School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

The Zoom Podtrack P4 is coming out next month (from what I hear) and this appears to be a game-changer for those podcasting on a budget. Here are some of the features of the Zoom Podtrack P4:

Zoom Podtrack P4 Podcast Recorder Four mic inputs with XLR connectors Four headphone outputs with individual volume control Gain control knobs and mute buttons for each input Phantom power for all XLR inputs Automatically prevent feedback from call audio using the Mix-Minus function Easily connect your phone using the TRRS connection Trigger sound effects using four assignable Sound Pads with 11preset sounds All input sources can be recorded on separate tracks 16-bit /44.1kHz audio WAV Records directly to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards up to 512 GB 2-input, 2-output USB audio interface Class-compliant mode for iOS compatibility Up to four hours of use with just two AA batteries or a USB power supply Can be powered via 2 AA Batteries Can be powered via USB or Zoom AD-17 AC Adapter

Comparing the Podtrack P4 to the Rodecaster Pro

Zoom P4 VS Rodercaster Pro

Zoom Podtrack P4 Manual (pdf),

Price: Zoom Podtrack P4 is $199 Rodecaster is $599

Audio Processing: The Rodecaster has built-in APHEX audio processing and mic modeling. There is a "big bottom," an aural exciter, a compressor, and noise gate. The P4 has a low cut (to cut out unnecessary frequencies) and a limiter (to make sure you don't peak and distort). ThePodtrack P4 does have very powerful preamps that are very quiet. The Rodecaster also features a built-in ducking option so if the host is in channel 1, and someone tries to talk at the same time this feature (which can be turned on and off) will ensure the host (mic 1) is heard.

Sound Pads: The Rodecaster has 8 pads for sound effects vs the 4 on the P4. If you're doing things live and want the ability to play sounds with a press of a button. As both the Rodecaster and the P4 have the ability to plug a phone in and you could use an app like Backpack studio which enables you to have a ton of sound pads.

Slider Vs Knobs The Rodecaster has sliders vs the knobs on the P4

Storage: The P4 has a SD card, the Rodecaster has a micro SD Card. On their website, the Rodecaster mentions Micro SD up to 256 Gigs. The Podtrack P4 mentions card up to 512 Gigs. Both of those sizes are huge.

Bluetooth: The Rodecaster has built-in Blue Tooth, the P4 has an optional BTA-2 Bluetooth option ($49)

Recording Sample Rate: The Rodecaster records in 48khz/24-bit, the P4 is 44.1khz/16 bit. While I don't feel this makes that much of a difference (as in the end your podcast is listened to in earbuds, car speakers, and portable speakers). However, if you're doing anything with video, your video editor will be happy you have the ability to record in 48khz.

Number of Tracks: The Rodecaster can record up to 8 tracks, the P4 records up to 4 Both units provide a stereo mixdown, and in addition to the mic inputs, they provide tracks for the pads. The Rodecaster has the ability to turn off the multi-track recording.

Recording Into Your Computer Both send a stereo mix to the computer (great for live streaming), but the Rodecaster can also send map individual tracks to channels.

Interface The Rodecaster has a touch screen. The P4 has a simple to use menu system.

Markers The Rodecaster has the ability to add markers (which can be very useful for editing) While other room recorders have this feature the P4 does not )

Outputs The Rodecaster has 4 headphones out in addition to a stereo out. The Zoom P4 has four headphones out.

Footprint:The Rodecaster is 14" X 11" the P4  4.1" X6.1.' This might be important for those with smaller desktops. The P4 is  1/4th smaller than the Rodecaster.

For my friends across the pond the Rodecaster is 350 mm x 275 mm the Podtrack P4 is 112 mm x 155 mm

Warranty: RodecasterPro: Limited 1-Year Warranty with 1 Additional Year upon Registration. (source BNH). Podtrack P4: Limited 1-Year Warranty (source BNH).

If you're looking for a great sounding unit, and never need to record more than four sources, this is a great unit. Audio snobs will complain about the lack of ability to record in 48khz/24hz but 44.1/16 will be fine for something that is heard in-car speakers and earbuds. Some will complain about sliders vs knobs. The knobs help cut the footprint which gives you your desk back. If you want to achieve the tone of the rodecaster you will need to invest in some plugins. If you're on a budget and want an easy way to record separate tracks including the phone, this is worth checking out. Just don't drop it.

