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Podcasting Simplified

Podcasting Simplified℠ Learn how to start a podcast - and a lot more! We'll be focused on learning how to podcast, but you'll also learn about podcast equipment, SEO, marketing, online advertising, and the business of podcasting. Ross (that's me) was the former head of digital marketing for one of the top 300 nationwide franchises, has consulted with business large and small, and loves to help people grow their business (or hobby). This show is an extension of https://www.podcastinsights.com - the largest podcasting resource & website online. What are you waiting for? Subscribe now!

Episodes

How To Create A Private Podcast 🤐

Private podcasts are a great way to share company-wide messages with your organization or give access to a special feed for memberships (an advertising-free feed for example) Top Private Podcast Hosting Options: Transistor Podbean Patreon Other Private Podcast Options: uStudio Storyboard Other links mentioned: Start A Podcast Guide WSJ Article on private podcasts (paywall) 🗒️ Create A Private Podcast blog post 💛 Leave A Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts Support the show...

Apr 25, 201910 minEp. 32

Podcasting Deals, Coupons & Promo Codes 🎉

Podcasting Deals Page How To Start A WordPress Blog (with details on Bluehost) 💛 Leave A Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts Support the show...

Feb 13, 201911 minEp. 31

Equipment & Software I Use For The Podcasting Simplified Podcast

Software: Buzzsprout Auphonic GarageBand / Logic Pro Equipment: Started w/ a Blue Yeti (but don't recommend) If starting today: ATR2100 or Samson Q2U (USB & XLR) I have a separate article specifically for dynamic mics if you want to check it out Start using USB if you're solo. Then you can upgrade the audio quality simply by adding an audio interface and using the XLR connection. A further upgrade is to add a Cloudlifter CL-1 or Cloudlifter Z What I Use Now: Rode Procaster Microphone Cloudli...

Jan 17, 201918 minEp. 30

The Software & Tools I Use To Run podcastinsights.com

Web Hosting: Kinsta (see our review of Kinsta ) Email Marketing: ConvertKit (see more of the best email marketing services ) WordPress / Website: Genesis Themes (WordPress Themes) OptinMonster (Email Opt-ins) Pretty Links (Short Links) Smart Podcast Player (switched to Buzzsprout's player) OneSignal (Push Notifications) Algolia Search (Site Search Plugin) ShortPixel (Image Compression) Social Warfare (Social Sharing Plugin) TablePress (Table Creation Plugin) GeniusLink (Amazon Localization) See ...

Jan 15, 201923 minEp. 29

How To Create Video Teasers, A Fun Podcast Growth Tip

In case you didn't know, video is one of the best ways to get seen on social media... A couple reasons are that: The algorithms prioritize it Video catches the eye and gets you to stop scrolling You can connect and share more in a small amount of space But you don't want to share your entire podcast episode on social media - people are in a different mindset. What you want to do is create a teaser that gets people interested enough to check out your show (and hopefully subscribe). If you signed ...

Jan 10, 20195 minEp. 28

A Simple Podcast Growth Tip

You want to grow your podcast audience and get your listeners to engage with you, right? One of my favorite ways is to include a listener Q&A segment in your show. You could also make it a listener comment segment or a segment where you read reviews. Sounds simple, but this tactic can be powerful. I'll explain: Ask people to tag or @ you on social when they ask questions (friends and followers will be able to find you and learn more) People like to hear their names spoken online - so once yo...

Jan 08, 20195 minEp. 27

How To "Launch" Your Podcast [Day 10]

I put "launch" in quotes because this step is really all about submitting your podcast to iTunes (Apple Podcasts). That means that when Apple accepts it, your show will be live and officially launched, even if no one knows about it. As a bonus, we'll talk about growing your show in a couple days. It's possible you already figured this step out by clicking the iTunes & Directories tab in your Buzzsprout dashboard, but if you haven't yet, it's easy! You will need to create an Apple ID if you d...

Jan 06, 20196 minEp. 26

Where To Put Your First Podcast Episode [Day 9]

You will need to upload your episodes to a podcast hosting platform. This is also the place where you will enter your podcast details and cover art we talked about a few days ago. Action Step: Sign up for Buzzsprout , enter your podcast settings, and upload your first episode. Use that link above for a free $20 Amazon gift card! :) Alternative option: Transistor Support the show...

Jan 05, 20197 minEp. 25

It's Time To Record Your First Episode [Day 8]

Start by downloading Audacity (it's free and works with Mac or Windows). Then I recommend following this excellent Audacity tutorial . Other Links Mentioned: Ecamm Call Recorder For Skype Software To Record Remotely Resonate Recordings Support the show...

