We recently did a bit of a masterclass on titling your podcast episodes , based on our WHISPER TITLES framework . This framework applies to any type of content, too, not just podcast episodes. We wanted to build on that in this episode and explore the delicate balance of crafting podcast titles that are engaging yet avoid the contemptuous label of clickbait. We'll delve into the importance of titles in capturing attention amidst a competitive media landscape and share examples of misleading head...
Jun 26, 2025•42 min•Season 22Ep. 7
You don’t need to look far to find a heated debate or surprising statistic about video in podcasting right now. Video is killing podcasts! Video is saving podcasting! If you’re not doing video, what’s the point? It’s a lot . Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there’s one thing I’m sure we can all agree on: Every show is different, and adding video unnecessarily could kill your podcast. So rather than continuously examining contradictory data or choosing which hill to die on, I spo...
Jun 19, 2025•22 min•Season 22Ep. 6
Since 2017, Podnews has been an essential daily briefing for podcasters and industry folks who want to keep their finger on the medium’s pulse. But this newsletter and its companion podcast aren’t just brilliant sources of news, data, and analysis – they also make for a fantastic case study of creating content consistently over a long period of time. In this episode of Podcraft, I caught up with James Cridland, the one-man operation behind Podnews, to pull back the curtain on how he's built what...
Jun 12, 2025•48 min•Season 22Ep. 5
In this final episode of the SCALE framework series, we dive into the last two powerful growth strategies: Live & In-Person events and Email & Engagement tactics. Drawing from our recent experience at the London Podcast Show, we share how speaking at events, running booths, and recording vox pops can build genuine connections with your audience. We also explore nine proven email marketing and engagement strategies that turn casual listeners into loyal fans. From the networking magic of g...
Jun 05, 2025•44 min•Season 22Ep. 4
Video takes up a lot of focus in the wider podcasting conversation. Do we need to work harder to shine a light on the benefits of pure audio? We spoke to a bunch of kind and patient people at The Podcast Show London who were happy to share their thoughts. Send us YOUR thoughts James Cridland - Podnews Ana Ratala & Alec Trunley - RedCircle Joel Pearlman - Riverside Carl Hartley - University of Leeds Abisoye Adelusi - A1 Content Studios Pete Donaldson - Stak Jay Nachlis - Coleman Insights Sara...
May 27, 2025•44 min•Season 22Ep. 3
As part of our SCALE framework, we discuss the importance of community and collaboration in growing your podcast. Learn how to effectively use listener surveys to understand and cater to your audience, turning feedback into powerful content. Discover how collaborating with fellow content creators can expand your reach and enhance podcast visibility. The episode also explores using low-cost merchandise as a marketing tool, rather than just a monetisation strategy, and shares practical insights on...
May 15, 2025•39 min•Season 22Ep. 2
We're going to tackle the huge topic of podcast growth by walking you through our SCALE framework . S – Syndication C – Communities & Collaboration A – Advertising & Paid Promotion L – Live & In-Person E – Email & Engagement On this episode, we start with S for Syndication . Syndication is all about getting your podcast in front of as many ears as possible. Start by submitting your show to big platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Make your website a go-to hub with...
May 08, 2025•38 min•Season 22Ep. 1
Vicki Weinberg, host of the award-winning podcast Bring Your Product Idea to Life , recently celebrated her five-year podcasting anniversary. On this episode, Vicki shares her journey from launching during the first week of lockdown to building a successful show with a dedicated audience. Starting a Podcast During Lockdown Vicki launched her podcast right as the UK entered lockdown in 2020, which presented unique challenges as she recorded weekly episodes at home with two small children. Despite...
May 01, 2025•46 min•Season 21Ep. 30
We dive into the three sneaky signs you’re stuck in an amateur creator mindset: struggling with writer’s block, relying too much on motivation, and being scared to share your ideas. On this episode, we'll break down why clarity beats inspiration, how small rituals and voice memos can kickstart your creative flow, and why documenting your journey publicly builds confidence and an audience. From AI tools like VoicePal to the power of a good title and a solid idea dump in Trello, this episode is pa...
Apr 24, 2025•31 min•Season 21Ep. 29
With its impressive 50k per episode download numbers and strong YouTube presence, Cal Newport's Deep Questions is a podcast in the "top 1%" category. On this episode, producer Jesse Miller joins me for a chat about going from regular caller to planning and running the show. We'll find out more about the role of a podcast producer, as well as the similarities and differences between creating a show with a five-figure audience and the more typical podcasts of the average indie creator....