Check out the Zoom Podtrack P4

The Zoom ZDM-1 Dynamic Microphone

I must confess that the Electrovoice RE320 has been my mic for many years. It's also close to $300. The ZDM-1 comes with a pop filter, "stand" a cable, and headphones for $120. I didn't think it was fair to compare it to the RE320 so I pulled out the Rode Podmic (another microphone designed for podcasters for around $99).

Both microphones are very well built, and when I kid about using them as a weapon, I'm not kidding. You need a sturdy stand to hold these up. The ZDM-1 has a great mount that screws into the bottom and just seems solid. The Rode Podmic also is well built.

The Zoom ZMD-1 has 50 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response with tight bass and smooth highs enhance vocal tone for radio, podcasting, and more

The Rode Podmic has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In specs, it should pick up a bit more bass and a bit more high end.

While neither one of these microphones sound bad, I thought I heard a little more high end and sibilance on the Zoom ZMD-1.

The one thing that Audio Technica, Zoom, and other microphone companies need to quit doing is giving us microphone stands that are 100% completely worthless. While the TPS-4 stand that comes with the ZDM-1 is sturdier than the other worthless microphone stands, They are so short that you have to do a bizarre yoga pose to lean over to use it. Either invent a new mic stand as an accessory, or just include the clip/mount and lower the price. Nobody in their right mind is using the TPS-4 microphone stand.

The Zoom ZHP-1 Headphones were amazingly clear. The high end was crystal clear to an almost alarming point. The somewhat self-adjusting headphones fit nice and snug and really cut out the outside world. I used other "included" headphones with other microphones and they were typically uncomfortable and had the fidelity of a record cut out of a cereal box (you have to be over 50 to get that). These had a nice sound, and I love that the cable can be disconnected at the headphones (great for those of us who are always tangled in or headphone cable.

For $199 this a good value with a solid mic, nice pop filter, study mount and comfortable headphones to boot. Just pick up a nice boom arm (are strong desk stand as it is heavy).

August Question of the Month: What Keeps You Going?

This month the question was, "What has kept you going with your podcast when others have stopped?"

Kris and Kristine from the Kris and Kristine Show

Kris and Kristine are engaged and this is just another great way of spending time together. (everyone together  - awww....). Kristine said, " I'm big on trying to constantly strengthen our relationship. And there's a lot of research that says, for a woman, when she invests in the hobbies and the interests of her partner, then it really helps to build that bond. And so Kris could have loved going to golf or you could have had all these hobbies that take you out of the house and away from me, but instead, you choose to build and grow a hobby with me. What woman wouldn't want that from her significant other that you want to spend dedicated time with me?

These are super nice peeps and I wish them the best when they get married in November. Check out their show at www.krisandkristine.com

Curtis Longellow from the Rerozest Podcast

Curtis Longfellow from the Retrozest podcast needed an outlet. He wanted to talk about all things retro (70's and 80's) and by starting a podcast he attracted other people who are just like him.

It turns out it's really paid off. Diane Franklin, the actress who portrayed Monique Juno in the classic 80s dark comedy film Better Off Dead, granted me an interview in celebration of the 30 fifth anniversary of the film. In fact, it just posted yesterday.

The other thing that keeps me going is the power of podcasting network shows. In fact, via Episode Number 678 of the School of podcasting, you really prepared me for the aforementioned interview with Diane Franklin. What was supposed to only be a 45-minute interview ballooned into an hour and 15 minutes. This was largely because the tips you shared on Episode Number 678 really prepared me and helped me to frame and ask some very unique questions, which kept the stories from Diane flowing.

Additionally, you recently did a short review of my AC DC Back in Black 40th anniversary episode on your Podcast Rodeo Show. You shared several tips which helped me to plan for future episodes. And also you pointed out a glaring typo on my podcast description to which I immediately responded and corrected. Thank you for all you do. Dave. I suspect that your contribution to teaching about podcasting is really keeping a bunch of podcasters going, keep up the good work, and check out the retros s podcasts at retro zest.com forward slash podcast.

Civilla Morgan from the Childless, Not By Choice (and Not Just Another Religion and politics Podcast)

Here is what Civilla from the Childless, Not by Choice had this to say, "I believe I believe in the power of podcasting, I believe podcasting is a Message carrier. And I can see the results of it because of the response that I get. I may not be at a million downloads. But I'm hearing from people whose lives are literally being changed when they listen to the Childless, not by choice podcast episodes. They're writing into me.  One woman just called me about a week ago from Holland on speakpipe on my website, and she left a message because she was so excited to find thes podcast, she couldn't believe it. And she had to tell me all about what episode she was on and how the podcast has completely absolutely helped her and that she just recently joined the Facebook group.

