relying on visuals can quietly break the experience for most of your audience.

Mentioned

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Why Showing Up Long Enough Changes Everything [Classic]

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:58:52 GMT

Almost all the benefits of podcasting stem from one thing – and that’s consistency. If you publish quality content over a prolonged period of time, you eventually hit a critical mass of episodes you can now call your “back catalogue” – and it’s a powerful tool.

On this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to look at the benefits of this published body of work, which includes the ability for new listeners to binge your content, as well as providing you with a tonne of repurposing options, too.

Following up on our previous episode, From Doubt to Determination, we’ll also continue to explore the barriers and challenges our Indiepod Legends have faced, as well as how they’ve overcome them. It’s another value-packed programme filled with lessons, takeaways, and motivating anecdotes!

The Podcasts

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

How Much Do You Really Know About Podcasting? The End-of-Year Quiz

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:14:00 GMT

We test your podcasting knowledge in a series of quizzes and challenges. Along the way, we tackle industry stats, listener behaviour, gear trends, and a mix of real and not-so-real podcasts, while reflecting on the numbers and themes that shaped podcasting over the past year.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Protecting Your Creative Brain in the Age of AI

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:36:37 GMT

Are you using AI to sharpen your thinking, or quietly letting it replace it?

Can podcasters and creators still work with AI without losing the slow, human thinking that makes ideas worth sharing? We talk about using AI as a sounding board rather than a generator, why “thinking walks” still matter, and how convenience can flatten creativity if you are not careful.

There are practical lessons, too. We cover how to handle co-hosted interviews without talking over each other, what changed after a recent home studio move, including audio and lighting choices, and details of a new podcast launch challenge aimed at getting shows live in January.

Mentioned

Colin's Video Lighting (Affiliate Links)

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Flat Downloads Don’t Always Mean Flat Growth. But They Might Hide a Bigger Problem

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:00:02 GMT

Imagine a podcaster who has been publishing for a couple of years. Every time they check their stats, the number is the same.

They assume they have hit a plateau.

So they spend more on marketing. They push harder on promotion. Nothing changes. The number stays flat.

What that number does not show is what is happening underneath. New listeners are finding the show. At the same time, existing listeners are drifting away. Growth and churn are cancelling each other out.

The show is moving. The metric makes it look stuck.

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Misener from Bumper to unpack why download numbers can be misleading, and what better signals actually tell you how your podcast is performing. We also tackle churn head-on. If new listeners are finding your show but not sticking around, we look at what might be driving that drop off and what you can do to change it.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

Growth Tips for Stalling Audiences and Narrative Lessons for Non Fiction Podcasts

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:11:21 GMT

Fiction podcasts often hold listeners for longer than non-fiction shows. But what can non-fiction creators learn from this?

We break down the simple storytelling tools that keep audiences hooked, including open loops, stronger intros, clearer arcs, and themed seasons. We also highlight some easy wins that improve retention, such as smoother transitions, cleaner audio, and titles that set clearer expectations.

We then dive into a detailed review of a history and policy podcast and explore the lessons it offers for growth. Naming clarity, smarter show notes, and better use of a back catalogue all come up as high-impact opportunities. We also look at ways to reach more listeners through collaborations, community spaces, news-reactive episodes, and in-app promotion. The thread throughout is simple. Strengthen retention first, then build reach with structure, consistency, and relevance.

Mentioned

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:25:00 GMT

What if monetising a podcast was simpler than the usual laundry list of tactics suggests? A new model called the Three As breaks earning potential into three clear paths:

Audience, which includes supporter perks and light ads
Authority, which covers coaching, courses, and specialist services
Assets, which includes books, products, and affiliate income

The aim is to choose the route that fits your show’s size and purpose rather than copy the strategies used by giants.

Elsewhere, recent Independent Podcaster survey results show creators splitting into two broad groups. Audio-first shows follow flexible production routines, while video-led podcasts often feel the pressure of weekly uploads from platforms like YouTube. These differences show up in formats, production time, and a growing worry that video’s rise could narrow the types of stories podcasters feel able to make.

There is also a look at the event season ahead and how to get more from it. The focus is on going in with clear intentions, using the space to meet potential guests, and treating each venue as a chance to make connections rather than sit through panels all day.

The episode ends with practical studio advice. Creating depth behind you, shaping your light, and mixing fixed and angled shots can all lift your visuals without expensive gear. A bit of planning and a thoughtful layout often matter more than the camera you use.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:22:00 GMT

In this conversation, Colin sits down with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, to discuss the shifting landscape of content creation. Fresh off completing a 100 Days of YouTube challenge, Craig shares why he chose video over podcasting during that time, what he learned about platform growth, and the powerful truths about podcast numbers versus engagement (where podcasting still shines!)

They explore the convergence of audio, video, and email platforms, the challenges of monetization in podcasting, how AI is reshaping content workflows (without replacing creators), and why a few hundred engaged podcast listeners might be more valuable than 100,000 YouTube views.

Guest

Craig Hewitt - Founder of Castos, a podcast hosting platform. Recently completed 100 Days of AI on YouTube, growing from 250 to 11,000 subscribers. Find him at Castos.com or search "Craig Hewitt" on YouTube.

Chapter Markers

[00:00] Introduction & Catching Up

[02:15] Has Podcasting Changed More in the Last Year?

[05:30] What is Podcasting in 3-5 Years?

[08:45] Craig's 100 Days of YouTube (And No Podcasting)

[12:20] The Convergence of Content Platforms

[16:00] Product Development: When to Expand vs Focus

[20:45] Spotify as a Video Platform

[25:30] Exclusive APIs and Platform Access

[30:15] What Really Matters in Podcast Software

[35:00] The Monetization Challenge

[42:30] AI in Content Creation

[48:00] Building AI-First Products

[52:15] Craig's AI Learnings from 100 Days

[56:45] Growing on YouTube: Concept is Everything

[62:00] The 800 vs 11,000 Paradox

[66:30] Small Audiences, Big Revenue

Key Takeaways

Platform choice matters: Optimize content for one channel rather than trying to make everything work everywhere
Engagement beats reach: A few hundred loyal podcast listeners can be more valuable than 100K YouTube views for certain business models
AI is a tool, not a replacement: It amplifies human capability but requires strategic implementation
Concept is king on YouTube: Title, thumbnail, and mass appeal trump production quality
Podcasting works best for: Coaches, consultants, and anyone with high-ticket offerings and existing audiences
The industry irony: Even podcast hosting companies prioritize YouTube and blogs over their own podcasts

Links & Resources

Castos: https://castos.com
Alitu: https://alitu.com (podcast editing and hosting)
The Podcast Host: https://thepodcasthost.com
Craig's YouTube: Search "Craig Hewitt Castos"
Creator Hooks: https://creatorhooks.com (mentioned for title/thumbnail generation)

Notable Quotes

"For certain types of people in certain situations, a podcast is by far the most valuable kind of marketing real estate they can have. The rub is that's not everyone or even most people." - Craig Hewitt

"If you have 1,000 podcast listeners, you might convert 500 of them, but if you have 10,000 YouTube watchers, you might still only convert 500 of them." - Colin Gray

Subscribe to PodCraft for more conversations about running a successful podcast in today's evolving content landscape.

Why Are Audio-Only Podcasters Spending MORE Time Than Video Creators?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:02 GMT

Our Indie Podcasters Report shows that once production goes past six hours, audio-only creators are the ones spending the most time in the edit.

But why?

The answer goes beyond workflow. Audio culture has always valued clean mixes, careful pacing, and detailed sound design, so creators tend to polish every moment. Video makers often move faster by embracing jump cuts and a simple top, tail, publish routine.

That doesn't mean video is the easier path. It brings its own challenges, from codec issues and lighting problems to huge file sizes that slow everything down.

In the end, this isn't a contest between formats. It is about understanding the differences so you can choose the approach that suits your skills, your time, and your goals.

We also put our heads together to try and flesh out a USP for Colin's new podcast, discuss gear-related accessibility issues, and look ahead to the upcoming Black Friday deals season.

Also Mentioned

Shaking Up Your Format, Smarter Chapter Markers, & the Habit That Transforms Your Hosting

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:21:00 GMT

Ever feel like your podcast has started to sound scripted rather than conversational? When the spark fades, it’s time to shake things up. This episode explores how relaxing your format can reignite creativity and flow, why over-scripting kills energy, and how a looser, more natural approach helps you sound sharper and enjoy recording again.

We also dig into some practical podcasting essentials, from Apple’s new AI-generated chapter markers and what they mean for listener engagement, to one of the most powerful habits you can build: listening back to your own episodes. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s the fastest way to improve your delivery, catch unnoticed habits, and sound more confident every time you hit record.

Mentioned

6 Reasons to Record Your Next Podcast Episode on a Walk

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:27:28 GMT

On a recent episode of Podcraft, Neale James of The Photowalk talked about an email he once received from a listener who was housebound due to illness. They wrote that they could no longer go out for walks but hoped their life might change one day. For now, the sounds of Neale’s walks, even his grumbling at passing planes, reminded them that there was still a world out there.

“That message taught me something important,” Neale said. “In a world that is increasingly shaped by AI, authenticity matters. People value the real and unpolished moments more than we sometimes realise.”

'Walkcasting' wasn’t the only reason Neale was able to publish 500 episodes in five years and turn his podcast into a full-time living, but it played a big part.

Even if you are not chasing those kinds of milestones, there is a lesson here. In an era where thousands of fully AI-generated shows flood podcast apps each week, authenticity and human connection have never mattered more. So how can a new podcaster stand out in all that noise?

Neale’s story says a lot about why walkcasting resonates with so many people. There’s something special about hearing someone talk while they’re moving through the world. It feels real, unfiltered, and human. If you’ve never tried recording this way before, here are six reasons to give it a go.

#1 Authentic Connection

Walkcasts feel more like a conversation than a broadcast. The rhythm of footsteps, the background sounds, and the unpolished tone create a sense of presence, as if you’re right there with the host. Little imperfections, such as a breeze or a passing car, add warmth and texture, reminding listeners they’re sharing a genuine moment with a real person.

That sense of authenticity does more than make a walkcast sound real; it also deepens the emotional bond between host and listener. The gentle movement and surrounding atmosphere make it easy to imagine walking alongside someone. Many listeners find this kind of audio comforting and companionable, especially when they’re out on their own walks or can’t get out for one themselves.

#2 More natural, spontaneous thinking

Walking often sparks fresh ideas and clearer expression. It’s easier to talk freely when you’re moving instead of staring at a microphone in a still, silent room. That freedom often leads to more thoughtful, engaging moments, giving listeners a sense of the host thinking out loud rather than reading from a script.

#3 Low friction, low pressure

A walkcast takes very little setup. You don’t need a studio or expensive gear, so you can record whenever inspiration strikes. Since it’s meant to sound relaxed, there’s less pressure to polish every word. That simplicity means you can record and publish more often, keeping your connection with listeners alive.

#4 Cost-effective production

You can make a walkcast with nothing more than a smartphone and a small microphone. You don’t need expensive equipment or complex software, which makes it an easy way for anyone to try podcasting. And because you can record anywhere, it’s easy to capture ideas as they happen instead of waiting for the perfect setup.

#5 Distinctive sound

Walkcasts stand out because they feel so human. The unique mix of your voice, the pace of your walk, and the sounds around you can become part of your signature style. In an age of slick production and AI-generated content, that lived-in authenticity makes you sound unmistakably yourself.

#6 Encourages mindfulness & healthy habits

Recording while walking is good for both body and mind. It turns screen time into fresh air and movement, helping to improve focus and lift mood. The slower rhythm of a walkcast encourages a calmer, more mindful approach to creating content. It offers a gentle alternative to the fast-paced world of digital media.

Walkcast Tools, Equipment, & Software

If you’re already reaching for your coat and lacing your shoes, brilliant. Make the most of that spark before the weather changes its mind.

But you might suddenly worry that you don’t have the right gear or software for a walkcast. The good news is that you probably do. Neale records straight into his smartphone with no external mic. Phone audio has come a long way in recent years, and yours will likely do just fine.

If it is calm outside or you tend to walk in sheltered spots like woodlands, you are good to go. It is worth adding a small windjammer for next time, though, as it will keep your audio clean on breezier days when the trees are dancing.

If you are worried about what to say, a small notepad with 3-5 bullet points is enough to prompt you if you get stuck. If you head out with pages of detailed notes, you might be better off staying behind the desk.

Your phone already has a built-in voice notes or voice memos app, and that's all you need to capture your recordings. You can buy or download other recording apps with extra features, but those are optional rather than essential.

Remember, one of the biggest benefits of walkcasting is how simple it is to set up, so keep things as minimalist as possible. You can always add or adjust later, but don't put off your first recording.

Summary: Reasons to Try Walkcasting

If you can get out for a walk and record even one episode, I’d encourage you to give it a try. At worst, you'll get your steps in for the day.

Think of walkcasting as calling a friend while on the move. A good starting point is to share a few reflections or insights on your last episode or interview. You'll quickly get a feel for what works.

Anecdotally, every walkcasting podcaster I have spoken to says those episodes get the most positive feedback. There is a good chance your listeners will feel the same way, so grab your coat and start recording!

Growth on the Road: Building a Podcast While Living Off-Grid

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:01:01 GMT

Ever wondered what it’s really like to grow a podcast while living off-grid and travelling full-time? Cara and James from Kerouac’s Cruising share how they’ve turned life on the road into a show about freedom, mindset and self-discovery. From dodgy internet connections to finding their voice as creators, they talk openly about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve built a loyal audience one mile at a time.

It’s a story about persistence as much as podcasting – learning new skills, fighting imposter syndrome, and embracing the slow, steady growth that comes with authenticity. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going with your show, or wondered how to make deeper connections with listeners, this chat offers practical insight and a healthy dose of encouragement.

Also Mentioned

Research as a Creative Partner, With Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:03:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about publishing a report in your niche? A “state of the industry” piece that delivers fresh data, insights, and analysis to your audience.

Original research can position you as an authority while sparking conversation, attracting media coverage, and opening new opportunities.

But gathering and reporting data is both art and science, and common mistakes can quickly undermine your work.

Fortunately, we’re joined by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable, one of the most trusted voices in podcast research.

With more than 30 years of experience, Tom shares practical advice on audience research and presenting original data. Whether you are planning a full industry report or simply running an audience survey, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls and prepare for success before writing your first question.

Here are some of Tom’s key insights from our chat:

Research Fuels Creativity

“It’s always bothered me that people viewed the research and data side of things as not creative, when actually what it gives you is constraints. And constraints are really the key ultimately to creativity.”

Far from being dry or restrictive, data gives you the boundaries that spark innovative thinking. By knowing how your audience reacts, you can sharpen your message, test new angles, and create with greater confidence.

Ask Better Questions

“Writing a question is one of those things that everybody thinks they can do and almost nobody does it well, because it requires a really bizarre way of thinking.”

Good research starts with good questions, but survey design is a skill in itself. A poorly phrased question can confuse your audience or skew your results beyond usefulness.

“Don’t start writing any questions until you’ve had conversations with listeners. Those chats don’t give you the final answers, but they show you what you should ask about.”

Begin with real conversations - virtual coffees, quick calls, or informal chats. Use your audience’s own words to shape your survey options, ensuring the language resonates with them rather than sounding like a form filled out by a stranger.

“If you ask a question and you don’t know what you would do with the result of any of the answers, don’t ask the question. Don’t waste people’s time.”

This is the ultimate filter. Every question in your survey should serve a purpose. If you don’t know how you’ll act on the response, cut it.

Research to Know vs. Research to Show

"Broadly, there’s two kinds of research in anything. There’s research to show and there’s research to know. And I like to specialize in research to know."

So what's the difference?

“I would often be asked by people, I want to do a survey that shows this. I want to do a survey that shows that this product approach that our company uses is actually the best. That’s research to show. And I always tell people, be prepared not to get the answers you like.”

True authority comes from being curious, not from trying to validate a pre-set agenda. If your findings surprise you, lean into that.

"If the research comes back credible, without obvious flaws, and it contradicts your original hypothesis, the best thing you can do is document it honestly. Share the story: explain what you expected, why you thought the outcome would be different, and then walk people through the actual findings. Reflect on what surprised you and what might have made the difference. That's the essence of thought leadership."

Audiences and peers will respect you far more if you publish results that challenge assumptions, even your own.

“…if you can’t tell a story with a particular data slide, then don’t include it. And that’s not necessarily cherry picking, that’s just this did not come back as an interesting finding.”

Not every data point belongs in your final report. Great reporting is about focus: highlight what tells a meaningful story, and don’t overload your audience with filler.

Be Transparent

“The magic word is respondents. You can’t say ‘audiences say this,’ but you can say ‘53% of respondents said this.’ You’re never going to go wrong there.”

Every survey has its limitations. Maybe your responses came from a mailing list, or from people who clicked a link in your podcast notes. That’s fine - just be clear about it. Transparency builds trust, while over-claiming erodes credibility.

"You don't have to denigrate your approach. You don’t have to talk yourself down. I’m just a big fan of just being very clear about what you did. Just tell them what you did."

A simple "Methodology" paragraph in your report will do the trick. No need to get granular with the details, but what were the places, platforms or methods you focused on to collect responses?

“…if you have a study that has 500 respondents, I think it’s just fine to say men say this and women say that. I think it’s probably just fine to say that 55 plus says this and 18 to 34 says that. But actually look at the number of men 18 to 34 in your study… you’re in the low double digits, right? And that’s where you want to be very, very careful.”

In other words, don’t slice your sample so thin that the numbers stop being meaningful. Sometimes it’s better to give raw counts than percentages when subgroups are small.

And... Iterate!

“…one of the things that it’s really difficult to do in a single survey is report a correlation… I think what you can say is this sample did this and this. And here’s the key, if you’re a curious person and you want to get better, is you iterate. The next time you do a survey, you ask about that correlation specifically, you make it specific and then you see, okay, that hypothesis was right. It’s a scientific method.”

Don’t try to force causation out of one dataset. Treat each survey as a stepping stone in a longer journey of discovery. If you can build on your data, you'll begin to spot interesting patterns and trends.

A huge thanks to Tom for sharing his insights and experience. SoundsProfitable.com is the main hub for keeping up with his work in the podcasting space!

Also Mentioned

Lessons From 500 Episodes & 5 Years of Podcasting

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

How do you keep a podcast going long enough to reach 500 episodes?

Most shows fade away after a handful of recordings, but The Photowalk has just passed a huge milestone. This week, I’m joined by its host, Neale James, to explore what it really takes to stay consistent, build a community, and even turn a passion project into something sustainable.

Read the full blog post on this too, here.

Neale shares:

Why showing up every day matters more than waiting for inspiration
How listener nicknames, mailbags and “the other listener” helped build a loyal community
The role authenticity plays – including leaving in planes overhead and barking dogs
Lessons carried over from his BBC radio career into podcasting
How he’s pieced together monetisation with Patreon, sponsors, mentoring and photo tours

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your podcast alive and enjoyable well beyond launch, Neale’s story is packed with lessons you can take straight into your own show.

Also Mentioned

The "Voice Note From a Friend" Format: A 15-Minute Podcast Workflow

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:18:59 GMT

Do you think launching a podcast means buying lights, cameras, and spending hours editing? In this episode, Becky Pierson Davidson (Build With Becky) shows why none of that is necessary. Her short, audio-only episodes feel like voice notes from a smart friend, each one sharing a single tip to help community-driven businesses thrive.

Becky explains how she keeps her process simple and sustainable, from idea to published episode in under 15 minutes. She shares why this straightforward style resonates with her audience, how it has led to new clients, and the role of storytelling, newsletters, and small conversations in building community.

Turning Listeners Into Buyers, Algorithms in Podcasting, and the Benefits of Walking Meetings

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:15:11 GMT

Have you ever wondered how to turn loyal listeners into paying customers without feeling like you’re forcing the sale? In this episode, we explore practical ways to make that leap, from using dynamic ads wisely to weaving your own products and services naturally into your content. It’s all about adding value first and showing how what you offer can genuinely help.

We also chat about some of the bigger questions shaping podcasting right now. Should algorithms play a bigger role in helping people discover new shows, or do they risk limiting variety? Should you add a picture of yourself to your podcast cover art? And on a lighter note, we share how swapping a standard planning meeting for a walk outdoors has boosted our energy, creativity and focus.

Mentioned

Should Hyperlocal Podcasts Target International Audiences?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Can a podcast rooted in one city or neighbourhood really matter to listeners halfway across the world? Or should hyperlocal shows focus purely on the people right on their doorstep?

In this episode, we are joined by Cody from the Community Build Up podcast. Together, we dig into the tension between going deep on local stories and widening the lens to reach a bigger audience. You’ll hear how podcasters are using place-based content to grow loyal followings, why a global reach isn’t always the right goal, and how you can decide what works best for your own show. If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep things close to home or aim for international ears, this one’s for you.

Can You Grow a Podcast on a Monthly Release Schedule?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:32:34 GMT

What does it take to keep a podcast sustainable while still growing your audience? In this live coaching episode of Podcraft, Colin and Matthew sit down with Ellie and Will, hosts of Lively Minds: The UK Mental Health Podcast.

Together, they explore the origins of the show, the challenge of carving out a unique voice in a crowded mental health space, and why clarity around their mission matters so much. Ellie and Will share how their project grew out of conversations during lockdown and why they wanted to go beyond surface-level wellbeing advice to have deeper, more nuanced discussions around mental health.

The conversation also digs into practical strategy, from balancing consistency with sustainability to experimenting with shorter co-hosted or solo episodes. Colin and Matthew share ideas for authentic audience growth without social media overwhelm, creative approaches to collaboration, and sustainable ways to explore monetisation through community support or aligned partnerships.

Packed with encouragement and practical insights, this session shines a light on what it really takes to sustain a meaningful podcast for the long term.

Turning Your Podcast Audience into Paying Members

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:02:01 GMT

How do you turn your podcast audience into paying members? In this episode, Colin talks with Mike Morrison from Membership Geeks about the strategies podcasters can use to build successful memberships.

You’ll learn how to choose the right model for your show, whether that’s creating outcomes, fostering mastery, building connection, or offering resources. Mike shares real examples of podcasters who have grown six-figure memberships, explains why content alone is no longer enough, and reveals how to keep members engaged for the long term.

If you're in or near the UK, be sure to check out Retain Live 2025, which is taking place in Newcastle on the 23rd and 24th of September!

And if you want one resource to help you start up a membership, try The Membership Roadmap. This is Mike's full guide to planning and launching a successful membership.

Lessons From 3 Years of Podcast Marketing Trends

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:42:53 GMT

What can three years of data really tell us about how podcasts grow? In this episode, Jeremy Enns from the Podcast Marketing Academy unpacks the latest Podcast Marketing Trends report, exploring why growth is slowing for big shows but accelerating for independents, the growing role of video in podcasting, and whether social media really moves the needle. The discussion also covers the pull of algorithms, the power of strong show concepts, and how newsletters fit into a sustainable growth strategy. If you want clear insights on what actually works in podcast marketing today, this is the conversation to hear.

Also Mentioned

How to Reach Older or Less Tech-Savvy Listeners

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:24:50 GMT

Indy is creating a podcast for his online gardening club, Tender Shoots, aimed at listeners aged 65 to 100. His mission is to make the experience simple, welcoming, and accessible. No technical headaches, just great gardening advice.

The challenge is balancing ease of use with modern podcasting features like chapter images and detailed show notes. Indy is tackling this by streamlining the subscription process and guiding members on how to use podcast apps. The goal is to offer an enjoyable and educational experience tailored to older gardening enthusiasts, without letting the tech get in the way.

Looking for support or coaching in your own podcasting ventures? Head on over to thepodcasthost.com/help and tell us what you need!

Income Stream Lessons from 10 Top Indie Podcasters (Classic)

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:40:05 GMT

There is no shortage of potential income streams for your podcast. But rather than telling you all the things you could try, how about some real-world case studies from ten successful independent podcasters?

Our recent survey suggested that only 1 in 4 indies monetize their content, despite the majority of them wanting to build some income streams.

So, on this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to dig into the monetization methods and strategies that have actually worked for our IndiePod Legends, as well as the many that haven’t!

The aim here is to show that while some revenue streams are a good fit for some, they don’t work so well for others. We’ll also answer questions like:

WHEN should you try to monetize?
What are some great on-ramps for smaller podcasts?
Can monetizing your content hamper your creativity?

The Podcasts

Are We Overcomplicating Podcasting?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:04:00 GMT

Podcasting isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Figuring out who you want to reach and how you’ll serve them is hard work, but it’s the kind that truly moves the needle.

In 2025, we risk losing sight of that north star. Too often, clarity is traded for trends, and purpose is swapped for perceived expectations. Stay focused. The best podcasts still begin by serving real people, not chasing the algorithm.

On this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Corbett, who brings a wealth of podcasting experience to the table. We discuss some recent data collected through regular polls in our Podcraft Pointers newsletter. Then, we catch up on the latest tools, tactics, and techniques that are working well for us right now.

Key Talking Points

The "Podcasting" Name Debate

83% of surveyed indie podcasters believe the term "podcast" hasn't outlived its usefulness
Industry voices with big profiles are pushing for rebranding, but thousands of creators prefer keeping the term
Comparison made to radio shows that also stream video - they don't stop being called "radio shows"
Major platforms (YouTube, Spotify, Apple, CNN) still use the term "podcast"

Video vs. Audio-Only Content

Many new podcasters feel overwhelmed by video expectations and delay starting their shows
Video doubles workflow time and adds technical complexity (lighting, makeup, outfit changes for batch recording)
Consistency matters more than video for podcast success
Risk of creative monoculture - video favours simple chat show formats over inventive audio formats like dramas and documentaries

Monetisation Challenges with Video

Dynamic ad serving (industry standard) doesn't work on YouTube or Spotify's cached video feeds
Forces return to baked-in ads, creating same problems the industry solved years ago
Cuts off major monetisation channels for creators heavily dependent on Spotify

Platform Control Issues

Google pushed video podcasts on YouTube for monetisation reasons, not creator benefit
Spotify requires opt-in for RSS distribution, creating discovery barriers
Platforms can change algorithms overnight, affecting reach

The Value of Audio-First Content

91% of surveyed podcasters believe spoken word audio should be championed alongside video
Audio provides escape from screen time and fits seamlessly into daily activities
Podcasting originally succeeded as an antidote to screen addiction
Long-form, relationship-building content vs. addictive 6-second hook culture

AI and Workflow Tools

ChatGPT valuable for idea generation and content planning, not wholesale content creation
Adobe Enhance effective for audio cleanup
AI clipping tools not yet reliable for video editing
Canva increasingly useful for quick design and video creation

Equipment and Setup

Many experienced podcasters stick with reliable, familiar gear for years
Wireless lavalier mics making location recording less intimidating for guests
AI audio cleanup tools reducing need for perfect recording environments

Industry Complexity

Podcasting has become significantly more complex compared to simpler early days
Multiple platform considerations creating workflow complications
Need to balance innovation with accessibility for new creators

Growing a Podcast With LinkedIn

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:19:45 GMT

Tomas Loucky, better known as Tommen, is an expert in growing an audience on LinkedIN, and has been growing his Podcast 'Produced By' there for the past year. With over 20,000 followers, he joins Colin to talk about building a personal brand, repurposing podcast content, and finding great guests through LinkedIn. They dig into how to strike the right balance between personal and business-focused posts, and why authenticity and experimentation are key to growing an audience.

Check out Tomas's podcast Produced By with Tommen, along with his other channels and projects, right here.

3 Proven Tips to Make Your Surveys More Engaging

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:09:43 GMT

If you're looking to gather genuine feedback from your podcast listeners, surveys can be a powerful tool. But only if people are willing to complete them.

In this episode of Podcraft, you'll learn how to create listener surveys that generate more responses and more meaningful insights. Whether you're collecting feedback for your own decisions or planning to share the results publicly, these tips will help you get it right.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Our 2025 Indie Podcaster Survey is now open. Complete it and you'll receive a free PDF copy of our Podcast Growth book, plus the chance to win $500 worth of podcast gear from Lewitt.

Take the survey at thepodcasthost.com/survey25

How Systems Can Boost—Not Break—Your Creativity

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:14:06 GMT

What if the key to podcasting success isn't working harder, but working with more structure? More systems, more process. Many independent podcasters burn out trying to juggle content creation, editing, promotion, and everything in between. But there's a better way.

On this episode, Colin is joined by Layla Pomper, CEO of ProcessDriven. The pair explore how structured workflows can actually enhance, rather than hinder, your creative freedom. Layla reveals how independent podcasters can use documented processes and templates to reduce decision fatigue, prevent burnout, and scale their shows effectively.

You will also:

Discover practical strategies for systematising content planning, editing, and promotion while maintaining creative freedom.
Learn how creating recurring task lists and frameworks not only ensures consistency and quality but also provides the flexibility to take breaks without disrupting production.

This episode offers actionable insights for podcasters looking to delegate tasks, minimise repetitive work, and focus on what matters most - creating original content and growing their audience.

Whether you're struggling with overwhelm or ready to scale, Layla's expertise in making business processes enjoyable will help you build a more organised, efficient podcasting workflow.

Also Mentioned

The 2025 Indie Podcasters Survey

A quick, easy, and cathartic click through your podcasting experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to win $500 of podcasting gear from Lewitt, you'll also be guaranteed to get a free PDF copy of our Podcast Growth book in your inbox once the survey closes!

Imposter Syndrome, Content Validation, & Your First 10 Episodes

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:02:23 GMT

Does your audience expect expertise or authenticity? On this episode, we're joined by Allan Tweddle of Small Investor Toolbox. He's published 13 episodes to date and has struggled with feelings of impostor syndrome, as well as early audience growth. Can we help him? Hit play to find out!

Resources Mentioned

The Problem With Provocative Titles (And Why We Use Them Anyway)

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:23:29 GMT

We recently did a bit of a masterclass on titling your podcast episodes, based on our WHISPER TITLES framework. This framework applies to any type of content, too, not just podcast episodes.

We wanted to build on that in this episode and explore the delicate balance of crafting podcast titles that are engaging yet avoid the contemptuous label of clickbait. We'll delve into the importance of titles in capturing attention amidst a competitive media landscape and share examples of misleading headlines from other media. We'll also talk about some examples where our own titles have sparked negative or critical reactions from others.

Mentioned

These 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What Happened

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:02:02 GMT

You don’t need to look far to find a heated debate or surprising statistic about video in podcasting right now.

Video is killing podcasts! Video is saving podcasting! If you’re not doing video, what’s the point? It’s a lot.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there’s one thing I’m sure we can all agree on: Every show is different, and adding video unnecessarily could kill your podcast.

So rather than continuously examining contradictory data or choosing which hill to die on, I spoke to some podcasters about their real-life experiences adding video to their workflow and the results (and challenges) it can bring.

Darren Lake/ DLake

Host of the 1% Better Runner podcast

“Video is three times harder, but worth the effort”

Darren Lake, otherwise known as DLake, never actually set out to be a podcaster. He just wanted to create a platform where he could explore “weird content” about running.

In the first three years, he produced about 40 audio-only episodes. But despite trying “every trick in the book” to grow his audio podcast, it struggled to gain traction: “I couldn’t crack the [running] niche, for whatever reason. Maybe I was too late.”

Adding a video component became a no-brainer. For one thing, running is a subject that has a lot more impact when visuals are included. His listeners repeatedly told him, “You should be on YouTube,” and “You have the perfect style for YouTube.” It also helped that Darren already had a lot of experience in front of the camera from his days as a music artist. It felt like “a very natural transition” for him.

He began experimenting with video in 2021 but didn’t immediately publish any content. Instead, he accumulated a backlog of 25 videos, which he then released all at once in 2023. The impact of this strategy was fast and transformative.

The “YouTube algorithm is beautiful.”

Within 18 months of adding video, he gained 3.5 times the audience he had built in 6 years with audio-only content. He told me his content regularly performs 10-100 times better on video platforms than audio-only, with one particular video alone earning him 1,000 YouTube subscribers.

Since posting regular short videos twice weekly, he gains approximately 100 new streams per month on Spotify too. “When people know you have a YouTube, they’ll go to your podcast, they’ll go to Spotify, they’ll go to your Instagram“—but rarely, he says, the other way around.

Lake discovered that YouTube offers tremendous leverage: “I put in a little bit extra work for video, and I get 10, 20X, a hundred [views in return].”

It’s worth noting that Darren’s video content is quite different from his audio-only; he adapts it heavily for YouTube so he can optimize for visual audiences. So instead of simply filming his long-form podcast sessions, he totally repurposes his content for a YouTube audience.

Here’s how he does it:

He shortens episodes to 10-15 minutes
Adopts an “explainer style” format, talking directly to camera
Implements scripting to make content more focused
Optimizes topics based on YouTube search trends – “pillar content that people are searching for”

While he acknowledges that “video is three times harder” than audio, for him, the return on investment justifies the effort.

Lake’s financial investment in YouTube has been relatively modest—approximately $500 in total.

2. John Kundtz

Host of The Disruptor podcast

“To produce a successful video podcast, you need to either outsource post-production or take the time to learn how to edit videos effectively.”

When John Kudtz launched The Disruptor podcast, he recorded both video and audio from day one. “I recorded the shows in video and audio. Then, during post-production, I would publish either the audio-only or video podcast,” he told me.

He did this because he’d been hearing a lot about the benefits of YouTube for growth and monetization: “I heard that YouTube was an easier platform to monetize and that the reach could potentially be greater because of the search nature and the algorithms of YouTube.”

Video investment challenges

But publishing a video component to his podcast wasn’t as straightforward as he’d hoped. John quickly discovered the hidden complexities of video podcasting, including:

Time investment: “I examined how much time I was spending on pre-production compared to post-production. [Video editing] led to a significant cost in terms of my time.”
Technical hurdles: “I’m not a video engineer and found video editing quite time-consuming and not enjoyable.”
Cost: Eventually, John hired someone to handle the post-production video editing and creating thumbnails, costing him around $300 to $400 per show for a one-hour episode.

After publishing eight video podcasts, John reevaluated his workflow and pulled back to publishing audio-only, re-platforming his show to Buzzsprout. “My video podcasts weren’t gaining much traction,” he says, “so I couldn’t justify continuing the investment of time and money into post-production and editing.”

Since going audio-only, his production output has increased substantially. He’s currently sitting at 33 episodes.

He says he owes a lot of his audio podcast production to modern tools – especially AI. “With tools like Descript, I can edit an audio podcast extremely quickly, upload it to Buzzsprout, use the AI tools in both the Descript and Buzzsprout to create show notes, and then stage and release the show – usually within a couple of hours after recording.” This sort of workflow simply isn’t possible when video is involved.

Doing what makes sense for your podcast

John says he’s happy he tested the water with video, but made the pragmatic business decision to pivot back to audio as video just didn’t make sense. It’s also worth noting that, as a business podcast, John’s primary goal isn’t growth: “My strategy isn’t to drive views, downloads, or engagement. It’s a marketing and branding exercise. I primarily use it to promote my business one-on-one.”

John Kudtz’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability. His most significant insight? “The biggest lesson I learned is that to produce a high-quality video podcast, you either need to outsource the post-production work or take the time to learn how to edit videos effectively.”

dCarrie

Host of the Travel n Sh!t podcast

“It’s absolutely been worth it.”

dCarrie is the host of the Travel n Sh!t podcast. Her journey into video podcasting was born from a ‘why not?’ approach.

After 53 episodes of audio-only content, D saw video as a natural extension of her podcasting workflow. “It felt easy to add!” she says, “All I’d have to do was add a camera and upload the footage.“

But she had one major advantage: She already had a free video editor on board. “I generally ‘employ’ an editor [conveniently, her fiancé!], and I don’t do much editing to my audio as is, so there weren’t too many extra steps to getting the extra content,” she says. Therefore, all the common technical barriers podcasters experience shifting to video were minimal.

But adding video wasn’t just about pressing ‘record’ and letting her fiancé do the rest. D invested time and resources into creating a quality recording space. “Setup does take effort,” she admits. “Getting lighting in order, and occasionally updating my recording set are things that I have spent time and money on. I love my recording space though, so it’s absolutely been worth it.“

Unexpected benefits of video

For D, the best part about adding video to her podcast wasn’t seeing growth in her analytics, but something more fundamental: engagement with her listeners.

“Unfortunately, no“, she laughs when I ask about tracking data, “I don’t really monitor any of that. I will say, though, that my video episodes are the only places where I see any comments.”

“I actually receive likes and comments on the YouTube content, but not the audio.”

Like many of the podcasters I spoke to, D also finds that bringing video into her interview episodes makes the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable: “I enjoy being able to see the faces of the people I’m talking to. It gives me a sense of how the convo is going and how or when to shift the discussion.”

4. Matty Lansdown

Host of the How to Not Get Sick and Die podcast

“Audio, I could do any time of the day… whereas with video, I feel like you’ve got to put a lot more thought into it.”

When Matty Lansdown’s podcast hit a download plateau, he knew something had to change. Over the years, he’d established a loyal following, but growth had stagnated. “I hit a ceiling,” he said. “I bounce somewhere between 19,000 and 24,000 every single month with audio only.”

At episode 230, Matty made the bold decision to introduce a video component to his podcast. The primary driver was the post-pandemic podcast listening dip: “I moved to video in an attempt to reach more people, realizing that COVID stopped a lot of people driving to work, listening to podcasts in cars and on trains as regularly as they were before.“

Two years and 200 video episodes later, Matty admits he’s a bit underwhelmed by the results: “To be honest, from the data, it’s pretty uninspiring.” His YouTube channel has 800 subscribers, with 5,000 to 7,000 YouTube views per month. Decent, but not yet as transformative as he’d hoped.

Biggest learning? Video and audio are very different

Video podcasting proved to be far more resource-intensive than Matty initially anticipated. “The most time and most money that I spend is on video editors,” he explains. Where an audio podcast might take around 4 hours for him to produce, video editing( especially creating shorts) became a much more complex process.

Matty’s biggest learning has been that video and audio are very different, and if you’re doing video you need to spend a lot of time and effort making it engaging.

“You have to create engaging content just like you do with the audio podcast because otherwise, nobody will watch it,” he says. “Audio, I could do any time of the day… whereas with video, I feel like you’ve got to put a lot more thought into the visual aspect.” From lighting to wardrobe, video just simply demands more.

But despite the underwhelming returns so far, Matty is optimistic about the future of his video content: “My experience in business is that, at some point, there’s an exponential kick with the data, and then it’s like, oh, all of that work paid off.”

5. Joe Casabona

Host of the Streamlined Solopreneur podcast

“As podcasters, we’re content creators, and creating content is a constant experiment.“

Joe Casabona is a podcast coach who’s been running his own show for over nine years. In the summer of 2024, Joe tried adding a video component to his long-running audio podcast when he noticed a dip in his download numbers: “For the last year or so, my downloads have been down. Anecdotally, it sounds like a lot of podcasters’ downloads have been down.”

As both a podcast coach and longtime content creator, Joe felt responsible to adapt: “The podcast landscape is changing, and as a podcast coach, and a longtime podcaster, I think it’s incumbent upon myself to try different things.”

“Creating content is a constant experiment,” he says, “Just like you need to get your car inspected and you need to change your oil and rotate your tires. You can’t just start a podcast, do it one way, and then never think about it again.”

After producing approximately 430 audio-only episodes, Joe began incorporating video last year. Adding video wasn’t logistically difficult because he was already using tools to record his show that supported video. His editor had also added video editing to their services, so he didn’t have to look for production either.

The “communal impact” of adding video

Six months in, Joe hasn’t seen significant growth in audience numbers yet: “Compared to other platforms, I’m not seeing an appreciable bump.” However, it’s still early days, and traction takes time: “Experiments take time, and you can’t just put out one video, and it fails and be like, ‘well, video doesn’t work.‘”

He also believes the slow traction is mostly down to his established audience habits: “Because I’ve been around so long, most of my listeners are on Apple Podcasts.”

Like other podcasters I spoke to, where Joe has seen change is in audience trust, interaction and feedback. “People see me, and they’re more likely to trust me,” he says, and this translates to increased feedback: “On these video platforms, I see more engagement because it’s easier. I have polls on Spotify, and I get answers to those polls….[it’s] way more than I get with audio… I think there’s a more communal impact to having a video component.“

The cost of adding video

Adding video has been surprisingly manageable for him from a time perspective. Since Joe was already recording with video-capable tools, he reports, “From a time perspective, no extra time.”

The financial aspect does require some investment, though. Adding video editing to his editor’s invoice has cost him an additional 30%, but Joe says, “It’s worth it for this experiment and for having a presence on YouTube and Spotify.”

Another big bonus of adding video is that Joe’s found himself more engaged as an interviewer: “I would say it probably makes me more engaged… because I want to appear as if I’m engaged, and so I’m not checking my email or writing stuff down while my guest is speaking. I’m looking at my guest and into the camera.”

Key Lessons from Video Podcasters

When researching this article, I spoke to a whole bunch of other podcasters who had also experimented with adding a video component to their show.

Here’s just some of the great advice they shared for their fellow creators:

Don’t stop publishing audio

Remember that although YouTube has a lot of viral potential, as a platform, it can be incredibly fickle. Cal Newport recently referred to YouTube as the “Wild West” on an episode of the Deep Questions podcast: “Change one word, and 10,000 less people will watch it. It’s crazy.”

His producer and co-host, Jesse, also pointed out the dangers of focusing too heavily on one platform: “If you’re just a full-time YouTuber and your channel gets cancelled, what are you gonna do then?”

All of the podcasters I spoke to were keen to keep their audio podcast alive as well as video. Andrea Jones from the The Mindful Marketing Podcast told me that, despite her success with video, if she were to start another podcast tomorrow, she would “start again with audio-only until it built up a listenership that I could expand to other platforms.”

Go with what plays to your strengths

Regardless of hype, it’s important to stick to the format that aligns with your skills, resources and goals. Podcasters have never been big trend-followers, and now’s not the time to change that.

Video can take a lot of extra time, money and effort, so the worst thing you can do is jump into doing it if you don’t want to, or don’t realistically have the resources to make it work. And, of course, the podcasters who have success with video are those who actually enjoy being in front of the camera – it’s not for everyone, and that’s OK! It doesn’t make you a bad podcaster if you don’t want to turn the camera on.

Remember, some formats translate better to video than others

Turning a solo show into a video podcast would potentially be harder than an interview format show.

Kathi Kamleitner from the Watch Me See podcast decided to stop doing video after a 12-episode stint because it was a lot of work due to it being a solo show: “I found it challenging to create engaging visual content for my podcast, which is primarily a scripted, narrative, solo show. It took time and money to pay my VA to help with the creation of the videos, but overall the takeup in terms of traffic was really minimal.“

Interview podcasts, on the other hand, translate more easily to video. Many podcasters prefer to use video platforms when interviewing remote guests anyway, meaning it’s just a matter of uploading the video file to a new platform. When you compare this to DLake’s strategy of completely reworking every episode to suit audio or video, it’s clear that the format of your show can make a big difference in terms of how much work needs to go into creating video.

Mielien from the Moving To Oneness podcast started off with video from day one because she had a co-host who lived on another continent: “I had a co-host the first 4 or 5 episodes, who was in the US. I’m in Germany, so we started this way. I learned that it was much easier to use Zoom than any other audio podcast softwares at that time.”

Other hosts I spoke to agreed that remote interview formats translate perfectly to video and even make interviews a better experience for everyone: “I like to have video just so I can see the other person and have more of a natural and organic response to the things that they’re saying,” Andrea Jones told me.

You don’t have to publish full episodes to use video platforms

A while ago, we ran a survey that showed the vast majority of podcasters were using video platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram without committing to full video episodes of their podcasts. 61% were posting static images or audiograms to get their audio files on YouTube, and 16% were publishing short video clips to promote their shows on social media.

This is how Andrea Jones was first motivated to make video podcasts. She began just posting audiograms of her show, and heard from new listeners that was where she was being discovered: “when I started putting just the audio streams on YouTube, people said they found it through YouTube, but then they would go listen in their preferred app of choice, so I knew I was onto something.“

Many podcasters I spoke to told me how effective video clips have been for promoting their podcast (whether that was a video or audio-only show).

Alana from She Well Read said: “Video definitely helped with cross-promotion on social media for sure. We could see a direct correlation of when an episode had a spike in downloads from one of its clips gaining traction.”

Experiment until you find what works

To close, then, here’s some great advice from Dlake:

“Just because people aren’t listening or watching… doesn’t mean it’s bad. It just means you haven’t found either a combination of the right style with the right audience and the right platform. It’s like a puzzle piece… put out a bunch, iterate, iterate, iterate.”

And when you find that spark that resonates with an audience, “pour gasoline on that. Triple down on that.”

Making Podnews: How James Cridland Publishes a Daily Podcast & Newsletter

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:34:36 GMT

Since 2017, Podnews has been an essential daily briefing for podcasters and industry folks who want to keep their finger on the medium’s pulse.

But this newsletter and its companion podcast aren’t just brilliant sources of news, data, and analysis – they also make for a fantastic case study of creating content consistently over a long period of time.

In this episode of Podcraft, I caught up with James Cridland, the one-man operation behind Podnews, to pull back the curtain on how he's built what might be the most consistent content machine in podcasting.

We covered a lot of ground, from why James started Podnews in the first place, to why he chose to publish a daily briefing in both newsletter AND podcast form.

We also talked about tools and workflows. You'll find everything James uses in this Podnews piece, but some notable picks for me are:

The Lewitt RAY mic and Scarlett 2i2 interface - I'm a big fan of both
Hindenburg PRO v2 as his software of choice
FreshRSS - an RSS reader to keep up with new articles and blog posts

We got into some of the more "human" aspects of putting Podnews together, too. How does James manage to take holidays while still publishing every day without fail? How does he handle negative feedback when writing about something not everyone will respond well to? And how does he maintain journalistic freedom when sponsors help pay the bills?

Then there was the growth and reach stuff. How did he market Podnews in the early days? How did it grow, and was that growth slow and steady or 'spikey'?

James also chooses to run Podnews largely by himself, where others in his position might look to build a team of employees. I asked him about his thought process there, and that led to a conversation about how he's thinking about eventual semi-retirement.

All in all, this was a deeply enjoyable case study and a look under the hood of one of the industry's most prominent and prolific voices. So much so that I even manually wrote the shownotes(!!), and who even does that in 2025?

Also mentioned: If you want free podcast coaching on a future episode of Podcraft, fill out this application form as soon as you can!

How to Scale & Grow Your Audience #3 - From Live and In-Person to Email and Engagement

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:20:19 GMT

In this final episode of the SCALE framework series, we dive into the last two powerful growth strategies: Live & In-Person events and Email & Engagement tactics. Drawing from our recent experience at the London Podcast Show, we share how speaking at events, running booths, and recording vox pops can build genuine connections with your audience.

We also explore nine proven email marketing and engagement strategies that turn casual listeners into loyal fans. From the networking magic of getting on stage to the owned-platform power of building an email list, this episode reveals why these "old school" approaches still outperform many digital tactics.

Plus, we announce an exciting opportunity for listeners to get free podcast coaching on upcoming episodes - could that be you?

Mentioned

Do We Need to Champion Spoken-Word Audio in a World of Video Hype?

Tue, 27 May 2025 08:53:56 GMT

Video takes up a lot of focus in the wider podcasting conversation. Do we need to work harder to shine a light on the benefits of pure audio?

We spoke to a bunch of kind and patient people at The Podcast Show London who were happy to share their thoughts.

How to SCALE & Grow Your Audience #2 - Collaboration, Community, & Advertising

Thu, 15 May 2025 11:07:08 GMT

As part of our SCALE framework, we discuss the importance of community and collaboration in growing your podcast. Learn how to effectively use listener surveys to understand and cater to your audience, turning feedback into powerful content. Discover how collaborating with fellow content creators can expand your reach and enhance podcast visibility. The episode also explores using low-cost merchandise as a marketing tool, rather than just a monetisation strategy, and shares practical insights on engaging with your podcast community.

Mentioned

How to SCALE & Grow Your Audience #1 - Syndication Essentials

Thu, 08 May 2025 12:34:44 GMT

We're going to tackle the huge topic of podcast growth by walking you through our SCALE framework.

S – Syndication
C – Communities & Collaboration
A – Advertising & Paid Promotion
L – Live & In-Person
E – Email & Engagement

On this episode, we start with S for Syndication.

Syndication is all about getting your podcast in front of as many ears as possible. Start by submitting your show to big platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Make your website a go-to hub with an About page, Subscribe links, Contact info, a media kit, and easy-to-use social sharing buttons. Keep it clean, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized so new listeners can find you. Use clear episode titles, detailed show notes, and link to any tools or resources you mention. Don’t forget a short trailer on your homepage and a separate page for transcripts—it all helps make your show more accessible and shareable.

Resources Mentioned

From Lockdown Launch to Thriving Podcast: Lessons from an Award-Winning Indie

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Vicki Weinberg, host of the award-winning podcast Bring Your Product Idea to Life, recently celebrated her five-year podcasting anniversary. On this episode, Vicki shares her journey from launching during the first week of lockdown to building a successful show with a dedicated audience.

Starting a Podcast During Lockdown

Vicki launched her podcast right as the UK entered lockdown in 2020, which presented unique challenges as she recorded weekly episodes at home with two small children. Despite the timing, she was determined to create something different from the business podcasts she had been listening to.

"I couldn't find anything where the person that was talking to me wasn't that much further ahead than I was," Vicki explained. She wanted to feature product business owners who were still in the early stages of their journey, making their advice more accessible and relatable to her audience.

Finding and Booking Guests

One of Vicki's biggest initial challenges was finding guests for her brand-new podcast:

She started by asking people she knew through business networks
She found "warm" connections worked better than cold outreach
Over time, as the podcast established itself, she began receiving inbound requests
Now her schedule is booked months in advance with guests

The Evolution to Video Content

After recording as audio-only for years, Vicki expanded to video in early 2024:

She was already recording video for the calls but not publishing it
Made sure to inform guests that video would now be shared
Created a YouTube channel featuring full episodes
Added YouTube shorts featuring guests' top advice and key moments
Developed a team workflow to create social content from episodes

"The YouTube shorts and Instagram reels have been great for promoting the episodes and highlighting my guests' expertise," Vicki shared.

Building a Podcast Team

Vicki's journey includes gradually building a team to support her:

First hired an editor after 12-18 months
Added a VA after about 2 years to manage publishing and admin
Now has support for video editing, content creation, and guest management

"The only things I'm doing now are booking the guests and having the conversation, which is the bit I think I'm best at," she said.

Content Strategy and Format Evolution

Vicki's content approach has evolved over five years:

Initially mixed solo and guest episodes randomly
Then did every fourth episode as solo content
Now produces two episodes weekly: Friday guest interviews and Tuesday solo content
Solo episodes are shorter (15-20 minutes) and more focused

"I realized that I have my own business, my own consultancy, I have a lot of knowledge to share," Vicki explained about adding dedicated solo episodes.

Looking Ahead

After five years, Vicki plans to continue her podcast with the current format while remaining open to organic evolution. Her main goal is to grow engagement with her audience through her Facebook group to ensure her content remains useful and relevant.

Want to learn more about Vicki and her podcast? Visit her website at vickiweinberg.com where you can find links to her podcast and all her other work.

3 Signs You Have an Amateur Creator Mindset

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

We dive into the three sneaky signs you’re stuck in an amateur creator mindset: struggling with writer’s block, relying too much on motivation, and being scared to share your ideas.

On this episode, we'll break down why clarity beats inspiration, how small rituals and voice memos can kickstart your creative flow, and why documenting your journey publicly builds confidence and an audience. From AI tools like VoicePal to the power of a good title and a solid idea dump in Trello, this episode is packed with practical mindset shifts to help you create more consistently—and more confidently.

