Delaware Blogger Podcast

I hope you all enjoyed International Podcast Day on September 30th.

Sharing is caring, so in this episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast I am sharing information obtained from NYC Podcast Network as well as a few other sites because even as a Vet, I still had questions about Podcast Downloads.

 Do Podcast Downloads Matter?

Yes, they do because downloads means you have an active audience which gives us the motivation to continue, it also attracts advertisers and sponsors which can increase a host’s monetization opportunities over time.

 What is a download?

It’s the direct links to your direct MP3s or WAV file (audio) Any sound file of your episodes are usually published in the MP3 or WAV formats. These MP3s or WAVs come from your podcast hosting platform which may be Anchor, Buzzsprout, PodBean, Libsyn or a  host of others. 

Each one of your podcast hosting platforms includes a direct links to each of your sound files.

In this episode, I share 8 ways to increase your download numbers especially if you are looking for sponsors or advertisers.

If you need assistance or need a coach, please enroll in my 5-Week Podcasting Your Purpose Coaching Session, just send an email to [email protected]
www.ablakeenterprises.com

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Does the Length Matter - How Long Should A Podcast Show Be?

This has been such a frequently asked question, that I decided to address it again in this episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast.

Once you have decided to start a podcast; you’ve chosen a title, topic and your description and you may even have your equipment and are ready to step into the studio to start recording.

However, one of the biggest questions you may have before hitting the record button is, “how long should my podcast episode be?”  How long should I be talking….5 mins...15 mins...30 minutes or even 60 minutes?

Pre-COVID, when podcasting was becoming popular I was taught that it was best to record no more than 28-35 minutes which was a normal commute on a bus, train or in a car, however, now with most people working remotely that has changed...a normal commute is about 13 stairs or from your bedroom to the basement.

Most people’s commute is from the bedroom to the living room so the attention span got longer which is a good thing because we had so much more time on our hands with nothing to do, vegging out on Netflix became popular so much so that “Netflix and Chill” became a popular phrase.

Just like blogging, if you can say it in 50 words, why write 500 words?  

Listen to the entire episode to determine how long your show will be - but remember, you have to “do you boo boo!”

Send an email to [email protected] if you wish to learn more about my 5-week coaching session or to get a FREE copy of my 7-Step Checklist.

Share this show with your family, friends and followers and make sure to find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

On Tuesday, September the 20th I will be celebrating my 61st Birthday - I am excited to be celebrating but more so I am blessed!  Yes, I’m Blessed - Charlie Wilson’s Song is ringing in my head!

 As a wife of 32 years, a mother of 2 sons, ages 30 and 26 and a retired freelancer I get stressed, but I am blessed also so I wanted to take time on this episode to remind you to take care, self care and de-stress because we only get one go round and there are no do overs.  So whether or not you are working a 9-5 and have a side gig or are a freelancer or even retired, remember that self care is not selfish and here are a few tips on how to be more aware of self-care and don’t forget to share this with someone else because sharing is caring!
In this world filled with anger, anxiety and angst; remote working, remote education; the COVID19 pandemic / polio and Monkeypox many of us are neglecting our self care which could be negatively impacting our health and well-being - cutting our lives short.

Yes, our lives are stressful; we have jobs to do, responsibilities to fulfill, and people who depend on us, and now more than ever, we’re facing uncertainties that put us under strain, and as podcasters, there’s also the added pressure to continually create valuable content, to put out weekly or bi-weekly high-quality episodes, promote and market your show, and connect with your audience. It can be a lot! 

Today’s episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast, I am sharing a few self-care tips that will hopefully help you and (your podcast) feel great and help you to function at your best level, so you can feel good both mentally and physically. 

To connect, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Back to School - Episode #307 - Podcasting for Professors & Educators

This week was actually the first day of school for most kids and whether they were going to Pre School or College, most are excited to be back at school. They may have new backpacks, book bags, pencils, new swag, gear and merch, they're excited, but we all know that excitement is going to wear off really really quickly.

There are however, many kids with special needs that may not be able to attend a traditional classroom due to health reasons and don't have access to Zoom or even have a cool Zoom background. 

If the pandemic taught us nothing, we did learn that not everyone likes to be on Zoom.  Not every student wants their homes, parents, family or friends seen behind them while looking into a small webcam trying to concentrate or trying to keep family quiet while listening to their teachers uninterrupted.

