Streamlined Podcaster: Tips to Help Solo Podcasters Save Time and Create Great Content

The #1 question potential listeners will ask when they find your podcast is, "What's in it for me."Optimize for that question and that experience and you will get more listeners.This was the crux of what we covered when Hollie Arnett hired me for a podcast audit of her show, Brand Your Podcast. In this episode we'll cover the Top 8 takeaways from that audit, as well as what Hollie should do next. If you want to get your own Podcast Growth Audit, you can do so here: https://podcastliftoff.com/auditAnd if you want to watch the entire, unedited audit, check out this video. ★ Support this podcast ★

Something that many new podcasters are resistant to is transcripts, and it’s perfectly understandable why. The free/cheap AI-generated ends up taking more work because they aren’t super accurate, and human-written ones cost a lot of money that many podcasters feel they don’t have.But if you want to grow your podcast, you need transcripts. And let's be honest: the AI-generated transcripts are WAY more accurate today than even 6 months ago.Not only do they make your show accessible to those who physically cannot listen, but they also provide more text and content for Google (and even podcast apps) to search.Luckily, there are some helpful tools when it comes to transcripts. If you’re interested, I wrote all about it here: Why Your Podcast Needs Transcripts ★ Support this podcast ★

We’ve all had the experience of an over-eager salesperson. The moment they see you, you're marked as a potential sale and you’re immediately asked if you want to buy whatever they’re selling. And even if you walked into the store, expressing some level of interest, it still feels icky.That's kind of what it feels like when you open your podcast with a CTA. ★ Support this podcast ★

People love bonus content. They love a look behind the scenes. And they love exclusivity.For these reasons, and plenty more, private podcasting is a great way to make money. But what is a private podcast?Put in the clearest terms, a private podcast is one that only certain people can access. Maybe they are students in a class, employees at a company, or members of club.Use CasesWith a private podcast, you can charge for access and give people a private link to your feed. This works super great for memberships where you want to offer bonus episodes or ad-free episodes.But if you’re a coach or consultant, you can include a private podcast as part of your fee. Maybe you send regular affirmations, or even supplementary advice based on your last call.If you teach a course, you can release bonus or additional lessons in a private podcast, or answer student questions in a way that’s easily consumable for them.Where to StartThere are several ways to offer private podcasts, including built-in support through Apple and Spotify. Other more accessible options: Transistor Hello Audio Memberful Patreon Are you interested in starting a private podcast? Let me know, and send along any questions you might have! ★ Support this podcast ★

A few emails ago I told you to stop putting episode numbers in titles because it doesn't entice listeners. It doesn't give them any information about the episode. The same thing goes with starting your descriptions with, "In this episode..." I understand why you'd want to use it, but people looking at podcasts will already know this is an episode. "In this episode" takes up precious space in search engines that could be used for something better...something that is more pertinent to the listener. ★ Support this podcast ★

It feels fitting that Justin Jackson and Jon Buda referenced 37signals in their very first episode of Build Your SaaS because they were “eating their own dog food,” or “dogfooding” their product.They were launching a podcast about building a podcast hosting company, which they were using to host their podcast.What does this have to do with 37signals? They are perhaps the best example of dogfooding in the modern era1.But the podcast became more than just a way for them to dog food their product. It became a chronicle of how they created a new company — a new SaaS. And one in a crowded field to boot.And since building in public is hugely popular, the podcast has benefitted them in a ton of other ways too.Build Your SaaS is really a testament to how beneficial a branded podcast can be to a company.Let’s take a look at why, and what lessons you can take from them.IN THIS EPISODEBuild in public. You never know who’s going to extract value from your story.Cut down on research by picking a topic you already know, or are actively learning.Consider lesser-known, niche-specific promotional channels for your show.Read the article here: https://podcastworkflows.com/transistor-brand-podcast/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Don't you love a good peek behind the curtain?I do. It helps me get a concrete look at how to do things, and by extension, how I can do things. That's why you should do a Behind the Scenes episode.Show your listeners how you built a product, service, or process. Be detailed about it! It will prove that you think through your problems to find good solutions. This is another trust-builder.Bonus idea: Use these episodes to build your list. Maybe do a 2-parter, where listeners get the second part exclusively by joining your email list! Your turn: what's something interesting you've done that would make for a good BTS episode. It can be anything from a blog post you wrote, to a site you launched, or even how you make your podcast! ★ Support this podcast ★

