Quick Daily Podcasting Tips by Alitu

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about, funnily enough, Podcast Maker tools. A ‘Podcast Maker’ is basically an app or tool that brings everything like recording, editing, production, and publishing together into one place. They can be less flexible and powerful than having a dedicated tool for every job, but so much more simpler, convenient, and cost-effective. Naturally, because we run Alitu, we’re a bit biased and think it’s the best option out there. We certainly strive to be. But that said, we recognise that there are a few other great options out there too, and we always want to help you make up your own mind. Podcast hosting giants Podbean, Spreaker, and Anchor each have their own Podcast Maker tools. Their editing and production options can be a bit more limited, but they really shine for those looking to do live shows with real-time audience interaction. We can’t speak for the other platforms here, but we’re constantly working on new tools and features in Alitu to make it the world’s best all-in-one podcasting software. We’d love you to be part of this journey too, so be sure to try us out free for 7 days by going to [Alitu.com](http://Alitu.com) And, for a deeper dive on all the best Podcast Maker options, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/maker

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about Digital Audio Workstations, AKA - DAWs. A DAW is a term used to describe software that you use to record, edit, and produce audio. Most of them are designed and built with music production in mind, but can work brilliantly to create spoken-word content if you know what you’re doing. A famous free DAW is Audacity. Audacity is popular because of its price, or lack of one. It has everything you need to record and produce a podcast, but it suffers from looking a bit clunky and dated. Adobe Audition, Reaper, and Hindenburg are 3 other popular options amongst podcasters. These are all paid DAWs, but they’re a definite improvement on Audacity. The downside of DAWs tends to be their steep learning curve. Because they’re so powerful and flexible, they can take a lot of time and effort to learn, at even a basic level. Most DAWs don’t work as remote call recorders either, unless you have lots of extra equipment. If you’re looking for the simplest DAW that’s designed with the spoken-word in mind, then Hindenburg is worth checking out. Or, if you’d prefer to avoid DAWs altogether, then be sure to have a go with our very own Alitu ‘Podcast Maker’. For a deeper dive into DAWs, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/DAWS

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking remote recording software. Many podcasters run interview or co-hosted shows, and with call recording software, location is no barrier to who you can chat with. Online call recorders do exactly what they say on the tin. Two of the most popular options out there are Squadcast and Riverside. These are what’s known as “double ender” tools which record each participant locally, on their own computer. This makes them safer from wonky wifi connections, crashes, and the sound quality is generally better, too. They also both record video, as well as audio. On top of that, our own Alitu has a call recorder feature - one that we’re constantly working on and improving. The big benefit of using Alitu is that it handles all of the syncing, processing, cleaning up, and volume levelling automatically. Its editing tools are also powerful, but at the same time, stupidly simple to use. Of course, everyone on the planet has spent the past few years using Zoom, and you can use that to record remote calls too. You just need to have the right software and know-how to edit and produce them into decent-sounding episodes, afterwards. Why not give Alitu’s call recorder a spin on your next podcast episode, though? You can try it out free for 7 days by going to [Alitu.com](http://Alitu.com) And, for a deeper look at remote recording software options, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Onlinerecording

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to start thinking about podcasting software. The term “podcast software” is pretty general. It could be used to describe the programme or app you use to record, edit, or publish your episodes. Some platforms only focus on one of these aspects, whilst others will do all 3. It’s common for editing software to double up as recording software. Prime examples of these are Audacity, Adobe Audition, and our own Alitu. Many online call recorders don’t have editing functions though - or, if they do, they tend to be really basic. Podcast publishing or hosting software might also offer some basic recording and editing features. We’re going to take a deeper dive into some options here in a future episode. Transcription is also important from an accessibility and legal point of view. There’s plenty of software options on that front, too, as we’ll soon find out. You might even think of your project management or scheduling tools as podcast software. These are tools like Trello, Asana, Notion, Calendly, and Book Like a Boss. For a deeper look at podcasting software in the meantime, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/software

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re answering the question “should you record your podcast outdoors?” On the previous few episodes, we’ve talked about the importance of good recording environments. Well, one of the best is actually right outside your window. I’m talking, of course, about the great outdoors. If you’re plagued by reverb, loud distracting background noise, or a simple lack of space, then I’d encourage you to try recording your next episode whilst out on a walk, or sitting on your favourite park bench. Sure, there can be plenty “noise” outside. But this often works in an ambient sense, rather than a distracting or annoying one. Recording outdoors can also help with your presentation style. If you’re out a walk, the blood is flowing and you tend to feel more energetic, too. This is especially good if you suffer a bit from “mic fright”, or lack of confidence. Equipment-wise, your smartphone can work well, with the right recording app. Or, you might want to get yourself a digital recorder and lavalier mic. We take a deeper dive into some gear recommendations, additional tips, and case studies at http://ThePodcastHost.com/Outdoors

