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

You will notice that I am in pursuit of people who have been able to make a living with their podcast. Today we interview Jim Harold who does the Paranormal Podcastt and the Campfire Podcast.

In a nutshell, use podcastsconnect.apple.com to submit your podcast to iTunes, but don't mess with anything else in that platform for now (you can really shoot yourself in the foot).

iTunes is somewhat confusing. You submit an iTunes RSS feed to iTunes and in return, they give you a link to your listing in iTunes. iTunes is like a giant phone book of podcasts.

The interesting thing is when someone goes to iTunes and subscribes to your show, iTunes sets the original feed you submitted in their software. This can create confusing.

When you publish a new show it will not show up in the iTunes Store immediately because they have to refreshed your listing. However, anyone who is subscribed to your show gets that show because they are looking at your original feed.

My advice here is to subscribe to your own show. This way when you think there is a problem because your show is not "showing up" in iTunes, check your show using whatever app you use. If the show appears, then it just means the iTunes store has not refreshed your listing yet. Wait at least 24 hours.

(interview starts at 9:51 - recorded with a Zoom H5 recorder and two Audio Technica ATR2005usb microphones )

Here are some bullet points from our conversation with Jim Harold from the Paranormal Podcast

Jim wanted to be on the radio, but ended up in radio sales.

Jim loved reading about the Paranormal growing up.

He sputtered at the beginning of his show, but his fans wanted more. Why? Because nobody was talking about this like Jim was, and he delivered value.

After 6 months , Jim was offered a sponsorship from Audible, and that helped him get more serious about his show.

Jim has multiple streams of income. He has a plus club (membership site), he has multiple books, and he has advertisers. Jim uses Wishlist member to manage his membership site

Jim's first book was "traditionally" published. It was cool to see it in Barns and Noble, but Jim later purchased the rights to that book and sold it on his own. Check out Jim's books at Amazon.com

Podcasting has opened door for Jim

His podcast grows about 10% every year.

His podcast is named well. It's called the "paranormal podcast." He went with the obvious name for his show. When people Google "Paranormal Podcast' his show comes up.

There is a difference between radio ads and podcast ads.

Jim explains how he feels like he knows me because he listens to my show.

Podcasting advertising has great impact because we care about your audience. Jim has rejected ads that didn't fit his audience, or that he couldn't endorse.

Jim is currently using a Heil Pr40, a Mackie Mixer, and a Behringer Processor.

Check out Jim's shows at Jimharold.com as well as his TV You Grew Up With podcast.

Daniel J Lewis from the Audacity to Podcast

Steve Stewart from SteveStewart.me

Stargate Pioneer from the Gonna Geek Network

Danny Pena from Gamer Tag Radio

Auphonic Audio Tool

Show 503 on Compelling Podcasts

School of Podcasting Newsletter

Podfest hapned this weekend in tamp Florida. Wow was it fun. I got to hang out with Hall of Fame podcasters like Danny Pena, and meet some people who are trying to get their podcast off the ground. I love, love, love, the podcast community. It's filled with helpful, loving ,caring people. I got to catch up with Dan and Jared from Podcast Movement, Glenn the Geek, some members of the School of Podcasting. I'd write more names, but I'm still in a coma from the Dramamine.

Being a new event (this was year two) they had one track. This meant that all the attendees sat in the same room and the speakers would rotate in and out. We were strongly encouraged to network on breaks and sit in new locations. It was cool. I ran out of business cards, an luckily had a box of "stand by" business cards.

One of the coolest things were did was like Speed Networking. You had a time keeper at the table, and each person had 90 seconds to share their name, their podcast, and their target audience. Then each round you would go to a new table and meet more people. By the end of the session, you had pretty much met everyone in the room. This was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

They had a schedule flowed nicely together. This lead to speakers often referring to something mentioned previously in the conference.

Great speakers. Simple. All brought value.

Relative sponsors: Audio editing services, marketing, interviewing, trademark, conferences, hosting, all were relevant to the audience.

I saw, felt, and participated in Content Marketing. I met Katie Krimitsos the night before. I saw her presentation on Facebook Goups, and she showed me how much more I could be doing. I will be a customer. 

As God as my witness, ready or not, it will open next weekend 3/5

What am I doing? I'm reshot many of the videos. I've added quite a few videos, and I'm restructuring how I will do business. At this point (subject to change) I want to let a certain amount of people in at one point, and the close the doors so we can all kind of be "on the same page." Then I can help, encourage, and guide you through your process, while still providing value to current members through additional videos and live office hour webinars.

Adjective: having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect

How Podcasts are like Potatoes

You have instant potatoes out of a box. These are quick, easy, and cheap. The end result? Bland. You can make mashed potatoes from scratch. They take longer, it takes more effort, and they are more expensive to create. The result? They are delicious and your recipients want more.

It's Not About the Audio Quality

If you record with your laptop microphone, that's bad. I think we all can recognize audio that is distracting (if you make me adjust the volume during your podcast, we have a problem). You can purchase an Audio Technica 2100 for around $60 and have great audio. Be sure to get a pop filter (check out this package with a swing arm). Once you have that, MOVE ON.

