Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Your listener loves your show. You love having listeners who love your show.

The end.

Is that all you want out of your podcast? A love affair?

If you're podcasting for your business or if you have hopes of your podcast being your business, love isn't going to cut it.

You need ACTION! But if your listeners don't know what that action is, they won't take it.

Image you're leading a hike. Everyone meets you at the trailhead. They're excited as you tell them about the trail ahead, what they'll see, how many times you've hiked it, the history of the trail. Then you bust out your snacks. You offer up your trail mix recipe. People think you're awesome.

Here's the problem. People want to start the hike and you haven't told them which way to go. You haven't given them a map. You haven't even pointed them in the right direction. They're all just hanging out. Sure, they're having a good time but YOU. ARE. ALL. GETTING. NOWHERE!

Don't do this with your podcast! Be the guide. Tell them how to get started on their journey with you.

So, let me ask you a question that I ask everyone who connects with me for one of my free 15-minute coaching sessions...

What do you want your listeners to DO after listening to your podcast?

Don't feel bad if you aren't sure. A lot of the people I talk to aren't sure.

But, you should figure this out. What you want them to do - that next step you want them to take - is going to seriously impact what your podcast is all about!

Let me give you a hint - it probably has something to do with engagement which probably has something to do with converting.

You might want them to convert from a passive listener to a subscriber, from a subscriber to a fan on social media, from a fan to a customer, from a customer to a raving lunatic of a promoter of your show… you get the picture.

So, what is the next step you want them to take? Once you figure that out - make sure you TELL THEM.

Don't assume it's obvious. You have to tell them what to do and how to do it. You have to have a call to action.

That could be to subscribe, follow you on social media, download something from your website, or work with you.

Whatever it is, you have to invite them to take that next step.

Not sure what that looks like for your show? Maybe you don't have a show yet and you want to make sure you start right by KNOWING what the listener's next step should be?

Take this step: Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me.

We'll figure it out together.

I know it's hard NOT to talk about the Coronavirus. I know it may even seem weird to do a podcast during a global pandemic without it being about this crisis.

But, I think we can all agree - there are enough people talking about it. So, that's why in this episode, I explain why you shouldn't talk about Coronavirus or COVID-19 in your podcast.

Stay in your lane. Talk about what your podcast is actually ABOUT.

Now, if you're a doctor, health care professional or your podcast has always been about infectious diseases then go forth and discuss. For the rest of us, it's probably not necessary.

Think about it this way. Right now, people are full-up on COVID-19 talk. It's everywhere. Unavoidable. What they really want and need is something else to think about.

That's where you can come in. Give them a real taste of what you have to offer with your podcast. If their first listen of your show is wall to wall virus-talk, they won't really get a sense of how super-fantastic-awesome you are.

I get that you might want to talk about how this outbreak is impacting your niche. And, you might want to give some tips on how people in your niche can respond or survive how this might be interrupting their business. That's all good. But, one episode. Not a month's worth.

If you simply must talk COVID, use one of your other outlets like your newsletter, social media, or even create a bonus episode that you can delete later. Because someday (soon, I hope) this will all be in the rearview and you don't need a bunch of out of place podcasts and confusing the purpose of what you do.

Stay connected with your fans (especially if you have to take a break) and give them the podcast they came for.

That's what they need from you right now.

Do you need more from me right now? Book a free 15-minute coaching session or binge listen to my podcast tips.

100 episodes is a milestone in the world of podcasting. It took me a long time to get here and the road was bumpy. That might seem like a strange thing for a podcast coach to admit but I'm just like you - and I had to learn some lessons the hard way.

In this special episode of Just the Tip, I break from my usual format to reflect a little on the journey so far, the key lessons I learned as a podcaster and entrepreneur, and how all of that made me a better podcast coach.

Here's a confession that might surprise you - I almost didn't make it here. I actually quit my podcast after 37 episodes. Or, so I thought.

The podcast world was not done with me, and as it turned out, the best was yet to come.

When I came back, I had pivoted my podcast and found a way to better serve a more niche audience - entrepreneurs & business owners using podcasting to grow their authority and market their business.

