Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Latest Episodes:

084 Are You Lost in the Podcast Equipment Weeds? Jul 30, 2019

Show notes

I can geek out about gear with the best of them. What I can't do is stand by while podcasters go so far down the podcast equipment rabbit hole that they risk never emerging (or launching their podcast).

I see a ton of posts in podcast groups about which mic, which cables, which mixer, which editing equipment will lead to podcast-glory. I'm here to pull you out of the podcast equipment weeds. To grab you by your little cotton tail and rip you out of the hole.

Newsflash: Equipment is not the most important part of your podcast. And, it certainly isn't going to make or break you (as long as you have the bare minimum).

If you're spending all of your time worrying about your equipment then I hope you are either:

a) the host of a show about podcast equipment
b) a total hobby-podcast who does this just for the love of talking shop with other podcast geeks
c) a host with buckets of loyal listeners and sponsors

If that's you; carry on.

The rest of you - smarten up. All of this gear-obsessing is just a distraction from what you really should be obsessing over. Um, your show content and doing the work to make sure that people actually hear your show content.

I know, I know. The gear is the fun part. But, if you're podcasting to grow your business or you're hoping to make your podcast your business then you need to focus on the stuff that is actually going to move the needle.

Here's what matters. Your listeners. Your content. Your marketing.

Daaaamn, coach.

Here's the gear that will get you to where you need to go:

Mic: Audio Technica ATR2100

Host: Libsyn

Editing Software: Audacity

Go to my resource page listing all these with details and links!

If you're waiting to start your podcast because of equipment needs, if you're spending hours in Facebook groups talking about the latest gear (and you're not in the above mentioned categories of podcasters), if you'd rather blame your gear than do some serious marketing then this episode of Just the Tip is your kick in the pants. Plus, I give you a few marketing ideas to boot.

Now, don't let me catch you back in those podcast equipment weeds!

Ready to stop blaming the gear and focus on your content (and performance)? Want to start a podcast for your business the right way? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call.

Or, check out my 30 Days to a Better Podcast Coaching Sessions or my Concept to Casting done-with-you podcast development program.

083 Are You Really Serving Your Listener Every Episode? Jul 16, 2019

Show notes

Be honest. Do you think about your listener every single show? You should! It'll make your podcast better and it'll be better for business.

If you're new here, let me clarify. I subscribe to the idea that podcasting should be listener-centric. Meaning - everything on and about the podcast is for the listener.

There are no exceptions. Well, unless you want to suck. In which case, my show is not for you.

If you are podcasting for business, this is especially true because when you serve your listener, you serve your business. I explain this little bit of logic in this episode but let's assume you're on board with being listener centric and you're ready to start serving your audience.

Here's how to be sure that each episode serves your listener.

Know who they are! If you haven't figured out who you're talking to, you can't possibly serve them. If you need help getting to know your listener, direct your earballs to this.
Educate and help them. You know the struggles they face - you chose them as an audience so you could solve their problems. So, solve them. Share the info you have. Give them ways to overcome their challenges. Arm them with amazing insights and ideas to keep them moving toward their goals. Give them a valuable takeaway every time they listen. Be their guide, their mentor, their friend.
Entertain them. If they wanted boring instructions they'd read a book. Serve your listener by being fun to listen to. Now, there are varying levels of 'entertaining' and I'm not suggesting you have to be Jim Carey in the Mask (yes, I'm that old). But take the time to put the information together in a presentable and entertaining way. Yes, that does mean you have to prep a little… and probably edit a little. Keep the show moving and don't waste their time.
Engage them. A lot of people are surprised that I include the CTA in my listener-centric approach. "Isn't the CTA about me?" No. The Call To Action is helping your listener take the next step beyond just listening. If you run a business where you actually help people or sell something that works and is of value, then helping someone get closer to that resource is helping them. And the best part is - it's helping you too.

If you're not serving your listener, you're serving yourself. Who wants to listen to that?

I really can't say this enough. If you've got a podcast that you are using as a way to grow your authority, build your 'know, like, and trust' factor, or introduce the value of your products, you HAVE to focus on your listeners needs first. Otherwise, it's just a commercial and we all know what people with commercials.

