Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Who doesn't want to have the number one podcast? Pretty much every podcaster, right? That's why marketers keep promising it to you. But, you shouldn't bite.

I've been seeing a lot of ads lately offering you up a guaranteed #1 podcast.

It reminds me of my life in the radio biz and that dreaded time ... RATINGS!

If you were lucky, ratings meant good things for you and your crew. If you were up, you were safe. If ratings were down (especially if you add 'again' to that) then you were in jeopardy. No job was safe. Anyone could get the axe based on ratings.

Don't Fall Prey to the Lure of False Metrics

But all of that was behind closed doors. For all the public knew, every show had dominated the ratings. You see ads like "Thanks for making us your #1 choice in the morning" Or, "Proudly #1 for 10 years in a row".

Anyone who was actually paying attention would see many, many (almost all) of the stations making this #1 claim.

So, how could everyone be #1? Were they all just lying?

Kind of. Here in Canada, they have to follow Ad Standards, so they can't say something if it isn't true. But, there's truth and then there's how you look at the facts.

You see, the ad wizards (aka the programming and promo department) would find a way to work the numbers. Say, for example, a radio station had the highest ratings with 80-year-old men at 9:30 at night. Technically, that show is #1 in the evenings.

It's all in how you look at it.

And, when you look at it selectively, it's really easy to make things look good. It's like hearing, "we're the most listened to radio station" and the part you didn't hear was, "in dental offices in the tri-state area". Technically NOT lying, but a little misleading.

So, when I see these promises about being in the Top 10 of Podcasts Worldwide... I take it with a grain of salt. And then, I spit it back up because even with salt, bullshit still tastes like bullshit.

You see, the real issue here isn't that podcasters are trying to convince the public that they're #1 with manipulated numbers, they're using inaccurate, half numbers at best.

There is no singular, universally accepted podcast ranking system.

Spotify has theirs. Apple does too. And then there's Podtrac, Podcharts, Chartable, and more.

And remember, downloads don't equal subscribers (there's no real way to measure that, by the way).

You still want to have the number one ranked podcast? Ok, fine.

Here's the step-by-step guide for having a #1 ranked podcast:

1. Change your category to something obscure
2. Set your VPN for Paraguay
3. Go and download your podcast in Paraguay
4. Check your rankings for that day in Paraguay in your category and BOOM! #1, baby!
5. Tell the world you're #1 and take it to the bank

Okay, I know I'm being a bit of an ass here (shout out to all the kickass podcasters in Paraguay). What I'm trying to say here is, forget the false metrics. They mean nothing - especially if your podcast is part of your marketing strategy.

If you are podcasting to drive traffic to your website, get more engagement, and increase the ease and speed of your sales... then these are the numbers to be paying attention to - not some random ranking.

Ask yourself: How do you measure success? What is the number that says to you 'Way to go, you made it to your goals!'?

And, how does your podcast contribute to that? How can you measure your podcast's contribution to you reaching your business goals and getting return on your podcast investment?

I can almost guarantee the answer is not 'by ranking #5 in Leisure for one week'.

If you want some help figuring out what numbers you should be paying attention to (and how to make them the numbers you want) take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call.

BOOK YOUR CALL NOW:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

The Top Mistakes Podcasters Make Using Music

Have you ever been at a bar or party where the music is really loud and it's a struggle to have a conversation? It's annoying but part of the party experience. When it's part of a podcast experience it's just annoying.

Music can be a really important part of your podcast. But let me be clear. Nobody, I mean nobody, showed up for the music. Unless your podcast is about music, your music should be used only as a background or to set the tone (quickly) so you can get to the good stuff.

Yes. Even when your music is awesome.

I've had people email me and tell me that they literally have a little dance they do to my theme music. Which is fantastic. It's exactly what you want.

But, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say there are some people who hate my music. Luckily, they never have to sit through much of it before I get to the content they actually tuned in for.

