“People are really listening and want to consume all of the content that is there and available. There’s a level of dedication that comes from podcast listeners that you don’t otherwise find. And now the numbers prove it. Podcasts aren’t a bubble, they’re a boom — and that boom is only getting louder.” - Miranda Katz, Author at Wired

Introduction:

If you've been in the the entrepreneur space for a while then you've at least heard of and probably listened to at least one podcast. Massive Earners like Dave Ramsey, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vee are all running podcast.

Why not you?

On the flip side of that, Look at Zachary Babcock who was able to get out of prison and build an online business around his podcast and launching and managing other podcasts that has recently his a million dollars. If you have not checked out the Underdog Empowerment Podcast I highly recommend starting there. Folks just like you and me really are starting podcasts and succeeding.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital media file, typically audio, that is available for download from the Internet. Podcasts are usually hosted on websites or blogs, and can be played on computers or portable media players.

Podcasts have become more popular in recent years, as they offer a simple way for users to keep up with their favorite shows without having to download or stream them. Many users find them to be a more convenient way to consume media than traditional radio or television.

Podcasts are typically available to subscribe via RSS feed, which allows users to keep up with new episodes as they are released. The most common method that people listen to these RSS feeds is through a podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and so on.

While podcasts are often associated with music, they can be used for any type of audio content, including news, interviews, sports, and comedy. There are also video podcasts, which are commonly referred to as vodcasts or vlogs. Podcasts are typically between 15 and 60 minutes in length, although some can be much shorter or much longer.

Podcasts are usually produced by independent individuals, although there are some that are produced by large media organizations. They are typically released on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly.

Most podcasts are free to listen to, although some do have premium content that can only be accessed by paying a subscription fee.

Podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people using them to stay up-to-date on current affairs, learn new things, or be entertained.

There are many different types of podcasts available, covering a wide range of topics. Some of the most popular genres include comedy, true crime, business, politics, and sports.

So, whether you're looking for a laugh, some informative discussion, or just something to pass the time, there's sure to be a podcast out there for you and with their growing popularity they should be considered as a business outlet.

Why should I start a podcast?

Podcasts are a great way to connect with potential customers and build your brand. By starting a podcast, you can reach a wide audience of people who are interested in what you have to say. Podcasts also give you a unique opportunity to build a relationship with them. You can use your show to answer questions, give advice, and share your expertise with your listeners.

Podcasts are a great way to build relationships with your listeners and to create a strong connection with your audience. When you release regular episodes, your audience will start to appreciate and look forward to your show. This can help you build a loyal following of listeners who are interested in what you have to say.

Podcasts are a great way to market your business or brand. You can use your show to promote your products or services, build an email list, and to build up a buzz about your business.

Podcasts are also a great way to build relationships with other business owners and entrepreneurs by inviting them on your show to be interviewed. This can open up collaboration opportunities as well as giving you opportunities to be seen by their audience. Plus by bringing others on your show their authority will rub off on you.

If you are in the B2B space this is even more powerful because it opens a door for you to build relationships by interviewing dream clients.

Podcasts are a flexible medium that allow you to share your message in a way that is convenient for you and your audience. When you start a podcast, you are in control of the content and the format. This allows you to create a show that is truly unique and that speaks to your specific audience.

You can record your podcast whenever and wherever you want, and release it on your own schedule. This makes podcasts a great option for busy entrepreneurs who want to connect with their audience but don't have a lot of extra time.

Podcasts are also relatively inexpensive to produce, which makes them a great option for businesses on a tight budget as well.

Hosting your own podcast also opens up networking opportunities with other podcast hosts. By networking with other podcasters and doing interview swaps with them, you can create a community of like-minded people who can help you promote your business and reach your goals.

Now...What most people don't think about...

Have you ever thought about your podcast's effects on your SEO?

When you publish a podcast episode it gets syndicated to at least a dozen places typically.

What does that mean for your brands SEO?

That means brand mentions and backlinks from some of the most high domain authority platforms on the internet. When you run a podcast you essentially have the god fathers of the internet endorsing you to Google on a regular basis!

