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Does your podcast have themes buckets? Breaking News: it needs them!
"Uh, Coach, what's a podcast theme?"
So glad you asked, Billy.
A podcast theme is where you place the topics of your show. It's a grouping of topics or, if you come from the world of blogs, categories.
Basically - it's a way to organize your show content into specific groups.
And the reason it's so critical to your show's survival is because they can keep you from making a bad decision. You know, like that little voice inside your head that says, "maybe you can't leap from rooftop to rooftop like Tom Cruise."
A bad podcast decision isn't quite as deadly as that but it can cost you listeners.
When you don't control your content by containing it in theme buckets you're free to have episodes about anything and everything. And while that might be amusing for you (and maybe your co-host) it most certainly is not of value to your listener.
I have four themes on my show. Can you guess what they are? It doesn't really matter if you don't know - the point is, my job is to create a podcast that serves your needs as an entrepreneur looking to start or improve their podcast. So, any time I think of a topic, I see if it fits into one or more of my buckets. If it doesn't, I don't do it.
You can attract listeners to your show all kinds of ways but turning them into a subscriber and frequent listener requires consistency in your content. They need to know that you're always going to be dishing up what they want, need, and love.
If you start doing shows on random topics, you could lose them forever. I've got a thing for Bonsai but if I start doing shows about that, you're probably going to stop listening.
So, having theme buckets helps you determine if an episode topic is right for your show or something that you might want to give a pass. It can be the big muscle-bound bouncer with a tight grip on that velvet rope.
Picture this. A topic comes up and it clearly fits into one of your theme buckets… come on in, good to see ya. Another topic comes up that doesn't fit into your themes. See ya buddy. Not on the list. Take a hike, this podcast is not for you.
Just because YOU are interested in a topic that doesn't mean it's right for your show. You have to remember who you're making this show for… your listener. And they want to keep the club exclusive.
Not sure what your themes are or should be? I bet we could figure it out together in 15 minutes. Book your free 15-minute coaching call with me and let's find out.
At the time of recording, we're still in the thick of that damn pandemic and pretty much everyone is ready to get to a post-zoom-meeting world.
So, I'm sure today's tip is going to come as a welcome suggestion - get the hell off Zoom.
Sorry, this is not a 'get out of Zoom free' card and you can't use me to get out of marathon work meetings or awkward family gatherings via Zoom. (oh, what the hell - go ahead, what do I care!)
But, I'm really only talking about ditching this platform as a place to hold and record podcast interviews.
I know, I know - it's an easy place to get people to meet and record. But, do you want your podcast to sound like it was easy or do you want it to sound GOOD!?
Zoom delivers compressed audio.
Think of it like watching TV on standard def. Yeah, you can see everything but it's not the high quality it could be… and when you friends come over, they are definitely going to notice!
If you're podcasting for your business… imagine creating a TV ad with your 1996 flip-phone. That's what you're doing if you're recording your podcast on Zoom.
But, Coach Wally… what am I supposed to do?
I am so glad you asked!
I review a few options for you in this episode (including how you can stick with Zoom and still get great sounding audio but *spoiler alert* it's not an easy work around).
More importantly, I share 4 of alternatives to Zoom for recording podcasts. And the good news is, they all sound better because they were built with the podcaster in mind!
Here are ZOOM alternatives you should consider if you want your podcast to sound next level.
Squadcast.fm I love squadcast. You can see your guest and record high quality audio at the same time. They've got great support and are working hard to bring the video recording feature to their platform but it's not possible yet (soon, they say…). Still, this is one of the options I recommend to my clients.
Riverside.fm This is my new fave. I love their interface. I love the local recording. You not only get great high quality audio but you also get high quality video that you can download. So, if you're doing video and podcasting, this is your platform.
Zencastr.com This platform has a free version that provides high quality audio and is super easy for both you and your guest. They've introduced the option to record video but it's still in beta.
Ringr.com Another option providing high quality audio. They have a lot of options but these also make it more complicated. No video option at this time. But if you just need audio. This is a solid option.
Which one is right for you? The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether video connection is important (do you need to see who you're interviewing) and do you need to be able to download high quality video from your interview?
Whichever you choose, they are ALL better than Zoom.
Does your podcast need more than a quick tip to get it performing? How about a free 15-minute call with me? Click here and grab a spot on my calendar.
