The Podcast Fast Track

http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com

59: How to Get The Influencer In Your Niche To Be Your Podcast Guest Apr 17, 2017

Show notes

What is the best way to reach out to influencers and guests you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to be on your podcast? In this series I’m going to walk you through everything from reaching out to guests to the practical parts of how you get the conversation scheduled, what you can do to make it easy for them to say “Yes” to you, and the promotion and follow-up that needs to happen all along the way. If you want to reach out to influencers effectively, I suggest you take the time to listen to this episode.

[2:58] Dream big! Create a list of the influencers you would LOVE to have on your podcast.

If you don’t know who you would like to have as a stellar guest on your podcast then you’re never going to reach out to them. You’ve got to think outside the realm of reality to dream a little. What does that mean? You’ll hear my version of getting outside the box of current reality in this section of the episode. You’re going to be challenged to step outside your comfort zone for the sake of growth - to put you into a place of risk and opportunity all at the same time.

[6:16] Do your homework about your guests.

Homework. In school, I HATED homework. But when it comes to life, business, etc. you’ve got to work hard to create the reality you want. So, as you look at the bullet point list of ideal influencers you want to have as a guest on your podcast, you need to understand exactly why that person is a fit for your audience. You need to know exactly why that guest would bring great value to your show.

[8:45] Focus on the benefit it will be to YOUR GUEST to appear on your podcast.

Once you understand WHO is the best guest to have on your podcast you have to begin to craft the correspondence you’re going to send to them that invites them to be a guest on your podcast. You need to do this in a way that makes it obvious that you want to add value to what they are doing. In short, you want to help them. Your outreach to influencers in your niche has to be aimed at benefitting those you’re reaching out to. It’s called relationship marketing, it’s called SOCIAL sales - and you’ll get a lot more traction when you approach it that way. I’m walking through the mindset and the practice of doing this well, on this episode.

[17:17] How are you practically going to connect with the influencer in your space?

When it comes to reaching out to those who are the influencers in your niche, what’s the best way to reach out to them? Email? A contact form? Social media? A phone call? There are LOTS of options but are there specific ways that are better than others? Yes, there are. What are they? My answer is that “it depends.” You knew that was coming, didn’t you? :) On this episode I’m going to unpack that answer to help you think through what it will take to reach those who will bring such great value to your audience.

[24:22] Tools to make it easier for the influencer to say “yes.”

When you reach out to the influencer you’re hoping will agree to be on your podcast you need to make it easy for them to say, “Yes.” How do you do that? Through making it convenient for them to schedule a time to have the conversation, to provide you the resources you need to make their episode the best it can be, and more. I walk through the details of making it practically possible for that guest to join you on your podcast.

resources we talked about in this episode

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

58: Podcast Statistics: What Matters, What Doesn’t, with Rob Walch of Libsyn Apr 10, 2017

Show notes

www.Podcastification.com

Podcast statistics can be one of two things - incredibly intimidating or incredibly intoxicating. Which is it for you? Since there’s so much ignorance and plain old misinformation out there about stats for your podcast I thought I’d invite Rob Walch, V.P. of Podcaster Relations at Libsyn (affiliate) to be on the podcast to tell us the TRUTH about stats. In this conversation we talk about download numbers, what they mean and where they come from, how they impact your iTunes ranking, whether New and Noteworthy is impacted by downloads, myths about podcast statistics, deep level stats and how to use them, Twitter bombing, and more. As always, it’s an entertaining conversation with Rob. You only have to listen to the beginning teaser to figure that one out!

[5:06] Checking your stats multiple times a day? You’ve got a problem. ;)

There are addictions of all kinds - and podcast statistics can be one of those. On this episode Rob tells us the kind of responses he gets from people when the Libsyn stats system is in maintenance mode for a few hours, why he thinks it’s unhealthy and unproductive for you to check your stats more than once a week, and how you can do that weekly checkup most effectively. It’s worth listening to whether you're the addict or apathetic. I guarantee you’ll learn something.