On the flip side of that, publishing podcast episodes allows you to target very specific search keywords with pieces of content on platforms with much higher domain authority than you.

Think of the size of the overall web that can be built after running a podcast consistently even after just 90 days?

In short, when you start a podcast, you are automatically creating a powerful marketing tool that can help you reach more people and grow your business in an amount of time that isn't particularly demanding and will compound forever.

How do I differentiate my podcast?

Podcasting has become a very popular form of content in recent years, and as a result, the Podcasting space has become quite saturated. This can make it difficult for new Podcasts to stand out and gain traction. So, how can you differentiate your Podcast and make it stand out in a space that is seen as over saturated?

Here are some tips:

-Be personable: When it comes to Podcasts, personality goes a long way. Let your listeners get to know you, and don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability. This will help create a connection with your audience, and make your Podcast more relatable and engaging.

-Be unique: There are a lot of Podcasts out there, so it’s important to make yours stand out from the crowd. Find a niche and focus on providing content that can’t be found anywhere else. This could mean covering a unique topic, or taking an unusual format or approach.

-Market your Podcast effectively: Get the word out about your Podcast through effective marketing. This can include things like social media promotion, online advertising, and PR.

-Build a strong online presence: A strong online presence will make your Podcast more likely to be found by potential listeners. Make sure your website is up-to-date and informative, and that you’re active on social media and in online communities related to your Podcast topic.

-Engage with your audience: Keep your listeners coming back by interacting with them regularly. This can include things like responding to comments and questions, hosting give-aways, and featuring guest appearances.

-Build a community: A great way to differentiate your Podcast is to build a community around it. This could involve actively engaging with listeners, or creating content that encourages discussion and interaction. You could also consider using social media or forums to connect with potential listeners and create a space for fans of your Podcast to connect with each other.

-Create quality content: This one is obvious – but it’s worth reiterating. If your Podcast is entertaining and informative, listeners are more likely to stick around. Make sure each episode is well-produced and engaging, and that you keep a consistent schedule so that listeners know when to expect new content.

-Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to Podcasts. Try to release new episodes on a regular schedule, so that your listeners know when to expect new content. This will help keep them engaged, and coming back for more.

-Mix it up: Keep your Podcast fresh by mixing up the format from time to time. You could try incorporating guest interviews, or experimenting with different types of content. This will help keep things interesting, and ensure that there’s something for everyone.

-Promote, promote, promote: Make sure you’re promoting your Podcast as much as possible. Share it on social media, submit it to directories, and tell all your friends and family about it. The more people you can get listening, the better.

-Don't be afraid to try things. If you have an idea for something just give it a shot! Podcasting gives us a format where ideas can be tested quickly.

-Most importantly, Be Yourself. People follow, buy from, and cheer for people they know, like and trust. I know we said something similar at the beginning but this one is worth leaning into and ending on.

By following these tips, you can help your Podcast stand out in a saturated space and attract more listeners.

What equipment do I need to create a podcast?

Ultimately, I have managed podcasts with nothing but my laptop and a pair of headphones and done well with it. I know other people who have done the same as well as folks who record with their mobile phones. So end the end you don’t NEED any special equipment.

However, it never hurts to upgrade the quality of your show with increased audio quality or the ability to add audio effects etc. Here is some podcast equipment you may consider picking up overtime…

A Podcasting Headset

A professional microphone

A pop filter or windscreen

Lavalier microphones for on location interviews

A Mixer

Upgraded room acoustics/soundproofing in your studio

Digital Recorder for professional recording on the go

If you want more details on the best podcasting equipment you can check out this Article From Guitar Center.

What kind of content should I make?

This is a question that many podcasters ask themselves, especially when starting out. The answer, unfortunately, is not always cut and dry. It depends on a number of factors, including what your podcast is about, who your target audience is, and what your goals for the podcast are.

In general their are 4 types of content created for podcasts

Personal 1 to 1 content - Solo episodes recorded by the host to show their expertise on a subject and build a relationship with the audience. These episodes are typically spoken as though they are speaking to one person.

Interviews - Interviews with experts and other people in the hosts network. This gives the host an opportunity to "show off" their network to their audience in a way that is providing value to them.