What Does a Podcast Producer Actually Do?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:05:00 GMT

With its impressive 50k per episode download numbers and strong YouTube presence, Cal Newport's Deep Questions is a podcast in the "top 1%" category. On this episode, producer Jesse Miller joins me for a chat about going from regular caller to planning and running the show. We'll find out more about the role of a podcast producer, as well as the similarities and differences between creating a show with a five-figure audience and the more typical podcasts of the average indie creator.

Will Content Sites Still Exist in 5 Years?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:25:00 GMT

The landscape of online search is changing rapidly. While roughly 60% of Google searches now end without a click (known as "zero-click searches"), we discuss how this trend has actually been evolving for years - it's not just about AI.

Key points from our conversation:

Search behaviours have been changing gradually - Google has long provided direct answers for weather, sports scores, currency exchange, etc.
Content in the "middle ground" struggles most - generic, shallow content that doesn't fully answer questions.
The "barbell approach" to content creation: Focus on either high-utility, data-rich content OR uniquely human content (stories, experiences, opinions)
Distribution is becoming decentralized - YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit are becoming search engines in their own right.
Recommendation algorithms are replacing traditional search in many contexts.
Content sites aren't dying, but their role is evolving more toward conversion rather than discovery.

We also touched on how podcasting fits into this changing landscape, discussing the trend toward video podcasting while acknowledging the unique advantages of audio-only formats.

5 key takeaways:

Adapt your SEO - Keep the fundamentals but optimize for snippets and AI summaries
Diversify discovery channels - Don't put all content eggs in one basket
Build your owned audience - Email newsletters are rising again for good reason
Pick your side of the barbell - Expert structured content OR human stories and experiences
Be loud and unmistakably human - Personality matters more than ever

Our Episode Titles Are Better Than Yours - Here’s Why

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:03 GMT

A great podcast episode title isn’t just catchy—it grabs attention, boosts discoverability, and sets clear expectations for your audience. On this episode, we break down best practices, including ideal character length and front-loading key information, and introduce the WHISPER TITLES framework—13 proven structures to make your episodes more clickable. Whether you’re aiming for curiosity, emotion, or problem-solving, these strategies will help you craft titles that drive engagement and grow your podcast.

Also Mentioned

Want to work with us? Get in touch
Podcraft Pointers newsletter (full WHISPER TITLES guide will be emailed out next week!)

Podcast Launch Hype Is a Distraction—Focus on This Instead

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

It’s understandable why so much misleading advice exists around “the podcast launch”. After all, we’re used to the launch life cycles of products, films, albums, and books.

After a few days or weeks, it becomes pretty clear that a new game console or blockbuster movie has sunk or swam. But a podcast isn’t like that at all.

In this episode, we talk about why, before going on to dispel three common podcast launch myths.

Then, we'll go through our podcast's L.A.U.N.C.H framework—these tactics and techniques genuinely move the needle and are well worth your time and attention.

Mentioned in This Episode

Why You Don't Need to Spend More Than $50 on Podcast Gear!

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:22:09 GMT

There are more mics, interfaces, mixers, and digital recorders than there are stars in the sky. In this episode, we delve into the cost of podcast equipment in 2025 and give options, examples, and recommendations for every budget and format.

Why We Quit Our Podcasts

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:59:59 GMT

If you've launched a lot of podcasts, you're likely also someone who's quit a lot of them - and that isn't a bad thing. Some shows and topics have natural life cycles, and whether we lose enthusiasm or just feel we've said all there is to say, there's no harm in drawing a line under things and moving on.

How Much Could I Earn From Podcast Sponsorship as an Indie Creator?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:07:55 GMT

We'll often say that podcast sponsorship isn't the only way to monetize a podcast, and for many creators, it likely isn't "the best". But all forms of podcast sponsorship aren't equal, and it's entirely possible that it could be lucrative for you, even without thousands of downloads.

16 Podcasting Myths Dispelled (+ Remote Recording Tools Tested!)

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:20:27 GMT

A bit of a dual-purpose episode this week. We're going to run through (and dispel) 16 common podcasting myths and test out eight different call recording platforms in the process.

We recorded segments with Squadcast, Riverside, Alitu, Iris, Cleanfeed, Zoom, Streamyard, and Zencastr.

Also mentioned:

The 400+ Episode Streak Podcaster: Mindset, Workflow + Building a Business Behind It

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:25:00 GMT

In this episode, we dig deep into the mindset and systems that power a ridiculously consistent and long-lived podcast. My guest is Matty Lansdown, from the How to Not Get Sick and Die Podcast, and he shares how he built his show to over 400 episodes, much of that time while working a full-time job. We explore the psychology of consistency, practical systems for success, and strategies for maintaining quality content production.

Matty also shares insights on building a profitable business through podcasting, and using AI tools for content repurposing. Finally, we dig into the balance between different content platforms and the importance of focusing on what works rather than trying to be everywhere.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your show, we're sharing actionable insights on building sustainable content workflows, recruiting and developing team members effectively, and creating a content strategy that stands the test of time.

Check out Matty's show over at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-not-get-sick-and-die/id1450212088

And to make the production process even easier, check out: https://alitu.com - the easiest podcast creation platform on the planet.

Chapter List

00:00 - Introduction and Matty's Background

02:05 - Mindset for Consistent Podcasting

07:19 - Building Systems and Team Management

17:43 - Content Repurposing Workflow

23:39 - Business Model Behind the Podcast

34:01 - YouTube Strategy Discussion

43:36 - Content Volume and Platform Choice

52:30 - Wrap-up and Resources

Everything You Need to Know About Making a Podcast Trailer

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:53:07 GMT

An effective podcast trailer can help you win over potential new listeners, giving them a flavour of your show. They can easily be played on other podcasts, which can also help you grow your audience. So... how do you make a good one?

Mentioned

What Can We Learn From These Top Podcast Intros? How to Open Your Episodes

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Each episode you release will be someone’s first impression of your show. A good podcast intro lets you manage your listener’s experience and let them know what’s in store immediately. Give them a sense of what they will get out of it and leave them no doubt that this is the podcast for them. Later on, use your outro to ensure you turn new listeners into followers or subscribers and guarantee they return for more.

Why Your CTAs Flop (& How to Fix Them!)

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:28:00 GMT

A Call to Action is when you ask your audience to do something. For example:

share the podcast episode with a friend,
review the show on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser
visit the podcast’s website, crowdfunding page, or social media content
click on a link in the show notes
And so much more!

Many podcasters feel frustrated at the lack of action from their call, however. In this episode, we talk about why you might be seeing little or no uptake with your CTAs, and offer a few tips for putting that right.

Check out our full Podcast Calls to Action guide, which accompanies this episode. And our own CTA this week is a request for you to take our (very quick) Podcraft Audience Survey.

Podcasting Used to Be Hard—Here’s What’s Changed

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:18:00 GMT

In the distant past, when listeners synced MP3 players with iTunes and early homo sapiens tried to get their shows in "New & Noteworthy", podcasting was a tricky medium to create content in. We used Skype and built websites out of sticks, and you could get eaten by a dinosaur when trying to upload your latest episode.

These days, it's much easier to make a podcast and reach your target audience. This episode isn't purely an "in our day" ramble, but also (hopefully!) some useful tips and advice about making the best of what's available to you now.

Mentioned

Try These 6 Compelling & Shareable Content Frameworks

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:41:42 GMT

A quickfire episode running through the following content frameworks, with examples and exercises on how to apply them in your own podcast.

Lists: Where you break things down into bite-sized, numbered pieces that are easy to skim and share. Use lists to highlight top picks, tips, or resources your audience will love.

Comparisons: Where you help people decide by putting two options head-to-head. Break down the pros and cons so your audience can make smarter, more confident choices.

Reviews: Where you share your honest opinion about a product, service, or experience. Show your audience what’s great, what’s not, and whether it’s worth their time or money.

Case Studies: Where you tell real-life stories to inspire or teach your audience. Dive into successes, challenges, or unique approaches that they can learn from or relate to.

Costs: Where you break down what things cost and whether they’re worth it. Help your audience understand where to spend, where to save, and what to expect financially.

How-Tos: Where you teach your audience how to do something step by step. Make it simple, clear, and actionable so they can achieve their goals with confidence.

How Much Do Podcasters Make? & What's IN & OUT in Podcasting This Year?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Podcast celebrities aside, how much money can the everyday independent podcaster expect to make?

Well, the answer is “it depends”. But, based on our own experiences of well over a decade in the medium, here are some realistic breakdowns, examples, and goals.

Full article: How Much Money Do Podcasters Make?

Elsewhere, we also talk through a brilliant piece by Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt of Podcast Marketing Magic: Podcast Marketing and Publishing: What’s in and What’s Out for 2025?

Why So Many New Podcasters Are Embracing Solo Shows (Classic Episode)

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Colin and Matthew analyse some interesting data from our Podcast Planner tool. 43% of over 1,500 respondents told us they’d rather host a solo show than create content with other people. So why might this be? Perhaps there's a bit of post-pandemic Zoom fatigue in here where people are fed up with feeling like they are "on a call". There are a lot of positive reasons for going solo, too, including the flexibility, simplicity, control, and ownership. Here's the full report if you'd like a look over the data for yourself: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/solo-podcasting/

Ultimate Podcaster Time-Saving Tips (Classic Episode)

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:31:00 GMT

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I have so much time to work on my podcast, I struggle to even fill it"?

No?

Well, let's see what we can do about that, then. Here are nine great podcasting time-saving tips for you to try out.

Batch recording
Use fewer tools
Do fewer things
Don't multitask (and, time block)
Click/MEE editing
Speeded-up editing
Use templates
Utilise dynamic ads
Automate and outsource wherever possible

Getting Booked on Other Shows, Listener Pet Peeves, & How to Get Feedback

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Being interviewed on another podcast is a great way to bring value to a wider audience and grow your own as a result. But most podcasters (even those who don't run interview shows) have inboxes choked full of spammy and cynical requests to guest on their show. On this episode, we'll show you how to create a compelling pitch that actually gets seen by its intended recipient. Who knew such things were possible?

On top of that, we discuss podcast listener pet peeves, as well as the various ways you can (effectively) get feedback on your podcast!

Mentioned

9 Great Podcast Stats From the Past Year

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:06:38 GMT

We've run a fair few surveys and reports this year, all of which have produced some interesting and actionable data. On this episode, we look at nine headline stats from 2024, and talk through the takeaways and lessons we can glean from them.

Keep Publishing Over the Holidays - Here's Why...

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:48:46 GMT

It's tempting to take a break from podcasting over the holidays, not because you necessarily want to, but because you think your audience will do the same. However, data from the latest Podcast Marketing Trends Report suggests that isn't true, and December is actually one of the top months for combined podcast downloads.

On this episode, we dig into the details and offer some tips for keeping your feed active without doing yourself out of a well-earned rest.

Mentioned

Podcast Discovery Stats: How Folks Find Pods, & Why They Listen

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:48:43 GMT

It's time to delve into the findings of our 2024 Podcast Discoverability Survey. Here, you'll find data on everything from whether or not it's easy to find new podcasts, to how audio quality and ads affect podcast listenership.

We also talk through some other new posts on the site, as well as some published elsewhere (including one that we disagree with quite heavily!).

How to Create an Irresistible Value Proposition for Your Podcast (and why it matters!)

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:47:46 GMT

In this episode, Colin covers two major topics to help podcasters improve their shows. First, he dives deep into creating a unique value proposition, sometimes called a unique selling proposition (USP) for your podcast, explaining how to make your show stand out and attract more listeners. He breaks down what makes a great USP, using examples from brands like Airbnb and Fjallraven, and shows how to apply these principles to podcasting. The second half focuses on interview preparation, where Colin shares nine actionable tips to conduct better podcast interviews, from proper guest research to creating engaging conversations that benefit both the guest and the audience.

Podcast Comments, Feedback, & Engagement. And the Benefits of a Good Media Kit

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:00:05 GMT

There are plenty of places online where you can ask for podcast comments and get in on the episode discussion. Here are some of the more popular options.

And, does your podcast need a media kit? Yes, definitely. A podcast media kit is a package of information about your podcast that’s easy to share and consume.

Also Mentioned

The Podcraft Academy
The Podcraft Listener Space

9 Common Podcasting Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:41:00 GMT

It isn't hard to make a podcast. Making a good podcast, however, is not easy. Here are nine common podcasting mistakes: think of this as a map to the traps that many podcasters tend to fall into, so you can avoid them.

Also Mentioned

Turning Non-Listeners Into Podcast Lovers, & Best Podcast Gifts

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

To grow audiences of people as passionate about your show’s topic as you are, podcasters need to do the work to engage non-listeners. Not only does this grow your show, but it helps the podcast medium as a whole. It’s rare for a podcast listener to only listen to one show, so others will benefit from the work each creator does to engage non-listeners. As the old saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats”.

We’ve written about the “Why” before; now it’s time to turn to the “How”. So here are 13 tips and strategies to reach podcast non-listeners and turn them into podcast lovers.

Also Mentioned

Preventing Podfade: 8 Tips For Your First 8 Episodes

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:36:05 GMT

If you’ve published your first handful of episodes and already feel your momentum, motivation, and inspiration slipping away, then here are eight pieces of advice to help you turn things around.

Preventing Podfade
Whatever Happened to the Blue Snowball?
Best Podcast Interview Questions
Why Does My Audio Hiss?
The Podcraft Academy
The Podcraft Listener Community

Is There a "Best" Success Metric for Your Podcast?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:10:32 GMT

Many podcasters are looking beyond download stats to get success metrics for their shows. But the nature of podcasting doesn't make it easy. On this episode, we discuss data from a study that suggests indie creators want podcast measurement standardisation.

Also Mentioned

Is There a Future for Long-Form Content in a Short-Form World?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:23:39 GMT

There’s no doubt that we’re living in a world of micro-content overload. With the rise of short-form platforms like TikTok and Instagram, creators and brands are in a continuous fight for a piece of our attention spans (which are now shorter than a goldfish’s, apparently, thanks to smartphones).

You don’t need to look far to see marketers proclaiming the death of long-form content. I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s certainly the sentiment we’re being fed: Our lives are way too busy, there’s too much to consume, and no one has the time or patience to go deep into the detail anymore.

But is this really the case? And is the rise of short-form content really a threat to podcasting?

How to Create 24 Pieces of Content From One Video Podcast

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:24:55 GMT

One of our IndiePod Legends on Season 20 was Daren Lake of the One Percent Better Runner podcast. Throughout the season, Daren talked passionately and enthusiastically about his content-stacking approach and how he produces each episode in a way that enables him to meet his target audience where they are - on dozens of different platforms.

And the good news is that he's just laid out his entire framework for us, step by step. In How to Create 24 Pieces of Content From One Video Podcast, Daren holds nothing back as he walks us through his remarkably effective workflow.

This guide provides a straightforward process for creating 24 high-quality content pieces from a single episode, covering audio, video, written and image content. It’s a direct plan designed to enhance your podcast’s promotion efficiently and cost-effectively, helping you to achieve significant growth without extra frustration or financial burden.

Also Mentioned

Lessons Indie Podcasters Wish They Knew Before Launching

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 08:10:11 GMT

Our indiepod legends have given us many insights, tips, and words of advice this season. They're speaking from positions of authority and experience, but they didn't get there overnight. On the final episode of Season 20, we'll dig into what they wish they'd known before they started and ask about some mistakes they see new podcasters make.

Also Mentioned

The Podcraft Academy - Let us help you launch and grow your show by giving you the tools to stay consistent.
Established Podcaster? Tell us all about your show; we're always looking for future guests and case studies!
Check out the full Season 20 episode list.

Income Stream Lessons From 10 Top Indie Podcasters

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 08:08:24 GMT

Our recent survey suggested that only 1 in 4 indies monetize their content, despite the majority of them wanting to build some income streams.

So, on this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to dig into the monetization methods and strategies that have actually worked for our IndiePod Legends, as well as the many that haven’t!

The aim here is to show that while some revenue streams are a good fit for some, they don’t work so well for others. We’ll also answer questions like:

WHEN should you try to monetize?
What are some great on-ramps for smaller podcasts?
Can monetizing your content hamper your creativity?

The Podcasts

What Gear, Software & Setups Do (500+) Podcasters Use in 2024?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:17:50 GMT

We haven’t run a podcast gear survey since 2019, and that was starting to feel like an awful long time ago. In fact, I wasn’t even born then. Captivated by the old black-and-white photos of Colin on his Penny Farthing, delivering printed copies of the data to the local town crier, I thought to myself, “Let’s do another one”. So we did. And here are the results.

The Podcaster Gear Survey 2024

Is “You Can’t Fix It in Post” Still Relevant Advice for Podcasters?

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:31:08 GMT

I’ve lost count of the number of recordings I’ve had to pause or abandon because a lawnmower, siren, or enthusiastic dog has fancied getting in on the act.

Back when we ran our podcast production service, clients regularly sent over audio that was full of distracting background noises. Not the ongoing hum of an AC unit or the gentle ambience of a cafe, but things like door slams, annoying desk tapping, or phones ringing.

Then came the inevitable question, “Can you just edit that out?” followed by a patient explanation from our end that the noise was happening underneath the vocals, so if one was cut out, the other would be, too.

Sure, spectral view tools and earlier iterations of iZotope RX were still exceptionally powerful. But I could never truly strip out a noise from underneath a conversation without it sounding like it was recorded underwater.

And this isn’t just about noise. Reverb has always been notoriously hard to remove from voice recordings. On top of that, if one person sounded very obviously off-mic, it was impossible to bring them “on-mic” in post.

But in 2024, audio software has suddenly evolved to the point where almost anything is possible. Reverb is no longer a huge issue, it can correct poor mic technique, and most background noise – even the intermittent stuff – can be removed without many folks being able to tell it was ever there in the first place.

The beauty of this, too, is that the software often does it automatically. There’s no need to tweak any settings or go through the trial and error of more traditional Noise Reduction tools. Experienced audio pros might consider this lack of control, but remember – most podcasters are not audio pros.

A great real-world example of this sorcery in action was our recent Podcraft episode on Podcasting 2.0 with Sam Sethi. I recorded the conversation outside The Podcast Show event in London, and several fire engines hurried past as we talked. I’m not sure what was going on, but maybe they took the LIT tag a bit too literally…

Anyway, this wasn’t a deal breaker for the audio – the conversation was still audible. It could have been briefly distracting, but this is often the nature of on-location audio in urban areas. In a moment of curiosity rather than expectation, I ran it through Alitu, and was amazed to hear that the software had completely stripped out all the background noise. On top of that, you definitely couldn’t tell we were sharing a mic or even recording outdoors at all!

Sam commented on this in episode 81 of the Podnews Weekly Review and was kind to credit me for my production skills. But in truth, all I did was upload the source file. It’s incredible to hear how far audio software has come. So many recordings that would once have been considered unfixable now have the capability to be transformed into studio-quality conversations.

So, does that mean we can finally drop the ‘silk purse sow’s ear’ metaphor? Is “you can’t fix it in the post” obsolete advice? Is striving to record good, clean source material just an unnecessary barrier to content creation?

You can probably make convincing arguments about the above, but before folks throw out their foam tiles, shock mounts, and general audio standards, here’s a countercase.

Why You Should Still Record Good Clean Source Material (When Possible)

If software can probably fix it, why worry about it in the first place?

Good Enough Audio, or Great Audio?

Whilst modern audio software can remove, repair, and rebuild bad audio, it can also enhance, polish, and optimise good audio. Taking some care to feed in the best source material possible can help your show become one of the best-sounding in your niche.

Check out this case study from Lindsay’s piece on What Podcasts Do for Your Brain:

Study participants listened to two-to-three-minute interviews from NPR’s Science Friday with altered sound quality. Co-author Eryn Newman said, “As soon as we reduced the audio quality, all of a sudden, the scientists and their research lost credibility.” Newman and Schwarz found that as soon as material required extra effort on the part of the participants, they trusted it less. Respondents rated clear information as more reliable.

Software Isn’t Foolproof

Audio software can do increasingly amazing things, but don’t rely on it to fix everything. Just because you have a smoke alarm in your house doesn’t mean you’ll rely on it to tell you if the toast is burning (though, if you do, at least you know you can probably edit the noise out of your recordings!).

Recording Clean Source Material Isn’t Difficult

…says the guy who recorded a podcast interview on the set of Backdraft. But this isn’t about perfectionism, and you definitely have a lot more grace when recording in the great unpredictable outdoors.

Good practices are as simple as choosing a room with a decent amount of soft furnishings, getting close enough to your mic, and logging out of Slack or Discord. Don’t be that podcaster recording in their bathroom, six feet away from their Omnidirection-set Blue Yeti. Software might make it sound a little better, but that’s nothing to be proud of.

The Danger of Slipping Standards

If you no longer care about the quality of your source material, what message does that send to the part of your brain that insists, “I take podcasting seriously”? What other corners might you then start to cut in the planning and content side of things? One day you’re dropping a crisp packet in the street; the next day, you’re fly-tipping a mattress. Beware the slippery slope, is all I’m saying.

Summary: Software as a Safety Net

It’s brilliant that audio software can fix so many issues for us now. It makes podcasting so much more accessible. There’s no getting around it that you’ll make mistakes with your audio in the early days. Ten years ago, some of these mistakes would’ve warranted complete re-records, but not now.

Even more experienced creators aren’t immune to the odd suboptimal recording. Sometimes, I’m not as diligent as I could be. Other times, I’m at the mercy of an outdoor environment and all the sounds that come along with it. It’s great to know that, with one click, I can fix it in post. I’ll never rely on it to do my job for me, but I’m glad to know it has my back.

If you’d like to check out Alitu, which was the software used in this case study, you can sign up for a free trial and begin using it right away. Of course, other great podcast editing tools are available, too, so check out our roundup if you’d like to do some shopping around.

What’s Missing From Your Process? With Joe Casabona

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:55:32 GMT

On this episode of Podcraft, we have a special episode swap with our good friend Joe Casabona from Podcast Workflows.

Podcast Workflows provides insights into how to improve your podcast systems and workflows — allowing you to create and grow a high quality podcasting by showing you how to best spend your limited time.

Here, Joe will help us think about our own podcast workflows by encouraging us to think about what's missing from our existing processes.

---------

One of my favorite Disney+ shows is Loki. It’s a truly fascinating look at time travel, predetermined events, and controlling your own destiny.

And now I’m going to give you a major (if not very simplified) spoiler, if you haven’t seen it.

In the finale, Loki masters the ability to “time slip,” or transport to any time, any place, in any timeline (for all intents and purposes, a timeline is a parallel universe). This also allows him to relive events over and over again.

So as all of existence faces eradication, he can take as much “time” as he wants to learn how to save everything and everyone, on every timeline.

He continuously, over thousands of years, learns everything he needs to learn, and practices, through trial and error, to improve his process, and his odds of saving everything and everyone.

And while we don’t have thousands of years, or the ability to time travel, we do have the ability to take a step back and consider the question, “What’s missing?”

What is Podcasting 2.0? And Why Should I Care?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 08:09:47 GMT

Podcasting has a tonne of strengths, but one of its biggest is its decentralised nature. A podcaster can upload their content to a hosting provider, and it can be consumed and enjoyed by people via many different platforms, apps, and directories.

Read the full post: What is Podcasting 2.0, and why should I care?

This was all made possible because of RSS, a 25-year-old technology that formed the foundations podcasting was built on.

As you can imagine, this “find us anywhere you get your podcasts” approach has benefited the medium. It can’t be owned or controlled by any one company, and it meets listeners on their own terms.

But, RSS-based podcast distribution in its traditional form has its challenges, too.

For example, if one listening app gives you access to monetisation tools, those tools will only be available on that specific platform. And that might make up a tiny per cent of your overall listenership.

Or, if another app has a comments feature, any comments left by listeners will only be visible in that specific app.

So, although the way podcasting works is great – it can be even better. That’s why the Podcasting 2.0 initiative exists.

What is Podcasting 2.0?

Podcasting 2.0 is a collection of podcasters, app developers, and hosting providers who want to build on and enhance the way podcasts are distributed.

This is done by coming up with and building new features (also called Tags) that various platforms can implement and support.

On this episode, we find out more from Sam Sethi. Sam is the Chief Evangelist for the Podcast Standards Project. He’s also the CEO of TrueFans, the RSS Marketplace for Indie Content Creators, and the Podnews Weekly Review co-host.

Also Mentioned: How Podcasting 2.0 Has LIT Up the Impact of Live Shows

Email List & Social Media Strategies to Build a Podcast Community

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT

As we'll often tell you, you don’t need to use social media at all for your podcast.

But many do. And if you want Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform to be part of your podcasting strategy, then it makes sense to be as smart about it as possible. On this episode, we'll find out more about our Indiepod Legends' experience with social media, what they've learned over the years, and any tips or advice they have for us.

We’re also going to learn about running an email list. A few of our podcasters are having brilliant results with email, and this is a great opportunity to get some tactics and takeaways for our own email strategies.

Finally, many podcasters run interview shows, and this is another big overlap between content creation and podcast growth. On this episode, you’ll learn about running an impactful interview podcast, as well as how you can still present yourself as a thought leader on your topic, even though your focus is usually on an expert guest.

The Podcasts

AI Tools to Nail your Video Podcasting & How to Grow on YouTube

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:44:47 GMT

In this co-hosted episode, Colin and Jeremy Ryan Slate discuss a whole range of AI tools to streamline podcast production workflows, particularly a video podcast, and share insights on fueling podcast growth on YouTube. They delve into the nuances of YouTube algorithms, thumbnail strategies, and tips for increasing viewer engagement. Tune in to learn how leveraging AI technology and optimizing YouTube presence can enhance your podcasting journey.