Imagine being told you need to get your wedding, and that’s it. No time. No date. No location. Just, “You need to get to your wedding.”You’d feel kind of stuck, right? Surely there are people who know that information. You’d think it would be part and parcel with, “You need to get to your wedding.”That’s kind of how it feels when someone tells you, “You need to automate.”What should you automate? How should you automate it? How do you know if you can automate it?Well, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to figure our what you don’t have to do, but the are also categories of tasks to help you figure out if a task is worth automating.Read more here: https://soloautomator.com/how-to-determine-what-to-automate-c4ff99e9413f ★ Support this podcast ★

Some people don’t like talking about themselves all the time. And that’s perfectly fine. A great way to get content without making it self-centered is by highlighting someone else’s success. That’s why today’s episode is client/customer spotlights.Listeners love content they can relate to. If you can pick a customer or client and highlight how they’ve been able to improve using your product or service, that will be great content for you.Be sure to make the episode about the client, and the audience, and not about you. This can be in the form of a narrated case study, or it can be an interview you do with the client.Check out my more in-depth look at customer spotlights over on the GoWP blog.Your task: think about a client or customer you really delivered for, and why. Then turn it into an episode! ★ Support this podcast ★

When it comes to Podcast sponsorship outreach, you likely will think you need a few weeks lead time. But you probably need a month or more. So today’s tip: Start way before you think you need to.Most brands/sponsors aren’t ready to drop money as soon as you email them, or even within the same week. And bigger brands might have a NET-30 or NET-60 payment schedule for invoices, meaning that money won’t even come in for a while.So don’t start when you see you need sponsors for upcoming episodes. You should have a sort of sales funnel for regular outreach — I’ve had brands decline, then come back in 6-12 months.Oh and a bonus tip: most organizations are setting budgets at the end of the year. I reach out to all previous and potential sponsors in early October to lock up sponsorship for the upcoming year. Put that one on your calendar. ★ Support this podcast ★

Imagine creating not one, not two, but THREE versions of every podcast episode you produce.That’s what Jay Clouse does with Creator Science. See, last year he made the decision to make his podcast “YouTube-first,” which means focusing on video production, then mastering it for audio.If you produce a podcast, you already know that it’s time-consuming. While Christina Nicholson showed us it doesn’t have to take a lot of time for you personally, there’s still a lot that goes into an episode.And Jay is creating a YouTube version, an audio version, and a separate Spotify video version. This is complicated by the fact that Jay’s revenue model varies depending on the platform.But this work isn’t for nothing! As we’ll see, he’s making a few long-term bets about the future of podcast content.👉 IN THIS EPISODEWhy building a relationship with your listeners is crucialHow leveraging new technology can make you tell better storiesThinking outside the box for monetization modelsLeveraging the network effect to grow your podcastRead the article here: https://podcastworkflows.com/podcast-video-storytelling/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Quite often, I see podcasters sharing their podcast episodes and they've titled something like: Episode 12: Jim RodgersWould you click on this if you came across it on social media? Probably not. This doesn't tell you anything about what you'll learn in the episode. Even worse, this does nothing for SEO...most people aren't randomly Googling episode numbers.Stop putting the episode number in your title. Your episodes should be treated as any other searchable content. That means a title that entices people to click through and listen. ★ Support this podcast ★

Something that turns lots of people away from podcasting (both before and after starting) is how much time and work it takes. But you don't need long interview shows. In fact, there's a new type of podcast that's gaining popular: the mini podcast. Here's why starting a mini-podcast (or pivoting your current show that way) might be a good idea: They are usually less than 20 minutesThey're generally solo shows (no coordinating guests)They allow you to showcase your expertiseThey are easier to batchInterested? I cover them more on my own mini-podcast here. ★ Support this podcast ★

