Podcast Creation and Marketing with Podmotion

In this first Podmotion.co episode of 2022, we talked to James Cridland, publisher and editor of Podnews.net. James explores how the world of podcasting may evolve in this new year. He digs into concerns about the erosion of podcasting ecosystems, programmatic advertising, why the subscription model may not be a big part of podcasting going forward, independent podcasting, and a whole lot more.You can find James on LinkedIn and at Podnews.net.If you like this episode, we'd really appreciate it if you leave us a review at Apple Podcasts. Thanks!

Podmotion.co thanks Rob Finlay, host of the CRE Capital Markets Report roundtable podcast, for sponsoring this episode! Find Rob's show here!Nick DiBartolomeo and Bruno Pierce are started a new podcast this early this year - then thousands of others started podcasts too!By being focused on community building, experimentation, and mastering social media, Nick and Bruno have achieved a level of success that eludes many new podcasters.Their show is called Quit The Build, and it's the voice of their gaming community - Quit The Build. Even if you're not a gamer, we recommend you listen to this episode. Nick is our guest and he gives a masterclass in how to start and grow a podcast. He gives an amazing amount of information and actionable tips on how to start a show and see it grow. During this conversation Nick and Sheelagh discuss sponsorship techniques and mention a website called Podthreads - this website no longer exists, just in case you decide to Google it!In this episode Nick shares his number one lesson for new podcasters. Nick and host Sheelagh Caygill explore:Take lots of time to plan out your show and it's format - Nick and Bruno spent a month planning before launchDon't launch a show with the sole intention of making moneyHave a goal for your show - for Nick and Bruno, it's shoot for the stars!Be as professional as your budget will allow with your show's brandingHow to plan out an episodeWhy being friends with your host means you'll have great synergy behind the micHow understanding the importance of content creation will help you grow your showWhy Twitter is essential for podcast growth and engagementHow to successfully use one clip and share it across platforms as an audiogramLearning from other podcasters and watching their tactics; try them out and see if they work for your showBeing patient with your progress - it takes time to find a rhythm with a showMonetization through sponsorship, Patreon, and advertising.If you have any questions about this episode, or podcasting in general, get in touch with Podmotion at info at podmotion.co.Thanks for listening and stay safe.

Eli Schwartz released his first book, Product-Led SEO early this year. The release came during the pandemic, so speaking gigs and appearances in book shops were out. Instead, Eli turned to podcasts to promote his book. 'I've met some really bad podcasters'Eli's experience is a sharp reminder to podcasters: You really have to up your game if you want to be worthy of a listener's time. Eli says it's too easy for people to buy a mic, sit behind it, and make a show. What's missing is the thought, planning, and preparation that needs to go into a new podcast. Podcasting is competing with a massive amount of content for people's attention. If you're commuting, running, or or doing stuff at home, you can choose from audio books, radio, or music. And if you're just sitting around, streaming, TV, gaming, and YouTube are options. In one example, Eli said a podcaster asked him to spend hours writing a script which the host would then read. "That is ridiculous, and I don't understand why anyone would listen to a podcast like that," he says, adding he refused the request. "You may have a big name behind it. It may be launched by a big brand, but that low barrier to entry really makes a quality hard to come by."The Value Trade: A Podcaster Is Getting Something For FreeEli points out that guests create content, which fulfills the requirement for the podcast host to continually produce content. "Maybe the podcast has a sponsor. So now the guest is helping them to produce that content. And as a result, they can now get that podcast sponsored."So from a value trade-off standpoint, a podcaster does have to be putting more work into preparation, and into making sure that the flow of the podcast is good, and high-quality for the listener," continues Eli, noting that the exception is if a podcaster is famous, then it's a privilege to be on their show. Eli doesn't go onto podcasts expecting that he's going to get a consulting engagement out of it, or sell books. "I'm going to do podcasts because I think it's interesting. And I like talking with interesting podcasters.A guest may or may not get value, but it's not guaranteed.What Does Good Preparation Look Like?Every podcaster and guest has their own way of preparing. If you're producing a good show and aiming for top-notch guests, be grateful for their time and make guesting as easy as possible.Hosts should read about an upcoming guest and their recent activities and achievements. Check out some of their recent blog posts. Listen to any previous podcast show appearances. Make an effort to come up with some really interesting questions that a host hasn't asked before. Making an effort to dig a bit deeper can really pay off. Ask why, or what something might mean. Look for insights and actionable tips. If they've written a book, make an effort to read it.At Podmotion we usually send through questions ahead of an interview, but that doesn't mean the interview has to be scripted. If there is an interesting digression that's relevant to the audience, we go for it.For a guest, preparation means understanding the focus of the interview, listening to a show's previous episodes. If a host doesn't send any questions in advance, be sure ask what the focus of the interview will be. Send through your bio or a link to one, as well as any links you want in the show notes. Find Eli on LinkedIn, at EliSchwartz.co, and ProductLedSEO.com. Eli's favourite podcast guest appearance on the