In this episode, I cover what your music should be and what it should not be.

Your music should NOT be:

• The first entire minute of your show (I've heard this more than once. Yes, I can skip but is that really what you want people doing at the beginning of your show?) Keep it to 10-15 seconds just to set the tone.
• So loud that your listener is straining to hear what you're saying. You know, that whole party listening vibe – it does not belong in your podcast. Mix that shit down!
• Used as a random cover up. I called a client out on this recently. He confessed that he'd thrown some music in to cover up the fact that there was a lot of background noise. Boooo! Re-record. Your listeners will be confused and you're just being lazy. I said it.
• Played for the duration of your podcast. This may just be me but I can't stand when I faintly hear music in the background constantly fighting for my attention. Unless you are doing a guided meditation of something, the music is not helping to set the tone – it is just distracting.

Don't let this scare you off from using music in your podcast. Music can play an important role. It can set the mood off the top and be a bit of musical branding. I like to think that love it or hate it, when you hear those first few beats of my theme music, you know where you are and that you're about to be served a quick podcast tip with a side of smartass.

I also recommend music to close out your podcast, kind of musical bookends, but be careful about this because it may trigger your listener to turn your show off prematurely. Don't put any important info after your end-of-show music.

And, don't be afraid to get creative. Use music to punctuate a point, to signify a change in topic or to reset your interview.

Episode 008 - The Reset

Episode 082 - How to Pick the Right Podcast Music.

In short, you want music but you want to manage your music. You want that music to enhance not distract.

Remember, your show is not for you, it's for your listener. Think of them (and the fact that they may not have the same musical tastes as you) when you are carefully peppering in the tunes.

Need some help making sure your podcast is serving your listener? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me.

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got questions? Ask me anything at

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

Remember way back when you started your podcast and you wrote your description. That was a crazy time! You were launching your podcast, everything was new and let's face it, there was a bit of 'winging it' going on.

The good news is, you've gotten better as a podcaster and your show has evolved… so why are you still using a description that you banged out in haste?

What if that description is the reason you're not hitting your podcast goals?

In this episode, I'm going to explain why you should take another look at your description and I'm even going to share the 5 must-have elements of a powerful podcast description. So, buckle up and hit play because we are on a mission to get you more qualified listeners (you know, the ones who become leads, clients, and fans).

For a lot of podcasters, the description is something they think of once, right at the beginning of their journey and then they never revisit it. And as a result - their podcast description could be doing more harm than good.

Is Your Podcast Description Helping or Hurting? Here's How to Fix It.

Yes, a badly written description can hurt your podcast!

Think about it. Your description is often how people decide if they are going to hit play and give you a few seconds to prove yourself as worthy of their time.

And, the power of the podcast description doesn't end there. Your description also plays an important role in whether you get found by your intended audience or not.

Here are three solid reasons why you should revisit and possibly rewrite your podcast description:

1. Discoverability (AKA SEO). Your podcast is probably listed on a number of platforms and even on podcast directories. Each of these places serve as search engines. A listener looking for a new show is going to put in a few keywords to find what they are looking for. Does your description have the right keywords to make sure they find you? No? Well, now… why are you hiding? Don't you want your show to be found, heard, and loved?
2. Tell the Truth. If you've been podcasting for more than a minute, chances are your podcast has shifted. You may have niched down or maybe you've shifted the podcast style or purpose. It happens. Sometimes it's gradual. And your description needs to reflect this otherwise it's like a bait and switch. Your description is a promise to the potential listener. You're saying, 'if you press play, I promise you will get XYZ content'. If your show no longer fulfills that promise then every listener who presses play will be a person who was disappointed and will likely never press play again. If you've had a gradual (or sudden) shift, your description has to reflect this!
3. Shift the Spotlight. I talk to a lot of podcasters in my free 15-minute coaching calls. And, almost every single one describes their podcast by explaining what the show is. It's an interview show with interesting conversation… I talk to industry leaders… I share my insights from 20 years in the business. If your description sounds like this, I have a newsflash for you… you've got the spotlight on the wrong person. Your show is not about you or your guests. It is about what your listener needs and what they will get out of it. Rewriting your description will give you the opportunity to tell the listener why they should listen, not why you created it.

