School of Podcasting - Plan, Launch, Grow and Monetize Your Podcast

Video podcasting offers unique advantages and challenges, making it essential for creators to weigh the pros and cons before diving in. While video can enhance engagement through visual cues and body language, audio podcasts provide greater portability and simplicity in production. Dave Jackson explores the contrasting benefits of both formats, highlighting that audio often leads to better memory recall and a more personal connection with listeners. As the landscape of podcasting evolves, particularly with platforms like Spotify and YouTube gaining traction, understanding the implications of these choices is crucial. By the end of this discussion, you'll be equipped with insights to decide whether to integrate video into your podcasting strategy.

Takeaways:

• Video podcasts can enhance audience engagement through visual cues and body language, creating a more relatable experience.
• Audio podcasts offer greater portability for multitasking, making them ideal for commuting or exercising.
• The production of audio podcasts is simpler, requiring less equipment and allowing more casual guest appearances.
• Completion rates for audio podcasts tend to be higher than those for video podcasts, indicating better listener retention.
• YouTube and Spotify compete for podcasting dominance, but each has different monetization challenges.
• While video can expand audience reach, it also incurs additional production costs and time commitments.

Links referenced in this episode:

Creating an effective audience survey is essential for understanding what your listeners want and how to enhance their experience.

This episode dives into the crucial steps for crafting survey questions that engage your audience and encourage participation. Dave Jackson emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and keeping surveys concise, ideally under ten questions, to boost completion rates.

He also discusses strategies for increasing responses, such as using incentives and clear communication about the benefits of participating. By the end, you'll have actionable insights to help you design a survey that not only gathers valuable feedback but also strengthens your relationship with your listeners.

Takeaways:

• Begin your survey with a concise opening paragraph explaining how respondents will benefit.
• Keep your survey short, ideally under 10 questions for higher completion rates.
• Incentives can increase survey participation but ensure they don’t skew honest feedback.
• Use relevant questions that engage your audience and avoid demographic questions at the start.
• Incorporate a progress bar to inform participants how far along they are in the survey.
• Make sure to remind your audience about the survey to boost responses regularly.

Links referenced in this episode:

Being open to receiving feedback is crucial for growth, especially as we head into 2025. If podcasters are unwilling to listen to their audience, they risk repeating the same mistakes and achieving the same results. This episode delves into the importance of having a receptive mindset regarding advice and input from listeners. Today, I share anecdotes and examples, including the cautionary tale of Elizabeth Holmes and the pitfalls of ignoring expert advice. He emphasizes that understanding your audience is the foundation for creating compelling content and encourages podcasters to seek feedback to enhance their shows actively.

Takeaways:

• Being open to audience feedback is essential for podcasters to improve their content.
• If you ignore audience advice, you risk repeating the same mistakes year after year.
• Feedback is critical to podcasting success; embrace it to grow your show.
• Creating an audience survey can provide valuable insights into what your listeners want.
• Understanding your audience's needs can lead to more engaging and resonant content.
• Ignoring expert advice, as seen in the case of Theranos, can lead to failure.
• With a CLEAR understanding of your WHY and your audience, you can decide which advice to accept and which to dismiss.

Links referenced in this episode:

Choosing the right media host for your podcast is crucial, and in this episode, we dive deep into the features offered by some of the top podcast media hosts. I discuss how each host brings unique capabilities, helping you determine what aligns best with your needs. Whether you’re looking for dynamic content, AI tools, or detailed analytics, understanding these features can significantly impact your podcasting journey and wallet). From the importance of an RSS feed to the nuances of pricing plans, listeners will gain valuable insights into what to consider before deciding.

Join me as I break down the landscape of podcast media hosting, ensuring you avoid costly mistakes and find the perfect fit for your show.

Even if you're happy with your podcast host

Takeaways:

• Choosing the right media host depends on your specific podcasting needs and goals.
• It's essential to evaluate the features that media hosts offer to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Dynamic content and chapters can enhance listener engagement and provide a better user experience.
• Migration between hosts can lead to a loss of statistics; choose wisely and prepare.
• Utilizing AI tools can streamline podcast creation, but be cautious of additional costs.
• Free podcast hosting services often come with limitations and potential risks of closure.

Links referenced in this episode:

Don't let past regrets or harsh words hold you back from podcasting. This episode highlights inspiring stories from podcasters like Zita Christian, who turned her struggles with Alzheimer's into a powerful platform, and Ray Arnott, whose model train podcast has garnered a passionate community. Dave Jackson emphasizes that everyone has a unique voice and experience to share, and it's essential to push through the self-doubt that might stem from past failures.

He also discusses the phenomenon of pod fading, where many new podcasters stop before truly finding their audience. Tune in to discover how you can overcome obstacles and embrace your podcasting journey, all while ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear.

Transitioning to the theme of persistence in podcasting, Dave discusses the phenomenon of 'pod fading,' where many new podcasters abandon their shows within months. He references a study revealing that around 30% of podcasters stop producing content shortly after launching. Jackson draws parallels between podcasting and gym memberships, highlighting how both require commitment and a clear understanding of one's goals to achieve lasting success. He encourages listeners to embrace their unique voices, reminding them that past failures or negative feedback should not deter them from sharing their stories. Instead, he advocates for a mindset shift—viewing each podcasting endeavor as an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the initial outcome.

The episode crescendos with reflections on the recent insights he gained from watching the musical 'Wicked,' particularly the unexpected vocal talents of Ariana Grande. This experience serves as a metaphor for the hidden potential within each person. Jackson urges aspiring podcasters to let go of self-doubt and 'head trash,' asserting that everyone has a unique contribution to make. By embracing their individuality and the lessons learned from past experiences, podcasters can inspire others and carve out their place in the audio landscape. As the episode wraps up, Dave reiterates his commitment to supporting podcasters through his school, providing resources and guidance to help them realize their potential and achieve their podcasting dreams.

Takeaways: