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Does your podcast have themes buckets? Breaking News: it needs them! “Uh, Coach, what’s a podcast theme?” So glad you asked, Billy.    A podcast theme is where you place the topics of your show. It’s a grouping of topics or, if you come from the world of blogs, categories.  Basically - it’s a way to organize your show content into specific groups.  And the reason it’s so critical to your show’s survival is because they can keep you from making a bad decision. You know, like that little voice inside your head that says, “maybe you can’t leap from rooftop to rooftop like Tom Cruise.” A bad podcast decision isn’t quite as deadly as that but it can cost you listeners.  When you don’t control your content by containing it in theme buckets you’re free to have episodes about anything and everything. And while that might be amusing for you (and maybe your co-host) it most certainly is not of value to your listener.    I have four themes on my show. Can you guess what they are? It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know - the point is, my job is to create a podcast that serves your needs as an entrepreneur looking to start or improve their podcast. So, any time I think of a topic, I see if it fits into one or more of my buckets. If it doesn’t, I don’t do it.  You can attract listeners to your show all kinds of ways but turning them into a subscriber and frequent listener requires consistency in your content. They need to know that you’re always going to be dishing up what they want, need, and love.  If you start doing shows on random topics, you could lose them forever. I’ve got a thing for Bonsai but if I start doing shows about that, you’re probably going to stop listening.  So, having theme buckets helps you determine if an episode topic is right for your show or something that you might want to give a pass. It can be the big muscle-bound bouncer with a tight grip on that velvet rope.  Picture this. A topic comes up and it clearly fits into one of your theme buckets… come on in, good to see ya. Another topic comes up that doesn’t fit into your themes. See ya buddy. Not on the list. Take a hike, this podcast is not for you.  Just because YOU are interested in a topic that doesn’t mean it’s right for your show. You have to remember who you’re making this show for… your listener. And they want to keep the club exclusive.   Not sure what your themes are or should be? I bet we could figure it out together in 15 minutes. Book your free 15-minute coaching call with me and let’s find out. 

At the time of recording, we’re still in the thick of that damn pandemic and pretty much everyone is ready to get to a post-zoom-meeting world.  So, I’m sure today’s tip is going to come as a welcome suggestion - get the hell off Zoom.  Sorry, this is not a ‘get out of Zoom free’ card and you can’t use me to get out of marathon work meetings or awkward family gatherings via Zoom. (oh, what the hell - go ahead, what do I care!) But, I’m really only talking about ditching this platform as a place to hold and record podcast interviews.  I know, I know - it’s an easy place to get people to meet and record. But, do you want your podcast to sound like it was easy or do you want it to sound GOOD!?   Zoom delivers compressed audio.     Think of it like watching TV on standard def. Yeah, you can see everything but it’s not the high quality it could be… and when you friends come over, they are definitely going to notice!  If you’re podcasting for your business… imagine creating a TV ad with your 1996 flip-phone. That’s what you’re doing if you’re recording your podcast on Zoom.  But, Coach Wally… what am I supposed to do?  I am so glad you asked!    I review a few options for you in this episode (including how you can stick with Zoom and still get great sounding audio but *spoiler alert* it’s not an easy work around).  More importantly, I share 4 of alternatives to Zoom for recording podcasts. And the good news is, they all sound better because they were built with the podcaster in mind! Here are ZOOM alternatives you should consider if you want your podcast to sound next level.   Squadcast.fm  I love squadcast. You can see your guest and record high quality audio at the same time. They’ve got great support and are working hard to bring the video recording feature to their platform but it’s not possible yet (soon, they say…). Still, this is one of the options I recommend to my clients.    Riverside.fm This is my new fave. I love their interface. I love the local recording. You not only get great high quality audio but you also get high quality video that you can download. So, if you’re doing video and podcasting, this is your platform.   Zencastr.com This platform has a free version that provides high quality audio and is super easy for both you and your guest. They’ve introduced the option to record video but it’s still in beta.    Ringr.com Another option providing high quality audio. They have a lot of options but these also make it more complicated. No video option at this time. But if you just need audio. This is a solid option.   Which one is right for you? The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether video connection is important (do you need to see who you’re interviewing) and do you need to be able to download high quality video from your interview?  Whichever you choose, they are ALL better than Zoom.  Does your podcast need more than a quick tip to get it performing? How about a free 15-minute call with me? Click here and grab a spot on my calendar.