Group Conversations - Recorded conversations on a specific topic that will provide value to your audience. These are an opportunity to "show off" your networking again AND allow your audience to participate and join in asking them questions.

Repurposed Content - Content that has been repurposed from other sources such as speaking engagements, the hosts interviews on on other podcasts, audio snippets from courses or programs, and coaching calls.

The actual subjects to create episodes on are up to you and the sky is the limit and possibilities endless!

That said, here are some general tips that can help you create content that is both engaging and successful. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure your content is well-researched and informative.

Your listeners tuning into your podcast want to learn something new or be entertained. Make sure your content fits this bill by doing your homework ahead of time and delivering information that is both accurate and interesting.

2. Keep your episodes relatively short.

While there is no hard and fast rule about episode length, most experts recommend keeping episodes under 30 minutes. This ensures that your listeners will stay engaged throughout the entire episode and won't become bored or frustrated.

3. Make use of engaging storytelling techniques.

Whether you're sharing personal stories or interviewing guests, remember to keep your listeners engaged by using compelling storytelling techniques. This could mean using humor, staying on topic, and maintaining a clear structure throughout your episode.

4. Invest in high-quality audio equipment.

Your listeners will appreciate being able to hear your podcast clearly, so it's worth investing in some high-quality audio equipment. This could include a microphone, headphones, and recording software.

5. Edit your episodes for quality control.

Before you release an episode, take the time to edit it for quality control. This includes removing any dead air, correcting any errors, and tightening up the overall structure.

By following these tips, you can create a podcast that your listeners will love. Podcasting is a great way to share your story, build an audience, and connect with like-minded people. so get started today.

Asset Checklist

• Podcast Cover Art

• Podcast Intro

• Podcast Outro

• Podcast Host - I prefer Captivate

• Calendly or other social media scheduler

• Audio and/or Video Editor - Audible and CapCut

• Social Media Scheduler - I like socialpilot.co

Creating Your Intro and Outro

Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience and share your message. But in order to make sure your podcast is successful, you need to have a strong intro and outro. In this article, we'll walk you through how to create a strong intro and outro for your podcast. We'll cover what goes into each one and how to make sure they work together to create a cohesive experience for your listeners.

Your podcast intro is the first thing your listeners will hear, so it's important to make a good impression. You want to introduce yourself and your topic, and give your listeners a taste of what they can expect from the episode.

When creating your intro, keep it short and sweet. You don't need to give too much detail about what you'll be talking about - just a brief overview. Your listeners will get more information as the episode goes on.

Your outro is your chance to thank your listeners for tuning in and give them a preview of what's to come. You can also use your outro to promote your other episodes or encourage listeners to subscribe to your podcast. Your podcast outro is also a great place to plant a call to action to grab your lead magnet, follow you on social media, or anything else you would like. Keep your outro brief, just like your intro.

Both your intro and outro should be around 30 seconds long. Any shorter and you risk sounding rushed; any longer and you risk losing your listeners' attention.

When recording your intro and outro, make sure to leave some space at the beginning and end of each so that you can add in any other audio clips later on. For example, if you want to add music to your podcast intro, you'll need to leave a few seconds of silence at the beginning of your recording so that the music doesn't overlap with your voice.

Finally, don't forget to practice your intro and outro a few times before recording them for real. This will help you to sound more natural and relaxed when you come to record the final version.

When you are ready to record your intro and outro I recommend using Audacity for recording and editing your podcast intro and outro, as well as your episodes for that matter. It's free and easy to use once you get the hang of it. It's also been around long enough that there are tons of free tutorials out there on YouTube.

Once you have recorded a take that you like of your intro and outro you will need to decide if you want to add music to it.

My recommended royalty free media source is Audio Jungle.

Creating a Podcast Art Work

Podcasts are a great way to share your voice and ideas with the world. But, in order for your podcast to stand out from the crowd, you need to have a cover art that pops. You can make your podcast art on photoshop, Canva, or whatever photo editing software you use or reach out to your favorite graphic designer to whip something up!

