Podcasting Q&A

How To Get Your Podcast into the New and Noteworthy Feb 21, 2024

Megan from the Wild Healers podcast asks, "Is it possible for an independent podcast to make it into the Apple New and Noteworthy section?"
Special thanks to Kris Emerson, host of the Excel Still More podcast, for sharing his experience getting into the New and Noteworthy section.
TL;DR
The Apple Podcasts New and Noteworthy section is a common goal for new podcasters. The appeal is that if you can get your podcast listed there, you'll be able to grow your audience faster, build momentum, and ride that wave off into the sunset of your podcasting dreams.
So... how exactly do you get in? In this episode, we'll share what we know and ask Kris, a fellow Buzzsprout podcaster, what he did to land in the New and Noteworthy section.
What's the best strategy?
The best way to get into the Apple New and Noteworthy section is to focus on getting a lot of listeners to subscribe to your show in Apple Podcasts in a short period of time. As a new podcast, your window to make this happen is typically 90 days from when you launch your first episode.
At one point, many podcasters believed that it was the number of downloads or reviews you received that got you in the N&N section. But over time, as we've seen podcasters try and game the system, we've found that those aren't big indicators.
Apply isn't spilling the beans on their process any time soon, but we DO know that an algorithm based on how many subscribers you get feeds possible selections to an Apple employee who ultimately determines how makes it in and who doesn't.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

What are good stats for a new podcast? Feb 20, 2024

Letty from My Sweet Business with Letty Alvarez asks, "What kind of download stats can you expect with a new podcast?"
TL;DR
Launching a new podcast is a lot of work and is something you should celebrate! It’s only natural to want as many people as possible to listen to it, but where should you place your expectations?
In this episode, we’ll walk through 3 questions that will help you determine what your benchmark for success should be.
1. Do you have an existing audience?
If you’re starting from scratch, you should expect fewer downloads than someone who has 100,000 followers on Instagram.
It’s okay if you’re just getting started, just set your expectations accordingly.
2. How popular is your podcast subject?
The reality is, some podcast topics have larger built-in audiences than others. As an example, True Crime podcasts are currently more popular than Home Gardening podcasts and will naturally have a larger audience.
We would never recommend you start a podcast just to become popular, just recognize that the potential size of your audience is partially determined by how many people are interested in your subject matter.
3. How good is your first impression?
If you have a poor first impression, that will negatively impact your download numbers no matter how good your podcast is. You'll want to make sure you have hi-quality artwork (use a service like 99designs or Upwork to work with graphic designers), practice good mic technique for crisp audio, and use catchy episode titles to grab someone's attention.
If you make a good first impression, and then back that up with great content, your podcast will grow.
What's the average number of downloads?
The average Buzzsprout podcaster gets around 50 downloads per episode. This is a great target for when you're first getting started!
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software Feb 18, 2024

Norman from Antifool asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?"
TL;DR
In recent years the number of new software options for podcasters has increased quite a bit. Some of them are great for experience podcasters that want every bell and whistle imaginable. While others are focused on streamlining the process as much as possible.
So in this episode, we'll share the pros and cons of the top five recording software options that we use and recommend at Buzzsprout to help you decide which one is best for you.
1. Audacity
Audacity is the most popular podcast recording and editing software in the world (and for good reason). It's free to download, it's available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and has the full suite of audio editing features.
Just be aware that Audacity tends to be a bit buggy (like, won't work because Apple updates their OS kind of buggy) and does destructive editing. Destructive editing means that if you delete a portion of your audio and then save your project file, you can't get that audio back.
2. GarageBand
GarageBand comes pre-installed on just about every Apple device you can imagine (Macbook, iPad, iPhone, etc.). Like Audacity, it's free to use. Unlike Audacity, it's easy to learn quickly so you spend less time learning the software and more time editing your episodes.
One thing to keep in mind is that GarageBand's export settings are severely lacking, so if Loudness Normalization or bit rate modes are important to you you'll need to pair it with some additional software.
3. Alitu
Alitu is an internet-based recording and editing software that makes it super easy to create episodes. You can automatically add your intro and outro to every episode, it applies mixing and mastering effects to your audio files as you upload them, and you can publish your episodes directly into podcast hosts like Buzzsprout.
But all that efficiency and ease of use means there are fewer things to customize. So if manually setting your compression levels is important to you, look elsewhere. But if you are a busy podcaster looking for ways to speed up your workflow, Alitu is a great solution.
4. Hindenburg Journalist Pro
Hindenburg Journalist Pro is everything you could possibly need in a podcasting editing software. It's intuitive, easy to work with, and allows you to publish episodes directly to Buzzsprout.
Because it's a pro-level software, Hindenburg Journalist Pro is a more sizeable investment, but if you're a Buzzsprout podcaster you can use the link in the Resources tab of your Buzzsprout account to get a 90-day free trial and test drive it for yourself before deciding if you want to invest in it longterm.
5. Descript
Descript takes a fresh and innovative approach to editing podcasts. Rather than generating a waveform of your audio files, Descript creates an accurate transcript of your recordings. Then to edit your podcast episode you just edit the words on the screen. How cool is that?
Just make sure to listen back to your episode from start to finish before you export it as sometimes the algorithms aren't as precise as you'd like them to be.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

How to record phone calls for a podcast Feb 17, 2024

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?"
TL;DR
It's not uncommon to have a guest interview lined up where the only microphone that person has access to is the one on their smartphone. In that case, you just want to keep things simple so your guest can focus on what they want to say and not on the tech involved.
So in this episode, we'll share some coaching tips you can give to your guest to get better sound quality as well as several software options that allow you to record phone calls.
Phone Call Recording Tips
Tip #1: Make sure they are in a quiet space. Nothing ruins a recording faster than screaming children, barking dogs, our crazy amounts of echo. Help them find a quiet space with good acoustics (Heck! Tell them to go in their walk-in closet) to get a better recording.
Tip #2: Have them use Apple Earbuds or something similar. Even if they don't own an iPhone (which comes with a free pair of headphones), chances are they know someone with a pair of Earbuds or AirPods. The directional microphone in these headphones is significantly better than the one on their phone and will help cut down on unwanted background noise.
Tip #3: Make sure they have a solid internet connection or cell phone signal. No software can save you from a poor internet connection or cell signal, so make sure they have strong connection and you're hearing them clearly before you begin.
Recording Software Options
#1. Zoom.us (our favorite)
Zoom is a really versatile platform. You can provide your guest a phone number that they can call in on or they can open up a Zoom meeting in the web browser on their phone. Plus the audio quality is significantly better than the other two options on our list.
#2. Skype
There's a good chance your guest is familiar with Skype and has used it in the past. Have them download the Skype app on their phone and join the interview that way. We recommend pairing Skype with audio recording software like Ecamm Call Recorder or Audio Hijack for best results.
#3. Google Voice
If you need something quick and easy the record a phone-to-phone interview, Google Voice is it. Just send your guest your Google Voice number (which is free to create), press 4 to start recording, then download the audio file when you're done.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast Marketing: Getting your guests to promote your episode Feb 16, 2024

Bill from Happy Valley Hustle asks, "How do you get your guests to consistently promote their podcast episodes?"
TL;DR
Having guests on your podcast is one of our favorite marketing strategies. They have a great time sharing their expertise and, if everything goes well, they're eager to share it with their network of friends and followers. Unfortunately, guests are known to drop the ball in this area, so here are 3 tips to help your podcast guests share their episodes more consistently.
1. Communicate early and often
At first, you're going back and forth to schedule the interview, grab headshots for promotional graphics, and get links to their website. Don't drop the ball once the interview is over! Keep them in the loop about when their episode is coming out and reaffirm how much you appreciated them as a guest.
2. Do all the heavy lifting
If you want your guest to promote their episode on your podcast, you need to make things really easy for them. That means creating social media graphics they can share with their followers, writing a blurb for their email newsletter, and providing a direct link where people can listen to the episode. The more work you do for them, the more likely they are to share their episode.
3. Sponsor an Episode of Their Podcast
With this advanced strategy, offer to sponsor an episode of their podcast if they have one. You pay them to promote their guest appearance to their existing audience, talking all about your podcast, and a significant number will check out your podcast episode.
Costs vary depending on the size of their podcast audience, so best practice is to ask them how much it would be to sponsor an episode or two of their podcast and then go from there.
Special thanks to the Creating a Brand podcast for sharing their social media graphic and Visual Soundbite with us for the video version of the show!
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast Promotion: How do I get my podcast in front of more people? Feb 15, 2024

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "How do you promote a podcast?"
TL;DR
One thing most podcasters don't realize is how much work it takes to grow your audience and find new listeners. Podcast marketing and promotion often take as much time as creating the podcast episodes themselves. The key to making any marketing strategy work is to find new listeners that would be interested in your podcast and telling them about it. Here are the top 3 strategies for promoting your podcast.
1. Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram are great places to find potential podcast listeners. Use each platform's built-in community tool, whether it's groups or hashtags, and start engaging with people. Leave helpful comments, establishing yourself as a trustworthy expert, and point people back to your podcast when prompted.
2. Be A Podcast Guest
Going on someone else's podcast is a great promotion strategy. The people listening to that show have already shown they're interested in the subject, so if you're able to spend 45 minutes to an hour demonstrating your expertise there's a high likelihood that good chunk of that podcast's audience will follow you to your show. Make sure the audience has a decent overlap with yours to ensure this strategy will actually work.
3. Be Easy To Find
Make sure your podcast is listed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, and Stitcher. These directories make up close to 95% of all podcast listeners.
For bonus points, use SEO keywords in your podcast name and episode titles to leverage the search function inside of each podcasting app and on Google.
Learn more about Podcast SEO Strategy in this SEO-focused episode of Podcasting Q&A.
Bonus. Overcast Ads
If you have some budget and want to juice your subscriber count, run some ads on the Overcast podcast app. This puts your show in front of new audiences and tracks how many new subscribers you get as well. The ROI on Overcast ads consistently beats Facebook Ads and Google Adwords.
Learn more about Overcast ads.
Looking for some more promotion strategies? Check out our guide with more than 50 podcast marketing ideas.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast Networks: Are they valuable? When should you start or join one? Feb 14, 2024

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "My question is about podcast networks. When should you start one, join one, or should you avoid them?"
TL;DR
Many of today's most popular podcasts are a part of podcast networks. These networks pool together groups of shows for better access to sponsors, faster growth, and better exposure. They can be an excellent option for independent podcasters, but there are a couple of things to be aware of before signing on the dotted line.
Pro #1: Easier access to sponsors. The truth is, unless you're getting upwards of 50,000 downloads per episode, you're not going to get much interest from sponsors. But when you bundle your show together along with a dozen others, now you can negotiate based on your collective downloads across the entire network.
Pro #2: You may grow faster. One of the fastest ways to grow your podcast audience is by being a guest on other podcasts. Being a part of a podcast network means you'll be able to consistently land guest spots on multiple podcasts, exposing their listeners to your podcast and vice versa.
Con #1: You will lose some creative control. When you join a podcast network, they will likely have the last word on what you can and can't discuss. If you cover explicit content or care about which sponsors you promote to your listeners, make sure you'll be a good fit for what the network is already doing.
Con #2: You may lose ownership of your podcast. In addition to switching to your network's preferred podcast hosting platform, you may have to sign away the rights to your podcast to join the network. That means if you decide to leave the network at some point in the future, you can't take your podcast with you. Make sure to read the fine print.
How to create your own podcast network:

Find a group of podcasts that appeal to similar audiences
Create an "informal" podcast network where you promote each other
Negotiate with sponsors using the collective sum of your podcast audiences

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

How to create a podcast intro your listeners will love Feb 13, 2024

Kwame from Negotiate Anything asks, "What are some things we should keep in mind when it comes to doing an introduction?"
TL;DR
A well-produced podcast intro can increase the quality of your podcast, retain new listeners, and serve as a launching point for the rest of your episode. When done poorly, however, it can have the opposite effect.
In general, there are three main things you want to communicate in your podcast intro - who you are, what your podcast is about, and why they should care. The first two are pretty self-explanatory ("Hi, my name is Travis Albritton. Podcasting Q&A dives into the tips and strategies independent podcasters need to take their show to the next level"), but the third element can really take your intro over the top.
If you can effectively communicate the impact that your podcast will have on someone's life, you'll have new listeners subscribing at a constant rate. Will your podcast help them lose weight? Make more money? Save more money? Improve their relationships? Serve as an escape from the world? Identify how your podcast will make someone's life better and lean into it.
The ideal length of a podcast intro is between 15 and 30 seconds. Long enough to say everything you need to say without dragging on unnecessarily.
When looking for intro music, make sure you only look at royalty-free music. When a song or track is royalty-free, that means you can use that song in your podcast without having to pay the artist every time you use the song (and you won't be sued for copyright infringement).
Check out our blog post with nine free royalty-free music websites to find the perfect song for your podcast.
3x Pro-Level Royalty-Free Music Websites:

Soundstripe (use the code in the Buzzsprout "Resources" tab for 15% off)
Epidemic Sound
Audioblocks

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast Reviews: How do I get more reviews? And how can I see them? Feb 12, 2024

Klaas from the RPG Heroes asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?"
TL;DR
While many podcasters are under the impression that getting more reviews in Apple Podcasts leads to a higher position on the podcast charts (or even inclusion in the New & Noteworthy section), those things are not influenced by the number of podcast reviews you have.
So what purpose do podcast reviews serve? Podcast reviews are one way to see what your listeners think about your podcast and serve as "social proof" to encourage new podcast listeners to subscribe.
The more 5-star reviews your podcast has, the more likely someone new is going to download an episode of your podcast and become a dedicated listener.
The best way to track your podcast reviews is with www.MyPodcastReviews.com. There you can see all of your reviews, from every country, and every app that allows listeners to leave you a review (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, and Podchaser).
3x Strategies To Get More Reviews:

Ask your audience at the end of each episode
Read high-quality reviews in your episodes
Run a review contest

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast Websites: Do I need to create one for my podcast? Feb 11, 2024

Brad from the Gay Mystery Podcast asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?"
TL;DR
Podcast websites have three main benefits. First, building a custom website frees you from the restrictions that the website your podcast host provides for you probably has. You can literally make it whatever you need it to be.
Second, having a website will help you build your online brand or online business. You can use your podcast as free marketing to promote your products and turn your listeners into customers.
Third, websites work on any internet-connected device. If you're going to confidently share a link that you know will work no matter what kind of phone, tablet, or computer someone is using, a link to your website is the one.
That being said, most podcasters don't need a custom podcast website. If you just need a place for people to listen to your episodes and read your show notes, the website from your podcast host is just fine.
4x Questions To Ask When Designing Your Podcast Website:

What do you need your website to do?
What is your budget?
Are you going to hire someone to build your website?
Which website building platform will you use?

More Tips From Sarah:

How to build a website using Squarespace
How to build a website using Wix
How to build a website using Wordpress
If you decide to use Wordpress, download the Buzzsprout Wordpress plugin to easily add new episode to your website

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast SEO: How to grow your podcast with SEO Feb 10, 2024

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What's the most important information to look at when you're deciding on keywords for podcast SEO?"
TL;DR
Search Engine Optimization (also known as SEO) is the practice of tailoring your online content in a way that's easy for search engines like Google to index and display in their search results. When done well, this means that more people find you without having to spend a dime on advertising.
Podcast directories also use this kind of information when populating results in their apps. If you open up Apple Podcasts and type "Business Podcast" into the search bar, Apple combs through its entire catalog of podcasts and presents the top results based on what you searched.
What is a keyword? It's the word or phrase that your target audience is searching in the search bar. Once you know what those words and phrases are, you can create episodes around them and separate yourself from other podcasts in your category.
In short, podcast SEO is the key to reaching new listeners in your sleep without having to spend money on advertising.
4x Steps To Optimize Your Podcast For SEO:

Target relevant keywords and search terms
Research the competition
Make a complete answer
Use accurate, keyword-friendly episode titles

More Tips From Travis:

Use Upwork.com to outsource SEO research for your podcast by hiring an expert to come up with your list of relevant keywords to target for future episodes

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

How long should your podcast episode be? Feb 09, 2024

Brandon from Digital Marketing Tool Talk asks, "What is the ideal length for a podcast episode?"
TL;DR
One of the great things about podcasting is that there are so few rules regarding what makes a great podcast. There are some podcasts that have episodes longer than 3 hours (*cough* Joe Rogan *cough*) and some that are 10 minutes or less. Focus on making your podcast as long as it needs to be to say what you need to say without worrying about hitting a certain target.
As an overall trend, we've seen the average podcast episode length hover around 43 minutes (and it hasn't really changed for 5+ years). There have certainly been plenty of short-format podcasts coming out recently, but there's nothing magical about having shorter episodes.
Also, because there are no rules around how long your episodes need to be, you can have varying lengths of podcast episodes within your show. If your episodes normally come in around 15 minutes, it's totally fine to drop a 25-minute episode if you know your audience is gonna love it! Just don't get too crazy and do something wildly different than what you're audience is expecting without giving them a heads up first.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

What makes a successful podcast? Feb 08, 2024

Kylie from Halfwit History asks, "What makes a successful podcast?"
TL;DR
How you choose to define success is up to you. There's no right or wrong answer, but having a clear sense of purpose for your podcast will help you stay focused on the right metrics instead of getting caught chasing download numbers (which is only one way to see if your podcast is doing well).
Regardless of the definition you choose, you can maximize your podcast's potential by doing a handful of things consistently right - get listed in the major podcast directories, focus on audio quality, and promote new episodes when they come out.
4x Possible Ways To Measure Success:

Get leads for your business
Interview cool people
Share your passions
Build an online community

More Tips From Sarah:

Our favorite microphone for new podcasters is the Samson Q2U, a USB/XLR mic that records great audio at an affordable price
Check out our blog post with a dozen royalty-free music options for podcasters (including nine free options)
Need an easy way to create compelling social media posts? Try out the Buzzsprout Visual Soundbite and turn Facebook and Instagram followers into podcast subscribers

Audio Editing Software Options: (Click the link to watch our YouTube tutorial)

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, Buzzsprout will earn a commission.

Why we used 99designs for our new podcast artwork Feb 07, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll share our top recommendations for podcast artwork and royalty-free music.
Get $20 off any design contest at 99designs.com/Buzzsprout
Royalty-Free Music

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Introducing Podcasting Q&A Feb 06, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn all the details about the show that’s replacing this one, Podcasting Q&A.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to change your podcast without losing any listeners (HINT: We're doing it!) Feb 05, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn whether you should rebrand your podcast or start a new one.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to record a podcast with your phone Feb 04, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn how to record and edit podcast episodes using just your phone.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Microphones:

Software:

GarageBand (iPhone, iPad)
Recording Studio Light (Android)

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How the coronavirus is impacting podcast downloads Feb 03, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll talk about the impact that the coronavirus is having on podcast listening around the world.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Best online courses for podcasters Feb 02, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn why an online course may be the key to your podcast's next breakthrough.
Courses we recommend:

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you use Podcorn to monetize your podcast? Feb 01, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll cover the pros and cons of using Podcorn to monetize your podcast.
Learn more about Podcorn for podcasters.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to nail your long distance interview recordings Jan 31, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to nail your remote interview recordings.
Watch our Auphonic Tutorial for Podcasters to see if it will help your workflow.
If you're looking for a plugin to help remove reverb in your recordings, consider the ERA 4 Reverb Remover.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you translate your podcast to grow your audience? Jan 30, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, I’ll discuss whether or not it makes sense to translate your podcast to grow your audience.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to incorporate multiple episode formats into your podcast feed Jan 29, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to incorporate multiple episode formats into a single podcast.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to use Listener Locations to your advantage Jan 28, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to use your Listener Locations data to tailor your podcast for your audience.
Check out our in-depth tutorial on the Buzzsprout Advanced Podcast Statistics on YouTube.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Which podcast apps do your listeners prefer? Jan 27, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to tell which apps your listeners prefer and why that’s important.
Check out our in-depth tutorial on the Buzzsprout Advanced Podcast Statistics on YouTube and our Overcast Ads Video.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to tell if your podcast is growing Jan 26, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to tell if your podcast is growing.
Check out our in-depth tutorial on the Buzzsprout Advanced Podcast Statistics on YouTube.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Is it best to use theme music in your podcast intro? Jan 25, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn how to properly incorporate music into your podcast episodes.
Check out our blog featuring 9 places to get free music for your podcast.
Places to purchase royalty-free music:

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to pull off a "podcast episode swap" to grow your audience Jan 24, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll dive into a relatively untapped marketing strategy that could pay big dividends for your podcast.
Learn more about how to do a podcast episode swap.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

When should you upgrade your audio editing software? Jan 23, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll explain when it’s finally time to splurge on some pro audio editing software.
Software we recommend:

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

5 Tips to Avoid "Podfading" in 2020 Jan 22, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll cover five strategies that will help you stay motivated and make 2020 the best year ever for your podcast.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How long SHOULD it take you to make a podcast episode? Jan 21, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn approximately how long it SHOULD be taking you to record, edit, and upload a podcast episode.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

5 Unique Podcast Segment Ideas Jan 20, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll cover five podcast segments you can insert into future podcast episodes.
Check out our blog post with 18 Unique Podcast Segment Ideas.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you script your podcast episodes? Jan 19, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll discuss whether or not you should script your podcast episodes.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you join a podcast network? Jan 18, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll cover the pros and cons of joining a podcast network.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

What is dynamic ad insertion? Jan 17, 2024

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you’ll learn about dynamic ad insertion and how it can (potentially) help your podcast.
Platforms that offer DAI:

Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to make money with coaching and consulting Jan 16, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to package your knowledge and expertise into a coaching program or consulting service
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to create and sell podcast merch Jan 15, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to create and sell podcast merch without turning your garage into a warehouse.
Here's a helpful guide that explains how Print-On-Demand services work - https://www.printful.com/how-printful-works/on-demand-drop-shipping
Check out Printful, our recommended POD solution - https://www.printful.com/
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Create info products to sell to your podcast listeners Jan 14, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to create and sell information products that your listeners will love.
Online Course Platforms:

Pick up "Published" by Chandler Bolt to learn how to write your first book.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Monetize your podcast with Patreon and PayPal Jan 13, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how your listeners can directly support your podcast.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Affiliate Marketing 101 Jan 12, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to make money by promoting someone else’s products.
Learn more about the Buzzsprout Affiliate Marketplace in this recent blog post.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to get podcast sponsors Jan 11, 2024

In this episode, you'll learn how to find and secure sponsors for your podcast.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Making money with host-read ads Jan 10, 2024

In this episode, you'll learn about the most well-known podcast monetization strategy - the host-read ad.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to choose the right podcast monetization strategy Jan 09, 2024

In this episode, you'll learn how to decide which monetization strategy is best for your podcasting goals.
Check out our new blog podcast: How to Make Money Podcasting.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Why you MUST record each person on their own track Jan 08, 2024

In this episode, Travis explains why you absolutely must record each person to their own track (and how to do it).
Gear we recommend for multitrack recording:

Read our Podcast Accessories Guide to find even more options.
Disclosure: Some of these product links are affiliate links, which means Buzzsprout might receive a small commission if you decide to purchase them.
Remote recording solutions:

Read our Long-Distance Interview blog to learn which solution is best for you.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Loudness Normalization for Podcasters Jan 07, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to set your podcast episodes to the perfect volume using loudness normalization.
Loudness Target Guidelines:

Mono Audio Files: -19 LUFS
Stereo Audio Files: -16 LUFS

Check out our Auphonic guide for podcasters.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Audio Leveling 101 Jan 06, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn how to level your audio so you don’t blow out your listeners' eardrums.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Audio Clipping explained (and how to fix it!) Jan 06, 2024

In this episode, you’ll learn what clipping is and how to keep it from destroying your podcast episodes.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to name your podcast Jan 05, 2024

In this episode, Travis teaches you how to come up with the perfect name for your podcast.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Don't waste money on FB ads. Spend it here instead! Jan 04, 2024

This is Week 5 of a 5-week miniseries to help you grow your podcast and get more listeners.