I've got to keep going. I've got to keep getting the word out. Slowly but surely it can be tedious. There can be deep valley moments where you just want to throw everything across the room and just walk away from it all. And then those awesome mountain top moments where you get that awesome interview, like when I got that interview with you, Dave Jackson. And so you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to podcasting and I just love that I can get the message out whether it's the Childless, not by choice podcast, or the Not just another religion and politics podcast where I get to say my part as to how the Christian community is behaving (or misbehaving right now), in some instances. It's just a way to get the word out to get your message out. It's truly a message carrier. And that's why I'm still podcasting.

Craig Wealand from Ingles Podcast

Here are the reason Craig keeps podcasting:

• I podcast with a co-host, who I've known for many years. He's a very good friend. And it's a lot of fun to get together with him. once every three weeks, batch record some episodes, then have a nice lunch together and just hang out, just be with someone who I really like. We have a laugh, we have fun together. So one big element of the fun I get from podcasting is getting together with my friend and colleague.
• I think we're helping people with our product when I know we're helping people, we get feedback, voice messages, emails, telling us that because of the podcasts, we've helped people, get promotions, find a job pass an exam in English, so we know that we're doing some good out there and then keeps us going the feedback from our community.
•  I really like the podcasting community. They're a great bunch of people. And I enjoy hanging out with podcasters. I feel very comfortable when I'm with podcasters. And, and over the years, I've made some really good friends in the podcasting community going to events and conferences, and meeting people online. So I really like being part of the community. And it's much easier to be part of the community if you have a podcast.
• I think I really like creating something that wasn't in the world before. Hopefully, that's a good thing. It might be a bad thing. But I like the idea that we've put something out there that might be of use to people and it didn't exist before we turned on the microphones.  I like the idea that I've created something.

Check out Craig at Ingles Podcast

Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting

I've always said that podcasting scratches every itch I have.

• It is somewhat technical, and I'm somewhat of a geek.
• You are in 100% control and you can do anything you want. As a creative person, I love that.
• I get to help people. As someone with a teaching background, that puts a lot of "Gas in my tank."
• As someone who spent myself into bankruptcy trying to have children (and failed), this is somehow my "Legacy."

Check out all of Dave's shows at www.powerofpodcasting.com

September Question of the Month

Right now, I'm obsessed with the word, Interesting. When you hear the word interesting, what comes to your mind. If someone who spoke another language and asked you to explain what Interesting mean, how would you describe it. Feel free to "riff" on your thoughts of interesting, and explain any examples of content you feel is interesting. I need your answer by September 25th, 2020. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Ready to Start Your Podcast?

I love helping people plan, launch, and grow their podcast. I have multiple plans and scenarios to meet any budget. Let's work together.

HOUSEKEEPING: My book, Profit Grom Your Podcast UPDATE. If you're asked to confirm your sale, please say yes.

Podcasts are continuing to get more and more popular with millions of listeners worldwide. In some (few from what I've seen) cases, people with very popular or very niche shows can charge what some people call a "Guest Appearance Fee." While I understand that some of us are trying to at least pay for the cost of production with our podcasts, but there are some things to think about before you go charging people to be on your show.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

I know some people were charging to be on your show (in some cases four figures) to be a guest. The law of supply and demand can be summarized as the smaller the supply for something the more your can charge as long as it has value (or perceived value). Why? Because you can't get it anyplace else.

If you show has a HUGE audience and people are banging on your door to be on your show, this might indicate a high demand for people to be on your show. If your show is super niche, it may be the only podcast on the topic. If a potential guest wants to do a deep dive on Viking history, there may not be that many podcasts to contact.

Remember when sponsors are paying you money it is to get in front of your audience. If a guest thinks you have a large chunk of the audience they may be willing to pay to get in front of them.

MANAGING DEMAND WITH YOUR PRICE

When you have too much demand on a product as you can't keep up, one strategy is to raise the price. When I was a working musician some of the bars I played had a $5 cover charge. Why? Because if you were willing to pay $5 just to get in the door there was a good chance those people had disposable money to buy food and drinks. This way your bar was full of your target audience.

If you have a TON of people BEGGING to be on your show, charging for an appearance might slow the demand. It might shorten the line to get into the guest chair, and only those who KNOW that you have their target audience will bust out the cash to sit in that seat.

If this sounds like a good idea, lets take a second and look at this a little deeper.

Take a Long Look in the Mirror

If you were to go to Google is your show one of less than five other podcasts on your subject? Are you the only pigmy pony podcast? Do you have a large audience? Not many people can say they have a super-niche podcast with a large audience.