When people hear I’m a podcast coach they want to know, ‘is it worth starting a podcast for my business?’.  The answer is: maybe. Timing is everything and it totally depends on where you are in your business development.  In this week’s episode, I cover when to start a podcast for your business - and when NOT to start a podcast for your business.    So, should you start a podcast for your business? Here is question number one in figuring that out.    Are you actually a business? I’m not being smug… okay, maybe a little bit but really, have you met me?    What I mean by that is, are you making money or are you still at the idea stage of your business? Do you have systems in place to deal with community engagement, leads, and sales? You want to be in business before you can start using podcasting as a marketing tool.    There are three key reasons this is important.  Podcasting takes time and/or $$. If you take on podcasting as a marketing tool, you are signing up for 4-5 hours per week of work (for a weekly podcast). Or, you will need to have support like a producer, editor, or show notes writer (which costs money). So, if you are not already in business - podcasting is going to take time and resources away from critical steps in building your business. Now, if you have a big team and money to burn, then go for it! Start your podcast as you build your business.  Podcasting is most effective when it’s intentional. There are a lot of brand-building benefits to podcasting - increase your visibility, your reach, your authority, your SEO and boost that know-like-and-trust factor as you grow your community. BUT, podcasting is most effective when you can use it to guide your listeners along a customer journey. What I mean is that you have something beyond the podcast to help them get the results they’re looking for. This usually means you have a place for them to transform from fan to lead to customer. If you don’t have your business ducks in a row, it’s pretty hard to be intentional with your podcast.  Podcasting isn’t instant coffee. You can’t just start and expect a jolt to your business. I remind people all the time that podcasting is a long game - usually a year before you see BIG benefits. So, if what you need is sales tomorrow, you need to advertise or network or run a promotional campaign - not start a podcast. Podcasting delivers amazing results for people if they stick with it. Yes, it helps with SEO - over time. Yes, it helps you generate leads, grow your community, and makes sales easier - over time. Now, there is one instant thing that comes with having a podcast - authority. Just having a podcast does look good (looks even better if the podcast sounds good) but the longer the show’s been around, the better that authority is. In other words, your authority grows over time.    So, is it worth starting a podcast for your business? Heck yeah - if you have a business.  And, if you have the time and/or the resources to do it right. And, if you know what you want your podcast to DO for your business... then the answer is YES - it is worth starting a podcast as a marketing tool.  Okay - did you pass the test? Is it time for you to start a podcast for your business? Listen to Episode 77 for my quick tips on how to start a podcast right. Or, book a free 15-minute call with me to find out how I can help get you from concept to casting. 

Are you phoning it in when it comes to your show notes? Stop! Don’t underestimate the value of podcast show notes. They’re not just something you ‘have’ to fill in when you upload!  If you’ve ever listened to my show before then you know that I’m a HUGE proponent for serving your listener. And, hellur, show notes are all about serving your listener.  But, ahem, don’t tell anyone, they also serve you and your business - if you do them right.    What are Show Notes?  A lot of people think of show notes as that paragraph that you pop into the ‘description’ field when you upload your show. This is short-sighted. Show notes should be a comprehensive outline of what the listener will hear in each episode and they should be jam-packed with great information.  Think of them as a blog about the episode that (in addition to being in your description) lives on your website (along with a podcast player). They should be at least 500 words and, if they’re done right, they can really help your show get found and appreciated.    How do Show Notes Help Your Podcast? There are a few ways that they help you grow your podcast and your reach.    Value to the Listener    First, they show your audience that you care enough about the information you’re providing that you actually put some effort into sharing that information.    Improve your Website’s SEO    There is a lot to having good search engine optimization but one of the keys is to have quality content that is posted consistently to your website (that search engines can actually find and catalog). Just having the audio on your website, is not going to accomplish this but having good show notes for each episode will. Good SEO is going to increase the chances of your podcast (and your website) getting found when people are searching your subject matter.    Drive Traffic    If you are podcasting for your business, then one of the key goals of your podcast is likely to get people visiting your website. Here, they will find links in your show notes that allow them to consume more of your website’s content, follow links to your products or offer, or contact you. Sweet.    Want to know How to Write Good Podcast Notes?  The first rule is to create show notes that you would want to read. Think about how they look (nobody wants to stare at long blocks of text). Consider including bullet points, graphs or images (especially if you mentioned it in your show!) Here are few other things to include: A breakdown or summary of the show is a must. Make sure you include the info that they get if they listen. Some people worry that including everything in their show notes will mean nobody listens - who cares! If they’re getting the info they’re looking for, you’re still the hero!    Transcripts are an option in show notes. This is the text version of exactly what is said in the podcast. You can also include timestamps so that people can listen in to exactly what was said or they can easily find the section of the transcript they are looking for.    Check your language. Good show notes will mimic the tone of the show itself - you want your personality to come out in the notes! Make sure to also include keywords, questions or statements that might be similar to what your ideal listener would use if they were searching for an answer. BUT, don’t keyword stuff (aka overdo it with keywords) - the platforms will dump you and the search engines may penalize you.    Links, baby! One of the most important parts of serving your listener through show notes is to give them the links they came looking for. Include links to resources you mention, your guest, and related podcast episodes. Don’t forget to link to other pages on your site so they know you’ve got more good stuff to check out.    If you do all of this, you will definitely be serving your listener better and you likely see the rewards in terms of improved organic search, boosted know-like-and-trust factor with your audience, and increased sales.  So, don’t underestimate those podcast show notes… they might just be the last step in making your podcast a powerful marketing tool for your business.    Speaking of taking the next step - if you’re serious about turning your podcast into a powerful marketing tool for your business, you should definitely hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. What do you have to lose? Check out my calendar and book a chat right away.  https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ https://calendly.com/timwohlberg  