In this episode, Travis explains why Overcast ads are his go-to paid promotion strategy.

Learn more about running ads on Overcast by visiting overcast.fm/ads

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Pat Flynn's "Ninja" marketing strategy Jan 03, 2024

This is Week 4 of a 5-week miniseries to help you grow your podcast and get more listeners.

In this episode, Travis teaches you why you should feature Facebook Group admins on your podcast.

Read Pat Flynn's full blog post at smartpassiveincome.com

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

The #1 free marketing strategy for podcasters Jan 02, 2024

This is Week 3 of a 5-week miniseries to help you grow your podcast and get more listeners.

In this episode, Travis teaches you the top, free marketing strategy that is working for podcasters right now.

Read How to Get Booked on Podcasts on the Buzzsprout blog.

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to reduce churn and STOP losing listeners Jan 01, 2024

This is Week 2 of our 5-week miniseries focused on helping you grow your podcast and get more listeners.

In this episode, Travis teaches you how to reduce churn so when new people discover your podcast they become longterm listeners.

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Go from an "amateur" to a "pro" podcast in 3 steps Dec 31, 2023

This week we're kicking off a 5-week miniseries to help you grow your podcast and get more listeners.

In this episode, Travis tells you the 3 things you have to do to go from "amateur" to "pro" podcaster.

Stuff mentioned in this episode:

Go to the "Resources" tab in your Buzzsprout dashboard to get 20% of your 99designs Design Competition.

Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

What does success look like for a new podcast? Dec 30, 2023

Mandee asked "How do you know when your new podcast is a success? How many listeners/downloads should I expect in my first week to know if I'm doing what I should be doing?"
In this episode, I'll ask you three questions to help you discover what success looks like for your podcast.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

What do you do with a bad interview or guest? Dec 29, 2023

What do you do if you find yourself not liking the guest you’ve asked to be on your show? How do you decide not to use the interview without offending the person?
In this episode, I'll teach you how to break the news in a way that minimizes conflict and protects your podcast.
Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to get clean audio from almost any microphone Dec 28, 2023

Unless you know how to use proper mic technique, that new $400 microphone isn't going to do you any good.
In this episode, we'll teach you the four (plus one bonus) techniques you can utilize to get high-quality audio out of almost any microphone.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Best online podcast communities Dec 27, 2023

The best place to get high-quality answers for your podcast-related questions is in an online podcast community.
In this episode, we'll break down four communities we believe every podcaster should be a part of.
Links to the podcast communities:

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Breaking down the changes to Apple Podcasts Dec 26, 2023

Apple recently sent an email to every podcaster on their platform letting them know about some changes that are coming in the near future.
In this episode, we'll break down the three big pieces of news and how it affects you as a podcaster.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to make a "lead magnet" for your podcast email list Dec 25, 2023

Once you sign up for an email service provider, you need a strategy that will incentivize your audience to sign up for your list.
In this episode, we'll give you three lead magnet ideas you can create for your new podcast email newsletter.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Why your podcast needs an email list Dec 24, 2023

What's the best strategy for connecting with your audience and scaling your podcast?
In this episode, we'll give you three reasons why email beats social media every time.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Podcast show notes best practices Dec 23, 2023

What should you include in your podcast episode description? How much information do you need to include? How do your show notes compliment your podcast episodes?
In this episode, we'll give you two things to avoid and two things to consider when putting together your show notes.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you put your podcast on YouTube? Dec 22, 2023

In this episode, Travis explains the pros and cons of uploading videos for your podcast on YouTube.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to rebrand your podcast Dec 21, 2023

Are you thinking of changing the name of your podcast and taking it in a different direction? In this episode, Travis helps you decide if rebranding is right for you and how to do it without losing your subscribers.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Why your podcast needs a website Dec 20, 2023

It's really important that you have a single place that you can send literally anyone to learn more about your podcast and subscribe on the app of their choice. In this episode, Travis explains why your website is the "home base" of your podcast and introduces the new Buzzsprout podcast websites.
Purchase your podcast domain at one of these websites:

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to promote your podcast on social media Dec 19, 2023

What's the best way to promote your podcast using social media? In this episode, Travis explains how to create content that people will feel inspired and motivated to share with their friends.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to take a break without losing subscribers Dec 18, 2023

Podcasting is a lot of work and you'll reach a point where you just need to step away for a while. But how do you do that without losing the momentum that you've built? In this episode, I'll teach you how to use seasons so you take planned breaks from your podcast.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

When is it time to upgrade your microphone? Dec 17, 2023

When should you pull the trigger and invest in some nicer podcast gear? Answer: when your current setup is holding you back.
Microphones mentioned in this episode:

Rode Procaster
Heil PR40
Shure SM7B (+Cloudlifter)

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Best practices for uploading to Buzzsprout Dec 16, 2023

What's the best method for uploading a new podcast episode into Buzzsprout? What fields should you spend more of your time on? In this episode, Travis dives into the most effective way to upload each episode.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

XLR or USB? Dec 15, 2023

Should you use a USB microphone or an XLR microphone? It depends... In this episode, Travis explains the pros and cons to each microphone and which one is best for you.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to make "clickable" episode titles Dec 14, 2023

In this episode, Travis explains how to make your episodes irresistible to both subscribers and casual passers-by.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Where to find music for your podcast Dec 13, 2023

Where do you find high-quality music that you can use in your podcast without the risk of being sued? In this episode, Travis breaks down what "royalty-free" music is and where you can find it.
Websites mentioned:

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Should you use dynamic ad insertion? Dec 12, 2023

Dynamic ads promise to make monetization easy for smaller creators, but is it the right choice for your podcast? In this episode, Travis breaks down the pros and cons of dynamic ads.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Make sure you're in these 5 podcast directories Dec 11, 2023

You want it to be "stupid easy" for someone to find and listen to your podcast. In this episode, Travis walks through the 5 directories every podcaster needs to submit their podcast to.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Stop looking at your download numbers Dec 10, 2023

The only thing more exciting than launching your podcast is watching your download numbers grow over time. But if you're looking to your stats to validate that your podcast is a success, you'll be continually discouraged.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Use Auphonic to polish your audio Dec 09, 2023

Auphonic is an online software tool that gives you pro-level audio processing with the click of a button.
Try out Auphonic for free.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to prep your podcast guests Dec 08, 2023

The difference between a great interview and a mediocre one comes down to how comfortable your guest feels. In this episode, Travis shares 3 strategies to help your guests trust you with their stories.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Make custom audiograms for FREE! Dec 07, 2023

With Headliner, you can create custom audiograms using your podcast audio and share them on social media. Did we mention it's free?
Check out Headliner.app and get started.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Our favorite microphone for podcasting Dec 06, 2023

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get professional sound quality, just grab our favorite microphone and you're good to go!
Check out our recommended microphones

Audio-Technica ATR2100
Samson Q2U (if outside the US and Canada)

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to find high-quality guests Dec 06, 2023

What are the most effective strategies for landing high-quality guests on your podcast? In this episode, Travis outlines three of his favorite strategies.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to make great podcast artwork Dec 05, 2023

When potential listeners are scrolling through their podcast app first impressions are everything! Make sure your podcast artwork isn't holding you back.
Get High-Quality Podcast Artwork

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Best online interview solutions Dec 05, 2023

In this episode, Travis breaks down the two online interview solutions that we recommend for podcasters.
Check out our recommended solutions

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

How to Create the Perfect Podcast Intro Dec 04, 2023

Video: 7 Best Places to Get Free Music for Your Podcast
A good podcast intro is your first impression with new listeners and convinces them that your podcast is worth listening to.
So in today's episode, we'll cover the basic elements that every podcast intro needs so you can create the perfect intro for your show.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

New Year's resolutions for podcasters Dec 03, 2023

Every January people take up new resolutions to improve their life in some way. Today we'll talk about three resolutions you can make that will grow your podcast and help you reach your goals.
Watch the Buzzsprout webinar - "10 Tips to Grow Your Podcast Audience"

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

The magic of podcast Facebook groups Dec 03, 2023

Have you ever wanted to interact with the people that listen to your podcast? With Facebook groups, you can!

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Why you should make a Xmas episode Dec 02, 2023

One of the smartest (and easiest) ways to come up with relevant episode topics is to figure out what dates, events, or holidays matter to your audience and create timely content around them.

Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Get superior audio quality in your home Dec 01, 2023

How do you get that professional studio sound quality in the convenience of your own home? Choose a recording space with lots of clutter.
Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

What if Friends and Family Won't Listen to Your Show? Sep 19, 2022

Launching a podcast is an exciting accomplishment! But it can be discouraging if you don't get the support you want from your family and friends. In this episode, Jordan and Angie Griffith talk honestly about family support and how to stay positive when the people in your inner circle don't cheer you on!
Thanks, Vineeta, for your question! Vineeta's podcast is launching soon! Follow Vineeta on Instagram to be the first to know! @vineeta_santoshi
FIND ANGIE ONLINE:
Follow and listen to Podfluencer Society at: https://www.podfluencersociety.com
Connect with Angie online at: https://beacons.ai/theactualangie/socialmedia
More Podcast Resources: https://podfluencerbrands.com

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.
NOTE: Since recording this episode, Angie Griffith's podcast was rebranded to the new title: Podfluencer Society. As such, some links mentioned may have changed. Visit the contact form at podfluencersociety.com if you cannot find what you are looking for.

