PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting

In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one might suit you. Of course, podcast recording and editing software is more than just DAWs these days. There are a lot of great call recorders and podcast making apps too. On this episode of Podcraft, we'll talk you through a range of options, as well as discuss our own personal favourites.  Resources Mentioned Alitu: The Podcast Maker App Audacity Hindenburg Journalist Adobe Audition Reaper The Complete Podcast Software Guide Best Podcast Editing Software Best Podcast Making Apps The Minimum Effective Editing Approach Best Tools for Recording a Podcast Online Best Text-Based Editing Options Editing Your Podcast With a Stream Deck Editing Your Podcast With a Video Game Controller

The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic sitting in a cat bed. The bottom line is that creating a pro-sounding home podcast studio is possible, no matter how small your budget or house space. Key Resources How to Create a Silent Podcast Studio Why Record Your Podcast Outdoors What is Reverb? (& How to Fix it!)

Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon. It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their recording device, then link the two together with a cable they’ll spend $5 on. On this episode, we look to better understand all these different ‘Bits & Bobs’ by running through what they are, what they look like, and what they do. Types of Audio Cable & Connection XLR Cables XLR cables and inputs. XLR cables are commonly known as microphone cables. They have a male end and a female end and are used to connect microphones to equipment or to create a link between two pieces of equipment (like a mixer to a recorder). Quarter Inch (1/4”) The 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug looks like a bigger version of the 3.5mm plug. They’re commonly used to connect microphones and other gear to recording equipment such as mixers or preamps. Most mixers and recorders will allow you to connect either an XLR cable or a 1/4″ jack to the same port. These are known as ‘Combo Ports’. The Standard Headphone Jack The 3.5mm plug/connection is most commonly found on headphones and earbuds. They’re also found on some smaller microphones too, like ‘lavalier' clip-on mics, and headsets. TS, TRS, & TRRS Plugs Audio plugs (like the 3.5mm plug) have markings on them to determine exactly how they work. These markings come in the form of little black bands that run around the shaft of each plug. These bands separate each different function of the plug in question. A plug with one band is known as a tip sleeve or TS jack. That's because the single band separates the tip from the sleeve. A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring sleeve, or TRS jack, because the bands have separated a ring in the middle, between the tip and the sleeve. A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring ring sleeve, or TRRS jack, because that has two rings separated in the middle. So what's the purpose of all these tips and rings, and how do they work differently? TS plugs are traditionally known as mono plugs, because the tip is feeding all the audio to the source in one dose. TRS plugs are traditionally known as stereo plugs because the tip is now being used to feed the left channel of your audio to the source, whilst the ring is feeding the right channel. In recent years, a third option was added to this setup – the TRRS plug. The extra ring was brought in to accommodate a microphone or video option. The most common use of TRRS plugs is talking through a headset on your PC, or making a hands free call on your phone. RCA RCA connectors are also known as phone cables or AV jacks. Mixers have RCA ports on them, and these enable you to connect and play media through them. RCA cables are usually Y shaped, with the white and red stereo audio plugs at one end, and a single plug on the other end, such as a 3.5mm or 1/4″ connection. We also cover microphone stands and pop filters. Resources Mentioned The Best Boom Arm for Podcasting Studio Cable Management for Podcasters Finding the Best Audio Cables: The (Not So) Fascinating Truth Best Podcast Microphones on the market Alitu - Our Podcast Maker App

Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring", and that's what we'll discuss in this episode of PodCraft. Key Considerations Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) while recording audio to catch any real-time issues. Use headphones or speakers with a flat frequency response. Don't use gear that'll add extra bass that doesn't exist in your source material, for example. Use a headphone splitter to give guests their own headphones whilst recording.  When choosing headphones, consider things like comfort, isolation, sound leakage, as well as cable length and type.  Headphones are great for mixing voice, but switch to speakers to mix in your music if you have that option in your setup.  Gear Mentioned Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Studio Headphones  Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Studio Headphones KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitors M-Audio AV40 Studio Monitors Mackie MR5 mk3 Studio Monitors HosaTech YMM-261 Stereo Splitter

You most likely already carry an expensive recording device around with you everywhere you go. We're talking, of course, about your smartphone. In this episode of PodCraft, we take a look at the different gear and options available for turning your phone or tablet into a fully functioning podcast studio. Gear & Resources Are built-in mics any good? Rode AI Micro Rode SmartLav + and SC6 Splitter Shure MV88 Rode Wireless Go Zoom iQ6 Recording apps for iOS Recording apps for Android Recording podcasts with Facebook Messenger Launch Essentials Course  

Mixers and audio interfaces have much in common with the podcast recorders mentioned on our last episode. One crucial difference is that these are less likely to work as standalone devices, and will need other gear to make them work (typically, mics and a computer).  A mixer or audio interface is an excellent tool if you prefer to use podcast recording software.  Our favourite interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96. On the mixer front, Dev was highly impressed by the Boss Gigcaster 5 and 8 recently, too.  Also Mentioned in This Episode How to set up a Mix-Minus (blast from the past!) Podcast Growth Essentials Course