Where do new podcasters waste their energy and where should they put their energy when starting a podcast?  This excellent question was sent in by podcaster, Andrew Petty of Andrew Petty is Dying. Thanks for asking.  My response is simple - how instead of why.  Hmmm… I guess that’s a bit confusing. Here’s what I mean.  Too many podcasters decide they have a great idea for a show and then spend the next 3 months trying to figure out the best equipment and process for getting a podcast out there.  Newsflash - how to podcast is the easy part! You don’t need the best equipment when you start, you just need the Bare Minimum (as I explain in episode 67).  Common sense to ego, come in ego… the best mic in the world isn’t going to make your podcast an overnight sensation.  If all you focus on is the tech, you’re going to be sorely disappointed when you peak out at 35 listeners (and, when you realize that half a dozen of those are you automatic downloads from your family who stopped listening at episode 4).  This is why figuring out the tech stuff is a colossal waste of energy for new podcasters. Especially because it takes away from what they really SHOULD be putting some energy into.    Ahem.  Wait for it. Making a show people want to listen to.    Yes, that’s right. Your big fat sexy microphone can’t make up for the crappy content.  Before you ever press record, you need to do the foundational work.You need to figure out WHY you’re creating a podcast. And, if the answer is ‘because I have the best idea ever!’, or, ‘because I’ve always wanted to have a podcast.’ then you need to dig deeper.  Unless of course, this is a hobby podcast and you’re literally doing it so you can listen to it and think about how brilliant you are… then fill your narcissist boots and enjoy yourself! If, on the other hand, you want to create a podcast for your business (to build your authority, establish yourself as a thought leader, and serve your ideal customer), then you need to think about them when you create your show. You need to put a lot more energy into why they would listen, how the show will serve them, and how it will serve you in your business.  This is where you need to put your energy because an entertaining show that consistently delivers value-bombs to their ideal audience is going to be oh-so much more successful than a show where the only thing going for it is a $500 mic with a custom windsock and perfectly angled pop screen.  Put your energy into your audience and your podcast will pay you back in fans.  If you need help figuring out your WHY before you start your podcast (or if you need to resuscitate your podcast), connect with me for my free 15-minute coaching call. I’ll walk you through the 3 key steps in building a solid podcast foundation. I’ll even tell you exactly which mic to buy and save you a trip down the rabbit hole!  All you need (mic, software and podcast host) is listed here on my RESOURCES page.

Your audience loves you. They just can’t get enough. They want more and more content from you.  It’s a good problem to have, but make no mistake it can still be a problem.  “Even podcasters that are doing well still need help!” This was the last line of an email I got from Jamie Irvine, host of The Heavy Duty Parts Report.  I shared his podcast journey into the world of super-niching in episode 92 and this week, I got another update email from him. He’s still killing it and his business is growing. In fact, his niche audience is starting to spread to people who are outside of the very small niche of heavy duty truck parts guys.  And, that’s where the challenges come from. Jamie wrote about all of the other content he’s been creating to serve these fans from outside of his niche. The podcast has attracted them but they want more information about stuff that just doesn’t fit into the promise of his original podcast concept.  He’s happy to provide it but the line between what fits into the podcast and what’s outside it are getting blurry.  Essential, he wrote to ask me if I thought he should broaden his podcast to include these new avatars, if he should create a new podcast for them, or if he should keep serving them on the side like he is now.    Spoiler alert - he’s a pretty smart guy! Listen to the podcast to find out my advice for Jamie!   If you find yourself in the same boat of contemplating a podcast pivot to be more broad in order to serve a larger (demanding) audience. Congratulations… but before you pivot, consider these questions: Will your loyal audience (the ones who helped you grow) lose interest when you broaden the scope? Will your show lose it’s magic? Will you be unable to keep your promise to your audience? And, if your podcast is a marketing tool for your business... Will your new expanded podcast take away from your business goals (likely to grow your authority, attract quality leads, and sell with ease)? If you answer yes to any of the above, then you might not want to mess with a good thing.  Remember, your podcast is just the jumping off point for your business - it’s not meant to give them everything they need. You WANT them to seek you out beyond the podcast. That’s how you turn a listener into a fan and a fan into a customer - just like Jamie is doing.  Speaking of Jamie - did you know that I met him when he took me up on my free 15-minute call? It was a free coaching call and it was on that call that we first hatched the idea that he should go super-niche. And look at him now. Wouldn’t you like to be like Jamie?  Book a free 15-minute coaching call and let’s talk about your podcast or podcast idea.