There were three main lessons that I learned that helped me make my podcast worth doing. I share these in depth in this episode, but here they are for your reference.

Know Your Why

Why you're podcasting may seem like a simple question, but time and again, I meet podcasters who can't really answer this question. Getting clear on why I was podcast was a big reason I was able to restart my podcast with more intention.

Niche, Baby

I've dedicated a lot of time in my podcast to why and how to niche because it is a big component of success. This was true for me and it's been true for all of my clients. Knowing who you are specifically talking to makes it much easier to connect with them through your podcast.

It Takes Time

Podcasting is a long game - results from your podcast take time.Yes, there are exceptions to this rule. Yes, there are some shortcuts (that you'll likely have to pay for with no guarantees). But, for the most part, podcasting demands time, commitment and consistency to be effective.

When you listen back to my past 99 podcasts, I think you'll hear that these core lessons learned are all apparent in the many tips I share. Here's to 100 more!

And I hope that's just the 100 tips you need… otherwise, connect with me to find out how I can help you get your show started right or back on track so that it serves you, your audience, and your business.

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

A lot of entrepreneurs wonder whether podcasting will be worth their time and effort. Does podcasting really have a good ROI?

The answer is yes if you're trying to grow your brand's authority. If you want to increase your reach and have more people know, like, and trust you - then you need a podcast.

In this episode, I share three ways that podcasting will help increase your authority. Scratch that, in this episode, I share 4 ways.

Here are the three ways a podcast will boost your authority in your niche.

1. Social Proof

It might be a little surface, but let's face it - just having a podcast gets you one step up on someone who doesn't. People see that podcast on your website and in your social media feeds and they instantly think you MUST know something. But, that's not the only social proof. You'll also be tapped for more guest interviews (on other podcasts and in the media) when you have a podcast and that is further social proof that you are the go-to authority on a topic.

2. Showing Off Your Expertise

Not everyone is going to believe the hype! The good news is that your well produced, content rich podcast can be the pudding (you know, where the proof is). Once they get an earful of your brilliance, your authority factor notches up a peg or two. And, after many episodes of delivering the goods, you'll be synonymous with the topic you're an expert on for your listeners. Talk about authority!

3. KLT - Know, Like, and Trust Factor

For those who haven't encountered this term - it's what digital marketers consider the key to converting a customer. First they have to know who you are, second they have to like you, what you stand for, or what you sell, and then they have to trust that you are the right person to buy from. So, unless you're a jerk (and since you're listening to my podcast, I'm going to bet you're NOT), rubbing your brilliance all over their earballs each week is going to definitely help the know you, probably result in them liking you and definitely improve your odds that they'll buy from you.

Yes, I said there's a fourth way - but you'll have to give to the show a listen (after all, it's packed with authority building goodness and it's only 6 minutes!)

If you've already got a podcast, keep it up. You've probably enjoyed an instant authority boost and the benefits will keep coming.

If you haven't started a podcast for your business - it's not too late! Sure, the podcast market is getting crowded but you can still see an authority boost. Nobody has a podcast featuring you, right? The key is to do it right from the beginning.

Having a podcast is better for your authority than NOT having a podcast!

If you'd like to find out how I help business owners and entrepreneurs develop a podcast that is sure to amplify your authority, book a free, no obligation call with me today. I'll walk you through the 9 steps to starting a podcast right.

Here's a link to my calendar. Click it and grab a time that works for you.

Picture a sandbox. A good sized sandbox. Now, bend down and pick up some sand. Now, single out one grain. That's your podcast in the podcast universe and it's getting more and more crowded every day. How will you avoid getting lost? How will you stand out?

This might seem like an insane analogy. It's not. According to Chartable, 294,736 new podcasts jumped into the podcast sandbox last year. Yep, that's more than a quarter of a million podcasters with the most amazing podcast idea.

Just like you.

Or, are you different?

Whether you haven't started your podcast or you already have a podcast, it's hard not to be intimidated by this monstrous number. It's hard not to think about how big that number will grow in 2020 given that the numbers continue to trend UP!