In this episode, we’ll cover why you might want to use a digital recorder in your podcasting efforts, and how to choose the best one for you.We’ve discussed digital recorders in the past, and in fact, you can find our current definitive guide here: The Best Digital Podcast Recorders on the Market. This episode digs into the very same stuff with a little extra detail. Each option depends on your own unique situation, show format, and budget. But here are some of the models we typically recommend: Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05 - the lower-cost 'lite' models Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 - premium Zoom options  Rodecaster Pro II - the ultimate podcast recorder Zoom PodTrak P4 - does a lot of what the Rodecaster does at quarter of the price Mackie DLZ Creator - the "money is no object" option Also Mentioned Growth Essentials Course

First thing's first, you're going to need something to record into, aren't you?  On this episode we take a deep dive into the world of microphones for podcasting.  The Best Podcasting Microphones Here, you'll learn The difference between XLR and USB mics The difference between Dynamic and Condenser mics What are Polar Patterns, and which one do you need? Can you use built-in mics to podcast? And, what are OUR favourite mics?  Also Mentioned in This Episode Samson Q2U (USB and XLR) Blue Snowball (USB) Blue Yeti (USB) Rode Procaster (XLR) MXL 990 (XLR) Shure SM58 (XLR) Alitu: The Podcast Maker

Welcome to our new and updated season on podcasting gear and technology. We last recorded this one back in 2019, and a lot has changed in that time.  Or has it?  You can easily keep track of every resource, tool, or product mentioned on our Resources page, and on the Podcraft Equipment Season page. 

Affiliate schemes are a great way for podcasters (even completely new ones) to earn some income. On this episode, we dive into what affiliate programmes are, how they work, which ones to choose, and how to get the best from them. Check out our full guide to affiliate programmes for podcasters, the Alitu affiliate scheme, and the IndiePod Community.  

In a world of AI chatbots, it's easy to have your shownotes drafted up in an instant. But how do you create shownotes that are actually good?* That's one of the questions we'll be answering on today's episode, along with considerations around audio ads, variety shows, and email list signups.  Thanks to our listeners who sent in this week's voice questions. Why not submit one yourself?  Listener Podcasts Family Histories Podcast She Needs Grit All About Home Construction Tweet Trends Resources Mentioned The guide to podcast trailers Where to advertise your podcast How to create great podcast show notes The IndiePod Community Rephonic's 3D audience graph SparkToro *Alright, so these shownotes aren't exactly mindblowing. But they do the trick, do they not? ;-)

We love getting voice questions from our listeners and members of the IndiePod Community. On this episode, we've four more to answer, courtesy of:  Matt Hepburn - Interview Bookers James C Taylor - My Amazing Woman Flloyd Kennedy - Am I Old Yet? Michell Harris - The Conversing Nurse Podcast

In our last episode, we talked through some of our podcast shortcomings. This time around, we dig into two voice clips where listeners Marty and John highlight some areas they'd like to improve. John's podcast is called Build a Presentation Muscle, whilst Marty's is Nepal Now.  Please send us your own voice clip and tell us what "podcasty stuff" YOU'RE not very good at. We might even be able to help!  And, for Matthew's charity appeal, here's a link to the JustGiving page. 

If you're going to teach others how to podcast, does that mean you need to be brilliant at everything yourself? Well, hopefully not. Colin and Matthew can think of a few gaps in their skill sets. On this episode, they talk through them and explore ways they might be able to improve.  They're also asking the question, what are YOU not very good at? Please send us your voice feedback, and we'll try our best to feature it on a future episode! 

Following on from our previous episode, some of the advice given was "do less". But what if you want to do more, in the most efficient way possible? That's precisely the purpose of this episode, where we talk through some of our top tips to ship your show.  Also mentioned: Our Podcast Show London review  Working in Seasons Read about how to plan a season, along with every b enefit you’ll get. Sailing Solo Read about the solo format, and its p ros and cons. Then, find out how to create a great monologue.  Smart Repurposing Your first step here is to try recording a blog post in audio form. Give it a go! Then, find out how to script & present content for smart repurposing in future.  Read how to create a blog post that’s easy to repurpose smartly.  Going Live the Right Way Try recording a live session with the following structure: 1. Welcomes and content sourcing, 2. Solid content, directed by audience feed in section 1, 3. Q&A and Goodbyes. During sections 1 and 3, you run audience interaction, and during section 2, you just deliver content, no interaction. Then, repurpose section 2 alone for a great audience directed, smartly repurposed podcast episode! Interview Booking Systems See how I run my interview booking routine.  I use Book Like a Boss for all my book ings. Planning in Notion Use Notion.us, like me , to create well structured content series plans, and to organise all the material around it, from interviewee research to sponsor deals. Interview Prep Read Out on the Wire by Jessica Abe l for great advice on how to get great stories from people. Plus, read the following article: How to prepare for a great interview  Live Recording You can record right into the Alitu Podcast Maker app, and have it do the cleanup and add your music, automatically. Vocal Warmups Our guide to the best vocal warmups for podcasters.  