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about background noise. Let’s clear up a bit of confusion amongst podcasters - the difference between sound treatment, and sound *proofing*. On the last episode we talked about reverb, and that’s very much in the sound *treatment* camp. But many folks mistakenly believe that, once they’ve stuck up some acoustic tiles, they have sound *proofed* their room. If Dave Grohl was to move into the flat next door and start playing his drums, you’d quickly find out that your room hasn’t been sound proofed at all, though. Eliminating unwanted background noise can be harder than *treating* the sound of a room, for obvious reasons. There are some low-hanging fruits, though. Getting rid of that annoying clock, closing a window, or giving Dave next door a crisp 20 to nip down the pub for the next hour. The good news is that most unwanted background noise will be too minimal to be picked up by your mic and cause any distraction on your audio. A dynamic, cardioid microphone like the Samson Q2U, for example, does a great job of rejecting unwanted sounds around you. So do your best to minimise background noise, but don’t obsess over it. Conditions will rarely be perfect, after all. And you can’t let them get in the way of your progress as a podcaster. For a more detailed look at dealing with background noise in podcasting, go to http://thepodcasthost.com/noise

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about reverb or echo - and - how to get rid of it. Excess reverb can make even the best podcast sound amateur. This unwanted echo effect happens in smaller, boxy rooms with a lot of hard surfaces. Here, the soundwaves of your voice will bounce around the room like a ball. Typically poor-sounding environments include caves, the bottoms of wells, and in the average person’s bathroom. It’s unlikely you plan to record in any of these, but the room you’ve set aside for your recordings might actually sound like it’s one of them. So, what can we do about it? Well, you could simply record somewhere else. Typically, bedrooms are softer sounding environments. Some podcasters swear by recording in their closets, for example. Alternatively, you can create temporary recording havens by using duvets, towels, or dedicated acoustic blankets. The beauty of these is that they can be tidied away afterwards, if space is at a premium in your home. If you have the luxury of a more permanent setup, you can buy acoustic foam tiles at a reasonable price and stick them to the walls, and even, the roof of your room. The thing is, though, you don’t actually need to sound treat entire rooms - you only need to deal with the small area where you and your mic are set up. Our favourite trick here is to buy a cat bed. You’ll get one of these in the pet shop for less than $15, and they make excellent little “studios” to place your mic in. Then, you just talk into it, and your audio will be free from reverb - even if you *are* recording down a well. For a more detailed look at podcast recording environments, go to http://thepodcasthost.com/homestudio

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your recording environment. It’s easy to think that your audio quality is determined by your equipment - and, to an extent, that’s true. But the room or place you record in has a much bigger impact on how your content’s going to sound. There are 2 main factors when it comes to your environment affecting your audio. Firstly, there’s the “sound” of the room itself. Echo or reverb can be a real problem for podcasters, and we’re going to take a look at it in more depth in the next episode - including - a tip to kill it in *any* room, for less than $15. The other factor is noise. Now, we’re not saying for a minute that you should have complete and utter silence when you record - very few people have that luxury - and, in the right context, a bit of gentle background noise can add ambience and atmosphere. We’ll talk more about this in an upcoming episode, too. The key is, though, that background noise should never be distracting, or compete with your actual voice. Your listeners should always be able to hear and focus on the content and message they’ve turned up for. If they can’t do that, after all, then the whole thing’s going to fall apart. For a more detailed look at podcast recording environments, go to http://thepodcasthost.com/homestudio

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what are polar patterns?” These are also sometimes called “pickup patterns”, and they’re essentially the settings that determine the area a mic will focus on when recording sound. To think about this visually, imagine your mic as a torch or laser. The area it shines light on is the area it’s “hearing” your voice. Most microphones you’ll come across - including the Samson Q2U - have a ‘Cardioid’ polar pattern which means they’re designed to record one person at one time. Other polar patterns include: Omnidirectional - for recording multiple people. Bi-directional, or, Stereo - for recording 2 people. And Shotgun - for a laser-focused pickup of an audio source that blocks out everything else around it. Think of a news reporter, chatting away in a busy street, but you can still hear them clear as day. Polar patterns are represented by easy to understand diagrams. For example, Cardioid is heart-shaped, whilst Omnidirectional is a circle. These are like birds-eye views of where the pattern is picking up sound. To get a look at these diagrams, and to learn more about polar patterns in general, head on over to http://thepodcasthost.com/patterns

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what is a Dynamic microphone?”. Dynamic mics tend to be tougher and more durable than their Condenser counterparts. A Dynamic mic can be looked at as something you’d typically use in “live” environments, and rougher “on-the-go” settings. If you record live, on-location, or just like having a mic on you at all times for ad-hoc recordings, then a Dynamic mic is a great option. Most Dynamic mics only have a Cardioid polar pattern, however. This means they’re generally designed for single person use. We’re going to talk more about polar patterns and why they matter on the next episode, so make sure you’re subscribed on your listening app of choice and that’ll be delivered to you, automatically. Bottom line, though, if you’re using Dynamics for in-person interviews then you’d either need to get two, or, hold one in your hand and constantly point it back and forward between you and your guest. Dynamic mics are powered by whatever they’re plugged into, meaning the recording signal isn’t quite as strong as it would be with a Condenser. This means you either need to turn the gain up more, or, bring the recording level up in the editing phase. Either way, that’s going to raise the level of hiss in your audio. But, this is far from a deal-breaker, and often, the pros outweigh the cons with Dynamic mics in podcasting. Our most recommended mic, the Samson Q2U, is a Dynamic model, which means it’s durable, flexible, and doesn’t require a perfect environment to sound good either. That’s what makes it such a good option for beginners on a limited budget! For a deeper dive on this subject, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/dynamicvcondenser

