Podcasting Q&A

Latest Episodes:

The complete guide to podcast sponsorships Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

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.
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How often should you publish new podcast episodes? Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

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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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How to get a job in podcasting Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.
Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.
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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How to record multiple people at the same time Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How Apple Podcasts Analytics help you understand your audience Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

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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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How to make 2020 the best year ever for your podcast Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

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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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How to make a great podcast trailer Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

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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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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How to write podcast show notes Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

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.

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Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com.

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