Podcasting for Indie Podcasters: Podcasting Tips for How to Start and Run a Podcast

I had this idea a while ago to bring you, the lovely listeners, the raw and honest stats and figures for the growth of this podcast.

My targets are to hit 5,000 monthly downloads for the podcast, 500 YouTube subscribers, and 3,000 YouTube watch hours.

So, at the end of each month, I'll bring you these little bonus episodes to see the honest growth and the journey to hitting these different metrics.

Monthly metrics that will be tracked will be:

The top episode for this month on both the podcast and YouTube is episode 35: The Hack That Will Save You HOURS On Your Podcast Workflow

Overwhelmed with your podcasting workflow? Have you thought about batching your podcast tasks?

I didn't use to batch my tasks together, but since starting The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting, I do find that grouping similar tasks together saves time and energy.

For example, I'll record multiple episodes in one go, edit them, run them through SummarAIze, and bulk upload the content to a podcast hosting platform...

You get it. It's a lot and I love knowing that I can go through my to-do list and just tick everything in one area of my podcasting workflow as done.

In this episode of The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting, we discuss whether or not podcast hosts have to pay their guests. Whilst exploring this question, I'll be offering valuable insights and actionable tips for podcast owners and enthusiasts.

Paying podcast guests is not a requirement, but it is always a good idea to offer compensation for their time and expertise.

While some guests may be willing to appear on your podcast for free, others may expect to be paid for their time and knowledge. It really depends on the guests and the industry they are in.

However, if you are just starting out and don't have a budget to pay guests, you can still invite them to be on your podcast and offer other benefits, such as exposure to your audience or promoting their work or products. Ultimately, it is a case-by-case basis and depends on your podcast's goals, budget, and guest's expectations.

It's important that in turn by being on your podcast, you are providing value for guests. This can be done by creating a high-quality and well-produced podcast that guests will be proud to be a part of. Additionally, you can offer resources and support to guests, such as promoting their work on social media or offering guidance and assistance.

While it is not necessary to pay guests, it is important for hosts to offer some form of compensation or value in exchange for their time and expertise. This can help to create a positive and mutually beneficial relationship between hosts and guests.

Highlights:

• Should podcast hosts pay their guests?
• The value of exposure and promotional opportunities for guests
• How to offer compensation in the form of exposure and promotional opportunities
• Tips for treating guests well and making them feel valued
• The importance of building relationships with guests
• The potential for reciprocity and future collaborations with guests
• The benefits of having a diverse range of guests on your podcast
• Finding a balance between offering value to guests and running a sustainable podcast
• Being respectful of the time and expertise of guests
• The potential for paid partnerships and sponsorships with guests in the future

Read the Blog Post: Do You Have To Pay Your Podcast Guests? >> https://veritysangan.com/do-you-have-to-pay-your-podcast-guests/

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In this episode, we’re tackling a contentious and under-discussed subject: buying podcast reviews. Very much akin to buying fake followers on Instagram, this practice may provide a temporary boost in numbers, but without genuine engagement and high-quality content, these numbers are unlikely to translate into long-term success. Are you tempted to buy podcast reviews? Is it fair to manipulate podcast ratings for personal gain?

I'll ask these hard questions and provide answers, that unravel the repercussions and drawbacks amid the initial appeal of a boosted reputation. Plus, I'll discuss alternatives to fake reviews, emphasising the significance of organic growth and genuine audience engagement. Remember; podcasting is a long game and I can never and will never be able to stress that enough.

Read the Blog Post: Unveiling the Truth: What You Need to Know Before Buying Podcast Reviews >> https://veritysangan.com/unveiling-the-truth-what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-podcast-reviews/

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In this episode we delve into the intricacies of changing and managing your podcast hosting platforms.

Often, podcasters assume that switching their podcast host is a really challenging and difficult thing to do; but here we break down the process, sharing my experiences of moving both of my podcasts to different hosting platforms, and the reasons why.

In the episode, we answer key questions like:

• What signs imply you may need to change your hosting platform?
• What factors should you consider when choosing a new podcast host?
• What pitfalls should you avoid when changing a podcast host?

