Feed Your Brand

Navigating the digital space as a creator means understanding the dark side of podcasting, where predatory spam, fake metrics, and deceptive agencies target vulnerable shows. While it is tempting to protect your show by removing your public email address from RSS feeds, doing so damages your long-term success by cutting off legitimate sponsors, listeners, and business partners. To safeguard your v...

Going live isn't just about hitting "record"—it’s about a rock-solid system that turns a single broadcast into a massive promotional engine. In this "behind-the-curtain" episode of Feed Your Brand , Tom and Tracy Hazzard reveal their exact, step-by-step workflow for multi-platform streaming. While many creators "wing it" on a single app, the Hazzards use a sophisticated mix of Zoom and Restream to...

Mastering professional guest management requires moving away from basic linear formatting toward a highly intentional, segmented recording process. While novice hosts often hit record the second a guest joins a digital call, seasoned creators build authority by establishing an unrecorded "comfort buffer zone." This critical pre-show window allows you to align on audience expectations, settle initi...

A manageable podcast social media plan must be built in one hour and focus on moving listeners from low-conversion social platforms to high-conversion podcast feeds. While social media engagement often hovers at a mere 1.3%, podcasting offers a massive 37% conversion rate, making it essential to treat social media strictly as a "growth tool" rather than a destination. By setting one clear business...

Profitability in publishing and podcasting is not about volume; it is about content alignment—the strategic glue that connects your website, your email list, and your core business goals. In this expert-led episode, Tracy and Tom Hazzard are joined by Juliet Clark of Superbrand Publishing to discuss why so many creators find themselves shouting into a void. Often, an entrepreneur writes a book on...

Running podcast replays without a clear strategy often results in significant listener loss and a permanent dip in show authority. In this data-driven episode, Tracy Hazzard reveals illuminating research on the "replay trap." While many creators use reruns to take seasonal breaks, the statistics show an average 13.26% loss in listenership during the replay period and a lingering 10.65% drop even a...

Podcast video marketing on Instagram requires a strategic mix of short-form Reels and vertical clips to capture attention and funnel scrollers back to your full episodes. Social media strategist Whitney Lauritsen explains that while conversion rates on social platforms are traditionally low, the high organic engagement of video makes it an essential tool for "broadcasting your passion" to a wider...

Whether you're just hitting record on your very first episode or you've got a seasoned show with thousands of listens, you may always be looking for that next big guest get. You know the one – that guest that doesn’t give podcast interviews often and is shielded by their team. But here's the thing – how do you make your podcast so irresistible that these fantastic guests are practically lining up...

Yes, a single copyright claim can trigger an immediate removal of your entire show from Spotify, often without prior warning or due diligence. In this cautionary episode, Tracy and Tom Hazzard detail a shocking case study involving the podcast Women Leaders on the Move . Despite having over 300 episodes and a loyal following, the show was wiped from the platform due to an automated DMCA claim file...

Your podcast is more than just a hobby; it is a digital asset with "street value" that needs a backup plan. In this surprisingly urgent episode, Tom and Tracy Hazzard tackle the "taboo" topic of succession planning. Whether it’s a sudden death, a legal issue, or a messy business breakup, podcasts often vanish overnight because the host was the only one with the keys. The Hazzards explain that your...

A truly meaningful thank you to podcast listeners involves moving beyond generic holiday greetings to offer sincere acknowledgment, specific appreciation, and exclusive value that recognizes their time and loyalty. While tools like AI can suggest typical "Thanksgiving-themed" scripts, the most impactful messages are those that feel personal and authentic, such as thanking listeners at the beginnin...

Over-guesting occurs when a creator prioritizes appearing on other shows more than publishing and promoting their own episodes, leading to a significant imbalance in their authority ranking. If you guest on a high-authority show that is optimized better than yours, their content can actually outrank your own platform on Google and podcast apps, effectively pushing your show down in search results....