Professors and educators can create a podcast which can help students who can’t attend classes due to medical reasons, health issues or difficulty being in a traditional setting and has no access to Zoom. 

I'm extending an offer to our professors, educators and teachers or parents to contact me if you wish to learn more about podcasting, let me know, send an e-mail to [email protected] or head over to my blog, DelBlogger.com, to order the Podcasting Your Purpose Resource Guide. 

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Eps. #306 Grow Your Show with a CTA

Does it seem like everyone and their mother and brother is starting or has a podcast these days?  Perhaps so, but the biggest pain point is how to grow your show to keep you motivated to record new episodes every week.  CTA's or Calls to Action are vital as they tell listeners what to do next or how to connect to you.

A call-to-action, or CTA, is a marketing prompt for users to perform a specific action.  In this episode I talk about effective CTA's as well as how and when to use them so that they help you gain more listeners.

If any of this information that I covered in this episode or any of the others has been of interest to you please leave a comment or review and if you know someone that could use this information, please share it - remember, sharing is caring, so share with your family, friends, bae and boo too!

You can find and follow me on all my social media platforms using the linktree id /ablakeenterprises and you can send an email to [email protected] to receive a FREE copy of the 7-Step Podcasting Checklist.

New episodes of the Delaware Blogger Podcast is published every Saturday at 10 AM and you can tune in to Out & About with Antionette on Wednesdays at 1 PM EST on iHeart Radio, SoundCloud or any other podcasting platform that you are subscribed to.

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

How many of you remember listening to your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunties, uncles or even teachers read you stories?

I remember having a reading circle in my classroom when I taught 3rd grade and it was the best part of the day.  Having all the kids sit in a circle while I read to them some would lay back and close their eyes while I read - they were probably imaging the scenes and characters in the book not aware that I was showing the pictures after each paragraph.

I loved reading to my sons when they were young, making the voices of the Disney Characters like Mickey Mouse or Pluto, this too was the best time of the day.

Why do you think LeVar Burton’s Reading Rainbow was so popular?

Most people love listening to stories and that is why storytelling sells a podcast.

You have to be relatable to your listeners, you have to offer them something - education, entertainment, enlightenment, inspiration, motivation - something, but more importantly, you have to tell the story in order to sell them to come back for more.

Now, not everyone is a good storyteller, nor is everyone a good podcaster, but if you are good at telling stories, not LIES, then you probably are a good podcaster.

Human’s brains are wired to listen and recall which is why you probably can remember your favorite story.  So when you are podcasting, try to do the same for your listeners.

As you craft your story, remember people like to listen to those who:

• Inspire them
• Challenge them
• Educate them
• Get them emotionally charged

Take a listen to this episode, Storytelling Sells a Podcast and when you are ready to get started, send an email to me at [email protected] to schedule a 30-Minute Complimentary Discovery Call and then sign up for the Podcasting Your Purpose Coaching Sessions.

Find and follow me on all my social media platforms using the linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Did you know that there are many people who start a podcast or a blog and after about 7 episodes or 7 weeks, they are not feeling the love, not getting the listeners, the download numbers or shares, they're not getting the traction are ready to quit and that's not a good thing especially if they’re passionate about a topic.

Don’t Be a Quitter - Don’t Fade Away

I had a client that has been podcasting for 2 years and was not seeing the numbers that she wanted to see, but after giving her a few promotional tips  she began to see an increase in her listeners.  Hey I've been podcasting since 2017 and I'm not getting the numbers that I really want to see but guess what I am doing what I love and loving what I do so I am going to continue doing so.

We both have a message to share, we've got education, inspiration and passions so we are going to continue to do what we love.  If you are 7 episodes in and are thinking about fading away - don’t and here are 7 reasons why you shouldn’t fade away.

Listen to my 7 reasons why you shouldn't podfade after 7 episodes and if you are interested in learning more, sign up for my 5-Week Coaching Session by sending an email to [email protected] so that we can get you started.  If you prefer to go it alone, purchase a copy of my Podcasting Your Purpose Resource Guide to help or Basic Blogging Tips for Beginners book if you wish to start a blog instead.

https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises to find and follow me on all my social media platforms, blog, vlog and YouTube Channel

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Eps, #303 Blogging or Podcasting for a Business

Business owners who are looking to broaden their brand or expand their online presence have several options to choose from when it comes to marketing. In addition to posting consistent content on social media platforms and websites, starting a blog or a podcast is also an option to enhance their content.