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to answer the question “what is a Condenser microphone?”. “Condenser” and “Dynamic” are two of the most common types of mic. The terms refer to how they’re built, and how they function. We can get really technical with stuff like this, but I’d rather keep things simple. That means I’ll make some generalisations that aren’t *always* the rule – now and then you’ll find exceptions. But here’s a good starting point for differentiating between the two. A Condenser mic can be looked at as primarily something you’d use to record vocals in a professional studio environment. Condenser microphones can often be more sensitive, and easier to break. Their sensitivity means they tend to pick up more sounds from around your recording environment. This can be a pro or a con depending on what you’re trying to do. Most are designed for more permanent setups on mic stands or boom arms, as opposed to being carried around, and shoved in and out of boxes or bags. A Condenser mic is powered either by having its own battery, or by using a function called *Phantom Power* on your mixer, preamp, or recorder. This is why Condenser mics can usually record at a much lower gain than dynamics. Gain is essentially your input recording volume. The outcome is that lower gain means less hiss in your recording. Condenser mics often have multiple polar pattern options, making them versatile for different types of recording needs and setups. On the next episode, we’re going to take a look at Dynamic mics and how they compare to their Condenser alternatives. In the meantime though, for a deeper dive on this subject, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/dynamicvcondenser

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for recording multiple people, locally. If getting people in the same room together is the key for your podcast, then there are a few different options out there. On the previous 2 episodes, we’ve mentioned the Samson Q2U mic and the Zoom PodTrak P4 podcast recorder. Get yourself a PodTrak P4 and then a Q2U for each person you’ll be recording, and you’ll have a brilliant set up for only a few hundred dollars. With the PodTrak P4 you don’t need a computer as it records independently. If you’d prefer to record into a computer, though, then you could get a USB audio interface and plug your mics into that. Our favourite USB audio interface is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but be mindful that this only runs 2 mics at any one time. A couple of the more high-end options if you have a bit of budget behind you are the Zoom H6 digital recorder, and the Rodecaster Pro podcast recorder. These are premium options and if you pair them with mics like the Rode Procaster or Shure SM7B then you’ll have a better setup than 99% of other podcasters out there. Of course, there’s no need to spend a fortune on your podcasting kit, so for most folks, a handful of Samson Q2Us running into a Zoom PodTrak P4 will be more than good enough. For a more detailed look at choosing the right kit for you and your podcast, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/equipment

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for online interviews or co-hosts. Typically, the set up here is exactly the same as if you were podcasting on your own. If you listened to the previous episode, then you’ll have heard me talk about the Samson Q2U. This works just as well for remote recordings as it does on the solo podcasting front. You’d then either need online recording software or additional equipment to link up with your guests or co-hosts. We’ll cover software in-depth in a future episode, but you can easily record calls with Alitu, which also does all the cleaning up and volume levelling automatically for you. For a 7-day free trial go to alitu.com, that’s A-L-I-T-U dot com, and check it out for yourself. Back to the equipment though - if you’d rather use hardware than software for remote recording then you might want to check out the Zoom PodTrak P4. This is a great wee podcast recorder that lets you plug in multiple mics, record online calls AND phone calls, and you can even play music and sound effects “as live” in your recordings, too. For most people, though, using call recording software such as Alitu is the best option because of its pure simplicity. But, if you *do* fancy getting yourself a Zoom PodTrak P4, they’re usually available for less than $200 on Amazon. For a more detailed look at choosing the right kit for you and your podcast, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/equipment

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re going to talk about podcast equipment for solo shows. If you’re podcasting on your own then this makes choosing equipment easy. You’re just going to need a USB mic and some headphones. I say “headphones” but even your trusty earbuds will do the trick here. You’ll use these to “monitor” yourself as you record. That way, you can hear exactly *what* you record, as it’s recorded, and pick up on any sound issues there and then. On the USB mic front, it seems like there are hundreds of quality and good value options on the market these days. This can make choosing one tricky. With that in mind, we’re just going to recommend the one we think is ideal for 98% of aspiring and early-stage podcasters - the Samson Q2U. The Q2U can usually be bought brand new on Amazon for less than $70. You can also buy it in a special podcasting bundle along with headphones and a boom arm for around $95 - which is an excellent deal. Aside from being a great sounding budget mic, the Q2U works in both USB AND XLR form, so, if you want to upgrade to a mixer or digital recorder further down the line, you won’t need to spend more money on a new mic. The Samson Q2U’s availability varies depending on where you are in the world, but an almost identical mic is the ATR2100, so keep that in mind if you have trouble getting your hands on a Q2U. For a more detailed look at the Samson Q2U as the ideal solo podcaster mic, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/solo