Here are some tips on how to create a podcast cover art that will make people take notice:

1. Use bright colors: A bright and eye-catching color scheme will help your podcast cover art stand out.

2. Keep it simple: Don't try to cram too much information into your cover art. A simple and clean design is more likely to grab attention than a busy one.

3. Use an interesting image: People are drawn to images that are visually appealing. So, make sure to choose an image that will grab attention and hold it.

4. Use your branding: Incorporate your podcast's branding into the cover art. This will help people associate your podcast with a certain look and feel.

5. Be creative: Get creative with your cover art and don't be afraid to think outside the box. This is your chance to really make your mark and stand out from the crowd.

Podcast cover art is a great way to make your podcast stand out from the crowd. By following these tips, you can create cover art that will grab attention and leave a lasting impression.

Editing Your Episodes

Podcasts are a great way to share information and connect with an audience, but they can be time-consuming to produce.

Editing podcast episodes can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few simple tips you can follow to make the process go smoothly.

First, it's important to choose the right editing software. There are a variety of options available, and it's important to find one that fits your needs. Some software is designed for beginners, while others are more complex.

Once you've chosen your software, it's time to start editing. Podcasts typically consist of two types of content: audio and video.

Audio can be edited relatively easily using Audacity. You can cut out sections that are not needed, and add effects to make the audio sound better.

Video is a bit more complex, but can still be edited using CapCut. You'll need to be careful when cutting video, as you don't want to cut out any important visual elements. Adding visual effects can also be helpful in making your video look better.

There are a few things to keep in mind when editing podcast episodes.

First, make sure that all of the audio is clear and easy to understand. Remove any background noise or extraneous sounds.

Second, check the flow of the conversation. Make sure that the episode flows smoothly and that there are no awkward pauses.

Finally, edit out any mistakes or errors.

It is also important to note before moving on that you should not stress on having the PERFECT podcast episodes. Authenticity still sells and a good blooper just shows you're human and can get a memorable laugh out of your audience.

Editing podcast episodes can be time-consuming, but it is worth it to produce a high-quality show. By taking the time to edit your episodes, you can ensure that your audience has a positive experience and that they keep coming back for more.

Choosing a podcasting software

Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience and build a following, but before you can start broadcasting you need to choose a podcast host. There are a few things to consider when making this decision, such as cost, features, and support.

Cost is an important factor for many podcasters. Some hosts offer free plans, while others have monthly or annual subscription fees. You'll need to decide what you're willing to spend and whether you need any premium features that come with a paid plan.

Features are another important consideration. Some hosts offer basic plans with limited storage and bandwidth, while others have more robust plans with unlimited resources. Make sure the host you choose offers the features you need.

Finally, consider customer support. Some hosts have better customer support than others. If you run into trouble, you'll want to know that you can get help from your host. Choose a host with good customer support so you can get help when you need it.

Now that you know what to look for in a podcast host, it's time to choose one. Here are some of the best podcast hosts out there:

1. Captivate.fm: Captivate.fm is my personal favorite podcast host.

2. Blubrry: Blubrry is another popular podcast host.

3. Podbean: Podbean is a popular podcast host.

4. Simplecast: Simplecast is a popular podcast host that.

5. Spreaker: Spreaker is a popular podcast host.

6. Libsyn: Libsyn is a popular podcast.

7. Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is a popular podcast host.

8. Anchor: Anchor is a popular free podcast hosting option.

You will likely want to research the hosts and choose what is best for you but I personally recommend Captivate.fm for the vast majority of situations. They even allow you to have private audio feeds to generate leads or monetize your show and start your own podcast network to expand your reach!

As an agency owner captivate.fm has been my go to podcast host through multiple podcast launches.

Creating a lead magnet to build your list

So why should your podcast have a lead magnet?

A lead magnet is a freebie that you offer your audience in exchange for their email address or other contact information. It's a great way to grow your audience and build relations with potential listeners.

Think about what you could offer your audience that would be valuable to them. It could be a PDF transcript of an episode, a cheat sheet of resources mentioned in the show, or a discount code for your merchandise store. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that your audience would find valuable.

