Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Latest Episodes:

094 - What Really Makes a Podcast Good Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

Everyone wants to know, 'what makes a podcast good?' Ask 10 podcast listeners and you'll get 10 different answers. The truth is, there's one critical thing that every good podcast has. In this episode of Just the tip, I reveal what that is and how it can make your podcast good (even great).

I see this question about podcasts all the time, especially on social media. The answers range from good sound quality, the performance of the host, to the content and even the music.

All of those things are elements of a good podcast, but when you think about it, each one of these things is subjective. What's not subjective, is the intention.

Is the podcaster delivering on their promise to their listener? Is the intention of the podcast being delivered consistently, every episode?

If you've listened to my show AT ALL, you know that I'm all about being listener-centric so it should come as no surprise when I tell you that the answer to the question of 'what makes a podcast good?' has only one answer. That's up to the intended audience.

Let's look at it from a different medium. Are smultzy made-for-TV holiday movies good? If you ask someone who wants to spend every waking hour playing Mindcraft, the answer is going to be a 'hell-no!' But, if you ask someone who's snuggled under their favorite blanket and already clutching their box of tissues, well the answer between the sobs is a mushy yes.

Apply this to podcasting. Apply this to your podcast.

Here are a few questions that will help you determine whether your podcast is good.

What experience do you intend to deliver to your audience? And, are you delivering?

Is the podcast serving your listener in the intended way?

Is your podcast respectful of the listener's time?

Are you ever lazy about planning or putting together your podcast?

Can people comfortably listen to your podcast or is it an assault to their earballs?

Are you putting your listener first (and yes, I do mean ahead of your ego)?

It's all about delivering on the intention of your podcast and serving your listener!

This is true whether you're like most of my clients and have a podcast that is a marketing tool for your business, you're building your personal brand, authority or visibility, or even if you're just podcasting for the fun of it. You're intention is likely to inform, educate, inspire, or entertain - if you're not delivering on that intention, your podcast is not good.

The good news is, you can make your podcast good. Now you know the secret so go figure out what the intention is, do what you say you're going to do, and treat your listeners like gold.

I know this seems simple, but if you're struggling with it (and MANY people do) I can help. Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call and lets see if we can get you in the good (podcasting) books. Click here to access my calendar and book a time that works for you.

Learn more about podcasting good on my website https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

093 How to Niche Down Your Podcast Like a Pro Dec 03, 2019

Show notes

How niche can you go? How niche should you go? And, how do you pull it off?

Niching scares the crap out of podcasters. I think they're afraid that if they target a smaller audience, they'll have a small success. If you still think this way, check out the case study in my last podcast. Or, maybe it's the only thing they're afraid of is that they won't become pod-stars with millions and millions of followers.

Okay, if you're prepared to get over yourself and take advantage of the power of the niche then let's talk about how to pull it off successfully. In this episode, I outline two easy ways to narrow your podcast so that you can build a more loyal and engaged audience.

1. Niche Down Your Topic

The first option in niching your podcast is to shave a few inches off your topic. Just, trim the fat a little. So, this might look like going from having a podcast about pets to having a podcast about dogs. Or, having a podcast about cars to having a podcast about American-made cars. As you can see, it would be easy to continue to niche down from here. You could take a podcast about dogs and make it a podcast about herding dogs or lap dog. Go a little smaller and do a podcast about french bulldogs or Aussiedoodles. Yes, you can get very small and there may be a rabid audience for it. Oh, sorry bad word to use when talking about dogs.

The niching can get even smaller. You could go with Aussiedoodles in Arkansas, Skipping Rope for Charity, or Fixing Ford trucks built in the 90s. Get specific about the 'what' you talk about and/or add in a 'where,' 'why' or a 'when' to get even more niche.

The thing is, if you hyper-focus your topic, you become more of an authority for that very specific thing. And, remember my analogy from last week? Everyone would rather get a pizza from a restaurant that only makes pizza because you know they KNOW pizza!

2. Niche Down Your Target Audience

The second option is to find a subsection of your current or original target audience. Every audience has a smaller group within it. The most obvious way to niche your audience is by demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, location, marital status) but you can also niche down according to psychographics like religion, beliefs, or desires.

Another option is to find a shared experience for your audience like men who went to business school or anyone who loves to bungee jump.

You guessed it, you can keep niching this way too. Maybe it's men who went to Harvard business school or Christians who love to bungee jump. How about Christian women in their 20's who love bungee jumping and have an MBA. Too niche?

You Can Niche Too Far

Yes, it is possible to niche too far. Although, if you want to feel really good about hitting your goals, you could create a super nichy niche podcast like 'podcast for my mom' and then when you have 1 download per episode you're crushing it. I mean that is if you're the kind of person who write 'make to-do list' at the top of their to-do list just so they can check one thing off.

So, how do you really know if you've niched down too much?

Here are a few ways to check.

You can't come up with 50 episode topics.
You research the new topic or sub-avatar group and there just aren't enough people who qualify.
Someone tried before and had to up-niche to make it work.

If any of these are true, you might want to go one level up in your niching. Remove one of the limiters to your audience or your topic.

It is possible to have a very successful niche podcast. It's hard to focus on limiting the appeal of your podcast but when you get it right, you'll discover the power of niching and end up with a much more loyal and engaged audience.

Need some help niching? Or, maybe you haven't started your podcast yet and you're just realizing that your idea is WAY too broad. I'm happy to help. Hit me up for a FREE 15. That's a free 15 minute coaching call with me, your podcast performance coach. Access my calendar on https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ and book a time that works for you.

092 Why Niche Podcasts are Killing it Right Now Nov 19, 2019

Show notes

You want a big audience, right? Big audience means big success, right? What if I told you that you could be way more successful if you focused on a small audience? A niche audience?

In this week's episode of Just the Tip, I share a case study of a podcaster who went from having a general podcast about business (not that many people were listening to) to having a niche podcast that is killing it.

You know that analogy about the small fish in a big pond vs the big fish in a small pond?

Yeah, I hate that one too. I'm not going to use it.

I have a better analogy. Be the podcaster who does one thing really well instead of the podcaster who does a whole bunch of things really mediocre. Be a specialist not a generalist.

People want the specialist.

You know, like getting flowers for your wife from a florist instead of the grocery store. Or, getting your coffee from a cafe instead of the gas station.

My point is, niching is powerful. You may be serving a smaller audience, but it's a better audience. An audience who really wants to hear what you have to say.

My real life example comes from Jamie Irvine (a podcaster I met through my free 15-minute coaching offer). When we met, he had a business podcast for entrepreneurs promoting his business coaching services.

Sound familiar?

Jamie has a whole lot of business experience in selling heavy duty parts to the trucking industry. He thought he could leverage his business knowledge and success as a coach.

Here's what he learned. His podcast was one of thousands of business podcasts. And, while he did have some regular listeners, the show was not cutting through the clutter of similar podcasts. He could have stuck it out. He could have worked really hard at getting noticed. Eventually, he might have built his audience up to make the small percentage of people who would hire him worth it. But, it's a volume game.

Instead, he created a new podcast that was a whole lot more niche and a lot more directly related to the business he was already successful in.

The Heavy Duty Parts Report.

Talk about niche. And, he's killing it. He doesn't need an audience of thousands. Because he is literally the only game in town; he can easily establish himself as an authority in the space. And, it's no longer a volume game. It's a value game. A quality game. A freakin-easy-to-win game.

Click on this week's episode and find out what inspired him to move to a niche market, how he handled the transition, and what advice he'd give himself if he could go back and do it all again.

If you're wondering whether a more niche podcast is right for you, let's talk about it. Hit me up for a FREE 15-minute coaching call. It could completely change the game for you - just like it did for Jamie.