Make Your Podcast Stand Out in a Crowded Niche Sep 12, 2022

In this episode, Joshua asks, "in a niche with lots of competition, what's something we can do to stand out?"
Thank you, Joshua, for your question! You can check out his podcast, 4th and Flex Fantasy Football Podcast, here: https://4thandflexpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Special thanks to our guest, Arielle Nissenblatt! Arielle is the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective & Co-Host of Sounds Profitable. You can find Arielle on Twitter @arithisandthat and at https://www.ariellenissenblatt.com/
Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

How To Start A Second Podcast + Other Ideas For Pivoting Your Show Sep 05, 2022

In this episode, Badr Milligan joins Jordan to brainstorm how to start a second podcast or leverage your current show's success when new podcast inspiration strikes!
Thanks for your question, Kelly! You can find Kelly's podcast, This vs. That: Wedding Decisions with Kelly McWilliams here: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog/this-vs-that-wedding-podcast
Guest Badr Milligan
Host of The Short Box Podcast
Twitter: @TheShortBoxJax
Check out his podcast here: https://www.theshortboxpodcast.com/
HOW TO ANNOUNCE NEW PODCAST CONTENT

Announcement promo in dynamic content pre-roll
Tell listeners in podcast intro/housekeeping segment
Spread the word on social media

WEIGHING OPTIONS WHEN YOU HAVE A NEW PODCAST CONCEPT:

Start a second podcast
Integrate new bonus content into the current podcast
Rebrand the original podcast
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/how-to-rebrand-a-podcast

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

How to Get Big-Name Guests Aug 29, 2022

Getting a big-name guest, whether it be a celebrity or industry expert, can seem impossible to an indie podcaster. Our guest, Angie Griffith, shares her top tips for landing the guest interview of your dreams!

Thanks to Jenna Duddleston for the question! You can find her podcast, Bar Talk with Jenna, here: https://bleav.com/shows/bar-talk-with-jenna

FIND ANGIE ONLINE:
Follow and listen to Podfluencer Society at: https://www.podfluencersociety.com Connect with Angie online at: https://beacons.ai/theactualangie/socialmedia
More Podcast Resources: https://podfluencerbrands.com

Angie's "3 P's" for getting big-name guests on your show:

1. PITCHING: Prepare a one-sheet or pitch deck for your podcast; find a direct representative of the celebrity; have a clear and informative subject line; say why this guest is important to you; describe what your podcast is about; tell them why they would be a good fit for your podcast; say what qualifies you to speak on the subject; give the invitation and what you intend to discuss in the interview; attach one-sheet/pitch deck; follow-up.

2. PREPPING: Request assets in advance: the official bio, talking points, preferred promo photo; ask if there are any topics to avoid.

3. PREVIEWING: Give your guest the chance to review all of the assets before they go live: final edited interview; promotional graphics; show notes with links; where to find contact information.

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!

Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

NOTE: Since recording this episode, Angie Griffith's podcast was rebranded to the new title: Podfluencer Society. As such, some links mentioned may have changed. Visit the contact form at podfluencersociety.com if you cannot find what you are looking for.

Top Must-Attend Podcast Conferences Aug 15, 2022

Conferences are a great opportunity to learn new things, network with other podcasters and get inspired. In this episode, Arielle Nissenblatt joins Jordan to discuss the top podcast conferences to attend, no matter your location or budget!
Thanks, Patricia, for the question! You can listen to her show, Preppy Podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004692
Special thanks to our guest, Arielle Nissenblatt, for sharing her experiences and tips! Arielle is the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective & Co-Host of Sounds Profitable. You can find Arielle on Twitter @arithisandthat and at https://www.ariellenissenblatt.com/
📆 View the podcast event calendar from PodNews! https://pod.events/
Conferences mentioned in this episode:

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

Best Free Podcasting Tools Aug 08, 2022

In this episode, Ross asks "where can I get free music & what is the best editing software?" for a podcasting project. Thanks for your question, Ross!
Guest Badr Milligan
Host of The Short Box Podcast
Twitter: @TheShortBoxJax
Check out his podcast here: https://www.theshortboxpodcast.com/
EDITING TIPS
Buzzsprout Podcast Editing Playlist
EDITING SOFTWARE
Audacity
Free, open source audio editing software compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux & more!
Audacity Help & How-to's: https://forum.audacityteam.org/
GarageBand
Free audio editing software compatible with macOS. Apple App store also has a mobile version.
FREE MUSIC
Buzzsprout Podcast Music Playlist

FREE SOUND EFFECTS

https://freesound.org/

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

The Pros & Cons of Episode Artwork Aug 01, 2022

In this episode, Andrew asks, "what are the pros and cons of episodic artwork?"
Thank you, Andrew, for your question! You can check out his podcast, The Family Histories Podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1712992

FIND ANGIE ONLINE:
Follow and listen to Podfluencer Society at: https://www.podfluencersociety.com
Connect with Angie online at: https://beacons.ai/theactualangie/socialmedia
More Podcast Resources: https://podfluencerbrands.com

Having episodic artwork is an easy way to add uniqueness to your podcast, but is it worth all the extra time and effort to create?
PROS

Adds uniqueness & elevated visualization
Guest feature makes them feel special
Re-use imagery for social promotion

CONS

Careful to not have guest feature make them appear as the host of the podcast
Difficult to update if there is a mass change in your podcast (i.e. name, branding, network)
Time consuming & potentially expensive
Smaller than main cover art in the feed

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.
NOTE: Since recording this episode, Angie Griffith's podcast was rebranded to the new title: Podfluencer Society. As such, some links mentioned may have changed. Visit the contact form at podfluencersociety.com if you cannot find what you are looking for.

Support Mailbag: Directories Jul 25, 2022

In this episode, Buzzsprout support team members Gilon & Priscilla join Jordan to answer some of the most asked questions about podcast directories!
Questions answered in this episode:

Does Buzzsprout submit my podcast to directories for me?
What is required to get listed?
How long does it take to get listed across all directories?
Why am I not listed yet in a specific directory yet? What can I do?
Once I am listed, how do new episodes show up?
What do I do if a new episode isn't showing?

Have a question?
Record & submit your podcast question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

Ways to Boost Audience Engagement Jul 18, 2022

In this episode, Mary asks, "do you have any tips for audience engagement?"
Thank you, Mary, for your question! You can check out her podcast, Stop Drinking & Start Living here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/894589

Guest Gill Tietz
Host of Sober Powered Podcast, where she uses science, psychology, and compassion to help you understand why you struggle to moderate, why it's so hard to quit drinking, and how to develop the coping skills you need to stay sober. Check out her podcast here: https://www.soberpowered.com/

It can be tough to get your audience engaged and participating with your calls to action. Here are some quick tips to increase listener interaction!
1. Be Accessible
Make sure that listeners know where and how to reach you (Facebook Group, Email, Discord, etc.).
2. Be Specific
Tell your audience exactly what to contact you about. For example, instead of "Ask me anything!" try saying "What is something you've struggled with lately?" to generate more focused engagement.
3. Be Authentic
Audience members don't respond well to aggressive marketing tactics & can tell when someone is only trying to make a sale. Be genuine in your intentions to bring value to your listeners, and they will give value back.
Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

How to Get Guests to Promote Your Podcast Jul 11, 2022

In this episode, Kate Casey joins Jordan to share her strategies for getting celebs to promote their guest interviews on her podcast!
Thank you, Marie, for your question! You can check out her podcast, Culture and Leadership Connections here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/202666

Guest Kate Casey
Host of Reality Life with Kate Casey, where she interviews the directors, producers, and stars of unscripted television. Follow Kate and her podcast here: linktr.ee/Katecasey
TIPS FOR GUEST PROMOTION:
1. MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF GUEST MARKETING

Be mindful that guests are not a marketing team, and they might not share the interview at all! You can prepare the guest by asking them to please share the episode after it publishes, and make sure that the quality of the podcast is good to increase t.
2. COMPLIMENT THE GUEST TO BUILD TRUST & CONFIDENCE

Complimenting starts when you pitch them to come on the show! Tell them after the interview what an amazing job they did and be specific about things they said that were meaningful to you. People want to be appreciated, and a little encouragement goes a long way.
3. PROVIDE QUALITY MATERIALS TO THE GUEST THAT ARE EASY TO SHARE
Ask the guest for a picture of themselves they really like, because if the marketing materials sound great, look great, and are easy to share, the guest is more likely to use them.
Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods.

Pitching a Podcast Sponsor: How to Write a Winning Pitch Email Jul 04, 2022

In this episode, we give tips on how to craft the perfect pitch email to grab the attention of a potential sponsor.
TIPS FOR MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

Do your research: look into the brand to be sure they are a good fit & customize the pitch with information about the potential sponsor
Look the part: use a pitch deck or one-pager to show you mean business! Check out our previous episode about how to make a pitch deck or one-pager here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/328913/10857825
Be clear & confident: be concise, friendly, & confident in the way you write your email

CREATE AN EMAIL TEMPLATE
Creating a word document and saving it as a template to copy & paste into the body of an email will save lots of time!
A pitch email should have three basic things:

Podcast name and a brief description
Why you think the sponsor would be a good fit
Links to the podcast website & socials

Remember, be personable and friendly!
Things to avoid:

Complaining about how hard it is to find sponsorships
Including large attachments such as audio files or press kits
Asking for too many sponsorships upfront

WHERE TO FIND SPONSORS:
Cold Email

Target emails to appropriate brands
Listen to other podcasts in your niche to find brands interested in podcast advertising
Try finding a local company with a digital storefront

Podcast Ad Marketplace

Agency or Network Representation

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods

Pitching a Podcast Sponsor: Create a Pitch Deck or One Pager/Single Sheet Jun 27, 2022

In this episode, we give tips on how to create a simple yet effective pitch deck or one-pager to send to potential sponsors.
PITCH DECK
Here are some sites that have pitch deck templates:

Slides to include in your pitch deck:

TITLE: Podcast Artwork, Name, & Tagline
ABOUT: Short summary, podcast info & genre, mission, etc.
AUDIENCE/STATS: Downloads, listener demographics, and/or podcast industry stats
Get podcast industry stats from: Buzzsprout Global Stats (https://www.buzzsprout.com/global_stats), Edison Research (https://www.edisonresearch.com/podcast-research), or Podcast Insights (https://www.podcastinsights.com)
PRICING: List cost per 1,000 downloads, bundle discounts, or just a flat-rate you feel comfortable with.
TEAM/CONTACT INFO: Include people making the podcast happen, along with the podcast email, website, and socials.

ONE PAGER/SINGLE SHEET
Use a resume or newsletter template from any word processor to create a one pager to send to a sponsor. Be sure to include the five items listed for the pitch deck slides on the single sheet.
Remember to save your pitch deck or one pager so that information can be updated in the future as your podcast grows!
Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!
Podcasting Q&A is hosted by Jordan Blair @jordanpods

How to Create an Effective Podcast Promo Jun 20, 2022

Want to create a podcast promo but not sure where to even start? In this episode, Buzzsprout Head of Marketing, Alban Brooke, joins Jordan to give tips that are sure to make your promo shine!
Things covered in this episode & links:
WRITE A SCRIPT
A podcast promo must be 12-40 seconds long, so be concise with information.
5 Things to Include:

Podcast name
One-sentence description
Who the podcast is for
Why they should listen
Call to action

RECORD

Record in a sound-treated environment
Use a microphone
Record multiple takes and versions (practice makes perfect!)

EDIT & POLISH
Tips for editing vocals:

Remove unwanted sounds or awkward pauses
Consistent audio volume throughout
If ad is too long, try speeding up vocals 1-5% to fit

Sound effects and music:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/free-music-for-podcasts
Now that you've finished your podcast promo, you'll want to get it in front of as many podcasters as possible. Head over to buzzsprout.com/ads to buy your first ad and get your promo in front of the right audience.
ALBAN'S TWITTER & CUNNINGHAM'S LAW
Twitter Post: https://twitter.com/AlbanBrooke/status/1536492873666990081?s=20&t=CsNY6YwSvRMgYkKr3dH5wg
Cunningham's Law: https://theoutline.com/post/8084/i-spent-a-week-being-wrong-online
*NOT A REAL BALLOON ANIMAL PODCAST IS NOT A REAL PODCAST...SORRY IF WE GOT YOUR HOPES UP.