Once you have your lead magnet ready to go, there are a few ways to promote it. You can mention it at the beginning or end of your episodes, or include a call to action in your show notes. You can also promote it on social media or through email marketing.

Lead magnets are a great way to grow your audience and build relations with potential listeners. By offering something valuable in exchange for their contact information, you can quickly expand your reach and develop a loyal following.

Finally, a lead magnet can help you generate more revenue for your business. By growing your email list, you can increase your reach and potential customers. This can lead to more sales and more revenue for your business.

A lead magnet can be a powerful tool for any business. If you're not already using one, consider adding a lead magnet to your podcast to help grow your audience and business.

Booking Guests

When it comes to booking podcast guests, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that your potential guests are a good fit for your show. This means they should be knowledgeable about the topics you discuss on your podcast, and should be able to contribute to meaningful conversations.

Another important consideration is whether or not your potential guests are engaging and entertaining. After all, the whole point of having guests on your show is to provide listeners with an enjoyable experience. If your potential guests are dull or uninteresting, they're not going to do much to improve your show.

Finally, you'll want to make sure that your potential guests are available and willing to commit to appearing on your show. The last thing you want is to book a guest only to have them cancel at the last minute or be otherwise unable to make it.

To find potential guests, you can start by searching online for experts in your field of interest. You can also look for popular bloggers or other online personalities who might be a good fit for your show.

Once you've compiled a list of potential guests, the next step is to reach out to them and see if they're interested in appearing on your show. This can be done via email, social media, or even by picking up the phone and giving them a call. You can also reach some guests simply by reaching out through their website and going through their gatekeeper to request the interview.

When contacting potential guests, be sure to include information about your show and why you think they would be a good fit. You should also let them know what type of format your show will take and how long the interview will last. It can also help with your conversion rate to mention guests that have already been on your show if possible as well as any relevant following numbers attached to the podcast host.

Pro tip: When reaching out to influencers directly, always ask them who the best person to talk to about scheduling with them is over just asking them to schedule a meeting. This shows that you already know their time is valuable and understand the typical process of booking with an influencer.

Even if you just read this article and got that tip you will position yourself a lot higher with the small tweak. Once they tell you who to email, make sure you go ahead and screenshot it and include it in the outreach message to their gate keeper.

When you're able to secure a guest, the next step is to work out all the details of the interview.

The best way to schedule an interview is by using an online scheduling system like Calendly. This allows you to send your guests a link to your scheduling page where they can choose a time that works for them.

When setting up your calendly event make absolutely sure that your google calendar is integrated and updated regularly, your availability is set up properly, and that you test it ahead of time to ensure it goes to your calendar. The last thing you need is to have to reschedule or just miss a show all together, especially as a budding show that is building its reputation.

Once the interview is scheduled, be sure to send a confirmation email to your guest with all the details. This should include the date, time, and location of the interview, as well as how long it will last.

Creating promotional materials is also a good idea. This could be a simple social media post or even a blog post announcing the upcoming interview. Whatever you do, make sure your audience knows when and where to tune in!

Scheduling an interview can seem daunting, but with a little planning it doesn't have to be. By using an online scheduling system like Calendly, you can make the process easy and stress-free.

I also recommend starting a spreadsheet, Trello board, or new pipeline in your CRM system to track guest outreach.

Planning and Launching an Effective Podcast

Launching a new podcast can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution it can be a successful and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you plan and launch your podcast:

1. Define your goals and audience. What do you want to achieve with your podcast? Who is your target audience? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine the content, format, and length of your podcast.

2. Create a schedule. Once you know what your goals are and who your audience is, you can start planning out the content of your podcast. Decide how often you want to release new episodes and create a schedule accordingly.

3. Choose a format. There are many different ways to format a podcast. You can have interviews, solo episodes, or a mix of both. You can also vary the length of your episodes depending on the type of content you're planning to include.

4. Find guests and interviewees. If you're planning to include interviews in your podcast, start reaching out to potential guests and interviewees. Determine what topics you want to cover and who would be the best person to speak on each topic.

5. Record and edit your episodes. Once you have all of your content planned out, it's time to start recording. If you're including interviews, make sure to give your guests a list of questions ahead of time so they can be prepared. Once you have all of your content recorded, you'll need to edit it and add any additional music or sound effects.