Regardless of switching podcast hosts, it's important to remember that you need to ensure that you are producing high-quality content. After all, you can move your podcast hosting as much as you want, but the one thing that any hosting platform will not give you and cannot give you is good content.

Read the Blog Post: Changing Podcast Host: How to Change Your Podcast Hosting Platform >> https://veritysangan.com/changing-podcast-host/

Highlights:

• Process of changing podcast hosts
• My personal journey of switching hosts
• Signs that it might be time to change hosts
• Insights on how to change hosts
• Factors to consider when choosing a new host
• Tips to avoid pitfalls when switching hosts

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You might have heard the buzz about getting in the podcast charts. That elusive realm where podcasts seemingly battle it out based on downloads, subscribers, and reviews. But in this episode, we will be looking at why there's more beneath the surface than meets the ear.

In this episode, we will cover:

• What really goes on in the world of podcast charting? Don't be fooled by the numbers game – let's explore what truly matters.
• It's not all about hundreds of thousands of downloads. Let me share my personal experience – I've charted with double-figure downloads.
• Different types of podcast charts. Some charts are easier to crack due to less saturation. It's not just about being in the overall charts – subcategories matter.
• It can be easier to enter into less saturated podcast categories.
• Differentiating between Apple Podcast charts and the Chartable podcast charts.

We also look at some real-life examples of where podcasters have purchased reviews, download farms, and the consequences of trying to play the system to manipulate the podcast charts - with dire consequences!

Read the Blog Post: What You Need to Know About Getting into the Podcast Charts >> https://veritysangan.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-getting-into-the-podcast-charts/

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So often I hear podcasters say that they only have their podcast on 1 or 2 podcasting directories. And I'm going to say it, but this could be a HUGE mistake for you. Unless you're someone with an exclusive deal who is guaranteed to have the downloads and listens, for most indie podcasters, you want to be on AS MANY podcast directories as possible.

Why? Well, in August 2023, Stitcher is ceasing to exist. Yes, there are contingency plans in place; for example, anyone using a Stitcher URL will be redirected to Pandora, but, if your listeners aren't there, this could cause you an issue. It could also be an issue if you've put all of your podcasting eggs in one basket and relied only on Stitcher for podcast listens.

So, in this episode, we will be discussing why you need to have your podcast in as many locations and on as many podcast directories as possible, as this will protect your show, and likely give you access to a wider audience too.

Key points:

• Why it's so important to have your podcast on as many podcasting directories as possible
• The podcast directory Stitcher is shutting down for good and what this means for your podcast distribution
• How to strategically plan for Stitcher's shut down if your podcast is listed there

Read the Blog Post: Podcast Distribution: Why Your Podcast NEEDS to Be Everywhere >> https://veritysangan.com/podcast-distribution-why-your-podcast-needs-to-be-everywhere/

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I totally get how consistency is the name of the podcasting game. But, with the burning question being, "How often should I hit that 'publish' button?" I wanted to explore this more in this episode.

The answer depends on a few factors; your audience, the content you're making, and your resources, all play a big role.

Let's talk production schedule and resources. It's like the backbone of your podcast. And it's got to fit your lifestyle. I mean, daily episodes sound awesome, but let's be real – if your schedule's a rollercoaster, then is the stress of that content schedule worth it for you?

Before you commit to any schedule, ask yourself: How much time can you honestly pour into each episode? Are you a solo act or have a team behind you? These answers shape how often you can churn out those episodes without compromising quality. Believe me, quality over quantity is the golden rule.

Now, picture your audience. Are they bustling bees who can spare a listen once a week? Or are they die-hard fans who want you in their ears daily? Think surveys, data crunching, and understanding their habits. You want to keep your audience happy and engaged, but remember, you matter too. There's no need or point in burning out as a result of chasing a crazy schedule.

We will also discuss how to look at what your competition is doing, as well as others in your niche. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly – what's the norm in your niche? But hey, don't feel tied to norms if they don't align with your workflow. Remember: your show, your rules.