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And over the next few episodes, we’re going to talk about the gear you need to actually record your show. When we hear the term “podcast equipment” it’s easy to imagine a pro-level studio filled with lots of intimidating and very expensive kit. But for the vast majority of podcasters, this looks nothing like their own recording setup. You can break podcast equipment down into categories, based on how you record and capture your voice, from mic to mixer to recorder to computer. The recording process can be made as simple or as complicated as you like. You can record right into your computer, ridding yourself of the need for a mixer or a recorder. Or you can go the full studio route, and use it all. If you use very little kit, the process will be simple, but you’ll also have less flexibility and control. This isn’t an issue for most aspiring podcasters though, as they’ve no intention of becoming an audio engineer – they just want to get their message out there. There is no “one-size-fits-all” podcast equipment recommendation. As we covered earlier in the series, there are a few different podcast format options, and the format you choose will have a bearing on what gear you need. As will, of course, your budget. So over the next few episodes, we’re going to take a look at some common use-cases and give you some recommendations for each of them. On top of that, we’re going to give you some easy-to-understand explanations of common gear-related terms you’ll likely come across, too. For a more detailed look at choosing the right kit for you and your podcast, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/equipment

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your show’s cover art, sometimes known as your artwork or your podcast logo. Just like your episode titles, first impressions are everything. Having attractive cover art that stands out is so vital when your show lines up against thousands of others in apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your artwork should be at least 1400 x 1400 pixels, in JPG form, and it needs to be under 500kb in size. Apple actually recommends 3000 x 3000-pixel files, but we’ve found because they’re much weightier, those big files can cause issues with your RSS feeds further down the line. So I’d usually opt for the smaller formats to help avoid running into the same problem. Your artwork will normally be viewed as a thumbnail - pretty small on-screen, often on a phone - so don’t cram any small text onto it. In fact, the *only* text on there would ideally be your podcast name. Another reason your name should be descriptive... I often think that simpler is better with artwork. Your podcast title, covering practically the whole space, maybe with your brand colours and a background image, or a really small illustration alongside. You can create decent cover art for free on Canva, which I use all the time. They even have podcast logo templates on there. Or, you might want to hire a freelancer on a platform like Fiverr if you’d like someone to do it for you. The benefit of working with a designer is that they can help you to encapsulate your branding. Cover art is a bit like choosing a podcast name, in many ways. You’re trying to find that balance between descriptiveness, cleverness, and quirkiness, all in one static image - and it all still needs to work well when viewed as a thumbnail on a phone screen. For a more detailed look at designing your perfect podcast logo, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/art

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about your show’s description. Did you know that this is THE most important thing potential new listeners will judge your show on? This is in that crucial period where they’ve found it, but haven’t hit play yet. By the way, this isn’t my opinion - it’s right from the horse’s mouth, via our Podcast Discovery Survey, which you can find at [ThePodcastHost.com/discovery](http://ThePodcastHost.com/discovery) So, a quick bit of clarity on what’s meant by “podcast description” - this is the summary of your podcast in its entirety. So don’t confuse it with the shownotes that accompany each episode. Podcast descriptions are often written as an afterthought, but they’re worth spending a good bit of time on. In them, you should talk about *who* the show is for and what they can expect from it. We’ve covered this already in our “who” and “why” episodes, so you’ve done the groundwork, here - now, you just need to make it clear to your would-be listeners. You’ll also want to let them know what to expect in terms of format and schedule. Do new episodes drop each Friday? Or do new seasons run every second month? Of course, you probably want to mention a bit about yourself, too. For example, who you are, what your angle is and why you’re doing this show. Credibility is good, but the big key here is to make it all about *them -* the listeners. Just imagine someone reading it and thinking to themselves “what’s in this for *me*?”. For a more detailed look at writing the perfect summary for your show, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/description

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how to name your podcast *episodes.* We spent a bit of time earlier on talking about what to call your podcast as a whole. But how you title your episodes can be just as - or maybe even more - important! The biggest mistake when it comes to naming your episodes is to pop in meaningless details. Like Episode 1: This time I talk with... blah blah blah. You’ve already lost them by the time they hit the 5th word. Instead, you need to front-load the title with value, really give them a reason to listen What’s the meat of the episode? What problem are you solving? What solution are you offering? This is a big clue as to what your episode title should be. That’s what draws people in. We find a lot of good *and* bad examples of episode titles with interview shows. If you have a guest on, don’t just call the episode “A chat with Jane Smith”. If your listener has never heard of Jane, why would they care? But as it happens, Jane could be an expert on something they’re really struggling with, so this would be the perfect episode for them. It’s your duty as a host to signpost the value to them as much as possible. Without meaning to blow our own trumpet, take a look at the episode titles for this very podcast. I’d like to think they’re clear and deliver on what we promise here. The added benefit of descriptive episode titles is that they’ll show up in search in most listening apps. So if someone types in a “how to” question on your own topic, and you have an episode on it, then there’s a much better chance of them finding your show. Everyone wins! For a more detailed look at naming your podcast episodes, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/episodetitles

