Podcast Insider

By Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett, Dave ClementsBusiness Technology Education How To Marketing

Podcast Insider episodes

November 22, 2023Transitioning Your Podcast Hobby to Your Podcast Business – PCI 372
Expert advice on elevating your podcast into a whole new adventure.
On today’s episode of Podcast Insider, we explore the dynamic world of podcasting and guide you through the ins and outs of turning your passion podcast hobby into your thriving podcast business. We assure you, it is possible to turn your beloved podcast hobby into a sustainable and profitable venture.
We share the ways in which you should evaluate transitioning your show into a business opportunity.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
From Podcast Hobby to Podcast Business
Turning a podcast hobby into a business involves a combination of content refinement, marketing, monetization, and consistent effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
1. Content Quality and Refinement
– Find Your Niche: Ensure your podcast has a specific focus or theme that differentiates it from others. This will attract a targeted audience.
– Invest in Equipment: Good sound quality is crucial. Invest in a high-quality microphone, headphones, and recording software.
– Consistent Schedule: Release episodes consistently, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This helps retain listeners.
– Engaging Content: Bring on interesting guests, cover relevant topics, and ensure your content is both informative and entertaining.
2. Build an Online Presence
– Website: Create a website for your podcast where listeners can find episodes, show notes, and any other related content.
– Social Media: Engage with listeners on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and interact with your audience.
– Email List: Build an email list to notify subscribers of new episodes or any other updates.
3. Monetization Strategies
– Sponsorships: Once you have a consistent number of listeners, approach companies for sponsorships. These can be episode-specific or long-term partnerships.
– Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission on sales made through your referral links.
– Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers.
– Listener Donations: Platforms like Patreon allow listeners to support creators through monthly donations in exchange for exclusive content or other perks.
– Paid Subscriptions: Offer premium content or ad-free episodes for paying subscribers.
-V4V: Podcasting 2.0 features allow for value4value options to easily make money such as the funding tag.
4. Networking
– Collaborate: Partner with other podcasters or influencers in your niche for guest appearances. This can introduce your podcast to new audiences.
– Attend Conferences: Attend podcasting conferences to learn, network, and get exposure.
5. Analyze and Adapt
– Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your listeners to understand what they like or dislike.
– Analytics: Use podcast analytics tools to track listener demographics, episode performance, and more. This can guide your content strategy.
6. Legal and Financial Considerations
– Business Structure: Consider forming an LLC or another business entity to separate personal and business finances.
– Trademark: Think about trademarking your podcast name to protect your brand.
– Taxes: Understand the tax implications of your earnings and consider hiring an accountant familiar with media and entertainment.
7. Stay Updated and Educated
– Industry Trends: Podcasting is evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
– Continuous Learning: There are many online courses, workshops, and resources on podcasting. Invest time in learning to improve your craft.
8. Growth Strategies
– Advertise: Consider using podcast advertising networks or platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to promote your episodes.
– SEO: Optimize your website and podcast episodes for search engines to increase organic traffic.
– Transcriptions: Offer transcriptions of your episodes, which can boost SEO and accessibility.
Remember, turning a hobby into a business requires patience, persistence, and passion. It may take time to see significant profits, but with dedication and strategic planning, your podcast hobby can indeed become a successful business.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
20 min
November 17, 2023Podcasting: To YouTube or To Not YouTube – PCI 371
Should Podcasters Be Using YouTube For Their Podcast?
YouTube is a dynamic platform that extends beyond video content, making it an option for podcasting. Leveraging YouTube for podcasting provides creators with a broader audience reach, as the platform boasts billions of users worldwide. By converting audio content into engaging visual formats, podcasters can tap into the platform’s powerful search and discovery features, enhancing discoverability. It also has monetization options, such as ads and memberships, provide podcasters with opportunities to generate revenue.
Based on a recent announcement, we discuss the reasons why podcasters should and should not be using YouTube for their podcast.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
YouTube announced in October that they are going to start letting podcasters add their RSS feeds to a YouTube playlist. Along with that, they are turning off a perfectly good podcast app, Google Podcasts.