Jamie Irvine's Podcast

The Heavy-Duty Parts Report

https://www.buzzsprout.com/272315

The Daily Grind Podcast with Colin Morgan

https://www.dailygrindpodcast.com/

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

091 This One Tip Will Make You a Much Better Interviewer Nov 05, 2019

Show notes

Hands up if you start your podcast with a question like, 'How did you get started?' You, with your hand up, this one's for you.

There are many variations of this lazy first question but the main similarity is that the podcast host wants to start at the beginning. They want to share their guests story from the point of origin.

Ba or ing!

As a listener, I don't care enough about this guest yet. I don't know why it would matter where he went to highschool, or the first time she wrote a story, or their first kiss. And chances are, your podcast is not about any of this stuff. (If it is, then, carry on… you're killing it).

I'll say it again for the millionth time. Your podcast is for your listener. Not you. Not your guest. Your listener.

So, don't make them sit through someone's biography or resume before you get to what's relevant to them.

Give them gold right out of the gate.

I'm not saying that you can't cover the 'early days' stuff, I'm saying weave it in when it's relevant and AFTER you've established that this guest is worth learning a little more about. Their start or beginning will mean so much more once your listener has context (and gives a crap about them).

Planning an interview in chronological order is fine. Small 'f' fine. As in, mediocre. As in, you can do better. I CHALLENGE you to do better.

Start strong. Jump around a little. Let your interview fall through a timewarp and bring up the early stuff as it relates to the later stuff. This isn't a marathon where you have to start at the beginning and make your way painfully to the finish. You get to jump in half way through, then take the subway to the finish line then head back to the start and maybe take a short cut to the third water station.

You get to map out your own route.

Yes, this is a more advanced interview technique. Yes, it will take a bit more work than just laying it all out chronologically. But yes, it will make you a better podcaster interviewer.

Your podcast is not a 5th grade biography on your guest so don't treat it like that. (Unless it is, in which case cool, project, carry on… you're killing it).

Get creative. Serve your listener. Be a better podcaster. I challenge you to time-warp your interview flow.

If you accept my challenge - send me proof. Drop a link to your non-linear, time-warping podcast interview in any of my social media feeds or contact me through my website.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

090 Three Super Podcast Editing Tips that will Save Your Bacon Oct 22, 2019

Show notes

How many expletives have you unleashed during the act of podcast editing. I'm guessing a lot. I still let them fly and I've been editing audio for almost three decades.

Editing is no joke. It can be frustrating, time consuming and if you let it get to you, it can be the death of your podcast-affair.

Lots of podcasters decide to edit their own podcast when they start out. And they should. I'm a firm believer that you need to understand the process if you are going to be a podcaster. And, if nothing else, it forces you to listen to your own podcast.

Once you've done that, if you can afford to hire a professional, then definitely do. It will save a tonne of time and frustration (and maybe even your marriage).

That really should be tip #1. Outsource your editing. That could be the only tip you need. Okay… I guess we're done here.

All right, if you insist on editing your own podcast - I have three really good tips that will save your bacon for sure.

Tip 1 - Save Your Original File

This is just good file hygiene. After your record, BEFORE you start editing, save the original file then copy it and work with the second file. I go over my actual file saving protocol in this episode but I can tell you that if you were to get a peek at my filing system, you would see in THIS episode folder 090-editing-tips_RAW and 090-editing-tips_EDIT. The RAW file is the original recording and it is sacred. I never touch it - except in an emergency and even then, that is only to duplicate it again.

Tip 2 - Editing is a Two-Hander

If you are only using one hand when you edit, you're functioning at half-speed. That other hand can be working two. Don't let half your work force slack off! I explain in this episode exactly what your two hand should be doing but I'll give you a hint - it involves a mouse and a shortcut key.

Tip 3 - Save Your Work Obsessively

If you saw me editing, you'd think that I have OCD about saving. It's automatic for me. I don't wait until a break in the action, I save as I go. Constantly. And you should too. You never know when a power outage or some kind of computer gremlin will cut your session short. Saving as you go will save so much more than your work. I'm talking sanity, time, and money (that you won't have to put in the swear jar!).

Say it with me. Ctrl S, Apple S, Ctrl S.