Followup resources mentioned:

Building a Business around your Podcast: Real Examples & Products you Can Create

Fri, 17 May 2024 09:39:32 GMT

Discover how to build a thriving business around your podcast in this episode of Podcraft. Colin co-hosts this episode with the host of the Always Free podcast - Jason Graystone. They both shares their strategies for crafting a show that resonates with people and how to then monetize that content within a wider business. They discuss a whole range of things, including:

If you're early stage, or pre-launch:

what a BIG launch strategy looks like, with real tactics
how to make the best of the first 3 months of your show
iterating your show to find the best fit for you and your audience

If you're experienced and ready to build an income from your show:

creating a product line that aligns with your unique expertise
breakdown of our own products & services, and how they tie together
creating your first product in a few days, with real examples
how to overcome the fear of selling as a creator and feel confident in the value you offer
the value of being open and honest with your ideas, even if it turns some people off

Our goal was to give a really solid picture of how we both run businesses around content, and the steps you can take to start to build your own.

Here are a few of the resources mentioned:

Top Promo & Growth Lessons From Successful Indie Podcasters

Wed, 08 May 2024 08:02:28 GMT

Just like the proverbial tree in the forest, is your brilliant content even brilliant if nobody hears it? On this episode, we're going to pick our Indiepod Legends' brains about all things promotion, growth, and marketing.

Obviously, social media can play a big part in this, and we're going to hear about what platforms and strategies have worked well for some of our creators (as well as which ones haven't!). But social media is only one aspect of podcast marketing, and you don't even need to use it at all if you don't want to.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the ultimate low-hanging fruit of podcast growth because it lets your listeners find and come to you in their own time and on their own terms.

Creating special or unique content alongside your usual episodes is another growth strategy that's yielded great results for some of our podcasters, and we're going to hear some tips for replicating that, too.

Another recurring strategy in this episode is collaboration. Being on or working with other podcasts is a proven way to build your audience. As Andrea puts it, "People who listen to podcasts listen to podcasts". Some useful tools for finding other podcasters to link up with are Podchaser, Rephonic, and Tink Media. And here are some tips on how to get booked as a guest on a podcast.

Balancing Time, Workflow, & Content. The Nuts & Bolts of Podcasting

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:00:00 GMT

We know from previous episodes that consistency leads to podcasting success - but how do you actually become consistent?

It’s all well and good to say, “Go out there and create lots of episodes,” when you might be intimidated by the idea of creating just one.

So, this time around, we’re going to explore the nuts and bolts of timeframes, workflows, and content creation. Here, you’ll get real-world examples of how long it actually takes to run a successful podcast, and how it can exist alongside other channels, such as blogging, social media, and video.

The Podcasts

How Consistency Leads to Podcasting Success

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:18:42 GMT

The Podcasts

From Doubt to Determination: Pushing Through the Podcasting Dip

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:07:56 GMT

What really makes someone a successful podcaster? Is it a certain number of episodes, downloads, or reviews? Is it whether content creation has become their full-time job? Or could it be because they've been recognised with a prestigious award?

In truth, we can gauge success in many ways, but ultimately, there's no certificate and a great degree of subjectivity. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that the best way to get to a position where you or your audience consider your podcast a success is to create quality content, consistently, over a prolonged period of time.

If there's one single answer to the "How do I make podcasting work for me?" question, that's it. It's an answer that sounds way too simple and obvious. And yet, actually doing it is much harder than choosing the right mic, the best software, and getting listed in all the major listening platforms.

Starting a podcast is relatively easy. Riding the wave of early enthusiasm to publish your first couple of episodes is easy, too. But to keep doing it for upwards of 300 episodes, or for over ten years? That takes something extra.

In this season of Podcraft, we're speaking to some of the best indie podcasters in the game. We want to really dig into how they've kept on going, the ways they've navigated each challenge or roadblock, and the many lessons they've learned along the way.

Listening to this series won't automatically pop a few hundred episodes in your own back catalogue, but it'll certainly arm you with enough knowledge and motivation to get there under your own steam.

In our opening episode, our Indiepod Legends share their insights into why they started out in the first place, and in many cases, it's because they made the podcast they wanted to listen to.

We're also going to talk about the thing that defeats many fledgling podcasters—quitting. You'll learn that many of our panel members have either wrestled with thoughts of giving up or taken long breaks to regroup and get back on track. Consistency over several years or hundreds of episodes isn't a straightforward, linear journey. If you do it for long enough, you'll hit many snags. But, as you'll learn in this episode, your podcast doesn't need to fall at the very first hurdle.

The Podcasts

What's the Future of Podcasting Tech? With Izabela & Mike Russell (Part 2!)

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:07:47 GMT

Izabela and Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative return to continue our conversation about the ever-evolving podcast landscape. Gear and tools may have gotten much better, but that doesn't always make them easier to set up and use. We also discuss the role of DAWs like Adobe Audition and Audacity compared to newer (often AI-driven) software. Finally, Mike and Izabela answer some questions about podcast growth, being surprised, and changing their minds.

What CAN'T We Learn From Successful Podcasters?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:19:16 GMT

In this episode, Colin and Matthew engage in a friendly debate about the role of gear in podcasting. While gear and equipment are often seen as important aspects of podcasting success, the hosts question whether they truly make a significant difference. They explore the mindset of successful podcasters and how their focus lies more on content creation, strategy, and promotion rather than the tools they use. The conversation also delves into the dangers of getting too caught up in equipment and workflows, which can lead to wasted time and distractions. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding the right balance and avoiding the pressure to conform to popular gear choices, but rather focusing on what works best for your individual podcast.

Thanks to Alitu's AI for writing these shownotes!

Also mentioned:

Podcasting in 2014 Vs 2024, With Izabela & Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:59:28 GMT

As the RSS feed approaches its 25th birthday, so does the word "podcasting" its 20th. But 2024 also sees the tenth anniversary of UKPOD14. On this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by the organisers of this important event, Mike and Izabela. We wanted to catch up on the past decade, talking about what has changed in the medium (as well as what hasn't!). We also touch on what the future might hold, and why simpler is often better when it comes to your recording setup and workflow.

14 Ways to Grow your Podcast with Collaborations

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:37:34 GMT

Here, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your approach to collaborations. Get ready to discover unique methods for teaming up with fellow podcasters, creating compelling content, and even boosting your income through strategic partnerships.

Highlights:

Explore how episode swapping can bring new listeners to your podcast.
Uncover the potential of social media and newsletter collaborations.
Learn how to create engaging live stream events with fellow podcasters.
Discover how affiliate marketing can turn collaborations into revenue streams.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Full Guide to Podcast Marketing & growth: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/stage/grow-monetise/
King Sumo: https://kingsumo.com/
How to prepare for your best podcast interview ever: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/podcast-interviews/how-to-prepare-for-a-podcast-interview/
How to create and earn from premium content: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/monetisation/how-premium-podcast-content/
Alitu, the Podcast Maker app: https://alitu.com

Equipment & Software for Video & Live Broadcasting

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:47:17 GMT

Adding a video or live broadcasting element can work well for some podcasters. In this episode, we dig into the tools you'll need if you want to run a successful video series.

Resources Mentioned

Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software Options

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:53:46 GMT

In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one might suit you.

Of course, podcast recording and editing software is more than just DAWs these days. There are a lot of great call recorders and podcast making apps too. On this episode of Podcraft, we'll talk you through a range of options, as well as discuss our own personal favourites.

Resources Mentioned

How to Set Up a Great-Sounding Home Podcast Studio

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:42:22 GMT

The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic sitting in a cat bed. The bottom line is that creating a pro-sounding home podcast studio is possible, no matter how small your budget or house space.

Key Resources

Podcast Bits & Bobs: Cables, Stands, & Pop Filters

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:22:51 GMT

Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon.

It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their recording device, then link the two together with a cable they’ll spend $5 on.

On this episode, we look to better understand all these different ‘Bits & Bobs’ by running through what they are, what they look like, and what they do.

Types of Audio Cable & Connection

XLR Cables

XLR cables and inputs. XLR cables are commonly known as microphone cables.

They have a male end and a female end and are used to connect microphones to equipment or to create a link between two pieces of equipment (like a mixer to a recorder).

Quarter Inch (1/4”)

The 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug looks like a bigger version of the 3.5mm plug.

They’re commonly used to connect microphones and other gear to recording equipment such as mixers or preamps.

Most mixers and recorders will allow you to connect either an XLR cable or a 1/4″ jack to the same port. These are known as ‘Combo Ports’.

The Standard Headphone Jack

The 3.5mm plug/connection is most commonly found on headphones and earbuds. They’re also found on some smaller microphones too, like ‘lavalier' clip-on mics, and headsets.

TS, TRS, & TRRS Plugs

Audio plugs (like the 3.5mm plug) have markings on them to determine exactly how they work.

These markings come in the form of little black bands that run around the shaft of each plug.

These bands separate each different function of the plug in question.

A plug with one band is known as a tip sleeve or TS jack. That's because the single band separates the tip from the sleeve.

A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring sleeve, or TRS jack, because the bands have separated a ring in the middle, between the tip and the sleeve.

A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring ring sleeve, or TRRS jack, because that has two rings separated in the middle.

So what's the purpose of all these tips and rings, and how do they work differently?

TS plugs are traditionally known as mono plugs, because the tip is feeding all the audio to the source in one dose.

TRS plugs are traditionally known as stereo plugs because the tip is now being used to feed the left channel of your audio to the source, whilst the ring is feeding the right channel.

In recent years, a third option was added to this setup – the TRRS plug.

The extra ring was brought in to accommodate a microphone or video option. The most common use of TRRS plugs is talking through a headset on your PC, or making a hands free call on your phone.

RCA

RCA connectors are also known as phone cables or AV jacks.

Mixers have RCA ports on them, and these enable you to connect and play media through them.

RCA cables are usually Y shaped, with the white and red stereo audio plugs at one end, and a single plug on the other end, such as a 3.5mm or 1/4″ connection.

We also cover microphone stands and pop filters.

Resources Mentioned

The Best Boom Arm for Podcasting
Studio Cable Management for Podcasters
Finding the Best Audio Cables: The (Not So) Fascinating Truth
Best Podcast Microphones on the market
Alitu - Our Podcast Maker App

Why & How to Monitor Your Audio

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:58:02 GMT

Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring", and that's what we'll discuss in this episode of PodCraft.

Key Considerations

Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) while recording audio to catch any real-time issues.
Use headphones or speakers with a flat frequency response. Don't use gear that'll add extra bass that doesn't exist in your source material, for example.
Use a headphone splitter to give guests their own headphones whilst recording.
When choosing headphones, consider things like comfort, isolation, sound leakage, as well as cable length and type.
Headphones are great for mixing voice, but switch to speakers to mix in your music if you have that option in your setup.

Gear Mentioned

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Studio Headphones
Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Studio Headphones
KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitors
M-Audio AV40 Studio Monitors
Mackie MR5 mk3 Studio Monitors
HosaTech YMM-261 Stereo Splitter

Can Your Record & Edit Podcasts With Your Phone?

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:18:03 GMT

You most likely already carry an expensive recording device around with you everywhere you go. We're talking, of course, about your smartphone.

In this episode of PodCraft, we take a look at the different gear and options available for turning your phone or tablet into a fully functioning podcast studio.

Gear & Resources

Mixers and Audio Interfaces for Podcasting

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:18:48 GMT

Mixers and audio interfaces have much in common with the podcast recorders mentioned on our last episode. One crucial difference is that these are less likely to work as standalone devices, and will need other gear to make them work (typically, mics and a computer).

A mixer or audio interface is an excellent tool if you prefer to use podcast recording software.

Our favourite interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96. On the mixer front, Dev was highly impressed by the Boss Gigcaster 5 and 8 recently, too.

Also Mentioned in This Episode

Do I Need a Podcast Recorder? (And if So, Which Kind!?)

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:05:54 GMT

In this episode, we’ll cover why you might want to use a digital recorder in your podcasting efforts, and how to choose the best one for you.

We’ve discussed digital recorders in the past, and in fact, you can find our current definitive guide here: The Best Digital Podcast Recorders on the Market. This episode digs into the very same stuff with a little extra detail.

Each option depends on your own unique situation, show format, and budget. But here are some of the models we typically recommend:

Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05 - the lower-cost 'lite' models
Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 - premium Zoom options
Rodecaster Pro II - the ultimate podcast recorder
Zoom PodTrak P4 - does a lot of what the Rodecaster does at quarter of the price
Mackie DLZ Creator - the "money is no object" option

Also Mentioned

Growth Essentials Course

What Microphone Do I Need to Podcast?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:48:56 GMT

First thing's first, you're going to need something to record into, aren't you?

On this episode we take a deep dive into the world of microphones for podcasting.

The Best Podcasting Microphones

Here, you'll learn

The difference between XLR and USB mics
The difference between Dynamic and Condenser mics
What are Polar Patterns, and which one do you need?
Can you use built-in mics to podcast?
And, what are OUR favourite mics?

Also Mentioned in This Episode

Podcast Equipment & Tech in 2023

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:25:42 GMT

Welcome to our new and updated season on podcasting gear and technology. We last recorded this one back in 2019, and a lot has changed in that time.

Or has it?

You can easily keep track of every resource, tool, or product mentioned on our Resources page, and on the Podcraft Equipment Season page.

Best Affiliate Schemes for Your Podcast, & How to Profit From Them

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:18:29 GMT

Affiliate schemes are a great way for podcasters (even completely new ones) to earn some income. On this episode, we dive into what affiliate programmes are, how they work, which ones to choose, and how to get the best from them.

Check out our full guide to affiliate programmes for podcasters, the Alitu affiliate scheme, and the IndiePod Community.

Listener Q&A: Make Shownotes Great Again!

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:59:47 GMT

In a world of AI chatbots, it's easy to have your shownotes drafted up in an instant. But how do you create shownotes that are actually good?* That's one of the questions we'll be answering on today's episode, along with considerations around audio ads, variety shows, and email list signups.

Thanks to our listeners who sent in this week's voice questions. Why not submit one yourself?

Listener Podcasts

Resources Mentioned

*Alright, so these shownotes aren't exactly mindblowing. But they do the trick, do they not? ;-)

Listener Q&A: Paying for Clicks, Selling Subscriber Benefits, & Encouraging Engagement

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:45:22 GMT

We love getting voice questions from our listeners and members of the IndiePod Community. On this episode, we've four more to answer, courtesy of:

What Are YOU Not Very Good at in Podcasting?

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:23:33 GMT

In our last episode, we talked through some of our podcast shortcomings. This time around, we dig into two voice clips where listeners Marty and John highlight some areas they'd like to improve.

John's podcast is called Build a Presentation Muscle, whilst Marty's is Nepal Now.

Please send us your own voice clip and tell us what "podcasty stuff" YOU'RE not very good at. We might even be able to help!

And, for Matthew's charity appeal, here's a link to the JustGiving page.

What Are We NOT Very Good at in Podcasting?

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:05:26 GMT

If you're going to teach others how to podcast, does that mean you need to be brilliant at everything yourself? Well, hopefully not. Colin and Matthew can think of a few gaps in their skill sets. On this episode, they talk through them and explore ways they might be able to improve.

They're also asking the question, what are YOU not very good at? Please send us your voice feedback, and we'll try our best to feature it on a future episode!

How to Treble Your Content Output: Top Tips to Ship Your Show

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:51:53 GMT

Following on from our previous episode, some of the advice given was "do less". But what if you want to do more, in the most efficient way possible? That's precisely the purpose of this episode, where we talk through some of our top tips to ship your show.

Also mentioned: Our Podcast Show London review

Working in Seasons

Read about how to plan a season, along with every b enefit you’ll get.

Sailing Solo

Read about the solo format, and its p ros and cons.

Then, find out how to create a great monologue.

Smart Repurposing

Your first step here is to try recording a blog post in audio form. Give it a go!

Then, find out how to script & present content for smart repurposing in future.

Read how to create a blog post that’s easy to repurpose smartly.

Going Live the Right Way

Try recording a live session with the following structure: 1. Welcomes and content sourcing, 2. Solid content, directed by audience feed in section 1, 3. Q&A and Goodbyes.

During sections 1 and 3, you run audience interaction, and during section 2, you just deliver content, no interaction. Then, repurpose section 2 alone for a great audience directed, smartly repurposed podcast episode!

Interview Booking Systems

See how I run my interview booking routine.

I use Book Like a Boss for all my book ings.

Planning in Notion

Use Notion.us, like me , to create well structured content series plans, and to organise all the material around it, from interviewee research to sponsor deals.

Interview Prep

Read Out on the Wire by Jessica Abe l for great advice on how to get great stories from people.

Plus, read the following article:

How to prepare for a great interview

Live Recording

You can record right into the Alitu Podcast Maker app, and have it do the cleanup and add your music, automatically.

Vocal Warmups

Our guide to the best vocal warmups for podcasters.

9 Super Podcast Time Saving Tips

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:54:56 GMT

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I have so much time to work on my podcast, I struggle to even fill it"?

No?

Well, let's see what we can do about that, then. Here are nine great podcasting time-saving tips for you to try out.

Batch recording
Use fewer tools
Do fewer things
Don't multitask (and, time block)
Click/MEE editing
Speeded-up editing
Use templates
Utilise dynamic ads
Automate and outsource wherever possible

Do Downloads Mean Listeners? How Accurate Are Podcast Download Stats?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:21:43 GMT

Download numbers can vary from platform to platform, which causes frustration and confusion among podcasters. Why do some services show much higher numbers than others? Are they interpreting downloads differently? And what else can we do to measure the performance of our podcasts?

We'd also love to get some voice questions in for future episodes. Go to thepodcasthost.com/question to submit. If we play yours on the next episode, we'll send you a copy of The Podcast Host Planner and our Podcast Growth book.

What is Open Podcasting & Why Does it Matter?

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:50:35 GMT

Open podcasting has always been vitally important to how the industry works. Still, it’s hard to talk about without getting super technical or glazing over in the middle of the conversation. This is because those conversations often start with the most tech-savvy industry folks – not your average podcaster – and certainly not your average podcast listener.

But open podcasting is crucial to our industry, and the way things are moving, it’s at threat. So much so that a coalition known as the Podcast Standards Project has assembled on a mission to protect it.

In this episode, we’ll look at why open podcasting is so important to independent podcasters and what we can do to protect it.

Check out our full blog post: Why We Need To Protect Open Podcasting (& How You Can Help!)

Locative Media: GPS Tools To Grow Your Podcast in 3D

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:57:01 GMT

If you’ve ever used a smartphone to take a GPS-enabled audio tour, such as one available through Voicemap, you’ve used locative media. Locative media is a way to share digital content via GPS triggers in the real world to increase personal interaction. It puts digital content and real places together to make an experience greater than the sum of its parts. On this episode, we talk about how you can utilise it to help enhance and grow your podcast.

Should I Start a Second (or Third, or Fourth) New Podcast?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:03:15 GMT

No podcaster in history has ever just run one show. In fact, many find their biggest or most successful podcasts to be a second or third attempt. They’ll learn the ropes on the topic they think they want to discuss, then start a new one later on, on a completely different subject.

If you already run a podcast, then starting a second (or third, or fourth) is inevitable. BUT, if you’re just constantly starting new shows, you probably won’t get any momentum or success with any of them.

SO, if you’ve got an idea for a new podcast and are itching to dive in, this episode provides you with a checklist of questions you can run through first.

Resources

60% Of New Podcasters Fear Marketing. And Are New Podcasts Dying Off?

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:07:25 GMT

It’s a bit of a data discussion this week, with a few numbers to break down and analyse. Some of this data came via our own sources, whilst others have been the topic of much discussion in the mainstream media recently.

Do Spotify layoffs and new podcasts dropping by 80% since 2020 mean podcasting is on the way out? And why do 60% of new podcasters worry about marketing their shows?

Also mentioned on this episode: The Trailer Park Podcast, how to make a podcast trailer, 43% of new podcasters plan to go solo, how to run a podcast survey, what’s your podcast USP?, Podcast Growth (book), The Podcast Host on YouTube, and The Podcraft Community.

How Can Podcasters Leverage AI & Tools Like ChatGPT?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:06:11 GMT

There’s been a lot of chat about artificial intelligence (AI) in the podcasting industry recently. In most industries, in fact. Since the launch of ChatGPT – an insanely sophisticated AI chatbot that’s generating buzz and fear in equal measures – everyone’s got something to say about it.

Episode Resources

How Can Podcasters Use AI & ChatGPT to Their Advantage?
Which AI Podcasting Tools Are Worth Using?
AI-powered fiction podcast - FantasAI

How Using a Drone Can 10X Your Podcast Content

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:10:43 GMT

What do drones have to do with podcasting, you ask? Well, if my visit to the Podcast Show 2022 is any measure, then I’m not the only person (by a long way!) interested in adding video to their podcasting workflow. And if we’re going to make video, we might as well explore every angle. Even the vertical.

So, I thought I’d delve in and figure out whether drones have a place in helping create better video around your podcast. These things aren’t cheap, and they aren’t for everyone. But if you have a show that suits, and the budget to buy, then they might be a way to create amazing video to help engage your listeners, and grow your show.

Let’s take a look at why you might use one, what you might create with it, and finish with a recommendation on what to buy. Time to fly!

Read our full guide to Drones & Podcasting

Taking a Journalistic Approach to Your Podcast

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:29:28 GMT

What does it mean to take a journalistic approach to your podcast content? In this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by Katie, who is the driving force behind our new topical content offerings. Katie explains that a "journalistic approach" involves taking time to research your subjects and using a structured workflow to build stories. Some of the tips and suggestions here include using newsletters and Google Alerts as a way to source stories and using Trello boards and spreadsheets to organize content and ideas.

When it comes to fact-checking and sourcing stories, Katie recommends using multiple sources and tracing back to the original source. She also talks about the importance of citing sources, and how to contact people for comment and quotes. Finally, Katie and Matthew discuss the importance of considering what value the content will provide to listeners. They suggest using the acronym WIIFM (What's In It For Me) to help stay focused on providing value to listeners.

Why All The Hype Around Video Podcasting? Will Video Kill The Audio Star?

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:32:50 GMT

Video podcasting is no new thing. But it's more talked about than it ever was. YouTube are in the early stages of getting into podcasting, whilst Spotify have finally jumped into the pool, too. But does this mean that everyone should now be creating video as well as audio content? Or has a lot of this stuff been exaggerated and blown out of proportion? Undoubtedly video, if done well, can be an excellent compliment to your audio and written content. But it isn't some magic bullet that's going to automatically quadruple your audience. On this episode of Podcraft, we discuss the pitfalls of video podcasting, and help you make a more informed decision on whether it's right for you and your podcast. Captivate Blog - https://www.markasquith.com/youtube-case-study/ Video Podcasting Guide - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/should-i-make-a-video-podcast/

Should ALL Businesses Be Podcasting? (And What Makes a Good Business Podcast?)

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:40:33 GMT

Podcasting can be a great way to market your business, and add a human touch to your company. But does this mean that every business should be running its own podcast? On this episode, we're joined by Jacob, who's Head of Marketing here at The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode we'll cover: - How someone might decide whether or not podcasting around their business is the right move. - Potential differences between a business podcast and a creative outlet or hobby show. - Examples of business podcasts that are "doing it right".

Why Are 43% Of New Podcasters Planning to Go Solo?

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:42:09 GMT

Autism & Podcasting: Life In The Ted Lane

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:45:54 GMT

Lindsay from the content team helps produce a show called Life In The Ted Lane with her brother, Ted (apparently the name ‘Ted Talks’ was taken, unfortunately). "Ted and his sister Lindsay talk about Ted’s adventures, news from Broadway and Hollywood, Muppet News, and also what it’s like to be autistic." https://lifeinthetedlane.buzzsprout.com/ Joining Matthew on this episode of Podcraft, Lindsay talks us through both the positive experiences and challenges of running the show, as well as the nuts and bolts of how it’s made. Among the many positive aspects of this podcast is the feedback from parents and caregivers of other autistic people. Ted and Lindsay's adventures have entertained on many a long car journey, and helped give others the confidence to get out there in the world.

SEO Tips for Podcasters

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The concept is simple: You create the content your target audience is searching for, they find it, and your podcast grows as a result.

But Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) isn't just as straightforward as that, unfortunately. There are nuances, best practices, and stiff competition from rival content creators.

On season 16 of Podcraft we're leaning on the expertise and experience of our team here The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode, I'm joined by Sean, who is a full stack growth marketer. Sean knows a thing or two about SEO, and he's here to help you polish up your own search game, no matter what stage you're at.

Mentions & Resources

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Best Tools for Creating Short Podcast Clips & Micro Content

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Mike from the Konversations With Kinfolk podcast is thinking about micro-content. He's looking for apps or software that can take small clips (video and/or audio) to create short clips for visibility and promotion.

This is a great strategy for podcast growth. Micro-content can be highly searchable, shareable, and doesn't demand a lot of time to hook a potential new listener. It can also be quick and easy to create.

Resources Mentioned

We also offer a bonus tip to Mike - improve those episode titles. The podcast will benefit greatly if you make them more descriptive and intriguing.

Finally, we're looking for your feedback to help us help you better. Have you got a second to answer this quick question? What are you most struggling with in podcasting right now?

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3 Actionable Podcast Growth Tips

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Khaled runs the show Curated Advice on Better Living, and wonders how to increase the number of listeners per episode.

At time of recording, he's almost hit the 30-episode mark, which is a great point to reflect on what you've achieved so far, as well as revisit your big picture planning.

We recommend that Khaled sets up a dedicated website for the podcast, which is a low-hanging fruit these days. You can do this quickly and at a low-cost by using Podpage.

We also recommend that he uses our free Podcast Planner tool to tweak the overall aims, targeting, and message of the show.

Finally, we give three actionable growth tips for Khaled to try out. These are:

Run a co-hosted or crossover episode with another podcast in your niche
Create a roundup of podcasts that you love in your niche
Reach out to 3-5 true fans of your show and create a focus group

For a deeper dive, check out our full guide on podcast promotion.

On this episode, we also mention Pocket-Sized Podcasting and Alitu: The Podcast Maker

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How Do I Turn Listeners Into Followers, Subscribers, & Supporters?

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Michael of Night Moodz wonders how to turn casual listeners into subscribers, followers, and even, supporters. This is a question with many layers as the first and most obvious move is simply to ask in your Calls to Action. You might also want to show them how by creating a 'how to subscribe' page on your website. A final and essential piece of the jigsaw, though, is to make folks want to come back for more. Our free Podcast Planner tool can help you hone your message and your content, and make sure your show is optimised for growth!