Content ownership
Ads
Censorship
Re-hosting (caching)
Releasing episodes
Ad-free (no non-host read ads)
Make static video from audio (fake video)
Google no longer says “don’t be evil”
Potential upside
Regardless of the usefulness of YouTube’s devoted podcasting features, with its user-friendly interface and vast audience base, YouTube proves to be a versatile and accessible platform for podcasters looking to share their content with a global audience.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
21 min
November 09, 2023Podcast Episode Artwork Part II – PCI 370
Podcast Episode Artwork Part II: Including iOS 17 Artwork Updates
Podcast artwork is a requirement for each and every show to be universally accepted in podcast apps and directories; it’s also a direct advertisement for what listeners can expect from the show. As of late episode specific podcast artwork has been increasingly popular. So much that Apple has now integrated into their directory. Tune in and check the show notes for details about all of our topics today as well as examples we found in the Apple Podcast app.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope
A Brief Recap of Part 1 that was released in May 2023
Dos
Meet minimum requirements
Let it breathe
Derive inspiration
Don’ts
Avoid DIY artwork
Understand your audience
Maintain legibility
Stay clear of explicit content and copyright issues
Podcast Episode Artwork and Podcast Show Artwork
… serve different purposes and are used in specific contexts within the podcasting world. Here are the key differences and when and why podcasters might use one or the other:
1. Podcast Show Artwork
Purpose: Show artwork, also known as podcast cover art, is the primary image associated with your entire podcast series. It represents the podcast as a whole and is what potential listeners see when browsing podcast directories.
Usage: It is used as the primary branding and promotional image for your podcast. It appears on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others, along with the podcast’s name and description.
When to Use It: Podcast show artwork is used consistently for the entire podcast’s duration and serves as the visual identity for your podcast series.
2. Podcast Episode Artwork
Purpose: Episode artwork, on the other hand, is specific to individual podcast episodes. It provides a visual representation of a particular episode’s content.
Usage: Episode artwork is typically displayed when a listener is actively engaging with a specific episode. This can include the Now Playing screen, queue, and links shared on social media.
When to Use It: Podcasters use episode artwork when they want to create a unique visual representation for specific episodes, highlighting something specific or relevant to the content of that episode.
When Podcasters Might Use Each
Show Artwork:
Consistency: Podcasters use show artwork to maintain a consistent and recognizable visual identity throughout their podcast. This helps with branding and making the podcast easily recognizable in directories.
General Promotion: Show artwork is ideal for general promotion and branding efforts. It’s what potential subscribers see when they first encounter your podcast.
Establishing Brand: Show artwork is essential for establishing and building the podcast’s brand identity. It sets the tone and expectations for what listeners can anticipate from the entire series.
Episode Artwork:
Highlighting Specific Content: Podcasters use episode artwork to emphasize or highlight specific topics, guests, or themes covered in a particular episode. This can help attract more attention and make the episode stand out.
Variety and Creativity: Episode artwork allows for more creative and diverse visual representations. It gives podcasters the flexibility to experiment with different visuals for each episode.
Enhanced Visual Context: For episodes with unique content, artwork can provide visual context to help listeners quickly grasp the subject matter.
Show artwork is about consistency and branding for the entire podcast series, while episode artwork is a tool for creativity and the opportunity to provide context for specific episodes.
Podcasters often use both to create a balance between brand recognition and highlighting unique content.
iOS 17 Artwork Updates
This September they started supporting episode artwork.
Episode artwork can include original illustrations, graphics, or photographs to provide more context about each episode.
This artwork is displayed in various locations, including the Now Playing screen, Queue, Lock Screen, Control Center, Up Next in Listen Now, show and episode pages, and link previews in other apps.
Creators should consider these locations when designing episode artwork.
Creators will upload episode artwork via RSS using their hosting provider.
Episode artwork is encouraged, especially for creators looking to be featured on Apple Podcasts.
When episode artwork is not provided, the show artwork will be displayed by default.
Apple Podcasts will default to show artwork when multiple shows are presented together.
Creators can also enhance the listening experience by adding chapter-specific artwork, which is displayed in real-time as listeners progress through an episode.
What’s New With Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcast Artwork Requirements
Using different artwork for each episode.
The background is based off of the artwork.
The album art flows into the rest of the screen.
View on an unopened iPhone.
Tools and Resources for Artwork
1. Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform with a podcast cover art template. It provides pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for non-designers to create professional-looking artwork.
2. Adobe Spark:
Adobe Spark offers design templates, including ones specifically for podcast cover art. It’s a web-based design tool that doesn’t require any design expertise.
3. Snappa:
Snappa is an online graphic design tool that offers podcast cover art templates. It’s easy to use and provides various design elements to customize your artwork.
4. Crello:
Crello is another online graphic design tool with templates for podcast artwork. It’s user-friendly and offers a variety of design assets to choose from.