Okay, so now that we are clear on the importance and power of rewriting your podcast description, let me give you my super quick outline of what SHOULD be in your podcast description. Let's keep it simple. Your podcast description must-haves are the 5 Ws.

• Who is the podcast for?
• What's in it for the listener? What will the benefit to THEM be if they listen?
• Why are you the person to share this information?
• When does the podcast come out?
• Where can they find more information?

Now these aren't all equal weight, but keep the last three questions short. At this point, they should already be sold and hitting play.

Hitting play is the goal here because, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and say that once they hit play they'll be hooked. You've worked hard to create your podcast and the last thing you need is to get a potential listener on the line who discovers that the bait wasn't nearly as tasty as it looked.

Now, if you need help making your podcast description something worthy of a podcast re-write, take advantage of my free 15-minute podcast coaching session. We'll talk about your podcast, your goals and then I'll slap some sense into you so that you can make your podcast even better. What… I'm just giving you an honest description of what you're going to get.

Click here to grab a spot on my calendar.

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

As a podcaster, you want your voice to convey certain things. You want you listeners to instantly feel like they can trust you because you know what you are talking about. You want them to be listening and nodding in agreement.

This doesn't just come from the content you're sharing. Your voice has to live up to the authority your content is driving.

But what do you do if you have a weak voice or a quiet delivery?

Don't worry! We can fix it.

Have you ever heard the term "air of authority"? It usually refers to someone who just oozes with authority. That sounds like a good thing, right? Something that your podcast could benefit from if the host had the 'air of authority.'

Well, here's the secret to getting that air of authority… get more air. As in, learn how to breathe properly as you deliver your content.

I hear it all the time. Podcasters who are running out of air as they try desperately to finish their thought. Sometimes it's so bad that the last word of the sentence is completely ghosted because they just don't have any air left.

And guess what that equals… the opposite of authority (which, by the way, I looked up and is 'impotence', just saying).

So, you don't want that in your podcast especially if your podcast is a marketing tool for your business or if your podcast is supposed to build you up as an expert in your field.

If this happens to you, it's not your fault. You're just bad at breathing.

Most people are. Most people have never been taught how to breathe properly when they are presenting information.

Get Big Air Behind the Mic

Lucky for you, you've got me as your podcast coach! In this episode, I'm going to walk you through a simple exercise that will show you exactly how to get more air behind your presentation.

This one little trick will instantly strengthen your voice and give you more authority in your presentation of the information. Yep, all of that from a little extra air.

Of course, if your content stinks, no amount of hot air is going to fix that. Better let me get a good look at it and see what we can do to make sure your podcast content lives up to this big booming voice I just helped you discover… Book your free, 15-minute coaching call with me. Don't take another breath… book it now.

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

You've heard it before. Hopefully on someone else's podcast…

The host boots around the guest intro so bad that the guest either has to awkwardly say something about it. Or, there needs to be a whole conversation about it - "Did I say your name right?..."

This is not a good way to start your podcast. This is not how you take care of your listener… or your guest.

You want to come out of the gate strong. You want to be concise and clear. You want your listeners and your guest to know that you've got it all taken care of.

So, how do you do that? How do you nail your guest intro every time?

Simple, save the start until the end.

Say what?!?

Okay, if you interview guests on your podcast, think of your show as having 3 parts.

There's a TOP and a TAIL or a beginning and an end.

And in the middle, is the BODY. Or, the interview.

The TOP of your episode might include your tease, your show intro, your hook, and your guest intro.

The TAIL includes the takeaways, your call to action, and your signoff.