I would listen to an 8-track tape of the Beatles because the content is good. My friend Paul Colligan from the Podcast Report records in all sorts of fun locations. Some are better than others. One time it sounded like Paul was recording fro ma submarine. I listened to every minute. Why? Because Paul makes me think.

On the other hand, Metallica put out and album with Lou Reed. Van Halen Put out an album with Gary Cherone.

One of more of the following need to happen:

If none of the above is happening then don't press record.

Identify Your Audience

If you have a "Secret Santa" at your job and you get someone's name that you don't know you have two choices:

Which one gets the best response?

This is why you have to know who your audience is, so you can go to where they are and listen to what they are talking about. Start of listening when you find your audience. Ask them what they might want to hear. Be sure to take notes using tools like Evernote or OneNote

The ADDIE Approach

Anaylize - Go research your audienceDesign - Decide how you'r going to cover your topicDevelop - Buy the podcasting equipment, figure out what segments you will use.Implement - Let a member of your target audience listen to the show.Evaluate - Did they like it? Get feedback

Feedback is just that - feedback. It leads to failure if the feedback causes you to quit. Don't quit. Instead Analyze the feedback, design a new approach, develop a new version of your podcast, and have a target listener evaluate it. This goes on and on, forever.

Here is the equation:

Total Number of Downloads

X

Effective Production

=

Total Number of Downloads

If you have no value (bit focused, horrendous audio quality) then it doesn't matter how much you promote it. If you have great value, but don't tell anyone about it, that won't work either. This is why you need to record a couple of shows so you know how much time it takes to create an episode. THEN you can choose your publishing schedule.

Check out the Slides at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/503

A couple of weeks ago I let you know that my "Day job" had gone away. A little update on the story, I reached out to the head of HR only to find she no longer works there, and I got an email stating that payroll would be postponed two days.  So there I was, thinking about getting into training and support. So I asked myself. What do I want to do for a living? I love podcasting. So in a nutshell.

I want to help people in the podcasting space.

Who is the biggest player in the podcast space?

Libsyn.com

I reached out to a person I knew (remember how it's all about relationships) and just let them know I was available if they needed someone. A little over two weeks later I was given a proposal to join their team.

I gladly accepted.

I can still do consulting, but you will now hear me give out a disclaimer that I am an employee of Libsyn. You will hear me give out my promo code of sopfree for Libsyn on this show, but not at a trade show where I'm acting as a Libsyn employee. For those who are new to my show, I've been a big fan of Libsyn as well as Blubrry, and Spreaker for years. I think the insights I get from working in support will help me created better content for you on this show, as well as additional documentation for Libsyn.

I've always wanted to make a living around podcasting, and now I can. I can do podcasting as my full-time gig, and my night time hobby. Wait, that's Ray's line.

Every Saturday at 10:30 AM I do a live call-in show called "Ask the Podcast Coach" at www.askthepdocastcoach.com/live and this week Jim asked a question about the controversy over measuring podcasts (see this episode of the Podcasters Roundtable ) and once he came on I got to talk to him and found out.

I've already reached out to Jim and we will be doing a deep dive on next week's show.

Today we are joined by Chris Nesi  (www.chrisnesi.com) from the House of Ed Tech podcast. Chris is well versed in Voxer. As a member of the School of Podcasting Chris has shown me he really enjoys voxer. So when this new tool (Anchor) came on the scene and everyone was going nuts over it, I wanted to get Chris's opinion. In the end, they are different tools for different audiences who are looking for different results.

The world is all a flutter over the Anchor app for iOs. This is an app that allows you to sign in via your twitter account and create audio. People can follow you, and you can follow them. You can record a "wave" and people can reply. This is all public. You can them embed your wav on your website, like this.

See www.schoolofpodcasting.com/502

Speakpipe.com

Originally I wasn't going to include Speakpipe in this discussion, but if we are talking about getting feedback from your audience, I would look like a fool not to include it. Speakpipe is a way for you to put a button on your website for people to click on it, and using their microphone leave a message. When you get the message you can listen to it, download it, or click reply and send a message back to the audience member. It's free, with a premium version for more storage. Check out speakpipe.com

Anchor.fm

I can see this being used to get feedback from your audience. While this is already easy with tools like speakpipe, when someone leaves a message with speakpipe, you can reply to them as well. This is all public. With Anchor, the conversation is public so everyone can hear the conversation and bring their point of view. The bad news for podcasters is once you get the audio, there is no download option. Now you are stuck with hitting play on your phone and recording it with another device. For me, I shared a link to myself, played the wave on the web, and recorded it using Hindenburg journalist (you can go into settings and tell it to record "other applications." Anchor - True public radio - Anchor FM Inc.

