How To Measure Your Podcast Audience Engagement

It's to know what is working for your audience. Sure you can look at your downloads but there are other ways to look at engagement. Today in episode 738 I dig deeper.

Website Traffic

How many website visitors are you getting? You may be surprised that your top ten pages on your website are the same as the top ten episodes of your podcast? Why, you might have more keywords in your notes that attract google. People may be linking to your episode which can boost "Google Juice" (your rankings).

WHAT ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS?

I was listening to The Business of Podcasting a great podcast with Charlie Valher from Valher media (Charlie will be on this show in the future), and he was interview Stephan Spencer who is one THE SEO people on the planet. While we often say, "This person wrote the book on..." Stephen actually wrote the book on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) The Art of SEO. It's 994 pages.

Here is what he had to say about transcripts:

But the key thing here is you're creating something in an audio format and although Google is getting better at taking that audio and doing something amazing with it, like turning that into searchable content on its own, you can't just rely on that. A lot of people don't have time to listen to podcasts and they like to just scan through articles, but nobody wants to read a transcript. Who's gonna get excited about reading a transcript with a bunch of the back and forth banter and not cutting to the chase? Having an article made out of the transcript, however, is a very powerful strategy and if you have an hour-long show or a half-hour-long show, that's a lot of textual content. -Stephen Spencer the Business of Podcasting show.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a great free tool that enables you to pull insights about your website visitors. The best part is its free. It is very robust. There are ways you can flatten the learning curve with Google Analytics. One is to take the free course(s) offered by Google. One of my favorite tools that takes that data and creates easy to understand reports is Monster Insights.

Check out the video on Monster Insights

Tracking Clicks

In WordPress, many people use a plugin that is free/premium called Pretty Links. There is a free version and the premium version starts at $49/year. It's been downloaded over 2.5 million times. Thirsty affiliates is a very similar plugin for about the same price ($49/year).

If you want something even more powerful (especially for affiliate links) check out Lasso which can even check the stock at Amazon for your links, and much more. It starts at $19/month.

URL Shortener Pro is only $19.

The advantage of these plugins is they enable you to reinforce your brand's website while making an easy to remember. For example, www.schoolofpodcasting.com/subscribe will take you to my subscription page. If someone asks me where to subscribe, I have one link with all the apps. If someone asks about the Podpage service, they can go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/podpage. For my Patreon account that I promote on the Ask the Podcast Coach show I use www.askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

What if you don't use WordPress? How Do You Track Clicks?

bit.ly

Many people use bit.ly which I did, but I found something that really changed my opinion of bit.ly. While you can setup a bit.ly link to point at a long URL that makes it easier to remember if later you want to change that link - you can't. This is why I started researching this topic. Then on August 13th, they added the feature to update a link see announcement. However, you have to pay for this feature ($35/month).

Rebrandly

One company called Rebrandly was started based on the pain point of "I can't change my destination URL in Bitly." With Rebrandly you can have up to 500 links and have up to 5000 clicks per month for free. You can have up to 5 custom domains. If you're looking for a free tool to track clicks this seems to be the tool. They have 550,000 happy customers.

If You Want to Do More Track Clicks (Marketing?)

Click.org

Click.org allows you to do A/B Split testing, and you can have one link for people in one part of the world, and another link used for others in a different part. For marketing people it adds the tracking pixel. So now when you send someone to a website that is not yours, you can add a pixel to retarget them. This is much more of a marketing tool and may be overkill for those who want to just have a link to give to their audience.

Pixle.me

Pixle.me is all about retargeting. It is the primary feature you see when you go to their website. For example, you could send people to a post on Medium and then they would see your Facebook ads when they go about the Internet. They have a tool where you can send someone to an Amazon site (for example) and make YOUR email pop up box appear. While they have some fun marketing tools if you want to change the destination URL (the feature that launched this investigation) it will cost you $24 a month. I did like some of their tools, and when it comes to marketing and tracking (which somewhat keeps your brand in front of your audience) it seemed to be a clear winner.

What You Can Learn?