I know it’s tempting. You fire up Zoom, hit record, and just release the combined audio into your podcast feed.That’s called record and release. Lots of podcasters do it. It even works for some people. But it won’t work for you.Here’s why.The podcasters doing this have likely already accumulated a big audience. Back when the best way to record a podcast was Skype and eCamm Call Recorder. Back when it was a lot harder to launch a podcast, so just the act of publishing one at all showed you were putting in an effort.But two things have changed since then:The tools got better. It’s a lot easier to just record and publish a podcast.The audience is getting savvier. And as a result, their expectations are higher.An early critically acclaimed movie, Grand Hotel, came out in 1932. It basically takes place in a couple of rooms in a hotel.It’s still considered a culturally significant movie. But it would bomb at the box office today.Movies have come so much further than what was accomplished in 1932. Special effects, storytelling, multi-threaded plots, color…nearly everything.Moviegoers have a higher bar than they did in 1932.The same thing goes for podcasting. Publishing isn’t enough.You need to do more than just talk into a mic. Plan your show. Outline or script it. And add some post-production to make it sound better. Add music.Give the listeners something besides halfway decent audio.You will see more downloads. ★ Support this podcast ★

When you launched your podcast, you likely knew to submit to Apple Podcasts. And that covers a good number of bases. Most small directories pull from Apple. But not all of them. Spotify, for example, does not. You need to submit to them separately. The same goes for Amazon.Plus there are lots of other niche directories you want to be in: Podcaster, GoodPods, and more. BuzzSprout has a good list here.But you also want to be on YouTube. YouTube is driving growth for podcasting, and they are doubling down. Secure your spot by creating a channel for show...even if it's just audio. I created a video to teach you how to do that:Why do this? Because you want your show to be as accessible as possible, everywhere. Meet your potential audience where they are. That's how you drive growth.Oh...and if you want to make sure you're best positioned for growth, check out my Podcast Growth Audit .Freebie: https://podcastworkflows.com/audit (Notion Template) ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever wondered why something gets put on TV? I know I have.That’s what makes Christina Nicholson’s show, Become a Media Maven, so interesting from a content standpoint.From a process standpoint, the show has been around since 2018 and has evolved and adapted to the changing landscape. This has helped Christina keep the show relevant without adding a ton more work to her plate. It’s also what has allowed her to focus on lead generation.Let’s take a look at what inspired the changes she made, how she produces her show today, and of course, what you can steal from her workflow.In this EpisodeExperiment with the format of your podcast.Know the goal of your episodes before you record.Use your podcast for lead generation.Read the full article here: https://podcastworkflows.com/lead-generation-christina-nicholson/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever thought, "I don't have time to podcast," ?When I ask people what’s stopping them from launching or continuing their show, this is the number one concern I'm told.Podcasting is definitely time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to take up all your time! There are a few things you can do to clear time on your calendar:Start small. You don’t need a 2-hour podcast to start. One of the longest-running, most popular podcasts, Stuff You Should Know, started with 6-minute episodes.You don’t need to coordinate guests for every episode. Mix in some solo episodes. Those are easier to schedule and easier to edit.Block time. If you have “podcasting” on your calendar at the same time every week, it will be easier to keep that schedule.Batch. Set time aside to make more than one episode per week. Then you have some margin, can take a break, and choose to podcast because you want to, not because you feel you have to.These are small, measurable steps you can make on the way to podcast consistency. And remember - consistency isn't every day or every week. It's predictability! ★ Support this podcast ★

Do you want to know how I got my podcasts sponsored before launching? How I get big-name guests? How I get my show off the ground in the first place?It was my network. It was the relationships I formed by being a professional, trustworthy person. I suspect you have one too. It's important to leverage in, especially in the beginning.That's also why it's important to clearly define your show and who it targets. But that's a tip for another day. So for today, I want you to think about who's in your network, and how you can work with them to make the most successful podcast possible. ★ Support this podcast ★

Podcasting, as you likely know by this point, is a TON of work. You need to launch, which is one project. But then you need to keep the show going. For every episode, you need to research, write/outline, record, edit, publish and promote. It's a TON of work, especially if you do it weekly. But what if you didn't have to do everything?I'm a big fan of automating and delegating work, which is why I want to share two resources with you today. The first is a few ideas for automating tasks you might be doing manually . Scheduling, recording, and even repurposing can be done by websites and services! Then there's the article I wrote called What Mowing the Lawn has to do with Your Podcast Losing Money .It's all about spending your time wisely so you can focus on doing the things that grow your podcast and help you make money. If that means paying someone to edit, the cost is small compared to the amount of time you save.I'd love to hear your thoughts. And let me know: what's your least favorite task when producing an episode? ★ Support this podcast ★