Voxer.com

Voxer is also a free app (with a paid pro version with additional perks) that turns your phone into a walkie talkie. It is cool, and you can invite people into groups. This again creates a community feeling. You can share audio, video, text, and images. With a group it is only public to the group. You can private message each individual if you'd like. The nice thing about voxer is it works on all platforms. You can even just use their website. I do love the fact that you can listen to messages at up 3X speed. With Voxer, you have a public forum if you want it (with only invited guests) or private message that are easy to listen to and easy to download. Every time I play with Voxer I feel I should create a group for the School of Podcasting. Check out the app at Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger - Voxer LLC

Clammr.com

Clammr is a fun tool to help spread the word about your show. You can use the free app (or their website) to create clips up to 24 seconds. When Clammr was first launched, creating a clammr was a bit cumbersome. They have improved this since the launch, and they've added the ability to use their website (for those not using an iOs device). If someone likes a clammr when they hear it, they are emailed a link to the rest of the episode. You can create widgets to show your favorite clammrs. They look like this. see schoolofpodcasting.com/502

I can also share a playlist via a text link So where clammr is for the audience to help spread the podcast to their friends, tools like Anchor are for getting their opinion or feedback from the show. Check out the clammr at here Clammr Radio – Discover Podcasts, Music, & News Headlines - Clammr, Inc.

Voicemail

I have a number through PodcastVoicemail.com (Kall8) that costs me $2 a month plus .06 a minute. I've never had a bill over $4, and the audio is "meh" but it's simple and it works for those who are not too technically gifted.

As I'm working for Libsyn.com there are a few that will happen, but very little will change. When I write and talk on my podcast, I am writing as Dave Jackson the Professional Podcast Mentor. I have been delivering objective facts about podcasting, technology, and content for almost 11 years. On this blog I can tell you to use the coupon code sopfree to get a free month at Libsyn.com, or Blubrry.com or Spreaker.com. If i'm at a trade show as an "Official Libsyn Employee" I won't be giving out promo codes (if I want to keep my job), and I won't be giving out promo codes to my competition. You will now hear me use a disclaimer when I talk about hosting companies and explain that I work for Libsyn. But in the end, I've always tried to deliver the facts, and let you make informed decisions. For anyone who has listened to my show from 2005, I've been a big fan of Libsyn before they had an affiliate program, and before I was an employee. So in the end, not much is going to change for the podcast.

What I hope to gain is a better understanding of the podcasting community, the industry, and bring that information to the podcast, and to my tutorials. Some of those tutorials may end up here, or at Libsyn.com or both.

When I lost my job on February 5th, I asked myself, "What do you want to do with your life." I've been a teacher for 20+ years. I've worked in customer support, and tech support. My goal was to make a living around podcasting. My first thought was I could do it on my own by doing consulting full time, or I could go work for a company like Libsyn, Blubrry, or Spreaker. While like all of these companies, I've always been the biggest fan of Libsyn. I also love chocolate ice cream and it will win over any other flavor until Oreo Cookie ice cream is available. There is no bad choice there. I reached out to Rob Walch the VP of Podcasting Relations (and someone I've known for 11 years) and just let him know I was available. If something happened I would do Libsyn full time and do consulting in the evenings and weekends. If something didn't happen, I would go full time consulting,  and maybe get a part time job doing something else.

When I took the job as the Director of the New Media Expo, what I ended up getting were relationships. I believe this job will get me more in touch with potential guests, insights, and a view I wouldn't have if I didn't accept the position.

I said before, I wanted to make a living helping people podcast and now I will. I will bring my knowledge right back to this microphone.

No matter what tool you use, you will still need to ask for communication. You will need to make it super easy to use. Also keep in mind the more tools you use, the more tools you need to check. The worst thing you can do is ask for interaction and then ignore it.

Rob Kerns new Living the Vet Life Podcast is for a podcast dedicated to making sure Veterans are getting all of their benefits. Check it out at http://livingthevetlife.com/ check it out in iTunes

Rob's got two episodes out and it displays lots of promise to help veterans get what they deserve.

If you are looking to take a serious stab at podcasting, join Dave for a YEAR as he works side by side with you. For more information, go to www.podcastmentorship.com

Jeff Bradburry Teachercast.net

Ray Ortega PodcastersStudio.com

Chris Nesi

Speakpipe

Clammr 

PodcastVoicemail.com

Voxer LLC

Anchor

Libsyn.com

Blubrry

livingthevetlife.com

Hindenburg Journalist

Podcast MentorShip

With so many people focusing on New and Noteworthy, I wanted to see how many people use New and Noteworthy. So I asked people how they found new podcasts and here is what they said.

The number one way was hearing the podcaster being interviewed on another podcast. This data is from 100 respondents from my email list, and from social media. So it order with the number one answer first it was

I heard them interviewed on another podcast

I searched the app for my topic

I heard about it from a friend (word of mouth)

Other

The Internet (Google, Bing) Search

The "other" responses were (and I'm summarizing) more or less "Word of mouth." Meaning the podcast host they were listening to mentioned them, or they heard about it on Twitter, Pinterest, etc.

So if one of the top ways to grow your audience is to appear on other podcasts, how do you get booked on other shows? Well, we are going to dig into a smart way of setting yourself up to be booked on other podcasts.

OK, there must be some new course, or guru telling people how to contact people to be potential guests. Here is the format

They are missing one key ingredient

When you start off the email with “I have heard some fantastic things about your radio show, congratulations on your success!”