Here are some other things to consider:

Enjoying the Extra Money This Would Bring In

TV Talk shows (due to the union) pay their guests to appear on the show ($726 per episode by some accounts) but that is for a show with millions of viewers. According to some reports by Marketwatch 30% of adults have no emergency savings at all (if you make 50,000 a year). If you go up to $150,000 a year 25% of people are still living paycheck to paycheck.

My point is without some discipline, there were always be more month at the end of the money.

What might happen is you have an extra $1000 a month and you get those braces for the kid, or even worse have a second child (and those little boogers are expensive). Now what was extra money to put into your savings, or add some breathing room, is now being spent every week. It is no longer "extra"money.

Now You NEED Guests to Pay

When your back is up against the wall you do things you may not be proud of. Now you start to accept any guest as long as they pay. I've been there done that. While I had a job when I graduate from college I still took a job as a janitor at my church to help pay the bills. I had student loans to pay, and I needed to save up money to move into an apartment. My Dad (who had a degree in computers) took a job as a convenient store manager working the night shift. You do what have to do not because you want to, but because you have to.

This Could Cause a Negative Spiral

If your guests don't fit your audience, and they don't deliver value, you might lose your audience (and remember that is what people are paying for - to get in front of your audience). If your audience goes away, so does the demand to get in front of them.

For me (again an opinion), you don't really need to sell me your guest and provide tons of street cred when you introduce your guests. I trust you that you're not going to bring on someone who won't deliver value.

Potential FTC Issues

The FTC Guides, state that at their core, reflect the basic truth-in-advertising principle that endorsements must be honest and not misleading. An endorsement must reflect the honest opinion of the endorser and can’t be used to make a claim that the product’s marketer couldn’t legally make.

255.5 states, "When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement (i.e., the connection is not reasonably expected by the audience), such connection must be fully disclosed. "

For me, by having them on your show, your audience trusts you to bring people of value. If you don't disclose that they are paying to be there, and someone purchases their product or service, you might have an issue with the FTC (I'm not a lawyer, but it gets sticky).

If you're in the UK, you might want to check out the CAP Code 2.4 "Marketers and publishers must make clear that advertorials are marketing communications." 

Vote For The Schol of Podcasting

We are in the final slate of the Podcast Awards. Go to www.podcastawards.com and vote for the School of Podcasting in the technology category (I also love the Newsworthy show, and the Packers Fan Podcast). 

I Want to Help You With Your Podcast

What is keeping you going? What has started you from starting? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question to answer by August 28th

I Want to Help You With Your Podcast

I've been helping people plan, launch, and grow their podcast for 15 years. I'd love to help you.

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme to find the best way I can help you.

Patreon is having what appears to be some serious legal issues created by a loophole in their terms of services. Today I talk about seven different options each with their own strength. 

Patreon

Subscribestar

Supercast

Memberful

MyLibsyn

Podbean

Buy Me a Coffee

Ko-Fi

Full Details, videos, and more at 

www.schoolofpodcasting.com/735

There are those that are going to be surprised by today’s content. Why? Because I’m going to admit to making one of the biggest mistakes (if not THE biggest mistake) you can make in podcasting. This deals with your podcast feed. When you learn to shave, you have to learn how to hold the razor properly. 

The Radio Analogy

Let’s start with some analogies. Radio is broadcasted on a frequency. That frequency is then deciphered by a radio receiver, which turns it into music. 

Podcasting is syndicated via your feed and is deciphered via an app. So you had DJ to Frequency to Radio. Now you have podcasters to feed to app. In radio, you had to make sure your radio tower was always operational. If the tower had an issue, you were no longer broadcasting, and your station went dead. With podcasting everything, I mean EVERYTHING is tied to your feed. Guard it with your life. 

Change of Address Forms

The other analogy I want to bring here is the change of address form. I’m going to be moving later this year, and when I am finished set up,at my apartment, I’m going to fill out a change of address form with the US Post office that says,”Any mail going to Dave Jackson at his apartment should now be delivered to his house.” 

Here is the problem you want to avoid. 

What if your favorite pizza place was at 123 Main Street, and they moved. They had no website, and when you dialed their phone number it said it was disconnected. You LOVED their food, but you had no idea where to get it. 

If a radio station moved from 98.7 to 100.2 and didn’t let their audience know, you would have to scan the dial searching for your favorite station. 

When you move from one feed to another without doing a 301 redirect you strand your audience who is still looking at your old (dead) feed. 

How Did This Happen?