How about if we agree to take this little bit of insight and use it to inspire us to do better. How about if we treat this whole podcast thing like we give a bleep?

Okay, now that we're on the same page, let me share my top three tips for standing out in the swelling sea of podcasts.

1. Have a Plan & Purpose!

If you're starting a podcast make sure that if you look at the competition, get clear on who you're creating the podcast for (and probably niche down), align your podcast with your business, and locate that super special place in the podiverse just for you. Already launched? No problem, do those things too and be prepared to pivot if your plan/purpose is ten shades of meh.

1. Market like a Mother!

Oh, hello, marketing. Yes! You need to market your podcast. Now more than ever. I don't care how perfect your podcast is, if you don't tell people it exists and where to find it, you will not be crowned Podcast Darling 2020!

1. Don't Suck!

You're listening to this podcast, so you're probably a good distance from sucksville. If you think you may be suffering from suckosis, take advantage of my free 15 minute coaching call. Seriously. I rescue podcasts from suckdom for free. I can't help myself.

Okay - that's pretty easy to follow. Are we all feeling a little better now about the ballooning podcast landscape? Good, let's enjoy some of the best Christmas cake in the world - I got it from that new place in the Christmas cake district. You know the one…

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

Or, get serious about this podcast idea of yours and find out about my Concept to Casting program. Let's chat.

So you've got a podcast or you're planning to create a podcast and you're focusing so much attention on your show that you think maybe, just maybe, you can skip the whole having a website for your podcast thing. EEENGHH! Wrong.

I get these questions all the time. Do I need a website for my podcast? Is my Apple podcast page enough? Can't I just use my social media channels instead of building a website for my podcast?

I think that this comes from podcasters (or would be podcasters) feeling overwhelmed by all the time and work they are already putting into their podcast. The idea of also creating a website feels like just too much work. So, if they can skip that step, they'll happily do that.

Sorry to break the news to you. You can't skip out on creating a website for you podcast - or at least having a page on your current website for your podcast. You need more than a social media page, more than the Apple podcast page, more than what your podcast host (like Libsyn) is going to create for you automatically.

Here's why.

You are podcasting to serve your audience and build a relationship with them. If you don't provide a way for them to continue that relationship, then you are failing them. And yourself. And your business.

You want to have full control of the platform that this happens on (which is why all of the other options like social media and iTunes are subpar).

If you are podcasting for your business, then you want to create a place where people can take that next step with your business. That might be accessing your show notes, the resources you offered, or a lead magnet you've created. Or, it might be hiring you or buying your stuff.

Plus, if you are podcasting for your business, a big benefit of having a podcast is building authority. Why wouldn't you want that all over your website?

If you are not podcasting for your business, but you still give two sniffs about your listener, then having a website is still a good idea. And, if you have hopes and dreams about attracting sponsors down the road, the website is going to add value to that sponsorship in a few different ways. So, having a website (that functions as a way for your listenership to engage with you beyond listening to your podcast) is going to make your listenership more loyal and more valuable to sponsors!

So, what should you have on your podcast website?

I outline it in this episode but here's the good news - not much. A few pages.

1. Your podcast page which has a podcast player and show notes for each episode. This could be your home page.
2. An about page so that people who already like you can satisfy their curiosity and (if you're not the devil) fall even more in love with you. Include pictures!
3. A contact page that includes your social media links and a way for people to connect with you.
4. A subscribe button or two. Let your fans know how to subscribe to your podcast or your newsletter or both!

Taaa Da.

There are obviously other pages you could add, like a Work With Me page, Services, Products, Resources, a sales page, or a lead page but these four are the bare minimum to start with.

If you already have a website for your business, then all you really need to do is add a podcast page. BUT, make sure it's visible and easy for eager listeners to find. I can't tell you how many websites I've gone to where finding their podcast is like finding real treasure on Oak Island. Don't make me hunt for it (and certainly don't expect 7 to die trying)!

Having a website is going to help you better serve your listener, which will make your relationship with your listener better and improve the chances of you reaching your podcast goals.

