The Audacity to Podcast® - tips and how to start and grow profit in podcasting

Unlike traditional broadcasting, there are no "show clocks," scheduled ad breaks, or rigid time slots for podcasts. So should you care about publishing episodes of different lengths? While I think episodes don't have to be the same length, there are some considerations. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/consistentlength 1. What does your audience e...

This fundamental question that has been challenged and even abused: what is a podcast anymore? There's plenty of misinformation and disinformation out there about what a podcast is. My efforts to help set the definition straight may be fruitless, but there's more to consider here than only the meaning of the word. This is my 400th episode of The Audacity to Podcast, to to commemorate this mileston...

Podcasting guesting is consistently the #1 way to grow your own podcast. This works because it gives you the opportunity to get in front of more ideal listeners, provide value and demonstrate your knowledge, and it's easy for them to follow you over to your podcast. But how do you find the first shows you should try getting on? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacity...

I see podcasters often think that their podcast might grow faster if they switch podcast hosting providers, like from Blueberry to Captivate or vice versa. But is this true? Short answer, no. Now, of course, I'm going to give you more details about that. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostinggrow Short answer: no 1. Podcast stats may be measured...

Intentional growth requires regular evaluation and adjustment. That applies to so many areas of life and business, and your podcast is no different. I've put together five things I suggest you evaluate about your podcast every year so that you can make the changes necessary to keep growing your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/evaluateyea...

How long should your episode closing be? While your episode openings should be as short as possible, the length of your episode closings can be a bit more dynamic. The answer is actually a little different this time: as simple as possible. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/simpleclosing Answer: as simple as possible Spread out your calls to action...

What is the first thing your audience hears when they play your latest episode? Are you providing value in your opening, or just keeping your audience from what they came to hear? Although the terms "intro"/"introduction" and "opening" are often used interchangeably, I'm going to be more specific to call the "opening" everything your audience hears before your episode's unique content. Please shar...

As The Audacity to Podcast celebrates 15 years of professional podcasting, I invite you to take a critical look back at the biggest mistakes I've made and things I wish I did differently with my show. My hope is that this will inspire you to either fix these things early for yourself, or avoid them altogether! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/15re...

Whether by choice or beyond your control, your podcast might have to go on a hiatus—and it could so long that the podcast seems dead! How do you come back from that and get back into your rhythm? It will take some work, but here are my recommendations (and what I'm practicing myself, too!). Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/revive Review your podca...

Redirects come in multiple types. When misused, they can cause some major problems, as even happened to me recently. Here are some warnings to watch for whenever you use redirects. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirectcautions “Redirects and How to Use Them in Podcasting”: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podca...

There comes a point in every podcast when it's necessary to say a URL. If for nothing else, at least your podcast's own home on the Internet. (And you should have a domain for your podcast!) Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/sharingurls 1. Speak as few URLs as possible (per episode) Pretty Links Pro: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/prettylinkpr...

AI has rapidly advanced for content creation. But should you actually trust it? With this potential comes some crucial warnings for using AI in podcasting.

Inside jokes can offer fun potential for your podcast, but also some potential costs. Here are some brief things for you to consider as you engage with your podcast audience. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/insidejokes Where inside jokes come from What about the new listeners? Turn inside jokes into swag Community Corner ——— Start and grow your o...

Monetization is not the only profit you can get from podcasting! Here's why I think you should put P.R.O.F.I.T. first in every aspect of your podcast.

Apple provides a portal for you to submit and manage your own podcast in Apple Podcasts. It's called Podcasts Connect. Plus, countless other podcast apps and podcasting tools rely on Apple's data through their free API. Whether your podcast has been in Apple Podcasts for years, or you're just starting out, I suggest you check these 8 things right away! Please share this episode from your podcast a...

You might have heard people talk about IAB podcast stats, measurement guidelines, compliance, and certification. Here's what all of that means, and whether it even matters! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/iabstats Who is the IAB? What are IAB stats These IAB guidelines get updated every few years. As of March 2024, the latest version is 2.2 still...

Transcripts have long been promoted as ways to make your podcast more findable and accessible. But it's only recently that podcast transcripts have become actually useful! Although I didn't plan it this way, the timing of this episode is perfect because I just launched a new feature on Podgagement that automatically transcribes audio feedback from your audience!: https://podgagement.com/ Please sh...

Podcasting 2.0 is revolutionizing podcasting for podcasters, audiences, and developers. Here are what I think are the best features you should try now, if you can. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/top20features 1. Cross-app comments Podgagement: https://podgagement.com/ 2. Live streaming Learn more about the Podcasting 2.0 live streaming feature f...

Get the latest top recommendations for the best podcast-hosting providers, whether you're just starting or you're wanting to upgrade your podcasting tools!

If your podcast is listed twice in Apple Podcasts or another podcast directory, STOP! Don't do anything about it until you read or listen to this! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/fixduplicates How duplicate podcast listings happen Reason 1: a secondary feed was automatically discovered and indexed Podpage: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpage...

After sharing multiple considerations for refreshing your podcast branding, it's time to wrap it up with the big question: how?

The Audacity to Podcast is back! And before jumping back into the content to help you grow and improve your podcast, I want to share three things I'm really excited about!

After considering the benefits of refreshing your podcast branding, you need to decide when it's the right time to do so. Here are some suggestions! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/refreshwhen 6 Benefits of a Podcast Branding Refresh: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/6-benefits-of-a-podcast-branding-refresh/ What is "podcast branding"? Podcast Lo...

Thinking about refreshing your podcast branding? Before I discuss the "when," let's consider how your podcast might benefit from a branding refresh. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/refreshbenefits What is "podcast branding"? Podcast Logo vs. Cover Artwork: Understanding the Difference and When to Use Each: https://www.podcastbranding.co/podcast-l...

Bonus content can be a fun way to engage and reward your loyal podcast audience, either publicly, through an opt-in, or exclusively in a premium subscription. Here are some things you could try making. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bonusideas 8 Bonus Content Ideas for Your Podcast: 1. Bloopers 2. Behind-the-scenes 3. Sneak peeks 4. Extended edi...