Podcasts and blogs are both successful when it comes to launching new businesses, so the question is not whether to start a podcast or a blog; it’s which is better for you and that of your business.

In this episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast I cover the Pros and Cons of starting a blog or podcast for your business.

If you wish to schedule a 15-min Discover Call to discuss further, send an email to [email protected]

To purchase a copy of my resource guides, click the links below:
Podcasting Your Purpose Resource Guide

Basic Blogging Tips for Beginners

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

Don’t Call it a Comeback - The QR Code is Back!

Are you using a QR code or Quick Response code to link to promotional materials, websites or to your podcast which can be done directly from a smartphone, so people can snap and enjoy it ASAP?

Did You Know?

QR codes were invented in 1994 to track cars on the assembly line that went out of fashion but have made a comeback.  I remember using QR codes on magnetic car signs when I was selling Avon.  QR codes were once more popular than social media icons used on commercial vehicles.  However, COVID has helped propel QR codes back into fashion due to the isolation and social distancing, because you can scan a QR without touching anything or anybody.

Superbowl Commercial

A QR code is a scannable code, usually in black and white squares or weird looking checkerboards that can be read with a Smartphone camera with free apps.  The code can contain links to a website, contest, ad, video and of course your podcast directory.

QR codes can be created and placed on business cards, television programing, commercials, billboards, merch and even food containers.

Money is tight!

Money is tight and the cost of printing, paper and business cards can be costly so when creating a Business Card it is wise to add a QR code so that you don’t need to hand out your cards, just show one card with a QR code and ask the recipient to scan it.  Many business card and sticker designers include QR codes as an option in the design process such as CANVA, MOO and Stickermule.

Baby Boomers and Social Seniors

You don’t have to be tech savvy to use a QR code either - something that many boomers and seniors struggle with.  If someone asks about your blog or podcast, you can simply have them scan your QR code that contains your podcast directory and they can listen to your show immediately.  

QR Codes works well for your guests; after the interview and when creating cover art for your guest to share, make sure to include a QR code that links directly to their individual episode and not to your entire directory.

How Can I Use It?

Your QR code should link to your web site that briefly describes your podcast or your social media platforms.  If it goes to your podcast, it should be a link to your trailer.  So use QR codes to promote your podcast on a card, sign, merchandise, billboard, social media posts and car signs especially if you travel a lot.  Use your QR code on your cover art or on bulletin boards at local stores and Farmer’s Markets.

 Don’t Call it a Comeback! 

Leave a review on Apple iTunes then head over to Instagram for a shout out on the next show!  

 #avon #vistaprint #moocards #canva #superbowl #commercials #jitterbug #bitly #boomers #seniors #smartphone #stickermule

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises

On this episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast, I share 5 tips for podcasting places and spaces which will help you before you begin recording.

If you are not able to record in a studio such as Blake's Booth Podcasting Studio, these tips should help you record a good audio show.

1. Silence—Choose a location that doesn't have a lot of noise.  Turn off any appliances, fans and air conditioning units, let people in the house know you will be recording and close the windows and blinds to cut down on outside noises.  Don't forget to put your phone on DND.
2. Carpet—If you are in a room that is not carpeted or with hardwood floors, you can cover the floor with a throw rug or blanket to absorb the sounds.
3. Furniture— Furniture absorbs and diffuses sound, so sofas and couches or cushioned chairs with pillows can absorb the sound, even a bookcase with lots of books works.  Even sitting in a walk-in closet filled with clothes makes a great location with good acoustics when recording!
4. Acoustic treatment—To get the best results, acoustic foam panels or tiles can help.  There is also a portable recording isolation booth that you can use and take to other sites when recording on location.
5. Time—Choosing the right time of day to record can reduce a lot of sound problems. Choose a day and time with the least amount of noise and when you will be least interrupted noises.

If you would like more information about starting a podcast, send an email to [email protected]

Support the show

If  you are ready to start a podcast and need assistance, please send an email to [email protected] and you can find and follow me on all my social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/ablakeenterprises