When people hear I'm a podcast coach they want to know, 'is it worth starting a podcast for my business?'.
The answer is: maybe. Timing is everything and it totally depends on where you are in your business development.
In this week's episode, I cover when to start a podcast for your business - and when NOT to start a podcast for your business.
So, should you start a podcast for your business? Here is question number one in figuring that out.
Are you actually a business? I'm not being smug… okay, maybe a little bit but really, have you met me?
What I mean by that is, are you making money or are you still at the idea stage of your business? Do you have systems in place to deal with community engagement, leads, and sales? You want to be in business before you can start using podcasting as a marketing tool.
There are three key reasons this is important.
So, is it worth starting a podcast for your business? Heck yeah - if you have a business. And, if you have the time and/or the resources to do it right. And, if you know what you want your podcast to DO for your business... then the answer is YES - it is worth starting a podcast as a marketing tool.
Okay - did you pass the test?
Is it time for you to start a podcast for your business? Listen to Episode 77 for my quick tips on how to start a podcast right.
Or, book a free 15-minute call with me to find out how I can help get you from concept to casting.
Your interview is too long. I mean, it's waaaay longer than your normal interviews.
This has happened for one of two reasons:
Either way - you've failed your listener!
Yep, I said it. You stopped thinking about your audience and now you expect them to suffer through a way too long episode just because you failed to think of them first.
Fear not - we can still save your show, share all of the juicy goodness from your guest, and keep your listener happy.
What magic do I speak of? The Interview Time Warp ™ ← just kidding, it's not trademarked but credit me if you use it, okay?
The Interview Time Warp is a technique that allows you to cut giant chunks of time out of your interview without leaving anything out.
Here's how to do it:
Okay, let me give you an example. Your guest finished a salient point. You give it a breath and then come in with your time warp, "The conversation took a turn here and we spent the next twenty minutes talking about XYZ. My guest shared these three key tips (1, 2, 3). Then I asked her …"
Simple and sexy, if I do say so myself. And the best part, you can do this more than once if you need to. (If you're hitting double digits on the time warps, you REALLY need to consider working on your interview skills!)
Two More Mind-Blowing Ways to Use The Interview Time Warp
The main thing to keep in mind here is that you need to respect and value your listener. And that means, delivering a consistent show that serves their needs. They come to you for the goods, don't make them ride that skip button or, gasp, listen at double-time just to get through your over-extended conversation.
Speaking of time travel, if you want to make a hyperjump in getting results from your podcast, I can help. It starts with a free 15-minute coaching call with me. Access my calendar here to get the flux capacitor fired up...
https://podcastperformancecoach.com/
Are you phoning it in when it comes to your show notes? Stop!
Don't underestimate the value of podcast show notes. They're not just something you 'have' to fill in when you upload!
If you've ever listened to my show before then you know that I'm a HUGE proponent for serving your listener. And, hellur, show notes are all about serving your listener.
But, ahem, don't tell anyone, they also serve you and your business - if you do them right.
What are Show Notes?
A lot of people think of show notes as that paragraph that you pop into the 'description' field when you upload your show. This is short-sighted. Show notes should be a comprehensive outline of what the listener will hear in each episode and they should be jam-packed with great information.
Think of them as a blog about the episode that (in addition to being in your description) lives on your website (along with a podcast player). They should be at least 500 words and, if they're done right, they can really help your show get found and appreciated.
How do Show Notes Help Your Podcast?
There are a few ways that they help you grow your podcast and your reach.
First, they show your audience that you care enough about the information you're providing that you actually put some effort into sharing that information.
There is a lot to having good search engine optimization but one of the keys is to have quality content that is posted consistently to your website (that search engines can actually find and catalog). Just having the audio on your website, is not going to accomplish this but having good show notes for each episode will. Good SEO is going to increase the chances of your podcast (and your website) getting found when people are searching your subject matter.
If you are podcasting for your business, then one of the key goals of your podcast is likely to get people visiting your website. Here, they will find links in your show notes that allow them to consume more of your website's content, follow links to your products or offer, or contact you. Sweet.
Want to know How to Write Good Podcast Notes?
The first rule is to create show notes that you would want to read. Think about how they look (nobody wants to stare at long blocks of text). Consider including bullet points, graphs or images (especially if you mentioned it in your show!) Here are few other things to include:
If you do all of this, you will definitely be serving your listener better and you likely see the rewards in terms of improved organic search, boosted know-like-and-trust factor with your audience, and increased sales.