So how did the guy who warns everyone to be careful when dealing with feeds shoot himself in the foot? 

I did this late at night (post-midnight right before I was heading to bed). Looking back we always have 20/20 vision, but I’m pretty sure this not when I’m at my sharpest. 

You might say I got, "Too comfortable with the knife." What I mean by this is if you do something dangerous over and over, after a while, you get comfortable, confident, and potentially end up cutting yourself. If this had been a client’s account I was working on, I would’ve shut off all distractions, double and tripled checked my steps, and things would’ve been fine. In my case, I knew the procedure, logged in, copied, and pasted and was getting ready to head to bed. I was too comfortable with the knife. 

In looking at my stats, it appears I came away with a bruise instead of needing stitches. 

I Appeared on the Krisk and Kristine Show

You can check out my appearance on episode 48 of the Kris and Kristine show. Link to episode 48.

Update on Conferences

Podfest is doing and online conference while trying to set a Guinness World Record. I will speak at that event. 

Podcast Movement will be in person in 2021 in Nashville, and in 2020 they have moved to an online event. 

Ready To Start Your Podcast?

Join the School of Podcasting worry-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. You get access to:

A private Facebook mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasters.

Step by step tutorials to get you from idea to world domination.

Live group coaching several times a month in different times zones. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

 

Today we revisit the topic of Impostor Syndrome (something we talked about in episode 627), as you won't believe who has impostor syndrome (the whole, "Why would anyone listen to me???). 

We also share what your favorite episode is and why (some pretty amazing answers thanks to all who participated). 

Join the School of Podcasting Worry Free

Worry about sounding bad or unprofessional? Worried about buying equipment you don't need? Worried you'll make all those common mistakes that podcasters make? Then quit worrying and join the School of Podcasting. You get step by steps tutorials, live group coaching, a private mastermind group, and priority email support. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee (so you can join worry-free). see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Because of My Podcast - I Got to Interview Tony Danza

Willam shares the hoops he had to jump through to get Tony Danza on his podcast. Listen to the episode at 

https://unpro.podbean.com/e/ep-23-tony-danza-part-1/

Garth Brooks and Impostor Syndrome

In the docuseries Garth Brooks - The Road I'm On there is a great segment where you learn Garth is the top-selling solo artist of all time, and at the same time is hiding in his hotel room afraid nobody will show up to his concert in central park (they did, almost 1 million people did - making it the largest concert in central park).

Nothing you start ends up where you thought it would. (think about that and I believe you'll find it is true). We worry about failure. I'm listening to a book on Audible called Exactly Where To Start by Philip M Jones. He makes a great point about failure and mistakes. 

First, understand the difference between a failure and a mistake. A mistake is incorrectly doing something that you knew specifically how you were supposed to do. A failure is trying something you've not tried before, and it working out differently than you hoped for. Seeing these differences instantly empowers a difference in your acceptance between the two and possibly helps you become more excited about your future failures.  - Philip M Jones Exactly Where to Start Get the Audio Book For Free 

Take a second and list all of the hard things (or things you perceived as hard at the time) that you have accomplished. You've done more than you think. 

What Is Your Favorite Episode and Why?

While this wasn't planned, I love that many of these episodes involved people trying something new, or stepping out of their comfort zone. Thanks to all who participated:

Veronica -Fat Loss Success Stories

Anthony -Route 66 Podcast

Dan  Based on a True Story

Arnie  The Football History Dude

Dave - Dealing With My Grief

Curtis -Retrozest Podcast

York - Poetic Earthlings.com

Scott Amazing Maine Podcast

Bill Monroe - Stroke Cast

Matt - The Author Inside You

Dave - The School of Podcasting 

August Question of the Month

With so many people answering this month's question who have been doing this a while, How do you keep going? (or why haven't you quit)? For those who have NOT started a podcast yet, What is holding you back? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question to answer before August 28th, 2020.

Mentioned In This Episode

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Exactly Where To Start- Book/Audio Book

August Question of the Month

Work With My - Podcast Consulting

Free Audible Book

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

 

Table of Contents

00:56 Because of My Podcast -  03:20 Join the School of Podcasting Worry Free 04:21 You Won't Believe Who Has impostor Syndrome 10:09 Overcoming Impostor Syndrome 13:05 Mistakes vs Failure 15:39 What is your favorite episode of your podcast 40:26 August Question of the Month 43:00 pod.events 44:09 What is coming 45:13 Bloopers

Glenn "The Geek" Hebert and Jamie Jennings have been doing a ninety-minute daily show Horses in the Morning since 2010. If you listened to the show 24 hours a day it would take you 150 days to listen to all the episodes. That is a HUGE amount of work along with finding sponsors, booking over 6000 guests, facilitating contents and more. Today they share their secrets to longevity while keeping their sanity. Horses in the Morning is part of the Horse Radio Network.

