PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting

Latest Episodes:

What's a good number of downloads for a podcast? Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

In a world of YouTube views and Twitter followers, we've become accustomed to figures in the hundreds of thousands, and even millions.
Read the full article

It's important to realise though, these numbers are completely irrelevant to podcasting. The time and effort it takes for someone to click ‘Follow' on Twitter, or watch a few seconds of a Youtube video, should never be compared to podcast listening.

Podcast listening is a commitment, and an investment. It's long form content that isn't immediately accessible via shiny sidebars and viral social media clickbait.

So comparing your downloads to someone else's Instagram followers is like comparing the number of rooms in your house, to the number of trees in the Amazon. It's completely irrelevant and utterly pointless.

Does it (as usual) Just Depend?

Of course it does.

Could a podcast about breeding Russian white dwarf hamsters realistically expect to see the same downloads as a podcast about Game of Thrones? Absolutely not.

Does this mean that the podcast with more downloads is the more successful one? Again, absolutely not.

If you ran a podcast about a topic that was only interesting to literally 10 people in the world, and you were getting 7 downloads an episode, statistically, you'd be running the most popular show in history.

It's the size of your potential audience that's the big factor. Here are a couple of things to consider.

Firstly, how many folks out there are interested enough in your topic to actually want to consume content about it?

Secondly, how many of those people are current podcast listeners?

Thinking along these lines will help bring you closer to seeing what those cold hard download stats tell you. They can help you set realistic goals, that don't involve drawing comparisons with viral videos and celebrity social media accounts.

A Good Gauge

One of the easiest ways to get a snapshot of podcast download stats as a whole, is to listen to Libsyn's official podcast The Feed.

Libsyn are one of the biggest podcast media hosting platforms in the industry.

Naturally, they can only provide stats based on the shows that host there. But there's over 50,000 of them, which makes it a pretty significant sample size.

Their show – The Feed – is also essential listening for any podcaster – even if you don't host with Libsyn. They provide great statistical data every other week. This can help you to see how your numbers measure up in the grand scheme of things. Remember, though, that it's far from the whole story.

At the time of writing, here were the latest figures. These are based on the number of downloads in the 30 day period following the release of a new episode.

If your new episode gets, within 30 days of its release:

more than 136 downloads, you're in the top 50% of podcasts.
more than 1100 downloads, you're in the top 20% of podcasts.
more than 3200 downloads, you're in the top 10% of podcasts.
more than 7,700 downloads, you're in the top 5% of podcasts.
more than 20,000 downloads, you're in the top 2% of podcasts.
more than 36,000 downloads, you're in the top 1% of podcasts.

Source: The Feed – Episode 145

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

Support the show

Where can you advertise your podcast? Paying to grow your audience Sep 04, 2019

Show notes

Podcast advertising is just one of many ways to grow your show's audience.

Growing an audience, ultimately, starts with creating good content on a consistent basis though. Then, if you make it easy to find and share, you'll struggle not to grow your audience.

However, many early-stage and aspiring podcasters don't like to hear that it can take months, or even years, to build an established listener-base.

Podcasting is a long game though, and “overnight success” is a myth in this medium.

Getting More Plays

There's no getting away from the above facts. But, for those willing to spend some money, it is possible to get more ears on your podcast in a short period of time.

Of course, your content will still need to do its job in making these listeners stick around to hit subscribe. But, you're listening to this podcast, so naturally, you've already got that part nailed down!

So, where can you actually run some podcast advertising? And which options are the most suited to you and your target audience?

What are the Paid Podcast Advertising Options?

The following list is ever-changing, ever-growing. At the time of writing, here are the best options available to you.

They're in no particular order, because in podcasting it's rarely ever a case of “the best”, and almost always a case of “it depends”.
Read the full article

Social Media
Google Ads
Overcast
Spotify
Print Magazines
Podnews
Sponsor a Blog
Sponsor Another Podcast

A big thanks to NameSilo for sponsoring this episode. Use our coupon code podcraft to get $1 off your first order.