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about releasing podcast episodes in seasons. On the last episode, we talked about the tricky balance of finding your ideal release frequency. So, what if the podcast you’d like to create is a really in-depth, highly produced show, that goes out every single week? But, you know that, in the long run, that weekly schedule is a bit unsustainable? The ideal answer could be to take a leaf out of your favourite TV show’s book, and podcast in seasons. Here, a “season” represents a block of episodes. The “How many” is up to you. For some, it’ll be 6, for others, it’ll be upwards of 20. This means that you can really throw yourself into creating some great content, and then, take a well-deserved rest before going on to tackle the next season. The beauty of this approach is that seasons can be “themed”, which makes your show really accessible and appealing to new listeners. Our fitness podcaster, for example, might do an entire season on upper body strength, whilst our zombie podcaster could do one on post apocalyptic video games. Podcasters who take this “themed season” approach also benefit from repurposing and monetising their content. We’ve seen many ebooks and courses created from them, because a lot of the work in the planning, structure, and organisation, has already been done. One common critique of seasons is that listeners will “forget about you” during your breaks. This doesn’t need to be the case. So long as you make it clear to them how the show works and how long the break is - then they’ll know what to expect. You’re also asking them to subscribe on their listening app of choice, too. So they never need to “remember” you’ve come back - your next episode will be delivered to them automatically, without any effort on their part. Sell that benefit to them, and all will be well! For a more detailed look at podcasting in seasons, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/seasons

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking how often! As in how frequently should you be releasing podcast episodes? Just like the “ideal length” question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best podcast release schedule is really the most regular one that *you* can stick to, on a consistent basis. So, if you can only manage once a month, that’s fine. If you can manage every 2 weeks, even better. If you can manage weekly, then that’s about ideal. You can still have a big impact with a fortnightly, or monthly show, but people plan their lives around what day of the week it is. It’s the routine at the forefront of our lives, so tapping into a weekly release schedule can be powerful, and build a strong habit in your listeners. Now, what about daily, though, like this show? Daily podcasts tend to have shorter episodes, and you can often batch it - plan, record, and schedule a week or two’s worth in just one day. So they can actually be *more* sustainable in certain cases. But, as always, it depends entirely on what works best for *you, and for your listeners. Do they really want what you’re offering, every day? Or would they prefer something deeper, once a week?* Ultimately, remember that it’s down to quality. Sticking to a deadline which reduces the quality of your episodes, is pointless. You’ll have a bigger impact if you put out one excellent episode a month instead of a totally average episode every week, or even - every day. If you’re still totally undecided on this, too, then don’t worry. We’ve got a tip for you on the next episode that can help you find the perfect work-life balance, so be sure to join us again for that. In the meantime, for a more detailed look at how often you should podcast, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/frequency

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about how long your podcast episodes should be. Here’s the bottom line - podcast length depends solely on content. Don’t cut down good content - or, pad out succinct work! How long does your episode need to be to get the message out? Then that’s the ideal length for you. If you asked most podcast listeners, a “short” episode would probably be anything under 15 minutes. And a “long” episode would probably be anything over an hour. Anything from 20 to 45 minutes seems to be the “typical” episode length, but again, let your content dictate. Just try to aim for some ballpark consistency from episode to episode. Doing 5mins one week then 2 hours the next is going to be a bit jarring for your audience. Podcast listeners like to know what to expect! For a more detailed look at podcast episode lengths, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/length

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about using your own name in or as your podcast’s name. If you’ve heard of Tim Ferriss or Joe Rogan, then you’ll know what we’re talking about here. Podcasts that are named after their hosts generally have one thing in common – the host already had an audience *before* they started the podcast. These names offer no hints about the show's content. If you've never heard of Tim Ferris, his show could be about literally anything. As it happens, the podcast is about “interviewing world-class performers” in all fields, linking together the similarities and routines that connect them. If nobody knew Tim Ferris, he'd probably have put a bit more description into his title. Something like “How to be World Class” would certainly catch the eye of his target audience. Bottom line? If you already have a strong personal brand then this can work well for you. If you’re a bit more early-stage, though, then opt for a more descriptive podcast name instead. For a more detailed look at choosing a name for your show, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Names

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about clever, quirky, or even, mysterious podcast names. Famous examples here include The Moth, and 99% Invisible. Creative or “clever” names are often built around puns, plays on words or in-jokes from the show's topic or niche. Many of these names make sense when you look deeply enough into them. But others are just plain abstract and offer no hint into the show's actual content. If you already have an audience, a reputation as a good content creator, or a big marketing budget, then this won't necessarily hold you back. If enough people check out your show and enjoy it, then you'll do fine. But if you're starting completely from scratch then you need to ask yourself what your target audience are searching for online – and if your podcast name is going to show up in these searches. Does this sound more like your own situation? If so, then you might want to opt for the descriptive naming route instead! For a more detailed look at choosing a name for your show, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Names

**Choosing a Descriptive Podcast Name** Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about “descriptive” podcast names. Famous examples of descriptive names are The Property Podcast and Football Weekly. This type of name can be described as “doing exactly what it says on the tin”. You might think of this as the “boring” option, but as long as your content isn't boring, nobody's going to care. Descriptive podcast names are immediately identifiable to their target audience. And they're easier to find because they perform better in searches. However, if you have a really creative or clever name picked out for your show and are desperate to use it, you can always find a way to merge it with a descriptive title, too. Is there a pun or reference in your niche that you could work into your show’s name somehow? For a more detailed look at choosing a name for your show, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Names

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest decisions made by new podcasters - naming your show. There are 3 main camps when it comes to naming your show - you might simply use your own name, or, you might opt for something clever or descriptive. We’re going to look at each option, in more depth, over the next few episodes. Start by creating a shortlist of potential podcast names. Then, do a search in a directory or app like Apple Podcasts to see if any of them are taken. If your perfect show name is being used by a podcast that stopped publishing episodes 10 years ago, then this can be frustrating. There are plenty of shows out there with the same name as one another - however, it’s better not to cause confusion to your audience by joining their ranks. So try to come up with something new and unique, here. That’s ultimately going to give your podcast the best chance of being discovered and growing to its maximum potential. For a more detailed look at choosing a name for your show, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Names