Quick Housekeeping

01:07 Answers for the Question of the Month 01:30 Vote For School of Podcasting at Podcastawards.com

Surviving and Thriving After 2500 Episodes

06:54 How Did You Find Each Other

08:01 Shaping the Concept

10:54 What have you tried that didn't work?

12:29 6000 Guests Over the Years

16:10 Radio vs Podcasting

18:16 Handing Bad Days

20:43 How do you keep finding new content?

24:25 Because of My Podcast Story

25:58 Interacting With Patons

28:19 How Have You Gone This Long and Stayed Sane?

33:43 Glenn Knows Where the Episode is Going

34:41 Bring Your Passion

35:38 Don't Quit on a Bad Day

37:11 Tips for Wanna Be Podcasters

41:25 Bloopers

Main Take-Aways

Glenn and Jamie only promote products that they would use. Consequently, 98.5% of their listeners buy those products. 

They use the Patreon account to allow their listeners to get closer (and appear) on the show. 

They put hours into show prep and know exactly where the show is going. 

They keep trying new things to keep the show fresh. 

Some of their best segments "just happened."

They never talk except on the show so they don't have to recreate conversations in their episodes.

Question of the Month

What is your favorite episode of your podcast and why? Answer by 7/24/20 at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Ready to Start Your Podcast?

Join the School of Podcasting worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and get access to step by step tutorials, live group coaching, and a private Facebook group filled with brilliant podcasting minds. You also get direct access to Hall of Fame podcaster, Dave Jackson via priority email support and when needed video conferencing. Join today at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Need Some Honest Feedback on Your Show?

Get your show reviewed by 30-year radio veteran Erik K Johnson, and 15-year podcasting veteran Dave Jackson in addition to getting exposure on the Podcast Review Show. We go over every inch of your podcast, your website, your goals, and make sure they are in alignment with your content to deliver maximum results. Get reviewed today.

I've been asked this questions in a few interviews. As there are no rules and you can do anything you want in a podcast, are there are any Podcasting Best Practices? Well as we all see podcasting through many different lenses I thought I would share my opinion on the best practices.

Have a Topic You Are Passionate About, as in REALLY Passionate about. 

Next week you will hear Jamie from Horses in the morning talk about her L O V E of horses. In the past I have said you need the passion that a sixteen year old boy has for getting his driver's license.

WHY: Because when you first start out, it will be awkward, and you will still be getting comfortable behind the mic. You will have next to no audience and it is soul crushing to put that much work into something and have next to nobody listen to it. When you have that passion, you will talk about it even if nobody is listening. 

Know Your Target Audience

I know, "But Dave you just said I don't have an audience." I know, but who is the person that should love this content. Also, I don't mean "34-48 year old Women. That is identify who they are. I mean KNOW THEM. Go hang out with them, and find out what makes them tick. 

WHY: One of the biggest fears is sounding stupid. How do you avoid this? By knowing what your audience needs (we cover this in the planning your content course, as well as "Content is King" course). 

Know WHY You're Podcasting

Every podcaster says "It takes more time than I thought" when you start a podcast (for the record it takes more time than you thought for many things if you think about it). Starting a podcast is easy. Start is GOOD podcast can tricky. You've identified who your audience is, and what your topic is, but the why can help shape the content. If you're trying to keep your brand in front of your potential customer you might do three five minute podcasts a week. If you want to be seen as an expert, maybe you do a weekly 20-minute show where you answer a question. If you're trying to grow your network, maybe you do interviews with other people in your field. 

WHY: When you start to achieve your goal, it puts gas in your tank. If you are NOT achieving your goal you know you need to adjust the content or turn up the marketing. 

Get The Best Equipment You Can Afford

I typically say you can sound pretty good for the price of an Xbox (about $300). By the time you get a microphone and some sort of interface, etc. You're looking between $70-$300 depending on how many co-hosts you have, etc. 

WHY: Look at the top 200 shows in Apple and see how many were recorded using their phone (although you can make "OK" recording with your phone when used correctly). 

Have A General Idea Of How a Podcast Works

I've been driving since I was 16. While I don't know enough about my car to work on it. I do know enough to do some basic troubleshooting. 

WHY: By understanding the mechanics of a podcast you can avoid a lot of unnecessary panic when your episode doesn't appear in an app a few minutes after you press publish. 