Here is a list of things you might want to track:

A link in your email signature

Links in your emails

Links in your show notes.

Your Instagram URL (instead of using some third-party service)

Links to your subscribe buttons

A general idea of how engaged your audience is with your content.

Check How Far People Are Listening To Your Episode

What do Apple, Google, Spotify, and Stitcher all have in common? They all provide extra stats that show you how far your audience is listening. Also, if you are using Anchor and allowed them to submit your show to directories "for you" you have given away this option (they don't tell you that when they offer to do you a "favor"). Here is a video from Apple

Advertiser Practice Run

Last week I talked about the Zoom Podtrack P4, and 84 people clicked on it (11% of my audience at the time), but nobody purchased it. As many people feel that 3-5% click rate is "great" this seems to be a very interesting product for my audience. My feeling is due to it not being available yet (and only available for pre-order) this may mess up my affiliate stats.

By using an affiliate link, it has built-in click tracking and you can see how many units were sold. Amazon Associates is the largest affiliate program. The best thing is to find a product you like, and then see if the word "affiliates" or "partners" is at the bottom of their website. Sign up and promote it. As its a favorite product of yours, your sales pitch will be more heartfelt.

Mentioned In This Episode

Start your podcast at the School of Podcasting

Zoom Podtrack P4 Episode

Zoom Podtrack P4

Pretty Links WordPress Plugin

Thirsty affiliates WordPress Plugin

Lasso  WordPress Plugin (great for Affiliate marketing)

Easy AZON Plugin

Click.org

Pixle.me

rebrandly.com

bitly.com

Need Help With Your Podcast?

I'd love to help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast.

Need some feedback on your show? Get your show audited on the Podcast Review Show

Looking for podcast Mentoring? Let's setup a coaching call

Download This Episode!

Do I Need a Podcast Manager?

As money starts to flow into the podcasting space, there are more people starting to swarm around the space. I worry sometimes that they prey on the uninformed and having you spend tons of money that you may not have on products you may not need. We talk about Joe Budden, editors, big money, and more today.

00:40 Sponsor: podcastbranding.co

01:47 Streamyard Adds Drag and Drop
03:32 Zoom Podtrack P4 Demo
06:41 Joe Budden Leaving Spotify
18:54 Doing a Solo Podcast
22:19 Do I Need a Podcast Manager
29:05 Our Awesome Supporters
32:10 The Rode Go Wireless
37:02 Should I Launch My Podcast With a Patreon Program?
41:00 Fun with Words and Pronunciations
42:50 Jim's Power Rant
44:10 The Mister Mr. Coe Story
46:31 Lessons From Oprah
52:55 Email List vs FB Community

Mentioned In This Episode

Joe Budden Episode

Dave's Demo of P4

Streamyard

Zoom Podtrack P4

Rode Go Wireless

Mailer Lite (email Service)

The School of Podcasting

 

Patrons Only 

00:59:00 Time to Get Your Colon Checked
01:02:06 Words are Fun!
01:07:53 The First Lady Speaks Five Languages
01:15:26 Dave Almost Got a Job in China
01:21:17 No Show September 12th
01:24:07 My Podcast Reviews Now Shows Ratings
01:25:18 You Can't Please Everyone

Become a Paton!

Live group coaching

Your Questions Answered First

Bonus Content

Shout outs!

Join Today

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 309 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Download the Episode!

The Zoom Podtrack P4 Portable Podcast Recorder

The Zoom Podtrack P4 is coming out next month (from what I hear) and this appears to be a game-changer for those podcasting on a budget. Here are some of the features of the Zoom Podtrack P4:

Zoom Podtrack P4 Podcast Recorder
Four mic inputs with XLR connectors
Four headphone outputs with individual volume control
Gain control knobs and mute buttons for each input
Phantom power for all XLR inputs
Automatically prevent feedback from call audio using the Mix-Minus function
Easily connect your phone using the TRRS connection
Trigger sound effects using four assignable Sound Pads with 11preset sounds
All input sources can be recorded on separate tracks
16-bit /44.1kHz audio WAV
Records directly to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards up to 512 GB
2-input, 2-output USB audio interface
Class-compliant mode for iOS compatibility
Up to four hours of use with just two AA batteries or a USB power supply
Can be powered via 2 AA Batteries
Can be powered via USB or Zoom AD-17 AC Adapter