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How Do I Get Analytics for Potential Advertisers?

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT

How do you get useful analytics to present to potential sponsors and advertisers? That's one of the questions on the mind of Karen from BankTalk Podcast. And, one that we'll try our best to answer on this episode of PodCraft.

Your Apple Podcast Connect and Spotify for Podcasters dashboards can give you a good sample of listening patterns. Granted, these won't be the full picture, but, for many podcasters, this is at least 50% of their audience.

Listener surveys are an optimal way to get first-hand data from your audience. You might also track conversions and clicks from advertising your own products, services, or events, too.

We would also recommend using Rephonic's Podcast Audience Graph tool. This shows you the podcasts your listeners also subscribe too. You could check a few of them out and see what (if any) brands are advertising on them.

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How to Optimise Your Podcast’s Outline & Theme

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Kay is the co-host of the In Da Trenches Podcast and asks about optimising their name, outline, and theme.

Sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at the bigger picture of your podcast, asking questions such as:

What’s its purpose?
Who’s it for?
What does success look like for me?

You can then start to work backwards from these.

Another very useful exercise is to use our free Podcast Planner Tool.

And we have thorough guides on Podcast Names, Descriptions, and Formats for a deeper dive on those topics, too.

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Making Best Use of a Break Between Seasons

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Laurent of the Puissante Panoplie podcast asks us about breaks between seasons. He feels that these can halt his momentum, and make him feel a bit like a headless chicken, jumping from task to task with no real plan in mind. Once the break is over, Laurent adds, he feels anything but rested or organised going into his new season.

On this episode, we talk about ways to better structure your breaks in between seasons. We also cover the benefits of running an audience survey during these periods. You can even collect listener feedback in voice form, as we're doing on this season of PodCraft.

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Where Should I Place Ads in My Podcast Episodes?

Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Our question this week comes from Teresa of the Homeschool Mama SelfCare Podcast. Teresa's asking us about the optimal position of podcast ads so as to optimise their impact and minimise the chance of them annoying the listeners.

On this episode, we cover:

Is there a "right" time to play a podcast ad
The difference between pre, mid, and post-roll ads
The difference between pre-recorded and host-read ads
How you can make ads part of your content
And why ads might not be essential to the monetisation of your show, going forward.

This episode was sponsored by (and made with) Alitu, The Podcast Maker.

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The Low-Hanging Fruits of Growing Your Audience

Mon, 23 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT

On this new season of PodCraft we're going to be answering your podcasting questions. Here's how to submit yours!

This time around, we have a question from Brooke of Let's Talk Art With Brooke.

Brooke has been podcasting for six years and as well over 200 episodes, but is concerned with lack of audience growth.

This is a big question in and of itself (so big, in fact, that we actually wrote a book about it). But we find that there's always a few low-hanging fruits that can have an impact right away. These include good, compelling episode titles, Calls to Action, thorough SEO-friendly shownotes, and appearing as a guest on other relevant podcasts.

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How do you measure podcast success? And do you need to know about bitrates or loudness? Part Two of Two

Tue, 17 May 2022 11:00:00 GMT

It's part two of our dive into the Podcaster Cares Survey data. This time around, we're talking NFTs, measuring success, social media, loudness, and bitrates.

We also take a look at some interesting differences between podcasters of five years or more, and folks who've been doing it less than five years.

Podcasters of 5 years or more have stronger opinions on Apple Podcasts and RSS Feeds

67.5% of the 5 years or more group agreed that a podcast isn’t really a podcast if it doesn’t have an RSS feed.
Of the folks in podcasting for fewer than five years, 39.8% agreed, whilst 38.9% didn’t care.
25.3% in the 5 years or more group didn’t care about RSS feeds.
44.6% of the 5 years or more group believe that Apple could and should be doing more to help podcasters. This is compared to 34.9% of the newer podcasters group.
53% of the newer podcasters have no real opinion on Apple either way, compared to 34.9% of the 5 years or more group.

Newer podcasters pay less attention to podcast loudness & bitrates

60.2% of podcasters of 5 years or more have a set and consistent loudness level for their show.
This is compared to 31.4% of folks podcasting for 0-5 years.
29.7% of newer podcasters don’t worry about loudness levels.
This is compared to only 15.7% of the 5 years or more group.
42.9% of newer podcasters have no idea what bitrates are. Only 15.7% of the 5 years or more group thought the same.

Get the full Podcaster Cares Survey Report right here.

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537 podcasters told us what they care about (and don't) - here's the data: Part One of Two

Mon, 02 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT

The more podcasting grows, the more people talk about it. Some of it is genuine news, and some of it is gossip or clickbait. Rather than waste your time with articles about irrelevant topics, we want to know what the average podcaster cares about most.

So, we put up a survey and invited our entire audience to take part through the blog, email and social. We offered a few prizes to say thanks, including a 1st prize gift voucher and a few of our own books (The Podcast Host Planner and Podcast Growth manual).

We were delighted to see responses from over 500 podcasters (537 in total!) who generously shared their opinions with us. Let’s take a look at what podcasters think of the topics that spark debate in the content creation community.

Get the full Podcaster Cares Survey Report right here.

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Choosing a Format for Your Podcast: Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about choosing a format for your episodes.

The format you choose is really personal, and depends on who’s involved. If it’s just you, you’re not doing a co-hosted show any time soon, for example.

None of this is set in stone, either. So whilst it’s good to have an ‘average’ format, so your listeners know what to expect, you don’t have to stick to it every single time.

You might do your first few episodes using a certain format – for example, solo - then decide it isn’t for you. In this case, you could pivot and start doing interviews. Or, you could bring on a regular co-host.

The first format you try might feel perfectly natural to you, in which case, great. Or you might opt for a ‘mixed bag’ approach where you never stick to any one set format. The beauty of it is that it’s your podcast, and you get to make the rules.

We’re going to dig into the pros and cons of each podcast format in the next few episodes, so make sure you’re subscribed to the show on your listening app of choice!

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Niches & Narrow Podcast Topics: Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker.

And on this episode, we’re talking about niches (nitches?) and narrow topics.

There’s a bit of a misconception in podcasting that, the wider and more open your topic, the bigger your audience will be.

I know, it makes sense because covering lots of ground means there's loads more people who might be interested in your show.

The reality, though, is that listeners love podcasts that feel like they were made just for them.

So instead of our personal trainer doing a podcast about general health, diet, or exercise, it might be “the fitness podcast for single parents”, or “the keto diet podcast for vegetarians”.

In other areas, niche podcasts could be “The travel podcast, for D&D players”, or “The business startup podcast, for military veterans”.

You might have a fear that this'll limit your audience, but, actually, the opposite is true. When your target listeners find your show, and see how closely it scratches their itch, they’ll think “this is perfect!”, hit subscribe, and go on to become fanatical fans. On the other hand, if keep it general, everyone just sees it, goes 'meh' and moves on. When you try to target everyone, you really target no-one in particular.

So what would you rather have - a tight, defined group of fanatical listeners, or a big group who just might be interested in listening?

For a really detailed look at defining your niche topic, go to ThePodcastHost.com/topic

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Why Should They Listen? Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about giving your audience a no-brainer reason to listen.

This, my friend, is all about supplying value in your very own unique way.

But what does that actually mean?

Well, let’s take the example of our personal trainer, I mentioned last time. If they’re serving up content that helps their listeners to, let's say, complete a couch to 5k, then they're providing value. If they can help a listener lose a few stone, or run a faster race, then that's a LOT of value!

Or what about our zombie podcaster? They might do an in-depth interview with a top author in the space. They'll dig in to unearth some anecdotes and insights that you've never heard anywhere else before from that writer. In that, they're providing some really unique value.

If you do something similar on your show, not only have you given your audience a reason to listen, you've also given them a reason to come back for more, every week.

This is absolutely vital for you to think about in the planning stages. So can you write down 10-15 potential episodes that you think your target audience would love to listen to? If you're teaching, it's often about considering the most common problems you can help them solve. And if it's entertainment, it's finding new content, or entertainment that scratches that person's personal itch.

And, for a more detailed look at giving them a reason to listen, go to ThePodcastHost.com/unique

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Who is Your Podcast For? Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. On this episode, we’re asking a big question: Who are you making your podcast for?

The thing is, unless you know exactly who you’re making your show for, and why you’re doing it, you’ve got no chance of growing an audience.

Let’s imagine a personal trainer who’s making a health and fitness podcast to market their business. Their target audience might be people who are interested in healthy eating, weight loss, or HIIT training, or bodybuilding.

Or, let’s imagine a hobbyist who loves zombies and post-apocalyptic fiction. Their target audience would simply be folks with the same really specific passion. They might be fans of TV shows like The Walking Dead, and video games like Resident Evil.

It's a good idea to sketch out what’s known as your “avatar”. An avatar is a made up person that represents your ideal listeners in the real world. You make this detailed - with a name, age, job, background, likes, dislikes. You make this as real as you can, so it's someone you can know, deeply. The benefit then is that, with each episode you plan out, you can ask yourself the question “would Jane (my avatar) like this?” Asking that question is the key to making really compelling content, every time.

For a really detailed look at how to create your avatar, and a bunch of examples, go to ThePodcastHost.com/listener

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Why Are You Doing a Podcast? Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker.

And on this episode, we’re asking the question “Why?”

Why do you want to make a podcast?

Are you a freelancer? A business? Or working for a company? Whatever you do, you'll know that podcasting's a great way to build trust and authority. Plus, of course, give your customers or your audience a whole bunch of valuable and entertaining content.

The other option is that you're in podcasting as a hobbyist? That could mean you'll be creating a show in your spare time, and on a subject you're passionate about. Anything from knitting, to craft beer, to horror movies.

Either way, figure out your why. It could be making more sales. Or growing a community. Or getting famous! They're all valid. And they're important to keep in mind so that you can stay motivated, even when life throws you those inevitable curveballs. Podcasting isn’t always easy, but if your “Why” is worth it, you’ll push on through.

New episodes of Pocket-Sized Podcasting will be released daily, Monday through Friday. Subscribe on your listening app of choice so they’re delivered to you automatically. Thanks so much for listening.

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Make a Daily Podcast

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Daily podcasts are a lot more common than they used to be. You might find the thought of running one appealing but also think to yourself "there's no way I'd have time to podcast every single day". Well, the good news is that you don't have to.

You can actually create a short sharp 1-2min episode a day podcast in only a few hours a week. We've found that the scripting, recording, production, and publishing take us approximately 3 hours for a week of content (a week being Monday-Friday). As these tasks are "batched" we're not tending to this podcast every single day, even though new episodes are always dropping.

There are a lot of benefits of doing short daily episodes. If you teach something then it'll give you the ability to deliver your lessons in bite-sized (or pocket-sized!) chunks. You can take a real deep dive over a period of time, rather than trying to pack together one huge lesson or talk. You might even turn your daily podcast into an Alexa Flash Brief.

Short episodes are also great for repurposing. This works well if you're active on YouTube, social media, or taking a Content Stacking approach to your show.

On this episode of Podcraft, we talk more about the benefits and workflows of running a daily podcast. We'll also help you answer the question of whether you should make one yourself.

And as for our own case study, it's something you'll hopefully be interested in checking out, too...

Our Daily Podcast - Pocket-Sized Podcasting

Pocket-Sized Podcasting is the ‘how to podcast’ series for busy people. You’ll get one short sharp tip delivered to your feed Monday through Friday, all aimed toward helping you build and grow your own life-changing show.

Brought to you by Alitu, the Podcast Maker, it’s our aim to make the entire process of podcasting as simple and accessible as humanly possible. Find us anywhere you get your podcasts, and be sure to hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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A Brands-Eye View of the Podcasting Industry, & Podcast Episode Swaps

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 08:00:00 GMT

We talk a lot about audience growth in our articles. In fact, promotion and growth is the number 1 thing podcasters struggle with, according to our recent podcaster problems survey.

One of the tips we've recommended for years is to see the other podcasters in your space as collaborators, rather than competition. Cross-promotion is a great example of the old saying "a rising tide lifts all boats". After all, this medium is on-demand, and it isn't like your listeners have to choose between your show and someone else's.

We had the opportunity to get involved in a podcast episode swap recently with the excellent Evo Terra and his industry essential Podcast Pontifications show. It's a show I'm sure you'll love, and this episode is an ideal taster of what you can expect to hear, 4 days a week, if you hit the subscribe button.

Here's the episode of Podcraft that was featured over there too - it was all about question research and how this strategy can help you create episodes to pull in new listeners.

Podcast Pontifications

Before we jump into the episode content, let's take a quick look at the show's description so you can get a better idea of what it's about and who it's for.

"Where plenty of podcasts about podcasting (PAPs) tell you what to do, Podcast Pontifications gives you what to think about in podcasting. These daily, insightful forward-looking episodes have one central tenet: Podcasting needs to be made better, not just easier. Designed for the working podcaster, these short-form episodes get you thinking about the future of podcasting and how you can better prepare yourself -- and your shows -- for the future. The goal is simple: help you develop critical thinking skills needed to make the best future-proofed podcast you can with the tools of today. Plus a few sneak previews of what might be coming tomorrow."

And now to the episode itself, here's the question that Evo is pontificating on...

"Nearly twenty years in, and many podcasters still have trouble thinking of podcasting as an industry. But our problem does not plague cash-flush brands looking to enter our industry. Who's perspective will win out? "

Key Links

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What Moves the Needle When It Comes to Planning & Running a Podcast?

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT

There's no shortage of things to focus on when it comes to planning, launching, and running your own podcast.

From buying the right mic and choosing a hosting platform, to coming up with a show name and sorting out your cover art, these all fall under the umbrella of "podcasting". But all podcasting tasks aren't created equally. Some of the things you do can have a huge impact on your show's success, whilst others can be little more than a distraction.

On this episode of Podcraft, we decided to reflect on a combined 20+ years of podcasting. Of all the podcasts we've launched and ran between us in that time, which factors do we feel helped move the needle?

Also mentioned on this episode were our Podcraft community and the Portuguese translations of some of our top articles.

Podcasting Factors That Move the Needle (Or Don't)

We both scored each of the following out of 10 (10 for very important, 0 for not important at all), added up the scores, and ranked them into an overall list. The aim was for new and aspiring podcasters to help decide whether they were spending too much time on one thing, or not enough time on something else.

1. Defining Your Target Audience

The most important factor was identifying who you want to reach, and why. Not spending some time nailing this down in the planning stages can lead to your content being directionless and vague. You want new listeners to hear your podcast and think "this is exactly what I've been looking for."

For more help with this, check out the following articles:

2. Deciding on Your Podcast's Name

Naming your podcast can feel like a tricky barrier to overcome. It's also a very important one. If potential listeners don't immediately know what your show's about when they see it, then many of them will skip past it without even reading the description. With podcast names, there's no such thing as "boring". If you come up with an ultra-descriptive "as it says on the tin" name and it isn't already taken - grab it.

For more on this, check out How to Name Your Podcast.

3. Your Episode Titles

This is another huge factor in turning traffic (your target audience, searching for your topic) into listeners. Descriptive and compelling episode titles will help your show be found, and they'll also encourage those searching to hit play. Don't waste this important space by putting the word "episode" in there. You don't need to write your podcast name beside every episode title either.

For more on this, check out How to Title Your Episodes.

Want to See the Full List?

Head on over to the shownotes at ThePodcastHost.com

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Can You Take Care of a Baby AND a Podcast? Podcasting & Parenting

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Podcraft, Matthew and Colin talk about podcasting and parenting. They discuss the joys of being a new dad, from early morning buggy walks, to "having a good moan" about one's kids.

Brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker and The Podcast Host Planner

Parents always think they’re organized and resilient. The same's true for podcasters. Kids are unpredictable, and podcasting can be the same way. The key takeaway from this discussion about podcasting and parenting is to be honest with your audience.

Colin recommends that new parents who make podcasts should plan ahead, but stay flexible, and be kind to themselves during this time.

They discussed episode release schedules, such as podcasting in seasons, as opposed to publishing episodes at random intervals. Colin recommends lining up some episodes in advance of your child's arrival, then publishing each over time.

For parents who can't leave their child unattended, don't try to multi-task. It's better to do one thing well, instead of multitasking a few things, poorly.

Don't Wish It Away

This is a big milestone in one's life. It's worth not trying to do too much for your podcast. When babies are unpredictable and need a lot of care, there's a tendency to, as Matthew says, "wish things forward until the dust settles." Colin adds that parents should try to enjoy the early days while they can. In 13 years or so, your kids will want to do their own thing. You'll have plenty of time for podcasting then.

As a dad to two kids, Colin says, "the first year, especially the first three months, are hell." Plus, every kid is different. This isn't a good life stage for the results-oriented. But, he adds, the first six months are when babies sleep the most. Use this to your advantage: grab time for sleep and/or work when you can.

Colin adds that when babies are six to twelve months old, since they're more mobile, they need more supervision. They're more likely to grab things, like mixing board sliders. This is the age to child-proof your recording gear.

Be realistic about your plans. Think of this time as maintenance mode. Again, communicate clearly and positively with your audience. It’s not going to kill your show if you miss an episode.

Work sessions with shorter periods of time can force you to really focus. Be accepting of the work that you can get done in a shorter amount of time. Colin says, “a task will always expand to fill the time allowed.” If you only have forty-five minutes while the baby's out for a walk or napping, you can't procrastinate, overthink, or be too much of a perfectionist.

Rethink your show’s format. How can you bring value in less time, while still being yourself and making the same kind of show? For example, instead of hour-long interview episodes, can you make fifteen-minute episodes of productive tips?

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What Has Changed in Podcasting? How Does It Affect the Average Podcaster?

Tue, 25 May 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Podcasting news has been hard to keep up with this past year or so. Each week seems to bring a new development in the Apple Vs Spotify saga, a new "must use" tool or platform on the market, or a company buying another company for multiple zillions.

In this episode, we have a chat about what all of this actually means for the average podcaster.

It can be hard to keep up with all of this stuff, after all. You can start to think that if you're not totally on the ball with all of this, your podcast is going to vanish into the ether whilst everyone else moves on without you.

But the same principles apply in podcasting as they did 15 years ago. Know why you're doing it, know who you want to reach, and show up on a consistent basis for your listeners.

Resources Mentioned

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Create Shareable Clips With Audiograms | PodCraft 1312

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Audiograms combine images, text, and audio to create a social media post. they are as memorable and attention-grabbing as video, without being as time-consuming or data-heavy. WNYC created an open-source code to accomplish this means of podcast promotion, and there are other options available to you now, too.

Type: Short Task

Time Required: One hour

Podcast Level: From the beginning

The open-source code that WNYC created was intended to be a free resource for podcasters to use to promote their work. It’s great, but it can be confusing for people who don’t know how to code. Fortunately, Headliner has created an app which guides you through the process. The free version lets you make a certain number of audiograms per month. Depending on the social media platform for which you intend to make your audiogram, the size constraints vary. However, you can use the same content with different aspect ratios or time limits for different platforms.

Figure out what section of your podcast you want to highlight. Much like quote images, an audiogram is a sample of a moment from your podcast. In this case, instead of a line or two of text, you’re using a few seconds to a few minutes of audio.

Decide on the art you want to use. For consistency, you probably want to use your podcast logo. However, you can certainly use whatever art you want, as long as it fits with Headliner’s size requirements.

Including closed-captioning is a wise choice. Many people browse social media with the sound turned off, and don’t turn the sound on unless they’re curious about a particular post. If you include closed-captioning (well done: you make your post more accessible), go through and edit it for accuracy.

Headliner’s mobile app honestly makes it easy for you to promote your show from your phone. You could do this while you’re waiting for a coffee order or sitting in a park

Task List:

Go to Headliner’s website and sign up for a free account.
Use the Audiogram Wizard and type in your podcast’s name or RSS feed.
Select the portion of your podcast episode that you want to share.
Follow the Audiogram Wizard instructions to create your audiogram.
If you use closed-captions, proofread and edit them for accuracy.
Check the audiogram to make sure it’s just right.
Download a copy for your archives.
Post the audiogram to social media.
Make sure that the post includes a link to your podcast website.
Encourage your followers to share the post.

thepodcasthost.com/audiograms - How to Make and Use Audiograms

thepodcasthost.com/publishtoyoutube - Publishing Your Podcast on YouTube

Next season we are running some Q&A episodes - submit your questions here!

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Why Overcast Is One of the Best Places to Advertise Your Podcast | PodCraft 1311

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Overcast is one of the most popular podcast listening apps in the world today. And with good reason – it's a superb app, packed with useful features.

Overcast is built for podcast listeners. But, they also provide the tools for podcasters to advertise their shows in the app. These ads appear as unobtrusive little banners, which the app’s users see at the bottom of their screen.

On these banner ads, you’ll see a podcast’s name, cover art, and a little snippet description tempting the listener to click it.

With Overcast ads, 100% of the folks that you reach are podcast listeners. That's why they're looking at Overcast when they see your ad. They're likely either listening to a podcast, or about to hit play on one.

This means they're literally one click away from browsing your podcast inside their chosen listening app. And one more click away from hitting Play or Subscribe.

There's no education needed here. There's no “what is a podcast?”, no “find us at…”. It's simply down to the snippet you write when you create your ad.

The ads are unobtrusive, yet clearly visible to the user.

Costs vary on topic, and on-demand, but you can usually start advertising on Overcast from around $300.

Type: Short Task

Time Required: 15 minutes to set up. Runs for 1 month.

Podcast Level: 3 episodes or more.

You need to sign up for an Overcast account at Overcast.fm.

Overcast is an iOS-only listening app, but anyone can sign up for an account on their computer.

Once you're in, go to overcast.fm/ads where you'll see the full details. This includes info on current pricing and estimated reach.

As you'll see, ads are broken out into different categories. Naturally, the cost is higher for the more popular ones. You can see how many slots are available, and which ones are currently sold out. If it's one of the sold out ones you're after, you can ask to be notified when they become available.

Once you select a category, you'll click through to a page where you can customise your snippet. You’ll want to write a sentence or two that acts as a ‘hook’, to be displayed alongside the podcast name and cover art.

If you leave this blank, Overcast will use the start of the description in your feed. It’s much better to write something in there that doesn’t cut off. Try adding “Click here to get started”, if you have the room.

Then, you can preview your ad, before reviewing your purchase, and making the payment. It's really simple.

Task List:

Sign up for an Overcast account at Overcast.fm.
Select your targeted podcast category.
Customise your snippet.
Preview your ad.
Complete your purchase.

Further Reading: Promoting Your Podcast on Overcast

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Market Your Podcast With an Ebook | PodCraft 1310

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

When you’ve published a decent amount of episodes, you might consider re-writing your scripts and notes from each one into an ebook. You can give this away as an incentive to people who contribute to you through a fundraising campaign, or as a reward for signing up for your mailing list. You can even publish it and offer it for sale through Amazon’s self-publishing channels. It’s a good way to encapsulate your information, while also rewarding your audience for their commitment.

Type: Big Strategy

Time Required: One month to plan, compile, re-write, and publish

Podcast Level: At least ten episodes

So, you have a basic script of talking points for each episode (or, better yet, you have transcripts). You have your show notes, and you also have any blog posts or visual aids. You also have an audience that’s interested in your show’s topic.

For each episode, put together any notes or talking points you used, your transcript if you have one, any visual aids that you might have posted on your website or Instagram, and your show notes and blog post for the episode.

Look at this information as a whole. What’s the cohesive narrative? What did you learn about your podcast’s topic, as you went through the process of making this podcast? What have you learned about it from your audience and your guests? This is a good time for you to encapsulate what you’ve learned so far, and what you can share with others.

Edit this information into one cohesive document. A reasonable ebook usually runs about 7,000 to 10,000 words. As long as you’re covering the most important points in your information, explaining them clearly, and giving your audience value, length doesn’t matter.

It’s always a good idea to have someone unbiased and skilled proofread your document before sending it anywhere. You can find someone who does book editing services on Fiverr, or trade services with a friend. A good designer can make sure your ebook is pleasing to the eye and enjoyable to read. If you prefer the DIY route, you can make a pretty good book cover in Canva.

You can save this as one PDF, and give it to your supporters directly. This makes a great gift for the people who have supported you, as well as a good enticement for a new audience.

You can also publish it through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. This lets you set the price, earn royalties, and publish in either digital or paperback.

Task List:

Organize your show notes, scripts/talking points, transcripts, visual aids, and blog posts for each episode.
Take note of what you’ve learned through this process.
Write a book, using the information you’ve compiled.
Get an unbiased, skilled editor to proofread and edit your book.
Have a designer make sure your fonts and layout look good, and design a quality cover.
Share this book with your supporters.

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Finding New Listeners at the Bottom of a Pint Glass | PodCraft 1309

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Podcast-themed beer mats or coasters! This is a “helpful” way of distributing your podcast logo or branding around pubs and bars in your area. A little cardboard coaster is a useful thing in these places. They help keep the table dry, and some folks even collect them. If your design is intriguing enough, a person resting their glass on one may pull out their phone and subscribe to your podcast there and then.

Type: Ongoing task

Time Required: One month from design through to creation and delivery. Ongoing strategy to distribute.

Podcast Level: At any time

The starting point is your coaster design. What are you going to put on there to catch people’s eye?

Your podcast logo can be a good choice here, just like with stickers or magnets. But, unlike those, you have a bit more time with the person looking at your coaster. They’re also up close to it, so it doesn’t need to work in an at-a-glance sort of way.

I actually recommend getting yourself 2-4 different designs. A typical bar or pub table sits 4 people, so you can leave 4 different coasters which could even spark some discussion amongst the folks who sit there next.

Could you create one using a quote from a podcast review? Or, from yourself or an interview guest on the show? You can use humour or intrigue to make the person looking at it want to find out more. As always, it comes down to your own brand and tone, as well as your target audience.

You should always have your podcast’s name on each coaster. Get your URL on there too. Make sure the people who want to find out more, actually can.