[12:20] How do you REALLY get into the iTunes New and Noteworthy listing? And does it matter?

There are tons of theories out there about how you can get your show into the iTunes New and Noteworthy section. But very few of them even hint at the REAL way your show can get into N&N. And it doesn’t really have to do with your podcast stats. Honest. Rob Walch speaks to the issue on this episode and clarifies the kind of “bump” to your downloads you might see if you do happen to get into N&N, and why it’s not what you really need to be focused on.

[21:04] Common myths about podcast statistics - and what the truth is.

[23:55] Geography, traffic sources, technology: Do those stats matter for your podcast?

Libsyn and most other podcast media hosts are going to provide some pretty details statistics for your show. But do you know how to use them? There is a ton of insight in your stats dashboard and on this episode Rob shares how to interpret them and gives some practical examples of how to use them to make more money and understand exactly where you need to improve to gain more listeners.

[39:58] What IS twitter bombing and why does it mess up your stats?

resources we talked about in this episode

You can reach Rob Walch at Rob@Libsyn.com
Libsyn (affiliate)
Lore Podcast
Overcast App
PocketCasts App
iTunes App
Casper Mattress
Hello Fresh
Storyworth
Stitcher
Google Play
iHeart Radio
Safari
Firefox
Mozilla
Podcast Addict App
Chrome

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

57: How To Find And Book Qualified Podcast Guests Mar 28, 2017

Show notes

HTTP://WWW.PODCASTFASTTRACK.COM

If you do an interview-based podcast you know the headache of booking qualified podcast guests. The internet (and the world, for that matter) is a very big place. How do you find, connect with, and book the people who your audience will benefit from the most? On this episode, I’m going to tell you how I recommend my clients do this - and I’m going to explain WHY I do. In the end, it’s up to YOU to provide the best content you can to your podcast listeners, and this could be the missing step you need.

[2:01] Why you MUST research your podcast guests.

There are many people you COULD invite to be a guest on your podcast. But there are only a handful that you SHOULD extend the invitation to. It’s your job to search out that handful of experts who will be of the greatest benefit to your audience. On this episode, I’m going to explain to you what it really means to do your homework when it comes to reaching out to potential guests for your podcast and tell you some slightly easier ways to go about it.

[4:54] Focus on your podcast guests and benefits to THEM.

Every person you invite to be a guest on your show has their own goals and dreams that they are trying to fulfill. When you contact them to ask if they will be on your podcast, they are trying to figure out if doing so will help them fulfill those goals and dreams. On this episode, I’m going to tell you how you can help them make that decision by inviting them in a way that focuses on THEM instead of on you and your listeners. This tip alone could amplify the quality of your podcast guests if you will apply it.

[5:45] Potential guests for your podcast will be more likely to accept your invite if you do this…

Want to know the one thing that can make all the difference to a potential podcast guest saying “Yes” instead of “No”? Here it is: You’ve got to give them the opportunity to accomplish everything they would hope might happen by being on your show. That means helping them promote things they want to promote, giving them the opportunity to reach out to your audience and more. Find out what it takes to get the best guests for your podcast AND make it worth their time to be on your show, on this episode. Who knows, you might also build some lasting relationships with professionals and experts in your field in the process.

resources we talked about in this episode

Interview Valet
My conversation with Tom from Interview Valet
www.InterviewConnections.com
www.PodcastGuests.com - from Andrew Alleman
www.YouCanBook.me
Schedule Once
Acuity Scheduling

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

56: How To Avoid Technical Glitches When You Record Interviews Mar 20, 2017

Show notes

Do you record interviews with guests for your podcast? Have you ever run into a situation where something goes wrong with the connection? Skype crashes. The voice of your guest is delayed. Every other word is a stuttering nightmare. It’s not uncommon and it’s not something you can always correct. But there are things you can do ahead of time to make the likelihood of technical problems less when you record interviews. That’s what this quick-and-to-the-point episode of Podcastification is all about.