5. Fiverr:
If you prefer to hire a professional graphic designer, Fiverr is a platform where you can find freelance designers with experience in creating podcast cover art. You can browse portfolios and select a designer whose style aligns with your vision.
6. Upwork:
Upwork is another freelancing platform where you can find graphic designers who can create custom podcast artwork based on your requirements.
7. Podcast Cover Art Template Generators:
Several online tools specifically generate podcast cover art based on your show’s details, such as Podchaser’s Podcast Cover Art Generator. These are quick solutions if you want a basic design.
8. Unsplash and Shutterstock:
These stock photo websites offer a wide selection of high-quality images that you can use in your podcast artwork. Make sure to check licensing and attribution requirements.
9. Pexels and Pixabay:
These are free stock photo websites that provide images you can use in your artwork without worrying about copyright issues.
10. YouTube Thumbnail Templates:
Some podcasters repurpose YouTube thumbnail templates for their podcast artwork because they share a similar square format. Canva and other design tools offer YouTube thumbnail templates.
11. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
ChatGPT 4 has image creation tools now. Works well for episode artwork, but be sure to review your image carefully as they are definitely not perfect, especially words.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
23 min
November 03, 2023Quantity vs. Quality Podcasting – PCI 369
In this episode, we explore the advantages and drawbacks of daily and weekly (or less frequent) podcasting schedules. We discuss the delicate balance between quantity vs. quality podcasting.
The nature of your content, whether it’s daily news or in-depth interviews, should also influence your choice of podcasting schedule. Lastly, it’s crucial to assess the time, energy, and financial resources you have, as daily podcasting can be resource-intensive.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell
The decision between daily and weekly podcasting largely depends on your goals, resources, and the expectations of your potential audience. Both have their advantages and drawbacks:
Daily Podcasting
Advantages:
Routine Engagement: Daily podcasts can become a part of your listeners’ daily routines, like listening during their morning commute or workout.
Can help with growth: The more content you produce, the more opportunities you have to be discovered by new listeners.
Topical Relevance: If you cover current events or news, daily podcasting allows you to stay up-to-date and relevant.
Monetization Opportunities: More frequent episodes can mean more ad spots and increased revenue.
Drawbacks:
Time-Consuming: Producing content daily requires a significant time commitment.
Potential for Burnout: Constantly creating can lead to fatigue, both for the creator and potentially for listeners.
Quality Concerns: With a tight turnaround, there might be less time for thorough research, editing, and production, which can affect the quality of the content.
Weekly (or less frequent) Podcasting
Advantages:
Consistent But Manageable: Weekly episodes strike a balance between consistency and giving podcasters ample time to produce high-quality content.
Deep Dives: With more time between episodes, you can delve deeper into topics, conduct thorough research, or produce longer episodes.
Reduced Burnout: A weekly schedule is less intense than a daily one, reducing the risk of burnout for both creators and listeners.
Higher Production Value: More time can lead to better editing, sound quality, and overall production value.
Drawbacks: Slower Growth: With fewer episodes, there might be fewer opportunities for new listeners to discover your podcast.
Less Routine: Listeners might not incorporate a weekly podcast into their daily routines as easily as a daily one.
Considerations:
Audience Preference: Some audiences might prefer daily short updates, while others might favor in-depth weekly episodes.
Content Type: If you’re discussing daily news, a daily podcast makes sense. For in-depth interviews or investigative pieces, weekly might be better.
Resources: Consider the time, energy, and financial resources you have. Daily podcasting can be resource-intensive.
Quality vs. Quantity: Decide whether you want to focus on producing a large quantity of content or if you want to focus on creating fewer, but potentially higher-quality, episodes.
How often you podcast is entirely up to you, but as we explored in this episode, finding the right rhythm is essential to ensure your content doesn’t suffer from an overzealous publishing schedule.
Where does your podcast fall in the quantity vs. quality podcasting debate?
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
16 min
October 26, 2023Podcasting Accessibility and Inclusivity – PCI 368
Explore ways to make your podcast more accessible to all listeners, including those with disabilities.
Podcasting is a powerful medium but it’s essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from your content. By focusing on accessibility and inclusivity, we not only open the doors to a wider audience but also enrich the podcasting ecosystem with a more vibrant, empathetic, and representative tapestry of stories and ideas.
Today we’ll cover the aspects of accessibility from content creation to distribution and publication.
