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

EPISODE 14 - Stop Reading To Me - Speak to Me - How to Drop the Script and Connect

What is the difference between an "engaged" and a "disengaged" host - If you have ever driven a manual transmission car you know first hand the difference between engaged and disengaged when driving with a clutch!  When you are engaged all the gears are connected working together in perfect harmony with great results - disengaged is dangerous! No control!

As a podcast host we need to be in the process of working towards less scripted episodes and move to more organic conversations with our guests and our audience - a podcast is not an audible book.  Scripted questions in an interview feel forced and fake - again, disengaged.  We need to bridge the gap between host and audience with how we show up when we hit record.

IT has been said many times - people come to your podcast for the topic but they STAY for the host!  Be that kind of host, the kind that connects, is engaged in all facets their podcast and your listeners will come back!

You got this! Go be awesome today!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 13 - Tips for starting an interview based podcast

Starting a brand new interview style podcast with no guests can seem daunting! How do I get a guest when I don't have any episodes?  I am willing to help you by being your Podcast Interview Test Dummy!  Even if you do not use the interview as a podcast release!  Let's create an interview where you can practice with a real person, I can coach you along and give you some great tips to get more comfortable as the host of your interview based podcast!

In this episode we also discuss the importance of a pre-interview, what you can learn about your guest by meeting with them separately from the actual interview.  Build a bridge with your future guest by pre-interviewing them!

I use Calendly to book guests via email, in Facebook #BeAGuest #FindAGuest groups and on my website.  Calendly doesn't pay me to endorse them - I just like the ease of use, being able to set up different types and lengths of meetings and then even partner with Zoom to create a zoom meeting within the invite.  

Be a great host and your guests will direct other potential guests your way.  Do your homework, listen to your future guest on other podcasts, get a feel for how they are in an interview, check out their book reviews, watch their movie, listen to their song, check out their YouTube videos - be prepared!  A prepared host can drop the scripted questions that bore everyone!

You got this! Go create an episode today!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 12 - Podcasting As A Side Hustle - Start Now, build your brand, presence and community before leaving your 9 to 5

Is a podcast a good side hustle?

From paid ads and sponsorships to premium episodes and listener donations, there are many ways to earn an income from your podcast. So if you're looking to pivot your business or you want a little side hustle income while you're at home, it's a great time to get in on the podcast action.

Why would a podcast side hustle be a valuable use of my time? Transform your passion, expertise, opinion or influence as you build community around your brand! 

You're passionate about a topic or have something to say. An easy platform to create content. You Can Create Long Form Content. Podcasting Can Help You Build a Personal Brand.

You don't need a coaching program, a physical product, a resource or a thing to promote - you have you!  You could very well be your next big side hustle idea and success story - and a podcast could get you there!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 11 - Five Elements of a Good Podcast - make podcasting great again!

In this episode we look at what it takes to make podcasting great again!

5 elements of a good podcast

• Focus on the message
• Serve your audience.
• Show up and be consistent
• Go to familiar spaces
• Don’t fake anything

If you are looking for a group of podcasters just like you to help, assist, guide and encourage your podcast journey - hit us up for more info at

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 10 -   How A Podcast Episode Template Can Help - How a guide can reduce time recreating the wheel

Glad to be back with another episode - we focus on the power and benefits behind a Podcast Episode Template   A Podcast Episode Template can help you to craft a consistent show - it helps to build structure and s solid base for your listeners, many of which, will go back and listen to your earlier episodes!  Make a podcast that offers consistency and keeps your audience coming back!  Download your free Podcast Episode Template here! 

https://truemediasolutions.ca/resources  

If you are stuck, uncertain, lost or overwhelmed in your podcast journey - join a group of podcasters that are new to the game and building their podcast platform - share ideas, share reviews, build each other up and gain some great pod connections in the process!  

Podcasters are some of the most giving creators out there!  Don't go it alone - click here for a pre-interview to our podcast community - let's see if we are a good fit for you!  

We use Audacity to mix and master our podcast episodes - it is free!  Questions? Ask us! https://www.audacityteam.org/  

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EPISODE 9 - How to Grow a New Podcast - is social media the answer?

Many new podcasters are asking how they can promote their podcast and build a audience of listeners from scratch.

Social Media is a visual arena, the stands are packed with an audience that have limited attention span and are easily distracted.  A podcast listener is actively engaged, committed, habitual, and they have more time to commit to longer format content.

If you spend all of your time trying to build a social media community outside of a podcast player app you might be missing the boat!