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I have so much time to work on my podcast, I struggle to even fill it"?  No?  Well, let's see what we can do about that, then. Here are nine great podcasting time-saving tips for you to try out.  Batch recording  Use fewer tools Do fewer things Don't multitask (and, time block) Click/MEE editing  Speeded-up editing Use templates Utilise dynamic ads Automate and outsource wherever possible

Download numbers can vary from platform to platform, which causes frustration and confusion among podcasters. Why do some services show much higher numbers than others? Are they interpreting downloads differently? And what else can we do to measure the performance of our podcasts?   We'd also love to get some voice questions in for future episodes. Go to thepodcasthost.com/question to submit. If we play yours on the next episode, we'll send you a copy of The Podcast Host Planner and our Podcast Growth book.  

Open podcasting has always been vitally important to how the industry works. Still, it’s hard to talk about without getting super technical or glazing over in the middle of the conversation. This is because those conversations often start with the most tech-savvy industry folks – not your average podcaster – and certainly not your average podcast listener. But open podcasting is crucial to our industry, and the way things are moving, it’s at threat. So much so that a coalition known as the Podcast Standards Project has assembled on a mission to protect it.  In this episode, we’ll look at why open podcasting is so important to independent podcasters and what we can do to protect it. Check out our full blog post: Why We Need To Protect Open Podcasting (& How You Can Help!) 

If you’ve ever used a smartphone to take a GPS-enabled audio tour, such as one available through Voicemap, you’ve used locative media. Locative media is a way to share digital content via GPS triggers in the real world to increase personal interaction. It puts digital content and real places together to make an experience greater than the sum of its parts. On this episode, we talk about how you can utilise it to help enhance and grow your podcast.  Link to our full guide on Locative Media & GPS Audio  Season 17 of Podcraft  Submit a Question to Podcraft 

No podcaster in history has ever just run one show. In fact, many find their biggest or most successful podcasts to be a second or third attempt. They’ll learn the ropes on the topic they think they want to discuss, then start a new one later on, on a completely different subject. If you already run a podcast, then starting a second (or third, or fourth) is inevitable. BUT, if you’re just constantly starting new shows, you probably won’t get any momentum or success with any of them. SO, if you’ve got an idea for a new podcast and are itching to dive in, this episode provides you with a checklist of questions you can run through first. Resources The 10-10-10 Podcasting Challenge  Alitu: The Podcast Maker 

It’s a bit of a data discussion this week, with a few numbers to break down and analyse. Some of this data came via our own sources, whilst others have been the topic of much discussion in the mainstream media recently. Do Spotify layoffs and new podcasts dropping by 80% since 2020 mean podcasting is on the way out? And why do 60% of new podcasters worry about marketing their shows? Also mentioned on this episode: The Trailer Park Podcast, how to make a podcast trailer, 43% of new podcasters plan to go solo, how to run a podcast survey, what’s your podcast USP?, Podcast Growth (book), The Podcast Host on YouTube, and The Podcraft Community. 

There’s been a lot of chat about artificial intelligence (AI) in the podcasting industry recently. In most industries, in fact. Since the launch of ChatGPT – an insanely sophisticated AI chatbot that’s generating buzz and fear in equal measures – everyone’s got something to say about it. Episode Resources How Can Podcasters Use AI & ChatGPT to Their Advantage? Which AI Podcasting Tools Are Worth Using? AI-powered fiction podcast - FantasAI

What do drones have to do with podcasting, you ask? Well, if my visit to the Podcast Show 2022 is any measure, then I’m not the only person (by a long way!) interested in adding video to their podcasting workflow. And if we’re going to make video, we might as well explore every angle. Even the vertical. So, I thought I’d delve in and figure out whether drones have a place in helping create better video around your podcast. These things aren’t cheap, and they aren’t for everyone. But if you have a show that suits, and the budget to buy, then they might be a way to create amazing video to help engage your listeners, and grow your show. Let’s take a look at why you might use one, what you might create with it, and finish with a recommendation on what to buy. Time to fly! Read our full guide to Drones & Podcasting

What does it mean to take a journalistic approach to your podcast content? In this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by Katie, who is the driving force behind our new topical content offerings. Katie explains that a "journalistic approach" involves taking time to research your subjects and using a structured workflow to build stories. Some of the tips and suggestions here include using newsletters and Google Alerts as a way to source stories and using Trello boards and spreadsheets to organize content and ideas.  When it comes to fact-checking and sourcing stories, Katie recommends using multiple sources and tracing back to the original source. She also talks about the importance of citing sources, and how to contact people for comment and quotes. Finally, Katie and Matthew discuss the importance of considering what value the content will provide to listeners. They suggest using the acronym WIIFM (What's In It For Me) to help stay focused on providing value to listeners.