Jan 03, 20197 minEp. 24

Podcast cover art (and other required podcast details) [Day 7]

Your main goals with your podcast cover art should be to: Stand out Be easy to read (at different sizes) Be easy to understand what your show is about Get people to click and learn more You'll want to figure out these details: Podcast Title Podcast Description Artist Name 3 Podcast Categories ( here's a list to review with some tips) Explicit or not Articles On Designing Cover Art: How to design a podcast cover: the ultimate guide by 99designs How to Design Stunning Podcast Cover Art That Stands...

Dec 15, 201813 minEp. 23

Podcast Equipment You'll Need [Day 6]

It's time to invest in some equipment. Audio quality is more important than most people realize - poor audio quality will quickly turn people off, even if they can't specifically name why. And you don't have to spend a ton to get amazing audio quality! Podcast Starter Kit Equipment Guide Grab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course here Support the show...

Dec 14, 201814 minEp. 22

Podcast Format & Segments [Day 5]

Today we're going to talk about Show Format. There are many different styles and formats you can choose - and many people will combine formats (i.e. a solo episode one day, an interview episode another day). There isn't a right or wrong way to go here - and many shows evolve and change over time to include other formats or segments. Action Step: Decide on an initial podcast format and outline the segments you will include. Grab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course here Support the...

Dec 13, 201811 minEp. 21

Let's Choose A Podcast Name [Day 4]

Quick Recap - At this point we’ve: Come up with ideas we want to talk about and chosen one broad topic. We’ve done research on episode ideas. Before you continue, ask yourself: “Does this interest me? Is this something I could see myself talking about or teaching for several years? Will this cost a lot of money? Is the interest in this growing or underserved?” If Yes, let’s move on! Action Step: Register a domain name (the .com) for your podcast. You can register with Namecheap . Tips on choosin...

Dec 12, 20188 minEp. 20

How To Plan Your Podcast Episodes [Day 3]

Based on the broad topic we chose yesterday, we are going to do a little research. We are looking for more specific episode and topic ideas that people will be excited to hear... Listen for little-known tips to come up with amazing episode ideas. Action Step: Write down a list of 10+ episode ideas. In addition, could you easily come up with at least 100 different episode or topic ideas? Grab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course here Support the show...

Dec 11, 20189 minEp. 19

How To Figure Out What To Podcast About [Day 1&2]

So you're thinking about starting a podcast? I get a lot of messages from people looking to start a podcast, but they don't know: Where to start What to podcast about What equipment to use How to get on iTunes and many other questions Maybe you're wondering those same things... That's OK. Just don't let those questions hold you back from getting started. In this episode we'll go through a series of exercises to help you nail down a topic that: You will have plenty of content for You're intereste...

Dec 10, 201810 minEp. 18

Best Remote Interview Software For Podcasting

There are a number of different services that will let you record remote conversations. Skype is a popular way to conduct online interviews and there are several ways to record Skype calls. The issue with Skype is that sound quality is poor, even if all parties have great internet connections. The good news is that there are excellent alternatives to Skype that let you record remote podcast interviews. Top Remote Interview Software: Iris Squadcast Show Notes For Episode 17 Support the show...

Sep 29, 201815 minEp. 17

Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software

Learn about the best podcast recording and editing software. Plus check out some bonus podcast software that will save you time, improve your interview quality, and more... Top Podcast Recording & Editing Programs: Adobe Audition Logic Pro Bonus Podcast Software: Buzzsprout Ecamm Call Recorder For Skype Music Radio Creative Show Notes For Episode 16 Support the show...

May 24, 201819 minEp. 16

13 Ways To Make Money Podcasting 💰

Thinking of starting a podcast and want to know how podcasters make money? Or do you already have a podcast and are looking for ways to increase your earnings? Good news, there are many different ways to monetize a podcast... Some work well when you are just getting started, and others work best once you're more established and have a larger audience. Either way, you'll find at least one way to make money podcasting no matter what stage you're at. Show Notes For Episode 15 Support the show...

Apr 26, 201825 minEp. 15

Best WordPress Plugins For Podcasters & Bloggers

I highly recommend using WordPress for your website whether you’re a podcaster, blogger, or anyone else who wants to consistently reach an audience. WordPress is great in its stock form, but there are many plugins that add functionality or enhance existing functionality. I’ve tried hundreds of different WordPress plugins among many different categories, and this list is personal recommendations on based on what works best, which ones are well supported, and which plugins keep your site running q...