Again, do some homework, or better yet, go by the book Stop Chasing Influencers: The True Path To Building Your Business and Living Your Dream

Search for your topic in iTunes, Google, etc. the idea is to see who is in the space. Who is the leader in your space? Search for their name in iTunes and see what podcasts they have appeared.  You could search for New and Noteworthy as these people are probably more New than Noteworthy (and hungry for guests) Realize your interview will be evergreen. So if someone goes back to get the back catalog, you will be included.

Find influencers in your niche: Look for books on your topic in Amazon, and in Amazon there is a "Customers also bought these items" area. You should probably see other authors names who are also involved with your topic.

Make a list and check it twice

When you find a podcast, look and see the date of their last episode. If they have podfaded, you might consider contacting them to see if you could take over the show. In general, people who haven't put out a show in months, are more than likely not coming back.

Start a spreadsheet with the following information

The average Twitter followers per user is 208. According to an article on Sumome you can look at Twitter followers using the following scale:

Add these people to your list and make how you found them (they will want to know). Obviously, put if they have a podcast or not. If they don't, you may still want to develop a relationship with them so they can appear on YOUR podcast.

So to determine if you are a good fit for their show, you need to listen to it. There is no way around this if you want to do it right.  Does this podcast focus on people who would enjoy your topic? If yes, then we need to get ready to contact them. If not, then we won't focus on them now.

Don't Try to Close the Deal

Instead of sending an email, and asking to come on the show. Why not follow them on Twitter and retweet one of their tweets? Why not leave a comment on the blog. The beginning of every relationship begins with a conversation. This way when you do contact them, you won't be quite the stranger.

Honesty is Refreshing

See if you can get an introduction. See who is following this person on twitter or LinkedIn and see if you can get an introduction.

Instead of telling me great my show is, why not be honest? Tell me you just discovered the show, and tell me why - specifically - in a way that proves you listened - you would be a good fit for my show. Realize the podcaster is going to have to figure out if you're going to bring value, and if you're a good fit. If you've done your homework, you can answer that question for them (and save them time).

You could send an email with something along the lines of "Hey (name), I just got done listening to (episode name) and I have to tell you (specific item that proves you listened) I wanted to let you know as someone who has been involved with (the topic of the podcast) I'm really enjoying the show. "

If you want them to take a look at you, write about their episode on your blog and link to it. Then send them a link to the post. Now you're not just a listener, you're a content creator, and I'm pretty sure they are going to click the "ABOUT" button when they visit.

Think of this as "Courting" your potential future interview.

You can “Spray and Pray” that someone will respond. Spend time talking to people who (apparently) will have anybody on their show. Waste their audience time, and your time as well. The good news it didn’t take any effort to pull this off. The bad news is it isn’t very effective. You’re busy, but not productive. There is a difference. Don’t confuse the two.

The other way of doing this is to find a show with the topics you want to talk about, and listen to them and see if you might be a good fit. If you think there is, then leave a comment on the post you listened to and bring value. See if the host replies (you want a host who is connected with his/her audience). Then later, after you listen to a second episode you might consider sending them another email. Talk about some details to prove you listened and bring some value to the conversation. Maybe you have details that they didn’t share in the episode. Maybe you have a resource that could be of value. Bring something to the table that will benefit the host. When the host benefits, you benefit. Why? Because as a podcast host, we serve our audience. We want our audience to benefit. When you deliver value, the host will want you to do the same thing with their audience.

Why don’t people do this? Because contacting people on a personal basis takes TIME. Time is something most of us don’t have. Why don’t we have more time? Because we’re BUSY talking to people that aren’t a good fit. Because we’re drafting the perfect form letter to blast to hundreds of potential podcasters.

If you want to stand out and have people BEGGING YOU to come on the show, do your homework. Write an email that shows you took the time to listen, and you’ve already done the work for the host. They don’t have to figure out if you’re a good guest for the show; you’ve already done it for them. You will STAND OUT.

It’s Not Spray and Pray.

It’s all about Relationships.

Relationships take time. If you’re too “busy”, stop using Spray and Pray, and start working smarter. Start standing out from the crowd by doing your homework and find podcasts that fit your topic, and success will come your way.

Is this you?

You don’t know where to start or what steps are required to turn that idea into a reality.

You have a lot of ideas to choose from and you don’t want to choose the wrong one.

Your fear of failure outweighs your fear of not getting started.

You’re not sure if you’re qualified.

You don’t want to let others down.

You’ve discovered others who have executed a similar idea.

You don’t have the resources you need to get started.

You’re just not sure if it’s going to work.

Podcast Mentorship will meet twice a week for the first six weeks, and twice a month for the next 10 months. You will communicate via a private slack group, and you will full access to the School of Podcasting so you are never alone.

Podcast Mentorship is where I work side by side with you as we (together) identify your target audience, and the problems they need solved, and the information they are starving to hear. When we launch your podcast it will be a like breath of fresh air to your audience. It will be like delivering the perfect gift who has been waiting years for it.