Understanding Accessibility
Creating podcasts for a larger audience
Common disabilities that may affect podcast listeners: hearing impairments, visual impairments, cognitive impairments
Creating Accessible Content
Use clear and concise language
Avoid jargon or complex terminology
Clear and consistent audio quality
Transcripts and Captions
Transcripts benefit those with hearing impairments but also all listeners
Tools and services for generating accurate and high quality transcripts
Our partner Rev provides Blubrry customers transcripts
Value of adding captions to video podcast content for deaf and hard of hearing
Descriptive Audio and Alt Text
“the verbal depiction of key visual elements in media and live productions.”
Considered essential to comprehension of the content
Can be added to your video podcast
Alt Text: An accurate description of the image – very detailed and explanatory
Both are helpful for accessibility and SEO
Podcast Player Accessibility
The Blubrry player allows for accessibility as well as many social media apps
Listeners with disabilities can benefit from these features.
Podcasters should be aware of accessibility in player design when creating their websites or apps.
Listener Feedback and Engagement
Actively engage with your audience to learn about their specific accessibility needs.
Highlight success stories of podcasters who improved their content based on listener feedback.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
15 min
October 20, 2023Writing a Book For Your Podcast – PCI 367
Expand your podcast audience to the written medium.
Creating a book based on the content of your podcast can be a fantastic way to extend your reach and provide your audience with a tangible resource. In our latest episode, we explore the dynamic process of transforming your podcast content into a book.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Writing a book is hard work! BUT, as a content creator, you may have an upper hand in the subject of your book because you do a podcast about it.
First lets talk about WHY you would want to write a book for your podcast.
Establish yourself as an expert – Writing a book demonstrates your depth of knowledge on the subject, giving you more credibility.
Reach a wider audience – Books allow you to connect with people who may not listen to podcasts regularly.
Provide more detailed information – You can explore topics more comprehensively in a book than a podcast.
Generate passive income – Books offer ongoing earning potential through sales over time.
Reinforce your branding – A book helps cement your podcast’s branding and messaging.
Attract sponsors and partners – A published book makes you more attractive to potential sponsors.
Build your legacy – Books are tangible products that last, extending your ideas and influence.
Leverage existing content – Adapt your best podcast episodes into book chapters more efficiently.
Promote your podcast – You can cross-promote your podcast in the book to attract new listeners.
Take your work to the next level – Writing a book requires distilling your ideas at a higher level.
Reach people who prefer reading – Some prefer learning through books than audio.
Now that you know why, how about HOW to go about writing the book.
Expand on your best content. Look through your podcast episodes and identify your most popular topics and discussions. These are great candidates to explore in more depth for a book.
Conduct additional research. Books require diving deeper than a podcast episode. Do additional research through interviews, surveys, studies, etc. to expand the book content.
Follow a structure. Outline the book structure ahead of time – introduction, chapters, conclusion. Plan how you will expand on key topics.
Maintain your voice. Your listeners engage with your podcast because of your unique voice and perspective. Maintain that tone and style in the book.
Include actionable advice. Readers will expect detailed, practical advice from a book, more so than a podcast. Offer step-by-step guidance.
Share stories and examples. Anecdotes and real-world examples help readers connect with the content and see concepts applied.
Address critiques. Deal with pushback or criticisms raised about your podcast material and present counterarguments.
Complement, don’t duplicate. Avoid rehashing podcast episodes. Offer new analysis and insights.
HIRE AN EDITOR! A fresh set of eyes on a project like this will help you avoid grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Along with helping you keep the correct tone of the book and to keep it flowing.
Ways to Publish the Book
Work with a publisher/editor. Consider working with a publishing house
Self-publish on something like Amazon
Self-publish an ebook
Sell it yourself
Not all podcasts lend themselves to books. A news type podcast might not directly be able ot be made into a book, but you could still do a book in your general subject area.
The goal is to effectively adapt your podcast material into a book format while adding significant value for readers. Leverage your podcast content without just repackaging it.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
20 min
October 12, 2023The Art of Podcast Scriptwriting – PCI 366
The Art of Podcast Scriptwriting
Explore the process of scripting podcast episodes, whether you opt for fully scripted, semi-scripted, or improvised formats. We’re getting into the heart of the medium, where words transform into engaging narratives, informative discussions, and captivating stories. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster looking to refine your scripting skills or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, this episode is your guide to mastering the craft of podcast scriptwriting.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett
From meticulously planned to exhilarating spontaneity.
The Art of Podcast Scriptwriting
What is Podcast Scriptwriting?