[2:49] Three words: or two if you are a pro-hyphen person: Hard-wired connection.

We’re so used to using wifi for everything it’s hard sometimes to remember that there is another (better) alternative. If you can at all arrange for your computer to be connected directly into your router via an ethernet cable, you’ll do away with some possible points of weakness in your interview recording setup. You won’t be sharing bandwidth with other devices in your home, microwave ovens, cordless landline phones, or anything else. You’ll have a dedicated connection that goes DIRECTLY into your internet service that will make things a lot more stable when you record interviews.

[4:51] When you’re recording interviews, do you REALLY need those programs open?

One of the things I run into during my workday is that the longer I’ve been working, the more tabs or browser windows or programs I have open on my computer. It’s great to have them available so easily, but when it comes to recording interviews over a distance (Skype, Ringr, etc.) those open windows can be a possible failure point. On this episode, I walk you through the “why” behind the issue and give you some suggestions you should consider, including the most common problem programs that work in the background and disrupt the smooth operation of your computer memory while you’re doing your interview recordings.

[7:50] Everything on this episode applies to the guest you are recording an interview with.

That’s right. You can take everything you hear on this episode of Podcastification and apply it to thing son the other end of the line. Your guest needs to be coached by you - the podcaster - in what THEY can do to ensure that you get the best quality recording possible and avoid things that could disrupt your recording and cause you and them to have to set aside time later to record a second time. Nobody likes to waste time, so be sure to pass this information along to your guests too. When you record interviews for your podcast, you need these tips!

resources we talked about in this episode

Connect With Carey:

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

55: Use A Podcast Template To Cut Recording And Production Time Mar 13, 2017

Show notes

We all love our podcasts. But there are aspects of producing them that we HATE (or at least don’t love as much). One of those for many people is the AMOUNT OF TIME it takes to do the actual audio production - from recording through uploading to their media host. On this episode of Podcastification I’m going to teach you how I use what I call a Podcast Template to make my audio recording and editing process even faster - saving me as much as 4 and half hours per year!

[2:17] What do I MEAN by a podcast template?

What I refer to as a podcast template is a pre-set project in my audio editing software (Audacity) that already contains the ongoing elements of my podcast episodes. So things like intro, outro, transition sounds, sponsor messages - all of those things are preloaded into my template and saved to ensure that I don’t have to re-import or recreate them time after time after time throughout the life of my podcast. This episode is meant to give you a peek into my process so you can develop a process of your own. It’s not the only way to do it, but it’s MY way - and I like it!

[4:41] The steps I take to create my podcast template.

OK, this section is the practical part. I spare you no boring details here - you’re going to learn what I do, step by boring step, to ensure that my podcast template is setup properly so that I can save time in the future as I record my episodes. Grab a cup of coffee - or something stronger. You’re going to need it. :)

[14:25] The most important part of building a podcast audio template.

In recording this episode of Podcastification, I not only wanted to teach you how to build your own podcast template for making your audio production process smoother and faster - I also wanted to save you the excruciating heartache that comes from building a template like I’m showing you and then losing it. The most important part of building your podcast template is not building the template. Can you guess what it is?

[16:45] Best practices for using your template in the future.

A template like I describe on this episode can be used in a variety of ways - and two of the most common are for recording your own “solo” episodes, or live episodes you do using a mixer and additional microphones or audio sources. But you can also use this kind of template with Skype or Ringr recordings. The last thing I teach you on this episode is exactly how a podcast template like this works in those situations.

Thanks for listening! You’re the best!

resources we talked about in this episode

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com

54: Podcasting On The Go - Hacks to Record On The Road Mar 08, 2017

Show notes

It’s becoming more and more common that people need to figure out how they can do podcasting on the go. I can hear Willie singing it now…

On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again, the life I love is making podcasts with my friends, I can’t wait to get on the road again!