For more information go to www.podcastmentorship.com

Ready to start now? Order Today

Mentioned in this show

http://www.jobsearchthatworks.com/

www.askthepodcastcoach.com

If you're new to the School of Podcasting, when Dave hits a milestone like 100, 200, 300, 400, he breaks format and tries to do something that is educational, entertaining, and slightly weird. Today being that it is both my 500th episode of the School of Podcasting, and my 51st birthday, (and the fact that last week was Groundhog's Day), I am taking my creativity and love of the movie Groundhog's Day (the story is a guy has to relive the same day over and over, rent it here) and joining it with the story of Jack Davidson and his friend Scooter as they try to launch a podcast.

We also here snippets of past shows at the start of the show.

Special thanks to Adam Curry of the No Agenda Show for loaning me their birthday jingle. Check out their awesome podcast at www.noagendashow.com

Also thanks to Steve Stewart of the No Debt, No Credit, No Problems podcast for kicking off the show, and to Kim Kracji of the onthetablepodcasts.com for being my female voice in the "podcasting commercial". I knew I could count on you both.

Look Back Memory Lane 00:38

Episode 500 Begins 2:00

We cover a story about a man named Jack Davidson. It’s his birthday, he’s gone through some life changes, and he’s thinking of starting a business. He is realizing that you only have so much time on the planet, and he wants to make a difference. His biggest fear in life is being insignificant, or leaving no legacy behind. His mind is whirling today about his future. This has been spurred on by the fact that he is turning 51 today

Morning Burger hit :4:00

Hey It's Your Birthday Version 1 5:01

Podcasting Commercial 5:34

First Jack tries using a free media host that limits your bandwidth - Bad idea

Binky and the Whiz take over the No Agenda Show 8:44

Jack purchases blue snowball microphones only to find out these don't work good in a non-silent environment and its hard to have two usb microphone plugged into one computer.

Whet Bread the Big Lie 11:55

Hey It's Your Birthday Version 2 15:15

Jack and Scooter learn that you should setup an agreement to identify who does what, and if there is any money who gets paid, etc

Hey It's Your Birthday Version 3 18:50

Jack and Scooter lose their friendship after arguing over the money with their podcast.

Jack goes solo, and tries multiple hosts, platforms, and equipment.

Jack and Scooter come to an agreement

Final Thoughts on Episode 500 23:20

What did we learn today?

Podcast Sally 34:10

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Steve Stewart 

On the Table Podcast (for toastmasters)

No Agenda Show

More Podcast Money Book

Support This Show

Last week we talk about being a "hobby podcast" and that you can be a hero to someone. We mentioned that you do NOT have to make money with your podcast. Today we are going the other way and looking at making money with your podcast. So let's start right there.

YOU DON'T MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR PODCAST. YOU MAKE MONEY WITH THE RELATIONSHIP YOU BUILD WITH YOUR PODCAST

This is why it takes time. In the same way that it takes time to develop a relationship, it takes time to build an audience that will like and trust you. Things that can speed up this process:

Strategies for Making Money with Your Podcast

1. Sell your own product

This is by far the most lucrative because people know, like and trust you. This can be a book, a course, consulting, etc.

2. Refer to other products through affiliate links

Pick a product that matches the audience. Preferably one that you actually like so you can talk open and honestly about the product. Many people use Amazon. or Audible as well.

3. Donations

You can put a paypal button on your site, or websites like Patreon make it easy to build a community by rewarding them for different levels of support. Be careful with the reward and make sure you don't spread yourself too thin.

4. Sponsorship

When you get over 5,000 download per episode, you can start thinking about getting a "big" sponsor (squarespace). As 92% of podcasters are nowhere near that number you are not out of luck. You can find smaller businesses that may be looking for more of a branding play. Check out my interview with Glenn The Geek who is making a living with sponsors by making sure his sponsors fit his audience and he gets them involved.

Check out this super powerful shopping cart plugin that allows you to safely sell digital downloads

Gumroad is a handy website that make's it easy to sell digital downloads if you're not using Wordpress. Selz.com is another great looking shopping cart.

The School of Podcasting was founded in 2005 and I used Digital Access Pass to to make sure the general public could not access my material. I also used it to manage my affiliate program, and e-mail m members. It created coupons for discounts, and generated reports. Is is the cheapest platform? No. But the money you save using different plugins is wasted in the time you spend trying to get them all to work together.

Today I interview Ravi Jayagopal from Digital Access Pass and the author of the book Subscribe Me: Making, Marketing & Monetizing Online Digital Content with Membership Sites, Online Courses and Recurring Subscriptions

The biggest advantage of a membership site is you can build it once, and then sell it many times. Digital Access Pass even has a "drip" feature (now copied by many, but Ravi was the inventor) that allows you to provide your members content over a period of time (instead of giving it to them all at once ).

Today we learn this about membership sites:

1. There is more than just putting up content and protecting it.2. You still have to bring value to your audience.3. You still need to promote it. It's not a "build it and they will come" world.4. You still need to provide new content to get them to stick around.

Check out Ravi's podcast at www.subscribeme.fm

You start out not caring about money, and you turn on the microphone and just wing it. Then later you want to make money with your podcast.