6. Choose a hosting platform. In order to launch your podcast, you'll need to choose a hosting platform. There are a number of different options out there, so do your research to find the one that's right for you.

7. Create artwork for your episodes. Once you have your hosting platform set up, you'll need to create artwork for each of your episodes. This is important because it will help your podcast stand out on iTunes and other directories.

8. Promote your podcast. Once you have everything set up, it's time to start promoting your podcast. Make sure to tell your friends, family, and social media followers about your new venture. You can also submit your podcast to iTunes and other directories.

9. Analyze and adjust. After you've launched your podcast, it's important to analyze your progress and make changes if necessary. Pay attention to things like download numbers and listener feedback to help you improve your show.

Pro Tip: When planning your launch do a drop of multiple episodes the first day and then one episode a day or more for at least a week. During this first week get every person that you can to subscribe and leave a 5 star written review on your podcast after listening to some of it. Try to get everyone you interview during the launch to do the same.

If you can stimulate Apple's system during this first week you will be much more likely to make it onto the charts in your category. If/When you hit the charts in your category start aggressively pitching interview swaps with other launched shows to infiltrate their audience and maintain your momentum.

Repurpose Your Content

Podcasts are a great way to create content that can be repurposed in many different ways. By recording your podcast episodes, you can easily create blog posts, social media posts, and even video content from your audio recordings. This can help you save a significant amount of your valuable time.

Here are some tips for repurposing your podcast episodes:

- Create a blog post: Podcast episodes make great blog posts! You can transcribe your episode or simply write out a summary of the main points covered. Be sure to include a link to the audio file so your readers can listen to the episode if they’d like.

- Publish the full video to YouTube.

- Create social media posts: Have a particularly great quote from your podcast episode? Turn it into a social media post! You can also share links to your episodes on social media, along with a brief description of what the episode is about.

- Create short videos for Reels, Shorts, and Tiktok: Podcast episodes can also be turned into short video clips. This is a great way to repurpose your content and reach a new audience. All you need to do is record a short intro and outro, and then post the audio file to YouTube or another video sharing site.

- Share quotes from your podcast to Twitter.

- Create blog posts: Similar to transcribing your podcast episodes, you can also write blog posts based on the topics covered in your episodes. This is a great way to give your readers more information on the topics they’re interested in, and it helps to boost your SEO.

- Create infographics: If you have any data or statistics in your podcast episodes, you can turn them into infographics. This is a great way to make your content more visually appealing and easy to digest. Infographics are also a wonderful link building strategy for SEO!

- Create eBooks: Podcast episodes can also be turned into eBooks. This is a great way to offer your listeners more in-depth information on the topics you discuss.

- Create courses: Podcast episodes can be used as the basis for an online course. This is a great way to repurpose your content and create a new revenue stream.

- Create slideshows: If you have any PowerPoint presentations or slideshows that accompany your podcast episodes, you can turn them into stand-alone content. This is a great way to make your content more accessible and easy to consume.

- Create infographics: Podcast episodes can be used to create engaging and informative infographics. This is a great way to make your content more visually appealing and easy to digest.

- Create a membership site - Store the best bits, gifts from the guests, and perhaps private questions asked after the public episode was cut for your audience to build your list or monetize.

- Create a private audio feed - Take the best parts or private questions and publish them as a private audio feed. Consider creating a subscription for qna after your podcast interviews and publish that here to add a recurring revenue stream.

Your time is your most valuable asset in your life and your digital real estate is your most valuable asset online. Make the most of both, you and your family is worth it.

Schedule your content to social media

When it comes to how to grow a podcast, one of the most important things you can do to amplify your podcast is schedule your repurposed content to social media. This means creating a posting schedule and sticking to it. I'd love to say it doesn't matter how often you post, but consistency is key and the more often you post the more you are going to get out of it as long as it is done strategically.

Here are a few tips for effectively scheduling your podcast content to social media:

- Decide how often you'll post. This can be daily, weekly, or even monthly. The important thing is to be consistent.