Cardboard coasters are relatively cheap to have made. Many online printing services offer this service, and you’ll generally pick up bundles of 100 to 250 with each design.

Next comes the distribution. I use this guerrilla marketing tactic myself; I’ll shove a stack of them in my jacket pocket if I’m heading on a day out somewhere. Each time I’m in a pub, I’ll stick coasters under all of our glasses at the table. When we leave, other folks will sit there, and who knows? One might even go on to become the show’s biggest fan.

You can also harness the power of your listeners by running a competition. Ask them to take a picture of their drinks proudly sitting on your coasters when they’re out somewhere. You can run a hashtag for this so everyone can see each other’s pictures, too.

This is a fun way to market your podcast, because you never know who’s going to sit down and start studying your “ad” next. Also, it’s a great excuse to get some friends together and go for a drink one weekend!

Task List:

Have 2-4 different types of coaster design made.
Use your logo, but also consider things like quotes from reviews or from the show itself.
Remember to have the podcast name, or even a URL on them.
Each time you’re going to be in a cafe, pub, or bar, take some with you.
Put them under the glasses or cups on your table as you drink.
When you leave, leave them for the next people who’ll sit there.
Consider running listener competitions to see how many bars around the world you can get photos of your coasters “in action”.

Further Reading: thepodcasthost.com/guerrilla

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Get Your Show Featured on Apple Podcasts | PodCraft 1308

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Despite the many hundreds of ways listeners can consume podcasts these days, Apple Podcasts/iTunes is still comfortably the biggest platform in the world. Over 60% of podcast listening happens there.

We know from our own data that when listeners want to find new content to listen to, around 40% of them take to searching their podcast listening app first.

Looking at those two stats, it isn’t hard to conclude that if you were listed by Apple as a “featured” podcast, you’d likely pick up a few new listeners.

In fact, we know this ourselves first hand. In August 2017, one of our shows – Hostile Worlds – was featured on the front page of iTunes and Apple Podcasts. We’ll link to the article where we break down our listening numbers from that period in the Further Reading section.

Type: Big task

Time Required: Months of planning - 10 minutes to submit your podcast

Podcast Level: 4 episodes or more

How to Do It

It’s important to stress that there’s no way to guarantee getting featured there. You need to show Apple you’ll be publishing content that they reckon is feature-worthy. It’s also important to stress that said episode is not yet published.

Apple will consider featuring a podcast on their front page if it’s something topical or noteworthy. For example, if a show is going to have a famous guest on their show. This person must be widely famous – “someone your mum has heard of” – and not just “niche famous”. This might be an author or musician with a new book or album. Apple sells these products, so they like to help market them.

A famous guest could also be a sports star ahead of a big final, or an actor around the time of a movie premier.

It doesn’t need to be due to a guest though. It might be because your episode will focus on a major event or news story. That was the case with Hostile Worlds, and the Cassini Mission to Saturn.

Apple Submission Form

You’ll find the Apple submission form at thepodcasthost.com/appleform

They’re looking for at least 2 weeks lead time here, prior to the publishing of your noteworthy episode. They’d also like to know how you’re going to promote and market this episode on their platform. This might include things like linking to your show in Apple on your episode post, and tagging them in social media posts around the episode.

Task List:

Plan an episode that Apple may be interested in featuring
Fill out the submission form at least 2 weeks prior to the episode going live
Let Apple know how you’ll be promoting and marketing the episode on their platform

Further Reading:

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Diverse Content & Visibility Through Vox-Pops | PodCraft 1307

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Nope, it’s not a new breakfast cereal. It’s a journalism and/or marketing strategy. The name comes from vox populi, or voice of the people. It’s a way of sketching out public opinion at a particular place and time. By asking a lot of different people the same question, you can get a lot of perspective on a bit of truth. This is also often used for comic effect by Jimmy Kimmel, and parodied by A Bit of Fry and Laurie. If you watch television, you have seen vox pops.

Type: Short Task

Time Required: A hour to record, an hour to edit

Podcast Level: 5-10 episodes

How to Do It

Come up with a good episode topic, and one or maybe two related questions. Put together a remote recording rig which you can carry easily, such as a hand-held digital recorder and a pair of headphones. Go to a place with good foot traffic, but not so crowded that you’ll have to shout to be heard. Think about places where your podcast topic would be relevant. If your podcast is about fly fishing, try the parking lot of a fishing spot, or partner with a bait and tackle shop. If your podcast is about quilting, check out a fabric shop.

Bring some of your podcast business cards with you so you can easily share details of where to find the show.

Participants do have to give you permission to record them. But you don’t have to fill out a contract, just keep a recording of them saying “yes, you have my permission to record me.”

If you see people who look like they might be interested, ask if they’d be up for participating in an interview for a podcast. Be aware that people might not be, and that has nothing to do with you: they might be on their way to work, headed home, or simply wanting privacy. Some people will want to participate. Keep it light, keep it quick, and give them a card so they can listen later.

Task List:

Come up with a good episode topic, and one or maybe two related questions.
Practice working with your remote recording rig, and saving the sound files.
Get some business cards with your show information on them.
Take your recording rig to a local spot with a reasonable amount of foot traffic. Bring a friend.
Ask people if they’d be interested in participating in an interview for a podcast.
Tell them about your podcast and offer them a card right away. That way, even if they say no, they’ve heard of your podcast.
After you record them, thank them. Remind them that they’ll be able to hear themselves on your podcast, and they should tell their friends.

Also Mentioned

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Promoting Your Podcast With a Montage Episode | PodCraft 1306

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

A montage episode is a piece of audio content, made up of clips from different contributors.

A tried and tested way of creating one is to build the episode around a single topic or question. Each participant records their answer to the question, and sends over their audio to the creator.

You can collect clips from anyone from the general public, to your podcast listeners. In this particular instance, we want to create one with fellow podcasters in our niche.

Type: Big Strategy

Time Required: Around 3 months, from planning to publishing

Podcast Level: About 10 episodes, or at the end of a season

Firstly, you need to decide on a topic for your episode. Choose something that’s going to be interesting and useful to the audiences of all involved.

Some examples of montage episodes could include

An episode of a travel podcast, where contributors talk about their favourite holiday destination
An episode of a sound design podcast, where contributors talk about their favourite audio production software
An episode of a health podcast, where contributors talk about their morning routines

You may be asking a single question, but it's a good idea to have some prompts alongside it.

Imagine the hypothetical travel podcast creates a montage episode titled “The World's Best Holiday Destinations”, and one of the clips is someone simply saying “Jamaica”. That would be a pretty dull and pointless episode.

When asking for contributions, you might expand on the question “what is your favourite holiday destination?” with any of the following;

Why did you choose to go there?
What’s your favourite memory of the place?
What’s something that surprised you about it?
What's your top tip for someone planning to go there in the future?

This will help give yourself the best possible chance of gathering great, insightful content.

Decide too, if you'd like to put an approximate time guide on answers. Between 3-5 minutes is always a good sweet spot. But don't be too strict with this, or you'll discourage folks from participating.

You’ll want to set a deadline for getting the clips back, so you can begin production. Lay out specific instructions in an easy-to-skim manner. These are things like

When you need the clip sent over by
Where or how to send it
Any file format or naming preferences

Once you have the clips together, assemble them in a good running order. You can then script your own parts in the episode - the intro and outro, as well as any commentary you’d like to add in between clips.

When you’ve published a montage episode, be sure to reach out to everyone involved and ask them to share it with their own listeners. Everyone’s podcast can grow with this strategy, on top of it being great content for the collective audience. Everyone wins!

Task List:

Identify the podcasts you’d like to collaborate with
Come up with a useful and interesting episode topic
Reach out to them with your proposal
Sell the benefits to them - this can help grow their reach!
Lay out your specific instructions
Gather in audio clips
Record and intro and outro, and any commentary
Mix episode together
Publish
Share with all involved - ask them to share it too

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Engaging in an Online Community | PodCraft 1305

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

This is where your love of your podcast’s topic will take the wheel. Let’s say you have a podcast about thrift (charity) shops. So you join a group on Facebook dedicated to unusual thrift shops. People post pictures and talk about great shops they’ve found, unusual things they’ve seen or bought in thrift shops, and so on. If you come in on day one saying “Hello everyone, I have a podcast about thrift shops and you all should listen to it,” you’ll just alienate people. What you owe it to yourself to do is read, watch, and see what the content and dynamic of the group are. How compatible are their discussions with your podcast? What are the big concerns? Are they talking about Goodwill vs. Salvation Army, or the prevalence of costume jewellery? You might find shop owners to interview, or topics to discuss on your podcast. When you feel comfortable, and you’ve added some value to the group, then mention that you have a podcast.

Task List:

Find a few online communities related to your podcast’s topic.
Join them, follow the group guidelines, read and watch the group for a few weeks.
Let yourself be inspired by what’s happening in the group.
If there are discussions where you can honestly add value (i.e., “I know a great way to get stains out of velvet!”), then participate.
Use your knowledge and expertise with compassion.

Links

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Being Found Through Question Research | PodCraft 1304

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Questions are great. More and more, users are typing full questions into Google, rather than single words or phrases. Google can see this, and loves it when you answer them directly. If it’s obvious what you’re answering, they’ll direct ever more users to your answers.

On top of that, when you think in questions, you tend to solve a real problem. Solve someone’s problem and they’ll be a loyal listener for life! That’s what powers real audience growth. So, where do we find these questions?

“Answer the Public” is a great resource for this. It’s a website which is similar, in a way, to the keyword tool discussed earlier, but it’s designed to surface every possible question around a keyword or keyphrase. Type in your keyword - eg. podcasting - and you’ll see a huge list of questions. You’ll see them grouped by type - why? what? Who? - and you can refine it along the way. Wait till you see the questions that you never even considered!

Next, let’s use social media, and Twitter in particular, to see what people are asking, right now! The technique is simple: type in your keyword AND a ? or a question word. This prompts twitter to surface all tweets that ask a question related to your topic. Eg.

Podcast AND ?
meditation AND how
Nutrition AND what

Another great resource is Quora, an entire website of questions! Type in your topic, or related keywords, and see what questions pop up.

Finally, try Buzzsumo to see what type of content is really resonating with your niche right now. Type in your keywords and it’ll surface the most shared content in your niche. This should give you ideas on what people are really connecting with right now.

Task List:

Pick at least one of the above tools and go in deep on it.
Try all your topic or keyword variations and see if you can write down at least 10 of the most common questions people are asking.
Use these as your next set of podcast topics and you'll increase your search visibility by a huge amount.
Bonus points: use the Google keyword tool from above to check search volume and prioritise your questions

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Creating a Local Podcasters Group | PodCraft 1303

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Admit it: you can always use the support of your colleagues. Whether other people who make podcasts have more experience, less experience, or different kinds of experience, there’s always inspiration and strength that comes from being involved with other podcasters. Creating a local group takes some work, and a long period of time, but in the end, you can build community, grow your show, and help others.

Type: Regular technique

Time Required: Put an hour a week into promoting it and an hour for each meeting.

Podcast Level: 10 episodes, or when your workflow is established and comfortable

You probably participate in an online community of podcasters already. If you don’t, you certainly can. You can also survey your audience to find out where your listeners are, and what percentage of them are podcasters themselves.

Find a local coffee shop, pub, or community centre that will let a few people sit around and chat over a beverage for a while. Plan a recurring meeting, brainstorm some discussion topics, and promote the meeting to your friends and followers.

It can be handy to set a topic in advance for each meeting. This can encourage people to turn up.

You can also create meetups online. This gives you the option to meet people anywhere in the world, but removes the impact of face to face interaction.

Whichever you choose, be open to listening, use your best manners, and empower others to do the same.

Task List:

Decide if you want the meeting to be virtual or actual (online or in-person).
Find an online platform to use, or a venue to meet up in.
Arrange a time and date.
Mention the meeting on your social media, and in your podcast’s call to action. You want to be able to do this for at least three episodes of your podcast.
Set a topic (or topics) in advance.
Get to the meeting early, greet people when they arrive.
If you meet in a physical location, make sure that you leave it clean, and in better shape than you found it.

Further Reading:

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

Support the show

Growing Your Audience by Running a Listener Survey | PodCraft 1302

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

Your current listeners are the best PR team to increase audience growth. Get to know your current listeners. They'll tell their friends about your podcast. Find out what their interests and habits are. Get them to tell you what they want your podcast to do. This way, you can fine-tune your podcast to increase your audience and reach more listeners.

I'm not suggesting you take each individual listener out for a chat over a cup of coffee (though that would be very nice of you). The best way to get the information about your audience that you need, is with a short and carefully crafted podcast survey.

Podcast Survey Tools For Growth

I like a free tool as much as the next podcaster, so let's start with a couple of them. And I'll include one paid option if you want to really ramp up your data gathering.

Google Forms has a gallery of templates which you can use to create a standard type of form. It's easy to use, and everyone knows the brand, so it's pretty low-barrier. The look is, for me, a bit dated, but it's totally adequate for your average survey.

SurveyMonkey is a lot more flexible. It's a paid product, normally, but the freemium tier will let you make a short podcast survey with ten questions or less, for nothing. If you don't need to go long, or need any of their other premium options, it could suit well.

Paperform is my final recommendation, for those who want the full power of a paid product. Full flexibility and a range of beautiful templates, you can make a survey that looks great and really draws people in.

One of the best Paperform features is the ability to create what they call a ‘landing form.' In plain English, it's a page creator that includes survey elements, so you can build a great looking ‘audience welcome page' which asks them questions, gets your data, but also gives them a bunch of value through episode guides, downloads, contact info and more. You can build a place where you give as value them as they give to you in filling in their data.

You really don't want your podcast survey to be longer than ten questions. Your listeners are already giving you their time and mental effort. Ask for a little, and you'll get a lot.

Multiple-choice questions will get you results that are focused and specific. Open-ended questions can give you results you hadn't expected. They can also lead listeners to use them as a personal soapbox or open-mic night. Limit the amount of characters responders can use, so they have to keep their response short.

Read the guide at Running an Audience Survey

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Using Calls to Action to Grow Your Audience | PodCraft 1301

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:00:00 GMT

We're delighted to announce our latest book. It's called Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

To celebrate, we're making season 13 of Podcraft all about podcast promotion and growth. We'll be going through the book, chapter by chapter, and picking out a single task to focus each episode around.

On this episode, we're pulling from the first chapter - Enabling Your Existing Audience - and the task in question is around Calls to Action.

Calls to Action (CTAs) are low-hanging fruit that many podcasters miss a huge opportunity with.

There are some key questions to ask yourself when thinking about your CTAs. Questions like how does your CTA uniquely engage your listeners? And what do you want your listener to do?

A specific, memorable Call to Action engages your audience and drives them in the direction you want.

You should also make it easy for them to do it. If you’re sending them to a particular web page, use a shortlink to get them there. If you want them to talk about your show on social media, invent a hashtag so you can track it.

Your CTAs will totally depend on your content and motivations. But some of the most common and effective podcast CTAs we see are;

Subscribe to the show in your listening app of choice
Share this episode with someone you think will benefit from it
Leave a rating and review on your listening app of choice, or in Podchaser
Get in touch (solicit particular questions so this is more effective)
Download a resource, sign up for something, or purchase an upgrade

Finally, include your CTAs in the show notes of each episode, in the episode outro, and if possible, linked in a button on your website podcast player.

Task List:

For your next Call to Action, what do you want your listeners to do? Sum it up in a short sentence or less, such as “sign up for our email list.”
Look at the ‘Creating Memorable Links’ task, and practice making a short link.
Practice your intros and outros. How can you fit your new CTA into your outros?

Related to: Creating Memorable links, Encouraging Reviews

Further Reading:

thepodcasthost.com/driveaction - How to Drive Action From a Podcast

thepodcasthost.com/outros - Introducing & Ending Your Episode

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience

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Resources & next steps for the Content Stacking series

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Now that we’ve covered the stacking process, in the episode, I want to cover some extra resources that’ll help you. That includes equipment, software, and much more. I also want to give you some next steps, so you can get started on this right away. By the end of this episode you’ll be fully armed to start building your own stack!

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Getting Series-ous: How Seasons Can Reduce the Work & Maximise your Growth

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Now you know how to create a content stack, getting so much more from every piece of content you create. Next, we’re going to amplify that through the wonder of seasons. Not just a tool for fiction or documentaries, seasons can work for everyone. They make it easier for you, and more effective for your audience. That combination leads to quicker growth, bigger reach and even more fans.

Before we jump in, I just want to say thanks to Memberful for support this episode. They make membership sites really really easy, and they just launched private podcasting too - so you can do private website content, private newsletter AND a private podcast now, for all your members. Pop over to memberful.com to read more about it.

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How to Create a Content Stack in Minimum Time, with Maximum Impact

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Last week, we covered the content stack, and how it works. This week, we’ll get right into how to create it, from start to finish. If you don't have the time to create great quality blogs, videos and Podcasts, then I’ll show you how through smart repurposing. This isn’t just plain cutting and paste. Instead, I'll show you a way of creating and repurposing which takes advantages of the direct strengths of each. Not only that, but every element links and builds, so that you build engagement and trust with every episode.

Before we jump in, I just want to say thanks to Memberful for support this episode. They make membership sites really really easy, and they just launched private podcasting too - so you can do private website content, private newsletter AND a private podcast now, for all your members. Pop over to memberful.com to read more about it.

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The Content Stack: How Podcasting, Blogging & Video work Together to Build Reach & Grow Faster

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Hey folks, Colin here from thePodcastHost.com and bringing you a special short series on podcraft, starting today and continuing another 3 weeks.

The aim of the series is to cover something I call the content stack. This is a concept around creating much more content, much more easily. Specifically that means making planning super simple, and creating a podcast episode, a blog post and at least 1 video, all in one process - often in the same time it takes you right now to create your podcast, so you're getting tonnes more benefit out of the time you spend creating. So, I'm going to cover the whole process over the next 4 weeks - all actionable, showing you exactly how to do it. This was originally recorded for the brilliant Boagworld podcast - one of the first shows I ever subscribed to and still going strong, so when I mention Paul, that's who I'm talking about, over at Boagworld.com.

Before we jump in, I just want to say thanks to Memberful for supporting this episode. They make membership sites really, really easy, and they just launched private podcasting too. So you can do private website content, private newsletters AND a private podcast now, for all your members. Pop over to memberful.com to read more about them.

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How to Run a Great Online Call! | Remote Work #3

Mon, 25 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

In this series on video conferencing for remote or big teams, we're looking at how best to setup, prepare for and run your online calls.

On this episode, it's the final step: running the call! What's the etiquette, online? How does it differ from in-person meetings? That's what we explore here. We'll show you how to think about it differently, so that you get the most value from the time you spend with your team, and keep everyone engaged throughout.

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How to Prepare for an Online Call to Keep it Slick & Successful | Remote Work #2

Mon, 25 May 2020 14:00:00 GMT

In this series on video conferencing for remote or big teams, we're looking at how best to setup, prepare for and run your online calls.

This episode is all about the preparation. What can you do, ahead of your online meeting, to make sure it runs smoothly? In some ways it's no different from an in-person meeting, but in others, there are some very specific things you can do in the online context. Let's find out what!

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Best Software, Equipment & Setup for Remote Work Meetings & Calls | Remote Work #1

Mon, 25 May 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Video conferencing and online calls have rocketed in the past couple of months, for obvious reasons!

For many this new way of working is yet another steep learning curve in amongst all the other craziness that has happened since the start of 2020….. moving from face to face to remote working and virtual meetings.

Life is stressful enough for many people at the moment, without needing to figure the best ways of working online, whilst broadband is being shared amongst a household and you’re working from the kitchen table!

So, I got together with Maryanne Johnstone from the Agile Speaker podcast to do a joint series on how to communicate online, whether it's for work - your own team or clients - or for home - family and friends.

In this short series we'll cover the logistics, including software, gear and setups. We'll cover how to prepare for these calls, so they go well. And we'll cover how to deliver them - how to make sure they run smoothly.

This time around it's the logistics. So, let's find out what's the best setup for online calls, including microphones, headphones, software and location.

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Podcast Discovery Stats in 2020 | How Do Listeners Discover New Shows?

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMT

We recently ran a listener survey, exploring the discovery and listening habits of 780 podcast consumers. 41% of participants have never run their own show before.

Read the full report

Some of the key takeaways were

40% prefer to search their listening app's directory to discover new podcasts
Podcasts are judged mostly on the description, and then their episode titles
People don't care if they've never heard of the podcaster, or their guest
28.9% of listeners will give a show up to 15 minutes to “hook” them
27.5%, on the other hand, will only give it 5 minutes
The vast majority of listeners are fine with ads in podcasts, within reason
Going too long can lose you more listeners than going too short

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The Podcasting Tools Show: PodcastGuests.com for finding Great Interviews & Being Interviewed Yourself!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMT

This week, we're bringing you a final bonus episode, coming from a new show that Colin's just released, called the Podcasting Tools show.

It's a podcast all about gear, gadgets, resources and tools for podcasters, something that Colin's super geeky about, and something that's always gone down well with readers of thePodcastHost.com.

The aim is short reviews, comparisons and tutorials that'll help you improve your show in just 10 minutes each week.

Listen to this episode to see if you like it and subscribe over at:
https://www.ThePodcastHost.com/podcastingtools.

Support the show

The Podcasting Tools Show: Rode Smartlav+ and the SC6 Adapter for the smallest interview kit in existence!

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 17:00:00 GMT

This week, and for 1 more week, we're bringing you episodes from a new show that Colin's just released, called the Podcasting Tools show.

It's a podcast all about gear, gadgets, resources and tools for podcasters, something that Colin's super geeky about, and something that's always gone down well with readers of thePodcastHost.com.

The aim is short reviews, comparisons and tutorials that'll help you improve your show in just 10 minutes each week.

Listen to this episode to see if you like it and subscribe over at:
https://www.ThePodcastHost.com/podcastingtools.

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Podcasting Tools Show: Wordpress Themes for Podcasters

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:00:00 GMT

This week, and for the next 2 weeks, we're bringing you episodes from a new show that Colin's just released, called the Podcasting Tools show.

It's a podcast all about gear, gadgets, resources and tools for podcasters, something that Colin's super geeky about, and something that's always gone down well with readers of thePodcastHost.com.

The aim is short reviews, comparisons and tutorials that'll help you improve your show in just 10 minutes each week.

Listen to this episode to see if you like it and subscribe over at:
https://www.ThePodcastHost.com/podcastingtools.

Support the show

Leveraging Podchaser to build your network, and grow your Podcast

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Podchaser is often referred to as “the IMDb of podcasting”.

The company was founded in 2016 with the goal of creating the “ultimate, platform-agnostic podcast database.” On this episode of Podcraft, Colin is joined by founder Cole Raven to talk about the various ways podcasters can utilise Podchaser.

The platform enables you to create your own profile. Then, you can link that profile it to all the shows and episodes you've ever been involved in.

Podchaser lets other users “follow” your show, so they'll never miss an update from you in their feed. They have a great ‘lists' feature too, so you can create themed lists of your favourite podcasts or podcast episodes. There's also a rating and review system. Cole points out that many podcasters ask for iTunes/Apple reviews on their shows, which excludes the huge number of folks listening on non iOS devices. With Podchaser, anyone with an account can leave your show a rating and review.

Users can even review individual episodes. You could start to leverage this by asking your listeners to review each episode on Podchaser to let you know exactly what they think. This could be a good way to determine what content really hits the mark, and what stuff you might want to consider dropping in future.

Podchaser is a fast growing platform that's becoming a great place to discover new shows. Users can keep up with what their like-minded friends are listening to, following, adding to lists, and reviewing.

For the interview show podcaster, it's also a really good place to seek out interesting and relevant new guests for your show.

As the platform is still relatively young, it's a good time to get on there, create your profile, and ‘claim' your podcast/podcasts. Cole and the Podchaser team are very supportive, receptive to feedback, and constantly adding new features and tweaks to the service.

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The Mics We Tested in 2019

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

New mics turn up on our doorstep all the time here at The Podcast Host. Which is handy, because our ‘best podcast microphones' article is one of the most popular on the entire site.

Many podcasters love equipment and gear. And, though it's far from the most important factor in making a great podcast, who doesn't like to try out some brand new kit?

So what exactly did we try out mic-wise in 2019? I thought I'd put together the sound samples recorded for each individual review, so you could listen through and compare them in one easy-to-listen place.

What You'll Hear

Here's what we'll be listening to, along with links to their full reviews on the site.

It's worth saying up front, that if you don't listen to this episode with over-ear headphones on, the subtle differences between each one might be lost on you.

That said, listening through earbuds in a busy, noisy place, is exactly how most listeners consume podcasts. So if you don't notice any difference at all, that could be a great reason to spend a lot less on your recording gear.

Need More Gear-Choosing Help?

The above mics are the ones we tried out in 2019, but there are plenty other great options on the market.

If you'd still like to shop around a bit, then be sure to check out our best podcast microphones and best USB mics roundups.

For more help on the audio and recording front, check out our ultimate guide to podcast equipment. This'll run you through everything you need, as well as everything you don't need.

And, if you'd prefer a bit more tailored assistance, check out The Podcast Host Academy. There, you'll get access to our community forums, live Q&A sessions, courses, resources, and much more!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Turn Your Podcast into a Book

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 13:00:00 GMT

On the episode, I talk to David Bain, a long time and very prolific podcaster, the one I remember most being Digital Marketing Radio. David is also the author of Marketing Now (available very soon on Amazon!), which is a book which had it's genesis in a podcast.

David is in good company with this type of repurposing, one of the biggest examples being Tim Ferriss and the Tools of Titans book. Tim created that book based on the hundreds of hours of content he's produced as part of his interview-based podcast.

So, I thought I'd get David on the show, incase you want to follow in the footsteps of David and Tim. Here he talks about the 6-step process he used to create Marketing Now, and how you can create your own book.

You'll find out:

How David came up with the idea for the book, and how he created previous ones using the same method.
How to think about book structure, and how that boils down into planning the audio content to base it on
How a live broadcast is a natural extension of a podcast
How he turned a live broadcast into the content for a book
Where he decided to publish his book and why
How he solved the design problem, and made it easy to create a great book

You can find David over on twitter, and you can see more about the book, and sign up for the live launch stream here: Marketing Now.