You topic doesn't lend itself to sponsors (too hot of a topic). This doesn't mean you can't get a sponsor, it means it may be tougher.

A podcaster wants to start monetizing after 4 weeks and they haven't developed that know like and trust, or an audience.

Shepodcasts.com

Podcaster's Studio

Snider Comments

Darren Dake from the Coroner talk podcast has told us (about a year ago) where he was asked to do some state wide training in Missouri). Well Darren is back because now - because of his podcast - which is now over 100,000 downloads (think about how niche his topic is). Darren is using his podcast as a calling card, and now Darren has been asked to do some teaching on a NATIONAL level as the LEAD INSTRUCTOR for a course. He has made great contacts all over the world and has been asked to speak at numerous conventions. His next goal is to be asked to speak outside of the US. Check out his show at www.coronertalk.com 

One more point: Coroner talk was Darren's second podcast. So you don't always hit it out of the park the first time. Darren started, tweaked, learned along the way and now is seeing success.

In the recent episode of the Podcaster's Roundtbale we ask, "Is your podcast paying for itself?" Check it out at podcastersroundtable.com/64 

We talk about networks, patreon, and wondering if people making money with their podcast is ruining podcasting for the hobby podcast.

A post in a Facebook Group Asked: "What is your idea or definition of a successful podcast, the one that has specific number of downloads, or subscriptions or sponsorship or something else that I might not know??"

Does it make you happy? Do you love doing it every day/week? Do you have a positive impact on the lives of others? is it something you'd love to do every day as your career? You're successful. It's not about dollars and cents or downloads - it's about levels of happiness - Lou Mongello wdwradio.com All I can say is Amen.

Look, I love what money can do for me. I'm up to my eyeballs in student loans, but if you OBSESS over downloads numbers, and OBSESS over New and Noteworthy you are focusing on the wrong thing. You need to focus on your audience and impacting them in a positive fashion.

Example of Podcast Success

12:59 Mark Dowding from the Oh Beep Geocaching Show

Not writing this to boast, or brag, just as a heads up to anyone who is getting a little jaded with their podcast. We've struggled the last few shows and have only recorded one episode in January. We've been questioning our value in our niche and what we bring to the table. Then a listener sent this e mail, which told us we've been achieving what we set out to do every episode.:

"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy the show. I listen on my way to work and on my way home from work. My drive is around 1 1/2 hours. I have never laughed so much listening to a podcast. I sometimes have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. An awesome father and son podcast.

So thank you"

Thats all we want to do, entertain people. There are plenty of deep dive podcasts in our niche and plenty of interview podcasts. We wanted to do something different and it seems we hit the spot - no one before that listener has told us we've done that.

Its worth keeping in mind that someone listening is getting value from your show, so don't give up.

People Are Listening

Glenn The Geek of Horse Radio Network has appeared twice on this show (cause he's that good) and check this out. He posted something in the School of Podcasting's Private Facebook Club. "I need to brag a bit, with the help of Dave Jackson getting the word out I have had four podcasters contact me this week who heard me speak on sponsorship and they all got their first sponsors this week! Rates ranged from $50 to $1500 an episode, congrats everyone. Learn more about this model in my Keynote at Podfest.us

It is amazing how if we are asked for our favorite childhood memory we may have to think about it. If someone asks for our worst memory, it comes to us without hesitation. These are the thoughts that stop us from reaching out to the world. These are the thoughts that whisper in our head that nobody would listen to a podcast from you. We today we provided three examples of people who are being heard, and who are making a difference.

29:25 I left Jeff Hollbrook from wvpodcast.com out of the My Favorite Podcast Is project - for the second year in a row. I've learned to make a more streamlined submission process.

I forgot to press record on a recording - I notice this happens more when the person I'm interviewing is a friend and I'm feeling more comfortable, and more likely to "jump into the conversation."

I blew off the setting for my backup recording. You need to treat this as the file you will be using- because that may be the case.

I forgot to mention that I also sent the Ask the Podcast Coach show down the feed for the School of Podcasting. Lesson? Slow down when publishing. 

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My Favorite Podcast Is...2015: Understanding Audience Loyalty

There are a number of things you need to be successful in podcasting.

No matter how great your show sound, and how much you promote it, without great content, it won't succeed.

No matter how great your content is, if it is painful to listen to, or you have to constantly adjust the volume, nobody is going to listen.

No matter how great you sound, and how great your content is, if you don't promote it, your growth will be slow.

Without a great attitude, you won't be able to handle it when things don't go according to plan. You have to be able to roll with the punches, dodge the trolls, embrace constructive feedback, celebrate other's success, and remember to always serve your audience. It is easier said than done.

There are a number of people who can help you launch a great year. Michael Hyatt has your best year ever. John Lee Dumas can get you where you want to go in 100 days with his Freedom Journal (and yet I bought a copy).  Today we have Tarun Stevenson of  leadcommunicategrow.com is hear to help us keep our attitude in check, and to make sure we set realistic goals.