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about documentary-style and fiction podcast formats. Documentary podcasts are often referred to as “BBC-style” or “NPR-style”. These shows mix in multiple voices, musical elements, and actuality to add an extra layer of production and storytelling. The end product can sound great, but the time and work needed to put them together will increase drastically. Another high-production format is the fiction podcast. These come in many forms, from “audiobook style” to fully soundscaped audio dramas, where every footstep is accounted for. Again, the end result can be fantastic, but running a fiction podcast is a big time investment, especially if you want to publish episodes on a regular basis. Of course, the reward for such a heavy workload is that these shows can *really* stand out, which helps them to grow fanatical audiences. They also make great showcases for a multitude of skillsets, from writing and storytelling, to recording and production. Some fiction podcasts have even been adapted into TV shows! For a more detailed look at which podcast format is the best fit for you, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Formats

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the roundtable podcast format. A “roundtable” refers to the idea of getting a larger number of participants together to discuss a set topic. Normally there would be at least one regular host, if not two or three. Then the rest of the ‘table’ is made up of guests who are experts in the topic at hand. Your job as host is to direct the roundtable, asking questions and steering the topic, so that everyone gets a turn and contributes to a great conversation. The roundtable format can be a good way to build authority in your niche. This allows you to invite prominent guests to the show who’ll share their wisdom and experience. That said, organising multiple guests and finding suitable recording times can be a big challenge. Each person you add to the mix adds another layer of complexity. Only the most organised of people can pull this off in the long run. For a more detailed look at which podcast format is the best fit for you, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Formats

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the interview podcast format. This is where you ‘borrow’ the expertise or entertainment value of others. With this style of podcast format, a huge benefit is getting to talk to your heroes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to have a chat with people in your space that you’ve always looked up to. On top of that, your guests will have their own audiences who may listen to the interview and end up subscribing to your show. If done right, you can really grow an audience this way. On the flip side, interviewing is a skill that you’ll need to hone through practice, so don’t approach the A-listers in your field straight away. There are other challenges, too. You’ll need to constantly find and approach potential guests, schedule interviews, and rely on others to show up – either in-person or digitally. And, you’ll also need to rely on the technology to work properly throughout each call. For a more detailed look at the interview podcast format, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/podcastinterviews

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. On this episode, we’re talking about the co-hosted podcast format. This is when you present your show alongside another regular host - whether it's a friend or a colleague. This is a great format for anyone, but particularly early podcasters. It reduces that ‘mic fright’ you get when recording solo, or the possibility of being a bit monotone. Instead, find the right co-host and you can have a totally natural conversation. Someone to bounce off, debate with, or even take mickey out of. The best co-hosted podcasts have great chemistry between the presenters. You end up being a fly on the way of a great, funny, informative conversation. That creates a first-class listening experience. As always, though, there are challenges. Suddenly you have to coordinate with someone else's calendar when you arrange to record, for example. Then, there’s the question of ownership: who’s podcast is it? Do you split any future income 50/50? And what happens if your co-host loses interest or just can't do it in the future? So if you do opt for this style of show, definitely have that conversation with your co-host up front, before hitting record on that first episode. For a more detailed look at which podcast format is the best fit for you, go to http://ThePodcastHost.com/Formats

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about the solo podcast format, AKA - the monologue. Each podcast format comes with its own pros and cons. The big benefit of a solo show is that you don’t need to rely on anyone else to record your episodes. On top of that, it’s YOU who’s building a reputation as the authority on your subject. The podcast is also exclusively yours, so you can make all the calls on sponsorship and monetization. And you don’t need to split the profits with anyone. There are potential downsides too, though. A solo podcast is perhaps the most intimidating style of show for a beginner. One of the biggest challenges of flying solo is getting over the feeling that you’re ‘talking to yourself’ and realising that you’re actually talking to your listener. For a more detailed look at which podcast format is the best fit for you, go to ThePodcastHost.com/Formats

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!

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 http://ThePodcastHost.com/topic

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 http://ThePodcastHost.com/unique

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 http://ThePodcastHost.com/listener

