School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

Are you confident your podcast content is truly resonating with your audience? Many podcasters assume their content is "fine" without digging deeper. But there's a powerful way to gain invaluable insights directly from your listeners. In this episode, I share a game-changing strategy I recently used at my new job with Podpage. By conducting one-on-one Zoom calls with users, we uncovered crucial fe...

70% of podcasts are discovered via word of mouth (Jacobs Media). So if we can understand what makes someone recommend something, we can start to do that in our show. We heard words like affordable, quality, and unique. Some people recommend based on a relationship that delivers value . When you deliver something you can't get any place else. Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you...

My last day at Libsyn was July 12th, 2024. I'm starting a new chapter in my podcasting career, and so to announce the next chapter, I thought it might be fun (and maybe inspirational? ) for newbies to see what is possible with a podcast. Last week I talked about my journey through technology. I explained that where I am now is NOT where I started and it took years to get here. Today I'm talking ab...

I had two people ask me about the "Behind the Scenes" operations of the School of Podcasting . I was nervous about doing this episode. If you're new to the show, I normally don't talk about myself for 47 minutes. As I had two people ask similar questions, I thought I'd share information about: Where I Started (start ugly - great book ) My first podcast setup My first "business office" Why and how...

Some people can "riff" off the top of their heads, while others need a script. Do whatever works for you, but when it SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE READING, it can lose listeners. Today, I bring in Professional Voiceover Artist Jodi Krangle to give us some tips on how to sound natural. She also shares some insights on the voiceover industry and her pet peeves in podcasting. Find Jodi at www.voiceroversandvoc...

Today's episode is an exciting one as we introduce a brand-new show, "Podcasting Hot Seat." This fresh concept blends the best elements of the Podcast Review Show and the Podcast Rodeo Show. Our inaugural guest on Podcasting Hot Seat is the multi-talented Stephanie Graham. We will discuss her engaging podcast, "Nosy AF," her vibrant art practice, and the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a su...

How to Ensure Your Podcast Guests Shine: Understanding your audience is non-negotiable when crafting an exceptional podcast. All good podcasters start by clearly identifying their audience. Are you catering to 24-year-old women or 59-year-old women? Knowing your audience is essential to producing content that resonates. This involves diligent research to understand your listeners' preferences and...

Today we talk about if your show is feeling stale, maybe a change of input could help. One form of content that might be getting overlooked is books. In addition to libraries, there are online tools. In Ohio we have Libby and Hoopla Digital that allow you to listen audiobooks for free. Spotify has recently added audiobooks to their service and Amazon has Audible . When you change the information t...

Why are reaction videos so popular? I mean, I can watch or listen to something and have my own reaction? Today I tie this into podcasting and how sharing your opinion can help you build your community.  I play clips from a show I like, one that drives me nuts, and one that will potentially offend you as it deals with pronouns (which is the whole point - how does it make you feel).  I als...

How do you grow your audience? I hear this every day in every Facebook group. It starts with your content. It can't be good. It can't be great. I needs to be WOW content that your audience HAS to share. Today we talk about the ingredients that make up wow content from the book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World  by Michael Hyatt.  I also talk about what GOOGLE thinks is good and what stops us...

Today, we're thrilled to have Matt Cundill of the Sound Off Podcast as our guest. With over 25 years of experience in radio and having embarked on his podcasting journey back in 2016, Matt has reached an incredible milestone with his Sound Off podcast hitting 400 episodes. In this conversation, we delve into his early challenges, the critical importance of consistency, and the impact of evolving p...

In this episode, we look at how podcasters use YouTube to enhance your podcast. I asked: A) Are you not using YouTube at all? B) Are you creating static videos? C) Are you creating full videos? I also talk about a way to find more content using YouTube even if you're not making videos.  Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where...