Apr 17, 2025•30 min•Season 21Ep. 28
The landscape of online search is changing rapidly. While roughly 60% of Google searches now end without a click (known as "zero-click searches"), we discuss how this trend has actually been evolving for years - it's not just about AI. Key points from our conversation: Search behaviours have been changing gradually - Google has long provided direct answers for weather, sports scores, currency exchange, etc. Content in the "middle ground" struggles most - generic, shallow content that doesn't ful...
Apr 11, 2025•54 min•Season 21Ep. 27
A great podcast episode title isn’t just catchy—it grabs attention, boosts discoverability, and sets clear expectations for your audience. On this episode, we break down best practices, including ideal character length and front-loading key information, and introduce the WHISPER TITLES framework—13 proven structures to make your episodes more clickable. Whether you’re aiming for curiosity, emotion, or problem-solving, these strategies will help you craft titles that drive engagement and grow you...
Apr 03, 2025•44 min•Season 21Ep. 26
It’s understandable why so much misleading advice exists around “the podcast launch”. After all, we’re used to the launch life cycles of products, films, albums, and books. After a few days or weeks, it becomes pretty clear that a new game console or blockbuster movie has sunk or swam. But a podcast isn’t like that at all. In this episode, we talk about why, before going on to dispel three common podcast launch myths. Then, we'll go through our podcast's L.A.U.N.C.H framework—these tactics and t...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min•Season 21Ep. 25
There are more mics, interfaces, mixers, and digital recorders than there are stars in the sky. In this episode, we delve into the cost of podcast equipment in 2025 and give options, examples, and recommendations for every budget and format. The Cost of Podcast Equipment in 2025 Need Help With Your Podcast?...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 21Ep. 24
If you've launched a lot of podcasts, you're likely also someone who's quit a lot of them - and that isn't a bad thing. Some shows and topics have natural life cycles, and whether we lose enthusiasm or just feel we've said all there is to say, there's no harm in drawing a line under things and moving on.
Mar 13, 2025•28 min•Season 21Ep. 23
We'll often say that podcast sponsorship isn't the only way to monetize a podcast, and for many creators, it likely isn't "the best". But all forms of podcast sponsorship aren't equal, and it's entirely possible that it could be lucrative for you, even without thousands of downloads. Podcast Sponsorship: The Ultimate Guide How to Make a Podcast Media Kit The Podcraft Academy...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min•Season 21Ep. 22
A bit of a dual-purpose episode this week. We're going to run through (and dispel) 16 common podcasting myths and test out eight different call recording platforms in the process. We recorded segments with Squadcast , Riverside , Alitu , Iris , Cleanfeed , Zoom , Streamyard , and Zencastr . Also mentioned: The Podcraft listener survey The IndiePod Community Why video can't and won't replace audio in podcasting What's the best day of the week to release a podcast episode? Podcast industry statist...
Feb 27, 2025•49 min•Season 21Ep. 21
In this episode, we dig deep into the mindset and systems that power a ridiculously consistent and long-lived podcast. My guest is Matty Lansdown, from the How to Not Get Sick and Die Podcast, and he shares how he built his show to over 400 episodes, much of that time while working a full-time job. We explore the psychology of consistency, practical systems for success, and strategies for maintaining quality content production. Matty also shares insights on building a profitable business through...
Feb 20, 2025•54 min•Season 21Ep. 20
An effective podcast trailer can help you win over potential new listeners, giving them a flavour of your show. They can easily be played on other podcasts, which can also help you grow your audience. So... how do you make a good one? Mentioned The Podcraft Listener Survey IndiePod Community Podcast Trailers Guide Rephonic Audience Graph...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min•Season 21Ep. 19
Each episode you release will be someone’s first impression of your show. A good podcast intro lets you manage your listener’s experience and let them know what’s in store immediately. Give them a sense of what they will get out of it and leave them no doubt that this is the podcast for them. Later on, use your outro to ensure you turn new listeners into followers or subscribers and guarantee they return for more. What Do the Top 20 Podcasts Tell Us About the Perfect Intro Formula? Podcast Intro...
Feb 07, 2025•28 min•Season 21Ep. 18
A Call to Action is when you ask your audience to do something. For example: share the podcast episode with a friend, review the show on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser visit the podcast’s website, crowdfunding page, or social media content click on a link in the show notes And so much more! Many podcasters feel frustrated at the lack of action from their call, however. In this episode, we talk about why you might be seeing little or no uptake with your CTAs, and offer a few tips for putting that ri...