I'd love to take a look at your podcast website. Send me a link by email.

Or, take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call and let's see if we can't make your podcast (or planned podcast) even more effective! Click here for direct access to my calendar.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages ON MY WEBSITE at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com

You've decided to do a podcast. You've recorded a couple of episodes. And then you re-recorded them. And now, they're sitting their collecting digital dust because you don't know if they're good enough. Sound familiar? You've got Podcast Launch Paralysis.

First of all - it's common. At least half of my coaching clients are dealing with this. It might stem from anxiety of it not being perfect, fear of putting yourself out there, or straight-up self-esteem issues. It doesn't matter why, the fact is you're stuck in perpetual launch.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I give you the quintessential checklist to determine if you're ready to launch. If your episode (or first three episodes) have these 3 things, you can rest assured that your podcast is good enough to launch.

Here's what you need to be sure of in order to get your podcast out into the world.

• Audio Quality

The audio of your podcast has to be listenable. By this, I mean that the quality of your audio has to meet a bare minimum. It can't distract the listener from your message (or worse, hurt the listener's ears). Not sure if you audio quality it good enough? Start by learning HOW to listen to your podcast and then determine if you've hit the bare minimum of quality. Can you check this off your list? Let's move on.

• Audience-Centric

I talk about this all the time because it is essential - you much be audience-centric! Here's how you can determine if you are. Listen to the podcast in question and ask yourself, what's in it for the listener. If you can't answer that or if the answer is, 'not much' then you do need to do better. Your podcast is for your listener. If you aren't bringing value, then it's not good enough. But, before you freak out - remember that not every podcast episode has to be the golden ticket to listener bliss. Just make sure that there's value, that they have a take away, that you haven't wasted their time. Yes? Okay, it's time for the final check-point!

• Aligned with your Business

Despite your podcast's absolute, undeniable need to be listener-centric, it also has to serve you and your business. If you are podcasting as a way to increase the visibility of your business, to build brand awareness, or to grow your authority, then you need to make sure that your launch episode(s) are aligned with that purpose. Does it serve your 'why'? Is it on-brand? Have you created an episode with intention? Then, check this one off the list.

Now, if you've gone 3/3 then give yourself a high five and hit publish. You're podcast-worthy.

Still wavering? Still got that gross knot in your stomach? Good - that means you care. It means your audience and your business matter to you. That is exactly why you need to get your podcast out there. You've got something to share. Don't keep it to yourself just because it's not perfect.

Confidence comes with clarity. Today, you've gotten clear on the most important 3 elements of your podcast. You can be confident that you're ready.

Remember, you don't just have one crack at this. Most launches include a trailer and 3 episodes. This gives potential listeners ample opportunity to get a really good sense of what you have to offer. It's not all hinging on one episode!

So, get over it and get on with it.

Still not sure. Wow. That was some of my best cheerleading. I hate to say it but you might need some professional help. Good news. I'm a professional podcast coach and I'd be happy to work with you.

If you haven't even reached the 'I'm so nervous about launching these episodes' stage yet. Good! I love helping business owners from square one of their podcast journey through my Concept to Casting program. It's a done-with-you customized coaching program where we develop your podcast to ensure it sounds great, serves your ideal audience, and your business.

It all starts with a free 15-min. coaching call. Click here to access my calendar and book a time that's convenient for you.

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

If you listen to only one tip in the entire history of this podcast filled with tips for podcasts, let it be this one.

Drum roll, please.

Be listener-centric.

Oh wow, I could almost hear the disappointment from here. But wait, you may know that this is the most important thing in podcasting (if you don't go and listen to pretty much any of my past episodes).

If you've been listening, you know all about how listener-centric podcasts can make your podcast easier to produce, easier to promote, and have a bigger impact on your audience. But, do you know how to make your podcast MORE listener-centric?

Ah-ha! See, this is a good episode because I'm going to share three ways to make you sure that you are super listener-centric.

I lay it all out in this episode so hit play and fill your earballs with pure podcaster gold.

Or, keep reading if you've got something against podcasts.