Paul Mikhaylenko has a vision for podcasts, podcasters, and listeners. And it's all about real participation in shows, engagement, and community-building.The industry expert is Founder and CEO of Listen App, and Director of Product at Trend Capital Holdings. Paul is also founder and CEO of Bloom, a CRM platform for freelancers.Listen App is a place where podcasters can host podcast events and actually get questions and comments from their audience. This can content can be recorded and used as part of an upcoming episode, if the podcast host wants. Listen App is also a podcast player app. It is available on Apple, with Android coming very soon. Listen App means that a host can be interviewing a guest, while allowing an audience to listen in. A host can bring in audience members to ask questions. Listeners will have questions a host may not have considered that will actually bring tons of colour and insights. "Listen App it fosters engagement, where it's not just this monologue that people are listening to, but they feel like the stage is open for engagement and participation, where their voices can be heard.  "We're creating a platform where podcaster can host events, and invite their listeners to join into the conversation like you would on Clubhouse. You'd record those conversations and edit them. Maybe somebody asked the question that you want to share with the rest of the listener group. And on the next episode, you include that interaction in there."The Difficulty Of Building Podcast CommunitiesPart of the issue around creating podcasting communities is that it's a different medium from anything else that we've experienced on a mass scale. The only thing in audio that we've done before is radio. "Even with radio, the most you can have in terms of listener engagement is call-ins, but you wouldn't have necessarily communities built around radio stations," Paul continues. "The thing about audio is that it's tapping into what you might call like the last frontier of human attention available, and it's a multitasking attention."Most audio listeners are disengaged from their devices, and multitasking. They're receiving content in an input mode, where it's non-interactive versus if you're on a website.  Paul sees podcasting as the frontier of specific and tailored community engagement. "We have to understand all of the pieces of how podcasting is using audio, but also what are the types of content that actually require and would flourish with, you know, a community built around them?"The Future Of PodcastingWith the power plays between the big tech giants, Paul thinks that many are trying to take advantage of podcasting, because it's under-monetized. A lot of tech companies are seeing opportunities for themselves. He doesn't know if Facebook's entry into audio will be a good experience for podcast communities or not. With the Apple subscription piece, he notes that Apple still doesn't have an Android app. He advises creators to think twice before using Apple subscriptions. "Unless I knew that 90 percent of my users were Apple-only, because you're cutting off all your Android users from your premium offering that you're putting a lot of time into." Paul envisions that a year from now the podcasting world will see a lot more exclusive and paid content, along with more monetization models. "Podcasters need to be compensated for their work, and they need a way to feed their families and fund these projects. Right now, that doesn't exist. Our goal is to be facilitating that for podcasters who want to have communities. Our goal is to become the dominant player for that