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What questions should I ask in a Podcast interview?

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Interviews are a big part of podcasting, and for good reason.

They break up the potential monotony of one voice talking for too long, they add expertise and gravitas to your episode, and it's a chance to tap into your interviewee's own following – a tale of two audiences!

You'll want to get the most out of your interviewee and maximise their contribution to your cause. That boils down to the conversation you have, and the questions you ask. No pressure.

We've covered how to record an interview extensively, so now it's down to what you should be asking them! That's what we cover on this episode.

Read the full article

There are two parts to this.

First, we'll go into how to formulate interview questions focused on your own topic, and on the interviewee themselves. Every good interview should be mostly tailored to the person you're interviewing after all.

But, second, we'll look at the types of more general questions you can use to dig deep and get some interesting, unexpected responses. Bear in mind, of these, some questions will be more relevant to your show than others. Please use responsibly!

Work with us in The Podcast Host Academy

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How to make your Podcast unique | Find your USP and stand out from the crowd

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Every successful podcast has to be unique in some way. If there's no uniqueness, then there's no draw. There's no reason to listen.

And with over 700,000 podcasts in Apple Podcasts, you have to give people a reason to listen.

Read the full article

Taking on a new podcast, as a listener, is a commitment. Don't underestimate that. It's giving up 20 minute of your time, at a minimum, to find out: is this any good? Is this going to make my life better?

Dramatic? Yea. But true? Undoubtedly.

They want a problem solved. Anything from the deep three – health, wealth and happiness – to the surface one – fighting boredom. They pick their problem, and they search a topic based on that. So, when they find your category, the question becomes: “Why should I listen to this particular show, and not one of the other squillion shows on video games?”

That's where your uniqueness comes in. It's what makes you stand out from the crowd. It's what attracts listeners to you like a moth to the flame.

Do you know what your uniqueness is? Or your unique selling proposition, as some call it? That's what we're here for.

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

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The most popular podcasting mics, brands, and recording setups of 2019

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:00:00 GMT

We've run our annual Grand Gear Survey to find out what podcasters are using to record their shows in 2019? We also found out a bit about how they're recording.

Read the full article - complete with graphs and charts

In this episode, we talk through the results in full. You'll hear stats from our sample of 330 podcasters on the following;

Top Microphone Brands
Top Microphone Models
Microphone Types
Mic Stands
Pop Filters
Monitoring
Headphones
Post-Production
Recording Devices
Recording Methods
Video Recording
Live Recording

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

Support the show

What's a good number of downloads for a podcast?

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 14:00:00 GMT

In a world of YouTube views and Twitter followers, we've become accustomed to figures in the hundreds of thousands, and even millions.

Read the full article

It's important to realise though, these numbers are completely irrelevant to podcasting. The time and effort it takes for someone to click ‘Follow' on Twitter, or watch a few seconds of a Youtube video, should never be compared to podcast listening.

Podcast listening is a commitment, and an investment. It's long form content that isn't immediately accessible via shiny sidebars and viral social media clickbait.

So comparing your downloads to someone else's Instagram followers is like comparing the number of rooms in your house, to the number of trees in the Amazon. It's completely irrelevant and utterly pointless.

Does it (as usual) Just Depend?

Of course it does.

Could a podcast about breeding Russian white dwarf hamsters realistically expect to see the same downloads as a podcast about Game of Thrones? Absolutely not.

Does this mean that the podcast with more downloads is the more successful one? Again, absolutely not.

If you ran a podcast about a topic that was only interesting to literally 10 people in the world, and you were getting 7 downloads an episode, statistically, you'd be running the most popular show in history.

It's the size of your potential audience that's the big factor. Here are a couple of things to consider.

Firstly, how many folks out there are interested enough in your topic to actually want to consume content about it?

Secondly, how many of those people are current podcast listeners?

Thinking along these lines will help bring you closer to seeing what those cold hard download stats tell you. They can help you set realistic goals, that don't involve drawing comparisons with viral videos and celebrity social media accounts.

A Good Gauge

One of the easiest ways to get a snapshot of podcast download stats as a whole, is to listen to Libsyn's official podcast The Feed.

Libsyn are one of the biggest podcast media hosting platforms in the industry.

Naturally, they can only provide stats based on the shows that host there. But there's over 50,000 of them, which makes it a pretty significant sample size.

Their show – The Feed – is also essential listening for any podcaster – even if you don't host with Libsyn. They provide great statistical data every other week. This can help you to see how your numbers measure up in the grand scheme of things. Remember, though, that it's far from the whole story.

At the time of writing, here were the latest figures. These are based on the number of downloads in the 30 day period following the release of a new episode.

If your new episode gets, within 30 days of its release:

more than 136 downloads, you're in the top 50% of podcasts.
more than 1100 downloads, you're in the top 20% of podcasts.
more than 3200 downloads, you're in the top 10% of podcasts.
more than 7,700 downloads, you're in the top 5% of podcasts.
more than 20,000 downloads, you're in the top 2% of podcasts.
more than 36,000 downloads, you're in the top 1% of podcasts.

Source: The Feed – Episode 145

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

Support the show

Where can you advertise your podcast? Paying to grow your audience

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Podcast advertising is just one of many ways to grow your show's audience.

Growing an audience, ultimately, starts with creating good content on a consistent basis though. Then, if you make it easy to find and share, you'll struggle not to grow your audience.

However, many early-stage and aspiring podcasters don't like to hear that it can take months, or even years, to build an established listener-base.

Podcasting is a long game though, and “overnight success” is a myth in this medium.

Getting More Plays

There's no getting away from the above facts. But, for those willing to spend some money, it is possible to get more ears on your podcast in a short period of time.

Of course, your content will still need to do its job in making these listeners stick around to hit subscribe. But, you're listening to this podcast, so naturally, you've already got that part nailed down!

So, where can you actually run some podcast advertising? And which options are the most suited to you and your target audience?

What are the Paid Podcast Advertising Options?

The following list is ever-changing, ever-growing. At the time of writing, here are the best options available to you.

They're in no particular order, because in podcasting it's rarely ever a case of “the best”, and almost always a case of “it depends”.

Read the full article

Social Media
Google Ads
Overcast
Spotify
Print Magazines
Podnews
Sponsor a Blog
Sponsor Another Podcast

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Grow your Audience & Create Great Products through Surveys | Rob & Kennedy from Responsesuite

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode I'm talking to Kennedy and Rob Temple from Responsesuite. Their speciality is using surveys to get your know your audience, and particularly to in using them to create great products or services that suit exactly what your listeners need.

So, if you've been looking to grow your listeners, and start using your podcast to sell a product or a service, this episode is right up your street.

You'll learn how Rob and Kennedy think about listener avatars, how that helps you create better content and grow awareness around your show, how that then leads to great products and services, and how surveys can be used throughout this to get the real detail that makes a difference.

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The 10 Commandments of Podcasting

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Some might call this a "Pet Peeves" episode, but you can also think of them as "Growth Opportunities".

Are you doing some things that might be costing listeners to drop off and unsubscribe? Or is your show set up in the way that it's really hard to even find listeners in the first place? Then you might want to check yourself against our 10 Commandments of podcasting (of which there's actually 14. Thou shalt not be able to count to 10, and all that...)

Thou shalt not have an extra long theme tune
Thou shalt not spend 10 hours editing an episode
Thou shalt not do a podcast that's "for everyone" about "all sorts of stuff"
Thou shalt not cram too much into your cover art
Thou shalt not make your listener adjust volume levels more than once in an episode
Thou shalt not ask an interviewee to introduce themselves
Thou shalt not open your episode with an apology
Thou shalt not over-complicate your gear too early (or ever!)
Thou shalt not ask for reviews or Patreon support before delivering any content
Thou shalt not use copyrighted music for "7 seconds" or for "fair use"
Thou shalt not only share links to places like Apple Podcasts or Facebook
Thou shalt not call your episodes "podcasts"
Thou shalt not put the onus of growing your show on others
Thou shalt not "wing it"

Resources Mentioned

If you've realised you're doing any of the above, and are won over to changing your ways, here are some useful resources...

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Listening Apps - and should you be listening to LESS podcasts!? PodCraft 1109

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMT

A bit of a bonus episode to bring down the curtain on our Podcast Equipment Series.

You put a lot of work into creating your episodes, so let's have a chat about where (and how) your end product is actually consumed.

This episode starts with a discussion about why you should consider listening to less podcasts too. It was prompted by a great article by Greg Campion titled The Problem With Podcasts (thanks for the heads up, PodNews) and, for a deeper dive on this, check out the excellent Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.

On to the listening apps, Colin uses BeyondPod (Android) whilst Matthew uses Overcast (iOS) and both were in agreement that things like playlist and playback-speed customisation, as well as individual show and download settings were key factors here.

From a podcaster perspective, you'll be listed in these apps (and most other apps) simply by being listed in iTunes/Apple Podcasts. You'll still need to submit to Stitcher and Spotify independently though. For more on this, check out our Best Podcast Directories roundup.

And, if you've enjoyed this episode, this season, or our content in general, remember you can work directly with us inside The Podcast Host Academy. That's where you'll find all our courses, community forum, downloadable resources, and can join in on our regular live Q&A sessions!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Video & Live Broadcasting | PodCraft 1108

Wed, 29 May 2019 11:00:00 GMT

There are a few good reasons why you might want to broadcast the recording of your episodes live - and maybe even film them too.

Doing live episodes can help build and harness community, as your listeners can feel more directly involved with your content. And the content itself can benefit from that immediate feedback. The ability to answer questions and offer help and advice in real time can really enhance your podcast.

You can also double up your content output without doubling up your workload, by uploading the video recording to Youtube afterwards.

The live approach isn’t for everyone though. Especially if you’ve just started out in podcasting and don’t have an audience yet. Try to keep things as simple as possible in those early days.

However, if you feel you’re ready to jump in and start doing live shows, then this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

Software

Equipment

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Gear Stats: What Are Podcasters ACTUALLY Using? RODE Procaster Giveaway

Wed, 22 May 2019 11:00:00 GMT

Okay, granted, having a top-of-the-range mic doesn't necessarily mean you'll have top-of-the-range content. But the various bits of equipment different folks are using to create audio can become an obsession for some podcasters.

We know this because the Equipment section of our site is by far the most viewed and visited. Combine that with your average podcaster's love of stats, and that's what led to us running our first podcasting gear stats survey back in 2017/18.

Well, that survey is back, and we want to see what the podcast equipment landscape looks like now, in 2019. Has anything changed in this bold new era where you can launch a media hosting service one morning, and sell it an hour later for $400 million? Take a minute or two to fill out the survey and help us find out.

But it's not just hard data that could be your reward here. We've put together some great prizes which will be drawn and distributed at random amongst six lucky entrants.

Platinum Prize
Rode Procaster (XLR) OR Rode Podcaster (USB) – your choice! (worth ~$250)

Or a $200 podcast equipment equipment budget on Amazon.

Gold Prize

One year's free membership to The Podcast Host Academy.

That's our membership site where you can use our comprehensive catalog of courses and resources to plan, launch, and grow your podcast. In there, you can join in with our active community and take part in our regular live Q&A sessions.

Silver Prize

Six month subscription to Alitu: The Podcast Maker App.

With Alitu you can record your content, build your episode, and publish to your media host without having to learn the ins and outs of audio production.

Bronze Prizes

Three copies of Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel. This book is a masterclass in audio storytelling, and an essential read for podcasters of all levels.

Survey Closes: 11:59pm Pacific Time, Tuesday 4th June

Take the Survey

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Podcast Host 2018 End of Year Review

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:00:00 GMT

As another year draws to a close, we sit down to chat through the last 12 months at The Podcast Host Towers. What went well? What didn't? And what do we have planned for the future?

In terms of big milestones this year, we had the long-awaited launch of Alitu - The Podcast Making App, the switch up of The Podcast Host Academy to an annual membership, the launch of our Podcast Launch Service, and we brought down the curtain on this first season of our space-science audio drama documentary podcast Hostile Worlds.

We put out an updated version of season 1 of this very podcast during 2018 too. Now known as season 10, it's all about how to launch your first episode, and focuses on everything you need to do to get it out there.

We've also been keen to take on highly-produced projects as part of our Podcast Production Service. This year we had the pleasure of working on Inside Indie Games, on behalf of the UK Games Fund, and The Converge Challenge Podcast. If you'd like to work with us on a highly-produced podcasting project of your own, then we'd love to hear from you.

Colin talked through some of his highs and lows this year, from his Podcast movement and Inbound trips, as well as designing the Alitu interface, to his "failed" live video attempts, and the headache of trying to recruit new developers.

In 2018 we also attempted to establish the Scottish Podcasters Meetup, but it didn't pick up the momentum we were hoping for, and we eventually gave up on it. There's still hope though, as Colin is talking to someone about potentially taking it over.

On the industry-wide side of things, we tried to refrain from making any predictions (cliched, cynical, or otherwise), but gave a nod to the unsurprising fact that many great audio drama shows are now being developed for television.

Finally, we'd like to wish you all the very best for the holiday period, and for 2019!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Promoting Your Podcast with an Audio Trailer

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Creating a 30 second promo trailer for your show is a great way to grow your audience. A trailer is a little "taster" for potential new listeners, and gives them an idea of the tone, feel, and content of the show. It's easy to consume, and easy to share too. On this episode we're going to listen to and offer feedback on some promo trailers that were created by members of The Podcast Host Academy as part of our monthly ($50 prize) competition. The shows are; The Postcard Academy - https://postcardacademy.co Tog & Thel - http://aducklingknits.com The Curious Parent - https://happyselfjournal.com/podcast High Heels & Heartache - http://highheelsandheartache.com Here, you'll learn more about the ways you can create a promo trailer that really works for you in promoting your show, and pulling in new listeners. Also mentioned; How to Make a Promo Trailer - http://thepodcasthost.com/promotrailer The Podcast Host Academy - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/academy Alitu: The Podcast Maker - https://alitu.com Hostile Worlds - http://hostileworlds.net

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How to Find Your Niche & Be an Audience Magnet

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 23:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're talking niche. That's neeeesh, not nitch, but either way, it's all about getting really specific with your content offering. Karen Reyburn is our guest, and her whole business is built around this concept. She runs a creative agency, but for a particular niche: Accountants. On this episode you'll learn: What is a niche, exactly? And why it's not just an industry How to find your own niche, and be an audience magnet Can you go too small with a niche? Resources The Profitable Firm The Never Settle Podcast Alitu - the Podcast Maker appSupport the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Tell Great Stories in Your Podcast, with Jessica Abel

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:00:00 GMT

By it's very nature, podcasting is storytelling. But what makes a story good, or interesting? Well, who better to give us a crash course on how to tell great stories than Jessica Abel, creator of the essential book and podcast series Out on the Wire. In this episode, the key things you'll learn are; How to capture good stories How to draw stories out of interviews How to use tools such as the X/Y Formula, the Focus Sentence, and the Story MatrixSupport the show (https://pod.academy)

How a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) Can Help You Simplify & Grow Your Podcast | The Podcraft Podcast

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Jon Ferrara was the founder of Goldmine, which was a customer management tool back in the day, but when he sold that company he didn’t stop thinking about connections, and networks. He kept an eye on the CRM market, and spotted the fact that they tended be pretty expensive or over complicated, or a bit […]Support the show

How to Get More Exposure for Your Podcast | The Podcraft Podcast

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 23:00:00 GMT

You can pour your heart and soul into making the best podcast possible. But simply hitting publish and taking the “if you build it, they will come” approach isn’t enough, sadly. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to optimise your show’s exposure and continually grow your audience with new listeners. And to talk […]

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What’s Next? Stepping It up | Podcraft 1013

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Planning and launching your first podcast can be a steep learning curve. But once you’re actually putting episodes out there, the pitfalls are a little different. Now the battle is about keeping things consistent, sustainable, and enjoyable. So once you get past your first 20 episodes, what then? That’s what we’re going to help you […]Support the show

Putting Your Podcast out into the World | Podcraft 1012

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 23:00:00 GMT

So far we’ve walked you through to the point where you’ve uploaded your first episode to your media host. At this stage, you have a podcast. But it still can’t actually be found in all the places people actually listen to podcasts. That’s an easy fix though, don’t worry! In this episode we’ll tell you […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Hosting & Websites | Podcraft 1011

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 23:00:00 GMT

So you’ve recorded your first podcast episode and now you’re ready to share it with the world. How exactly do you upload it though? In this episode we’ll give you a crash course on podcast websites and media hosting. Here you’ll learn what you need to publish a podcast episode, and the various options available […]

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Podcast Branding: Artwork and Music | Podcraft 1010

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Cover art and music are two ways of branding your podcast and giving it its own unique personality. It isn’t essential to have music in your podcast however. If you want to keep your show really raw and simple then you might avoid using it altogether. But music can create that immediately identifiable opening to […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Editing Your Podcast | Podcraft 1009

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Without a doubt, editing is the one aspect of podcasting that we’re most frequently asked about. In this episode we’re going to run through some of the options available to you when it comes to editing. What Can I Edit With? You can use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to edit your podcast. Commonly used […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Recording Environment | Podcraft 1008

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 23:00:00 GMT

On today’s episode of Podcraft we’re taking a look at something that’s super important. However something that you might not naturally consider. Your recording environment! By this, we mean the place you decide to record and how all of the factors around you can come into play. Recording Environment The recording environment goes hand in […]Support the show

Your Podcast Recording Set-Up | Podcraft 1007

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 23:00:00 GMT

We know that one of the biggest barriers you might have stopping you creating your podcast is worrying about how to set-up your equipment. We’re going to go through how to get your show on tape, how to set-up everything you need to record your perfect podcast. And we’re going to cover recording online, and […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Planning & Scripting Your Episode | Podcraft 1006

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Winging it is certainly a skill, but there’s also something to be said for great planning & scripting. It can be the difference between a listener feeling really engaged with your podcast and thinking it’s a bit of a waffle. Planning & Scripting In the sixth episode of our tenth season of Podcraft, we look […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How Long and How Often? | Podcraft 1005

Tue, 29 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

There’s no doubt that you’re recording a podcast about something you love. And therefore you can probably talk for days all about your topic! However, you only hold your listener’s attention for so long. So how do you figure out what the best length is? And how often should you give your listeners new episodes […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Formats And Approaches | Podcraft S10E04

Tue, 22 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

In the fourth episode of our new Podcraft season, we talk formats and approaches. You’ll need to consider which kind of format you’d like your podcast to be when beginning to plan out your podcast. And you’ll need to work out the approach you’re going to take to get you there. Let’s run through the […]Support the show

Who Are You Podcasting For? | Podcraft S10E03

Tue, 15 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode of our tenth season of Podcraft, we continue to explore the first steps in launching your own podcast. This week we focus on audience. We talk about who you should be podcasting for and how to find out who your audience is. Who Are You Podcasting For? An Avatar is your ideal […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

What Are You Podcasting For? | Podcraft S10E02

Tue, 08 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

In the second episode of our tenth season of Podcraft, we debate the answer to one of the greatest questions that every podcaster faces; What are you podcasting for? If you are thinking of launching your own podcast, you should have a reason for doing so. In the show we explore the best way to […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Benefits Of Running A Podcast | Podcraft 1001

Tue, 01 May 2018 23:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of our tenth season of Podcraft we decide to re-evaluate the basics. As a celebration of our tenth season anniversaray, we are re-examining and re-recording the topics we discussed in Season one. Episode one looks at the benefits of podcasting. Benefits Of Podcasting Number 1: Engagement Voice engages audience. This builds […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Making Your Podcast more Accessible (& Growing Your Audience as a Result!)

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Podcraft, I’m talking to Nicolas Steenhout from the A11Y Rules Podcast. Nicolas is an accessiblity evangelist, helping anyone he can to improve their online content’s accesibility. I loved his top-line advice around the all-round benefits of being familiar with accessibility: A little time spent learning the basics of accessibility can help […]

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Tools & Tactics for Making a Highly-Produced Podcast | Podcraft 908

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In the final episode of our season on creating Highly-Produced Podcasts, we look at some of the tools and tactics to make your workflow as smooth as possible. Tools for Planning Evernote Trello Notion Tools for Scripting Scrivener Celtx Trint – Automated transcriptions (cheaper) Rev – Human transcriptions (more accurate) Tools for Production Adobe Audition […]

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Audiobooks, Patreon & Sponsorship to Monetise a Creative Podcast

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode I’m talking to Joanna Penn of ‘The Creative Penn Podcast‘ about monetisation methods for podcasting. Joanna runs one of the UK’s longest lasting shows, alongside her hugely successful ‘self publishing’ website: The Creative Penn. Early on she made the decision that the show had to pay for itself, to justify her time away […]Support the show

Do I Need a Team to Make a Highly-Produced Podcast? Podcraft 907

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The vast majority of podcasts are run by one single person. But does the “one man band” approach work for Highly-Produced Podcasts? The answer is, it depends. There are reasons why it can work, and reasons why it might not. You might really dislike some of the tasks involved in putting this type of show […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Using Music & SFX in Highly-Produced Podcasts | Podcraft 906

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The use of music, ambience, and sound effects can really enhance your podcast episodes and give them that highly-produced feel. In this episode we talk about the use of these elements, and how to get the right balance so that they enhance and compliment your content. We discuss where to find music and sound effects […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Doing Interviews for Highly-Produced Podcasts | Podcraft 905

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

It’s likely that you’ll want to have interviewees and guests on your highly-produced podcast. Like pretty much everything we’ve discussed in this series so far, there’s an overlap with recording interviews for “standard” podcasts. But there’s definitely some extra work in the planning and execution we can put in that can enhance our finished piece, […]Support the show

Recording & Equipment for Highly-Produced Podcasts | Podcraft 904

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Do you need different equipment and recording methods to create a “highly-produced” podcast? The short answer is no, but we’ll be taking a look at this question in more depth on this episode. There are various elements that make up highly-produced episodes. You’ll need to record the presenter narration, as well as the interviews or […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Scripting & Planning Highly-Produced Podcasts | Podcraft 903

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

One of the main things that sets a highly-produced podcast apart from a “standard” podcast is the level of scripting and planning. It’s a good idea to think in advance about the ultimate aim of your series, the aims of each individual episode, and how they all fit and flow together. There’s a decent chance […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Structure & Framework of a Highly-Produced Podcast | Podcraft 902

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Although there’s no rules in podcasting about how episodes must be structured, we do see some common themes when we look at highly-produced shows. These podcasts tend to have more elements, and the presenter may duck in and out, introducing, getting out the way, then coming back to pass comment on something. This might be […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Creating Highly-Produced Podcasts | Podcraft 901

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded market, or want to showcase your production skills, making a highly-produced podcast series can be great for building an audience and getting noticed. And by “highly produced” we’re really talking about shows that mix in multiple elements beyond the standard intro-content-outro template. A much used […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

What If My Topic Is Dry? | Podcraft 817

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 23:00:00 GMT

The ins and outs of employment law might not sound like the most entertaining topic in the world to most people. But Blackadders Solicitors here in The Podcast Host’s hometown of Dundee are building a dedicated and enthusiastic following around their show Employment Lawyer In Your Pocket. In this episode I’m chatting with one of […]Support the show

How to Spread the Word & Convert Listeners in Non-Podcasting Niche | Podcraft 816

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode I talk to Andrew Clews of The Motoring Podcast about how they’ve gone about breaking into very non-podcasting niche. We also delved a little into how they’ve gone about structuring their show, to allow for different types of content and different types of listener: particularly news vs industry stories. If you’re curious […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Monetizing a Local Podcast | Podcraft Episode 815

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 23:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of Podcraft we’re joined in the studio by Ryan McLeod. Ryan runs a local design studio business, Slurpp, as well as his own Podcast based around the creative industries in our very own city, called Creative Chit Chat Dundee. And that’s what we’re going to be talking about on today’s Podcraft […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcasting Law: Stay Legal & Protect Your Brand | Podcraft 814

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Some of the biggest questions we get here at The Podcast Host are surrounding the legalities of podcasting and creating content. We’ve been trying to trace down a podcasting expert who specialises in this sort of stuff, and that’s who we’ll be interviewing on this week’s episode of Podcraft – the show about everything podcasting […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Why You Don’t Need 20 Episodes to Launch a Podcast | Podcraft 813

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Something that we’ve been hearing quite a lot recently is people thinking they need to have a load of recorded podcasts before they launch. We disagree. You don’t need 20 episodes (or even 10…or 5) episodes recorded before you launch your show. We’ll be explaining this, and more, in detail on this episode of Podcraft […]Support the show

Introducing the Hostile Worlds Podcast

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Here at The Podcast Host we’ve been hard at work recently, creating a new highly-produced podcast. It’s called Hostile Worlds, an it’s an audio drama/space documentary hybrid. If that’s right up your street, or if you just want a taster of how something like that might sound, then here’s a little teaser for you… Join […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Live Shows: How to Broadcast Your Podcast | Podcraft 812

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Ever thought about broadcasting your podcast live but also keeping it as a podcast as well? Well you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing on this week’s episode of Podcraft. This is the podcast about everything podcasting, from launch to monetization and everything in between. We’d also like to thank Podbean for […]Support the show

How to Find a Fault in your Podcast Setup or Equipment | Podcraft 811

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

It’s episode 11 of season 8, and we’re looking at those most annoying of creatures – faults in our setup! It happens, every now and again: you make a recording and there’s some kind of buzz or whine in the background. Or, perhaps there’s no sound at all – it’s just not recording. How do […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

When & How to Change Your Podcast Name or Branding | Podcraft 810

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

This week, I’m (Colin) doing solo show answering a question that came up in The Podcast Host Academy community forum. One of our members is finding his original podcast brand and concept a little limiting. It’s a common thing – we start out in quite a niche subject, and end up wanting to branch out […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Recording Multiple Microphones Without a Mixer | Podcraft 809