Comparing the Podtrack P4 to the Rodecaster Pro

Zoom P4 VS Rodercaster Pro

Zoom Podtrack P4 Manual (pdf),

Price:
Zoom Podtrack P4 is $199 Rodecaster is $599

Audio Processing:
The Rodecaster has built-in APHEX audio processing and mic modeling. There is a "big bottom," an aural exciter, a compressor, and noise gate. The P4 has a low cut (to cut out unnecessary frequencies) and a limiter (to make sure you don't peak and distort). ThePodtrack P4 does have very powerful preamps that are very quiet. The Rodecaster also features a built-in ducking option so if the host is in channel 1, and someone tries to talk at the same time this feature (which can be turned on and off) will ensure the host (mic 1) is heard.

Sound Pads:
The Rodecaster has 8 pads for sound effects vs the 4 on the P4. If you're doing things live and want the ability to play sounds with a press of a button. As both the Rodecaster and the P4 have the ability to plug a phone in and you could use an app like Backpack studio which enables you to have a ton of sound pads.

Slider Vs Knobs
The Rodecaster has sliders vs the knobs on the P4

Storage:
The P4 has a SD card, the Rodecaster has a micro SD Card. On their website, the Rodecaster mentions Micro SD up to 256 Gigs. The Podtrack P4 mentions card up to 512 Gigs. Both of those sizes are huge.

Bluetooth:
The Rodecaster has built-in Blue Tooth, the P4 has an optional BTA-2 Bluetooth option ($49)

Recording Sample Rate:
The Rodecaster records in 48khz/24-bit, the P4 is 44.1khz/16 bit. While I don't feel this makes that much of a difference (as in the end your podcast is listened to in earbuds, car speakers, and portable speakers). However, if you're doing anything with video, your video editor will be happy you have the ability to record in 48khz.

Number of Tracks:
The Rodecaster can record up to 8 tracks, the P4 records up to 4
Both units provide a stereo mixdown, and in addition to the mic inputs, they provide tracks for the pads. The Rodecaster has the ability to turn off the multi-track recording.

Recording Into Your Computer
Both send a stereo mix to the computer (great for live streaming), but the Rodecaster can also send map individual tracks to channels.

Interface
The Rodecaster has a touch screen. The P4 has a simple to use menu system.

Markers
The Rodecaster has the ability to add markers (which can be very useful for editing)
While other room recorders have this feature the P4 does not )

Outputs
The Rodecaster has 4 headphones out in addition to a stereo out.
The Zoom P4 has four headphones out.

Footprint:
The Rodecaster is 14" X 11" the P4  4.1" X6.1.' This might be important for those with smaller desktops. The P4 is  1/4th smaller than the Rodecaster.

For my friends across the pond the Rodecaster is 350 mm x 275 mm the Podtrack P4 is 112 mm x 155 mm

Warranty:
RodecasterPro: Limited 1-Year Warranty with 1 Additional Year upon Registration. (source BNH).
Podtrack P4: Limited 1-Year Warranty (source BNH).

If you're looking for a great sounding unit, and never need to record more than four sources, this is a great unit. Audio snobs will complain about the lack of ability to record in 48khz/24hz but 44.1/16 will be fine for something that is heard in-car speakers and earbuds. Some will complain about sliders vs knobs. The knobs help cut the footprint which gives you your desk back. If you want to achieve the tone of the rodecaster you will need to invest in some plugins. If you're on a budget and want an easy way to record separate tracks including the phone, this is worth checking out. Just don't drop it.

Check out the Zoom Podtrack P4

The Zoom ZDM-1 Dynamic Microphone

I must confess that the Electrovoice RE320 has been my mic for many years. It's also close to $300. The ZDM-1 comes with a pop filter, "stand" a cable, and headphones for $120. I didn't think it was fair to compare it to the RE320 so I pulled out the Rode Podmic (another microphone designed for podcasters for around $99).

