The Ultimate Creative

It’s the one year anniversary of Ultimate Podcast Marketing! WOOHOO! 52 episodes of content about podcasting for podcasters, I actually stuck it out for an entire year!

A year ago, I ended a business and started a new one, which is The Ultimate Creative that you see now, where we are producing podcasts, teaching people, how to podcast and creating content for podcasters to help you launch and grow your amazing podcasts. 

Everything felt very uncertain at the time, but there was a feeling in my gut that I should keep going on this route with podcasting. And I was really looking forward to the opportunity to create something that I felt super passionate about. 

Everything in my body was saying, no, do not pass go. do not move forward. Stay where you are, stay in your lane girl. You don't need to do anything more than what you're doing. What you've got is fine. And yeah, you might be in tons of debt and yeah, you might not be very happy with what you're doing, but like, why would you try something new? 

Despite all these thoughts going through my head, I'm so glad that I carved out a full eight hour day to sit there and record four episodes, which are very shaky at best. 

Even though I didn’t really know what the hell I was building a year ago, I did know that I was ready to finally step into the spotlight and be the face of my business, instead of a freelancer behind the scenes, building other people’s dreams.

I'm so excited to share with you all of the amazing results I've seen from having my podcast for a year now, tune in to hear how I:

• Grew my expertise
• Moved through the ups and downs
• Organically grew my email list
• What's coming next!

Finally, I just want to say thank you to those who have been listening over the last year, following along, sharing your feedback and reviews on Apple Podcasts, sending me DMs asking questions, participating, I love it! 

You really have made me feel like the work I put into Ultimate Podcast Marketing is worth every second, and I’m so humbled that I’ve been able to help so many podcasters in the last year, and have such an incredible impact!

So thank you again, and I hope you’ll stick with me and my amazing team for the next year!

Links:

• Podcast Rocket: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-rocket
• Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
• Episode 1: https://theultimatecreative.com/how-to-start-something-new/

Join the Podcast Rocket waitlist!

https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-rocket

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:

https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

• Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
• Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

If you're planning to start a podcast and you're wondering how to structure a podcast, this episode of Ultimate Podcast Marketing is for you! I'm going to be sharing how to structure a podcast episode in 3 easy steps that will leave your listeners wanting more, every time!

First, what is a podcast structure?

Every podcast is made up of segments. Those segments are essentially the framework, or outline of your episodes. Not every episode will have the exact same framework each time, but there are a few key segments that you should absolutely include in every episode no matter what, and I will cover those in the episode.

Step 1: Choose Your Podcast Segments

There are three basic podcast segments every episode should have, no matter what. An intro, the main content, and an outro. 

You could also include special segments, like rapid fire questions, or fun games that you play with your guests from time to time! Who knows, you could even add a random rant corner to your podcast!

Step 2: Tell A Story

The best content always tells a story. Even if you're creating content like this episode of Ultimate Podcast Marketing, there's an opportunity to weave storytelling into your episodes.

In the main content of your episode, think of the structure starting with the "hook" or "tilt" followed by three heightening beats, a climax, and a resolution. 

Step 3: Always Close With A Call To Action

The easiest and perhaps most important of all these steps - make sure every episode has a specific call to action for your listeners! This essential piece is what will turn listeners into loyal fans!

Now that you know how to structure a podcast, what will you include?

Send me an email at [email protected] or a DM on Instagram @the_ultimatecreative, I’d love to hear about your interesting podcast segments and how you’ve incorporated them into your show!

Links:

• AppSumo: https://appsumo.com
• Biq: https://biq.cloud
• Episode 49: https://theultimatecreative.com/how-to-choose-a-podcast-format
• Episode 50: https://theultimatecreative.com/defining-your-podcast-niche
• Kids Q The Music: https://www.upperbeachesmusic.com/podcast
• Episode 35: https://theultimatecreative.com/how-to-write-show-notes

Join the Podcast Rocket waitlist!

https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-rocket

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:

https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting

Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

Ever heard someone say, “my podcast is for anyone and everyone?” Well this episode of Ultimate Podcast Marketing is going to totally debunk that, and help you figure out how to define your podcast niche with the help of my amazing client Jessica Alex, host of the Boss Up Your Brand podcast!

Jessica Alex is the founder of Jessica Alex Marketing, a boutique agency that is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs shine both on and offline. She helps her clients become clear on their brand message, and creates marketing strategies to propel their business to the next level by using her expertise in branding, content marketing and public relations. Jessica Alex works with her clients so that they can build their own community, build trust with their audience, and look their very best.

What is it like to launch a podcast?

Jessica shared some of the details about her recent podcast launch, and some of the challenges she was able to overcome. When it finally came time to get the podcast over the finish line, relying on her accountability buddies on Instagram was the key factor! 

