Launch a Podcast on a Budget

Loving the insights from this video? Indulge in the full thing! ?

Edison Research: The Podcast Consumer 2019 Report

Loving the insights from this video? Indulge in the full thing! ?

Edison Research: The Podcast Consumer 2019 Report

Most Common Formats:

• Interview Style (more value for listeners, great for networking)

• Solo (most convenient, good for niches, need strong host)

• Multi-Host (becomes harder to schedule but allows for breaks)

• Roundtable (“fly on the wall” experience for listeners, typically longer episodes)

Length of Show:

• Factors: file sizes and hosting expenses

• Creating an Avatar helps with decision

"If you want to stand out from the crowd, it helps to know what the crowd looks like"

Have a read through this blog post which was created by one of my fav publications in the Podcasting Industry, Pacific Content. It includes a handy chart to see how various podcast categories differ in the number of shows and episodes available.

My fav tools for creating podcast artwork:

• DIY on Canva

• Hire a freelancer on Fiverr

NEW PARTNER:

Quill is a one-stop marketplace where podcasters can find pre-vetted expert freelancers who will save them time, improve their podcast quality, and help grow their audience. If you are looking to outsource elements of your podcast like logo creation, audio editing, transcription, or are simply looking for support on getting started, reach out to fatima@quillit.io.

"If you want to stand out from the crowd, it helps to know what the crowd looks like"

Have a read through this blog post which was created by one of my fav publications in the Podcasting Industry, Pacific Content. It includes a handy chart to see how various podcast categories differ in the number of shows and episodes available.

Pro Tip: Look for authors and experts with upcoming book or publication releases! ?

• Sort Amazon by “coming soon”

Take a peek at the pre-interview form I sent all 17 guests on Season 2 of the Freedom Lifestyle Podcast ?

You're about to tackle the biggest hurdle in podcasting. Are you ready to master the Core 5? (it's easier than it sounds).

1. Picking a Microphone

2. Recording your Podcast

3. Podcast Editing

4. Podcast Hosting

5. Distributing your Podcast

YOU'VE GOT THIS!

What to consider:

• USB versus XLR

• What are its polar patterns?

• Does it have it zero delay monitoring?

• How portable is it?

My top picks:

• Snowball $70-$90 - for solo / remote only podcasts

• Yeti ~$150 - for versatile recording options (in-person interviews / group settings)

• Samsung Go $~50 - for podcasting on-the-go

I purchased the Yeti in Midnight Blue ??

"Record and stream with unparalleled sound quality direct to your computer with Yeti, the ultimate professional USB Microphone. Yeti uses Blue’s proprietary tri-capsule technology for pristine, studio-quality broadcast sound. Featuring four different pattern settings, Yeti USB mic is ideal for podcasting, voice for YouTube, game streaming on Twitch, Skype calls, music and more.

With simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and microphone gain, you'll be recording and streaming right out of the box. The Yeti does not require any driver install; simply plug it into your computer's USB port with the included USB cable and you're ready to record and stream"

1) Solo Podcast / In-person:

• Record straight into your device!

  
  

2) Remote interviews:

• Zencastr - Free (up to 2 guests), creates two audio files

• TalkShoe - Free global dial-in, live broadcasting + conferencing features

• Anchor - Record with guests or cohosts anywhere in the world, or collect voice messages from your listeners to include in your episodes.

I am SO excited to introduce you to Descript (use Sam's referral link (here) if you're discovering it here first).

I discovered this in 2020 and have exclusively been using it to record, edit and publish my show. It makes the process quicker and more fun.

If you want to book a 1 on 1 call to strategize your podcast, I'd love that!

P.S. want to source the whole process? Check out:

• Fiverr (20% off your first purchase)

• Quill

Resources:

• Mac - GarageBand (free)

• PC - Audacity (free)

• YouTube audio library (music and sound effects)
  

NEW PARTNER:

Quill is a one-stop marketplace where podcasters can find pre-vetted expert freelancers who will save them time, improve their podcast quality, and help grow their audience. If you are looking to outsource elements of your podcast like logo creation, audio editing, transcription, or are simply looking for support on getting started, reach out to fatima@quillit.io.

This is where your artwork, descriptions and RSS feed lives. You have many options!

1) Free options: - TalkShoe and Anchor

• Unlimited free hosting

• Limited analytics

2) User friendly + paid: - Soundcloud and Buzzsprout

• Offer first few hours free, $10-$20 / month after

• Both very user friendly

3) Pro options + paid: Libsyn and Blubrry

• $15/ month for 250MB new monthly uploads

• More comprehensive, difficult to navigate

After you've selected and signed up for a hosting provider, they'll give you your official RSS feed (really Simple Syndication / Rich Site Summary).

• Auto updates in to your feed readers (where people listen to your show)
  

• Sign up for free accounts on: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Overcast, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio
  

Goal: Get featured on Apple’s New and Noteworthy

• 8 weeks from first upload

• I created a Landing page to collect emails / create hype

  • I shared this video / trailer on social media which I created using Captioned App (free)

• Pre-produce episodes to focus on marketing during the first 8 weeks

• Push for subscribes and reviews by gamifying it!

• Pro tip: upload two files in day one (intro + episode 1)

  
  

Pro Tip:

• Spotify has an integration with IG stories

• Share podcast from Spotify to your IG Stories to make your link “clickable”

• Great workaround for not having 10k ?

Ongoing Tactics:

• Lead with value

• Use keywords

• Share smart links (podkites)

• Facebook Groups and email newsletters

• Cross-promotion with other podcasters

• Getting featured on other shows

• Lean on Guests

  • “Video” clips (created on Headliner)

• Pitch media (podcast lists)

• KISS

• CTA for listeners

Consumption Analytics:

• High consumption but low unique downloads = marketing problem
  

• Low consumption but growing unique downloads = content problem
  
  

• 50% of podcasts get >200 downloads, 5% get 14k and 1% get 80k+

Pro Tip: Remember why you started and focus on that goal ?

1) Gated content (pay to listen)

2) Affiliate marketing (volume)

• Check out the Grow Sumo Marketplace

3) Sponsored ad (volume + niche)

4) Pay to play (produce podcasts)

5) Products (create a brand)

6) Thought leadership (sell your knowledge)

Other interesting tools:

• Patreon
  
  

  • Launch paid membership site for your fans and create exclusive content.

• Dynamo
  
  

  • Add pre, post and mid roll ads into your episodes that refresh automatically.

• Tipeee

  • Crowdfunding based on the concept of leaving a tip.

Remember, the average "podfader" quits after 7 episodes. This won't be you!