Both microphones are very well built, and when I kid about using them as a weapon, I'm not kidding. You need a sturdy stand to hold these up. The ZDM-1 has a great mount that screws into the bottom and just seems solid. The Rode Podmic also is well built.

The Zoom ZMD-1 has 50 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response with tight bass and smooth highs enhance vocal tone for radio, podcasting, and more

The Rode Podmic has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In specs, it should pick up a bit more bass and a bit more high end.

While neither one of these microphones sound bad, I thought I heard a little more high end and sibilance on the Zoom ZMD-1.

The one thing that Audio Technica, Zoom, and other microphone companies need to quit doing is giving us microphone stands that are 100% completely worthless. While the TPS-4 stand that comes with the ZDM-1 is sturdier than the other worthless microphone stands, They are so short that you have to do a bizarre yoga pose to lean over to use it. Either invent a new mic stand as an accessory, or just include the clip/mount and lower the price. Nobody in their right mind is using the TPS-4 microphone stand.

The Zoom ZHP-1 Headphones were amazingly clear. The high end was crystal clear to an almost alarming point. The somewhat self-adjusting headphones fit nice and snug and really cut out the outside world. I used other "included" headphones with other microphones and they were typically uncomfortable and had the fidelity of a record cut out of a cereal box (you have to be over 50 to get that). These had a nice sound, and I love that the cable can be disconnected at the headphones (great for those of us who are always tangled in or headphone cable.

For $199 this a good value with a solid mic, nice pop filter, study mount and comfortable headphones to boot. Just pick up a nice boom arm (are strong desk stand as it is heavy).

August Question of the Month: What Keeps You Going?

This month the question was, "What has kept you going with your podcast when others have stopped?"

Kris and Kristine from the Kris and Kristine Show

Kris and Kristine are engaged and this is just another great way of spending time together. (everyone together  - awww....). Kristine said, " I'm big on trying to constantly strengthen our relationship. And there's a lot of research that says, for a woman, when she invests in the hobbies and the interests of her partner, then it really helps to build that bond. And so Kris could have loved going to golf or you could have had all these hobbies that take you out of the house and away from me, but instead, you choose to build and grow a hobby with me. What woman wouldn't want that from her significant other that you want to spend dedicated time with me?

These are super nice peeps and I wish them the best when they get married in November. Check out their show at www.krisandkristine.com

Curtis Longellow from the Rerozest Podcast

Curtis Longfellow from the Retrozest podcast needed an outlet. He wanted to talk about all things retro (70's and 80's) and by starting a podcast he attracted other people who are just like him.

It turns out it's really paid off. Diane Franklin, the actress who portrayed Monique Juno in the classic 80s dark comedy film Better Off Dead, granted me an interview in celebration of the 30 fifth anniversary of the film. In fact, it just posted yesterday.

The other thing that keeps me going is the power of podcasting network shows. In fact, via Episode Number 678 of the School of podcasting, you really prepared me for the aforementioned interview with Diane Franklin. What was supposed to only be a 45-minute interview ballooned into an hour and 15 minutes. This was largely because the tips you shared on Episode Number 678 really prepared me and helped me to frame and ask some very unique questions, which kept the stories from Diane flowing.

Additionally, you recently did a short review of my AC DC Back in Black 40th anniversary episode on your Podcast Rodeo Show. You shared several tips which helped me to plan for future episodes. And also you pointed out a glaring typo on my podcast description to which I immediately responded and corrected. Thank you for all you do. Dave. I suspect that your contribution to teaching about podcasting is really keeping a bunch of podcasters going, keep up the good work, and check out the retros s podcasts at retro zest.com forward slash podcast.