This episode of the Podmotion podcast is brought to you by Podthreads.com, clothing and accessories for the podcast-obsessed and independent podcasters!--Alain Hunkins published his book Cracking The Leadership Code on March 24, 2020 - the week the world went into lockdown.A speaker and leadership coach, Alain had no choice but to promote his book virtually, and a key tactic was podcast interviews with shows in the U.S, Canada, and the U.K. In fact, Alain has done more than 130 interviews!Without doubt, he's learned a great deal about what makes a good podcast show guest and what makes a good show host. Here's a little preview of Alain's astute insights into the world the podcast show host-guest dynamic. Alain says: "Some hosts have blown me away. They've read my book. They've had specific questions about things in the book, they've had things they wanted to challenge around that, where it's become a very spirited, lively conversation."In contrast, some hosts won't go deep or explore, and the questions are very basic, stock questions. "Then I finished answering that question, and they have no follow up question to that. I feel like it's been a tick-box exercise."I'll make it work. I can do the best I can. But I look back on those interviews and think 'Really? I mean, is that it? Is that is that all we're doing here?'. Because it's so generic. And again, people want to hear that moment of insight. "I can bring as much dynamism to my side of the table, but people prefer tennis matches where they're not one sided. We want the sense of we're hitting the ball back and forth over the net. It's much more interesting."This is why Alain believes preparation is so important. As an example, Alain says when he trains leaders he always says the map is not the territory, so do all your preparation. As a show host, when you show up to interview people, be present, be in the moment, be curious.In feedback to one host, Alain told them he'd had an amazing interview, and the host replied: "I'm curious, I actually want to interview and learn something in this hour. Otherwise, I feel like I'm wasting my time as a host." In this conversation with Podmotion's  Sheelagh Caygill, Alain discusses:How to reach out to show hostsWhy tenacity pays off in securing interviewsWhat kind of information to provide hostsHow to prepare for an interviewThe difference between a good host and a boring oneHow hosts can prepare to interview a guestHow hosts who go off-script can end up with a great episodeWhy hosts shouldn't be afraid to go down rabbit holes and explore more deeply, andHow hosts can exercise their intuitive muscle and come up with great questions.Find Alain online at AlainHunkins.com, and LinkedIn.

Warm-up your vocals before podcasting!If you're a podcast host or do a lot of vocal work, it's always a good idea to warm-up your vocal cords, tongue, and muscles around the mouth.In fact, professional announcers and narrators always warm-up before speaking to ensure their voice is ready and relaxed before recording.In this week's Podmotion.co Podcast episode, we get some expert tips on vocal warm-up exercises from Podmotion team member Liam Morrison.Liam is not only an audio and video editor, he's a professional narrator, voice over pro, singer, and actor.Key tips from Liam include:The goo goo ga ga scale exerciseJaw stretchingCheek massaging Body stretching and moving to lift energyPosture checkAll these exercises are designed to ensure your voice is ready and has the right energy level to speak or record. And Liam explores the techniques fully in this episode.Your discount and our Referral ProgramPodmotion offers you a five percent discount on your first project with Podmotion. Simply mention that you are a newsletter subscriber to receive this offer when you are ready to use one of our services.Podmotion has a Referral Program which gives referrers to Podmotion a kick-back. If you're interested in joining the Referral Program, contact us at info@podmotion.co for details.

