Podcasting Tips Weekly

Podcasting Tips Weekly

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Podcasting Tips Weekly episodes

  • Launching Your Podcast In Three Easy Steps
    If you think you can just hit publish on your new show and it will take off, we have some bad news for you. This strategy, or lack thereof, won't work. You have to build buzz around your show weeks leading up to your launch date. 
    This means using every available channel for social posts, BTS content, teasers, trailers, the list goes on. Without a real plan put into place before launching your amazing new podcast, it may as well be a whisper on the wind. 

    • Don’t Just Drop It and Hope

    A single post or episode won’t cut it. Plan three weeks of content and promotion leading into launch day. This means posting on your channels every day during launch week 

    • Use Each Week Intentionally

    Week 1 is for buzz and submissions. Week 2 is for the trailer and audience warm-up. Week 3 is go-time: launch multiple episodes, post daily, and drive subscriptions. Asking for shares and subscriptions it goes a long way, and there's no shame in it! 

    • Leverage Your Network Early

    Ask friends, guests, and partners to share your show during launch week. That early boost helps you climb the charts and get picked up by algorithms. Hopefully, your famous friend owes you a favor. 
    Bonus Insight: Most guests won’t promote after their episode drops. Get their commitment before launch week while energy is high.
    Questions? Email [email protected].

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    12 min
  • Don’t Be Clever With Your Podcast Title
    Most creators want everything about the quality of their podcast to be perfect. The sound, the content, the video design, and everything else except the title. 


    You could have the best podcast in the world, but no one will even click on it if your title isn't clear, direct, and intriguing. So don't waste vital screen space on titles like 


    EP123: John Talks Growth


    Who's John, and what growth is he talking about? Why should we care? Instead, it needs to be clear, interesting, and specific to the episode's core ideas. 
    🔹 Clarity Over Cleverness

    Don’t try to be cryptic. Be specific. Tell people exactly what they’ll get from the episode.
    🔹 Optimize Your Title With Keywords

    Podcast apps are search engines. If your episode is about launching a coaching business, say that—don’t hide it behind a vague title like “Big Changes.”
    🔹 Build The Hook First 

    Put the most interesting part first. A big guest name? A powerful takeaway? Lead with it. People skim fast, so grab attention early.


    🎯 Bonus Insight: Episode numbers don’t help with discovery. Leave them out of the title. Instead, think like a headline writer. If your title isn’t clickable, it’s invisible.


    Questions? Email [email protected].

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    9 min
  • Podcasts Are Not Top of Funnel
    Most creators don’t love talking about marketing funnels—but if you want your podcast to grow, you need a plan that works from the top down.

    Start broad: think paid ads, social posts, and discoverability. That’s the top of your funnel, the awareness phase. As listeners move through the funnel, your strategy should get more specific and more targeted. That’s where real growth happens: turning casual clicks into loyal subscribers.

    So don’t shove your podcast where it doesn’t fit, instead: 

    Top of Funnel = Awareness

    Use ads, SEO, and social clips to get attention. That’s how new listeners find you.

    Mid Funnel = Consideration

    This is where your podcast starts to shine. When someone hits “follow” or subscribes, they’re curious and want more. Your show keeps them engaged and builds trust.

    Bottom of Funnel = Conversion

    A loyal listener becomes a client, supporter, or fan. Your podcast is a powerful relationship-builder. It's not viral content—it’s long-form, high-trust storytelling that leads to action.

    Questions? Email [email protected] 

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    9 min
  • Cracking The Algorithm Code
    Why is it that some podcasts find overnight success, but some fade into obscurity? What’s the secret? How are shows getting found? The answer is working with the Algorithms.Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have changed the way that content is discovered, shared, and listened to. Their algorithms are powerful systems that can drive growth, but only when the content works with the algorithm, not against it.Organic reach generally means more dedicated listeners. Here’s how to tailor your podcast for each platform’s algorithm:

    🔹 YouTube: Title, Thumbnail & Watch Time Matter Most
    • Use attention-grabbing titles with keywords that match search trends.
    • Create custom thumbnails that stand out—faces, bold fonts, and high contrast work best.
    • Encourage longer watch times. Hook viewers in the first 30 seconds and keep segments engaging to reduce drop-offs.
    • 🔹 Spotify: Consistency & Listener Retention Grows Your Audience
      • Release episodes on a consistent schedule—Spotify boosts shows with regular drops.
      • Keep listeners engaged beyond the first five minutes—completion rates impact recommendations.
      • Optimize your show description and episode titles with relevant keywords for better search visibility.
      • Questions? Email [email protected].

        Hear CEO Ryan Tillotson break it down on Podcasting Tips Weekly!

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        11 min
      • Paid Acquisition For Building An Audience
        Organic growth is powerful, but paid acquisition accelerates it. With targeted ad campaigns, you can reach new listeners who are already interested in your niche. It’s an effective way to boost awareness, drive downloads, and grow your audience more effectively. 
        The key? Invest in the right platforms based no on your specific niche, track performance, and optimize as you go. Done right, paid acquisition turns curious listeners into loyal fans.The pro strategy is to promote a single, compelling episode, not the entire show. Google display ads drive audio downloads and YouTube ads offer precise tracking and real subscriber growth. Done right, both strategies create a direct path to long-term audience retention.
        • Use Google display ads for audio downloads – Drive clicks to a custom episode landing page.
        • Leverage YouTube ads for long-term growth – Track real subscriber conversions.
        • Test and optimize – Start with a budget, analyze performance, and adjust accordingly.
        • Questions? Email [email protected]—we're here to take your podcast to the next level!

          Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

          12 min
        • What is a High Trust Medium?
          Podcasts are a unique form of media that allows creators and listeners to foster a deeper relationship and connection. Unlike platforms like TikTok or YouTube, where content is quickly consumed and discarded, podcast listeners commit to at least 30 minutes of their day, night, workout, walk, etc.What makes podcasts so powerful is this commitment. But with that commitment comes a responsibility—your content must be valuable. If you lose your audience’s trust with poor content, they won’t hesitate to change the channel.To keep your listeners engaged and loyal:
          • Know your value—consistently deliver content that makes their time worth it.

          • Stay focused—podcasts are for deeper conversations, not quick tutorials.

          • Build trust—this is a long-term relationship, not a one-time listen.

          • Before you hit record, ask yourself: “What is my audience getting out of this episode?” Stay committed, and your audience will be too!Questions? Email [email protected]. See you next week!Listen to CEO Ryan Tillotson break it all down on Podcasting Tips Weekly!

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            10 min
          • Every Episode Should Pose a Question
            The possibilities in podcasting are endless—game shows, history deep dives, true crime mysteries, comedy, talk shows, and so much more. But what truly sets great podcasts apart? No matter the niche, two key elements make a show stand out:

            First, the hosts present a clear, thought-provoking question that sparks curiosity.Second, they stay focused—delivering answers within their niche without unnecessary tangents or distractions. When you combine these elements, every episode becomes sharper, more engaging, and ultimately more memorable for your audience.

            Learn how to refine your niche, structure your content, and ensure every episode delivers on your show's promises to its listeners.
            • Start every episode with a focused question—this keeps you and your audience on track.
            • Know your niche—a clear focus makes it easier to grow your audience and market your show.
            • Structure matters—each episode should explore a specific subtopic to keep content valuable and engaging.
            • Before you hit record, ask yourself: "What's the one question I'm answering today?" Tune in now for actionable insights to improve your podcast!

              Questions? Email [email protected]. See you next week!
              Listen to CEO Ryan Tillotson break it all down on Podcasting Tips Weekly!

              Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

              7 min
            • The Value of Email Lists
              Forget the internet "gurus" who claim email is dead—it's very much alive and remains one of the most powerful marketing tools for creators, including podcasters like you.

              A strong email list does more than just deliver updates—it keeps your audience engaged, nurtures loyal listeners, and makes it easy for fans to share your show with others. Think of it as your direct line to your biggest supporters, free from the ever-changing algorithms of social media.

              In this episode of Pod Tips Weekly, host Ryan Tillotson, CEO of Straw Hut Media, breaks down why email newsletters consistently outperform social media when it comes to actual podcast downloads.Why Emails Matter
              • Email newsletters drive higher conversions—typically 3-5%, compared to social media’s 0.03-1%.
              • Social media alone isn’t enough—even accounts with millions of followers see low direct conversions.
              • Start your email list today—it’s an easy, direct way to engage your audience and boost your downloads.
              • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                10 min
              • Editing Audio And Video For Non-editors
                Editing podcasts can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of Podcasting Tips Weekly, Ryan Tillotson shares how you can edit audio and video using Descript, a powerful tool that lets you edit like a word document—no Adobe Premiere or GarageBand required.Why Descript?
                • No learning curve—edit like a word processor
                • Faster turnaround—cut content quickly with text-based editing
                • Collaborative—easily share and revise with your team
                • How It Works:
                  1. Download Descript (skip the trial and go for the $14 plan)
                  2. Import your audio or video files
                  3. Edit your transcript—cut words, move sections, and refine your content
                  4. Export your polished podcast, no advanced software needed
                  5. Say goodbye to overwhelming editing software and streamline your workflow today!

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                    12 min
                  6. The Power Of A Great Introduction
                    Your podcast’s introduction sets the stage for your entire show. It’s your chance to hook first-time listeners and set expectations. While every podcast has its own style, every hit podcast has a strong intro. A weak intro can cause potential listeners to tune out before your episode even begins. So how do you craft one that works? 

                    • The two types of podcast intros you need – A short, consistent show introduction and an engaging episode-specific hook.
                    • Why shorter is better – Avoid long intros that make listeners skip ahead.
                    • The power of a strong start – Hook your audience immediately to boost retention.
                    • Cold opens and when to use them – Only if they truly add intrigue and value.
                    • Don’t let a weak intro lose your audience—tune in for expert advice on crafting the perfect start to your podcast!

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                      14 min

                    About Podcasting Tips Weekly

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                    Want to grow your podcast, improve your content, and stay ahead of industry trends—all in just a few minutes a week? Podcasting Tips Weekly delivers one actionable tip or trend in every episode,…