The BODY is your interview which does not have to start with the TOP.

Stay with me here… you do not have to record the beginning at the beginning of the interview.

You can JUST record the interview.

And then, later you record the TOP and TAIL.

This will make your intro and extro or top and tail even better.

Why?

Because you'll know more about the interview once it's done and you'll be able to tee it up better and wrap it up and put a bow on it at the end better.

Only after you've done your interview do you have all the information to frame and position your episode to make it listener-centric.

REFRAME:

Recording your top and tail as part of the interview makes the episode about your guest.

Crafting it after you've talked to your guest let's you reframe it, making it about your listener.

Don't get me wrong. I am not suggesting that you wing it and then fix it by adding a top and tail so that nobody notices how messy the middle is.

NO!

You're still going to do your research, plan your outline, come up with your questions and record the interview, but immediately after you've recorded your guest is when you plan out your top and tail.

TIP: Do it while it's fresh.

Ask yourself:

• What were the big takeaways?
• What problem did you solve?
• What resources or tools do you have to offer your listener?

Now you have context and you can bake that into the top and tail.

Crafting your TOP & TAIL after the interview will help you reinforce the value of your episode. Which will make each episode of your podcast better listening and you'll sound more like a pro (and build that authority with ease).

Isn't that what it's all about?

And the bonus, you're not wasting your guest's time while you're trying to get over the performance anxiety of getting their name right or lamely reading their bio from their website.

Oh, and you can cut out any of the crappy early stuff in the interview and bring your listener in right when the gold starts flowing.

I have so many clients that use this method now and they all agree that it's easier, better for the listener and gives them so much more flexibility this way! And, it gives them the opportunity to record a compelling show intro (#34) and the perfect guest intro (#40) even if they don't want to script the entire show (#10) .

Thank me later. Or, thank me sooner by booking a free 15-minute coaching call. I'll give you even more to thank me for.

I recently had a free coaching call with a podcaster named Jono and he said it was the best 15 minutes of his day because I answered his questions, gave him a strategy to follow and even helped him rethink his way of thinking around his podcast so he could make it stronger.

Click here to book your own 15-minute coaching call.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

What would make your podcast better next year? Here are my top 4 tips on how to reflect to get better results from your podcast.

You want results, right?

Okay, then let's get into it.

I released this episode right before the end of 2021… but don't lump me in with all of those 'new year's resolutions' types. That ain't me.

But, I will admit. This time of year does serve as a good reminder to reflect on what you've done so that you can revamp and get the results you're looking for.

In this episode of Just One Tip, I'm sharing my top 3 (okay 4, since you're counting) tools for reflecting on how your show is doing. And, by 'how your show is doing' I mean, how well your show is delivering on your specific KPIs. If you're going after audience growth, how are your downloads? If you want to develop loyal fans, how's your engagement? What about leads? Traffic to your website? Invites to speak? Sales? Offers of unconditional love… look, I don't know what you're going for here… so judge for yourself. Look at yourself. That's why it's called reflecting!

Here's how I CAN help. Here are my top 3 key things you should be reflecting on about your podcast so you can get results.

1. Check Your Stats for Traction. There are four places I like to look to determine which shows had the best traction:

• Titles (which titles generated the highest plays)
• Topics (what were listeners loving)
• Time (what length of show generated the most plays)
• Talked About (which episodes were the most shared). These four things will help you determine what you should be doing more of in the new year.
• BONUS: There are a lot of SEO tools you can use to help you determine which shows drive the biggest results but one simple option we like to use is Google Search Console. This helps us understand the keywords that are working in delivering new listeners to the website (and podcast).

2. Customers and Clients. If you're podcasting for your business, then reviewing your clients for the past 12 months can really help you align your podcast… or re-align it as the case may be. Do you know who you want to be talking to (and is it who's showing up)? Take a look at your client list.