Using QR Codes for Podcast Promotion Jun 13, 2022

In this episode, Claire asks how to make the most of the QR Code she purchased for her podcast.
To listen to Claire's podcast, From the Horsebox, visit her website: https://fromthehorsebox.buzzsprout.com/
Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!

Why Podcast Transcripts are Important & How to Create One Jun 06, 2022

In this episode, Joshua asks, "Exactly how important is transcribing?"
Thanks for the question, Joshua! You can check out Joshua's podcast, 4th and Flex Fantasy Football Podcast here: https://4thandflexpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
What podcast transcripts do:

make your content more accessible to listeners who are hard of hearing.
boost SEO so search engines like Google can find your content.
can heighten listener engagement, and
make it easy for listeners to share quotes to social media.

Human-Transcription Services:

Rev ($1.25/min and 99% accuracy),
GoTranscript ($0.86/min and 99%+ accuracy), or
hiring a freelance transcriber from Upwork ($10-$100; accuracy varies).

Automated Transcription Services:

Do-It-Yourself Transcription:
For examples of transcript formatting, check out Buzzcast & Podcasting Q&A transcripts.

Buzzsprout Blogs & Videos:

How to Transcribe Your Podcast [2021]: https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/transcribe-your-podcast
How to Add Transcripts to Your Podcast Episodes (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1fJ3K4vvq4

SEO for Podcasts May 24, 2022

Buzzsprout Head of Marketing, Alban Brooke, joins this week's episode of Podcasting Q&A to give SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tips and how to optimize your podcast's discoverability with easy SEO techniques.
Thank you, Taylor for your question! You can check out Taylor's podcast, Eros Rising, at https://www.taylorjohnson.life/podcast/
Links & Resources:

PodNews: SEO data for Podcast Apps
https://podnews.net/article/who-indexes-what
Keyword Tools:
https://ahrefs.com/keyword-generator
https://keywordseverywhere.com/
https://answerthepublic.com/

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!

Creating a Private RSS Feed May 16, 2022

Co-founder of Buzzsprout, Tom Rossi, joins this week's episode of Podcasting Q&A to explain how RSS Feeds work & different ways to create a Private RSS Feed.
Thanks to Ryan for the question! You can check out Ryan's podcast, AntiArt Podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1636159
Links & Resources:

6 Best Ways to Create a Private Podcast

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!

How to Keep Your Podcast Interesting May 09, 2022

In this episode of Podcasting Q&A, Jordan and Krystal answer a question from Mel about how to keep your podcast interesting.
Special thanks to the Queen of Content, Krystal Proffitt, of the Proffitt Podcast and The Poddy Report for her amazing insight! You can also find her at www.krystalproffitt.com!
Links & Resources:

Have a question?
Record & submit your question at podinbox.com/buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode!

Creating the Perfect Visual Soundbite May 02, 2022

Visual soundbites, or audiograms, are a great way to promote your podcast on social media. But sometimes, it can be hard to choose the right clip or artwork to share.
In this episode of Podcasting Q&A, Jordan and Alban answer three questions from Charles, the host of JUMP...Success is Waiting!, about selecting what soundbites to share, what length they should be, and what kind of artwork works best for audiograms.
Links & Resources:

Have a question? Upload your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

Free Podcast Marketing Strategies that Work Apr 25, 2022

You've spent all this time creating a podcast, but now you want to make sure your show is being listened to.
In this episode of Podcasting Q&A, we discuss 5 ways to grow your podcast that don't cost money.
Resources from the episode:

Have a question? Upload your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

How to Find the Perfect Niche for your Podcast Mar 28, 2022

Video: How to choose the right podcast category
Many podcasters launch their show hoping to appeal to as many listeners as possible.
However, when you try to appeal to everyone, you often end up appealing to no one in particular.
So in today's episode, we're going to help you niche down so that you can get your podcast to connect to the right people.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

How to Record a Podcast on Zoom (Best Settings) Mar 21, 2022

Blog Post: How to Record a Podcast on Zoom [Best Settings for 2022]
Video: How to Record a Podcast Remotely [The Ultimate Guide]
In today's world nearly 40% of podcasters are recording their interviews using Zoom. The only problem is that Zoom's default settings don't provide the high-quality audio that will podcasters are looking for.
So in this episode of Podcasting Q&A, we'll show you how to get the best audio quality from your Zoom recordings.

How to measure success in podcasting Mar 14, 2022

Video: How to get more podcast ratings and reviews
Whether you're in the beginning stages of your podcast journey or if you've been podcasting for some time now, you might wonder, "What's the best way to measure the success of my podcast?"
Of course, success is defined differently for all of us. So in this episode, you'll learn some helpful metrics for gauging the success of your podcast.
Links We Mentioned:

4 proven strategies to find podcast topic ideas Mar 07, 2022

Video: How to make your podcast one-of-a-kind
Whether you're just starting out or you're on your 50th episode, it can feel like a slog coming up with unique topics for your show.
So in this episode, we'll cover four easy strategies for generating new podcast topics.
Keyword Research Tools:

Grow your podcast with Facebook Feb 28, 2022

Blog Post: Facebook Podcasts Updates
Marketing your podcast tends to be an afterthought if you are new to podcasting and if you're a seasoned podcaster it tends to be the chore of your passion project.
However, marketing is an integral part of running a successful podcast and Social Media Marketing provides a crucial touch point with current listeners and gives you the opportunity to get in contact with new potential listeners to grow your audience.
So in today's episode, you'll learn all the ways you can market your podcast on Facebook.

How to find high-quality podcast guests Feb 21, 2022

Video: How to land great podcast guests
Having an occasional or rotating cast of guests is a great way of adding value to your podcast. A great guest can bring a fresh perspective, new information, and captivating stories for your listeners.
And inviting a well-known or established guest on your podcast can help you grow your audience, especially if they share that episode of their audience.
But before you can benefit from having great podcast guests, you need to know where to find them.
So in this episode of Podcasting Q&A, you'll learn some of our favorite methods on how and where to find great guests for your podcast.
Resources We Mentioned:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

How to get booked on podcasts Feb 14, 2022

Video: How to Record a Podcast Remotely [The Ultimate Guide]
Guide: Download Sarah's Podcast Pitch Email Template
The truth is your favorite interview podcast is always looking for their next great guest.
So in this episode of Podcast Q&A, we'll break down what you need to do to get noticed and to land that next guest spot.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

What is a podcast? Feb 07, 2022

Have you ever tried to explain what a podcast is to a friend or family member?
Here's a quick breakdown of how podcasting works and how you can easily find and listen to new shows.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

Should YOU start a podcast? Jan 31, 2022

Video: How to Start a Podcast: The Step-by-Step Guide [2022]
To say podcasting is a growing or popular medium and hobby would be an understatement. Spotify alone claims have added more than 1.2 million new podcasts in 2021.
You may be among that group of inspired and motivated future podcasters right at the cusp of starting your own show, and you just need that extra push.
In this episode of Podcasting Q&A, you'll learn about four important factors to consider if on the fence about starting your first podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

Create the Ultimate Podcast Guest Checklist Jan 24, 2022

Video: Top 5 Podcast Interview Questions
It may seem like getting a guest on your podcast is really simple, right? Send an email and that's it.
But the truth is, there are quite a few more steps if you want to seamlessly book your guest, have them have such a great time on your interview that they're excited to share your show, and follow up with them when the episode is actually published.
So let's walk step by step through the ultimate podcast guest checklist.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

Podcasting ABCs: Technical terms explained in plain English Jan 17, 2022

Oftentimes, it's not until you begin the research portion of starting a podcast that you realize podcasting has its own language.
What is an RSS feed? What is a directory? Why do I need a hosting site?
No problem. We are going to go over those terms and more to make sure that you can knowledgeably start your podcast (and impress all of your friends).
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

How to Monetize your Podcast without Ads or Affiliates Jan 10, 2022

Felice from Action Packed Travel asks, "How can I monetize my podcast without doing ads or affiliate promotions?"
Ads and affiliates are two popular ways to monetize your podcast, but that doesn't mean they are always the best strategy. Depending on how large your audience is and the payouts offered by the affiliates you choose, you might be better off trying something else.
So in this episode, we'll share our three favorite ways to generate revenue from your podcast without running ads and affiliate links.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

7x Tips to Avoid PODFADE in 2022 Jan 03, 2022

There's a lot of moving parts to a podcast, and it can be difficult to fit all of those tasks into your life.
So in this episode, we're going to help you break through the overwhelm, so that you can create a show that lasts and overcome "podfade."
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

How to Start a Podcast Network Dec 27, 2021

For many podcasters, building a show successful enough to be acquired by a major podcast network is #goals...
But if you're someone who likes to create your own opportunities, there's nothing stopping you from building your own podcast network and connecting with other creators in your space.
So in this episode, we'll explain the decisions you'll need to think through to create a successful podcast network.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

3x reasons Apple Podcasts won't approve your show (and how to fix it) Dec 20, 2021

Apple Podcasts is one of the largest podcast directories in the world and accounts for millions of downloads every month, so it's important that your podcast is available on their directory.
With that said one of the biggest obstacles and headaches a new podcaster can experience when first trying to get the show off the ground are delays and getting listed in Apple podcasts.
So in this episode, we'll break down some of the most common causes of why you might be experiencing those delays and what you can do about it.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

7 ways to grow your podcast with Instagram Stories Dec 13, 2021

Instagram is a great way to promote your podcast, and there are plenty of features you can utilize to create an engaged audience and build awareness for your show.
So in this episode, we're going to look at some ways you can effectively promote your podcast using Instagram Stories.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to set up an Instagram account for your podcast Dec 06, 2021

If you've been podcasting for any amount of time, you already know that creating content is sometimes the least of what you do.
Getting that amazing content in front of your audience and potential listeners is another big piece of what goes into podcasting and social media marketing can be a free, accessible way to do that.
So on this episode, we are going to show you the key steps to setting up an Instagram account for your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Top 3 Transcription Services for Podcasters Nov 29, 2021

Transcripts are a word for word manuscript of your podcast, so creating transcripts from episodes of your podcast is a great idea if you're looking to increase your show's discoverability.
So in today's episode, you'll learn about three of the best transcripts and services available to you.
Transcription Services we recommend:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Facebook Podcasts: How it Works (and How To Get Listed) Nov 22, 2021

For the past five months, you've all been asking the same questions (including some of the questions we've been asking ourselves)
What is Facebook podcasts? How does it work? And how do I get listed?
Well, Facebook just made some big changes. So in this episode, we're going to answer those questions and explain how to add your podcast to Facebook.
Check out our Facebook Podcasts blog for updates on when the feature is available in your country.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Top 6 Ways to Promote a New Podcast Nov 15, 2021

Dana asks, "What's the best way to promote a brand new podcast?"
There are so many podcast marketing strategies out there, it's difficult to know which strategy will be most effective for your show (ESPECIALLY if you're launching a brand new podcast).
So in this episode, we'll share six proven strategies that you can use to lay a solid foundation and start your show off with a bang.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

When should you monetize your podcast? Nov 08, 2021

When should you monetize your podcast? That's the million dollar question, or probably more appropriately the $1,000 question, and it's a question that we get a lot at Buzzsprout.
So in this episode, we'll break down the benchmarks we recommend for independent podcasters before they start pursuing monetization.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to get fresh ideas for your podcast Nov 01, 2021