A common question I get is, “how can I make money with my podcast.” But what most people don’t realize is sponsorship isn’t the only way. So for today’s tip, I want to share with you my SMASH framework – 5 ways to make money with your podcast:S: Sponsorship -The most common way people think of to monetize their podcast because it’s the most visible. You get a company to give you money in order to advertise on your show.M: Membership - Another commonly known way to monetize. Instead of asking potential sponsors, you ask your listeners to directly support the show, usually in exchange for some members-only benefits.A: Affiliate Links - This is the lowest barrier to entry, but may take time to get a decent income. You sign up for affiliate programs of products you commonly recommend, and you get a cut of each sale from people who click your link.S: Selling (Products or Services) - I feel is the least-used way to monetize a podcast. You, using the podcast to prove your expertise, sell directly to your audience.H: Helping (Coaching, Consulting, Courses) - Similar to Selling, you use you podcast to land consulting clients, coaching clients, or sell your online courses. This could be a little easier than selling since you can have a podcast that does exactly what your “helping” service does.Naturally, you’re not locked into one. But understanding your options will help you craft your episodes and your call to action; it will also help you figure out where to spend your time.You can get more ideas in this free PDF. Which method sounds best to you? Let me know! ★ Support this podcast ★

Arielle Nissenblatt eats, sleeps, and breathes podcasts.Her main job is with a podcast company.Her newsletter is all about podcast curation.She runs a podcast community on Discord.She loves podcasts so much that she, along with her co-host Tim Villegas, produce a podcast about podcasts. Well really, about podcast trailers specifically. It’s called Trailer Park.You might think that this is too niche, but they got 10,000 downloads in just a few weeks. Their outreach process was crucial to achieving that goal. Read on to learn how they did it.IN THIS ISSUEWhy a super-niche podcast is the path to successSpending some time in the edit can greatly enhance your showPitching and direct outreach is still the best way to grow your podcastRead the full article here: https://podcastworkflows.com/trailer-park-podcast/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Something I overlooked for a long time was using my podcast to build my email list. I was so focused on everything else — getting it launched, finding guests, and you know, getting people to actually listen — that I completely ignored building my mailing list.But your email list is the best way to capture your audience — the only direct line you have to them, since podcast subscriptions are a scattered mess, and a black box.Through your email list, you can share episodes, better engage with your audience, and grow your business. People might skip episodes, but they’ll still see your name in their inbox.So how do you grow you list?1) Have a landing page with a subscribe box. I recommend ConvertKit. It’s free to start and you can even point a domain there.2) Make your call to action to subscribe, at both the top of the show, and at the end. over 50% of people drop off before your sign off, so having it in the beginning guarantees everyone hear it.3) Offer a content upgrade of freebie as incentive. My friend Jason Resnick says to make it sawdust from your own work.I promise — this is one of the best ways to grow your podcast and your audience. ★ Support this podcast ★

“I can’t be consistent” is a common misconception in podcasting! I was worried about this too, and I’ve publishing at least 1 show weekly for over 6 years. During certain times, it’s 3 weekly shows! So how can you be more consistent? I recommend that you:Capture Ideas constantly. I always have a way to capture an idea when it hits me, from a pen and paper, to a voice activated note that logs whatever I say. Idea capture is the lynchpin of consistency.Repurpose content from your blog, newsletter, and social media. This works especially well going from a written to audio medium. Read a blog post, or even take questions you can from your readers via email or on social media.Batch episodes. Record/Process/Schedule in large chunks. That way you’re in the right mindset, you’re not switching contexts, and you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Usually, Thursday is podcast day for me.Podcasting consistently is tough…if you don’t have the right process in place. But these 3 tips can help immensely. I’d love to know: how do you capture ideas? Is this something you’d like more insight into? ★ Support this podcast ★