- Create a posting schedule. This can be as simple as a list of the days and times you'll post. Or, you can use a tool like social pilot or something else to help you schedule and publish your content.

- Promote new episodes on social media. Make sure to use engaging visuals and compelling copy to get people to click through and listen.

- Use old episodes to drive traffic to your website or blog. Share links and snippets of content to entice people to check out your podcast.

- Keep your social media accounts active even when you're not promoting new content. This means posting other people's content, engaging with followers, and being overall active on the platform.

It's actually a good idea to consistently be aggregating content, especially from people you would like to interview. People love to consume but they don't only want to consume stuff from you.

When you provide them value and provide them complimentary things to consume you give them more reasons to return to your social platforms.

The best time to post on social media is actually when your audience is online. This means you need to know your audience and when they're online. There are a few ways to find out this information:

- Look at your analytics to see when people are engaging with your posts the most

- Research online, places like hootsuite and other social media people are constantly doing studies on the best times to post

- Do some trial and error! Try posting at different times of day and see when you get the most engagement

Once you know when your audience is online, make sure to post at those times! Consistency is key when it comes to social media, so try to post at the same times each day or week. And if you can't be consistent, that's OK - just make an account on social media scheduler and use it.

Happy posting!

Turning Social Media Engagement into Leads

If you're like most businesses, you're using social media to generate leads. But are you doing it effectively?

Here are some tips to turn your social media engagement into leads:

1. Use keywords and hashtags

Make sure you're using relevant keywords and hashtags in your posts so that people can easily find you.

2. Use calls to action

Include calls to action in your posts so that people know what you want them to do next.

3. Offer something valuable

Give your audience something that they can't get anywhere else, such as exclusive discounts or early access to new products.

4. Use lead forms

Use lead forms to capture contact information from people who are interested in what you have to offer.

5. Drive traffic to your website

Make sure you're driving traffic to your website so that people can learn more about your business and what you have to offer.

6. Convert traffic into customers

Once you have traffic coming to your website, it's important to convert that traffic into customers. Use effective calls to action and lead forms to make sure people are taking the next step with your business.

7. Keep track of your results

Make sure you're tracking your results so that you can see what's working and what isn't. Use analytics to track website traffic, leads, and customers.

8. Adjust your strategy

As you track your results, you may need to adjust your strategy. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to change it up. Try new tactics and strategies until you find what works best for your business.

When you're trying to start a sales conversation on social media, it's important to be responsive to potential customers' comments and reactions on social media. By engaging with them in a timely manner, you can build rapport and trust, show that you're attentive to their needs, and increase the likelihood of making a sale.

Here are some tips for responding to social media comments and reactions:

- Acknowledge the comment or reaction, and thank the person for their feedback.

- Ask clarifying questions, if needed, to better understand the person's needs.

- Offer additional information or resources that may be helpful.

- Invite the person to contact you directly to discuss their needs further.

By following these tips, you can turn social media comments and reactions into valuable sales opportunities.

Getting on other shows

Podcasting is a great way to connect with new audiences and build your brand. If you're looking to take your podcasting career to the next level, guesting on other shows is a great way to do it. By appearing on other podcasts, you can reach new listeners and expand your audience.

But how do you get booked on other podcasts?

There are a couple things you can do to increase your chances of being selected as a guest. First, make sure your own podcast is of high quality and that you have a strong online presence. Next, make sure that you have something worth talking about.

The first step is to reach out to the other podcast and let them know you're interested in being a guest on their show. You can do this by sending them an email or connecting with them on social media. Be sure to include a sample of your work so they can see what you're all about.

After you've made initial contact, it's important to follow up. Send a monthly email or social media message reminding them that you're still interested in being a guest on their show. If you have any new content that you think would be relevant to their audience, be sure to share it as well.

Another way is to join communities on social media that podcasters hang out in and just provide value. You will get invitations over time. I promise.

Finally, don't be afraid to reach out to other podcasters in your niche and ask if they would be interested in doing a cross-promotion. This is a great way to get exposure for both shows and build a relationship with another influencer in your space.