But recording your podcast away from your normal studio is a bit trickier than it may sound at first. You’re going to need some way to get a reliably consistent sound recording that avoids all the potential pitfalls that hotel rooms and other non-treated areas can insert into your recording.

This episode is about THAT. How to do it, practically, affordably, and with the things you have around you. OR, if you want to do something a bit more reliable, I’m even going to cover some ways that you can create your own portable podcasting studio to take with you when you are on the go.

[2:27] The variables to overcome when podcasting on the go.

Anytime you’re outside your normal podcast recording environment you need to open your eyes and ears to discover the variables you need to take into account. If you don’t you’ll have all kinds of unwanted noises in your recording.

There’s lots to think about - and this episode covers my best advice for taking care of the most obvious things - and a few things you probably haven’t considered.

[4:30] Addressing possible interruptions in your environment.

How much echo is in the room?
Could the heat or A/C come on unexpectedly?
What about the phones? Are they turned off?

And what other things might you be missing? You should listen to this episode. I mean, come on - it’s only 18 minutes long. You could do that on your next commute or run on the treadmill.

[5:49] You should invest in an “on the go” podcasting microphone.

Technology has made such advancements in the past few years there’s no reason that anyone who’s going to be podcasting on the go regularly can’t simply buy an “on the go” microphone. On this episode I give you my recommendation for the two most affordable, simple, GREAT SOUNDING microphones out there. I’ll even tell you where you can go to hear a comparison of these mics alongside the “big boy” microphones like the Heil PR40.

[10:14] For podcasting on the go you can “soundproof” your mic.

When it comes to removing the possibility for unwanted noise most people think in terms of making the room acoustics better. That’s great. I’ve got no problem with doing that. Except in a hotel room you may have a difficult time figuring out how to hang sheets of acoustic foam. ;)

So on this episode I’m going to get you thinking in reverse. Instead of soundproofing the room, how about soundproofing your microphone? I’ve got a handful of ways you can do it easily when you’re on the go, so make sure you listen and check out the resources to get inspired.

resources we talked about in this episode

Audacity Free Recording Software
Audio Technica 2100 microphone
Audio Technica 2005 microphone
Heil PR40 microphone
Kaotica Eyeball (and here’s the DIY video I mentioned)
Portable sound booth DIY video (the good stuff begins around 1:49)

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

53: How to Work Effectively With A Podcast Editor Feb 28, 2017

Show notes

If you are finally able and willing to take the plunge and hire a podcast editor to handle the editing and production of your show - HOLD ON A MINUTE! You don’t want to rush into it without knowing some of the pitfalls that can come with any new working relationship - and there are a few that are unique to the relationship you establish with a podcast editor that could throw you for a loop if you’re not careful.

6 tips to help you interact with your podcast editor EFFECTIVELY.

SO…On this episode I’m going to tell you some of my hard-learned lessons regarding the working relationship and communications that make your outsourcing everything you want it to be. I’m including things you need to get right and clear on the front end and another handful of things that you need to know as you develop the relationship over time.

These are not things you hear everyday because you don’t deal with them every day - and they are very niched-in to podcasting in specific ways - so it takes somebody like me who’s been in those shoes for a while to tell you about them. And I’m telling you so that you don’t walk in with your eyes closed and get bitten by some of the messed up things that can happen.

Ready to go? Here it is! Hit the play button!

Outline of this episode

[1:14] Why it’s essential to set up your relationship with your podcast editor the right way!
[2:55] The value and helpfulness of an Episode Map.
[6:40] An easy way to establish the ongoing degree of editing you want done.
[9:49] How to clarify your personal “pet peeves.”
[11:56] Why it’s vital that you communicate early and clearly.
[15:10] Refer to time stamps on adjustments
[16:39] Learn to speak TO your editor on the recording.
[20:39] BONUS TIP: Give them freedom to make smart edits.
[23:30] A service idea I had - would YOU use it? If so, how much is it worth?