• If they're just the kind of clients you want to attract? Keep doing what you're doing.
• If they're not the kind of clients you want, adjust your content accordingly.
• If they're finding you through your podcast, hiring you because of the podcast, or see your podcast as proof that you know what the hell you're talking about, HUZZAH, your podcast is working.
• If your podcast is not attracting clients, building authority or serving as social proof… you need to revisit what you're doing!

3. You. Yes, it's time to check in on you. Ask yourself, 'how you doin?' This is especially true if you've been podcasting for a while. Are you showing up 100% for every episode? Is the passion still there? Are you doing everything you can to serve your listener? Are you letting little things slip (Oops, I was talking into the wrong mic, oh well… good enough)? You might want to actually listen to a few episodes for this reflective exercise.

Now, here's the hard part. It can be hard to objectively reflect on your own podcast. I mean, you're in it. It's your blood, sweat, and tears. It's your baby. That's why I offer my free 15-minute coaching calls. I can be the truth-teller you need to hear. I can hold up that mirror. I can help you see what's right in front of you so you can get out of that rut and get the results your looking for (and your business needs) from your podcast.

Yep, that's reflecting tip #4. ME. All you have to do is click here to access my calendar and book your free 15 minute coaching call. More clarity is just a click away, book your free 15-minute coaching call in the show notes of this episode or by going to podcastperformancecoach.com.

Let's get you set up for success with your podcast.

Book your FREE 15-minute coaching call here:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Don't need my help but LOVE all of the fresh and tasty tips I deliver? Subscribe already! Why would you ever want to miss an episode. I mean, each episode literally makes your show better!

Subscribe now. (in this player)

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Do you want a podcast that is so great your listeners can't wait for the next episode to drop? And do you also want that podcast to help your listeners see you as an authority and be dying to work with you or buy your stuff?

If you said yes, then your podcast content can't suck. And also, your podcast actually has to have content! Ain't nobody got time for a fluff-filled, ego-driven, self-serving podcast. No. Body.

Luckily, I'm sharing my top 5 ways to pack your podcast with great content as the last part of a 4-part series to make your podcast better (check out the other episodes on marketing, performance and tech).

Here are my top 5 tips (in no particular order) for making sure your podcast content doesn't suck:

1. Align Content with Your Brand. You're an expert in something, right. Or at least somewhat talented at what you do for a living? Make sure that your content showcases this. You want it to support your business authority building, be on brand, and be of extreme value (or at least interest) to your ideal customer. Remember, your ideal customer is also your ideal listener who becomes your ideal customer…
2. Have a Takeaway. No, not fish and chips. I'm talking about valuable nuggets of information that your ideal listener can either use right away, take an action on, or at least share with others to feel super smart and in the know. When you give your listener something to take away from the podcast you literally extend your podcast beyond the listening time. And, if you've followed tip #1, that's going to be good for them and for your business.
3. Prepare your Guest for Success. If you have guests on your show, help them have a good performance and provide good content. Let them in on a few key things: the topic of the show, who you serve (who's listening) and what they need from the guest, as well as the basic outline of the conversation. If you're clear about what you expect they are way more likely to show up and deliver the goods for your listener.
4. Stay On Topic! Your show is about something. You're not Jerry Seinfeld. So, stick to the thing your show is about. Stay in your lane. For example, if your show is about cat agility training don't suddenly show up with an episode about how to raise a bearded dragon. It might be interesting but that is not what your show is about!
5. Consistency. There are so many things to be consistent about if you want to win at podcasting and that includes your valuable content and how you deliver it. A consistent format and structure will help your listener feel like they're home when they hit play on each episode. You want (and need) them to trust that you're going to give them what they need and how they need it each time.

Your content is so much more than how you fill the minutes of your show. It's how you build a relationship with your audience. It's how you help them know, like, and trust you. It's also how you become known as their trusted source for that thing you do and how they will start to think of your brand or business (and only yours) the next time they think about that thing you do.