Civilla Morgan from the Childless, Not By Choice (and Not Just Another Religion and politics Podcast)

Here is what Civilla from the Childless, Not by Choice had this to say, "I believe I believe in the power of podcasting, I believe podcasting is a Message carrier. And I can see the results of it because of the response that I get. I may not be at a million downloads. But I'm hearing from people whose lives are literally being changed when they listen to the Childless, not by choice podcast episodes. They're writing into me.  One woman just called me about a week ago from Holland on speakpipe on my website, and she left a message because she was so excited to find thes podcast, she couldn't believe it. And she had to tell me all about what episode she was on and how the podcast has completely absolutely helped her and that she just recently joined the Facebook group.

I've got to keep going. I've got to keep getting the word out. Slowly but surely it can be tedious. There can be deep valley moments where you just want to throw everything across the room and just walk away from it all. And then those awesome mountain top moments where you get that awesome interview, like when I got that interview with you, Dave Jackson. And so you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to podcasting and I just love that I can get the message out whether it's the Childless, not by choice podcast, or the Not just another religion and politics podcast where I get to say my part as to how the Christian community is behaving (or misbehaving right now), in some instances. It's just a way to get the word out to get your message out. It's truly a message carrier. And that's why I'm still podcasting.

Craig Wealand from Ingles Podcast

Here are the reason Craig keeps podcasting:

• I podcast with a co-host, who I've known for many years. He's a very good friend. And it's a lot of fun to get together with him. once every three weeks, batch record some episodes, then have a nice lunch together and just hang out, just be with someone who I really like. We have a laugh, we have fun together. So one big element of the fun I get from podcasting is getting together with my friend and colleague.
• I think we're helping people with our product when I know we're helping people, we get feedback, voice messages, emails, telling us that because of the podcasts, we've helped people, get promotions, find a job pass an exam in English, so we know that we're doing some good out there and then keeps us going the feedback from our community.
•  I really like the podcasting community. They're a great bunch of people. And I enjoy hanging out with podcasters. I feel very comfortable when I'm with podcasters. And, and over the years, I've made some really good friends in the podcasting community going to events and conferences, and meeting people online. So I really like being part of the community. And it's much easier to be part of the community if you have a podcast.
• I think I really like creating something that wasn't in the world before. Hopefully, that's a good thing. It might be a bad thing. But I like the idea that we've put something out there that might be of use to people and it didn't exist before we turned on the microphones.  I like the idea that I've created something.

Check out Craig at Ingles Podcast

Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting

I've always said that podcasting scratches every itch I have.

• It is somewhat technical, and I'm somewhat of a geek.
• You are in 100% control and you can do anything you want. As a creative person, I love that.
• I get to help people. As someone with a teaching background, that puts a lot of "Gas in my tank."
• As someone who spent myself into bankruptcy trying to have children (and failed), this is somehow my "Legacy."

Check out all of Dave's shows at www.powerofpodcasting.com

September Question of the Month

Right now, I'm obsessed with the word, Interesting. When you hear the word interesting, what comes to your mind. If someone who spoke another language and asked you to explain what Interesting mean, how would you describe it. Feel free to "riff" on your thoughts of interesting, and explain any examples of content you feel is interesting. I need your answer by September 25th, 2020. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Ready to Start Your Podcast?

I love helping people plan, launch, and grow their podcast. I have multiple plans and scenarios to meet any budget. Let's work together.

Download This Episode!

Dave Got to Play with a Zoom Podtrack P4 Portable Podcast Recorder

 

Zoom is coming out with a new portable recorder designed specifically for podcasters and it's only $199. It's got a ton of features and should take the world by storm. Dave got to play with one and gives his report. In the Post-show (Patrons Only), Dave and Jim have a very interesting discussion. 

 

https://youtu.be/9eiR-9UHm08

 

 

00:00:53 Sponsor: PodcastBranding.co ( see examples)

00:03:18 Leggo Of Jim's Eggo

00:05:44 The Zoom Podtrack P4

00:18:54 Zoom Carrying Case

00:20:33 Minimum Show Elements on Streamyard

00:24:23 Kyle Got a Mevo Start Webcam

00:34:30 Thanks To Our Awesome Supporters

00:36:44 How Many Episodes to Launch

00:44:23 Monthly Stats Can Fool You

00:49:51 Scripted Podcasts

00:52:06 Audience Surveys and High Score on Netflix

 

Patrons Only

00:56:37 Releasing a Glut of Content

01:00:23 Borrowing a Format

01:06:08 More Zoom Podtrack P4 Questions

01:10:41 Jims Tips on Your Work Environment

01:16:05 An Interesting Conversation (see Video)

01:18:44 Binge Recording

01:21:51 Attention Spans

01:27:53 We Have Better Options

Become a Patron

Join today!