It's YOUR Show

Aisha Tyler said at Podcast Movement one of the biggest reason she loved her podcast was because it was HERS. Don't interview people if you're not sure they are a good fit. If you don't want to talk about a topic, don't. If you do want to talk about a topic - do. It's your show. 

Make Yourself Available Everywhere

I talked about this in the episode about growing your downloads,

WHY: A boss walks into the board room and says, "I just heard this (insert name) podcast on the way in it was great. Everyone pulls out their phone but some people subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, etc. 

Don't Pick a Release Date Until Your In All the Apps

I had this happen to me. My new show Grow Your Community was in Apple, but NOT in Overcast (even though Overcast pulls from Apple). In the same way that bands in the 80's wouldn't pick a date for their CD release party until they had the CD in their hand, don't pick your "Launch" date until your show is available to SUBSCRIBE. 

Be Appropriate

but also you might consider if you're going to swear or not in your show. When you do you get pulled from India and other countries. I actually listened to the "Losing 100 Pounds" podcast and the host dropped an F-bomb in the first 15 seconds. This was followed by a flurry of other no safe for kids type of language. About 20 minutes she finally mentioned that she curses like a sailor and if you don't like that you should tune out. I'm no prude, but she sounded like a 13-year-old out behind the barn seeing how many swear words she could work into a sentence. 

Again, it's HER show she can do whatever she wants. There were MANY 1 star reviews that just said the swearing was over the top. 

Edit Your Podcast

There are editors for newspapers, magazines, books, TV, movies, but you are the person on the planet that everything that comes out of your mouth is perfect. Really? Radio people can not believe people who choose to "keep it real" and just publish as-is. You have the opportunity to make yourself (your guest) sound better. If nothing else, edit one or two episodes, and if you hate it, pay someone to edit it for you. By editing a few episodes you will be willing to pay someone as it is time-consuming and you will appreciate the job they do.

Get Honest Feedback

I get it. It's your art. You worked hard on it. You might be afraid to get some feedback. Some really are looking for agreement on everything they've done when they ask for feedback. They don't want to change (cause as we mentioned, when you first start it takes time). However, feedback can steer your podcast in the right direction so you can help achieve your goal. Last week I talked about how I got feedback on my music and most people didn't like it. It didn't crush me. I listened to their reasons, saw their point, and changed my music. 

I listened to a podcast today where a school had launched a podcast, got some feedback, and then changed the name, changed the intro, changed the artwork and got amazing results. 

Be Consistent

Pick a schedule and stick with it. Also, be consistent in quality. If you go to a McDonald's in one town and have a hamburger, fly across the country and have another one they taste the same. Sure it's unhealthy, but the taste is consistent. 

Don't Use Unlicensed Music

No, you can't play Taylor Swift. Nope. But what about?? No. No. No. No. What about 10 seconds? No. they are cracking down on this HARD right now. 

You Only Need ONE Episode To Launch

Your first recording will not be as good as your second. Consequently don't release everything you record. Some people think you record 10 episodes and release them at once so people can really connect with you.

WHY: Rob Walch VP at Libsyn.com (the oldest, largest media host) said at a conference in Australia (online) that people lack any feedback. If someone gets feedback on episode three but has seven more episodes recorded and set to publish, the listener has to wait for eight episodes to hear any changes based on their feedback. 

Focus On Your Audience  and Don't Compare Yourself To Others

We talked about knowing your audience, now that you know what they want your show is about THEM, and your WHY. Don't get distracted by what other people are doing, how much money they are making, focus on your audience. If you find yourself thinking about a similar show and it upsets you, drop it and focus on your audience.

Get Your Attitude in Check

Podcasting is a LONG game. It is a marathon not a sprint (years not months). Also remember, you don't have to make money with your podcast.

Be Open To New Experiences

We mentioned being open to feedback, but also open to partnering with other podcasts, trying new segments, trying new marketing strategies. If your show isn't giving you what you want, then try something new.

Have A Website and Control Your Show

You control our website. If the latest social network gets canceled, people will know to find you on our website. Never let a media host (Anchor) submit your show "for you" to directories so that you maintain control of your show. 

Google Wants Good Content

Google wants to deliver great search results to its customers so give it something people will find valuable. Have a good description with enough words (at least 300) to attack Google. While you want to pay attention to keywords, you also want to be appropriate. Use headings to breaking up long posts. 

It's All About Subscribers

We mentioned "being everywhere" but that doesn't help if you make it hard (find me in Apple) to subscribe to your show. Have buttons on your site to share your show and subscribe. 