Amie was struggling to get good conversations from her legally technical guests, so she reached out for a coaching call where we discussed a number of things: - Weaving story into the answers your guests give- The importance of a pre-interview- How to make sure your guest gives the best stuff during the recording- Permission to nix a bad interview. If you want your own coaching call, head to https://podcastliftoff.com/coaching/ - Mention this and the permission to publish YOURS, and I'll give you a discount. Join my Podcast Workflows newsletter: https://podcastworkflows.com ★ Support this podcast ★

You love your podcast, but you spend too much time on. Don't worry! You're not alone. After my first daughter was born in 2017, I noticed a monumental shift in my time. I used to run a side hustle nearly full time, while also maintaining a full time job. But, as they say, kids change everything. I didn’t seem to have enough time in the day to run my own business, while also making time for my family. Then our babysitter quit.I knew it was time to make a change or drowned. ★ Support this podcast ★

You know what the problem with most podcast repurposing tools is? As programmers say, garbage in, garbage out. If your inputs are bad, your outputs are bad. So today, we're going to look at how the hero's journey can help us write better podcast episodes, and that, in-turn, will give us better inputs for AI for content repurposing (AND planning). LinksCan Generative AI Help Us Be Better Podcasters?How AI Tools Can Benefit Podcasters: A Deep Dive ★ Support this podcast ★

Today, I explore the world of generative AI for podcasters. You'll learn how podcasters can benefit from AI tools like ChatGPT, Descript, and others for research, summarization, scheduling, and script writing. While AI can assist with various parts of the process, we need to remember it cannot replace the emotional connection created by a human’s voice. Don’t miss out on this practical episode full of tips for podcasters looking to incorporate AI into their workflow.LinksChatGPTRaycastCastmagic (AppSumo Link)CraftDescriptCanvaDALL-EEpisode artwork generated by DALL-E 2, using the prompt, "Generate podcast artwork based on the episode title, "How AI Tools Can Benefit Podcasters: A Deep Dive". The podcast is called "The Profitable Podcaster" and the logo is a mic shaped like a rocket. make it futuristic and robot-centric" ★ Support this podcast ★

Booking podcast guests can be a mess without the right tools. Missing one step can mean a bad recording, forgotten instructions, or unprepared interviewees. They might never get the right invite, or the right link. That’s why I’ve automated my entire podcast guest booking process. I don't need to remember anything, and my guests fully know what to expect. Today, I’m going to show you this crucial podcast workflow and how I automate booking guests for my podcast.Links/ResourcesHow to Easily Book Podcast GuestsCalendly for scheduling, email reminders, and calendar invitesMake to connect Calendly to everything else.Riverside for Recording EpisodesAirtable for the show schedule/organizingGoogle Docs for Show notesGet my podcast planner at https://podcastliftoff.com/freebie ★ Support this podcast ★

Recently, I was on a panel where someone asked, “How can you possibly run 3 podcasts? I struggle with one!”The clearest answer is I’ve been doing this for 10 years. Because of that, I have a clear system in place for how I create podcast content. At the heart of that is automation and delegation. When it comes to automating your podcast, you probably have a few important roles: Creating the contentTalkingGenerating incomeEverything else can be removed from your plate. Here’s what I do with my coaching clients: On day one we make a list of everything they do to produce 1 episode. We group those tasks into planning, pre-production, production, post-production, and promotion. I work with them to automate or delegate as much as possible. I strongly recommend you do the same. And in today's episode, I tell you how. LinksAirtable PlannersAutomation LibraryCreator Debates: Will Creators Fail Without a Manager? ★ Support this podcast ★

Want to get on more podcasts? There's something you need to know.There are SO many bad podcast pitches. From the shameless to the clueless, standing out is as easy as showing the host you care more about their audience than about your personal PR.To do that, AVOID these Bad Pitch Archetypes.LinksCheck out the artworkAre You an Effective Podcast Guest?The RIGHT Way to Pitch Podcasts ★ Support this podcast ★

Going on someone’s podcast can be a great way to establish your authority and promote your work, right? Wrong. Well…it is right, but it shouldn’t be your primary motive. Much like how the intentions behind your actions get you into The Good Place, your intentions for reaching out to a podcast host and coming on the show also need to be good. Otherwise, the host and the audience will see right through it. So how do you get on someone’s podcast? Show NotesHow to Get Yourself on Someone's PodcastAre You an Effective Podcast Guest?Repurpose for Success: Your Content FlywheelPodcast Mastery ★ Support this podcast ★