Don't short change your listener on content.

If you're struggling to deliver good content or you haven't started your podcast and you want a solid content plan, take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching session. Click the link and get on my calendar before you crappy content sinks this damn ship!

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

In the past few years, starting a podcast has never been easier. That's a problem. You say, starting a podcast may be easy but sounding good, well, that takes a bit more effort.

And so, we now have a giant steaming pile of crap sounding podcasts. Is yours one of them? More importantly, is your 'it's so easy to start' podcast hurting your brand because you haven't learned how to actually use that equipment you use to abuse to cobble together your show?

Okay, okay. I'll take it easy on you. Good on you for going for it and getting your show out there. Now, let's fix it before it does some real damage to your reputation and brand! I mean, do you really think someone is going to want to work with you after you assault their eardrums?

Oh, right. Be nice. Okay. How about this? How about if I share my top 5 tech tips to help you sound like the authority you want to be?

Top 5 Best Tech Tips for Podcasting

1. Get a Microphone and Headphones.

You're not a podcaster if you don't have a microphone. I said it. It's the one and only piece of equipment you need to have to be a podcaster. If you want to be taken seriously, I'd also be getting the proper pop screen or wind sock to go along with it to reduce your plosives, a proper mic stand so you're not handholding your mic, maybe that looks like a boom arm and you also want a decent set of headphones. Not earbuds. Wired headphones you can put over your ears so you can hear the REAL quality of your show. The background noise, your lip smacking, your guest's dog breathing on their lap (this is a real thing I heard on a podcast once!). Want some advice on equipment? Pop over to my resources page for what I recommend.

2. Learn Good Mic Technique

Expensive microphones don't fix poor technique. Production rule #1 -- shit in is shit out. So, now that you've got a mic, you need to know how to use that microphone. I see so many podcasters on YouTube using their mics wrong. They're literally talking into the wrong part of the mic. You can sound incredible with a $100 mic that you use properly with good mic technique and an ideal environment. Your hollow, thin, echoey audio is not your mic's fault. You may just need to make a few adjustments in how and where you record.

3. Use the Right Software (and Practice)

If it's just you and you want a free editing program I suggest using Audacity. It likely has more tools than you'll ever use if you've got clean audio going into it. Remember, you will get better at editing if you stick with and continue to use whatever software you pick. If you interview people on your show, you have a few options (pop over to my resources page to see the recording platforms I recommend). If you're still using Zoom consider upgrading. There are way better options that provide studio-like audio quality. And the great thing about these platforms is that you have the video option too. It's nice to be able to see your guest for a more personal conversation and you can also grab a short video clip for an episode promo. Which reminds me, check out my Top 5 Podcast Marketing Tips too.

4. Get Professional Help

You're a smart cookie. You can figure all of this out… but should you? So often entrepreneurs get caught up in learning everything that they lose track of how much time they are stealing away from their business, clients, or family. Yes, one of my top 5 tips for better tech is to hire someone who already knows what they're doing. You can hire an editor, a producer, or even someone to help out with the promotion of your show. You will still have to master tips #1 and #2, but life will get a lot better (and your show will sound a lot better) if you back away slowly from the rest.

5. TEST

For the love of Sam. Test. Test your audio, and test your guest's audio. It takes less than 60 seconds and you could save a whole lot of grief. Let me paint a picture for you - you have an incredible interview with someone who was really hard to secure for your podcast and listen back only to discover that you both sound like you're talking from the hull of a ship. Everyone's done it. So what do you do? Reschedule? Guests might not like that, so you don't even ask. Lie and tell them you lost the recording - covering the fact that you had the wrong settings. Or, *grimace* you just publish this crappy audio and embarrass yourself, piss off your guest, and lose your audience.

Here's a better picture: Just hit record, say or ask your guest what they have for breakfast and press stop. Download or save the tracks and listen to it. Are you both on mic? Is it celan? Test complete. Everyone wins.