How to define a podcast niche

Jessica recommends to narrow your focus by starting with demographics, and then getting deeper into the lifestyle of your audience. So if your current audience is women, are they moms? Do they live in a house or a cabin? What kind of car do they drive, if they drive one at all? 

Then, she always recommends her clients look at what already exists. If you’ve been building an audience for a while now for a business, you may have a specific audience niche already - but you’ll have to listen to find out more!

Why do you need to define a podcast niche?

At the end of the day, Jessica says that if you’re trying to serve 20 million different people, you’re probably just going to blend in with 20 million other people that are trying to do the same thing. By defining your podcast niche and understanding who your audience is, you can set yourself apart from the crowd and connect with the people that LOVE what you’re podcasting about!

Links:

• jessicaalexmarketing.com
• @jessicaalexmarketing
• @bossupyourbrandpodcast
• [email protected]

Join the Podcast Rocket waitlist!
https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-rocket

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

In this episode I’m going to walk you through the most popular podcast formats so that you can make a decision on the podcast format you will choose for your own show!

We’re going to be covering the following podcast formats:

• Solo Shows: Perfect for entrepreneurs that want to elevate their expert status, by getting deep into topics that their potential clients want to hear about. 
• Co-hosted: An awesome way to elevate your expert status, connect with your potential customers and build a community around your passions with a pal.
• Interviews: Perfect for expanding your audience reach and building your network while providing a lot of value for your audience. 
• Documentary Style: If you love true crime podcasts, this style requires some serious editing chops, so be prepared to practice the fine art of audio editing!
• Fictional or Radio Play: Amazing for creatives that want to explore narrative content through audio! 
• Video Podcast: Awesome for those that want to double up on their output by posting both to YouTube and all the podcast channels!
• Live Shows: Great for building your network and engaging with your audience!

There you have it! Check out the blog post that accompanies this episode for a very thorough review of the most popular podcast formats you might choose for your own podcast!

Which format are you leaning towards? Send me an email at [email protected] or DM me at @the_ultimatecreative on Instagram to let me know! I’d love to hear what you’re choosing, and why! 

And if you’re having a hard time choosing, you can even send me a voice memo and I will answer your question on an upcoming episode of Ultimate Podcast Marketing!

Links:

• Podcast Rocket Waitlist
• The Important Cinema Club
• Patreon
• Blue Yeti
• Behringer XM8500
• Behringer UMC404HD
• Tascam DR-40
• Zoom H4N
• VRMP Presents: The Five People You Meet In Hell
• The Scariest Podcast In The World
• StudioBinder

If you identify as an introvert and you really want to have your own podcast, this episode is for you! My guest Julie Greenham is the host of The Quiet Powerhouse Podcast, and she is an introverted entrepreneur and business/mindfulness coach who helps her listeners and clients discover how introversion can be a superpower, if you tune into it and allow it to guide you. 

You might be surprised to learn this, but I am also an introvert! I think the only reason I can have as much energy as I do on my podcast is because I spend so much time alone, not talking to anyone. Ever. EVER. Okay sometimes. 

But equally as surprising is that Julie feels most comfortable using her podcast as a way to connect with fellow introverted entrepreneurs, and create deep connections with her clients and listeners. The reason being that she can have one on one conversations that go deep - an introvert’s dream scenario! 

Well, outside of having alone time to unwind!

Julie’s coaching practice grew out of a need to stop running a business the way she thought she should, instead of in a way that felt good. Julie says that often when entrepreneurs and creators get started, they look to the big names in their industries to follow their examples - but what works for them doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. 

In addition to podcasting, Julie recommends having a strong email marketing strategy as well as some kick ass freebies to draw in new clients. And, if you listen to her podcast episode 28, “The Best Social Media Platforms for Introverts” you’ll learn what my favourite new introverted marketing strategy is!

And finally, Julie has prepared a super amazing freebie just for you today, based on her own podcast’s guest prep guide that she shares with all of her guests. Julie has put together a guide for introverts that will be guesting on a podcast, so that they can prepare themselves and feel at ease, and comfortable during recording.

Highlights:

00:22 - Meet Julie Greenham
01:38 - Why podcasting works for introverts
03:39 - Traits of introverts
05:03 - Creating your own entrepreneurial path
08:11 - Julie's "AHA!" moment that changed everything
11:34 - Why it's important to incorporate podcasting into content strategy
15:53 - Working through perfectionism and comparisons
20:10 - Marketing strategies for introverts
22:16 - Julie's Freebie
23:13 - Work with Julie
24:01 - Julie's final thoughts

Get that here!