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Grow your Audience & Create Great Products through Surveys | Rob & Kennedy from Responsesuite Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

In this episode I'm talking to Kennedy and Rob Temple from Responsesuite. Their speciality is using surveys to get your know your audience, and particularly to in using them to create great products or services that suit exactly what your listeners need.
So, if you've been looking to grow your listeners, and start using your podcast to sell a product or a service, this episode is right up your street.
You'll learn how Rob and Kennedy think about listener avatars, how that helps you create better content and grow awareness around your show, how that then leads to great products and services, and how surveys can be used throughout this to get the real detail that makes a difference.

Support the show

The 10 Commandments of Podcasting Jun 11, 2019

Show notes

Some might call this a "Pet Peeves" episode, but you can also think of them as "Growth Opportunities".

Are you doing some things that might be costing listeners to drop off and unsubscribe? Or is your show set up in the way that it's really hard to even find listeners in the first place? Then you might want to check yourself against our 10 Commandments of podcasting (of which there's actually 14. Thou shalt not be able to count to 10, and all that...)

Thou shalt not have an extra long theme tune
Thou shalt not spend 10 hours editing an episode
Thou shalt not do a podcast that's "for everyone" about "all sorts of stuff"
Thou shalt not cram too much into your cover art
Thou shalt not make your listener adjust volume levels more than once in an episode
Thou shalt not ask an interviewee to introduce themselves
Thou shalt not open your episode with an apology
Thou shalt not over-complicate your gear too early (or ever!)
Thou shalt not ask for reviews or Patreon support before delivering any content
Thou shalt not use copyrighted music for "7 seconds" or for "fair use"
Thou shalt not only share links to places like Apple Podcasts or Facebook
Thou shalt not call your episodes "podcasts"
Thou shalt not put the onus of growing your show on others
Thou shalt not "wing it"

Resources Mentioned

If you've realised you're doing any of the above, and are won over to changing your ways, here are some useful resources...

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Listening Apps - and should you be listening to LESS podcasts!? PodCraft 1109 Jun 04, 2019

Show notes

A bit of a bonus episode to bring down the curtain on our Podcast Equipment Series.
You put a lot of work into creating your episodes, so let's have a chat about where (and how) your end product is actually consumed.
This episode starts with a discussion about why you should consider listening to less podcasts too. It was prompted by a great article by Greg Campion titled The Problem With Podcasts (thanks for the heads up, PodNews) and, for a deeper dive on this, check out the excellent Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.
On to the listening apps, Colin uses BeyondPod (Android) whilst Matthew uses Overcast (iOS) and both were in agreement that things like playlist and playback-speed customisation, as well as individual show and download settings were key factors here.
From a podcaster perspective, you'll be listed in these apps (and most other apps) simply by being listed in iTunes/Apple Podcasts. You'll still need to submit to Stitcher and Spotify independently though. For more on this, check out our Best Podcast Directories roundup.
And, if you've enjoyed this episode, this season, or our content in general, remember you can work directly with us inside The Podcast Host Academy. That's where you'll find all our courses, community forum, downloadable resources, and can join in on our regular live Q&A sessions!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Video & Live Broadcasting | PodCraft 1108 May 29, 2019

Show notes

There are a few good reasons why you might want to broadcast the recording of your episodes live - and maybe even film them too.

Doing live episodes can help build and harness community, as your listeners can feel more directly involved with your content. And the content itself can benefit from that immediate feedback. The ability to answer questions and offer help and advice in real time can really enhance your podcast.

You can also double up your content output without doubling up your workload, by uploading the video recording to Youtube afterwards.

The live approach isn’t for everyone though. Especially if you’ve just started out in podcasting and don’t have an audience yet. Try to keep things as simple as possible in those early days.

However, if you feel you’re ready to jump in and start doing live shows, then this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

Software

Equipment

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Podcast Gear Stats: What Are Podcasters ACTUALLY Using? RODE Procaster Giveaway May 22, 2019

Show notes

Okay, granted, having a top-of-the-range mic doesn't necessarily mean you'll have top-of-the-range content. But the various bits of equipment different folks are using to create audio can become an obsession for some podcasters.

We know this because the Equipment section of our site is by far the most viewed and visited. Combine that with your average podcaster's love of stats, and that's what led to us running our first podcasting gear stats survey back in 2017/18.