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

52: Podcast Editing Services: How To Find The Right One Feb 20, 2017

Show notes

If you are at the point that you’re considering a podcast editing service, there are many things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you find the RIGHT service to fit your needs. I’ve been running a podcast editing service since early 2013 and know that most people discover what I’m about to share with you - the hard way! But I don’t want that for you. I want you to find the podcast editing service that is a perfect fit for the things you need.

Why wouldn’t I just tell you to hire me?

A couple of simple reasons: #1 - My podcast editing company is not the only game in town that can do good quality work for you (though I do think we’re the best). And #2 - I know that the way we do business and the values we hold to are not going to be the best fit for everyone. So, it only makes sense for me to help you find the exact people who can best serve you when it comes to editing your episodes week to week.

That’s what this episode of Podcastification is all about: 10 Tips To Help You Find The Right Podcast Editing Service.

Outline of this episode

[1:20] What kind of things should be asking a podcast editing service?
[2:05] If you’re not aligned in terms of values, you’re asking for trouble.
[3:37] Find out the company’s editing philosophy.
[5:21] Do you have to provide guidance episode to episode?
[7:24] They have current clients, don’t they? Find out all you can!
[8:29] Listen to their work!
[10:17] Will you have an editor assigned to your show?
[12:14] Does the company have streamlined systems?
[14:12] Is there a commitment to clear communication?
[16:10] Where is your podcast editing team based?
[18:27] The issue of pricing in finding the right podcast editing service.

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

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51: What are GOOD Podcast Download Numbers? Feb 13, 2017

Show notes

Every podcaster wants BIG podcast download numbers. I mean, we hear about amazing accomplishments when it comes to downloads - like Mark Maron’s episode with President Obama, or the most recent episode of Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History” that got 1 million downloads in 24 hours - and let’s admit it. We’re a bit jealous. OK, not a bit. A LOT jealous.

But podcast download numbers are not all created equal.

When you hear about a show like Hardcore History that accomplishes such an amazing and impressive number of downloads, you need to know that there are facts about the show, the way the downloads happen, and the behind-the-scenes stuff that you don’t know about - that make it IMPOSSIBLE to legitimately compare your show to that show. On this episode I’m walking through some of those very real issue so that YOU won’t be so discouraged when your numbers are nowhere even CLOSE to that. In fact, there’s a lot of reason for you to be very ENCOURAGED. :)

So HOW SHOULD you think about downloads?

What really IS a good number of downloads to expect from your normal, niche specific, podcast - a podcast like yours? For the answer to that I reached out to a colleague of mine, Rob Walch who’s one of the outstanding folks over at Libsyn - the big-dog media host in the podcasting space - and as Rob is wont to do, he pulled out the stats to give me the real picture of what are truly good numbers of downloads and what podcast download stats we shouldn’t even be paying attention to. I think you’re going to hear something from what Rob shares that is first of all - unbelievable - but secondly, very encouraging. Really. It is.

But, the download numbers are NOT what really matters!

I KNOW, I KNOW, Facebook and other social media platforms have us ADDICTED to knowing how many people are liking or tweeting or listening to or reading our stuff. For that reason those kind of numbers are rightly referred to as VANITY metrics because they make us feel good more than anything else. Download stats can become the same sort of self-encouragement.

And that’s not ALWAYS a bad thing.

But there are OTHER things that the numbers tell us that are MUCH more important than the simple fact of what the number is. It’s what the download numbers represent to a podcaster (like you) who truly cares about his/her audience, who is trying to add maximum value to the people who listen to their podcast. I’ve got an example from my past to help you get a handle on how you should look at your podcast download numbers that I think will help. You can hear it on this episode of Podcastification. Come on, it’s a short episode - what do you have to lose?

Outline of this episode

[1:18] The allure of high download stats and why they can’t be trusted.
[1:54] The things about huge downloads you need to understand.
[4:05] What ARE good podcast download numbers?
[6:08] Looking at the numbers the RIGHT way.

resources we talked about in this episode

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com