Huh, still here, eh?

Okay so the three ways to make your podcast even more listener-centric.

• Engage Your Audience

We all know that the name of the game is getting your audience to engage with you but what about swinging things around the other way. Sure, you share your message with them but are you using your podcast as a way to start a conversation with them? What about the other ways you communicate with them like an email list? Are you just pushing information out without giving them the opportunity (or encouragement) to answer back? There are so many ways to make podcasting a two way conversation. These conversations can help you better understand your audience and then, better serve them with your podcast. This might mean going to where they are and engaging with them there. Yes, you may have to step out of your podcast sandbox and go play nice on someone else's turf. It'll be fine. Your listeners (and potential listeners) are awesome. Go hang out with them!

• Check the Data

There are a lot of ways to figure out who is listening and what they want to hear besides having a conversation with them. You have access to analytics through your social media platforms, you can check your Google analytics to find out who is coming to your website, and your email marketing platform may offer demographic details. Get to know who your talking to better by looking at who is actually listening. You may discover that your avatar is not who you thought! Data can also help you better understand what your listeners want to hear. Look at the most popular shows and see if there's a trend in the topics or content. These are all clues that will help you better serve your listener.

• Picture Your Listener

I have this trick that I like to use and I suggest to all of my clients. It's simple. Create a visual reminder of your avatar. Most podcasters have a loose description of their avatar or ideal listener. You know: age, gender, occupation, etc. But, knowing who you're talking to is only the beginning of really committing to being listener-centric. You have to feel like you know them so that you can talk directly to them on your show. The best way to do this is to put a picture that represents that avatar right behind your microphone. It could be a picture of a real client who was your ideal client or it could be selected from an image search. It doesn't matter - just get their mug up behind your mic and it will make a huge difference. In fact, I challenge you to do this for the next 3 months and then report back to me about whether you felt more connected (and your audience engagement went up).

Check in with your avatar before you hit record (it should be part of your pre-record checklist). Ask yourself, 'Is this episode's topic something that matters to my listener? Will my listener get a win out of today's episode?' If the answer is yes, then move on. If the answer is no, it's time to get back to the drawing board and make a better episode!

So, to recap, remember the 3 Rs.

1. Reach-out and engage more with your audience
2. Research the analytics for more deets on who you're talking to and what they want.
3. Remember who your listener is by posting a picture of them

If you do that, you'll have a much more listener-centric podcast and you'll reap all of the rewards. And, I'll be proud of you.

Now, go on and get out of here before I get all choked up. Listen to the damn podcast.

And, if you need help getting more listener-centric or starting a listener-centric podcast, I'd be happy to lend a hand. It all starts with a free 15-minute coaching call.

Everyone wants to know, 'what makes a podcast good?' Ask 10 podcast listeners and you'll get 10 different answers. The truth is, there's one critical thing that every good podcast has. In this episode of Just the tip, I reveal what that is and how it can make your podcast good (even great).

I see this question about podcasts all the time, especially on social media. The answers range from good sound quality, the performance of the host, to the content and even the music.

All of those things are elements of a good podcast, but when you think about it, each one of these things is subjective. What's not subjective, is the intention.

Is the podcaster delivering on their promise to their listener? Is the intention of the podcast being delivered consistently, every episode?

If you've listened to my show AT ALL, you know that I'm all about being listener-centric so it should come as no surprise when I tell you that the answer to the question of 'what makes a podcast good?' has only one answer. That's up to the intended audience.

Let's look at it from a different medium. Are smultzy made-for-TV holiday movies good? If you ask someone who wants to spend every waking hour playing Mindcraft, the answer is going to be a 'hell-no!' But, if you ask someone who's snuggled under their favorite blanket and already clutching their box of tissues, well the answer between the sobs is a mushy yes.

Apply this to podcasting. Apply this to your podcast.

Here are a few questions that will help you determine whether your podcast is good.

What experience do you intend to deliver to your audience? And, are you delivering?

Is the podcast serving your listener in the intended way?

Is your podcast respectful of the listener's time?