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 308 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Download the Episode!

Charging Your Guest an "Appearance Fee" on Your Podcast

HOUSEKEEPING: My book, Profit Grom Your Podcast UPDATE. If you're asked to confirm your sale, please say yes.

Podcasts are continuing to get more and more popular with millions of listeners worldwide. In some (few from what I've seen) cases, people with very popular or very niche shows can charge what some people call a "Guest Appearance Fee." While I understand that some of us are trying to at least pay for the cost of production with our podcasts, but there are some things to think about before you go charging people to be on your show.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

I know some people were charging to be on your show (in some cases four figures) to be a guest. The law of supply and demand can be summarized as the smaller the supply for something the more your can charge as long as it has value (or perceived value). Why? Because you can't get it anyplace else.

If you show has a HUGE audience and people are banging on your door to be on your show, this might indicate a high demand for people to be on your show. If your show is super niche, it may be the only podcast on the topic. If a potential guest wants to do a deep dive on Viking history, there may not be that many podcasts to contact.

Remember when sponsors are paying you money it is to get in front of your audience. If a guest thinks you have a large chunk of the audience they may be willing to pay to get in front of them.

MANAGING DEMAND WITH YOUR PRICE

When you have too much demand on a product as you can't keep up, one strategy is to raise the price. When I was a working musician some of the bars I played had a $5 cover charge. Why? Because if you were willing to pay $5 just to get in the door there was a good chance those people had disposable money to buy food and drinks. This way your bar was full of your target audience.

If you have a TON of people BEGGING to be on your show, charging for an appearance might slow the demand. It might shorten the line to get into the guest chair, and only those who KNOW that you have their target audience will bust out the cash to sit in that seat.

If this sounds like a good idea, lets take a second and look at this a little deeper.

Take a Long Look in the Mirror

If you were to go to Google is your show one of less than five other podcasts on your subject? Are you the only pigmy pony podcast? Do you have a large audience? Not many people can say they have a super-niche podcast with a large audience.

Here are some other things to consider:

Enjoying the Extra Money This Would Bring In

TV Talk shows (due to the union) pay their guests to appear on the show ($726 per episode by some accounts) but that is for a show with millions of viewers. According to some reports by Marketwatch 30% of adults have no emergency savings at all (if you make 50,000 a year). If you go up to $150,000 a year 25% of people are still living paycheck to paycheck.

My point is without some discipline, there were always be more month at the end of the money.

What might happen is you have an extra $1000 a month and you get those braces for the kid, or even worse have a second child (and those little boogers are expensive). Now what was extra money to put into your savings, or add some breathing room, is now being spent every week. It is no longer "extra"money.

Now You NEED Guests to Pay

When your back is up against the wall you do things you may not be proud of. Now you start to accept any guest as long as they pay. I've been there done that. While I had a job when I graduate from college I still took a job as a janitor at my church to help pay the bills. I had student loans to pay, and I needed to save up money to move into an apartment. My Dad (who had a degree in computers) took a job as a convenient store manager working the night shift. You do what have to do not because you want to, but because you have to.

This Could Cause a Negative Spiral

If your guests don't fit your audience, and they don't deliver value, you might lose your audience (and remember that is what people are paying for - to get in front of your audience). If your audience goes away, so does the demand to get in front of them.

For me (again an opinion), you don't really need to sell me your guest and provide tons of street cred when you introduce your guests. I trust you that you're not going to bring on someone who won't deliver value.