Preparing Yourself for an interview

When it comes to being interviewed on a podcast, preparation is key. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you're ready for your big moment:

1. First, familiarize yourself with the format of the show. What kind of questions will the host be asking? What is the general tone of the conversation? This will help you know what to expect and how to best prepare.

2. Next, create a list of talking points. What topics do you want to make sure you cover? What stories or anecdotes would be most interesting to the audience? Having a few key points in mind will help keep you on track during the interview.

3. Always make sure that you have a quiet place with an ideal backdrop prepared for you so there is no searching when the time comes.

4. Take a few minutes to check your appearance and prepare yourself however you need to. Everyone develops their own process in time.

5. Finally, practice, practice, practice! The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel going into the actual interview. So find a friend or family member to role-play with, or even record yourself answering some questions out loud.

Being a good podcast guest

Now, How can you be a good guest?

1. Speak slowly and clearly

When we're nervous, it's easy to speak quickly and not be as clear as we would like. But taking a deep breath and speaking slowly will not only help you relax, but it will also ensure that your message comes across loud and clear.

2. Engage with the host

This one is important! Remember, the host is your friend during the interview – not your interrogator. So ask them questions, share your own experiences and stories, and generally make the conversation flow.

3. Be yourself

Your listeners want to hear the real you, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

4. Keep it focused

If you're asked a question, try to answer it as directly and concisely as possible. Rambling on will only lose your listeners' attention.

5. Be prepared

Before the interview, take some time to think about what you want to say. This will help you stay focused and on-topic during the actual recording.

6. Have fun!

Podcasting is a great way to connect with others and share your passion for a particular topic. So relax, enjoy the conversation, and have fun!

Monetizing your show

There are a few key ways that you can monetize your podcast.

One way is through advertisements. You can sell ad space on your podcast, or work with sponsors who will pay you to mention their products or services during your show.

You can sell paid placements and social media promotion campaigns on your show.

Another way to monetize your podcast is through affiliate marketing. This involves promoting products or services that are related to your podcast topic, and earning a commission on any sales that are generated from your referrals.

The fastest way to get started with affiliate marketing is to see if any of the tools you already use to solve problems in your business and get things done have affiliate programs. You will find that most tools these days will pay anywhere from 10-40% of new accounts just for you to promote your affiliate link!

Pro tip: Reach out to support and tell them about your podcast once it’s live and they have at least 5 episodes to look at and ask if you could interview someone at their company on the show about use cases for your audience!

You can even create a drop shipping store with merchandise for your podcast without holding any inventory or touching a single piece if you don't want to. ((I don't know why you wouldn't rock your brand through...weirdo.))

You can also generate revenue by offering premium content or services to your listeners. This could include charging for access to extended episodes, providing exclusive access to bonus content, or offering paid consulting services related to your area of expertise.

One of the mot fun ways to monetize your podcast is by selling retreat and event experiences once you have a large enough following to fill them!

Pro Tip: You can even sell press releases or placements in other publications about interviews to podcast guests that benefit the both of you for the long term! Contact Us at Social Marketing Solutions to Learn More!

By experimenting with different monetization strategies, you can find the approach that best suits your podcast and your audience. With a little effort, you can start generating some additional income from your show!

Podcasting Productivity Tools

Use fathom.video to automatically record your interviews, transcribe them, and summarize them to easily send them to your virtual team. It also allows you to add timestamps live while you are interviewing to save you or your team time finding your social media clips to snip out or to quote on Twitter.

Use repurpose.io to create content recipes and automate content creation steps.

Outsource It

If you want to outsource all of the stuff that goes into hosting a podcast and just focus on networking and interviewing then contact us at socialmarketingsolutions.com. We have the proven systems your podcast can implement to grow and we have been building out network in the space for over a decade combined.

You can also head over to treycarmichael.us and grab my $1 offer that includes examples of SOPs I have used to launch multiple podcasts.

Once you create the SOPs for yourself you can head over to FreeUp and hire a podcasting VA so you can implement this long term growth strategy as soon as possible!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Podcasting is a very valuable tool that can be used to grow your network, build your authority, create content in mass, and in time generate you more income.

Was there a tool I missed? A question you have? Connect with me and let me know!