Video podcasting is no new thing. But it's more talked about than it ever was. YouTube are in the early stages of getting into podcasting, whilst Spotify have finally jumped into the pool, too. But does this mean that everyone should now be creating video as well as audio content? Or has a lot of this stuff been exaggerated and blown out of proportion? Undoubtedly video, if done well, can be an excellent compliment to your audio and written content. But it isn't some magic bullet that's going to automatically quadruple your audience. On this episode of Podcraft, we discuss the pitfalls of video podcasting, and help you make a more informed decision on whether it's right for you and your podcast. Captivate Blog - https://www.markasquith.com/youtube-case-study/ Video Podcasting Guide - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/should-i-make-a-video-podcast/

Podcasting can be a great way to market your business, and add a human touch to your company. But does this mean that every business should be running its own podcast? On this episode, we're joined by Jacob, who's Head of Marketing here at The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode we'll cover: - How someone might decide whether or not podcasting around their business is the right move. - Potential differences between a business podcast and a creative outlet or hobby show. - Examples of business podcasts that are "doing it right".

Colin and Matthew analyse some interesting data from our Podcast Planner tool. 43% of over 1,500 respondents told us they’d rather host a solo show than create content with other people. So why might this be? Perhaps there's a bit of post-pandemic Zoom fatigue in here where people are fed up with feeling like they are "on a call". There are a lot of positive reasons for going solo, too, including the flexibility, simplicity, control, and ownership. Here's the full report if you'd like a look over the data for yourself: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/solo-podcasting/

Lindsay from the content team helps produce a show called Life In The Ted Lane with her brother, Ted (apparently the name ‘Ted Talks’ was taken, unfortunately). "Ted and his sister Lindsay talk about Ted’s adventures, news from Broadway and Hollywood, Muppet News, and also what it’s like to be autistic." https://lifeinthetedlane.buzzsprout.com/ Joining Matthew on this episode of Podcraft, Lindsay talks us through both the positive experiences and challenges of running the show, as well as the nuts and bolts of how it’s made. Among the many positive aspects of this podcast is the feedback from parents and caregivers of other autistic people. Ted and Lindsay's adventures have entertained on many a long car journey, and helped give others the confidence to get out there in the world.

The concept is simple: You create the content your target audience is searching for, they find it, and your podcast grows as a result. But Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) isn't just as straightforward as that, unfortunately. There are nuances, best practices, and stiff competition from rival content creators. On season 16 of Podcraft we're leaning on the expertise and experience of our team here The Podcast Host and Alitu. On this episode, I'm joined by Sean, who is a full stack growth marketer. Sean knows a thing or two about SEO, and he's here to help you polish up your own search game, no matter what stage you're at. Mentions & ResourcesHow to Make a WordPress Website for Your PodcastKeyword SEO for PodcastersGoogle Search ConsoleAhrefs.comAlituCheck out the new ad, before it hits the Super BowlSupport the show

Mike from the Konversations With Kinfolk podcast is thinking about micro-content. He's looking for apps or software that can take small clips (video and/or audio) to create short clips for visibility and promotion. This is a great strategy for podcast growth. Micro-content can be highly searchable, shareable, and doesn't demand a lot of time to hook a potential new listener. It can also be quick and easy to create. Resources MentionedCanvaHow to Create AudiogramsHeadlinerPodIntelligenceBuzzsproutHow to Animate Your AudioOvercast SharingRepurpose.ioAlituWe also offer a bonus tip to Mike - improve those episode titles. The podcast will benefit greatly if you make them more descriptive and intriguing. Finally, we're looking for your feedback to help us help you better. Have you got a second to answer this quick question? What are you most struggling with in podcasting right now? Support the show

Khaled runs the show Curated Advice on Better Living, and wonders how to increase the number of listeners per episode. At time of recording, he's almost hit the 30-episode mark, which is a great point to reflect on what you've achieved so far, as well as revisit your big picture planning. We recommend that Khaled sets up a dedicated website for the podcast, which is a low-hanging fruit these days. You can do this quickly and at a low-cost by using Podpage. We also recommend that he uses our free Podcast Planner tool to tweak the overall aims, targeting, and message of the show. Finally, we give three actionable growth tips for Khaled to try out. These are:Run a co-hosted or crossover episode with another podcast in your nicheCreate a roundup of podcasts that you love in your nicheReach out to 3-5 true fans of your show and create a focus group For a deeper dive, check out our full guide on podcast promotion. On this episode, we also mention Pocket-Sized Podcasting and Alitu: The Podcast MakerSupport the show

Michael of Night Moodz wonders how to turn casual listeners into subscribers, followers, and even, supporters. This is a question with many layers as the first and most obvious move is simply to ask in your Calls to Action. You might also want to show them how by creating a 'how to subscribe' page on your website. A final and essential piece of the jigsaw, though, is to make folks want to come back for more. Our free Podcast Planner tool can help you hone your message and your content, and make sure your show is optimised for growth!Support the show