So, don't underestimate those podcast show notes… they might just be the last step in making your podcast a powerful marketing tool for your business.
Speaking of taking the next step - if you're serious about turning your podcast into a powerful marketing tool for your business, you should definitely hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. What do you have to lose? Check out my calendar and book a chat right away.
https://podcastperformancecoach.com/
https://calendly.com/timwohlberg
Where do new podcasters waste their energy and where should they put their energy when starting a podcast?
This excellent question was sent in by podcaster, Andrew Petty of Andrew Petty is Dying. Thanks for asking.
My response is simple - how instead of why.
Hmmm… I guess that's a bit confusing. Here's what I mean.
Too many podcasters decide they have a great idea for a show and then spend the next 3 months trying to figure out the best equipment and process for getting a podcast out there.
Newsflash - how to podcast is the easy part! You don't need the best equipment when you start, you just need the Bare Minimum (as I explain in episode 67).
Common sense to ego, come in ego… the best mic in the world isn't going to make your podcast an overnight sensation.
If all you focus on is the tech, you're going to be sorely disappointed when you peak out at 35 listeners (and, when you realize that half a dozen of those are you automatic downloads from your family who stopped listening at episode 4).
This is why figuring out the tech stuff is a colossal waste of energy for new podcasters. Especially because it takes away from what they really SHOULD be putting some energy into.
Ahem.
Wait for it.
Making a show people want to listen to.
Yes, that's right. Your big fat sexy microphone can't make up for the crappy content.
Before you ever press record, you need to do the foundational work.You need to figure out WHY you're creating a podcast. And, if the answer is 'because I have the best idea ever!', or, 'because I've always wanted to have a podcast.' then you need to dig deeper.
Unless of course, this is a hobby podcast and you're literally doing it so you can listen to it and think about how brilliant you are… then fill your narcissist boots and enjoy yourself!
If, on the other hand, you want to create a podcast for your business (to build your authority, establish yourself as a thought leader, and serve your ideal customer), then you need to think about them when you create your show. You need to put a lot more energy into why they would listen, how the show will serve them, and how it will serve you in your business.
This is where you need to put your energy because an entertaining show that consistently delivers value-bombs to their ideal audience is going to be oh-so much more successful than a show where the only thing going for it is a $500 mic with a custom windsock and perfectly angled pop screen.
Put your energy into your audience and your podcast will pay you back in fans.
If you need help figuring out your WHY before you start your podcast (or if you need to resuscitate your podcast), connect with me for my free 15-minute coaching call. I'll walk you through the 3 key steps in building a solid podcast foundation. I'll even tell you exactly which mic to buy and save you a trip down the rabbit hole!
All you need (mic, software and podcast host) is listed here on my RESOURCES page.
Your audience loves you. They just can't get enough. They want more and more content from you.
It's a good problem to have, but make no mistake it can still be a problem.
"Even podcasters that are doing well still need help!" This was the last line of an email I got from Jamie Irvine, host of The Heavy Duty Parts Report.
I shared his podcast journey into the world of super-niching in episode 92 and this week, I got another update email from him. He's still killing it and his business is growing. In fact, his niche audience is starting to spread to people who are outside of the very small niche of heavy duty truck parts guys.
And, that's where the challenges come from. Jamie wrote about all of the other content he's been creating to serve these fans from outside of his niche. The podcast has attracted them but they want more information about stuff that just doesn't fit into the promise of his original podcast concept.
He's happy to provide it but the line between what fits into the podcast and what's outside it are getting blurry.
Essential, he wrote to ask me if I thought he should broaden his podcast to include these new avatars, if he should create a new podcast for them, or if he should keep serving them on the side like he is now.
Spoiler alert - he's a pretty smart guy! Listen to the podcast to find out my advice for Jamie!
If you find yourself in the same boat of contemplating a podcast pivot to be more broad in order to serve a larger (demanding) audience. Congratulations… but before you pivot, consider these questions:
If you answer yes to any of the above, then you might not want to mess with a good thing.
Remember, your podcast is just the jumping off point for your business - it's not meant to give them everything they need. You WANT them to seek you out beyond the podcast. That's how you turn a listener into a fan and a fan into a customer - just like Jamie is doing.