Skip.

If you found this 5 minutes useful, imagine what 15 minutes of my uninterrupted time answer your question about your podcast would be like. Bonanza! And, it's free! Double Bonanza. What are you waiting for? Click here to book your free 15-min. coaching session.

082 - Music Matters Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

What does your music say about your podcast? If the only thing a listener had to go on, would they guess your podcast genre and target audience?

All too often podcasters go about picking their music all wrong. Here's the first mistake - they pick something that they like (and then they play too much of it) and never really consider if it's telling the right story for their show.

The second mistake is that they hunt down free podcast music. Or, they precure it in a not-so-legit way. Do you really want to limit yourself here - you're going to have to listen to this music a lot (especially if you're editing or at least listening to your podcast like you should. )

You want your music to be on brand and attract your ideal audience. Is it doing that? Be honest.

The third mistake podcasters make with their music is not picking a versatile enough track. You want a piece of music that does more than one thing. With the right piece of music, you can get an intro plus bumpers, sounders, earcons / earmarks, extro beds… yes, you want all of those things even if you don't know what they mean. Essentially, you want music that does it all.

By now, you're probably getting the sense that your music is a big part of your podcast. Good!

Finding Great Podcast Music

In this episode, I explain why it's so important, how you can get the most out of a great piece of music and where to find royalty free podcast music. I even give you some time saving tips on how to search through those mountains of podcast tracks without totally losing your mind!

Whether you're just starting out with podcasting or you're realizing that your music might need a tune up, this episode will help you develop a show with sweet, sweet sound.

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

Want some personal help with your podcast music selection? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call.

By the way, music selection is just one part of the podcast development program we offer. Want to learn how you can create a killer podcast that will promote your business? Let's chat. Book a free 15-minute call.

Resources

https://audiojungle.net/

https://www.pond5.com/

https://www.podcastmusic.com/

081 Why you Need Good Episode Titles for your Podcast Jun 18, 2019

Show notes

Confession time. Are you being lazy with your episodes titles? Are you naming them with as much consideration as say a file name? If you are, then you're missing opportunities!

Episode title names aren't fun. They're not sexy. They seem so inconsequential. And frankly, they seem so insignificant compared to the content, the performance and all of the technical stuff that we deal with as podcasters.

Make no mistake. Your episode titles matter. A lot. And, if you're simply slapping a basic description like, "Eps 0112 Interview Bill Smith" than you are doing your podcast a disservice.

I mean, that's assuming that you want people to find your podcast, and listen to it… I'm making an assumption here that you actually want your podcast to be heard and to grow. If not, feel free to stop reading (and listening to my podcast). Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

I've seen some bad examples of this while browsing through Apple Podcasts. I click on a podcast because it seems interesting, then I look at their long list of episodes and if nothing catches my eye, I move on. I'm not unusual (at least, not in my podcast browsing behaviour). Lots of people do this.

A few weeks ago, I had someone take me up on my offer of a free 15-minute coaching call and she was concerned about the lack of growth in her podcast. We took a look at her podcast titles and the problem was immediately obvious. Every title was a total snooze-fest devoid of any real information that would inspire a potential listener to click. What an easy thing to fix!

In this episode, I'm going to further explain why you really do need to pay attention to each title. Plus, I'll give you three tips to help you craft really great podcast titles that will help your podcast get found, and convince listeners to click play. And, do it with integrity.

These tips are especially important if you are podcasting for your business. If your podcast is part of your marketing strategy (you're using it to build your authority, grow your potential customer base, and share what you do) then you may be seriously limiting your reach just by phoning in your title.

And, if you are using your podcast as a marketing tool, let's talk. Whether you're pre-launch or hundreds of episodes in, I'd love to talk to you about how my coaching services can help you get to that next level in building your business with podcasting. Book your FREE 15-minute coaching call here. http://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-advice/

080 How to Produce a Killer Podcast Trailer Jun 04, 2019

Show notes

In a time when all podcasts are choking in an overcrowded sea of podcasts, one stands out and becomes the hero the world needs right now…

The language of movie trailers might be formulaic and the butt of jokes, but that's primarily because they are memorable. Movie and TV trailers serve a critical role in the world of entertainment - they convince people to spend their time and money to see the rest.