How do you get useful analytics to present to potential sponsors and advertisers? That's one of the questions on the mind of Karen from BankTalk Podcast. And, one that we'll try our best to answer on this episode of PodCraft. Your Apple Podcast Connect and Spotify for Podcasters dashboards can give you a good sample of listening patterns. Granted, these won't be the full picture, but, for many podcasters, this is at least 50% of their audience. Listener surveys are an optimal way to get first-hand data from your audience. You might also track conversions and clicks from advertising your own products, services, or events, too. We would also recommend using Rephonic's Podcast Audience Graph tool. This shows you the podcasts your listeners also subscribe too. You could check a few of them out and see what (if any) brands are advertising on them. Support the show

Kay is the co-host of the In Da Trenches Podcast and asks about optimising their name, outline, and theme. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at the bigger picture of your podcast, asking questions such as:What’s its purpose?Who’s it for?What does success look like for me?You can then start to work backwards from these. Another very useful exercise is to use our free Podcast Planner Tool. And we have thorough guides on Podcast Names, Descriptions, and Formats for a deeper dive on those topics, too. Support the show

Laurent of the Puissante Panoplie podcast asks us about breaks between seasons. He feels that these can halt his momentum, and make him feel a bit like a headless chicken, jumping from task to task with no real plan in mind. Once the break is over, Laurent adds, he feels anything but rested or organised going into his new season. On this episode, we talk about ways to better structure your breaks in between seasons. We also cover the benefits of running an audience survey during these periods. You can even collect listener feedback in voice form, as we're doing on this season of PodCraft. Support the show

Our question this week comes from Teresa of the Homeschool Mama SelfCare Podcast. Teresa's asking us about the optimal position of podcast ads so as to optimise their impact and minimise the chance of them annoying the listeners. On this episode, we cover:Is there a "right" time to play a podcast adThe difference between pre, mid, and post-roll adsThe difference between pre-recorded and host-read ads How you can make ads part of your contentAnd why ads might not be essential to the monetisation of your show, going forward. This episode was sponsored by (and made with) Alitu, The Podcast Maker. Support the show

On this new season of PodCraft we're going to be answering your podcasting questions. Here's how to submit yours! This time around, we have a question from Brooke of Let's Talk Art With Brooke. Brooke has been podcasting for six years and as well over 200 episodes, but is concerned with lack of audience growth. This is a big question in and of itself (so big, in fact, that we actually wrote a book about it). But we find that there's always a few low-hanging fruits that can have an impact right away. These include good, compelling episode titles, Calls to Action, thorough SEO-friendly shownotes, and appearing as a guest on other relevant podcasts. Support the show

It's part two of our dive into the Podcaster Cares Survey data. This time around, we're talking NFTs, measuring success, social media, loudness, and bitrates.We also take a look at some interesting differences between podcasters of five years or more, and folks who've been doing it less than five years. Podcasters of 5 years or more have stronger opinions on Apple Podcasts and RSS Feeds67.5% of the 5 years or more group agreed that a podcast isn’t really a podcast if it doesn’t have an RSS feed.Of the folks in podcasting for fewer than five years, 39.8% agreed, whilst 38.9% didn’t care. 25.3% in the 5 years or more group didn’t care about RSS feeds.44.6% of the 5 years or more group believe that Apple could and should be doing more to help podcasters. This is compared to 34.9% of the newer podcasters group.53% of the newer podcasters have no real opinion on Apple either way, compared to 34.9% of the 5 years or more group. Newer podcasters pay less attention to podcast loudness & bitrates60.2% of podcasters of 5 years or more have a set and consistent loudness level for their show.This is compared to 31.4% of folks podcasting for 0-5 years. 29.7% of newer podcasters don’t worry about loudness levels.This is compared to only 15.7% of the 5 years or more group. 42.9% of newer podcasters have no idea what bitrates are. Only 15.7% of the 5 years or more group thought the same. Get the full Podcaster Cares Survey Report right here. Support the show

The more podcasting grows, the more people talk about it. Some of it is genuine news, and some of it is gossip or clickbait. Rather than waste your time with articles about irrelevant topics, we want to know what the average podcaster cares about most.So, we put up a survey and invited our entire audience to take part through the blog, email and social. We offered a few prizes to say thanks, including a 1st prize gift voucher and a few of our own books (The Podcast Host Planner and Podcast Growth manual). We were delighted to see responses from over 500 podcasters (537 in total!) who generously shared their opinions with us. Let’s take a look at what podcasters think of the topics that spark debate in the content creation community.Get the full Podcaster Cares Survey Report right here. Support the show

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about choosing a format for your episodes.The format you choose is really personal, and depends on who’s involved. If it’s just you, you’re not doing a co-hosted show any time soon, for example.None of this is set in stone, either. So whilst it’s good to have an ‘average’ format, so your listeners know what to expect, you don’t have to stick to it every single time.You might do your first few episodes using a certain format – for example, solo - then decide it isn’t for you. In this case, you could pivot and start doing interviews. Or, you could bring on a regular co-host.The first format you try might feel perfectly natural to you, in which case, great. Or you might opt for a ‘mixed bag’ approach where you never stick to any one set format. The beauty of it is that it’s your podcast, and you get to make the rules.We’re going to dig into the pros and cons of each podcast format in the next few episodes, so make sure you’re subscribed to the show on your listening app of choice!Support the show