Jan 31, 2025•39 min•Season 21Ep. 17
In the distant past, when listeners synced MP3 players with iTunes and early homo sapiens tried to get their shows in "New & Noteworthy", podcasting was a tricky medium to create content in. We used Skype and built websites out of sticks, and you could get eaten by a dinosaur when trying to upload your latest episode. These days, it's much easier to make a podcast and reach your target audience. This episode isn't purely an "in our day" ramble, but also (hopefully!) some useful tips and advi...
Jan 24, 2025•53 min•Season 21Ep. 16
A quickfire episode running through the following content frameworks, with examples and exercises on how to apply them in your own podcast. Lists: Where you break things down into bite-sized, numbered pieces that are easy to skim and share. Use lists to highlight top picks, tips, or resources your audience will love. Comparisons: Where you help people decide by putting two options head-to-head. Break down the pros and cons so your audience can make smarter, more confident choices. Reviews: Where...
Jan 16, 2025•11 min•Season 21Ep. 15
Podcast celebrities aside, how much money can the everyday independent podcaster expect to make? Well, the answer is “it depends”. But, based on our own experiences of well over a decade in the medium, here are some realistic breakdowns, examples, and goals. Full article: How Much Money Do Podcasters Make? Elsewhere, we also talk through a brilliant piece by Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt of Podcast Marketing Magic: Podcast Marketing and Publishing: What’s in and What’s Out for 2025?...
Jan 10, 2025•48 min•Season 21Ep. 14
Colin and Matthew analyse some interesting data from our Podcast Planner tool. 43% of over 1,500 respondents told us they’d rather host a solo show than create content with other people. So why might this be? Perhaps there's a bit of post-pandemic Zoom fatigue in here where people are fed up with feeling like they are "on a call". There are a lot of positive reasons for going solo, too, including the flexibility, simplicity, control, and ownership. Here's the full report if you'd like a look ove...
Jan 03, 2025•33 min•Season 21Ep. 13
Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I have so much time to work on my podcast, I struggle to even fill it"? No? Well, let's see what we can do about that, then. Here are nine great podcasting time-saving tips for you to try out. Batch recording Use fewer tools Do fewer things Don't multitask (and, time block) Click/MEE editing Speeded-up editing Use templates Utilise dynamic ads Automate and outsource wherever possible...
Dec 27, 2024•32 min•Season 21Ep. 12
Being interviewed on another podcast is a great way to bring value to a wider audience and grow your own as a result. But most podcasters (even those who don't run interview shows) have inboxes choked full of spammy and cynical requests to guest on their show. On this episode, we'll show you how to create a compelling pitch that actually gets seen by its intended recipient. Who knew such things were possible? On top of that, we discuss podcast listener pet peeves, as well as the various ways you...
Dec 19, 2024•45 min•Season 21Ep. 11
We've run a fair few surveys and reports this year, all of which have produced some interesting and actionable data. On this episode, we look at nine headline stats from 2024, and talk through the takeaways and lessons we can glean from them. “If It’s Not Got an RSS Feed, It’s Not a Podcast,” say 67% of Podcasters Most Podcasters Upload Audio-First Content to YouTube Survey Reveals How Listeners Want to Engage With Your Podcast Only 8% of Podcasters Enter Awards Only 1 in 4 Podcasters Monetise T...
Dec 12, 2024•56 min•Season 21Ep. 10
It's tempting to take a break from podcasting over the holidays, not because you necessarily want to, but because you think your audience will do the same. However, data from the latest Podcast Marketing Trends Report suggests that isn't true, and December is actually one of the top months for combined podcast downloads. On this episode, we dig into the details and offer some tips for keeping your feed active without doing yourself out of a well-earned rest. Mentioned Keep Publishing Over the Ho...
Dec 05, 2024•34 min•Season 21Ep. 9
It's time to delve into the findings of our 2024 Podcast Discoverability Survey . Here, you'll find data on everything from whether or not it's easy to find new podcasts, to how audio quality and ads affect podcast listenership. We also talk through some other new posts on the site, as well as some published elsewhere (including one that we disagree with quite heavily!). The Podcast Discovery Report 2024 MOVO iVlogger-PRO Review Best Podcast Directories Full Disclosure: The Power of Unedited Aud...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 21Ep. 8