Define podcast scriptwriting and its role in crafting engaging episodes: An outline or sketch or much more of what your episode will include.
Similar to show notes ahead of time, but all depends on the person.
Flexible podcast formats: fully scripted, semi-scripted, improvised.
Benefits of Fully Scripted Podcasts:
Scripting enhances content clarity and structure.
Peace of mind for the host.
Detailed knowledge of the topic, become an expert to the audience.
Semi-Scripted Podcasts: Finding the Balance:
The middle ground between fully scripted and improvised formats.
When and why podcasters might choose semi-scripted approaches.
Maintain spontaneity while using scripts.
The Art of Improvisation:
The world of improvised podcasting.
Some find they do best here with a trusted co-host.
Scriptwriting Tips and Best Practices:
Use templates, try different script types and choose what works best for you.
Structuring episodes, creating engaging hooks, and maintaining audience interest.
Listener Questions and Feedback:
Address questions or comments from listeners related to scriptwriting.
Encourage audience engagement and interaction.
Scriptwriting Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
The internet is a great way for overcoming writer’s block, monotony, or creativity hurdles.
Don’t discount day to day life to provide you with everything you may need.
Closing Thoughts:
Experiment with different scriptwriting approaches.
Remember to tailor your episodes to your podcast’s unique style and audience preferences.
Be sure to create engaging content that educates, entertains, and inspires your listeners, all done with great podcast scriptwriting.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
17 min
October 05, 2023Podcast Intros and Outros – PCI 365
Crafting Memorable Podcast Intros and Outros
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the art of creating engaging podcast intros and outros. Your podcast’s intro and outro serve as the welcome mat and farewell hug to your listeners, setting the tone and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster looking to revamp your show’s identity or a newbie trying to make a memorable debut, we’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and creative ideas.
Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett
Starting and Ending Your Show Perfectly Is an Art
The Importance of First Impressions: Your podcast’s intro is your first opportunity to grab your listeners’ attention, so make it count. A well-crafted intro should encapsulate your podcast’s theme, style, and personality in a concise manner.
Know Your Audience: Tailor your intro and outro to resonate with your target audience’s preferences and interests. Consider conducting listener surveys or analyzing demographics to better understand your audience.
Keep It Concise: Aim for brevity in your podcast intro. Ideally, it should be under 30 seconds to avoid overwhelming your listeners. Use clear, concise language to convey your podcast’s purpose and value.
Tell a Story: Engage your audience by narrating a brief story or anecdote that relates to your episode’s theme. Storytelling can create an emotional connection and pique curiosity.
Include Music and Sound Effects: Choose music that aligns with your podcast’s tone, whether it’s energetic, calming, or dramatic. Integrate sound effects strategically to enhance the intro’s impact. We cannot emphasize this enough, be careful with copyrighted material.
Professional Voiceover or Host Introduction: Consider using a professional voiceover artist or having your podcast host deliver a warm welcome. The voice should match your podcast’s personality and style.
Outros: Leave a Lasting Impression: Your outro is a chance to thank your listeners, provide contact information, and encourage engagement. Include a call to action, such as subscribing, leaving a review, or visiting your website.
Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different intro and outro styles to see what resonates best with your audience. Continuously gather feedback and be open to making improvements.
Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent intro and outro format across episodes to build brand recognition. Minor tweaks are okay, but avoid frequent overhauls that confuse your audience.
Crafting engaging podcast intros and outros is an art form that requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your audience. Remember that your intro and outro are the bookends of your episodes, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Experiment, refine, and make them as memorable as your content itself.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
17 min
September 29, 2023Reacting to Podcast Feedback – PCI 364
How do you react to good or bad feedback?
Reacting to podcast feedback can take some practice, more specifically depending on the type feedback you are receiving. Ultimately, the way you react to podcast feedback can significantly impact your show’s success and how your audience perceives you as a podcaster.
Handling feedback, especially when it pertains to a medium as personal as podcasting, is essential for growth and connection with your audience.
Show mentioned in the show for the master of feedback: Airline Pilot Guy
This week we are going to talk about feedback, specifically from your audience.
Here are some steps and strategies for managing both positive and negative feedback about your podcast:
Active Listening
Before reacting, ensure you understand the feedback. Listen or read carefully without becoming defensive.
Acknowledge Feedback
Whether it’s praise or criticism, always acknowledge feedback. Thank the person for taking the time to share their thoughts.
Categorize Feedback
Constructive – Offers actionable suggestions.