Your podcast trailer should do the same.

Every podcast should have a trailer - even if they've been around for years. The benefit of a trailer is that it gives potential fans a chance to hear your 'best of' and get a sense of what they are going to get if they listen. Which is a heck of a lot better than if they randomly pick an episode.

The benefit to you is that you get the absolute best chance of attracting that potential listener and turn them into a subscriber.

So, how do you make a killer podcast trailer that will turn them on instead of tune out?

In this episode of just the tip, I go through the three main sections of your podcast trailer:

The intro
The clips
The call to action

You need to execute each of these in a way that is exciting, on-brand, and honestly representative of your show.

This last part is really critical if you want to keep the subscribers you earn with your trailer.

Have you ever seen a trailer on TV for a movie and you think, 'wow, that looks hilarious' or 'oh my mango, this is going to be the scariest thing I've ever seen' then you pay your money and come out feeling ripped off? Not a nice feeling, is it? So, don't do that with your trailer.

If your show is good, let it speak for itself. Those misleading TV and movie trailers do that because their show sucks. If your show sucks, well stop sucking. There. Fixed.

If you have a new podcast, you should definitely do a trailer - it's a great way to promote your 'coming soon' podcast and trigger your account so that people can subscribe before your launch!

So, spend some energy making your podcast trailer great and take advantage of this promotional tool.

Not sure if your trailer is good enough? Send it to me and I'll tell you straight up if it sucks or rocks.

Just book a free 15-minute coaching call and include it in the links.

079 Word on the street is SHUT THE HELL UP! May 14, 2019

Show notes

Are listeners turning off your podcast prematurely? Are you making critical mistakes that cause listeners to run screaming from your show?

I hit the streets recently to find out what exactly makes people turn off a podcast.

Metta side note: In the last episode of Just the Tip, I explained the power of using streeters or man-on-the-street interviews in your podcast. Now, in this episode, I'm demonstrating what that can sound like by sharing what I learned when I asked people what would cause them to shut off a podcast.

People in Kelowna, BC (where I live) were more than happy to chat with me about podcasting pet peeves. Or, as my wife would say, what gets in your craw about podcasting? (What does that even mean?)

They brought up some of the things you would expect – too salesy or too many ads. (Go listen to episode 25 How to Handle Sponsorships Successfully for more on doing this right). They also talked about length – as in they hate when podcasts are too long. One woman cracked me up when she said, "what, am I going to listen over 5 car rides?" Which, by the way is a reminder to think about what your listener is doing while they listen – this chick is clearly a podcasts while you drive person.

But, aside from these expected 'hates', there was one resounding complaint and it has to do with that thing that I'm always harping on. You know, that thing where you're supposed to remember who your podcast is for?

Listener-centric podcasting? Hello? Anyone?

Alright, I'll cut you some slack… maybe you're new here.

Listener-centric podcasting is simple. Remember that you are making your show for your listener. Your show is not about you. It's FOR them. Everything you do, from length, to content, to sponsorships needs to take them into consideration. Respect their time and attention. They could very easily be going somewhere else for their content needs.

This is especially important for people who are podcasting for business. If this is a marketing tool for you and your business then you need to be treating your listeners like gold otherwise, this tactic is not going to work. Nobody signs up for an hour-long commercial! Engage them, help them love you by serving them, and you'll get the results you want.

If you decide not to have a listener-centric podcast then you can expect your listeners to turn you off.

The man on the street has spoken.

Speaking of speaking… I want to hear from you. Record your question for me on my Speak Pipe – an easy to use tool you'll find on my website. Just click the orange bar on the right.

What topic do you want me to cover? What's making your podcast journey hell?

Hit me up on my website and I may use your question on an upcoming episode of Just the Tip… I guess that would make the episode 'just the tip for you.'