What are you supposed to do when you run out of ideas of things to talk about on your podcast?
In this episode, Travis and Gilon will share their best tips and strategies so you never run out of ideas.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

When is your podcast good enough to publish? Oct 25, 2021

If you're about to start a podcast and have started putting the pieces in place (podcast name, artwork, first episode, etc.) you may be wondering...
"When is it good enough to publish?"
So in this episode, Travis shares some thoughts for when to hold back publishing your first episode and when you should go full-speed ahead.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Pros and Cons of Recording with a Live Audience Oct 18, 2021

While most podcast episodes are recorded from home, the office, or over the internet, one fun way to change it up is to record in front of a live studio audience!
So in this episode, Badr and Travis discuss the pros and cons of recording with a live audience and how to pull off a successful show.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

3 Tips to Kick-Start Your Podcast Oct 11, 2021

What should you do if you've been podcasting for a little while, and you realize that your audience just isn't growing anymore? No matter what you do, or how good the episodes are, you're not getting more listeners and more downloads for your podcast.
In this episode, we're gonna talk about three things that you can do to break out of that plateau and keep growing your podcast.
Software to survey your podcast listeners:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Top 5 Podcast Interview Questions Oct 04, 2021

When it comes to interviews, it can often feel like snagging the guests is the most intimidating part of the process. But once you got the guest, what do you do? How do you make the most of that moment with them? You ask quality questions.
So in today's episode, we're going to give you five amazing questions to help you maximize the time that you have with your podcast guests.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Best Remote Podcast Recording Software Sep 27, 2021

There are so many options out there for recording long-distance podcast interviews it can be difficult to know which one will best fit your needs.
That's why in this week's episode of Podcasting Q&A, Gilon breaks down our top 3 remote recording software options and helps you decide which one you should go with.
Software We Recommend:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to Start a Podcast for Free Sep 20, 2021

In this episode, we'll show you how to record, edit, and publish a brand new podcast using only free tools and software.
Everything you need to get started:

GarageBand (iOS) or Audacity (Windows, iOS) to edit your podcast
Canva to design your podcast artwork
Free places to find royalty free music
Buzzsprout to host your podcast

Dive deeper with these videos:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to ask for Listener Support (without sounding desperate) Sep 13, 2021

Gez from Motivation Without the Hype asks, "How can you ask for listener support without sounding too desperate?"

TL;DR
Whether it's a one time donation, becoming a member of your Patreon community, or buying your merch, asking for listeners to give you money can feel weird.
But the thing is, you'd be surprised at how much your listeners want to support you when given the opportunity.
So in this episode, we'll share five tips to help you ask for listener support without sounding desperate.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to choose the right podcast category Sep 06, 2021

Will from the Skeptic Metaphysician podcast asks, "How would you go about selecting the best category for your podcast?"

TL;DR
The podcast category you choose for your show helps directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify index your podcast and make it easier to find for the listeners that will love it the most.
But not all podcasts fit neatly into the categories that are available.
So in this episode, we'll share several pointers to help you pick the best podcast category for your show.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to measure podcast subscribers Aug 30, 2021

Felice from the Action Packed Travel podcast asks, "Is there any way of finding out how many subscribers my podcast has?"

TL;DR
Podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify have different ways of measuring subscribers. And, unfortunately, it's difficult to make sense of the data that available to podcast creators.
So in this episode, you'll learn about a few different places where you can look at your data, why it's not always accurate, and a better way to measure audience growth and engagement using the advanced stats you get with Buzzsprout.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to Create an Email Newsletter for your Podcast Aug 23, 2021

Brad from the Queer Writers of Crime podcast asks, "What is the purpose of having a newsletter for my podcast and what should I include in one?"

TL;DR
Building an email list allows you to maintain a direct connection with your audience without having to wrestle with any kind of social media algorithms.
In this episode, Ona and Gilon discuss the real value of having an email newsletter, what you should include in one, and how to leverage your email list to grow your podcast and get more listeners.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Grow your podcast with Instagram Aug 16, 2021

Simone from the Memoirs From Abroad podcast asks, "How can I use Instagram to engage with my audience and get more listeners?"

TL;DR
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, but how can podcasters use it to engage with their audience and find new listeners?
In this episode, Ona and Travis discuss what's working right now on Instagram and how to create a comprehensive Instagram strategy.
Links from this episode:

Instazood

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to build an online community for your podcast Aug 09, 2021

In Part 12 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to create an online community to connect with your listeners and promote your podcast.
Listen to Krystal's show "The Proffitt Podcast" for more podcasting tips.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

Podcast SEO - How to get more listeners in your sleep Aug 02, 2021

In Part 11 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to use search engine optimization techniques to make your podcast more "findable" by your ideal listeners.
Links from this episode:

Keywords Everywhere
Krystal's show "The Proffitt Podcast"

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to Promote Your Podcast on Social Media Jul 26, 2021

In Part 10 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to use social media as an effective podcast marketing strategy (and the beginner mistakes you should absolutely avoid!).
Links from this episode:

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Grow your podcast with ads in Overcast and Podcast Addict Jul 19, 2021

In Part 09 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to promote your show to new podcast listeners with apps like Overcast and Podcast Addict.
Links from this episode:

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to land coveted interviews on other podcasts Jul 12, 2021

In Part 08 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to pitch yourself as a guest to other podcasters and gain exposure to more potential listeners.
Resources from Gloria Chou:

Download Gloria's "Proven Podcast Pitch Template" for Free
Small Biz PR Pros Facebook Group
Follow Gloria on Instagram @gloriachoupr

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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3 tips to grow your audience with podcast guests Jul 05, 2021

In Part 07 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to leverage guest interviews to grow your podcast audience and get more subscribers.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to get more podcast ratings and reviews Jun 28, 2021

In Part 06 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to build "social proof" by teaching your listeners to subscribe, rate, and review your show.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Podcast Marketing: Turn your podcast listeners into an army of promoters Jun 21, 2021

In Episode 05 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to leverage "word of mouth" marketing to find new listeners.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Podcast Directories: Everything you need to know! Jun 14, 2021

In Episode 04 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to maximize the size of your audience by submitting your show to the top podcast directories.
Links from this episode:

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Podcast Artwork: 7 Tips to Grab NEW Listeners with Your Cover Art Jun 07, 2021

In Episode 03 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn the rules of podcast artwork design so that your podcast jumps off the screen and attracts new listeners.
Watch Travis walk through the new Buzzsprout + Canva artwork integration.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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8 Tips to Get Pro-Level Podcast Audio on a Budget May 31, 2021

In Episode 02 of our Podcast Marketing Series, you'll learn how to create a show with stellar audio quality no matter what microphone you use.
Links from this episode:

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How to make your podcast one-of-a-kind May 24, 2021

In Episode 01 of our Podcast Marketing Series, discover the secret to making a podcast that's unlike anything your listeners have ever heard.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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We're kicking off a fun new series on Monday! May 21, 2021

Hear about the 12-part Podcast Marketing series we're doing here on the show starting this upcoming Monday.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.

Podcast Sponsorships: How to create the perfect pitch May 17, 2021

Jacqui from the Sew Mindful podcast asks, "What's the best approach for pitching potential sponsors?"

TL;DR
Putting together a thorough sponsorship proposal helps you make an amazing first impression with potential sponsors. So what makes a good first impression?
In this episode, we're going to discuss the steps to putting together a solid proposal that potential sponsors simply cannot refuse.
Learn more about Podcorn and how it can help you monetize your podcast with brand sponsorships.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to design stunning Podcast Cover Art that stands out in Apple Podcasts May 10, 2021

If you want your podcast to be successful, you need your podcast's artwork to truly stand out from the crowd.
It's your listeners first impression when they discover your show, and sets the tone for what people can expect when they subscribe.
So in this episode, you'll learn how to make your podcast artwork stands out and how to easily create stunning artwork inside of Buzzsprout if you're not a graphic designer.
Learn more tips about how to make podcast artwork that stands out over on our blog.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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When should you pivot your podcast's subject? May 03, 2021

Greg from Substitute Teachers Lounge asks, "When is it a good idea to pivot the subject matter of your podcast?"

TL;DR
There are several reasons you may consider changing the focus or subject of your podcast. Perhaps your topic was relevant for a certain period of time, you ran out of ideas of things to talk about, or your interests have shifted to something different.
In this episode, we'll dig into several reasons why changing your podcast's subject can be a good idea and provide some guidelines for how to do it well.
If your podcast pivot includes changing the name of your podcast, be sure to check out our episode on how to rebrand your podcast without losing any of your listeners.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Podcast Microphones: XLR or USB? Apr 26, 2021

When you're shopping around for a new microphone for your podcast, you're going to find a variety of opinions about which one is the best for you.
You'll have some people telling you that you really need to get a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti, while others say, if you really want to be serious about it, you should get an XLR microphone like the Rode PodMic.
So in this episode, we're gonna break down the difference between USB microphones and XLR microphones and to help you decide which one is going to be the best decision for your podcast setup.
Check out our review of the Samson Q2U and why we think it's the best microphone for new podcasters.
Mixers/Interfaces that support multitrack recording:

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Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, Buzzsprout will earn a commission.

How to name your podcast Apr 19, 2021

When it comes to naming your podcast it can feel really overwhelming. On one hand you want to peak listener interest, and on the other you want to perfectly encapsulate what your show is about.
So in this episode, we'll help you come up with the perfect name for your podcast.
Thinking about rebranding your show? Check out this previous episode of Podcasting Q&A where we discussed the do's and don'ts of rebranding your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Podcast Sponsorships: How much should you charge? Apr 12, 2021

Mimi from Get High on Motivation asks, "How much should I charge for sponsorships?"

TL;DR
If you're to get sponsors for your podcast, the first question is often "how much should I charge?" So in this episode, we'll break down how to price your ads when pitching potential sponsors.
Learn more about Podcorn and how it can help you monetize your podcast with brand sponsorships.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to take a break from your podcast Apr 05, 2021

TL;DR
Whether you've been podcasting for a long time or you're just getting started, you may come to a point where you consider taking a break from podcasting.
So in this episode we'll share some tips and tricks that will give you peace of mind during your hiatus and tell you about a feature within Buzzsprout that lets you hit pause on your show.
Ready to hit pause on your podcast for a little while? Learn more about Buzzsprout's Archive Plan.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Share Time-Sensitive Info with Dynamic Descriptions Mar 29, 2021

Learn how two of Buzzsprout's newest features, Dynamic Descriptions and the Episode Selector, can take your dynamically inserted pre-rolls and post-rolls to a whole other level.
Click here to learn more about Dynamic Content.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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7 tips for conducting better podcast interviews Mar 22, 2021

TL;DR
When you have a great interview, it's going to sound like an effortless conversation. You're interested in what your guest has to say, your guest is interested in what you have to say, and everything just flows.
So in this episode we'll share seven tips on how to conduct great podcast interviews and give your audience something worth listening to.
Podcasts with great interviewers

"Sway" with Kara Swisher
"Creating a Brand" with Alex Sanfilippo
"The School of Greatness" with Lewis Howes
"The Jordan Harbinger Show"

Having trouble finding quality guests for your podcast?
Try PodMatch, a service which uses A.I. to painlessly match ideal podcast guests and hosts together to produce high quality interviews.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Podcast Music: Everything you need to know! Mar 15, 2021

Ahmad asks, "Can you explain everything related to music and podcasting?"