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker.And on this episode, we’re talking about niches (nitches?) and narrow topics.There’s a bit of a misconception in podcasting that, the wider and more open your topic, the bigger your audience will be.I know, it makes sense because covering lots of ground means there's loads more people who might be interested in your show.The reality, though, is that listeners love podcasts that feel like they were made just for them.So instead of our personal trainer doing a podcast about general health, diet, or exercise, it might be “the fitness podcast for single parents”, or “the keto diet podcast for vegetarians”.In other areas, niche podcasts could be “The travel podcast, for D&D players”, or “The business startup podcast, for military veterans”.You might have a fear that this'll limit your audience, but, actually, the opposite is true. When your target listeners find your show, and see how closely it scratches their itch, they’ll think “this is perfect!”, hit subscribe, and go on to become fanatical fans. On the other hand, if keep it general, everyone just sees it, goes 'meh' and moves on. When you try to target everyone, you really target no-one in particular.So what would you rather have - a tight, defined group of fanatical listeners, or a big group who just might be interested in listening?For a really detailed look at defining your niche topic, go to ThePodcastHost.com/topicSupport the show (https://pod.academy)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about giving your audience a no-brainer reason to listen.This, my friend, is all about supplying value in your very own unique way.But what does that actually mean?Well, let’s take the example of our personal trainer, I mentioned last time. If they’re serving up content that helps their listeners to, let's say, complete a couch to 5k, then they're providing value. If they can help a listener lose a few stone, or run a faster race, then that's a LOT of value!Or what about our zombie podcaster? They might do an in-depth interview with a top author in the space. They'll dig in to unearth some anecdotes and insights that you've never heard anywhere else before from that writer. In that, they're providing some really unique value.If you do something similar on your show, not only have you given your audience a reason to listen, you've also given them a reason to come back for more, every week.This is absolutely vital for you to think about in the planning stages. So can you write down 10-15 potential episodes that you think your target audience would love to listen to? If you're teaching, it's often about considering the most common problems you can help them solve. And if it's entertainment, it's finding new content, or entertainment that scratches that person's personal itch.And, for a more detailed look at giving them a reason to listen, go to ThePodcastHost.com/uniqueSupport the show

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. On this episode, we’re asking a big question: Who are you making your podcast for?The thing is, unless you know exactly who you’re making your show for, and why you’re doing it, you’ve got no chance of growing an audience.Let’s imagine a personal trainer who’s making a health and fitness podcast to market their business. Their target audience might be people who are interested in healthy eating, weight loss, or HIIT training, or bodybuilding.Or, let’s imagine a hobbyist who loves zombies and post-apocalyptic fiction. Their target audience would simply be folks with the same really specific passion. They might be fans of TV shows like The Walking Dead, and video games like Resident Evil.It's a good idea to sketch out what’s known as your “avatar”. An avatar is a made up person that represents your ideal listeners in the real world. You make this detailed - with a name, age, job, background, likes, dislikes. You make this as real as you can, so it's someone you can know, deeply. The benefit then is that, with each episode you plan out, you can ask yourself the question “would Jane (my avatar) like this?” Asking that question is the key to making really compelling content, every time.For a really detailed look at how to create your avatar, and a bunch of examples, go to ThePodcastHost.com/listenerSupport the show

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker.And on this episode, we’re asking the question “Why?”Why do you want to make a podcast?Are you a freelancer? A business? Or working for a company? Whatever you do, you'll know that podcasting's a great way to build trust and authority. Plus, of course, give your customers or your audience a whole bunch of valuable and entertaining content.The other option is that you're in podcasting as a hobbyist? That could mean you'll be creating a show in your spare time, and on a subject you're passionate about. Anything from knitting, to craft beer, to horror movies.Either way, figure out your why. It could be making more sales. Or growing a community. Or getting famous! They're all valid. And they're important to keep in mind so that you can stay motivated, even when life throws you those inevitable curveballs. Podcasting isn’t always easy, but if your “Why” is worth it, you’ll push on through.New episodes of Pocket-Sized Podcasting will be released daily, Monday through Friday. Subscribe on your listening app of choice so they’re delivered to you automatically. Thanks so much for listening.Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Daily podcasts are a lot more common than they used to be. You might find the thought of running one appealing but also think to yourself "there's no way I'd have time to podcast every single day". Well, the good news is that you don't have to. You can actually create a short sharp 1-2min episode a day podcast in only a few hours a week. We've found that the scripting, recording, production, and publishing take us approximately 3 hours for a week of content (a week being Monday-Friday). As these tasks are "batched" we're not tending to this podcast every single day, even though new episodes are always dropping. There are a lot of benefits of doing short daily episodes. If you teach something then it'll give you the ability to deliver your lessons in bite-sized (or pocket-sized!) chunks. You can take a real deep dive over a period of time, rather than trying to pack together one huge lesson or talk. You might even turn your daily podcast into an Alexa Flash Brief. Short episodes are also great for repurposing. This works well if you're active on YouTube, social media, or taking a Content Stacking approach to your show. On this episode of Podcraft, we talk more about the benefits and workflows of running a daily podcast. We'll also help you answer the question of whether you should make one yourself. And as for our own case study, it's something you'll hopefully be interested in checking out, too... Our Daily Podcast - Pocket-Sized PodcastingPocket-Sized Podcasting is the ‘how to podcast’ series for busy people. You’ll get one short sharp tip delivered to your feed Monday through Friday, all aimed toward helping you build and grow your own life-changing show. Brought to you by Alitu, the Podcast Maker, it’s our aim to make the entire process of podcasting as simple and accessible as humanly possible. Find us anywhere you get your podcasts, and be sure to hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode! Support the show