Apr 12, 201829 minEp. 14

Best WordPress Hosting For Podcasters & Bloggers

I consistently recommend having your WordPress site separate from your podcast host . I wanted to go a little deeper and give you my full list of recommendations... My Recommended WordPress Hosts: Kinsta (See our Kinsta Review ) DreamHost ($50 Off Coupon) Show Notes For Episode 13 Support the show...

Mar 30, 201819 minEp. 13

Best Pop Filters (Exciting, I Know!)

Pop filters do what their name suggests – they reduce or eliminate popping sounds. In natural speech, certain letters tend to cause your mouth and breath to produce fast-moving air. These plosives typically come from the letters P, T, and K. Try saying the word “podcast” or “pop filter” while holding your hand in front of your mouth – you’ll feel the air. This air can easily overwhelm a microphone, causing distortion and clipping. We definitely don’t want that. So let’s take a look at some of th...

Mar 20, 201811 minEp. 12

Best Interview Microphones (Handheld, Shotgun & Lavalier)

There are many different ways to record an interview: outside or inside, sitting or standing, planned or spur-of-the-moment, video or audio-only, and likely more that I haven’t thought of. Each scenario will excel with a certain type of microphone and for planned interviews, people will commonly use a shotgun mic combined with a lavalier mic as a backup. Listen to some of the best options for each type. Show Notes For Episode 11 Support the show...

Mar 09, 201824 minEp. 11

Podcast Editing & Production Services

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just record your podcast, wait a couple days, and have a perfectly edited and ready-to-go podcast episode to deliver to your audience? Well, you can! There are a number of podcast editing services that will do just that. But that’s not all. Many of them will implement ID3 tags, create show notes and links, and even upload the episode for you. They can help you choose podcast equipment , design cover art, consult on show ideas, submit to podcast directories.. you ...

Mar 01, 201815 minEp. 10

Best Microphone Boom Arms For Podcasting

I have to say that getting a microphone boom arm was one of the best decisions I made for my podcasting studio. Why? Because I can be ready to record so much faster. All I have to do is pull the boom arm toward me and hit record. But it also frees up a lot of space on your desk... Top 3 Microphone Boom Arms: Heil PL-2T Rode PSA1 K&M 23860 Show Notes For Episode 9 Support the show...

Feb 23, 201811 minEp. 9

What Is A Podcast & How Do They Work?

Do you know what a podcast is? If you're listening that might seem like a silly question, but how people explain what a podcast is varies greatly... 🗒️ Show Notes For Episode 8 Want to start your own podcast? Join the free 10-day email course here . Tool Of The Day: Music Radio Creative 💛 Leave A Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts Support the show...

Feb 17, 201813 minEp. 8

Johnathan Dane, Founder of KlientBoost (Clients Include Airbnb, Le Tote, Thinkific & More)

This interview with Johnathan Dane was amazing. We covered a ton of stuff in about 45 minutes and he brought a ton of value. I think I learned a few things listening to it again to take these notes. Here’s a highlight of the things we covered: How Johnathan Dane got his start in PPC (it starts with craigslist) Common mistakes with AdWords / Landing Pages Not focusing on the important metrics: close rate, conversion rate, revenue Not tracking revenue & sales Iceberg Effect (and why SKAGs are ...

Feb 13, 201843 minEp. 7

Blue Yeti Accessories To Upgrade Your Mic

The Blue Yeti microphone is one of the most popular microphones for podcasting... It’s an excellent microphone out of the box, but there are a few things you should get to increase your audio quality and make it easier to use properly. Show Notes For Episode 6 Support the show

Feb 06, 201814 minEp. 6

Best USB Microphones For Podcasting

USB microphones are the easiest to use when you want to start podcasting. You basically plug them in and start recording... Learn which ones are best, plus a few other microphone tips & tricks Top 4 USB Microphones: Blue Yeti Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS Audio-Technica ATR 2100-USB Rode NT-USB Show Notes For Episode 5 Support the show...

Feb 01, 201820 minEp. 5

How To Record A Podcast With Skype

It's extremely common to use Skype for podcast interviews. It's free, most people already have an account, and it's easy to use - but there's no built-in recording software... So how do you record your interviews? Listen here. Resources Mentioned: Ecamm Call Recorder For Skype Podcast Launch Contest Show Notes For Episode 4 Support the show...

Jan 25, 201811 minEp. 4

How To Upload A Podcast To iTunes

It’s a fairly common misconception that iTunes and other podcast directories host your podcast media files (typically an MP3). You don’t actually upload your podcast episode files to iTunes. Learn how it actually happens... Resources Mentioned: Buzzsprout Podcast Directories Show Notes For Episode 3 Support the show...

Jan 23, 20188 minEp. 3
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