Content reuse is a tale as old as time. Disney, when making Robin Hood, famously re-used stills from Snow White and The Jungle Book in order to save money when their budgets were low. While the discovery of this practice was frowned upon for Disney, we should look at it as a smart thing. We're saving time where you reusing our message to reach new people. That's why, in today's episode, I'm going to teach you all about my Content Flywheel. Show NotesCheck out my content flywheelHow can I turn my newsletter into a podcast?How to Smartly Invest in Your PodcastSupport the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you an effective podcast guest? Much like podcast swaps, this can be a great way to grow your show. But you need to do a good job! So how can you be an effective podcast guest? I have 3 tips: Provide Value. Ask the host about their audience, what their problems are, and do you best to offer actionable advice. Don’t self-promote too much. You don’t want to come off as salesy or smarmy the whole time. If you’re only pushing your own stuff, you’re not providing value…and it’s obvious. Have a landing page and clear call to actionWant to learn more? Listen on! Show NotesHow to be a Successful Podcast GuestMaking the Most of Your Podcast Guest SpotYou Need a Clear Call to ActionPodcast Swaps Grew My Show by 21%Check Out Podcast MasterySupport the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at my high school alma mater’s Career Day about being a podcast coach and content creator.It was an opportunity to teach students about what I do, but it was also a learning opportunity for me. I’ve been listening to podcasts essentially since some of these students were in diapers (or even before they were born). I’ve been podcasting since they were my oldest daughter’s age.What I found was fascinating. Show NotesRead the articleCheck out Podcast MasterySupport the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you using your podcast to build your own authority? Most people aren't. See, if you have an interview podcast, you probably aren’t. Instead, I recommend you do this:1. Start working in short, 20 minute or less episodes into your show. 2. Pick topics that allow you to showcase your expertise and solve a problem.3. Have a super clear CTA to join your mailing list or schedule a free call.If you’re a coach, course creator, or author, these episodes will be an incredible way for your to get listeners to know, like, and trust you. Listen for a deeper dive. And be sure to check out my guide on Mini Podcasting too!Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

We've got another coaching call for you today, but it's a little bit different than the other coaching calls that I've done. That's because Trudie Avery is shutting down her podcast. So instead of a coaching call on what she can do to improve her podcast, we're doing a little bit of a post-mortem. Trudie's biggest problem, as you'll come to find out, is positioning. She is a branding expert, but her show was about starting a brand new business. So what we discuss is passion projects versus projects that have a measurable ROI for your business. We get into what she could have done differently and what the future holds.Show NotesTrudie Avery (The Logo Lady)Why My Podcast Failed - Brand New Business PodcastDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Over the past several months, I’ve covered YouTube a few times, and made the arguments for and against video in podcasting. And if you’re in the “I don’t want to add video to my podcast” camp, there’s good news that came out of Hot Pod Summit ’23.Head of YouTube Podcasting Kai Chuk was in attendance and announced that podcasts are coming to YouTube Music — but that’s not all he announced.Read the full article hereShow NotesPodcasts are coming to YouTube MusicJoin the Profitable Podcaster ProgramDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

There are a lot of moving parts to launching and producing a podcast! Lots you need to think about...not just about putting the content together and recording it and editing, but about how you present your show. Last week , I shared with you my 7-Point Framework for podcast growth. I also shared with you that I am offering podcasts audits, where I apply that framework and give you objective and honest feedback on how you can grow your show. Today, I'm excited to bring you one of those audits.Show NotesWatch the AuditThe Lovable Survivor Podcast7-Point Framework for Podcast GrowthGet Your Own Podcast Growth AuditDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