You don't want creating your awesome podcast to become a total pain in the butt just because editing it is a nightmare that you dread. Use these super simple, sanity-saving editing tips to keep the podcast love alive (and your podcast too).

Want to know what programs I use? Check out my Resources page.

Still in the podcast gates and want to start right? Hit me up for free coaching call and let's talk about your podcast-to-be. Click here to find a time that works for you.

089 How to Pivot Your Podcast and Get Results Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

If my last podcast left you feeling like, 'hot damn, I need to pivot!' then let's make sure you pivot right. In this episode, I cover how to do it and not eff it up.

In case you missed my last episode (how COULD you!) on determining if you should pivot your podcast, you might want to go back and give it an ear before listening to this one.

Now, if you KNOW you need to pivot (or you might in the future), this episode is going to help you do it successfully and rolling in happy, super-engaged fans in no time.

Step 1

Step one in pivoting a podcast is determining why. Why isn't your podcast performing? Are you talking to the wrong people, are you sharing the wrong things, or are you just sucking.

Look, I'm not trying to be a jerk. The fact is, you need to be honest about why your podcast is failing if you're going to do any better after the pivot. So, park the old ego and dig into your what went wrong.

A good place to look is at your analytics. Check out the most popular topics, look at what makes them stand out (the topic, the time, the guest?). Look everywhere for clues about why your podcast is underperforming.

Step 2

Step two in pivoting your podcast is to ask. Find out from your audience what they want more of. Start a conversation with them about the shift on your social media channels and through your newsletter list.

Whaaaat?!? You don't have social media or an email list. Ummm… respectfully, you might want to rethink this pivot and put your energy into this fantastic new tactic called marketing. Seriously, you might already have the most baller podcast out there so don't change it until you give people a real chance to find it! Go forth and spread the word!

Okay, back to the pivot.

Step 3

Step three is to determine what you're going to change? Take into consideration your:

Promise
Format (solo, co-hosts, interview, clips, etc)
Structure (length, section, etc)
Show elements (name, music, intro, extro, etc)
CTA
Show Assets (description, category, show art, logos, taglines, website, etc)

Step 4

Step four is to come up with a plan for the pivot. Will it be a slow evolution of what you're already doing, a hard left or something in between. Will you do a soft, gentle shift over time. Or, will you hit them with it all of a sudden. Are you going to gently peel off the bandaid one hair at a time or rip it in one swift motion?

Your decision will determine your step-by-step plan for the pivot. I cover how to do each in this episode. So, give it a listen and get it right.

Pivot with purpose and intention.

Remember what I always say - your podcast is not for you, it's for your audience. So, think about them when you are deciding all of these things and don't be wishy-washy. Take care of them, keep them informed, and make them happy. When you do that, they will share your new and improved podcast even more. But, if it feels like you don't know where you're going or like you're trying to pull a fast one on them, they'll dump your ass.

Be good to your listener through the pivot process.

You may lose some listeners (and that's okay), but make sure you keep the ones you're trying to attract in the first place. Pivot with them in mind.

Let's Talk About Your Podcast

Not sure if you need a subtle shift or a hard pivot? Or maybe you think it's all wrong and you need to start fresh? Let's talk about it. Grab my FREE 15. It's a 15-minute coaching call where we can figure it out together. Click here to find a time that works for you.

088 Is it Time to Pivot Your Podcast for Greater Success? Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

VIEW SHOW NOTES ON WEBSITE - Episode 88

Be honest. Is your podcast delivering the results you expected when you committed the time and money to creating it? Are you considering taking it for coffee and gently explaining, "It's not you, it's me…"?

If you're not getting what you wanted out of this whole podcast affair, it may be time to shift your approach. Or, maybe something even more dramatic. In episode 066 of Just the Tip, I give you a few options on how to deal with a lacklustre podcast (or a lack of energy to keep it going).

So, how do you know if it's time to shift, relaunch or reinvent your podcast?

