On this episode, we are answering podcasting questions. What is the difference between downloads and listens? How can I see around the mic? What is the best way to approach guests? Should I rerecord old episodes. Plus other great questions.

YOUR QUESTIONS

If you have a question, you can always shoot me a message. You can find my contact info at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/contact.

Or better yet, let's have a conversation. If you have a published at least a dozen episodes and aren't sure where to go from here, or you're not seeing the progress you'd like, apply to have a complimentary strategy call with me.

You and I will get on a call, determine where you are, define where you'd like to go, and develop your strategy to get there.

You can apply www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply.

If we like each other and I have a resource that will help you, we can have that discussion. But this call is all about creating your strategy and getting clarity.

 

HOW OFTEN?

I’m just staring to podcast. How often can one record a postcast? One episode per week or more?

-Jay

This is one of those questions I get quite often. There is no secret answer.

People are creatures of habit. Your goal should be getting them in the habit of listening to your show.

If you publish less than once a week, it is hard to build a habit.

Humans are built around the workweek. Things happen on a weekly basis.

Our recycling gets picked up every other week. I can't tell you how many times we have forgotten to put it out. We always ask, "Is it this week or next?"

The recycling bin is right in front of me and I can't remember. Imagine how difficult it is for your listeners to remember.

On the other hand, more than once a week is a challenge for you to maintain. Multiple episodes require more time.

If you have the bandwidth, feel free to do more than once a week. But one episode a week should be the minimum.

Create habits.

 

DOWNLOADS VS. LISTENS

This might be a silly question, but are downloads and listens the same metric?

-Travis

No questions are silly.

Downloads and listens are not the same.

When your phone downloads your episode, that counts as a download regardless if you've listened or not.

Now, an a IAB download is a little different than a download. IAB is short for Interactive Advertising Bureau.

An IAB download removes any IP addresses or user agents that are on blacklists. It also ensures at least one minute of playable content is downloaded.

Your IAB downloads will be lower than your standard download number.

Listens count those users who actually pushed play on your episode.

Your podcast name and description get people interested enough to download your show. The name of your episode will get people to push play.

Therefore, don't call your episode "Episode 72". That will not entice anyone to push play. Plus, nobody is searching for “Episode 72".

Give your episode an exciting title that creates some anticipation and makes the listener push play.

 

ARTWORK

Do you recommend me putting my photo on my podcast artwork?

-Jeanette

This is sort of an extention of the last question.

The purpose of your artwork is to get listeners to stop scrolling through their app when they are looking for something to consume.

You want your artwork to catch the eye of your listener. A few things will do that.

First, use your photo. Faces capture attention.

Next, use a big font. Too many podcasters want to add the description of the show and the tag line on the artwork. Keep it clean.

Finally, use white space. It doesn't necessarily need to be white, but it does need to be blank. Space will catch the eye.

Open your favorite podast app. Scroll through a niche to see which artwork catches your attention.

 

WHAT'S MY TOPIC

I started the process of starting a podcast about 2 years ago. Bought everything I needed, set up all my accounts and software. Then, I sat down and started trying to come up with my niche and topic for the podcast. That’s as far as I got. I have gotten very discouraged with not being able to pick one thing to talk about, so much so I actually spent 4 months not doing anything related to a podcast. Can you help?

-Austin

You're starting at the wrong spot. Rather than starting with a podcast, start with a topic that you love.

First, find a subject that consumes your conversations.

When you are sitting around with friends, where does the conversation typically go?

In your spare time, what do you do? What do you typically read? What shows do you watch?

These are the topics you love. Start there.

Once you have a topic, how will you make it unique? What is your unique approach? How can you incorporate your story? What opinion do you have?

Nobody lacks information. It is at our fingertips at the blink of an eye.

You need to add your story, personality and opinion.

Here is the bottom line. This isn't forever. If it doesn't work, you can try something new.

But, nothing will happen until you get started. Pick a topic you love and push "go". Just get started and see what happens. You can always adjust as you go.

 

GUESTS

How should I approach guests to be on my podcast?

-Reynard

Reach out with the benefit for them.

Ask yourself a few questions. Why would they want to be on your show? What do they have to promote?

Many podcasters feel they are too small to attract guests. Now, you might be too small for Seth Godin or Gary Vaynerchuk or the President of the United States.

But, most smart marketers will take the opportunity to appear on a show. They understand the long tail benefit of an interview.

People might find the interview years down the road. It also helps their search results.

Podcasters make the mistake of saying, "I think you would be a perfect guest for my show, my audience would love you, and your content is perfect for my show."

Your potential guest doesn't care.

Instead, tell them, "I see you have a new book coming out. I would love to help you promote it." Or, "Your new course looks amazing. I would love to help you get it in front of my audience."

Nobody has ever asked me about the size of my audience before they accepted an invite to appear on my show.

You can also sweeten the pot by telling them how you promote the episode. If you share it with your email list or social media following, take credit for that.

At the end of the day, you won't get a "yes" from everyone. Send out a few invites and adjust the strategy based on the results.

REFERRALS

Finally, ask each guest for a referral for a couple more guests. "I've had a great time today. This was such a great conversation. I'm always looking for great guests. Who do you know that should be on this podcast?"

When they give you a few names, ask them to send an introductory email. You can take it from there.

If you're doing an episode a week, you only need 52 interviews for the entire year.

 

RERECORD

Should I go back and remaster/rerecord earlier episodes now that I've got a better setup/equipment and learned more on the recording program I use?

-Crystal

No. There is no need.

You will get much more traction by focusing on your new content rather than trying to make old content sound better.

Many podcast listeners understand that episode 100 will be much better than episode 10. And episode 400 will be better than episode 100.

If you watch the first season of Shark Tank, the set is clunky. The hosts are clunky. The camera shots are sharp.

Is Shark Tank recreating those episodes? Would the creators of the Simpsons go back and refresh the first two seasons now that the show is in syndication?

Nope. They just move on.

Spend your time creating new content. You'll make more progress.

 

MIC POSITION

How can I position my microphone in such a way that I can see my screen? I want to be able to read my notes without shuffling papers around. The mic is right in front of me and I cannot see the screen in front of me.

-Edwin

You shouldn't talk directly into your mic. This create plosives and other issues.

Instead, move your mic a little to one side so it is aimed at roughly 60 degrees to your mouth.

This angle will prevent the plosives. It will also move it out of your line of sight.

Using a boom arm will help. This suspends the mic in the air. It will help you move your mic out of the way.

 

ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Let's get your questions answered.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.