Potential FTC Issues

The FTC Guides, state that at their core, reflect the basic truth-in-advertising principle that endorsements must be honest and not misleading. An endorsement must reflect the honest opinion of the endorser and can’t be used to make a claim that the product’s marketer couldn’t legally make.

255.5 states, "When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that
might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement (i.e., the connection is not
reasonably expected by the audience), such connection must be fully disclosed. "

For me, by having them on your show, your audience trusts you to bring people of value. If you don't disclose that they are paying to be there, and someone purchases their product or service, you might have an issue with the FTC (I'm not a lawyer, but it gets sticky).

If you're in the UK, you might want to check out the CAP Code 2.4 "Marketers and publishers must make clear that advertorials are marketing
communications." 

Vote For The Schol of Podcasting

We are in the final slate of the Podcast Awards. Go to www.podcastawards.com and vote for the School of Podcasting in the technology category (I also love the Newsworthy show, and the Packers Fan Podcast). 

I Want to Help You With Your Podcast

What is keeping you going? What has started you from starting? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question to answer by August 28th

I Want to Help You With Your Podcast

I've been helping people plan, launch, and grow their podcast for 15 years. I'd love to help you.

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme to find the best way I can help you.

Download This Episode!

Microphone Placement in a Video

Jim is back from his Mom's birthday, and we address a listener question about mic placement in video along with many other topics including:

01:06 Sponsor: podcastbranding.co
03:28 Microphone Placement in Video
18:36 Do You Remember The Brand?
21:30 Updating User Interfaces
23:47 WordPress 5.5
26:01 Daves Book Release is Coming Soon
38:37 The Awesome Supporters
39:52 Dave's Podfest Presentation
40:50 Working With Spotify and Amazon
47:03 Removed From Anchor
51:01 Should I Upgrade to an SM7B?
54:39 Dave Plays with a Sure SM58

Become an Awesome Supporter and Get Bonus Content

www.patreon.com/davejackson

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 307 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Download the Episode!

7 Patreon Alternatives For Podcasters

Patreon is having what appears to be some serious legal issues created by a loophole in their terms of services. Today I talk about seven different options each with their own strength. 

Patreon

Subscribestar

Supercast

Memberful

MyLibsyn

Podbean

Buy Me a Coffee

Ko-Fi

Full Details, videos, and more at 

www.schoolofpodcasting.com/735

Download This Episode!

The Rode NT Mini USB In Action

Jim is out for his Mom's 90th birthday, so Craig Hewitt from Podcast Motor and Castos sits in the char joining us from France. As he is on vacation (and all the other mics are sold out) he bought a Rode NT Mini, and (beyond his control) was in a room that was high ceiling and hard surfaces (so Dave has run this through a deverb, knowing it somewhat is too aggressive on Dave's voice, but not too much on Craig (I should've witch the Rodecaster to give me separate channels when I hear his room noise. 

Ready to Start Your Podcast?

Check out the School of podcasting and avoid the common podcast mistakes. See www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

TOPICS:

00:00:21 Special Guest Host Craig Hewitt

00:01:22 Sponsor: podcastbranding.co
Need a logo? Need Artwork? Listen today to hear what is the difference. The good news is Mark at podcastbranding.co can provide you with either based on 30 years of graphic design. 

03:35 Craig's NT Mini 

05:51 Zoom Podtrack P4 is Coming

09:18 How Long Should Your Intro Be?

13:20 Research Your Podcast Name Before Using It

17:48 Why Streamyard?

19:05 The History of Castos and Podcast Motor

22:55 Apple Podcast Has Delays in Updating

24:17 Amazon/Audible is Adding Podcasting

26:50 Google Play Music is Dead - Google Podcasts is Alive

27:43 Become and Awesome Supporter 

30:54 Indiedropin.com 

32:08 Rogue Co-host

36:43 Kicked Off of Anchor For No Reason

39:20 Spotify Hates Music Podcasts

45:08 Podcast Advertising Works

47:44 Craig's Podcast Audience 

Download the Episode!