Read the Blog Post: Finding the Sweet Spot: How Often to Release Your Podcast Episodes >> https://veritysangan.com/finding-the-sweet-spot-how-often-to-release-your-podcast-episodes/

Key points:

1. Production schedules matter: Your production schedule should align with your lifestyle and resources. Quality episodes matter more than quantity, so be realistic about how much time and effort you can dedicate.
2. Audience preferences count: Understand your audience's habits and preferences. Conduct surveys or analyse listener data to figure out if they're looking for weekly doses or daily fixes.
3. Competition and industry norms: Research what frequency other podcasts in your niche follow. While industry standards matter, prioritise what suits you and your content best.
4. Test and adapt: Experiment with different release frequencies. Gather feedback from your audience and analyse engagement and download numbers. Stay flexible and adjust your strategy based on results.
5. Balance and consistency: Finding the right frequency isn't a one-time decision. Maintain a balance between your podcasting goals, audience preferences, and your own commitments. Be ready to adapt as circumstances change.

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AI seems to be the talk of the minute in 2023, with new AI tools promising to help with your podcasting workflow popping up all the time.

So, today, I'm going to share with you a game-changing tool called SummarAIze (or SummarAIze? 😉), which promises to 10x your podcast and video content in just 10 minutes. I've been testing it for weeks, and I have to say - it's absolutely fantastic!

AI tools like ChatGPT have been making waves, but I must admit, SummarAIze has stolen my heart. While ChatGPT has its merits, it's starting to be overused, and many times, in my opinion, the content lacks personality. SummarAIze, on the other hand, is more of an all-in-one asset for podcasters.

Let's dive into what makes SummarAIze so amazing. Once you upload your episode, it works its magic on various aspects:

1. Content Breakdown - SummarAIze identifies the different sections of your episode and provides summaries with timestamps. This makes it a breeze to create engaging social media posts for weeks to come.
2. Twitter Threads - Love Twitter (or Threads!)? You'll love this feature! SummarAIze generates Twitter threads with content from your episode. Perfect for daily tweeting or Instagram Threads.
3. LinkedIn Posts - For LinkedIn enthusiasts, SummarAIze crafts content for LinkedIn posts. Mix and match to create your ideal posting schedule.
4. YouTube Assets - If you're on YouTube, you'll appreciate the video section headlines, timestamps, and keywords that SummarAIze provides. Perfect for optimising your video descriptions and boosting discoverability.
5. Blog Post Options - SummarAIze lets you choose between standard blog posts, checklists, or how-to guides. This allows you to repurpose your content creatively, target different SEO keywords, or even create new freebies.
6. Promotional Emails - Building your newsletter is crucial, and SummarAIze has got your back. It generates a promotional email you can use to share your latest episode with your subscribers.
7. Transcripts - While I don't use this feature as I get transcripts from other tools such as Descript or Riverside, it's a lifesaver if you need one. SummarAIze provides line-by-line transcriptions, complete with speaker names.
8. Bios - If you have guests on your show, SummarAIze generates speaker and company bios based on the information you provide.

Remember, when using AI-generated content, make sure to add your personal touch and avoid copy-pasting. Customise it to sound like you and in your own language style. Being authentic is key!

Read the Blog Post: The New AI Tool for Podcasters: A Full Review of SummarAIze >> https://veritysangan.com/the-new-ai-tool-for-podcasters-a-full-review-of-summaraize/

Links:

SummarAIze - (not an affiliate; I just love the software!!) - https://www.summaraize.com/

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Apple Podcasts have announced that in an update set to be released later in 2023, podcasters will be able to add personalised, episode-specific artwork to their podcast episodes.

What an awesome idea! Similar to YouTube thumbnails, this means that you will have a chance to visually draw your potential listener into your episode. This could be a game-changer for attracting new listeners to your podcast!

In this episode, we delve into this new announcement, and what it could mean for your podcast and your workflow.

And don't forget to check us out on YouTube! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChencNBJPm9ak4DYo7kaFWA

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