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.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about compiling an ebook. A lot of podcasters do this once they’ve hit a critical mass with their episodes. You end up with a lot of wisdom and knowledge in that big bank of content. So, what threads or narratives could you pull out and build an ebook around? An example of this might be a recurring question you ask every guest, and now you have 50 different answers. Or, maybe you’ve noticed a pattern in how each guest battled through adversity to become successful in their field. If you do themed and structured seasons, then your book chapters are pretty much laid out for you. Use your scripts, transcripts, and shownotes to build a first draft, polish it up, then you can use it whatever way you like. Some choose to give it away for visibility or as a lead magnet. Others prefer to stick it up for sale on Amazon or their own e-commerce store. Either way, ebooks are one of the best ways to repurpose your content and create extra value for your audience. Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please do leave us a rating and review on your listening app of choice. We really would appreciate it.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about social media stories. Most social media platforms have their own version of a “stories” or “shorts” feature, where you post short clips from throughout your day. And whilst *actually* posting short clips to social media throughout your day sounds like a terrible idea, you can still use these tools to create extra content and engagement around your podcast. For example, during a pre-chat or set up, or as a sort of post-show conversation. You could even use them to document you decking out your new podcast studio, unboxing your latest bit of kit, or just talking through your note-taking strategy that lays the foundations for your episode prep. Always treat this stuff as icing, though, and never let it get in the way of working on your actual podcast. If you’re finding life a bit busy and hectic, then dedicating time to social media should be the first thing to go. Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please do leave us a rating and review on your listening app of choice. We really would appreciate it.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about posting video versions of your episodes. Post-pandemic, people are a lot more familiar with talking on video these days. In the past, it was almost assumed that a podcast recording would be audio-only. But now, you’ll find that a lot of guests turn up almost expecting the video to be recorded, too. If you and your guest are comfortable with it, then it makes total sense to record video as well as audio. You can upload these videos to YouTube, which is the second biggest search engine in the world. You don’t even have to post the full episodes as videos, either. You can pick out one of two short clips to publish as micro-content, which makes them more searchable, and act as great teaser samples for the full show. Having a video component to your podcast can go a long way towards expanding your reach and growing your audience. For a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/videopods](http://thepodcasthost.com/videopods)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about written content and blogging. As podcasters, we’re missing a trick when we think of our “show notes” as an afterthought. If you’ve planned and scripted your episode, you might only tweak this slightly then just slap it in there when you hit publish. But an extra 20mins spent turning your outline or show notes into something we might more accurately describe as a “blog post” can be well worth your while. Can you write 500-700 words around your episode topic in a structured and cohesive manner? Good blog posts are extremely shareable. And, you might end up with some decent search traffic via Google. Ultimately, this is all going to help you in the quest to grow your audience. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “good” writer, a free tool like Grammarly can help you a lot, here. And you don’t need to become the next Stephen King to make written content work well for you. The big work is in the structure and message, and you’re already doing that each time you outline a new episode. Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this subject, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/stacking](http://thepodcasthost.com/stacking)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about live broadcasting or streaming. If you’ve got a phone or an internet connection, then you have the ability to “go live” at any time. Typically, this would be on one of the big social media platforms, a dedicated streaming platform like twitch, or, an app like Podbean. Some podcasters like to record their episodes live for the audience interaction and instant feedback, or, just that feeling of “being live”. Others might choose to do their episode prep live, where they’ll take questions and queries in advance. Live broadcasting isn’t for everyone, and the reach is definitely far more limited than your on-demand content. But this might be something you can easily fit into your workflow that creates a bit of extra engagement and visibility. Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this subject, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/livepod](http://thepodcasthost.com/livepod)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about podcast growth through repurposing. If you’re spending time creating great content in one medium - in our case, audio - then you can multiply its impact by repurposing or ‘stacking’ it. For example, with this podcast, I script the episodes, then record them. I could also film the recording, for YouTube, record it live, for streaming or social media, and then use the scripts as a blog post or even an email sequence. That’s a lot of different outputs for almost no extra work. So over the next few episodes, we’re going to take a deeper dive into repurposing. The aim is to maximise the impact and reach of your content and ensure that nothing ever gets wasted. If you’ve taken the time to put something good together, why not have it out there working for you in as many different formats as possible? Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please follow or subscribe on your listening app or choice so you never miss an episode.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about event sponsorship. We’ve already talked about going to conferences and conventions in your niche. So how about sponsoring one to promote your podcast? Event organisers will tend to offer different sponsorship tiers. There’s usually a main event sponsor, though depending on the industry, this could be pretty expensive. Sponsorship of things like lanyards and canvas bags can be a lot cheaper, though, and pretty effective at the same time. With the lanyards, there are eyes going to them the whole day as people meet, and look at each other’s name. With bags, these are carried around the whole day and are constantly on display as attendees fill them full of swag. Both the lanyards and the bags are generally kept by attendees too, so there’s a good chance your branding will make it back home with them afterwards. The beauty of event sponsorship is that you don’t even physically need to be there. You can sponsor an event on the other side of the world, or multiple events at the same time! Thanks for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please do leave us a rating and review on your listening app of choice. We really would appreciate it.