Links:

• Work with Julie: https://www.juliegreenham.com/coaching
• Mindful Entrepreneur Membership: https://www.juliegreenham.com/membership
• The Quiet Powerhouse Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1426147
• Julie’s Guide To Guesting on Podcasts for Introverts: https://www.juliegreenham.com/podcastguest

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

If you’ve been listening to Ultimate Podcast Marketing for a while and don’t have a podcast yet, I want this to be the episode that takes you to the next level! I know a lot of listeners feel like maybe they’ll get to it eventually but the time isn’t quite right yet, or maybe there’s some sort of belief that whatever you want to talk about isn’t important. I know because I felt that, and still feel that. 47 episodes in, and I still feel that. 

But if you don’t have a podcast yet, and you want to start one, you’re missing out on all the amazing things that go along with having one - the secret, hidden bonus reasons that only podcasters get to experience! And I want to help you get off the sidelines today and feel totally empowered to have your own podcast, with a list of reasons why you should have a podcast that you never knew existed!

1. You get to meet and talk to people that were previously off-limits. 

2. You get to build your brand awareness without “going live”

3. When you’re ready to sell something, you’ve got a built in audience!

4. You slowly start to believe that you’re as smart as everyone else already knows you are

5. It’s the easiest way to stay consistent with your content

So these are my top 5 reasons why you should have a podcast that you’ve probably never considered. And if these helped you to feel inspired to start your own podcast, I’d like you to take the next step with me today. When you take your earbuds out, head over to theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast and get instant access to my mini-course, the Podcast Prep Party. 

Usually I offer this mini-course for $37, BUT, I’m going to give you a code to start in on it for $0. Why? Because I love you. But this is only going to be available until February 28, 2021, so make sure you sign up right away! The code is IAMAPODCASTER and I will put all the details in the show notes!

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

This week on Ultimate Podcast Marketing I’m giving you five easy beginner podcast recording tips to make your audio sound awesome. The tech setup is overwhelming at first, but by following these simple steps you’ll begin to feel comfortable with recording, which means more amazing podcast content! 

Remember, practice makes perfect, and it’s truly a practice that will help you get better and better at recording your podcast as you go.

I’m kicking off this episode with a letter from a listener who is just getting started with her podcast, then I will get even deeper into my 5 easy podcast recording tips for beginners!

A letter from Stephanie Lear:

Hey Emily

So I've totally gotten to the stage where I'm slightly panicking about committing myself to this podcast. I keep listening to episodes of your podcast which are very encouraging so thank you for that!!

I recorded a first episode by myself and I just used the mic on my phone but when I went to edit the pieces all together I can definitely notice the differences in the sound throughout. That will be better when I have a mic but I wondered if you had any advice for me until I get  a mic later this month. For these interviews I planned on using Zencaster.

The editing wasn't easy either the first time around. By the time it was 'done' I was exhausted and it needed to be done.

I'm hoping later next week I'll have 2-3 episodes complete so I can launch it.

thanks!!

Hey Stephanie!

Wow 2-3 eps already? That’s amazing! Congratulations!

Generally with any mic you want to keep the environment and the delivery consistent. So if you’re recording into your phone, keep it in one place with the mic facing you. Keep your own position the same throughout so that you have a consistent tonal quality.

For interviews, make sure you have your headphones on, the mic in your headphones will be better than your computer mic. Bluetooth microphones aren’t good though so stay wired where possible.

Editing can be tough at first but you’ll get the hang of it quickly, in the app you’re using see if there’s a quick key cheat sheet somewhere online to make the workflow faster.

Good luck with your podcast!

Here are my top 5 easy podcast recording tips for beginners:

1. Write and practice key talking points
2. Record in a room with lot of soft fabrics, or pick up a mic shield to absorb some of the “echoey” sound.
3. Look for the logo on your mic
4. Record and listen to an audio test
5. Record short chunks and edit as you record

Now of course I’m going to get even more detailed about these tips in the episode, so make sure you subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you listen to podcasts! But as a quick sneak peek, I just want to remind you that quality and polish will come over time, especially as you are starting a podcast and learning how everything works! Don‘t put too much pressure on yourself to get started, and when you need a refresh, just come back to this episode!

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

If you are looking to move past the “newbie” podcaster phase and get through difficult podcasting challenges, this episode is for you. My guest (and coaching client) Wendy Wei and I talk about how she improved her interview skills, landed more high profile guests and most importantly - found her voice as the host of the Pexels Podcast, OverExposed. 

And let me tell you, this episode is literally just one inspirational soundbite after another!

Wendy and I started working together a few months ago when she approached me to coach her for her podcast. She is a super researcher and learned that not only do I produce podcasts, but I’m also a performer and trained improviser/sketch comedian. Honestly it still blows my mind that she found me and sought out my mentorship! SO COOL!