Resources:

https://www.speakpipe.com

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

078 Why and How to Add Man-on-the-Street Interviews Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

This tactic has been used by radio and television for decades to make a story more relevant and compelling. Should you be using it in your podcast too?

I love talking to strangers. There, I said it. I'm that guy. I will walk right up to you and ask the most inane question or share the strangest observation - whatever is on my mind - because I just can't get enough of conversations with new people.

That might make me weird, but it's served me well in my radio career (not so much my marriage). You see, radio station love to get the pulse of the people. Whenever a story is falling flat or the expert is a bit dry, we add the opinions of random humans off the street. Why? Because it reflects what people think, it shows that we care about the listener (yes, they are on the street), and because it gives us the opportunity to respond to new opinions.

That's a pretty powerful storytelling tool, wouldn't you say?

Good news! You can use it in your podcast too!

In this episode, I share exactly how to do these right. That includes ways to avoid getting turned down stranger after stranger and how to NOT get manhandled by security guards or reported as some weirdo disturbing the peace.

Now, don't go getting nervous. It's easier than you might think. And, with my tips, you'll be hitting the streets like a real pro. Hmmm, something about that sentence sounds wrong. Oh, well. Moving on.

Take advantage of this great storytelling technique, inject some real opinions into your podcast, and discover how much closer it brings you to your audience. Plus, there's a bonus tip about how doing streeters could help you grow your audience!

Speaking of growing your podcast and connecting with your audience. Take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call. Ask me anything about podcasting in general or how to make your podcast better.

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

077 How to Start an Effective Podcast for your Business Apr 16, 2019

Show notes

If you're like most podcasters, you caught the bug and jumped right on the podcast trend train. Now, maybe you're wondering why people aren't flocking to your business after hearing your super awesome podcast. Maybe because you didn't follow these three key steps for starting an effective podcast for business.

If you don't know this already, let me burst your bubble. Podcasting takes time and money. If you're thinking of using it as a way to market your services or business, then you need to know this.

Here, have another slice of bombshell truth pie - you CAN do it wrong. If you're thinking that any old podcast is going to turn into a firehose just gushing clients all over you, then think again. If you don't plan your podcast right, you'll be lucky to get a trickle out of that hose.

Okay, enough with the scare tactics. Let me get to the meat of that proverbial pie. Mmmm, meat pie.

Here are the three things you have to consider before starting a podcast for business IF you want it to be effective.

Have a Plan. I'm not being a jerk here. A lot of people start without a plan at all. I explain exactly what your plan needs to look like more in the podcast, so, go listen to it.
Be on Brand. Make sure that your podcast doesn't just reflect you but that special something that makes your business extra hot stuff. Again, a lot of podcasters forget that this is a piece of marketing that is going to influence brand identity and awareness.
Tell Your Listener What to Do Next. Yes, I'm talking about a call to action. A purpose for your podcast. Make sure that listener who just gave you a whole lot of their time knows how to spend more time (and money?) with you.

These are just the basics but it's a really important place to start if you are thinking about starting a podcast to use a marketing tool for your business. Take a listen to this episode to get a better sense of why these three steps are so critical.

Already have a podcast? How does it measure up - do you have all three covered? If not, don't freak out, man. You can still fix it. That's all part of making your podcast better - changing it for the better. So, do these three things from here on and you'll see a big shift in how effectively your podcast converts listeners into fans, and fans into customers.

Now, if you need some help revamping your podcast into a more effective marketing play - I can help. I have a 6-week Podcast Rescue program where I coach you personally to redesign your podcast so that it better serves your ideal audience and gets you better results.

It all starts with a free 15 minute phone call. Let's jump on a call - what do you have to lose?

076 - Five Big Mistakes Co-Hosts Make in Podcasting Apr 02, 2019

Show notes

You've got a co-host - that's great. It makes creating the podcast so much more fun and easier too, right? Bad news - there's a much higher chance that you're effing it up because two hosts means double the chances you're getting it wrong.