An effective podcast social media plan prioritizes discoverability over aesthetics by focusing on high-conversion platforms and a consistent, automated posting schedule. While social media conversion rates can be as low as 1.3% due to their "interruptive" nature, podcasters can significantly boost their odds by leveraging Google-owned platforms like YouTube and cross-linking to searchable WordPres...

To boost podcast promotion, creators must shift from simply tagging guests to utilizing formal platform collaboration tools that place content on both the host's and the guest’s feeds simultaneously. Social media expert Angie Lile explains that while many podcasters are great at sharing their own episodes, they often miss the massive engagement boost that comes from authentic partnership. By using...

Optimizing social media profiles requires shifting from a self-centered resume style to an outward-facing "digital trade show booth" that addresses the audience's specific pains and aspirations. Host Tracy Hazzard emphasizes that since most users are on social media for personal connection rather than business messages, your profile must serve as a compelling cold calling card. By customizing your...

The key to successful YouTube Shorts for podcasters is finding a comfortable, sustainable posting frequency that consistently provides high-value content, primarily for promotional purposes. Shorts, which are vertical videos up to three minutes but often under 60 seconds, act as an audience magnet , driving viewers to your longer-form podcast content and attracting subscribers. To avoid burnout, e...

Podcast SEO and YouTube Video Search Optimization rely on fundamentally different algorithms; you can no longer pretend your existing podcast strategy will work on YouTube. Podcast search operates on a relevance model —providing the closest match to your search query—while YouTube prioritizes engagement and platform retention over direct keyword matching to maximize ad revenue and keep users watch...

Hold onto your microphones, podcasters! We're hitting the refresh button to bring you an even more electrifying experience! Get ready for a major glow-up on our YouTube channels and a supercharged coaching call mentorship format. We're talking next-level content and support to help you absolutely crush your podcasting goals in the coming year. We'll also keep you ahead of the curve, sharing the la...

Ever wonder what happens after a guest says "yes" to your podcast? The secret to seamless, professional guest booking lies in a killer confirmation page and making your guest feel valued. Discover the essential elements you need to impress your guests, streamline your process, and ensure every interview goes off without a hitch. Don't miss these crucial follow-up strategies that will elevate your...

Preventing burnout requires a shift from a "pinky toe" commitment to a systematic "all-in" approach that prioritizes Frictionless processes and realistic expectations. Many creators suffer from podfade—simply stopping their show without warning—because they allow repetitive, mundane tasks like manual scheduling and heavy editing to drain their creative energy. To avoid this "sprint in a marathon"...

Want to skyrocket your podcast's influence? Imagine interviewing the biggest names in your industry! This article spills the secrets on how to snag those dream guests. We'll show you exactly how to find the right fit and build awesome connections to land those high-profile interviews you've always dreamed of! Don’t miss any tips or tools! Join the experts at Podcasters United LIVE every Wednesday...

In this crazy AI world we live in, if you're not carefully editing the captions and transcripts for your podcasts and videos, you're risking your brand and your human connections. Skipping out on making your content accurate doesn't just make it harder for people to use; it seriously messes with how easily folks can find you online. If you're not doing proper podcast transcript optimization and vi...

Navigating long-term digital retention requires facing the harsh data behind podcast abandonment and "podfading." Based on a comprehensive internal analysis of over 1,200 canceled shows, a clear pattern emerges separating active creators from those who completely walk away. While normal podfading allows a show to remain searchable as an automated marketing funnel or residual asset, complete abando...

In a world increasingly dominated by AI, personal connection is more important than ever, and you, as podcasters, have a natural advantage! While AI can generate content that sounds personal, even friendly, it can never replace the unique value of your persuasive voice in establishing a deep connection with your audience. Remember that feeling when you hear a mentor’s advice in your head? That's t...

Navigating the intricate world of digital content involves managing intellectual property rights, an area creators frequently overlook until legal complications arise. In this episode, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark joins the conversation to dissect everything from podcast cover art rights and guest image clearances to the legal complexities of AI-generated graphics. While independent creator...