Speaking of Jamie - did you know that I met him when he took me up on my free 15-minute call? It was a free coaching call and it was on that call that we first hatched the idea that he should go super-niche. And look at him now. Wouldn't you like to be like Jamie?
Book a free 15-minute coaching call and let's talk about your podcast or podcast idea.
You record an awesome interview, an enlightened conversation with your co-host, or you nail a solo episode only to discover that you sound like crap.
Your mic wasn't on and the computer used the internal mic instead. Or, maybe it wasn't connected. Or the settings slipped back to some old default that sounds terrible. Whatever it was, you sound terrible.
You're gutted. And you know you have nobody to blame but yourself… ouch, that was harsh. Okay, let me back it up here a second. No need to play the blame game right now.
It happens to everyone. Even pros. It really does.
So, here are your options on how to deal with bad audio (due to using the wrong mic!)
Option 1
Say, "Screw it, my fans love me and they'll never stop loving me even if I offend their ears with my tin-can recording!" Yay, go have a beer and pat yourself on the back.
Just kidding. This is NOT an option. Seriously, put down that pint - we have to FIX this (and stop taking your hard-earned fans for granted!)
And, while we're talking about 'fixing things' and 'non-options', trying to correct it in post is not really an option either. Yes, you will find many videos on YouTube about how to EQ, sweeten, bump and boost your way out of this. But bump this up so you can really hear me - IT WILL STILL SOUND LIKE SHIT. Trying to rescue a garbage recording is like spraying febreeze on three day old fish. It might not be as fishy, but it still smells funky and nobody wants to have their nose in it for 30 minutes straight!
Option 2
Re-record. I know, it's hard to hear but it really is the best option. It might mean you have to muster your energy up for another round of solo recording, or you might have to convince your co-host that it'll be better the second time around, or, gulp, you might have to suck it up and ask that guest to give you their time again.
Most people are more forgiving than you might think because we've all dealt with technical issues and computer meltdowns at some point in our lives.
Who knows, maybe it'll be even better the second time! It'll certainly sound better because you definitely won't forget to check your mic settings this time (Right!?!)
Option 3
Clip show! This is where you take the best answers from your guest and you record yourself explaining the question and then playing the clip. Be careful with this option because it might be a total left turn from your normal podcast style and it might feel weird to your audience. But, if you can't re-record, this could be an option. Just know that it will require more editing, some producing skills and time for you to write around the clips and record your set-ups. All of that to say - this is not an easy way out and it is not going to save you time!
Option 4
Rub-a-dub-dub. Have you ever seen a movie where you swear the actor's voice is a little different or you're not entirely sure that his mouth is saying the same thing as his voice? This is a dub. The actor comes into a sound studio after the fact to re-record a section of his or her part because they didn't have clean sound, the performer mis-pronounced something or they changed the script a little.
This is the most time-consuming and difficult of your podcast recording rescues! You are going to need to re-record only YOUR parts. But, it will take some acting skills and some editing skills too.
I recommend you do it line by line. Listen to what you said and try to mimic your own voice exactly. Get the pitch right, the breaths, the energy, the reaction - all of it has to go into your performance if you want to make it sound seamless. And, hopefully - you haven't talked overtop of your guest too much!
Option 5
Trash it. If you can't get the guest back, and you don't have the time or skills to dub it or re-design it, then junk it. Do your audience a favor. Chalk it up as a reminder and move on.
These are your options for the first time this happens to you. And, to avoid it EVER happening again, make sure you have a solid pre-record checklist that includes checking your mic. I share a few tips on this (and demonstrate what I do) in this week's episode.
If you want more than the quick tips I share on this podcast, then take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call. Click here to find a time on my calendar.
Nobody likes to be duped. It's no fun being let down. Everyone wants to get what they came for. So, are you disappointing your listeners by not living up to your own hype?
Have you heard the term catfishing? It's that thing where people use a picture of someone else or them 20 years (and 50 pounds) ago on their dating profile to attract the very best mate. Perhaps they're delusional and think that they're winning personality will win over this person they've just hoodwinked into a date.
Newsflash - nobody wins. The catfisher looks like a grade A dink and the catfishee is filled with disappointment at best and total disillusionment with the scene at worst. Either way - nobody is getting laid.