When you lose hope its a very dark place to be and want to quit. Business without purpose can lead to you throwing in the towel. We look at where we want to be, and then look at where we are, and instead of feeling gratitude for what you have, you get discouraged. You have to value your current situation so your attitude can stay positive and allow you to make it to the next step. An App that Dave has been using is Gratitude Journal .

Look at last year and figure out what worked, and what could be done better. What experiences help you grow more? When we develop small habits they can lead to giant success.

Be sure to have specific goals, and make sure the goals push you out of your comfort zone. Make sure they are realistic. Instead of focusing on the goal, focus on the actions that will lead to achieving the successful goal.

Instead of focusing on our stats, focus on the actions that will lead to more downloads.

Anything of value takes time and effort. A garden of weeds takes no time or effort. Your successful podcast will require time and effort, but it will be worth it.

Follow Tarun on twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Details Goal Setting & Free Audio Teaching on the 15 Laws of Growth

www.leadcommunicategrow.com/growme

How to Influence People: Make a Difference in Your World (John Maxwell)

John Maxwell Books at Amazon

You can also get a free John Maxwell Audio Book when you sign up at Audible.

On the Ask the Podcast Coach show this week we were joined by Josh of Zencastr.com and this is a great tool that allows you to record NUMEROUS guests and all your guest has to do is click a link to join. When the call is done, their file is uploaded to Zencastr. You get a copy of each person's file, and a combined version.

There are popping out of the woodwork. I also just heard about www.epishow.com/ which is basically the same thing.

Both are free, with Zencastr almost ready to come out of beta and start charging.

I want to upload a file and have it come down the way I uploaded it. I want a media host to support me, and provide stats. Omny studio is different as they have some of the features are radio specific. They do have some unique features as you can edit in the cloud. You can upload your intro and outro and record your podcast with your phone and it will splice the intro, your content, and your outro together. The bad news is there are no ID3 tags. While 70% of podcast listeners may not notice they are missing, anyone listening to your podcast in iTunes on the desktop will notice the lack of information (and you look like a hack). If you care, they also rename your file. They charge $9 a month for unlimited uploads and downloads (which is a disastrous business plan), and provide basic stats. There is a free plan if you want to kick the tires. I did an in depth review on my blog with a video.

Today's episode is a special "Dual Episode" as Dave and "The Real Brian" from Profitcast take on the subject of what is needed to make money with your podcast. We got together to talk about three bullet points:

In the process of going into these bullet points, I expanded the talk to include a discussion of looking at our podcast. There are two sides of podcasting

So this leads us into uncomfortable places as we love to be encouraging, but we need to be honest and let people know that podcasting does require work (especially if you're trying to deliver value for your audience). 

If your show fails to deliver value, then nobody will buy your service either.

If you take the time so that you KNOW you are delivering value, then you are confident in your content. If you are "guessing" that your audience will enjoy/grow your content, then your confidence is not as solid.

There is no easy way around this, and it will probably get tweaked over time. You need to go out and meet your audience. This can be online, or in person, but you need to go meet your audience and make sure they exist. When you talk to people and you hear what they need, then you can deliver the best content.

My first piece of advice would be to turn off the television. Television delivers very little value when it comes to helping your podcast earn money (unless you're watching Shark Tank, or The Profit). There are many ways to do this that require no money:

Taking time to read blogs

Going to Meetup

Getting books from the library

Watching relevant video on YouTube

All those things can benefit you in your understanding of your content, your market, and help keep you focused. There are tons of different courses. If you find one that you feel fits your needs, then take the course, and throw yourself 100% into it. Don't purchase another course, book, CDs, DVDs, until you finish that course and put those strategies into action.

Ready to Start a Podcast?

Check out www.theschoolofpodcasting.com

I recently was very concerned when I saw a video from a company call Glycast.com It stated, "“It’s a new approach to podcast advertising. This is how it works. You give us your podcast feed, and we give you a new one to distribute to your audience. ”"

I could tell by the video that the person was more of a podcast listener and not an actual podcaster. I didn't think he was out to hurt podcasters. But I could see where there was a chance for people to get their RSS feed hijacked with now way to get it back if Glycast went out of business. This video explains it all.

So my first reaction was to tell everyone the house was on fire, and to be careful. My second reaction was to contact the company and get their side of the story. I was BLOWN AWAY when I got this response.

My name is José Pablo Fernández, I live in London, I started coding when I was 7 years old, I also started my first business around that time. I worked for Google some years ago. For the past 4 years I been running a startup I co-founded, first as CTO and then as CEO: Carousel Apps. This company is launching Glycast. I co-founded Hear a Blog, a podcasting-related product, some years ago, and we got selected and Seedcamp Paris finalists. In my video for investors I talk more about my background: https://carouselapps.wistia.com/medias/pv06qw6ap5

We have the core tech for Glycast but not everything, so, we'll build whatever is required for both parties to be happy. We want both parties to be happy, so, if you are not and you want to leave us, we won't stop you. If you require us setting up a redirect of your feed to another system, we'll implement that feature and everybody will have it.