We talk a lot about audience growth in our articles. In fact, promotion and growth is the number 1 thing podcasters struggle with, according to our recent podcaster problems survey. One of the tips we've recommended for years is to see the other podcasters in your space as collaborators, rather than competition. Cross-promotion is a great example of the old saying "a rising tide lifts all boats". After all, this medium is on-demand, and it isn't like your listeners have to choose between your show and someone else's. We had the opportunity to get involved in a podcast episode swap recently with the excellent Evo Terra and his industry essential Podcast Pontifications show. It's a show I'm sure you'll love, and this episode is an ideal taster of what you can expect to hear, 4 days a week, if you hit the subscribe button. Here's the episode of Podcraft that was featured over there too - it was all about question research and how this strategy can help you create episodes to pull in new listeners. Podcast PontificationsBefore we jump into the episode content, let's take a quick look at the show's description so you can get a better idea of what it's about and who it's for. "Where plenty of podcasts about podcasting (PAPs) tell you what to do, Podcast Pontifications gives you what to think about in podcasting. These daily, insightful forward-looking episodes have one central tenet: Podcasting needs to be made better, not just easier. Designed for the working podcaster, these short-form episodes get you thinking about the future of podcasting and how you can better prepare yourself -- and your shows -- for the future. The goal is simple: help you develop critical thinking skills needed to make the best future-proofed podcast you can with the tools of today. Plus a few sneak previews of what might be coming tomorrow."And now to the episode itself, here's the question that Evo is pontificating on... "Nearly twenty years in, and many podcasters still have trouble thinking of podcasting as an industry. But our problem does not plague cash-flush brands looking to enter our industry. Who's perspective will win out? "Key Links2021 IAB podcast advertising revenue $1B2021 global podcast advertising revenue $1.37B2021 overall podcast industry marketing size $1.4BSupport the show

There's no shortage of things to focus on when it comes to planning, launching, and running your own podcast. From buying the right mic and choosing a hosting platform, to coming up with a show name and sorting out your cover art, these all fall under the umbrella of "podcasting". But all podcasting tasks aren't created equally. Some of the things you do can have a huge impact on your show's success, whilst others can be little more than a distraction. On this episode of Podcraft, we decided to reflect on a combined 20+ years of podcasting. Of all the podcasts we've launched and ran between us in that time, which factors do we feel helped move the needle? Also mentioned on this episode were our Podcraft community and the Portuguese translations of some of our top articles. Podcasting Factors That Move the Needle (Or Don't)We both scored each of the following out of 10 (10 for very important, 0 for not important at all), added up the scores, and ranked them into an overall list. The aim was for new and aspiring podcasters to help decide whether they were spending too much time on one thing, or not enough time on something else. 1. Defining Your Target AudienceThe most important factor was identifying who you want to reach, and why. Not spending some time nailing this down in the planning stages can lead to your content being directionless and vague. You want new listeners to hear your podcast and think "this is exactly what I've been looking for." For more help with this, check out the following articles:What's Your USP?Demographics Vs PsychographicsHow to Create a Value PropositionHow to Create Your AvatarHow to Come up With a Unique Topic2. Deciding on Your Podcast's NameNaming your podcast can feel like a tricky barrier to overcome. It's also a very important one. If potential listeners don't immediately know what your show's about when they see it, then many of them will skip past it without even reading the description. With podcast names, there's no such thing as "boring". If you come up with an ultra-descriptive "as it says on the tin" name and it isn't already taken - grab it. For more on this, check out How to Name Your Podcast. 3. Your Episode TitlesThis is another huge factor in turning traffic (your target audience, searching for your topic) into listeners. Descriptive and compelling episode titles will help your show be found, and they'll also encourage those searching to hit play. Don't waste this important space by putting the word "episode" in there. You don't need to write your podcast name beside every episode title either. For more on this, check out How to Title Your Episodes. Want to See the Full List?Head on over to the shownotes at ThePodcastHost.comSupport the show

