The How To Podcast Series - Podcast Co-Hosts, Practical Podcasting Tips, and Podcast Community

Episode 310 - Alex Sanfilippo - PodMatch, Podcast Networks, AI Hosts in Podcasting and Apples

PodMatch was created to serve you in your podcasting journey on either side of the microphone

PodMatch elevates the voices of independent podcast hosts and guests to maximize their impact

We develop software solutions that make the entire podcasting process more cost-effective, less time-consuming, and all-around a more joyous experience.PodMatch saves an average of 13 back-and-forth messages and 3 hours of administration, per interview. We free up your time so you can spend it doing the parts of podcasting that you love (on either side of the mic).Our Core Values

Our Core Values are what drive us. Here's who we are as a company and what you can expect when you work with us

HUMAN TO HUMAN

Customers, users, clients; these are words you’ll never hear us say. If you’re part of PodMatch, you’re a member. As a member of our community/family, you will never be treated like a “number”; instead, you’ll be treated respectfully as you deserve. If you communicate with us on any level, you’ll be warmly greeted by a person ready to serve.

SEEK TO SERVE

We carry no sense of entitlement. We’re here to serve others, not ourselves. We believe in servant leadership as modeled by Jesus from the Bible. Our internal goals are not to increase our revenue or signups. Instead, we seek to offer solutions that help our members reach their goals faster and more efficiently.

CRAZY AGILE

We’re bootstrapped and have not taken any investor capital. Because no one owns us, we can get it done for our members. When our members share a good idea, we deliver fast. We’re crazy agile in giving our members what’s valuable for them as quickly as possible and then focusing on continuous improvement.

Want to sign up for PodMatch - please use our special affiliate link!

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemediahttps://podmatch.com/help/full-walkthrough-of-workflows-by-podmatch-how-to-use-it

https://podmatch.com/___Meet with Dave for a free consult to help you with your podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/truemediasolutions/free-podcast-consult-for-how-to-podcast-listeners___⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca

Originally Published: October 4, 2024

Question of the Month - October 2024 - What Was The Last Podcast That You Recommended to Someone and Why

Hello October! Autumn is in the air here in Canada, leaves are turning colour, nights are cooler, sweaters are being pulled out of storage and it is a beautiful time of the year!

We are posing our next Question of the Month to you! For the month of October 2024 - the question is this

"What was the last podcast that your recommended to someone and why did you recommend it?"

Word of Mouth Marketing has a great return on investment - we trust when someone we know and love recommends something to us, we generally act on their recommendation because we know them and they know us - we trust their opinion!

So, I would love to know, what podcast have you recommended recently and what is it about that show that made you feel compelled to share it with someone in your world?

My recommendation would be the Mel Robbins Podcast - I love what she does and how she does it! Check her out here >>>

So, it is that easy - head over to our HowToPodcast website and click the SpeakPipe link and record your answer to the question of the month - be sure to include your name, the name of your podcast, your website and your answer to the October Question of the Month!

https://pod.link/1646101002

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

How Being A Tourist Can Make You and Your Podcast Better - Put Yourself In New Places to Spark Your Podcast Content

We were in Calgary Alberta for the first time in September at PodSummit 2024. We had a great time meeting fellow podcasters, attending sessions and hanging out in this beautiful city.

We had the chance to go to Banff Alberta for dinner with long time friends and it was great to be a tourist, taking in the majesty of the city of Banff and the mountains that seem to just appear out of nowhere! It makes you appreciate how small we all are in this big world and how great our planet is!

When was the last time that you were a tourist? When was the last time you put yourself in a new environment? This does not require jumping onto a plan and flying across the country, it can be as simple as going into the coffee shop you pass by daily and that you have never been in, to check out a little shop that you are curious about, to take a different way to work that you never take.

Putting ourselves in new environments and unfamiliar places heightens our awareness of our surroundings and resets our brain! Meeting new people expands your connections and interactions - meeting someone different than you, from a different place helps you realize that you are not the center of your own world - there is a bigger world out there and exposing ourselves to it makes us better people!

So, if you feel a little punchy, a little bored in your routine, if you podcast is kinda becoming just "a thing that you do" instead of "a passion that you love" put yourself somewhere new - it will help you reconnect with yourself and with your world, and that is where creativity is sparked, new ideas come and great connections result!

Tell me about your touristic approach to your podcast and how you are putting yourself in unfamiliar waters, I would love to hear how doing so has made your podcast and your own life better!

Keep podcasting, and keep being you!

Dave

https://www.podsummit.com/

Episode 308 - From Command to Connection -Transforming Podcast Engagement with Pathways to Action

The term "call to action" originated in traditional advertising, where marketers sought to prompt immediate responses from consumers 

Initially, CTAs were direct commands like "Buy Now!" or "Call Today!" designed to drive sales or generate leads. As marketing evolved, so did CTAs, becoming more sophisticated and tailored to specific audience segments and platforms.

In podcasting, the traditional CTA model often falls short. Podcasts are an intimate medium, fostering a personal connection between host and listener.

This relationship calls for a more thoughtful approach to engagement.Instead of a "call to action," podcasters should consider creating a "path to action" - a gentler, more audience-centric approach that prioritizes listener benefit over host or sponsor gain.