The audio quality of your show speaks volumes about the quality of your brand and your business. Raise the bar, because good enough doesn't cut it anymore.

Want to know if it's not cutting it? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and I'll put your show through the ringer. Let's click around on some of your episodes to see if we can improve anything. Your audio, your guest's audio, the mix, editing… this is playtime for me, I love doing it. Don't deprive me of this!! Book your Free 15-minute coaching call.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

You've got a great show idea, valuable information to share or insightful guests to interview but your show isn't quite up to the caliber of your brand. You need a performance overhaul!

Good news, I'm sharing my top 5 tips for improving your podcast performance as part of this 4-part series (check out the first in the series on the top 5 tips for marketing your podcast).

If you're going to market your podcast, and your podcast is all about showcasing your expertise and driving interest in your brand then you better make damn sure you sound good.

Without further blah blah blahing, here are my top 5 tips to make you a better podcaster :

1. Stand Up! One of the biggest problems with many podcaster's performances is that they sound half asleep. Which translates to bored and boring. You want to sound comfortable behind the mic but not like you're snuggled up on the couch! Get up and give us some energy. You need to show up behind the mic and that might mean dressing up (even though I don't often condone pants, dressing up might get you in the right professional mindset), bring some energy and entertain your listener. Add 10%. Imagine that there is a little gremlin inside your mic that is stealing your energy. Robbing your personality. Pilfering your enthusiasm. But, he just takes 10% and the only way to get back to full strength is to add that 10% back into your performance. And would it kill you to smile?
2. Inject More YOU. I can't see you so it's harder for me to get to know you. This means that you have to make a concerted effort to add a little more of you in the mix. Show up authentically, don't water down your personality (or create an entirely new personality), and let us into your real world. A great way to inject a bit more of yourself in your performance is to remember to add in personal stories and tell them the way you would around a dinner table. These can serve as analogies or examples but they also give the listener a bit of a window into your world. Just keep them short - remember the show is not about you!
3. Be Present During Interviews. I can't tell you how much steam comes out of my ears when I hear a podcast announce the next question after as they completely ignore what their guest has just said. You know what I mean… "so that's how I ended up face to face with a lion". "Right. Interesting. So my next question is what's your favorite color?" Stay in the conversation. Be present. Ask the question every single listener wants you to ask! Follow your outline, sure, but don't sacrifice the actual conversation to do it.
4. Don't start at the beginning. If you want to grab the attention of your listener and your guest, don't come out of the gate with a ho-hum question like "tell us about yourself" (which isn't even a question) or why did you write this book? Find a nugget, something unique to start the conversation with (um that means prep) but when you can capture everyone's attention with a unique talking point or question, then we're all in! You can always come back to how they started their career later. Start strong and that doesn't always mean at the beginning.
5. Represent! Being a good host (just like at a dinner party) is important. You want to take care of your listener. Don't assume your listener knows a damn thing. Leave no one behind. If your guest is getting into the weeds with some technical jargon, or an unfamiliar industry term, jump in and say, "what's that?" Or "explain that is for my listener". This little move keeps your listener in the conversation because once they don't know what you or your guest are talking anymore, they lose context and you lose a listener. And it's okay to mention or talk to your listener too. They're expecting it. Acknowledge them and represent them when speaking to your guest. That's your job (they'll love you for it). This is listener centric podcasting.

If you want to be a more dynamic podcaster, if you want people to love putting you in their ears, then you need to step up your performance game. These tips will definitely help.

And, if you still sound like a wet noodle just slapped the mic, then take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call. Click the link to grab your spot on my calendar and let's get your performance pumped up.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

So, the whole build it and they will come podcasting approach hasn't quite panned out. I hate to be the one to break it to you but in a sea of podcasts, you're going to have to put some signals out if you want to be found.