Promote Your Show

Use social media and any other tools that will help you get your podcast in front of your target audience. 

WHY: There are over one million podcasts in Apple podcasts. If you think Apple will make you famous, then you should be famous from being in the phone book. 

Pay Attention to Your Media Host

In general, the media hosts I recommend have some sort of podcast to keep you informed of updates to their technology and news to what is going on in the podcasting space. 

If You're Looking to Monetize - Start an Email List

While social media may be all the buzz, when it comes to getting people to click on something, hands down Sendfox email is better. I use.  Also, if you're looking to monetize, selling your own product is the best way, but most podcasters who are looking to monetize have multiple streams of income. 

Final Thoughts

If you can't seem to pull the trigger, you are probably overthinking it. 

When in doubt, ask your audience. 

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Mentioned in This Episode

Horse Radio Network

Question of the Month

Dave's Patreon Goup

I hear so many podcasts that do interviews and they start their podcast by pulling a clip from the interview. Today we talk about why this may not be the best strategy.

• The interview snippet should build anticipation
• Piques the curiosity and makes them want to know more
• Some people pull clips that make people go WHAT WAS THAT?

Many times these clips are long (I wouldn't make then any long than 10-15 seconds if not shorter) and just leave the listener confused. 

ROLL THE CLIP

If you think about it movies use trailers to motivate people to come see the movie. They also send the starts on talks shows who often have a clip of the show. When the hosts ask, "Does this need setup?" the answer is almost always yes. Some back story is needed to have the clip make sense. In some cases podcasters are creating a clip, placing it at the very beginning of the episode and there is no "setup" and the clip leads to confusion. 

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You're worried you'll sound stupid. You won't as I show you how to know exactly what your audience wants. You're worried about the technology? Don't be as I have step by step tutorials to walk you through the whole podcasting process. Need some help along the way? I do live group coaching multiple times per month, you have priority email support, and a private Facebook group filled with brilliant podcasting minds. You also have a 30-day money-back guarantee so if you're not happy you can get your money back. 

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Mentioned In This Episode

Start your podcast worry-free at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

New Media Show With Adam Curry

No Agenda Show

Kim from Toastmasters101.net 

Kim from thepharmacistsvoice.com 

Come to the table podcast

Podcast Rodeo Show (get the beginning of your show reviewed).

Podcast Review Show - Full Review

Grow Your Community - Coming Soon

Today we hear stories of different people who have had doors open due to their podcast. Your podcast typically is not a business. It is a business card. Your podcast can be used to network with other people and companies, help you get employment, and help secure opportunities.

Mentioned in This Episode

Joe Rogan and he was interviewing John Stewart 

Emly Prokop from the Story Behind Podcast getting a book deal

Moxie LaBouche of the Your Brain on Facts got a Book Deal 

My book comes out in August Profit From Your Podcast

David Hooper got a radio show when he mentioned he could turn it in a podcast. Music Business Radio ( a program he still does and produces as a podcast along with Big Podcast, and Red Podcast). Dave shares this story as part of the bonus content for the audio version of this book BIG PODCAST.

Audiolympics

Podcast Talent Coach

Erik's episode on Partnerships

Podcast Review Show

SPONSOR: FOCUSRITE

Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website.

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Full show notes at schoolofpodcasting.com/729

If you hate WordPress but want something a little more powerful than the built-in website that comes with your media host then you might want to check out Podpage. Today I interview the create Brenden Mulligan

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Question of the Month: Who Is Your Dream Guest?

03:10 Scott Johnson

05:15 Jim Collison

06:04 Jill and Chris

07:30 Kris and Kristine

10:03 Dave Jackson

Profit From Your Podcast Now Available for Pre-Order

Dave's new book "Profit from Your Podcast" is now available for Pre-Order. He is looking to get as much word out about it as possible. If you think I'd be a good guest for your show, I'd love to be on your show and help promote my appearance. 

Sponsor: Focusrite

* Scarlett, now in its 3rd Generation, is the world’s best-selling USB interface range with over 3 million units sold worldwide * Choose from 6 different interfaces with 1, 4, or 8 microphone inputs depending on the number of hosts and guests on your show * Superior sound quality makes sure you sound your best * Works with the recording software you’re already using * Works with any type of XLR microphone * Loopback on select units allows you to record Skype or Zoom calls directly into your recording software with no workarounds * New unique Air feature adds brightness and presence to your voice

Check out the interface selector tool that helps you pick the right model for you at their website.