But that’s Wendy. She’s exactly the type of person to seek out the people who will help her achieve her goals without hesitation. She sees others doing what she wants to do, and then she takes action to make it happen. 

Wendy is a photographer who went to business school, and then landed an internship at Pexels. She loved it there so much, she decided to come up with a plan to make herself invaluable (again, inspiration party!). So she launched OverExposed, a podcast that interviews photographers to learn how they started and grew their businesses. 

In this episode Wendy and I talk about: 

• Wendy’s story and how she became a photographer and podcaster
• The biggest challenges she faced her podcast
• How we worked together to overcome those challenges
• The one thing she wishes she had done sooner for her podcast
• Wendy’s method to land big name guests

Her biggest focus in our work together has been developing ways to land her dream interview guests, and improve her interview skills to create truly inspiring content. Don’t worry, we break it down for you so you can do the same thing!

Wendy’s purpose? To inspire others to feel like they too can achieve all of their creative goals! And in this episode she’s going to share exactly how she does it with her podcast! 

Don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing!

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!
Podcast Coaching: https://theultimatecreative.com/rocketfuel
Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing

On today’s episode of Ultimate Podcast Marketing I want to focus on the marketing side of things, and I want to ask you - is your content reaching the right people? Are you actually getting clients and customers that are awesome? Or are you bringing in clients that don’t quite fit? Maybe you’re not bringing in clients or customers at all! Ahh! 

We’re going to figure out who it is you want to attract and how to do it.

Start by revisiting your own goals and purpose. What is it that you want to sell/earn revenue from? How do you want to impact planet earth with your content, products or services? By reconnecting with your big motivator, you can start to tap into a deeper level of who it is you’re trying to reach - fun fact, their motivators are likely very similar to yours!

• Identify who it is you want to reach
• Do a little market research
• Get direct with your messaging
• Choose your channels
• Does everything align with your values?

Just remember that no one else cares about your business, your goals, your content, anything you do, as much as you do. They’re all busy caring about their own things. And it’s not selfish, it’s just... we spend all our time with ourselves, of course we’re looking out for number 1! And if you’re not, please start, because again, no one else is going to care as much as you, so whatever you’re doing MUST connect with you on a deep personal level. That’s how you’ll find the right people with your marketing.

Get my mini course - How To Start A Podcast:
https://theultimatecreative.com/startapodcast

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate

If you’re a podcaster that wants to earn money from your podcast, you need to have a solid financial plan ready to go. If you’re a business owner that has a podcast, you need to know how your podcast is supporting your business financially. How do you figure this out? With my wonderful pal and client Melissa Houston, the host of the Think Like A CFO podcast!

Melissa Houston is the host of the Think Like A CFO Podcast which is a super-charged one-stop-shop resource for anything and everything related to business finances for women entrepreneurs. She’s also my business finance coach, and seriously, I’m not lying when I say she SAVED my business from financial disaster... yet again. But more on that later. 

Melissa works with entrepreneurs to empower them with the essential financial knowledge they need to make important decisions in their businesses, to plan for various taxes and expenses throughout the year, and to come out the other side with zillions more dollars than they had before working with her. I know this, again, because she helped me do exactly this!

I wanted to bring Melissa on today for a few reasons. One, as podcasters, we need to be aware of the costs of our podcasts so that we can measure the impact more accurately. Two, we need to be thinking long-term and strategically about what we talk about in our podcasts to give our incomes a boost - whether you use podcasting to market and promote your business or as its own income stream. And three, because I think Melissa can share some really great behind the scenes stories of personal development as a podcaster, and why hiring a coach (financial, podcast or otherwise) is generally a good idea to achieve your goals faster and with less devastating frustration.

In this episode we cover:

• What led Melissa to this particular career as a financial coach
• The value of hiring a coach to work through personal development, financial, business, podcasting or otherwise
• Melissa’s podcasting journey
• Entrepreneurship being a lifelong commitment to personal development
• Why coaches are essential for entrepreneurs
• Creating your podcast content that reaches the people that you want to help in a meaningful way

If you need a hand with your business finances, yes, even if you just have a Patreon and this is another revenue stream for you - you should be thinking about this stuff! 

Get on the waitlist for the CFO Money Method program that opens January 26: https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cfo-waitlist/

Work with Melissa one on one: https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/work-with-me

Listen to Think Like a CFO: https://www.melissahoustoncpa.com/think-like-a-cfo-podcast

Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing! Love ya!

Work with me!

Podcast Production: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcasting
Podcast Strategy: https://theultimatecreative.com/podcast-coaching

Follow me on Instagram at @the_ultimatecreative and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Ultimate Podcast Marketing wherever you get your podcasts! https://ratethispodcast.com/ultimate