Translation, your listeners are suffering. They're being subjected to bad audio, uncomfortable silences, unnecessary babbling and, sometimes awkwardness that is leaking right through their headphones and gumming up their earballs.

Now, let me be clear about one thing - a podcasting duo can be a beautiful thing. Afterall, most radio morning shows have two hosts for a reason. The witty banter, the potentially comically pseudo conflict, the friendship that we can all feel like we're a part of.

That's what a co-hosted podcast should be like. Unfortunately, many podcasters don't know the 'rules' of co-hosting.

Never fear, daddy podcasting is here to help you (and your podcasting partner) be better co-hosts.

Here are the 5 mistakes podcast co-host make:

Sharing a mic
Talking overtop of each other
Shutting your co-host down with your negative responses
Not having a bus driver
Over preparing together (aka killing the spontaneity)

I go into detail on each of these in this episode, so definitely give it a listen.

Remember the Golden Rule of Podcasting

It's not about you. Whether you have a co-host or not, you have to remember that your podcast is for your listener. So, if you are working with a partner, make sure that you remember to include them in the conversation.

After all, isn't that why you decided not to go solo - so that it would feel more like a party or a conversation. Don't make your listener feel like a wallflower, pull them into the dance.

If you avoid my top 5 mistakes, you're definitely more likely to do that. And, if they feel like they are part of the party, they're more likely to invite their friends and connect with you beyond the downloads.

And, I hope that's just the tip you need.

If you need a little help working out the co-hosting kinks, take advantage of my FREE 15 minute coaching call. In 15-minutes, we can turn your show from a two-way to a podcast orgy that your listeners will be dying to get in on.

075 Why You Need To Know Your Podcaster Type Mar 19, 2019

Show notes

There are three types of podcasts. Do you know which one you have? You better, or you could be doing a disservice to your audience and wasting your time and money.

There are three types of podcaster

Hobby Podcasters
Professional Podcasters
Marketing Podcasters

That's it. So, which one are you?

The answer to that question can be found in your intention. What is the podcast supposed to do? This goes back to your why (for more on that check out episode 61) - why are you podcasting?

If it's to build a community, share your love of a topic with other like minded people, doing it because it seemed like fun, or just straight up show off your knowledge (Ma, look what I can do) then you are hobby podcaster. Now, don't make the mistake of thinking that being a hobby podcaster is a bad thing - IT'S NOT! Some of the best podcasts out there are hobbyists. This is a perfectly good lane to be in and it can be a lot of fun. Maybe, the most fun.

If your intention with the podcast is to have such a large audience that you can monetize through sponsorships and merch sales then you are a professional podcaster. Your podcast is your product. Your intention is to make money by reselling your content or association with your content. If you're in this lane, you're in the company of the likes of Joe Rogan and Marc Maron.

And finally, if the purpose of your podcast is to sell products or services you offer, then you are a marketing podcaster. That is, you are engaged in content marketing and podcasting is the way (or one of the ways) you execute that strategy. This could mean that you share content that will encourage people to buy your offer, set you up as an influencer or thought leader, build brand awareness, or otherwise move the needle on making more sales.

And yes, you can change lanes. It does happen. But here's the thing, it's trickier than you think.

First, you need to know which lane you're in to start with. And second, you need to intentionally change lanes… carefully. Otherwise, you're just a maniac swerving all over the podcast highway!

Oh, and those people swearing at you being an idiot… those are you listeners. Or should I say, former listeners.

You see, there really is a good reason for knowing which lane you're in. In this episode of Just the Tip from your Podcast Performance Coach - I explain what that is. And, how to safely navigate your way from one lane to the next.

So, click play. Next stop, Podcast Bliss.

Can you guess which type of podcaster I am? You got it - I'm in that third lane. Which is why, I'm taking this moment to remind you that if you need help figuring out your lane or navigating your way down the podcast highway, I'd be happy to help!

Check out my 30 Days to a Better Podcast coaching package. Or, if you haven't started your podcast journey yet and you want to set out with a full tank of gas and your GPS locked and loaded, book a 15-minute call with me and ask me about my invite-only Podcast Development Launch program.

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