Bad CTA Example: "Don't forget to rate and review our show on Apple Podcasts!"

This common podcast CTA focuses solely on benefiting the podcast, without offering value to the listener.

Improved Approach: "If you found today's discussion on personal finance helpful, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Sharing your perspective in a review helps other listeners discover content that might benefit them too."

This approach frames the action as an opportunity for the listener to contribute to a community and help others, rather than a command to perform a task for the podcast's benefit.

Bad CTA Example: "Visit our website to buy our merchandise!"

This direct sales pitch can feel jarring and self-serving in the context of a podcast.

Improved Approach: "We've curated a collection of resources related to today's topic on our website, including some exclusive content for our listeners. While you're there, you might also want to check out our merch store, where each purchase helps support the show."

This approach leads with value for the listener, making the commercial aspect secondary and optional.

Bad CTA Example: "Follow us on social media!"

This generic request doesn't provide a compelling reason for listeners to engage.

Improved Approach: "Join our vibrant community on Instagram, where we continue the conversation from each episode. Share your insights using #[PodcastName], and you might hear your thoughts discussed on next week's show!"

This invites listeners to become active participants in an ongoing dialogue, extending the podcast experience beyond the audio.

As podcasters, our goal should be to create paths to action that enrich our listeners' experiences, rather than simply issuing commands.

By focusing on providing value, fostering community, and creating interactive opportunities, we can build stronger, more engaged audiences who choose to take action because it benefits them, not just the podcast.

Remember, in podcasting, the relationship with the listener is paramount.

Every suggestion for engagement should be framed as an opportunity for the listener to enhance their experience, learn more, or connect with like-minded individuals.

This approach not only respects the listener but also builds a more loyal and active audience in the long run.

https://workwithbranded.com/branded-podcast/

https://calendly.com/truemediasolutions/free-podcast-consult-for-how-to-podcast-listeners

Question of the Month - September 2024 - Advice For New Podcasters - Your Responses

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https://olderandbolder.ca/

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https://www.momswithoutcapes.com/

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https://pod.link/1744452102

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Episode 307 - Overcoming Podcasting Pitfalls - Tips to Simplify, Commit, and Thrive

Here's how these issues can hurt your podcast and what you can do to overcome them:

Over-Complication

Many podcasters try to do too much, creating complex formats or intricate production processes that are difficult to sustain.

How It Hurts:

Solution:

The Problem:

Podcasters often set unrealistic goals or commit to unsustainable publishing schedules.

The Problem:

Constantly comparing your podcast to others can lead to discouragement or imitation rather than innovation.

The Problem:

Obsessing over download numbers, rankings, or other metrics can lead to discouragement and short-sighted decision-making.

Question of the Month for September Reminder - What is ONE Piece of Advice You Would Have for a New Podcaster

Reminder! I want to hear your thoughts for this month's question of the month!

Have your say at HowToPodcast.ca!

Tell us your name, tell us about your podcast and answer this question for September....

"What is ONE piece of advice that you would give to a new podcaster?"

You can answer via our SpeakPipe link on HowToPodcast.ca or, if you feel more comfortable, email us your response and we will throw your email response into a voice generator so that we can hear your response! If you have a preference, let me know if you prefer a male, female or child's voice to word your email - otherwise, I will make my best guess from a library of A.I. voices.

Episode 306 - Overcoming the Fear of Success - A Podcaster's Guide to Thriving in Podcasting

Action Plan for Podcasters: Overcome Challenges and Grow Your Show

By following these steps, you’ll grow your podcast while staying authentic and connected to your audience. Success is a journey—enjoy the process!

Episode 305 - Reality Check - 5 Lies You Need to Stop Telling Yourself About Your Podcast

"My audience will grow organically without any promotion"

This is a dangerous misconception. While organic growth can happen, it's rare for podcasts to gain a significant audience without active promotion and marketing efforts. Successful podcasters understand that growing an audience requires consistent outreach, networking, and strategic promotion across various platforms.

"I need expensive equipment to produce a quality podcast"

Many new podcasters believe they need top-of-the-line gear to create a professional-sounding show. In reality, you can produce high-quality audio with relatively inexpensive equipment. The most important factors are your recording environment and technique, not necessarily the price tag of your microphone.

"My content is so good, I don't need to worry about editing"

Even the best content can benefit from thoughtful editing. Editing isn't just about removing mistakes; it's about crafting a more engaging and polished listening experience. Neglecting this step can result in a less professional-sounding podcast that may turn listeners away

"I can talk about anything and everything on my podcast"

While flexibility in content can be good, having a clear niche or focus is crucial for building and retaining an audience. A podcast without a defined topic or theme may struggle to attract and keep listeners who are looking for specific content

"Once I launch my podcast, success will come quickly"

Podcasting success rarely happens overnight. It often takes time, consistency, and persistence to build an audience and see significant growth. Many podcasters give up too soon, not realizing that success in podcasting is often a long-term endeavor

By recognizing and addressing these lies, podcasters can develop more realistic expectations and strategies for their shows.

Remember, successful podcasting typically requires a combination of quality content, consistent effort, strategic promotion, and patience.