Check out how you can gain listeners, build community and grow while helping your fellow podcasters at the same time!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPIOSDE 8 - A Question from a listener - How to recover a bad interview - when things go bad how you can get back on course

Victoria (from A Contagious Smile) asked this question

"How do you keep the interview going when you are having a challenging time with the person you are speaking with?"

In this episode we answer Victoria's question and offer some tips to refloat your podcast if it is taking on water - your guest has given of their time, you have invested time and you want to salvage your recording and maintain this relationship that you have built with your guest - we offer some tips here for you!

One of the best ways to avoid potential issues with your recording/interview is to do a pre-interview with your guest - in doing so, you will get an idea of how your guest interacts with you, their audio and video set up, and your chemistry as an early indication of how the interview will unfold!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPIOSDE 7 - Start with Your Podcast Trailer - What to Include and What to Exclude

Creating a podcast trailer is a great way to introduce your podcast to potential listeners and build anticipation for your upcoming episodes. Here are some steps you can follow to create a compelling podcast trailer:

1. Start with a hook: Your trailer should grab the listener's attention right from the start. Start with a hook that highlights the unique aspect of your podcast and why someone should listen to it.

2. Keep it short: Your trailer should be no longer than 60 seconds. You want to give enough information to entice listeners, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming or boring.

3. Introduce yourself and your podcast: Tell the listener who you are and what your podcast is about. This is your chance to establish your credibility and showcase your personality.

4. Highlight your best content: Use clips or excerpts from your upcoming episodes to showcase your best content. This will give listeners a taste of what they can expect from your podcast.

5. Call to action: End your trailer with a call to action, encouraging listeners to subscribe to your podcast, leave a review, or follow you on social media.

6. Edit and polish: Once you've recorded your trailer, edit it to make it sound professional. Add music, sound effects, or other elements to make it more engaging and appealing to listeners.

Remember, your podcast trailer is your first impression with potential listeners, so make sure it accurately represents your podcast and captures their interest.

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 6 - Five Tips to avoid Podfade - be clear on your why, plan and execute

In this episode we discuss five tips to help you to avoid Podfade - be clear on your why, plan and execute a great podcast!

5 Tips to Avoid Podfade

1. Proper Scheduling - be real with your time

Have a clear idea of the time required to create good-quality and engaging podcast episodes continuously. The key is to generate consistent good quality episodes that stick to the schedule. Share your podcast release schedule in your trailer so people can know what to expect from you

2. Do You Have Sufficient Content?

Specialize in your selected niche, sorry to our American listeners - it is pronounced "niche" not "nitch"  - so that whole, "the riches are in the nitches" thing is not really an accurate saying...  Your niche is your superpower - why people return to YOUR podcast - why YOU are different than the rest! Ensure that the the niche that you choose is not too broad - if you try to be everything to everyone, you'll end up being nothing to nobody! On the flip side, a niche that is too narrow might mean a shortage of good content. This can either result in stretching too little content into too many episodes or running short of useful content within a few episodes.

3. Adequate Preparation

Start your podcasting journey by learning everything possible about starting a podcast. Learning in a vacuum is difficult.  It is hard to know all the steps, the pitfalls, the tricks and the wins all by yourself!  By joining with like-minded podcasters, you can speed up your podcast launch and growth with the help of others just like you!  There is wisdom in the council of others!  Join our mastermind! Get the support you need!

4. Batch Record Episodes

Recording as many podcast episodes as possible before the scheduled publishing date reduces your workload and ensures that you do not run on a tight schedule every week or month. However, also ensure that your content is not outdated when the previously recorded episodes are published.  The possible downside of batch recording, if something topical or important happens you might not be able to address it until you have worked thru your catalog of pre-recorded episodes.

5. Strategize the Show Planning

The following strategies can increase the effectiveness and engagement level of a podcast:

• Publishing the podcast in seasons gives the creators sufficient time to plan, create, and schedule the episodes. - later episode on this…
• A podcast can include timestamps. If used in show notes, timestamps allow the audience to navigate the podcast and go straight to the sections that interest them.
• Add transcripts to the podcast episodes to enable the audience to read and listen to the show, increasing its effectiveness. This also allows search engines to index episodes properly, resulting in enhanced search visibility and better search engine rankings. Excellent for SEO

You are not alone!

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⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/

EPISODE 5 - Top Three Causes of Podfade - You are not in this alone!

In this episode we tackle podfade and the 3 things that can knock you off of your podcast platform!

Three Causes of Podfade...

(1) Not enough time

(2) Not enough content

(3) Not enough Preparation

Being a podcaster can be lonely at times - if only there was a group of like-minded podcasters early in their journey that could support you and help you grow faster than you could possibly do on your own... if only... wait.  We have you!  Go to our website for more!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/