Avoid Flushing Your Audience Goodbye

There are those that are going to be surprised by today’s content. Why? Because I’m going to admit to making one of the biggest mistakes (if not THE biggest mistake) you can make in podcasting. This deals with your podcast feed. When you learn to shave, you have to learn how to hold the razor properly. 

The Radio Analogy

Let’s start with some analogies. Radio is broadcasted on a frequency. That frequency is then deciphered by a radio receiver, which turns it into music. 

Podcasting is syndicated via your feed and is deciphered via an app. So you had DJ to Frequency to Radio. Now you have podcasters to feed to app. In radio, you had to make sure your radio tower was always operational. If the tower had an issue, you were no longer broadcasting, and your station went dead. With podcasting everything, I mean EVERYTHING is tied to your feed. Guard it with your life. 

Change of Address Forms

The other analogy I want to bring here is the change of address form. I’m going to be moving later this year, and when I am finished set up,at my apartment, I’m going to fill out a change of address form with the US Post office that says,”Any mail going to Dave Jackson at his apartment should now be delivered to his house.” 

Here is the problem you want to avoid. 

What if your favorite pizza place was at 123 Main Street, and they moved. They had no website, and when you dialed their phone number it said it was disconnected. You LOVED their food, but you had no idea where to get it. 

If a radio station moved from 98.7 to 100.2 and didn’t let their audience know, you would have to scan the dial searching for your favorite station. 

When you move from one feed to another without doing a 301 redirect you strand your audience who is still looking at your old (dead) feed. 

How Did This Happen?

So how did the guy who warns everyone to be careful when dealing with feeds shoot himself in the foot? 

I did this late at night (post-midnight right before I was heading to bed). Looking back we always have 20/20 vision, but I’m pretty sure this not when I’m at my sharpest. 

You might say I got, "Too comfortable with the knife." What I mean by this is if you do something dangerous over and over, after a while, you get comfortable, confident, and potentially end up cutting yourself. If this had been a client’s account I was working on, I would’ve shut off all distractions, double and tripled checked my steps, and things would’ve been fine. In my case, I knew the procedure, logged in, copied, and pasted and was getting ready to head to bed. I was too comfortable with the knife. 

In looking at my stats, it appears I came away with a bruise instead of needing stitches. 

I Appeared on the Krisk and Kristine Show

You can check out my appearance on episode 48 of the Kris and Kristine show. Link to episode 48.

Update on Conferences

Podfest is doing and online conference while trying to set a Guinness World Record. I will speak at that event. 

Podcast Movement will be in person in 2021 in Nashville, and in 2020 they have moved to an online event. 

Ready To Start Your Podcast?

Join the School of Podcasting worry-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. You get access to:

A private Facebook mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasters.

Step by step tutorials to get you from idea to world domination.

Live group coaching several times a month in different times zones. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

 

Download This Episode!

Podcast Media Kits

Today we start with a question from Patron Shame Whaley from spybrary.com about tools to make a media kit. 

SPONSOR: Podcastingbranding.co 

If you need podcast artwork, websites, lead magnets, and more, check out Mark and podcasting branding. He is an award-winning graphic artist and podcaster ( so he understands our space). Check him out at www.podcastbranding.co

TOPICS FOR THIS THIS EPISODE

00:47 Sponsor: Podcastbranding.co

02:10 Podcast Media Kits

17:21 Great Survey Questions

20:44 Dave's Book Update

22:39 Confused Radio Guy

29:08 Larry King

30:07 History of Radio Language

33:04 Our Awesome Supporters

36:11 If only there was a tool for search

37:48 Scared to Start My Podcast

43:16 Being Nervous is Normal and Good

45:43 Inspiring Others to Podcast

51:21 Adding Diversity

Ready to Start Your Podcast? Need Help Growing the One You Have?

Check out the School of Podcasting and use the coupon code ask and get 20% off a yearly or monthly subscription. Join worry-free with a money-back guarantee. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 305 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Mentioned In This Episode

Edison research Infinite Dial 2020

http://podcasters.spotify.com

http://partners.stitcher.com

http://podcastsconnect.apple.com 

 

Download the Episode!