So, what does this have to do with podcasting? Let me ask you, have you ever seen a cool logo for a show and thought, 'that looks good'? Or, read the description and thought, 'this show is right up my alley!'? Or, maybe you've even given a show a click and been seduced by a slick, professionally produced intro? And then… the disappointment comes in.
Well meaning podcasters are catfishing listeners and nobody wins. Because, let's face it - with a million podcasts (I'm not talking figuratively, there are A MILLION) out there, nobody is going to give a show a second chance if they feel like they've been sold a bill of goods that the show itself couldn't live up to.
Are you doing this?
Is your show art representative of your actual show? Does your show description describe what you actually deliver? Does your intro match the quality and energy of your actual show? Are you using click-bait style titles for your episodes just to get someone to click play?
You are not doing yourself a favor! Nobody wants to be let down.
I'm not saying get crappier show art or get rid of your awesomely produced intro. I'm saying STEP UP! Why don't you try living up to all that gloss? Why not serve your listener the show they so eagerly came to hear?
Your show will be better and your date, ehr, listener will be happy that they actually got what they came for.
Need help getting your show to live up to all that shiny, sparkly cover?
Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/
So, you want to be a podcast millionaire. You want a show so popular that advertisers will lob money bags at you non-stop.
You have two choices, keep dreaming or listen up for a reality check.
There are two ways to make money through podcasting. Last episode, I talked about using your podcast as a marketing tool for your business. In other words, using it to help your business make more money.
But, not every podcaster has a business. This means that if you want to make money through podcasting and you can't sell TO your audience, you have to SELL your audience. This might look like sponsorships or traditional ads.
This is a volume game (one that Joe Rogan is handily winning). The bigger your audience, the bigger the sponsor checks.
That doesn't mean that you can't sell a smaller audience. If you have a very loyal audience or if you have a niche audience that specific sponsors would love to connect with, then you can demand a higher price for your 'perfect fit' audience.
If the idea of finding a sponsor or advertiser has your headphones spinning, you might consider working with an agency. You won't take home as many money bags, but you won't have to work as hard to find them either.
Or, you can do your own deals. Here's what you can expect to be paid.
What you get paid will depend on your download numbers.
The price is based on CPM. That means cost per 1000 listeners.
The industry standard for a 30second ad is around $18/ad.
$15 for a 10-second ad and around $25 dollars for a 60 second ad.
These numbers could be as high as $50/ad depending on the show, audience and sponsor.
If you want to play the game of 'how much could I make?' then head to advertisecast.com and spend some time with their calculator.
If you're not quite ready for the big leagues or, maybe the idea of selling your audience doesn't sit well with you, there is another option - affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing covers a wide spectrum of opportunities. You might become an Amazon affiliate and make a few pennies for sharing product links to your audience. Or, you might become an affiliate for a service or product directly and make a few more pennies. At the other end of the spectrum is partnering with someone who you allow to come on your show to sell to your audience (in exchange for a nice little commission).
Whether you're advertising or affiliating, don't forget my podcasting mantra of being listener-centric. You don't want to ruin the listener's experience with excessive ads or ads that aren't appropriate for the audience. I'm not saying, 'don't advertise' but if you do, try to do it in a way that will help your listener. Accept advertisements for products your audience would actually be interested in. Doing this is a win-win because your audience learns about a cool product and the advertiser is more likely to see the rewards of sponsoring or advertising on your show.
It can be a bit of a slippery slope selling your audience in a way that says 'I still respect you…'
Which is why some podcasters choose to go a different path when it comes to monetization. They let the fans pay them. And, some fans are happy to do it if it means that you'll keep making your awesome podcast without commercial interruptions. There are a couple of ways to enable your fans to chip in. You can put a donate button on your website, sign up for a Patreon account, or use a crowdsourcing platform like Go Fund Me. Podcasters who've been successful at this often include perks or bonuses as certain contribution levels. For example, you might offer subscribers some access to premium content or show merch.
Speaking of swag - that's the final option in making some money off your podcast - sell cool stuff with your logo, motto, or mugs on it!
So, there are four ways to make money from your podcast (besides using it as a marketing tool):
You might not want to try all four at once. Remember, you worked hard to attract and grow your audience, you don't want to disrespect them by asking for money four different ways. Being Listener-Centric as a podcast means you think about them FIRST, not your bottom line.
Want to create a sponsor-worthy podcast or make yours more appealing to the masses? Why not book a free 15-minute coaching call and find out what to focus on next.
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