If your podcast is just for fun, then there is only one real question to ask. Are you still having fun? If yes → keep going. If no → stop. If you don't know → listen to this episode.

For entrepreneurs and business owners who are using their podcast as a marketing tool, there are some key questions you need to ask before you pivot. The first relates back to the last episode of Just the Tip - are you measuring the right things to determine if your podcast is successful? If you are, and your podcast is NOT successful, then recognizing that is the first step.

Next, you have to determine if pivoting your podcast focus will do a better job of attracting your ideal client. Or, if there is a better way to serve your existing audience.

If your podcast is not serving your ideal client, it's not serving your business.

Many podcasters resist the pivot. They're worried about losing audience members who they worked so hard to attract. Keep in mind, if podcast is a marketing tool, there is no point in continuing to market to people who will never be customers.

Pivoting your podcast may seem like a daunting task. In this episode, I give two examples of podcast hosts who saw the need to shift their podcast and successfully pulled it off.

In some cases, a podcast pivot goes hand in hand with pivoting your business. You might be niching down or you might be adjusting the products or services you offer your target market. If this is the case, your podcast (which can be a huge marketing asset) should be part of this shift.

Pivoting can make your podcast more effective and more satisfying. For some of my clients, it has been essential for the growth of their business and their show.

But, for a podcast pivot to be successful it has to be intentional and it has to be done right. In my next episode, I'll cover how to pull off an effective podcast pivot.

In the meantime, click play to find out if a podcast pivot should be in your future.

Oh, you already listened? That was fast. And, you're still not sure? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. We'll assess your situation and answer that great existential question - to pivot or not to pivot.

Get Yourself in My Calendar!

087 The Best Way to Measure Podcast Success Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

Mega-downloads = successful podcast, right? Not so fast, podcaster.

Look, I get it. Watching your download numbers grow feels good. It's like a whole bunch of gold stars on your homework. And, skyrocketing downloads seems like a reasonable goal.

But, park your ego for a sec. Just for a second, you can have it back in a minute.

If you're podcasting to market your business then sheer numbers is not really what you should be aiming for. Think of it this way. Say you had an old bricks and mortar store. And everyday, more and more people came into the store because it's warm and it smells nice. Do you think you could go to the bank and say - hey, I need to take out a loan because so many people are coming in my store that I need a bigger store.

No. You couldn't because the banker doesn't care about how many people come in. He cares about only one thing.

His hockey pool.

Just kidding. He cares about the money, chum. How many of those people are buying? Do more people through the doors mean more cash in the till?

You have to measure the right things!

Caveat - if you're business is your podcast, meaning your content is your commodity, then by all means - care about the downloads. Obsess about the downloads because each one gets you a little closer to bigger sponsorship deals.

But, if podcasting is a marketing tool for your business - those numbers are not the most important measure of your success. Downloads don't tell the whole story. They can't give you an ROI.

So, what is the best way to measure the success of your podcast?

There are a few ways to go here. You could measure the number of leads you get from the podcast, you could measure the number of conversions you get from those leads, you could measure the lifetime value of that customer.

I like to measure engagements. Because the goal of my podcast is to serve business owners in their podcasting efforts, everytime I get the opportunity to connect with a listener, I get a little closer to my goal.

This KPI can also tell me if I'm reaching my target audience and give me more information about what they need. And, I know that many of these connections will result in my being able to serve them on a bigger level.

My podcast is supposed to be a conversation, so when I hear from my listeners, I've succeeded in starting that conversation. Isn't that what you want from your podcast, too?

Once you set the right KPIs for your podcast, the next step is hitting them.

The key to hitting your KPI in your podcast is to have a strong call to action. A lot of podcasters leave this our or they inundate their listener with a million calls to action. Are you one of those podcasters. Here, hold out your hand so I can smack it! Stoppit!

In this episode, I cover how to set the right KPI for your show so that you can really assess when it's a success. Spoiler alert - it will likely be WAY before you hit 10,000 downloads!

Don't believe me? Let's talk about it. Book a free 15-minute coaching call and we'll get your podcast KPIs realigned for success.