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about flyers and leaflets. Paper or card flyers are one of the oldest marketing tools out there. And even in this age of social media and digital communication, we still see them everywhere. You’ll no doubt regularly get them through your door, find them scattered on tables, or pinned to community noticeboards. Using flyers to advertise your podcast can be an effective marketing strategy, if done correctly. They can get your show in front of potential listeners in an eye-catching and tangible way. They can tempt these potential listeners into finding out more, by offering a clear problem-solution relevant to your content. So have a think about how or where you might be able to use flyers in a way that’ll fit with your topic or target audience. Is this something that might help you reach more potential podcast listeners? Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about sponsoring another podcast. This is potentially the ultimate way to spend any advertising budget. Find a successful show with a similar target audience to your own, then, sponsor it for a few episodes. This way, not only do you reach your target audience, but they’re all active podcast listeners, too. An ad for another podcast could sound like a breath of fresh air if listeners are used to hearing about how great the latest all-in-one sock mattress razor is. An obvious caveat is that the show in question runs ads. But even if they don’t, the host will probably be interested in your proposal. As a very rough ballpark, podcast ads can cost around $25 per 1000 listeners. But, more niche and targeted shows often charge a bit more. If you can afford to try it out though, this is a fantastic way to reach more podcast listeners in your target audience. Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about email newsletter sponsorship. Email is still the often-overlooked king of online communication. Websites and social media platforms may come and go, but every single person who uses the internet has an email address. Email newsletters are still arguably the most effective way for brands and businesses to keep their fans up-to-date. And many of these brands and businesses will offer sponsorship opportunities for their newsletters, too. This can be an excellent way to get in front of your target audience. A good starting point here is to consider the email newsletters in your show’s niche that you’re already signed up to. Do any of these have ongoing ad or sponsorship slots? If so, it’ll be possible to get details on pricing and availability, either on their main website, or by contacting the folks behind it. Marketing emails often have solid analytics, too. So you should get enough data to warrant whether you’ve got a good ROI on this. If it’s working well for you and you have the budget, it might be worth sticking with for a while. Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about advertising your podcast via Google Ads. Google ads is another behemoth of online advertising, and there's a good chance you see dozens of these every single day. Most search terms will turn up a handful of ads at the very top of the page. You can spot these because they have the “Ad” text beside them. If you have a show which answers a question, in any way, then Google ads could work really well for you. For example, you're a coach that teaches people how to be more confident on your show, or you're a running influencer who tells people what the best running products to buy are. If you know what people are searching for in your niche, and your show has an answer for that search, then you can use Google ads. They may not be *quite* as effective as organic content. But getting anything to the very top of a Google search result can be challenging, and takes a bit of time. So by all means, work on optimising your organic content for search. But in the meantime, putting some money behind a Google Ad or two can give you a nice boost in traffic to your site - and downloads to your podcast! Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about advertising your podcast on Reddit. Reddit is described as a “social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website.” That’s some elevator pitch eh? You can’t argue, though. It is one of the most visited websites in the world – and it's yet another place you can run paid ads to promote your content. To advertise your podcast on Reddit, you first need to sign up with Reddit Ads, where you can create your first campaign. Here, Reddit will ask you for your campaign objective. The options they give include “Brand Awareness and Reach”, “Traffic”, “Conversions”, and “Video Views”. You can tailor your ad targeting, going as wide or as narrow as you like, selecting from a range of interests and niche Reddit communities. You can also run location targeting. If you're based in the US, you can even do this on a per-state basis. On top of that, you can choose which devices your ads will run on – for example, a podcast about iOS/Apple products wouldn't want to waste its money advertising to Android users. Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about advertising your podcast on Spotify. At time of recording, Spotify boasts well over 250 million “ad supported” listeners. You can create and run a 30-second audio ad for your show by signing up at https://adstudio.spotify.com Spotify ads are predominantly audio, though there’s a visual element too. They display your logo on screen with a “Learn More” button, whilst the ad is playing. The ads are played in-between songs or podcast episodes, to listeners who use Spotify on their free tier. Spotify ads are similar to social media ads in the sense that you set a budget and date range, before being offered an estimated number of ads to be served. For example, $500 might get you around 25,000 ads. They also let you really hone in on the targeting, selecting things like age, gender, location, and even the styles of music your ads will appear alongside. Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about social media advertising. I know I’m never very positive or complimentary about social media. But, there are a lot of people looking at it every minute of every day. And, you can pay to advertise your podcast at them. Facebook is traditionally the mecca for social media ads because they have so much data on their users. You can really hone in on the audience you’d like to reach, from location, to interests, and even, the device they're using. For some, this is ethically questionable, but you’ll have your own opinions. The fact is, it’s out there as an option. Facebook isn’t the only platform you can run ads on either. There’s Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and probably ten more new apps by the time you hear this. Prolific social media users are some of the most distracted and angry people out there. So be prepared for the odd person who notices it to express outrage that they’re being advertised at on a platform they use for free. Anyway, that’s enough cynicism for one day eh? Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/facebookads](http://thepodcasthost.com/facebookads) Seriously, that’s a great guide by Gavin, so if social is your thing, then it’s well worth a wee look.

Welcome to Pocket-Sized Podcasting, brought to you by Alitu: The Podcast Maker. And on this episode, we’re talking about advertising on Podnews. Podnews is an essential daily email newsletter, predominantly aimed at keeping podcasters up-to-date with the latest industry news. But, most podcasters are podcast listeners too, and you can advertise your podcast to them here for as little as $29 a day. With Podnews advertising, you can promote your show to - at time of recording - over 25,000 subscribers every weekday. Recipients include folks from the likes of the BBC, NPR, Gimlet, and Apple Podcasts – you never know who might take an interest. The ads appear right in the middle of the main content, as a seperate box, under the heading ‘Classifieds’. Each ad is a hyperlinked headline and a 30-40 word description. All ads run in Podnews will also appear permanently on their website and within their daily companion podcast episode shownotes. By the way, it’s a good wee daily show to subscribe too. Thanks very much for listening to Pocket-Sized Podcasting. And, for a deeper dive on this topic, head on over to [thepodcasthost.com/advertising](http://thepodcasthost.com/advertising)