One of the biggest struggles for podcasters is growth. Getting more downloads, more engaged listeners, more leads! That’s why I put together a 7-point podcast growth framework. If you want to grow your show, do these 7 things: Make sure you’re in all the podcast directoriesReview Title and DescriptionReview of Episode titles and descriptions to attract more listeners (and for SEO)Rework your CTABe intentional with your intro/first 60 secondsIdentify podcasts for episode swapsFigure out how you’ll make moneyShow NotesGet the Podcast Growth Audit6 Ways to Double Your Podcast Downloads in 20235 Places Where You Can Find Podcasts to Swap with TODAYCortext PodcastDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Are most of the podcasts you listen to for fun, or for growth? If you're like 74% of podcast listeners, you listen to podcasts to learn new things. That's why your podcast should be a painkiller. And today, I'm going to give you all the reasons why. Show NotesPainkillers vs. Vitamins3 Questions You NEED to Answer to Have a Profitable Podcast (Show's Mission Statement)Don't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you have a great interview with a guest. Now it’s time to edit. You’re using software you’re still kind of learning. And this interview has a slightly different issue you haven’t seen before, so you’re watching YouTube videos on how to remove AC hum from your guest’s audio. You feel like you said “um” too much so you’re trying to remove some, but not all of them. You don’t want to sound unnatural.Even though the interview was only 30 minutes, the edit takes 2 hours. That’s at least 3 other interviews you could have done.Instead, you can hire an editor who, for less than $50, can do the full edit and send you back a file that sounds better than anything you’ve done.And you need to ask yourself: Is your time worth $25/hr?Show Notes7 Things You can Automate for Your Podcast TODAYWhat Mowing the Lawn has to do with Your Podcast Losing MoneyDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Want to know a secret that saves me a TON of time (and can save YOU time too)?This podcast isn’t the only place you’ll see this content. You’ll see it on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and in my newsletter. The process is easier than you’d think. Here’s how mine works. Show NotesSave Time! 7 Things You Can Automate for Your Podcast TODAYHow to Add a Google Doc in a Specific Folder with Your Stream DeckSwitching to MakeFirst, I put the text of these posts into a Google Doc. This ensures that both my VA and I can access it. I also have an automaiton that moved that Google Doc into Airtable. Listen to the podcast to learn more about that! From our project tracker (we use Airtable), she knows to take those docs and use a Canva template to turn the text into a set of images for LinkedIn and Instagram.Now I have the basic text. I use that as the basis for my next Profitable Podcaster episode. The Google Doc is basically my outline! I may add more notes and context once I’m on the mic.Then I copy the text from Google Doc and add it to ConvertKit for my next newsletter. The only change I’ll make here is including a callout to listen to the episode. So there you have it! One Google Doc that serves as 4, platform optimized, pieces of content. Take the topic and main points, and rework them for the platform. And make sure you point each piece of content to the other! Give people options and build your cross-platform followings.Don't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Podcasting is a TON of work -- it's no wonder 75% don't make it past 7 episodes. But it can be easier through automation...and you don't need to be super technical to automate some aspects of your podcast! Here are 7 things you can automate for your podcast today. Get the Podcast Automation PackShow NotesCalendlyBuzzsproutDescriptConvertKitRepurposeCastosAirtableDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Today’s episode is the first in a new series of coaching calls I’m doing for the show. I’m talking to Aaron Lee, who got his start in radio before pivoting to podcasting in late 2020. He’s seeking advice on how to improve his process, how to turn his podcast into lead gen for consulting, and get an answer to the question, “do I need transcripts?”Listen to Aaron's PodcastApply to have your own coaching call for the showDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