086 How to Make Your First Question Count Aug 27, 2019

Show notes

You've heard me say it before. You have seconds, SECONDS, to grab the listener's attention. Don't squander it with a boring first question.

Picture it. A new listener has found your show. They made it through the show intro, the tease, the guest intro with the cautious anticipation that you might actually have something interesting for their earballs. But, they're still just one swipe and click from quitting you and trying someone else on for size.

The moment has arrived. Everything is hanging on your first question. Do you have what it takes to keep them interested? Have you got the sauce to make them want to stick around?

Here's a hint. If you ask, 'How did you get started?' or simply state, 'tell us about yourself' (which is not even a question!) then you're dead in the water. Your chances at an explosive first impression as an interviewer have been doused.

Don't worry. I'm here to help.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I don't just give you some gentle (not so gentle) coaxing to abandon the boring and get creative; I give you ways to do it.

And, I even demonstrate how interesting this can be. #parentsjustdontunderstand #mymomhasnocluewhatIdo

So, if you're looking to improve your interview skills (and you should be unless you're freaking Oprah, in which case, holy crap, hit me up Oprah!) then don't waste another second reading - hit play. In less than 5 minutes, you'll have a much better way to kick off your interviews and you'll find out what my mom thinks I do for a living.

When you have better questions, you have better conversations. That translates to a better podcast for your listener and for your guest (who is WAAAAY more likely to share something they thought was not the usual, ho-hum snore fest).

Want more help making your podcast unboring? Let's chat. Click here to access my calendar where you can book a free 15-minute coaching call.

085 How to Grow Your Podcast by Being a Great Guest Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

You've been invited to be on someone else's podcast. Great. Now, don't screw this up!

It's no secret that being a guest on another podcast is a great way to expand your reach, grow your authority, and potentially give your own podcast numbers a boost. Most importantly, you're reaching ears who may be completely unfamiliar with your voice.

Hold the phone, podcaster. (For all of you youngens out there, holding the phone was something we used to do when we had physical phones attached to a landline and.. Oh forget it)

Not so fast, podcaster.

There are plenty of risks involved in being a guest on someone else's podcast, not the least of which is you sound like a total megalomaniac/jerk/dumdum and the audience swears they'll never waste their time listening to your show.

Opposite of the desired effect. So, how do you avoid it?

The truth is, there's a real art to being a great guest. That's why companies pay thousands of dollars to have their executives go through media training.

But, we don't have time for all of that in this podcast - after all, it's called just the tip.

I will share one key tip that, if you follow it, will significantly increase your chances of nailing your interview.

Here it is.

Be prepared.

No, that's not more lead up. That's the tip, "be prepared!"

Like a good boy-scout or girl-scout or genderless-scout, you have to be prepared for the interview. No. You. CANNOT. Wing it. Not if you want to actually have the interview benefit you and your podcast.

So, what does that mean? It means that you've done your homework. You know a little something about the podcast you're about to be on and the host who you'll be talking to. You have some notes in front of you and you know what it is that you'd like to share with their listeners (either a resource or a way for them to connect with you).

This level of preparedness is the bare minimum if you want your guest appearance to be a success.

There are many (many) more ways to ensure you knock it out of the park. So many, in fact, that I'm creating a program around it. It's not ready yet. I just put it in the oven. But if you want first crack at it, then click here to sign up for the waitlist.

But, in the meantime. Do take advantage of the awesome promotional powers of being a guest and don't screw it up by being unprepared.

Looking for the link to The Great Guest Game Plan? HERE IT IS

There are two sides to the guest coin. If you want to learn how to handle guests on your show, go back to these guest-focused podcasts:

How to Introduce Your Guest Properly

How to Get the Most Out of Your Guests

How to Warm Up Your Guest Before Recording

Should You Give Guests Your Questions

Demand a Takeaway

How to Save Your Podcast from Hijackers (aka Bad Guests)

How to Kill a Bad Podcast Interview

What is an Energy Mirror?

Extro Your Guest Like a Pro