I'm thinking of actually recommending people of using Feedburner, so as to have a setup such as this:

main rss -> glycast -> feedburner -> audience

You give the feedburner RSS to your audience and while Glycast is there, then you have ads, if one day you want to move away, then you just switch your Feedburner account to read directly from your main rss like this:

main rss -> feedburner -> audience

and voila. You don't even need the redirect. Nobody will notice any difference at all.

Depending on what systems people are using we may also develop plug ins. For example, we can have a WordPress plug in that makes your feed look like if it was serve from Glycast, with the ads, but on your feed on your own server. That shouldn't be that hard to implement.

About who is on your show? Do you mean about which ads are played and which ones aren't? I'd love to implement something like that. It'll probably be something like this: if you don't approve any ads, then all ads are approved, if you approve enough ads to take care of your inventory, then only those ads will appear. If there are not enough ads, we'll send an email with an alert. Those ads pay for our hosting and bandwidth so we can't run without ads for long periods of time, but I don't want any podcaster ever to be unhappy about the ads they are getting.

About how much money, I don't know yet. The market will define this over time. I could look at the current expenditure in podcasts but since our model is quite different, it doesn't really apply. When you buy ads in a podcast today you are most likely buying that spot forever, while with Glycast, the spot keeps passing around from advertiser to advertiser over time. Eventually, I think we'll have a bidding system, similar to Google's Adsense, so that the pricing adjusts over time automatically.

About the video. I'm not here to harm anyone. I'm here to make a product to help podcasters and advertisers connect, be more efficient. I'm building whatever podcasters will need to be happy. I understand your worry and your desire to warn your audience that might not understand RSS distribution and make a bad decision now that will cost them a chunk of their audience later on. That's not something I want to do and I wouldn't be happy with any company holding an audience hostage like that. I do want to work with you, and other podcasters, to make sure I meet your needs of an excellent platform that will help monetize your podcast, whatever your size is, whatever your topic is, and focus on your craft, on what you love, on podcasting.

I'm an avid podcast listener, consuming more than 20hs per week of podcasts and every time someone announces they are going off the air because they need to focus on other things to pay the bills it makes me sad... and whenever I look at my feed and I see all the podcasts that silently stopped putting out updates it makes me even sadder. If the problem is funding, I want to help.

What amazed me was why this information was not on their website. José has a great resume, and with some insights into who and what I'm looking at, my fears are much less.

17:10

When I first heard that Aaron Janx was charging $57 to be interviewed on his show. If you have him on your show then he charges nothing. I thought, "Wait, a guest is bringing their content to YOUR show, if anybody is getting paid it should be the guest. After all, no guests - no show right? Well not completely, but my original reaction was this was a bunch of crap. If you've never read it, there is a great book called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Habit 5 is Seek to Understand before being Understood. You can get the book for free when you sign up at Audible.

Aaron got flack for having the word "War" in his title. No his show is the Aaron Jax show.

Aaron's show is about how to win the War of Success. Winning those little battles in your life to be successful. Some people don't want to answer the questions as we get into the nitty gritty. There are some motivational talks on the show as well. Check it out at www.socialspurs.com as well as in iTunes

Here is a Screen Shot From Aaron's Listing on RadioGuestList.com

In the interview we hear that:

Aaron has done hundreds of interviews and had a large amount of people who would not show up (no call, no notification).

He asks people that approach him (people he doesn't have a relationship with) to pay $57. This way they are more than likely to show up. Some might say they have "Some skin in the game."

He found that people offer to come on the show, and then disappear. This is a tremendous waste of time.

Aaron is not trying to earn a living from his guests, but basically trying to weed out "the men from the boys."

Aaron shared where John Lee Dumas is charging $700 to appear on his Entrepreneur on Fire podcast, so this is not a "new idea."

The person who sent out the $57 to be on the show (the ad above) has been sacked.

Cancellations ranged from 30 - 50% of the time

Aaron was also assuming his guests would promote their appearance (and they often don't - Check out Jared Easley's new book Stop Chasing Influencers which explains how Jared had tons of "big" guests - but it didn't turn into subscribers.

Schedule once starts at $5 (but you probably want $9)

Calendaly.com is $8/month

Appointlet is $15 a month and allows you to charge

Bookly is $46 (once) it's a Wordpress Plugin

Live365 (a streaming provider - traditionally for music) tried to get into Podcasting, and stories have now surfaced that they are all but done. This is partly due to fees going up on Licensing music. Full story is here. If you want to create a streaming version of your show, I use Abovecast. I have found people don't listen as long (about 5 minutes) so I make snippets and point people to my website. Much like a podcast has to be listed in directories (iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn) so do streaming channels. Here is a default (boring) default page.

If you are done with cutting out "ums" and want to just create content and let someoone else handle the editing, check out www.podcastmechanic.com I'm ready to take on a few clients.

In today's show you hear how Marcy Rosenbaum had an idea went out and bought some equipment (bought the wrong microphone) and was just lost. She purchased some one-on-one consulting and her show was in iTunes in a few weeks. Schedule your coaching call today. If you'd rather go "Self-paced" check out the School of Podcasting. Join risk free with out 30 day guarantee.