And that means marketing! It's one of the key elements of podcasting that I focus on even though a lot of podcasters think it has nothing to do with podcasting.

I disagree. If you don't market your podcast, you won't have listeners. If you don't have listeners, you're not a podcaster. There. I said it.

And, if you are podcasting for your business, as in, to grow your authority, then you absolutely need to be marketing your podcast or you are going to get a seriously negative ROI.

The good news is that there are a lot of fun and effective ways to market your podcast.

I've covered a lot of them in past episodes but in this episode, I'm bringing you my top 5 marketing tips for podcasters. It's all part of my 4-part series with my top 5 tips on marketing, performance, tech, and content for podcasters. (This is part one of four so if you haven't subscribed yet, you better do it now so you don't miss out on this series).

Here are my top tips for moving the needle with your podcast marketing:

1. Other People's Podcasts. Here's an obvious statement: podcast listeners listen to podcasts. In other words, your future podcast listeners are already listening to other people's podcasts. So, if you want to find more podcast listeners, get yourself where they are (hint: other people's podcasts). Hands down being a guest is one of the best ways to increase exposure for your show and grow your audience fast. BUT, you gotta be strategic about it. You sharing your genius with people who don't care about what you talk about is not going to gain you listeners. Focus on podcasts that talk to the same people you want to attract. And, make sure you deliver! The other host will be grateful and you're way more likely to gain listeners if you give them something they really need.
2. Sharing is (Still) Caring. This is going to be the least shocking marketing tip of the decade. Do social media. Make sure you are using social media to promote your show but also, make sure that you are creating an opportunity for your listeners to connect with you and engage with you (ahem, that's the social part of social media). If you hate social media, hire someone who doesn't. It's still going to be one of the best ways to grow your audience - especially if you focus your efforts to where your ideal listener is already hanging out.
3. Be Findable. I'm not going to take you down the SEO rabbit hole but you do need to have enough of an online presence for people to find you and your podcast. Being on the podcast platform is not enough. I repeat. Just being on 10 podcast platforms is not going to do the trick. So, get yourself a podcast website or, better yet, add your podcast to your website and make sure you are doing all of the things you need to do to be found by search engines. You know, great show notes, an SEO rich title, and maybe some backlinks too (see tip #1). This can take some time to establish so start now if you're not already doing this.
4. Get on YouTube. I know what you're thinking...Blasphemy! Put aside your video-judgement and hear me out. There is one undeniable fact that you need to consider - YouTube is the second largest search engine on the internet. If you want to increase the number of people who discover you, get on YouTube. Now, I'm not suggesting that you have to start cranking out Steven Speilberg level productions. You can get by with a simple wave form and your background. If you want to step it up a notch, create a promo or other video content to support your podcast. And remember, YouTube is also a social media platform so don't forget to engage in the comments.
5. Marketing Funnels. Hold it. Now hold it! I don't want to lose you. I can already hear your ears starting to clench. This does not have to be complicated. But if you want your podcast to grow your business (not just your downloads) then you need to think of your listener's actions AFTER the episode is over. How can you continue to take care of them and help them solve their problem (you know, that thing you do for a business…). If you have something for them to do after listening, a way for them to take the next step in hiring you or buying from you, well, you've got yourself the start of a funnel. Just keep thinking about how to get them to take the next step. Your podcast can (and likely is) the top of your marketing funnel.

These are my top tips to help you get more listeners and have your podcast serve as a marketing tool to grow your business. But let me leave you with one key thought… none of those listeners are worth snot if they are not your ideal customer.

This is why marketing works so much better when your show is properly aligned with your business. A lot of entrepreneurs skip this when they start their podcast. They're just so dang excited to start a podcast they don't think about what it has to do with their business or how it's going to help them grow their business.

Is this you? Let's talk about it. I offer a free 15 minute coaching call that will help you get some serious clarity about aligning your show and your business. Book a time now and let's get you working in the right direction.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/