Are you ever lazy about planning or putting together your podcast?

Can people comfortably listen to your podcast or is it an assault to their earballs?

Are you putting your listener first (and yes, I do mean ahead of your ego)?

It's all about delivering on the intention of your podcast and serving your listener!

This is true whether you're like most of my clients and have a podcast that is a marketing tool for your business, you're building your personal brand, authority or visibility, or even if you're just podcasting for the fun of it. You're intention is likely to inform, educate, inspire, or entertain - if you're not delivering on that intention, your podcast is not good.

The good news is, you can make your podcast good. Now you know the secret so go figure out what the intention is, do what you say you're going to do, and treat your listeners like gold.

I know this seems simple, but if you're struggling with it (and MANY people do) I can help. Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call and lets see if we can get you in the good (podcasting) books. Click here to access my calendar and book a time that works for you.

Learn more about podcasting good on my website https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

How niche can you go? How niche should you go? And, how do you pull it off?

Niching scares the crap out of podcasters. I think they're afraid that if they target a smaller audience, they'll have a small success. If you still think this way, check out the case study in my last podcast. Or, maybe it's the only thing they're afraid of is that they won't become pod-stars with millions and millions of followers.

Okay, if you're prepared to get over yourself and take advantage of the power of the niche then let's talk about how to pull it off successfully. In this episode, I outline two easy ways to narrow your podcast so that you can build a more loyal and engaged audience.

1. Niche Down Your Topic

The first option in niching your podcast is to shave a few inches off your topic. Just, trim the fat a little. So, this might look like going from having a podcast about pets to having a podcast about dogs. Or, having a podcast about cars to having a podcast about American-made cars. As you can see, it would be easy to continue to niche down from here. You could take a podcast about dogs and make it a podcast about herding dogs or lap dog. Go a little smaller and do a podcast about french bulldogs or Aussiedoodles. Yes, you can get very small and there may be a rabid audience for it. Oh, sorry bad word to use when talking about dogs.

The niching can get even smaller. You could go with Aussiedoodles in Arkansas, Skipping Rope for Charity, or Fixing Ford trucks built in the 90s. Get specific about the 'what' you talk about and/or add in a 'where,' 'why' or a 'when' to get even more niche.

The thing is, if you hyper-focus your topic, you become more of an authority for that very specific thing. And, remember my analogy from last week? Everyone would rather get a pizza from a restaurant that only makes pizza because you know they KNOW pizza!

2. Niche Down Your Target Audience

The second option is to find a subsection of your current or original target audience. Every audience has a smaller group within it. The most obvious way to niche your audience is by demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, location, marital status) but you can also niche down according to psychographics like religion, beliefs, or desires.

Another option is to find a shared experience for your audience like men who went to business school or anyone who loves to bungee jump.

You guessed it, you can keep niching this way too. Maybe it's men who went to Harvard business school or Christians who love to bungee jump. How about Christian women in their 20's who love bungee jumping and have an MBA. Too niche?

You Can Niche Too Far

Yes, it is possible to niche too far. Although, if you want to feel really good about hitting your goals, you could create a super nichy niche podcast like 'podcast for my mom' and then when you have 1 download per episode you're crushing it. I mean that is if you're the kind of person who write 'make to-do list' at the top of their to-do list just so they can check one thing off.

So, how do you really know if you've niched down too much?

Here are a few ways to check.

1. You can't come up with 50 episode topics.
2. You research the new topic or sub-avatar group and there just aren't enough people who qualify.
3. Someone tried before and had to up-niche to make it work.

If any of these are true, you might want to go one level up in your niching. Remove one of the limiters to your audience or your topic.

It is possible to have a very successful niche podcast. It's hard to focus on limiting the appeal of your podcast but when you get it right, you'll discover the power of niching and end up with a much more loyal and engaged audience.

Need some help niching? Or, maybe you haven't started your podcast yet and you're just realizing that your idea is WAY too broad. I'm happy to help. Hit me up for a FREE 15. That's a free 15 minute coaching call with me, your podcast performance coach. Access my calendar on https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ and book a time that works for you.