In this episode of the Podcast Production and Promotion Podcast we speak with Tyler McCune, a professional email newsletter writer in California.Tyler owns Copy By McCune. He has an impressive roster of clients for whom he writes newsletters, and is also a content strategist and copywriterTyler and  host Sheelagh Caygill speak about how to use email newsletters to help grow a smaller, independent podcast.Tyler recommends beginning marketing with writing email newsletters, rather than focusing on long sales letters, which can be more complicated to develop.Grow your brandWith email newsletters, it’s probably best not to start one off with the sole intention of growing your audience. For existing listeners, a  newsletter can really activate those listeners and take them from being someone who simply listens to your show to someone who becomes a real fan of you and your brand. Use a show to really engage to really engage your existing fans and overtime you will be positioning yourself as a thought leader. And of course, in each newsletter, you can ask your readers to share it with anyone who will be interested.Getting email newsletter sign-upsHeard of the ethical bribe? You want people to sign up to your e-mail newsletter list, right?  this is where the ethical bride comes in. You give the potential newsletter to read something that they want. Here are some examples: a hidden podcast that only newsletter subscribers have access to, a free template, or an e-book. Choose the right lead magnet for your your listener. But for podcast fans, an audio file is a good choice, given that they already like podcasts.You could use something that you once sold as a lead magnet. That allows you to put a value figure on the lead magnet.Writing styleYour writing style will depend on your audience. Your style should come out of your personality, and usually most email newsletter writers tend to write a newsletter as though they are writing to a friend. However, this does take time, and for some writers it can take years to nail their persona.Of course, this style doesn’t lend itself to every podcaster who gets into newsletter writing. It’s important to think to think about the persona you want. For some podcasters, they will want to be seen as thought leaders, an so that can mean including things like industry updates, as well as your own news.Remember, it’s hard to compete with well-established thought leaders or marketers, so don’t try to compete with them. Go off script and focus on building a bond with your listeners. If you go along with the storytelling format, be sure to infuse your stories with meaning.Promoting your newsletter on social mediaBefore you begin promoting your newsletter on social media, think about what you want in terms of the end result.  Go back to your opt in or ethical bride and ensure it aligns with your end goal. Sell the benefit of subscribing - what’s in it for them? To this end, Tyler recommends the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie - which gets readers to focus on thinking from another person’s perspective, and thinking about what makes them happy.At the end of the day, if you keep the experience of writing fairly simple. Talk to your email newsletter readers as you would to a friend, or the way you talk to your podcast audience. If you do this, over time you will improve and people will like what you do.Show notes:Tyler's first interview with Sheelagh.Marketing Bullets - by Gary Bencivenga.Swiped - for control and test copy.Find Tyler at

Neal Shaffer has an in-depth understanding of influencer marketing.He's been working in this area for years and has recently published The Age of Influence: The Power of Influencers to Elevate Your Brand.The Podcast Promotion and Production Podcast is lucky enough to have some time with Neal to discuss influencer marketing, and how to use influencer marketing to grow your podcast show.Neal explores podcast marketing through the lens of influence. He points out something that's obvious but sometimes not realized by podcasters: The fact that you're a podcaster makes you an influencer.From that starting point, hosting influential guests and being on other growing podcast shows are ways of growing your influence, and using influence marketing to grow your show. But you must research guests and ensure they're a good fit for your show. And you need to ensure the shows you appear on are a good fit for your own growing influence.Neal discusses additional tactics to use a guest's influence or your growing influence to increase your your audience.Neal is a digital and social media consultant, and author of three other books, in addition to The Age of Influence. Resources mentioned in the show: The "other" podcast Neal talks about; the Podmotion Newsletter; Neal's August 27 episode - Why I'm Investing Time in Being Interviewed on 100 Different Podcasts; Nealschaffer.com.Check out our podcasting host, Buzzsprout. Start your own podcast, and receive a $20 Amazon voucher when you host your show at Buzzsprout by clicking this link.

Many people say that interviewing is an art. The truth is that it's a combination of preparation, curiosity, empathy, and deep listening.In our latest episode of the Podcast Production and Promotion Podcast, journalist and podcast producer Amanda Cupido explains how to do a really good interview.Amanda discusses the need for solid preparation, and why it's important to find the balance between being prepared but not over-preparing. She explores the importance of making a guest comfortable, how to ask questions, revisiting topics if a guest doesn't answer fully, and showing empathy when guests discuss painful or sensitive issues.Amanda shares stories from some of her most difficult interviews, along with some of her favourite interviewers for listeners to learn from. Amanda is author of the book Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right, and a media instructor at Seneca College in Ontario, Canada.You can find Amanda at amandacupido.com. Some of her favourite interviewers are:Krista Tippett, host of the On Being Podcast Show, and in particular this interview with Brene Brown.WTF with Marc MaronAnd we also recommend listening recent production on cybersecurity called Get It, both for the content and Amanda's interview skills.Check out our podcasting host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free, no credit card required, forever. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-2e3a06 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The Podmotion Show.