TL;DR
Most podcasts incorporate music in some fashion, whether it's a cool intro for an interview show or an immerse audio drama.
The most important thing is to find music that you can use on your podcast without getting sued.
So in today's episode, we're going to explore some common myths around using copyrighted music and present some options for where you can find music that sounds amazing and is safe for your podcast.
Where to find free music

Where to find high-quality paid music

Check out our recent episode of Buzzcast to hear how you can use premium music from Soundstripe to create an audio masterpiece.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to interview guests that aren't used to being recorded Mar 08, 2021

Will from the Current Climate podcast asks, "What's the best way to interview guests that aren't used to being recorded?"

TL;DR
If your guest isn't used to being recorded, their inexperience might play a big role in why they're a little hesitant or nervous being on your podcast. People can feel uneasy knowing that their every word or action is being recorded.
So in this episode, we'll share several tips to help you put your guest at ease and record an amazing interview.
Having trouble finding quality guests for your podcast?
Try PodMatch, a service which uses A.I. to painlessly match ideal podcast guests and hosts together to produce high quality interviews.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

How to promote a seasonal podcast Mar 01, 2021

Nosa from the Culture Class Podcast asks, "How can I promote a seasonal podcast?"

TL;DR
It may seem like promoting a seasonal podcast is wildly different (or even more difficult) than promoting a show that publishes episodes regularly.
The good news is the best practices for marketing a weekly podcast can absolutely apply to seasonal podcasts, you just have to tweak them a little bit.
So in this episode, we'll share six tips on how you can promote a seasonal podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Pay to promote your show in podcast apps Feb 22, 2021

There aren't many digital advertising platforms that work for podcasters, mainly because strategies like Facebook Ads and Google AdWords aren't designed to measure how many subscribers you receive from a particular ad campaign.
That's where third-party apps like Overcast, Podcast Addict, Castbox, and Pocket Casts come in!
So in this episode, Travis and Badr will peel back the curtain and show you results from sponsored campaigns within Overcast and Podcast Addict so you can decide if it's a worthwhile investment for your podcast.
Links from this episode:

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Do you need to use a Guest Release Form for your podcast? Feb 15, 2021

Paul from Are You Ready to Roll? asks, "How prudent should I be about getting guest release forms for my podcast?"

TL;DR
Guest release forms are one of those things that you'll hear a lot about in the podcasting industry, but you won't necessarily find a consensus answer regarding whether you need one or not.
So in this episode, we'll share two perspectives and help you decide which one's going to be the best for your particular podcast.
Gordon's Guest Release Forms

PodcastRelease.com
GuestRelease.com (for video podcasts)

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How to make your podcast stand out Feb 08, 2021

Trevor from 1PDnD asks, "How do you stand out when there's quite a few podcasts in your category?"

TL;DR
It is true that as podcasting has grown over the last several years, certain categories and certain types of shows have become more saturated. But that doesn't mean that there's no room for anything new or that you can't build a meaningful audience talking about something that you love.
In this episode, you'll learn three ways to separate yourself from the pack so you can grow meaningful audience (even if you're podcasting in a crowded category).
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Five ways to promote a brand new podcast Feb 01, 2021

Jack from Reading Caste with Jack asks, "How can I promote my brand new podcast?"

TL;DR
When you first launch a podcast, promotion is just as important as recording and releasing new podcast episodes. But which strategies work best when you're first getting started and don't have an online audience yet?
So on this episode, we're going to discuss five strategies for promoting a brand new podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to get the best results with Magic Mastering Jan 25, 2021

Marisa from the Live Blissed Out podcast asks, "What adjustments should I make to my podcast episodes when using Magic Mastering?"

TL;DR
Magic Mastering is a new feature that we recently added in Buzzsprout that allows you to automatically mix and master your podcast episodes to improve your audio quality without adding a ton of extra work. But there are certainly some things that you still want to do when you're editing your podcast episode to get the best results.
In today's episode, we'll explain how to get the best results with Buzzsprout's Magic Mastering tool.
Learn more about Magic Mastering.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Should you create an LLC for your podcast? Jan 18, 2021

Jared from the Remarkable People podcast asks, "When should create an LLC for your podcast?"

TL;DR
Just as a disclaimer, we are not legal or tax experts but we have formed a few LLCs in our time (so take our advice with a grain of salt). Filing an LLC for your podcast can allow you to "write off" podcast-related expenses, leading to a larger return come tax season. So why isn't it something we recommend for all podcasters?
In today's episode, we'll walk through the pros and cons of creating a business for your podcast and help you decide if it's a good fit for your show.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Add Pre-Rolls and Post-Rolls with Dynamic Content Jan 11, 2021

In today's special episode, we're breaking down Buzzsprout's newest feature - Dynamic Content.
Leave a comment in the post pinned to the top of the Buzzsprout Podcast Community Facebook Group to let us know how we can make Dynamic Content even better.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to repurpose old podcast episodes Jan 04, 2021

Tim from the Thinking Nutrition podcast asks, "What's the best strategy for republishing old content??"

TL;DR
Republishing or repurposing your old podcast content is an excellent way to highlight your best content, revisit old topics that are newly relevant, or simply take a short break without missing any publishing dates.
In today's episode, you'll learn the right and wrong way to repurpose old podcast episodes so you can take that well-deserved break.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How important are podcast reviews? Dec 28, 2020

Dr. Varsha from Women and Shakespeare asks, "How important are podcast reviews?"

TL;DR
Podcast reviews are one of the primary ways that you can hear from your listeners and learn just what they like about your show. They also serve as social proof for new listeners who might be interested in finding out just how good your podcast really is.
So in today's episode, we'll discuss why podcast reviews are important, and how to encourage your listeners to leave a glowing five star review.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to pull off a podcast collaboration Dec 21, 2020

Ashley from Dear Food asks, "What tips do you have for collaborating with other podcasters?"

TL;DR
Collaborating with other podcasters is a fantastic way to grow your network of personal connections and grow your podcast's audience. But what's the best way to execute this strategy?
In this episode, you'll learn what kinds of podcasts to collaborate with and three unique methods for pulling off a great podcast collaboration.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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BONUS - How to Grow Your Podcast with Colin Gray Dec 16, 2020

In this bonus episode, Buzzsprout's Head of Marketing, Alban Brooke, sits down with Colin Gray to discuss Colin's new book "Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Audience."
Grab the book at ThePodcastHost.com/PodcastGrowthBook

Connect with Colin on Twitter @colinmcgray and @thepodcasthost
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to land great podcast guests Dec 14, 2020

Asett from Free Thought Revolution asks, "How do I find great guests to have on my podcast?"

TL;DR
One of the most important elements of a great interview podcast is landing great guests. But what's the best process for finding and pitching prospective guests to come on your show?
In this episode, we'll explain how to identify good guests and the most effective way to pitch them to do an interview for your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Maximize the usefulness of your podcast transcripts Dec 07, 2020

David from the Remarkable People Podcast asks, "How do I maximize the usefulness of my podcast transcripts?"

TL;DR
Podcast transcripts are a fantastic way of improving your podcast's findability and providing a written version of your episodes for those who are hard of hearing. But there are also some other ways you can utilize and repurpose them as well.
So in this episode, we'll explain all the ways you can repurpose your podcast transcripts to maximize their usefulness.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Update your podcast episode in Buzzsprout without losing your stats Nov 30, 2020

Vincent from Raw moVement: Your Headhunting Guy asks, "Can you replace the audio file for episodes you've already published?"

TL;DR
If you host your podcast with Buzzsprout, replacing your episode's audio file is super easy. And, best of all, you can keep your episode title, show notes, and stats in tact!
In this episode, you'll learn how to easily replace an existing podcast episode's audio file and under what circumstances you should consider updating old episodes.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Three tricks to get great audio from your podcast guests Nov 23, 2020

Andrea from the Italy: Inside Out podcast asks, "How do I get good audio from my guests when all they have is their laptop microphone?"

TL;DR
It's very common to have podcast guests (especially long-distance podcast guests) that don't have any recording equipment or podcast experience. And while you don't expect their audio to sound like it was recorded in a sound studio, you don't want to it to sound like it was recorded in a cave either.
In this episode, we'll share three tricks that you can use with your guests to get really good audio recordings.
Our long distance software recommendations:

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How to add intro and outro music to your podcast Nov 16, 2020

Alan from Discovering and Living the Best Version...of YOU! asks, "What's the best way to add intro and outro music to a podcast episode?"

TL;DR
Creating a high-quality podcast intro using some great music is an excellent way to introduce yourself and your podcast to new listeners and delight your loyal subscribers.
In this episode, we’ll teach you how to add music to your podcast episodes and reveal some beginner mistakes you should avoid.
Helpful blogs from Buzzsprout

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Four beginner mistakes to avoid at all costs! Nov 09, 2020

Jared from the All Things Connected podcast asks, "What are some classic beginner mistakes we should avoid?"

TL;DR
While every podcaster is bound to make mistakes from time to time, there are certainly some best practices and things to steer clear from for experience and beginner podcast hosts alike.
In this episode, we'll share four things that every podcaster should do their best to avoid.
Our long distance software recommendations:

Check out our "How to Start a Podcast" YouTube playlist to learn everything you need to know to launch and grow a successful podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to use Patreon for your podcast Nov 02, 2020

Jacob from Saft Podcast asks, "How should I use Patreon for my podcast?"

TL;DR
Patreon is a platform that allows your dedicated listeners to financially support your show in exchange for perks, exclusive episodes, and behind-the-scenes content.
In this episode, share some best practices for using Patreon to support your podcast and talk about how to leverage your Patreon private RSS feed to serve up bonus content to your listeners.
Helpful articles for getting started on Patreon:

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Get to know our newest PQA host Oct 29, 2020

In this episode, you'll hear how our newest host, Badr Milligan, started his first podcast in a barn and why he's excited about becoming a contributor to Podcasting Q&A.
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The complete guide to podcast sponsorships Oct 26, 2020

Jordan from the Dreamful podcast asks, "How do you find companies that want to sponsor your podcast?"

TL;DR
Podcast sponsorships and host-read ads are the two of the more popular strategies for monetizing your podcast, but it can difficult to land sponsors for your podcast unless your podcast is incredible popular or you happen to be a part of a podcast network.
In this episode, you'll learn how to find, pitch, and secure sponsorships as an independent podcaster, no matter how many downloads you have.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How often should you publish new podcast episodes? Oct 19, 2020

Kathryn from There She Goes: Solo Travel podcast asks, "How often should you publish new podcast episodes?"

TL;DR
There are a few well-worn publishing frequencies that tend to work for podcasts. Some of the more popular ones are weekly, bi-weekly, daily, and seasonal release schedules.
In this episode, we'll help you decide which publishing frequency is best for you and your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to get a job in podcasting Oct 12, 2020

Kerry-Ann from the Carry On Friends podcast asks, "How do you leverage your skills to get a full-time job in podcasting?"

TL;DR
There are a number of ways that you can break into the podcasting industry. Some jobs require you to leverage one skill really well (like podcast editing for instance), while others give you an opportunity to produce a podcast from start to finish.
In this episode, we'll break down the top seven ways to break into the podcasting industry on a part-time or full-time basis.
Best Jobs in Podcasting:

Podcast Editing
Graphic Design
Consulting
Marketing Services
Content Creator
Done-For-You Services
Media Companies

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How to identify your podcast's niche Oct 05, 2020

Harsha from the Two Cents on Thursday podcast asks, "How do you decide which niche to focus on for your podcast?"