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 23:00:00 GMT

If you have on-location guests or co-hosts your audio quality will benefit greatly from using multiple mics. But can you use multiple mics without a mixer? And if so, how? Links Mentioned: Asio4All Focusrite – Scarlett Interface The Podcast Host Academy The Podcast Host – Equipment The Podcast Host – Recording with multiple USB mics […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Uploading a Podcast to YouTube | Podcraft 808

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

YouTube is one of the biggest search engines in the world, so it certainly won’t do your podcast any harm to have some presence there. So can you upload your podcast episodes to Youtube, and if so, how? Links Mentioned: Adobe Creative Cloud Adobe Audition Adobe Premier Pro Audacity Libsyn Soundcloud The Podcast Host – […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Finding your Voice & Honesty in Content, with Doug Kessler | Podcraft S8E06

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Hello and welcome to another episode of Podcraft! This is the show about everything podcasting, from equipment to interview skills and everything in between. We’re taking another break from listener questions this week. This time, to have a chat with Doug Kessler, the Creative Director at Velocity Partners. Doug chats about his role at the B2B […]

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Should I Edit Interviews During Or Post-Recording? Podcraft S8E05

Thu, 06 Jul 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Another week means another episode of Podcraft! This is the show about everything podcasting, from equipment to interview skills and everything in between. This week for you we have a few different things. We’ve got a quick question via voice that Joe Kearny sent us in via SpeakPipe. We’ve also got a voice message from Freek Zilvold […]Support the show

How to Brand a Business Podcast: Personal vs Company Branding with Chris Ducker | Podcraft

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Hey and welcome to another episode of Podcraft. This is the show all about podcasting, everything from interview skills to equipment and everything in between. Today we’re changing things up a bit from the usual listener questions, with a very special guest on the show – Chris Ducker, the founder of Youpreneur. As well as […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How do I Find My Voice? | Podcraft S8E04

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Hey folks and welcome to another episode of Podcraft. This is the show all about podcasting, everything from interview skills to equipment and everything in between. We’re back this episode with some more questions from our listeners. We’ve got one question from the splendid, magnificent Dan Brew and also a comment back from Natalie Silverman as […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Brett McKay from Art of Manliness on Growing a 1M+ Podcast | Podcraft S8E03

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 23:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Podcraft, I’m talking to Brett McKay, who is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Art of Manliness. The Art of Manliness is a site I’ve been following for years, and Brett’s turned it into one of the biggest men’s destinations on the web with over 10 million views every month. But it’s […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

iTunes Reviews, New & Noteworthy | Podcraft S8E02

Sun, 28 May 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Hello and welcome to another episode of Podcraft. This is the show all about podcasting, from podcast equipment to recording skills and everything in between. If you’ve been following along then you’ll know that in our last episode we changed things up a bit from normal. We plan to talk answer a lot more of the listener […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Do I Need a Media Host? Podcraft S8E01

Sun, 21 May 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of PodCraft. This is the show all about podcasting, from podcast equipment to recording skills and everything in between. We’re changing it up a bit this week. Recently we’ve been posting a lot of interviews, but that’s not the case for this episode. The plan is to try and get through a […]Support the show

How to Do Sponsored Content in a Niche Market with Tom Evans from The Zone Show | Podcast Case Studies

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Description: This week I’m talking to Tom Evans of The Zone Show. Tom is a prolific podcaster, having reached 232 episodes in just 3 years, and he has experimented with various ways to monetise the show through that time. On the episode, I talk to him about creating sponsored content within any industry, about the […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Over 500 Episodes, with Paul Kemp of The App Guy Podcast | Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Kemp is The App Guy, and he has over 500 episodes under his podcasting belt!Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Book Great Guests, with Thor Holt of the Write With Courage! Podcast | Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Colin chats with Thor Holt of the Write With Courage! podcast.Support the show

Having a Startup Mentality, with Adam Callow of StartUp Diary | Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

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The Knitting Example, with Jo Milmine of the Shinybees Podcast | Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Knitting seems to be the default example anyone in the medium will give when making the point that you can podcast about anything. And this week’s guest Jo Milmine is doing exactly that with her show Shinybees. Not only is she podcasting about knitting though, she’s actually having a lot of success with it too, […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Apps & Discoverability, with Beau York of Satchel | Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Satchel Podcast Player co-founder Beau York joins Colin to talk podcast apps, discoverability, and local vs national podcasting. Also mentioned on the episode, the newest addition to our podcasting family – The Audio Drama Production Podcast.Support the show

Monetisation and Growth, with Jon Butt of Marketing For Owners| Podcast Case Studies

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Jon Butt runs a daily podcast called Marketing For Owners, which is an integral part of his business marketingforowners.com Mentioned in this episode Growing Your Podcast Audience series of blog posts Meet Egdar Tips & Tricks from Marketing For OwnersSupport the show

I’ve run out of topics to cover | Podcraft S7E12

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

What do you do when you think you’ve nothing left to say on your topic? Also Mentioned Scottish Podcast Scholarship Transcription Matthew: A question coming in though the website from Brian. What if I’ve run out of topics to cover? What if Brian hadn’t got in touch and we’d run out of topics to cover? […]Support the show

How do I convince someone to start a podcast? Podcraft S7E11

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it’s a friend, your employer, or a prospective client, if you think someone has the potential to make a great podcast series, how do you approach the subject with them? Also Mentioned The Podcast Industry in 2016: Latest Market Research Scottish Podcast Scholarship Transcription Matthew: Big thanks to Ronnie for this episode’s question. How […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How Many Episodes Do I Need To Launch a Podcast? Podcraft S7E10

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

What happens if you don’t launch with 3, 5, or 10 episodes? Will your podcast be doomed before it starts? Transcription Matthew: Great question that’s came in from Mary on the website. How many episodes do I need launch a podcast? One. Is that us done now? End of the episode? Colin: Done and […]Support the show

What If My Target Audience Isn’t Technical? Podcraft S7E09

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How do you find new listeners in a niche that traditionally isn’t overly technical? Also mentioned on this episode – our Podcast Scholarship Competition Matthew: Here’s a question that came in through the website thepodcasthost.com from Leslie. What if my target audience isn’t technical? What’s the starting point for this Colin? You’re maybe doing a […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

What If I Need To Take A Break From My Podcast? Podcraft S7E08

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How do you put your show on hiatus without losing a chunk of your audience? Transcription Matthew: So this was a question that we got in through the website from Derek and to be honest this is something that I’ve wrestled with in the past as well with my own podcast, so what if you […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

What Should I Have On My Podcast Website? Podcraft S7E07

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Your website is your podcast’s home online. So what should you have on there? Our free course on how to build a peerless podcasting website can be found here. Your Podcast Website is also an article in our Growing Your Audience series. Transcription Matthew: So this was a question that came in through the website […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How Do I Approach Potential Advertisers & Sponsors? Podcraft S7E06

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How do you sell the idea of sponsoring your show to someone? Transcription Matthew: So this is a question that came in from Graham. How do I approach potential advertisers or sponsors? So I suppose you’ve maybe started a podcast, you’ve been doing it a wee while. You’re spending some money on it and you’re […]

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What’s the Best Setup for Face to Face Interviews? Podcraft S7E05

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

There are lots of great options out there for recording in-person interviews. Mentioned on this episode Fan Fission – our membership community Zoom H5 – digital recorder Zoom H1 – digital recorder ATR3350 – lav mic Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – preamp Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 – preamp SM58 – dynamic mic MXL990 – condenser mic Samson […]Support the show

How Do I Choose a Topic? Podcraft S7E04

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

For some aspiring podcasters, picking something to talk about is the biggest challenge of them all. Matthew: This question came in from Joan, and it’s an interesting one, Colin, because a lot of people call at the podcast and because they have a topic in mind, but then there’s also a large majority of folk […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Is Batching A Good Idea For New Podcasters? S7E03

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Batching your podcasts basically means that you record and produce in bulk. There are many benefits to doing things this way, but is it a good idea when you’re just starting out? Matthew: Here’s a great question that comes in from Thomas, is batching a good idea for new pod casters? Before we answer that […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How Do I Measure Engagement? Podcraft S7E02

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Are download numbers enough to measure the engagement of your show’s audience? Transcription Matthew: This question came in from Linda who is asking, how does she measure engagement with her podcast? I guess the first question that comes up here from her point of view is why might you want to measure your engagement, Colin? […]Support the show

How Do I Research Guests? Podcraft S7E01

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

If you run an interview podcast, it’s good practice to research your guests before you chat to them. Transcription Matthew: This was a question that came in from Peter, he was wondering how should he go about researching guests before they come on the show? Obviously if you get in touch with somebody you want […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Present a Perfectly Scripted Podcast | Podcraft Podcast S6E6

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 23:00:00 GMT

I’m subjected to Masterchef occasionally, usually if I pop round to see my mum and dad. They love it, me, not so much. I always think it’s particularly cruel of the judges to be so critical of the foods presentation before they’ve even tasted it. Presentation matters. And it’s the same for your podcast. You’ll […]Support the show

6 Tools for Podcast Planning Perfection | Podcraft Podcast S6E5

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 23:00:00 GMT

A blank page to a writer or an empty canvas to an artist can be daunting. Where do you begin? How do you start? The same questions probably strike you when you’re considering your next podcast episode. Producing an individual podcast or an entire series isn’t easy. But being a better podcast planner and […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Hooks, Taglines and the Power of Words | Podcraft Podcast S6E4

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 23:00:00 GMT

I’ve got a secret. But please keep it to yourself. Here goes – “I’m obsessed with taglines.” If a client or business chum asks me for my opinion on their tagline, it’s not uncommon for me to lose hours crafting dozens of alternatives for them. I realised I needed help when I started pulling […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Inject Personality into your Podcast Script | Podcraft Podcast S6E3

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:00:00 GMT

You’ve created your invisible script, and you’ve crafted a narrative structure that will skillfully lead your listener through your podcast. So is that it? Are you done? Or is something missing? The Missing Link? As a voracious listener of many podcasts, nothing will turn me off quicker than a dull, lifeless podcast host. I’ve […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Power of Narrative Flow in your Podcast | Podcraft Podcast S6E2

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 23:00:00 GMT

I’ve always enjoyed reading, and now I get the pleasure of reading to my daughter, Abigail. It’s a staple part of the Cudmore bedtime routine. I admit that some of the stories aimed at a very young audience can hardly be described as ‘page-turners.’ It’s fairly obvious what’s going to happen next, and character development […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Art of Creating an Invisible Podcast Script | Podcraft Podcast S6E1

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 23:00:00 GMT

To script or not to script… that is the question. One of the things we’re often asked, especially by new podcasters, is “should I write a script for my podcast?” The answer is almost always ‘yes’. At least to some degree. In the real world, it’s unusual that complete scripts are written. More commonly […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

That’s All For Series 5. What Next?

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks for listening to this series which was all about ways to potentially monetise your podcast. What would you like to hear in the next series of Podcraft? Have your say and get in touch at info@thepodcasthost.com Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Crowdfund a Podcast | Podcraft Podcast S5E7

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we’re covering crowdfunding. It’s the fashionable way, these days, to start selling a product, but can it also work for something like a podcast? Well, a number of shows have proven it can. Let’s find out how! A Question for You Are you crowdfunding your show, do you know someone who is, […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Monetising your Podcast by Selling the Show Itself | Podcraft Podcast S5E6

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I’m looking at how to make money by selling the show itself. That means either selling episodes, selling upgrades, or re-purposing the show into a related product. For some, this is the most obvious (and easiest!) way to get started in Podcast monetization. For others, it can be a lot of […]Support the show

Ten Years of Podcasting, with Andy White

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week we have an interlude from Series 5 of Podcraft in the form of an interview with Andy White. Andy is a hugely experienced UK based Podcaster who runs The Internet Marketing Podcast, a hugely successful show on the ubiquitous subject of digital marketing. In this episode we learn a tonne from Andy’s experience […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Monetising a Podcast Through Donations & Patreon | Podcraft S5E5

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 23:00:00 GMT

In the episode we’re looking at the slightly tricky world of donations. Can you make money through donations in Podcasting? Yes, you definitely can, and I’ll talk you through all of the different methods within this episode. New platforms such as Patreon which are starting to make this even easier, and there are approaches to […]Support the show

Podcast Sponsorship & Advertising: How Does it Work?

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 23:00:00 GMT

This is probably one of the most awaited episodes of the series, because sponsorship is seen as the ‘holy grail’ of podcasting for many. Think about it – you record a show on something you love, you enjoy the process and thousands of people listen. Then, somehow, some way, you talk for 30 seconds about […]Support the show

Selling a Product or Service Through Podcasting | Podcraft Podcast S5E3

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Last time around we covered affiliate marketing for podcasters. That basically means selling other people’s products and services through your show. This time we’re moving closer to home, and that means selling YOUR OWN products and services as part of a podcast. This is aimed at anything from startup businesses looking to promote and service, […]Support the show

Monetising your Podcast through Affiliate Marketing | S5E02 Podcraft Podcast

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Now we’re we’re into the detail of Series 5, exploring in-depth the range of monetisation methods for podcasting. Today, it’s affiliate marketing, and how you can use affiliate deals to monetize your show. Affiliate marketing is a great one to start with, I think, because it really is available to anyone, right away. Podcast affiliate marketing […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How Can You Make Money with Your Podcast? |Podcraft Podcast S5E1

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Some people earn a living from their podcast. Others are happy enough just to bring in enough to cover their hosting costs, and perhaps pay for a takeaway every few weeks. Whatever your aims are when it comes to monetization, experienced podcaster, The Real Brian, explores all possible routes in his weekly show Profitcast. On […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Farewell to Series 4 & Plans for PodCraft in 2015

Fri, 01 May 2015 23:00:00 GMT

In this short tie-up episode I say farewell to Series 4 and look forward into 2015. It’s year change time and plans are always afoot after all! The End, But not the End, for Series 4 I hope you enjoyed Series 4 – I certainly had a blast talking to the excellent folks that we’ve […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Getting to know Colin Gray

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode you’ll hear an interview with PodCraft host Colin Gray, originally recorded for Harry Duran’s Podcast Junkies show. Here Colin talks about his background, his influences, and why he is so passionate about this medium.Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Name your Podcast & Title Episodes: Podcast Copywriting with Liston Witherill | S4E6

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Your podcast can have the best audio content in the world, but that alone won’t be enough to grow your audience and reach new people. Listeners need to find your content online, and two of the most important things you can do to ensure you are heard are: 1. give your podcast an effective name, […]Support the show

Storytelling Techniques for Podcasting: Dan Feld on Great Narratives

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Storytelling is right on trend, following the success of Serial and the Startup Podcast. We know stories engage, but how do we create one? We’ve written on digital storytelling before, but now it’s time to talk through our storytelling techniques. In this episode I’m talking to Dan Feld of Prologue Profiles about just that – how […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Presentation Skills: Being an Engaging Presenter with John Colley

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week I want to go back to basics and talk about presentation skills. It’s taken as read that in-person presenting, getting up in front of an audience, is something that takes practice and skill. But, many people underestimate presenting to the microphone and how much your style can change and improve with a […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Interview for Podcasting | With Radio Pro, Matt Young

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In a series all about presenting your Podcast content, we can hardly miss out one of the biggest trends in Podcasting of recent years: the humble interview. Interviewing is a real skill in itself, requiring preparation, practice and a whole lot of other little nuances. I thought it would be great to get a Radio […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Planning & Logistics with John Lee Dumas

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

On this episode of PodCraft I’m delighted to welcome Mr John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur on Fire. John has been delivering amazing, high value content on entrepreneurship, business and life in general for 2+ years now. And amazingly, it’s always been on a daily schedule – that’s right, 7 podcast episodes a week. So, who […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Launching a Podcast: Designing Your Podcasting Strategy, from Audience to Aims

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This is Series 4 of PodCraft, where I’m exploring planning and presenting your Podcasting content. It’s time to concentrate on the message! In this episode we’re starting the content planning process with first principles: what does your podcast do? This is going right back to basics and defining our Podcast, including our who we’re speaking to (our […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Monetising Your Podcast Content with WordPress

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 20 In the final episode of the series, I’m talking monetisation. Now, before you start telling me off for using a dirty word, I think it’s pretty reasonable to think about getting something back from the effort you put into Podcasting. This is all dependent on giving huge value to […]

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Creating a Community for Your Podcast in WordPress with bbPress

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 19 In this, the penultimate episode of PodCraft, we’re talking communities. The creation of a community has to be one of the main goals of any podcast, and to give it a real home on your website adds so much more value to that community. Today I’ll talk about the […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Benefit from Errors with a Custom 404 Page on Your Podcast Website

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 18 In this episode we’re exploring the concept of 404 error pages. A 404 error occurs when someone tries to visit a page on your site that doesn’t exist. This might be because they’ve used the wrong address, or because they’re trying to find an old page which has since […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Keeping Your Podcasting Website Secure: WordPress Security Essentials

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 17 Today we’re looking at security – not the most sexy of subjects, but vital if you want to run a good Podcasting website long term, and particularly if you want to make a living from it. WordPress itself is not an insecure platform, but it’s massive popularity makes it […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Using SpeakPipe to Engage your Podcasting Audience & Source Content

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 16 Today on PodCraft we’re exploring the brilliant SpeakPipe. SpeakPipe is a tool which allows you to set up a voicemail system for your listeners, allowing them to leave audio messages directly on your website. As I’ll discuss on the episode, this can lead to huge engagement with your listeners, turning […]

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Getting Social on Your Podcasting Website: Social Sharing with Shareaholic

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 15 In this episode we’re finally tackling the elephant in the room – social networking. It’s a rare person indeed who’s not involved, at all, in social media, and used well, it can be a huge driver of listeners for your podcast. In this episode I’m looking at one of […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Affiliate Marketing: WordPress Plugins to Make Amazon Easy

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 14 In this episode we’re delving deep into the idea of monetisation for the first time, and that’s in the form of affiliate marketing. During the episode I talk a little about starting out in affiliate marketing and how it can be used well to monetise a podcast. I’ll also […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Creating an Attention Grabbing Email Optin Box in WordPress | PodCraft S3E13

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 13 In this episode, we’re expanding on the email list work we’ve done over the past few days. We’ve already looked at the basics, now lets see how we can get our optin rates skyrocketing with an attention grabbing optin box. I’ve got a tool for you today which will […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Why You Need a Mailing List for Your Podcast & How to do it

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 12 In this episode we’re talking mailing lists. If you’ve investigated online marketing at all in the past, then no doubt you’ve come across the concept of mailing lists. If not, then you’re about to discover one of the most important aspects of growing a great audience on the web, […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Creating Compelling Calls to Action on Your Podcasting Website

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 11 In the 11th episode of series 3 we’re talking calls to action. A call to action is an element of any page on the web that tries to convince a user to do a certain thing. This might be to buy a product, or to sign up to a […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Creating Better Podcast Episode Navigation: List Category Plugin

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 10 In this episode we’re finishing up the week with a quick and easy one; a plugin called List Category Posts. This plugin allows us to create lists of our podcast episodes really easily by category or tag. This means you can guide the user around your podcasting content really […]Support the show

Contact Pages & 101 Other Uses for Forms Plugins for Podcasting

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 9 In this episode we’re starting to build out the ways we enable listeners to get in touch with us. The first and most obvious is the humble contact form. We’ll have a look at two of the best contact form plugins out there, one free and one paid, […]Support the show

Analytics and SEO for Your WordPress Podcasting Website

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 8 Our topic for this episode is Analytics and SEO. I’ll have a look at optimising your show notes pages to help them, and your site in general, appear more prominently in the search results. We’ll look at an SEO plugin that really helps with this in mind, and an […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Adding Podcast Subscribe Links to Your WordPress Website

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 7 In this episode I’m looking at the all-important subscribe links. These are aimed at converting passing visitors into long term subscribers, and are often forgotten about in the blind rush to concentrate on iTunes traffic. Well, I can tell you it’s just as important to look after your […]Support the show

Creating Memorable Shortlinks on a Podcasting Website with Pretty Link

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 6 This week, we’re on to enhancements. We’ll talk about the extra tools that you can add to your Podcasting website that will really help to entrance your audience, and keep them coming back for more. The first of these is a vital tool called Pretty Link: it allows you […]Support the show

Creating Great Navigation for your WordPress Podcasting Website

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 5 Navigation is, I think, one of the most underthought aspects of many people’s WordPress Podcasting websites. It’s understandable – WordPress does a lot of it for you, automatically adding pages to the menu bar, and allowing a generic category box down the side. In this episode I talk about […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Choosing a Theme for your WordPress Podcasting Website: Looking Good!

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 4 WordPress is one of the best bits of web software out there, but out of the box it doesn’t look good… The default themes are clean, but plain, and if you want to stand out AND offer a good user experience, then you need a theme. In this episode […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcasting Plugins for WordPress: The When & Why

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 3 WordPress is a great system for getting your content out into the world, and, even in it’s basic form, it can do many of the things we need as podcasters. One place in where it’s lacking, however, is RSS feeds – that’s the specially coded page which allows people […]Support the show

Installing WordPress as your Podcasting Website Platform

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 2 In this episode we’re looking at installing WordPress. WordPress is the software that we’ll be using to run our podcasting website and, luckily for us, our hosting package makes it really easy to get it up and running. Listen to the episode to find out how to use cPanel […]Support the show

Owning Your Podcast Space: Setting up Domains & Hosting

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

The PodCraft Podcast: Series 3, Episode 1 In the first episode of Series 3 we’re looking at the reasons for owning your own Podcasting space. This means having your very own domain and hosting account on which you can run a website of your own. The big thing here is that aforementioned Ownership, and the control […]

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Introducing Series 3: 20 Steps to a Peerless Podcasting Website | PodCraft S3E00

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the start of Series 3! In this episode I give an introduction to the series, and talk about what we’re going to cover over the coming 20 episodes. The series will be delivered every weekday of November, covering 20 Steps to creating a Peerless Podcasting Website. By the end of this month you’ll […]Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Series 3 Teaser & an Interview with the Boagworld Team

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode I’m introducing the topic and format of the next series of PodCraft, and it’s something a little different. Next, I’m including an interview I did with the Boagworld guys a few months ago talking about the Podcast Host. If you’re interested in a little more detail on the business, then this is […]

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Audio Branding and UK Podcasting with Mike Russell | The Podcraft Podcast

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:00:00 GMT

It’s time for an in-between-isode, otherwise known as an interruption to normal programming! If you’ve been listening long, you’ll know Series 2 is all about Podcasting equipment, taking you through the audio chain from start to finish. Well, this is a little break from the techie chat, and instead a conversation with the founder of […]

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PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting

"Authenticity" Is Just Lack of Effort? (And Other Hot Takes)

Do Podcast Ads Do More Harm Than Good?

Does "Owning Your Audience" Confuse Reach With Trust?

Should Podcasting Never Feel Like Hard Work?

Do Podcasters Control Their Own Discoverability?

4 Simple Ways to Track Podcast Ad Performance

The Creative Reset For Podcasters

Building a Content Curation System, YouTube-First Podcasting, and Apple’s Improved Video

The Advice We Needed When We Had 7 Listeners (Classic)

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host

How to Sell Audio-First Podcasts to Potential Sponsors in 2026

What’s Underrated, What’s Overrated in Podcasting (And Why)

Podcast Predictions 2026: What Fails, What Survives, and What Thrives?

Podcasting in 2026: What Still Matters (and What Doesn’t)

Using Copyrighted Music or TV/Radio Clips in Your Podcast

Why Showing Up Long Enough Changes Everything [Classic]

How Much Do You *Really* Know About Podcasting? The End-of-Year Quiz

Protecting Your Creative Brain in the Age of AI

Flat Downloads Don’t Always Mean Flat Growth. But They Might Hide a Bigger Problem

Growth Tips for Stalling Audiences and Narrative Lessons for Non Fiction Podcasts

What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?

100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)

Guest

Chapter Markers

Key Takeaways

Links & Resources

Notable Quotes

Why Are Audio-Only Podcasters Spending MORE Time Than Video Creators?

Shaking Up Your Format, Smarter Chapter Markers, & the Habit That Transforms Your Hosting

6 Reasons to Record Your Next Podcast Episode on a Walk

#1 Authentic Connection

#2 More natural, spontaneous thinking

#3 Low friction, low pressure

#4 Cost-effective production

#5 Distinctive sound

#6 Encourages mindfulness & healthy habits

Walkcast Tools, Equipment, & Software

Summary: Reasons to Try Walkcasting

Growth on the Road: Building a Podcast While Living Off-Grid

Also Mentioned

Research as a Creative Partner, With Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable

Research Fuels Creativity

Ask Better Questions

Research to Know vs. Research to Show

Be Transparent

And... Iterate!

Also Mentioned

Lessons From 500 Episodes & 5 Years of Podcasting

The "Voice Note From a Friend" Format: A 15-Minute Podcast Workflow

Turning Listeners Into Buyers, Algorithms in Podcasting, and the Benefits of Walking Meetings

Should Hyperlocal Podcasts Target International Audiences?

Can You Grow a Podcast on a Monthly Release Schedule?

Turning Your Podcast Audience into Paying Members

Lessons From 3 Years of Podcast Marketing Trends

How to Reach Older or Less Tech-Savvy Listeners

Income Stream Lessons from 10 Top Indie Podcasters (Classic)

Are We Overcomplicating Podcasting?

Key Talking Points

Growing a Podcast With LinkedIn

3 Proven Tips to Make Your Surveys More Engaging

How Systems Can Boost—Not Break—Your Creativity

Imposter Syndrome, Content Validation, & Your First 10 Episodes

The Problem With Provocative Titles (And Why We Use Them Anyway)

These 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What Happened

Darren Lake/ DLake

The “YouTube algorithm is beautiful.”

2. John Kundtz

Video investment challenges

Doing what makes sense for your podcast

dCarrie

Unexpected benefits of video

4. Matty Lansdown

Biggest learning? Video and audio are very different

5. Joe Casabona

The “communal impact” of adding video

The cost of adding video

Key Lessons from Video Podcasters

Don’t stop publishing audio

Go with what plays to your strengths

How Much Do You Really Know About Podcasting? The End-of-Year Quiz