One of the most common questions I get when I tell people that they should do more podcast swaps is, "Where should I go to find podcasts to swap with?" You can just look on Apple Podcasts or reach out to the podcast that you listened to. But that might not be the best strategy. You want to find similar audiences -- look alike audiences where the listeners will be more likely to tune into your show.Here are 5 great places to look:Tink Media’s Podcast Swap database. There are people who’ve opted-in to doing podcast swaps and have made their email address easily accessible. I found 20 podcasts to work with using this database. Apple Podcasts. Go to your podcast page page and look for You Might Also Like. These are podcasts that have similar audiences. If that doesn’t work, you could also look at the podcasts in your category. Arielle Nissenblatt’s Podcast Community Discord. This is a community of podcasters that are looking for collabs and networking. There’s even a #swaps-collabs area.Podchaser. If you go to your podcast page there, they have a “Similar” tab. This is much more robust than Apple Podcasts…though you’ll have to watch the quality/activity of the shows. Still a great starting point for outreach. ListenNotes’s Community/Curation pages. Go to your page on ListenNotes and click on the Community tab. You’ll see lists your show is a part of. If there are no lists, check out the curated tab and search for lists relevant to your show! So there you have it! 5 ways to find podcasts to swap with. Which are you going to try first?Show NotesTink Media's Podcast Swap ListThe Podcast Community DiscordPodchaserListenNotes6 Ways to Double Your Podcast Downloads in 2023Don't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Last year, I more than doubled my monthly downloads for my already popular podcast, How I Built It, from 34,000 downloads per month to 71,000 downloads per month. Today, I want to give you 6+ ways you can do the same thing. 1/ Podcast promo swaps. Easily the best way to do it. I saw a marked increase in the number of downloads on weeks I swapped promos with another podcaster. Why do you think Wonder, iHeart, and the other big networks do it? 2/ Feed drops. If you want to give an audience a taste of what they can get by subscribing, trade episodes with another podcaster and put them in your feed on an off-day. You could even go the extra mile and create a custom CTA to subscribe to your show. 3/ Podcast guesting. Borrowing audiences is a tale as old as time, and that's exactly what you do when you go on other podcasts. Provide a TON of value then make your CTA to check out your podcast. They can do it from the same app. 4/ Promote your podcast in your newsletter. It can be dedicated broadcasts just for the episode, or a feature in your weekly newsletter, but make sure you're telling your own audience about it. Don't just assume they know. 5/ Create better titles. You want episode titles that stoke the need to listen through curiosity. Don't just use your guest's name. Open a thread that can only be closed by listened. If you need ideas, check out the incredible Creator Hooks by Jake Thomas. 6/ Know who you serve! When you clearly define the problem your podcast solves, it makes your episodes more shareable. Define your mission statement and who you help. Then serve them! Show NotesPodcast Swaps Grew my Show by 21%Podcast Liftoff PlaybookCreator HooksWays to get in touchDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

I want you to start 2023 strong, so today I'm telling you all the tools you need to start a mini podcast. It's no secret I think a mini podcast is the way to go, but how do you get started? Is there a complicated process? The truth is, you only need 2 tools...but I'm going to tell you about a few more :-) Show NotesFree Podcast PlannerDescriptBuzzsproutHoverSwitchyCanvaConvertKitAirtableDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcoming to the first ever Setup Saturday, where I take a look at interesting podcast setups. I've partnered with my friend and longtime podcaster, Matt Medeiros and his new website, thepodcastsetup.com to bring you the gear and software that podcasters around the world use. This first setup is from podcast collective Multitude. Let's dive it! Show NotesCheck out Multitude's post on The Podcast SetupSubscribe to The Podcast SetupShure SM7bRME InterfaceZoom H3-VR Ambisonic and Binaural Recorder Stedman Proscreen Pop Filters Rode Professional Studio Boom ArmProToolsiZotope RX 10 AdvancedAudiohijackDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Not all sponsorship campaigns are created equal, and some are better for small podcasters than others. In fact, the best type of sponsorship for smaller podcasters is Awareness campaigns. They don't rely on ROI or number of conversions from listeners to buyers. They rely on you leveraging your trust to talk about their product. Here's what you can do to better pitch sponsors with awareness campaigns. Show NotesJustin Moore's Thread on the 3 types of brand campaignsHow to Calculate Your Overall ReachDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★

Sponsorship is one of the many ways to make money podcasting. It's maybe the most well known way, but it's not necessarily the best way. In a previous episode of this podcast, I walked through my SMASH framework,- five ways that you can make money with your podcast. The M in SMASH is membership, and that's what I want to talk to you about.What are memberships, why and when should you do them? What you should consider, and a couple of ideas for actually implementing the membership.Show NotesBuy Me a CoffeeConvertKitCastosHello AudioCreator CrewRelay.fm MembershipsCheck out the YouTube ChannelPodcast Liftoff PlaybookDon't burn out trying to create content for your podcast! Create your own content flywheel through my free webinar. Register today.Support the show--------------------------------------------------------Send Feedback | LinkedIn | Facebook Group ★ Support this podcast ★