General Praise – Positive comments without specific details.
General Criticism – Negative comments without specific context.
Troll or Harmful – Comments meant to provoke or hurt without any constructive intent.
Responding to Feedback
Constructive – Express gratitude, and even if you don’t implement the suggestion, acknowledge its value.’
General Praise – A simple thank you can suffice. Alternatively, ask them to share your podcast or leave a review if they haven’t already.
General Criticism If it’s vague, consider asking for specifics so you can understand better and possibly improve.
Troll or Harmful – In many cases, it’s best not to engage. If the comments violate platform policies, consider reporting or blocking the user.
Reflect and Assess
For constructive feedback, consider the feasibility of the suggestion. Does it align with your podcast’s vision? If yes, can you implement it? If no, is there a middle ground?
Act on the Feedback
If the feedback is actionable and aligns with your vision, make the necessary adjustments.
Maintain a Feedback Log
Keep track of feedback to identify recurring themes or issues. This can help prioritize areas for improvement.
Create a Feedback Loop
Occasionally, update your listeners about the changes you’ve made based on feedback. This shows them that their input matters and can make them more invested in your podcast.
Growth Mindset
Embrace a growth mindset. Understand that every piece of feedback is an opportunity to grow, learn, and refine your podcasting skills.
Protect Your Mental Health
If you find that negative feedback is affecting your well-being, consider taking breaks or seeking support from peers or professionals. Remember that everyone, no matter how successful, receives criticism.
Solicit Feedback Proactively
Encourage listeners to give feedback regularly. This can be done through call-to-action prompts in your episodes or via social media.
Engage with your Community
Building a strong community can provide you with a built-in support system. Engaged listeners are more likely to provide constructive feedback and defend against unwarranted negative comments.
Remember that you can’t please everyone. Your podcast will resonate with some listeners, NOT ALL… and that’s okay. Focus on your target audience, be genuine, and continue refining your craft. The more you evolve, the more your podcast will too.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
17 min
September 21, 2023Taking a Social Media Break While Podcasting – PCI 363
Taking a Break From Social Media While Podcasting
We all need a social media break once in a while. But don’t leave your podcast listeners in the dust! Follow the tips below to ensure that you’ll have your well deserved digital consumption freedom without screwing up all of your hard work building an audience.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett
Taking a break from social media while managing a podcast can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible with some planning and organization. Here are steps to help you maintain your podcast while reducing your social media presence temporarily:
Plan Your Break in Advance: Decide how long you want your social media break to be. Whether it’s a week, a month, or a specific period, having a clear timeframe will help you stay on track.
Notify Your Audience in Advance: Inform your podcast listeners about your upcoming social media break. Use your podcast episodes leading up to the break to let them know when it will start and end.
Pre-schedule Social Media Posts: Take advantage of social media scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or social media platform scheduling features. Plan and schedule posts in advance so that your content continues to be published even while you’re on a break.
Prepare Podcast Episodes in Advance: Create a buffer of podcast episodes that can be released during your break. Aim to have several episodes ready to go before your break begins. This way, your podcast content remains consistent.
Delegate Social Media Management: If you have a team or co-hosts, consider delegating social media management responsibilities during your break. This can include sharing the workload of posting updates and engaging with your audience.
Automate Responses: Set up automated responses or messages for your social media profiles and email to let people know you’re on a break. Include an explanation of when you’ll return and direct them to your podcast content in the meantime.
Engage in Batch Work: Before your break, work in batches to create and schedule social media posts, podcast episodes, and other content. This will minimize the need for ongoing content creation during your break.
Focus on Evergreen Content: Create content that remains relevant over time. Evergreen episodes and posts can continue to attract new listeners and followers while you’re away.
Use Guest Hosts or Co-hosts: If you have co-hosts or the option to invite guest hosts, consider having them take over podcasting duties temporarily. They can keep the podcast running and engage with your audience during your break.
Recharge and Reflect: Use your social media break as an opportunity to recharge, reflect on your podcasting goals, and come up with fresh ideas for future episodes.
Return Gracefully: When your break is over, announce your return on social media and thank your audience for their understanding. Consider sharing highlights or insights from your break.
Set Boundaries Post-Break: After your social media break, establish boundaries and a manageable posting schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed and prevent burnout.
Remember that it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and mental health. Taking a break from social media while managing your podcast can be a positive step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your audience will likely understand and appreciate your commitment to providing high-quality content when you return.
The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.
[email protected] and [email protected]
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