Today I talk Mark Lawley from the Practical Prepping Show . I brought Mark on as he is a "regular guy" (retired Police Officer) who started a podcast with his wife Krista and the ball has been rolling along as their show grows (they have 14000 people in their Facebook group). Mark shares his journey from initial struggles to unexpected success, revealing the importance of knowing your audience, ha...

Today, I dive into the essence of keeping a positive and persistent approach to podcasting. I play guitar, and one of the reasons I'm pretty good is my attitude when learning to play. Share how you can do the same in podcasting. This gets you further than launching and keeps you going. In this episode, I share stories from his insightful visit to the Content Entrepreneur Expo, revealing varying op...

Today we do a deeper dive into why podcasters quit before getting to 10 episodes. What causes this? We also look at topics that can turn up the heat and controversies around your show. JOIN THE SCHOOL OF PODCASTING COMMUNITY Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting . Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coachi...

In this episode, we'll dive deep into the "why" behind rebranding your podcast and how vital it is to know your audience intimately, as these elements profoundly influence the content and success of your show. I revisit the significance of knowing your WHY before changing a podcast’s identity and content approach. I also peel back the curtain on past errors to help you pave the way for smarter fut...

Alban Brooke has been at Buzzsprout for almost ten years and is the head of Marketing. Today we talk about some new features to manage your show in Buzzsprout along with the attitude and expectations to make it in the long game of podcasting.  Connect with Alban Brooke Check out Buzzcast Connect with Alban on Twitter @albanbrooke Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, I earn from qual...

Welcome to the School of Podcasting! In today's exhilarating episode, we dove deep into the art of leveraging social media to supercharge your podcast. Join me, Dave Jackson, and social media strategist Katie Brinkley as we unpack the power of the 4 pillars strategy—awareness, education, elaboration, and storytelling—to captivate your audience. Discover the secret sauce to building a dedicated com...

I'm back from Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA. I learned some cool stuff, and YouTube did a presentation and I point out the good, the bad, and the confusing.  I also point out some people who got busted doing things that could really damage podcasting's integrity. My friends Harry and Kevin boil down podcast monetization to a single question. I've got a new giveaway, that gets you educated and...

I am so excited to have Joe Pulizzi on the show today. Joe has been creating great podcasts like Content Inc. , and This Old Marketing show for years to coincide with his amazing books like Content Inc . ,  Epic Content and  The Content Entrepreneur.   Joe also created and sold the Content Marketing Institute and is now the man behind the Content Entrepreneur Expo (May 5-7, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohi...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the School of Podcasting, where your host, Dave Jackson, invites you on a deep dive into the exciting world of Podcasting 2.0. Join us as we explore the dramatic shift from traditional podcast monetization to earning directly through satoshis, capturing the real impact of this new revenue model with personal stories of enhanced earnings. This episode is a...

I get the question, "Should I start a video podcast? " Should I be on YouTube? along with "I uploaded my video and it's not appearing on Spotify" daily, so this episode is to help those struggling with the idea of video.  I will also help you avoid a big headache and announce a new way to consume my book.  Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Are you considering diving into the dynamic world of podcast...

In Episode 922, financial expert Ralph Estep Jr. joins me to discuss a topic that often trips up content creators: taxes. This episode delves into vital financial considerations for podcasters, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential tax deductions, proactive financial tracking, and leveraging various tools. Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Are you considering diving into the dynamic wo...

Today I asked my audience how full is their playlist? Are they looking for more shows? Happy with the Current Line up? Or are you already behind on the shows you follow? Is it harder to grow a podcast today than, say 5 years ago? I also talk about an Evernote alternative (as their price is going WAY UP) and how when things evolve, some will like it and some won't, do what is right for your show, a...

Hey there, fellow podcasters! I'm Dave Jackson, and welcome to another episode of the School of Podcasting, where we breathe life into your podcasting journey. Today's lesson is close to my heart: "Strategies for Staying Motivated." We all know the drill — some days, you're on top of the world, ready to share your voice with the masses; other times, the mic might as well be a ten-ton weight. But d...