Wanting to get into podcasting can be overwhelming. Begin by thinking about your why – what do you want to accomplish with your podcast, even if it’s a hobby. Plan out some episodes, and then consider a podcasting host, equipment, a set-up for long-distance interviews, but don’t spend too much money to begin.In this episode we speak with marketing and podcaster Marc Guberti, host of three podcast shows: Breakthrough Success, Profitable Public Speaking, and Ditch the Job!Marc notes that lots of hopeful podcasters are deterred by fear. If this is holding you back, Marc recommends simply jumping in. Yes, listen to a few of your favourite podcasts first, but don’t put off starting your podcast for too long. And stay focused on the fact that you’ll get better as time goes on. By episode seven or eight, you’ll hear a marked improvement in your interview and presentation skills.A key to podcast marketing is to use as many social media platforms as possible to promote your show. Use visuals to engage people, and ask guests to promote their episodes, too.Producing great content is vital. Select guests who really add value to your episodes, and work on your questions and delivery for continual improvement.Marc says that for podcast hosts, one of the eventual challenges is removing “ums” or any other speech space filler. Don’t worry about this initially, but it’s certainly something to work towards as you make progress. Serious podcasters might even want to work with a speech coach – especially if a longer-term goal is to get into public speaking.Find Marc Guberti at https://marcguberti.com/Ready to begin your podcast? Don't have time to work on your show? Contact the team at Podmotion.co today!Receive a $20 gift card when you sign-up to Buzzsprout podcast hosting! Podmotion recommends Buzzsprout.

Link: Podmotion.coWhat Sets Podmotion Apart, Tell Us What You NeedHi, I'm Liam Morrison, the Audio-Video Production Editor at Podmotion dot co. Welcome to episode two of the Podcast Production and Promotion Podcast.If you've had time to listen to episode one, you'll know a little bit about us. In this episode, I'll talk briefly about what sets us apart from other podcast companies or agencies. Next, I'm encouraging you to get in touch and talk about your needs and how we can serve you improve so that your client experience is the best it can possibly be.Members of the Podmotion team have been involved in podcasting for many years. The questions we hear over and over from podcasters, or organizations and individuals wanting to get into podcasting are: Where do I begin? How do I plan out my show? Who knows a good podcast editor? and lastly How do I promote my show and get more listeners?When answering these questions, it's important to remember that each stage of podcasting is connected to the next. It's so obvious, but many podcasters forget how dependent the next stage of podcasting is on the previous stage. Here's what I mean: If there are issues with your show's sound quality, it's going to be challenging to get more listeners. A show without a strategy and no guest research will lead to weak interviews, and below par interviews can lead to poor content. The result will be that listeners won't care when your next episode drops. And no-one's happy with that.This is why at podmotion we realized that joining up the technical aspects of production with research, strategy, content development, and marketing makes perfect sense.It's a winning formula for clients. Because an agency that really understands your show objectives and produces your episodes knows what you really want. And so we're able to create truly effective strategies to promote and market your episodes. This seamless journey removes obstacles and relieves you of the immense work and challenges that can get in the way of creating great podcast shows.Of course, you don't have to use our full, end-to-end service. You're welcome to choose and mix the Podmotion solutions you need. And if you're unsure about what you DO need, we're always here to advise and guide.Next, please contact the podmotion team and tell us what your challenges are, or what solutions you think we need to add to our current range of services. How can we better help you with your podcast planning or existing show? We want to hear from you with your questions and suggestions. So please do get in touch.