In this episode of Podcraft, Matthew and Colin talk about podcasting and parenting. They discuss the joys of being a new dad, from early morning buggy walks, to "having a good moan" about one's kids. Brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker and The Podcast Host PlannerParents always think they’re organized and resilient. The same's true for podcasters. Kids are unpredictable, and podcasting can be the same way. The key takeaway from this discussion about podcasting and parenting is to be honest with your audience. Colin recommends that new parents who make podcasts should plan ahead, but stay flexible, and be kind to themselves during this time. They discussed episode release schedules, such as podcasting in seasons, as opposed to publishing episodes at random intervals. Colin recommends lining up some episodes in advance of your child's arrival, then publishing each over time. For parents who can't leave their child unattended, don't try to multi-task. It's better to do one thing well, instead of multitasking a few things, poorly. Don't Wish It AwayThis is a big milestone in one's life. It's worth not trying to do too much for your podcast. When babies are unpredictable and need a lot of care, there's a tendency to, as Matthew says, "wish things forward until the dust settles." Colin adds that parents should try to enjoy the early days while they can. In 13 years or so, your kids will want to do their own thing. You'll have plenty of time for podcasting then. As a dad to two kids, Colin says, "the first year, especially the first three months, are hell." Plus, every kid is different. This isn't a good life stage for the results-oriented. But, he adds, the first six months are when babies sleep the most. Use this to your advantage: grab time for sleep and/or work when you can. Colin adds that when babies are six to twelve months old, since they're more mobile, they need more supervision. They're more likely to grab things, like mixing board sliders. This is the age to child-proof your recording gear. Be realistic about your plans. Think of this time as maintenance mode. Again, communicate clearly and positively with your audience. It’s not going to kill your show if you miss an episode.Work sessions with shorter periods of time can force you to really focus. Be accepting of the work that you can get done in a shorter amount of time. Colin says, “a task will always expand to fill the time allowed.” If you only have forty-five minutes while the baby's out for a walk or napping, you can't procrastinate, overthink, or be too much of a perfectionist.Rethink your show’s format. How can you bring value in less time, while still being yourself and making the same kind of show? For example, instead of hour-long interview episodes, can you make fifteen-minute episodes of productive tips? Support the show

Podcasting news has been hard to keep up with this past year or so. Each week seems to bring a new development in the Apple Vs Spotify saga, a new "must use" tool or platform on the market, or a company buying another company for multiple zillions. In this episode, we have a chat about what all of this actually means for the average podcaster. It can be hard to keep up with all of this stuff, after all. You can start to think that if you're not totally on the ball with all of this, your podcast is going to vanish into the ether whilst everyone else moves on without you. But the same principles apply in podcasting as they did 15 years ago. Know why you're doing it, know who you want to reach, and show up on a consistent basis for your listeners. Resources MentionedAlitu - The Podcast MakerHow to Sell Podcast EpisodesHow to Create a Private Podcast FeedPodcast Industry StatsPodland PodcastDeep Questions PodcastSupport the show

Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience Audiograms combine images, text, and audio to create a social media post. they are as memorable and attention-grabbing as video, without being as time-consuming or data-heavy. WNYC created an open-source code to accomplish this means of podcast promotion, and there are other options available to you now, too. Type: Short TaskTime Required: One hourPodcast Level: From the beginning The open-source code that WNYC created was intended to be a free resource for podcasters to use to promote their work. It’s great, but it can be confusing for people who don’t know how to code. Fortunately, Headliner has created an app which guides you through the process. The free version lets you make a certain number of audiograms per month. Depending on the social media platform for which you intend to make your audiogram, the size constraints vary. However, you can use the same content with different aspect ratios or time limits for different platforms. Figure out what section of your podcast you want to highlight. Much like quote images, an audiogram is a sample of a moment from your podcast. In this case, instead of a line or two of text, you’re using a few seconds to a few minutes of audio. Decide on the art you want to use. For consistency, you probably want to use your podcast logo. However, you can certainly use whatever art you want, as long as it fits with Headliner’s size requirements. Including closed-captioning is a wise choice. Many people browse social media with the sound turned off, and don’t turn the sound on unless they’re curious about a particular post. If you include closed-captioning (well done: you make your post more accessible), go through and edit it for accuracy. Headliner’s mobile app honestly makes it easy for you to promote your show from your phone. You could do this while you’re waiting for a coffee order or sitting in a park Task List: Go to Headliner’s website and sign up for a free account. Use the Audiogram Wizard and type in your podcast’s name or RSS feed.Select the portion of your podcast episode that you want to share.Follow the Audiogram Wizard instructions to create your audiogram. If you use closed-captions, proofread and edit them for accuracy. Check the audiogram to make sure it’s just right. Download a copy for your archives. Post the audiogram to social media. Make sure that the post includes a link to your podcast website. Encourage your followers to share the post. thepodcasthost.com/audiograms - How to Make and Use Audiogramsthepodcasthost.com/publishtoyoutube - Publishing Your Podcast on YouTubeNext season we are running some Q&A episodes - submit your questions here!Check out the full book - Podcast Growth: How to Grow Your Podcast Audience Support the show