Well, that survey is back, and we want to see what the podcast equipment landscape looks like now, in 2019. Has anything changed in this bold new era where you can launch a media hosting service one morning, and sell it an hour later for $400 million? Take a minute or two to fill out the survey and help us find out.

But it's not just hard data that could be your reward here. We've put together some great prizes which will be drawn and distributed at random amongst six lucky entrants.
Platinum Prize
Rode Procaster (XLR) OR Rode Podcaster (USB) – your choice! (worth ~$250)

Or a $200 podcast equipment equipment budget on Amazon.
Gold Prize

One year's free membership to The Podcast Host Academy.

That's our membership site where you can use our comprehensive catalog of courses and resources to plan, launch, and grow your podcast. In there, you can join in with our active community and take part in our regular live Q&A sessions.

Silver Prize

Six month subscription to Alitu: The Podcast Maker App.

With Alitu you can record your content, build your episode, and publish to your media host without having to learn the ins and outs of audio production.

Bronze Prizes

Three copies of Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel. This book is a masterclass in audio storytelling, and an essential read for podcasters of all levels.

Survey Closes: 11:59pm Pacific Time, Tuesday 4th June
Take the Survey

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

The Podcast Host 2018 End of Year Review Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

As another year draws to a close, we sit down to chat through the last 12 months at The Podcast Host Towers. What went well? What didn't? And what do we have planned for the future?
In terms of big milestones this year, we had the long-awaited launch of Alitu - The Podcast Making App, the switch up of The Podcast Host Academy to an annual membership, the launch of our Podcast Launch Service, and we brought down the curtain on this first season of our space-science audio drama documentary podcast Hostile Worlds.

We put out an updated version of season 1 of this very podcast during 2018 too. Now known as season 10, it's all about how to launch your first episode, and focuses on everything you need to do to get it out there.

We've also been keen to take on highly-produced projects as part of our Podcast Production Service. This year we had the pleasure of working on Inside Indie Games, on behalf of the UK Games Fund, and The Converge Challenge Podcast. If you'd like to work with us on a highly-produced podcasting project of your own, then we'd love to hear from you.

Colin talked through some of his highs and lows this year, from his Podcast movement and Inbound trips, as well as designing the Alitu interface, to his "failed" live video attempts, and the headache of trying to recruit new developers.

In 2018 we also attempted to establish the Scottish Podcasters Meetup, but it didn't pick up the momentum we were hoping for, and we eventually gave up on it. There's still hope though, as Colin is talking to someone about potentially taking it over.

On the industry-wide side of things, we tried to refrain from making any predictions (cliched, cynical, or otherwise), but gave a nod to the unsurprising fact that many great audio drama shows are now being developed for television.

Finally, we'd like to wish you all the very best for the holiday period, and for 2019!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Promoting Your Podcast with an Audio Trailer Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

Creating a 30 second promo trailer for your show is a great way to grow your audience. A trailer is a little "taster" for potential new listeners, and gives them an idea of the tone, feel, and content of the show. It's easy to consume, and easy to share too. On this episode we're going to listen to and offer feedback on some promo trailers that were created by members of The Podcast Host Academy as part of our monthly ($50 prize) competition. The shows are; The Postcard Academy - https://postcardacademy.co Tog & Thel - http://aducklingknits.com The Curious Parent - https://happyselfjournal.com/podcast High Heels & Heartache - http://highheelsandheartache.com Here, you'll learn more about the ways you can create a promo trailer that really works for you in promoting your show, and pulling in new listeners. Also mentioned; How to Make a Promo Trailer - http://thepodcasthost.com/promotrailer The Podcast Host Academy - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/academy Alitu: The Podcast Maker - https://alitu.com Hostile Worlds - http://hostileworlds.net

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

How to Find Your Niche & Be an Audience Magnet Aug 29, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we're talking niche. That's neeeesh, not nitch, but either way, it's all about getting really specific with your content offering. Karen Reyburn is our guest, and her whole business is built around this concept. She runs a creative agency, but for a particular niche: Accountants. On this episode you'll learn: What is a niche, exactly? And why it's not just an industry How to find your own niche, and be an audience magnet Can you go too small with a niche? Resources The Profitable Firm The Never Settle Podcast Alitu - the Podcast Maker appSupport the show (https://pod.academy)