Podcast Editors Mastermind

Apple recently changed the way they display artwork in their Podcasts app.

This is important to note because there can be some negative consequences if you're not following a consistent process or even unaware, as Steve was, about adding artwork to each upload to your clients' media host.

Mathew Passy shares the benefits of having good Show artwork (for the entire podcast), and if there is any value in having Episodic artwork (for each episode).

Key Takeaways:

• The Benefits of a good thumbnail
• Using the headshots in Show artwork
• What NOT to include in Show artwork
• Are there benefits for using EPISODE artwork?
• Getting into Apple's Featured section
• How Apple displays Episode artwork (or not)
• Uploaded Episode artwork doesn't change if rebranding a show
• What about artwork for other reasons (chapters/sponsors)
• Changing Show artwork periodically to highlight events, themes, etc.

They say "The💰💰💰is in the list." Are you maximizing the potential of email lists and newsletters for your clients?

The importance of capturing listeners' email addresses can't be underestimated! Personalized welcome sequences ensure engagement and retention that eventually turns into a super-fan who will participate in whatever your client is offering.

Paul Gowder has been harnessing the power of newsletters for years - and comes on the show to share strategies for converting listeners into email subscribers.

Learn how to repurpose past podcast episodes into valuable content that can drive traffic and increase engagement rates. Plus, explore how effective email lists can boost a podcast's reach and complement other marketing efforts, like social media and live streams.

Key Discussion Points

• Why an email list is crucial for growth and how to effectively capture subscriber emails
• The role of personalized welcome sequences and consistent content delivery to build and retain audience engagement
• Repurposing podcast content in newsletters to continually drive traffic (and provide it as a service to your clients)!

Key moments:

(00:00) Paul’s 25+ Years of Growing a List

(06:11) Improving Email Welcome Sequences

(07:24) Converting Podcast Listeners to Subscribers

(10:22) Maximize Podcast Reach with Newsletters

(13:11) Engaging Personally via Newsletters

(19:18) Maximizing Newsletter Value

(26:10) Automated Subscriber Management Solutions

About Paul Gowder:

What makes a podcast episode truly engaging - and keeps listeners coming back? The importance of maintaining a structured yet flexible format can’t be stressed enough by our guest, Wendy Wawrzyniak.

Our discussion, no matter which way we turned, ended up landing on one form of consistency or another. Consistency not only enhances a listener’s enjoyment but can also promote sustainability and growth.

Guess what: Consistency also benefits Podcast Editors like you too!

Key topics covered:

• Why predictability in podcast formats keeps audiences engaged and builds community
• The role of podcast editors as managers and consultants to improve show structure and format
• Tips to streamline production and make better podcasts

Key moments:

(00:00) "Podcast Consistency Over Structure"

(06:07) Keeping listeners engaged mid-episode

(07:20) Consistency: The way to earn Trust with an audience

(10:38) When a podcast changes their episode format

(12:37) Using a compelling clip as a “cold open”

(14:55) How consistency during recording benefits the Podcast Editor

(18:31) Insight on Directing a Podcast

About Wendy Wawrzyniak:

Wendy is an experienced educator, speaker, and consultant, specializing in AP History instruction and content creation strategies. As the founder of AP History Help, she provides online courses, tutoring, and resources to help students excel in AP History courses.

With a background in virtual teaching and curriculum development, Wendy has also created The World is Your Classroom, where she has expanded her expertise to the podcasting world, speaking twice at Podfest and serving as an education consultant for conferences.

She is now leveraging her experience to help podcasters improve their show structure, audience engagement, and presentation skills.

What are the consequences of hiring the wrong client? What if you need to make money but don't have any good clients yet? Do you start with UpWork or Fiverr?

Ashley Dickerson-Ellison shares some great stories about leaving her teaching job when they moved overseas for a couple years. She starting her podcast editing business and did what many of us do: Offered services on UpWork.

Make sure you stay to the end for the story about the guy who interrupted her trip, then came back and asked if she had references. It's a horrible, but funny story I think we can all relate to.

Key Discussion Points

• The cost of lower-value clients on commodity job websites
• The mental shift from an employee to self-employed mindset
• Building a personal brand with a podcast and website
• The importance of getting help

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/the-mental-health-of-hiring-the-wrong-client

Our guest: Ashley Dickson-Ellison

Ashley Dickson-Ellison has been in the podcasting world since 2018 with the launch of Unabridged, a podcast about books.

She has 17 years of working in education before transitioning to full time podcast work in 2021.

Ashley founded and runs Unabridged Digital Media Solutions, LLC, where she supports podcast launches, offers podcast consultations and strategy support, and provides ongoing podcast management with a full suite of services for several partners.

In her free time, you'll find Ashley exploring the world and spending time outside with her life partner and two daughters. Find her at https://www.ashleydicksonellison.com

Connect with Ashley:

The word for 2024 in podcasting was "CHANGE". We had the rise of AI, the increasing importance of video, and key industry leaders leaving their roles.

Podcast Editors Club members emphasized the need to sound natural and not scripted, navigate the complications of offering video editing, and the significance of knowing how to use dynamic ad insertion.

We particularly highlight the importance of staying adaptable and diversifying income streams to maintain staying power. Podcast Editors like you can enhance your value by offering SEO services, collateral for social media, and media host management. Most importantly, Podcast Editors need to effectively communicate the value of these services to their clients to ensure continued growth and success in the evolving podcasting landscape.

Key Discussion Points

• Rise of AI tools and the significance of sounding natural
• Importance of video components and challenges in video editing
• Dynamic ad insertion as a valuable skill for editors
• Staying adaptable and diversifying income streams
• Effective communication of the value of additional services

Note: Ai was used to generate the basis of this episode summary.

Special thanks to Podcast Editors Club community members:

• Joshua Liston
• Roy Garcia
• Sarah Decker
• Matthew Bliss
• Dave Jackson
• Mike Wilkerson

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/whats-critical-for-a-podcast-in-2025

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