TL;DR
Recording a podcast with multiple hosts is a lot of fun. You're able to lean on one another to create the content, and the fun banter and chemistry you get with close friends definitely increases the entertainment value.
But there are some technical hurdles you have to deal with in a multi-person podcast recording that you don't if you were doing a solo podcast. So in this episode, we'll explain the best practices for recording multiple people.
What can you talk about?

One of the keys to podcast longevity is choosing a topic you both love to talk about and won't run of ideas for. If you're really into video games and can talk about that non-stop, make that the focus of your podcast.
Once you've identified a topic you want to focus on, try to find an angle or sub-topic that isn't being served in the podcast community. If you're talking about video games, for example, perhaps you focus solely on Nintendo games or first-person shooter games.
Do some research

There are three ways to get ideas about what niche you should focus on. First is simply to look at your own download statistics. If one or two episodes are outperforming the rest, that's your audience's way of saying, "Make more episodes like this!"
The second place to look is with your followers on social media. Ask them what they'd like you to talk about in the future and look for trends in their answers.
Third, you can research your competition. Look at other podcasts similar to yours and see what topics they like to cover. If they're taking their podcast seriously, then you can look for trends in the kinds of things they like to talk about and then make your version of those episodes.
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How to record multiple people at the same time Sep 28, 2020

Jamie from the The Smash Quiz podcast asks, "What are the best practices for recording multiple hosts for a podcast?"

TL;DR
Recording a podcast with multiple hosts is a lot of fun. You're able to lean on one another to create the content, and the fun banter and chemistry you get with close friends definitely increases the entertainment value.
But there are some technical hurdles you have to deal with in a multi-person podcast recording that you don't if you were doing a solo podcast. So in this episode, we'll explain the best practices for recording multiple people.
Recording Tips

2-Person Rule
Use Non-Verbal Cues

Podcast Gear

Every person should have their own Dynamic XLR microphone
Choose an audio interface that supports multitrack recording

Editing Tips

Put each person's recording on its own track
Remove silent portions to reduce microphone bleed/spill

Gear We Recommend

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Buzzsprout may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What are the benefits of podcast seasons? Sep 21, 2020

Ethan from the The Young Perspective podcast asks, "What are the benefits of podcast seasons?"

TL;DR
Podcasting in seasons can make things a lot more manageable. It can relieve the pressure of constantly having to release new episodes and give you some breathing room to focus on make the best podcast possible.
But with every strategy, there are some drawbacks. So in this episode, we'll lay out the pros and cons of organizing your podcast into seasons.
Benefits to Seasons:

Easier to produce
You get to take breaks
Tackle meatier subjects

Drawbacks to Seasons:

More work up front
Harder to grow an audience

At the end of the day, you should make the choice that works best for you and the kind of content you want to create.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How Apple Podcasts Analytics help you understand your audience Sep 14, 2020

Dan from the SkyPilot: Faith Quest podcast asks, "How are the Apple Podcasts analytics helpful?"

TL;DR
Through Podcasts Connect, podcasters are able to access additional stats and data points that Apple doesn’t share with podcast hosts like Buzzsprout. And while more information is usually a good thing, it can take a keen eye to know what to look for.
In this episode, we’ll explain why your Apple Podcasts stats look different in Podcasts Connect than they do in Buzzsprout and talk about three data points within Podcasts Connect that can help you get to know your audience on a deeper level.
Why are my stats different in Apple than in Buzzsprout?
In Podcasts Connect, Apple only shows you a portion of your podcast's stats from the Apple Podcasts app. For a download to appear in your analytics, it must meet two criteria:

They listened on the current version of Apple Podcasts
They've given permission for Apple to receive their usage data

Beyond that, there's a 72 hour delay from when someone plays your podcast episode and when it shows up in Podcasts Connect. Plus, if fewer than 5 people meet the above criteria, Apple won't show you anything at all.
So what is Apple good for? Three things in particular.

Average consumption
Episode listen duration
Devices subscribed

Each of these stats give you insight into how your listeners are engaging with your episodes and whether new listeners are choosing to subscribe after they land on your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to make 2020 the best year ever for your podcast Sep 07, 2020

2020 has been a crazy year all around, but there's still time to take your podcast to the next level and make this your best year yet!
The best thing you can do to accelerate your podcast's growth is sign up for the Podcast Movement Virtual Conference which is taking place at the end of October.
Leave a comment under the YouTube version of Podcasting Q&A letting us know why you want to go to Podcast Movement Virtual for a chance to win a free ticket!
It's 10 days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking to help take your podcast to the next level. And 9 separate tracks to help you focus on your podcast's biggest need at the moment.
Podcast Movement Virtual Tracks:

Creation Track
Industry Track
Marketing Track
Monetization Track
Society, Culture, and Advocacy
Technical Track
Audio Fiction Track
Brand and Content Marketing
Internal Podcasting

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to make a great podcast trailer Aug 31, 2020

Gillian from the Breaking Through Careers podcast asks, "Do you need a podcast trailer? And if so, what should you put in one?"

TL;DR
A podcast trailer helps you build anticipation for your new show or new season, while also allowing you to submit your podcast to all the major directories before you release episode one.
This is important, because some directories (like Apple Podcasts) can take up to 2 weeks to approve new shows, and you want your podcast to be available everywhere when it's time to launch.
So in this episode, you'll learn how to make a great podcast trailer that builds anticipation for your show's release.
#1. Make it short
Your podcast trailer should be shorter than a full episode. And, honestly, it doesn't have to be much longer than 60 seconds. The idea is to tell your listeners what they need to know and give them a reason to subscribe to your podcast.
#2. Things to include

Name of your podcast
What your show is about
Who your podcast is for (and not for)
A call-to-action

A call-to-action is the thing you want your listeners to do immediately after listening to the episode. In this case, your call to action will be asking your new listeners to subscribe to your show in their favorite app so that they can get episode one downloaded to their phone as soon as it's released.
#3. Have fun with it!
You want your podcast trailer to reflect the mood and tone of your show. If you have a fun and upbeat podcast, your trailer should feel fun and up beat.
Include clips from future episodes, add music and sound effects, and get creative!
Examples of good podcast trailers

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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How to write podcast show notes Aug 24, 2020

Kwame from the Negotiate Anything Podcast asks, "What is the value of show notes?"

TL;DR
Good show notes allow you to highlight important information for your podcast listeners, link to relevant information, and help your audience take action on the things you discuss.
So in this episode, we'll discuss how to write good show notes for your podcast episodes.
#1. Make them easy to read
People tend to skim through podcast show notes, so make them easy to scan. Include bullet points and write in short paragraphs so that it's easier for your listeners to find what they're looking for.
You can also organize your show notes into different sections. An example would be splitting them up into a summary of the episode, links to resources mentioned in the episode, and specific calls to action you want your listeners to take.
#2. Don't write a book
When it comes to show notes, less is more. Include the main points, quick links to additional resources, and your calls to action, but don't write any more than you need to.
#3. Create an episode webpage
This is where you put EVERYTHING. Including (but not limited to) an embed player for people to listen, show notes, full word-for-word transcript, and a picture of your guest.
Creating an episode webpage (whether it's on your own custom website or on Buzzsprout's podcast websites) will help search engines like Google quickly find your podcast, categorize it, and start showing it to new listeners.
This will help search engines like Google quickly find your podcast episode, categorize it, and start showing it to new listeners
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

How to livestream a podcast recording Aug 17, 2020

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "To incorporate video, should I livestream my podcast recordings or use pre-recorded video instead?"

TL;DR
Adding a video strategy to your podcast is a great way to potentially double the amount of content you produce every week with just a little bit of planning and a couple of pieces of software.
So in this episode, we'll cover the difference between live streaming and pre-recorded video and talk about several software options for live streaming to social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Live stream if...

You don't want to edit the video
You're okay with a less-polished episode
You want the flexibility of incorporating listener comments and questions

Pre-record if...

You want a more polished video
You want to edit the video before you release it

The two live-streaming software solutions we recommend:

Special thanks to the podcasts that shared their video recordings for the YouTube version of this show!

Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

BONUS - 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started a Podcast Aug 13, 2020

Enjoy this bonus podcast episode where we went back through the Podcasting Q&A and 5 Minute Mondays archives to find the top 10 things we wish we knew before starting a podcast.
10 Tips (Check the Chapter Markers for time stamps)

Focus on audio quality
Podcast intros
Ideal podcast length
Go on other podcasts
Guest promotion tips
Use templates
Format your show notes
Do you need a website?
Promoting on social media
Batch your episodes

Podcast Marketing: How to promote your podcast on social media Aug 10, 2020

Sharon from the All God's Women podcast asks, "How can use social media to introduce audiences to your podcast and encourage them to subscribe, download, and listen to it?"

TL;DR
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn can help you find new podcast listeners and provide ways for your existing listeners to share new episodes with their friends.

In this episode, we'll breakdown which podcast marketing strategies work best for social media and tell you what to include in your posts.
#1. Start with one platform
It's tempting to try and promote your podcast everywhere, but doing that will only stress you out and make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, choose the platform that's the most popular with your current listeners and focus on that one.
#2. Create teaser content
Rather than uploading your entire podcast episode to social media, focus on creating teaser content that whets their appetite and encourages them to listen to the full episode in a podcast listening app.
A good teaser post contains a visual element like graphic or audiogram, a hook like a question or statement to get them interested, and a direct link to go listen to the episode.
Check out Buzzsprout's Visual Soundbites to easily make short animated videos using your podcast audio.
#3. Which link should you use?
When promoting your podcast on social media, use a link to that particular episode on your podcast website. That way anyone can listen to it, no matter device their using, and they can look for the episode in their podcast app if they want to listen to it there instead.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

3x Tips to Streamline Your Podcast Editing Workflow Aug 03, 2020

Al Pete from the Flowers For The Culture Podcast asks, "Are there any tricks or integrations I should use to decrease the amount of time it takes to edit my podcast?"

TL;DR
It’s easy to spend hours upon hours refining and critiquing your podcast to make sure you deliver consistent, high-quality episodes to your audience. But if you’re looking to optimize your workflow and produce the same high-quality episodes in less time, there are some proven strategies you can implement.
In this episode, we’ll cover the top 3 ways that you can streamline your podcast editing workflow
#1. Use Templates
Templates allow you to reuse work you've done in the past so you don't have to keep repeating your work for every podcast episode. Some low-hanging fruit would be creating email templates for prepping your guests for interviews, starting with the previous episode project in your editing software and keeping your intro and outro segments saved, and copying your show notes from the last episode to get a head start.
#2. Batch Production
Another way to speed up your workflow is to work on multiple episodes at the same time. Schedule all of your interviews for the month during the same week. Edit 3-4 episodes in one sitting. Create show notes and upload 3-4 episodes at the same time.
You'll find that batch production unlocks another level of efficiency and can easily reduce the amount of time you spend on each episode by 50%.
#3. Software Integrations
Find software solutions that work well together. This will streamline your workflow beyond what you could do on your own.
For example, you can edit your podcast in Alitu, Hindenburg Journalist Pro, or Descript and publish it directly to Buzzsprout. This saves you the hassle of exporting the episode to your computer, opening your web browser, and manually uploading that episode to your podcast host. Add up those little time savings over the course of a year and you'll see some big-time savings!
Software that integrates with Buzzsprout

Bonus - Magic Mastering

Magic Mastering is a new feature available to Buzzsprout podcasters that automatically mixes and masters your podcast episodes. Once you assembled all the pieces of your podcast episode, simply upload to Buzzsprout using your normal workflow and we'll take care of the rest.
Check out all of the things Magic Mastering does for your podcast.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
Review Podcasting Q&A in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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