You record an awesome interview, an enlightened conversation with your co-host, or you nail a solo episode only to discover that you sound like crap. Your mic wasn’t on and the computer used the internal mic instead. Or, maybe it wasn’t connected. Or the settings slipped back to some old default that sounds terrible. Whatever it was, you sound terrible. You’re gutted. And you know you have nobody to blame but yourself… ouch, that was harsh. Okay, let me back it up here a second. No need to play the blame game right now.  It happens to everyone. Even pros. It really does.  So, here are your options on how to deal with bad audio (due to using the wrong mic!)   Option 1 Say, “Screw it, my fans love me and they’ll never stop loving me even if I offend their ears with my tin-can recording!” Yay, go have a beer and pat yourself on the back.  Just kidding. This is NOT an option. Seriously, put down that pint - we have to FIX this (and stop taking your hard-earned fans for granted!) And, while we’re talking about ‘fixing things’ and ‘non-options’, trying to correct it in post is not really an option either. Yes, you will find many videos on YouTube about how to EQ, sweeten, bump and boost your way out of this. But bump this up so you can really hear me - IT WILL STILL SOUND LIKE SHIT.  Trying to rescue a garbage recording is like spraying febreeze on three day old fish. It might not be as fishy, but it still smells funky and nobody wants to have their nose in it for 30 minutes straight!   Option 2  Re-record. I know, it’s hard to hear but it really is the best option. It might mean you have to muster your energy up for another round of solo recording, or you might have to convince your co-host that it’ll be better the second time around, or, gulp, you might have to suck it up and ask that guest to give you their time again.  Most people are more forgiving than you might think because we’ve all dealt with technical issues and computer meltdowns at some point in our lives.  Who knows, maybe it’ll be even better the second time! It’ll certainly sound better because you definitely won’t forget to check your mic settings this time (Right!?!)   Option 3 Clip show! This is where you take the best answers from your guest and you record yourself explaining the question and then playing the clip. Be careful with this option because it might be a total left turn from your normal podcast style and it might feel weird to your audience. But, if you can’t re-record, this could be an option. Just know that it will require more editing, some producing skills and time for you to write around the clips and record your set-ups. All of that to say - this is not an easy way out and it is not going to save you time!   Option 4 Rub-a-dub-dub. Have you ever seen a movie where you swear the actor's voice is a little different or you’re not entirely sure that his mouth is saying the same thing as his voice? This is a dub. The actor comes into a sound studio after the fact to re-record a section of his or her part because they didn’t have clean sound, the performer mis-pronounced something or they changed the script a little.  This is the most time-consuming and difficult of your podcast recording rescues! You are going to need to re-record only YOUR parts. But, it will take some acting skills and some editing skills too.  I recommend you do it line by line. Listen to what you said and try to mimic your own voice exactly. Get the pitch right, the breaths, the energy, the reaction - all of it has to go into your performance if you want to make it sound seamless. And, hopefully - you haven’t talked overtop of your guest too much!    Option 5 Trash it. If you can’t get the guest back, and you don’t have the time or skills to dub it or re-design it, then junk it. Do your audience a favor. Chalk it up as a reminder and move on.  These are your options for the first time this happens to you. And, to avoid it EVER happening again, make sure you have a solid pre-record checklist that includes checking your mic. I share a few tips on this (and demonstrate what I do) in this week’s episode.  If you want more than the quick tips I share on this podcast, then take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call. Click here to find a time on my calendar.   

Nobody likes to be duped. It’s no fun being let down. Everyone wants to get what they came for. So, are you disappointing your listeners by not living up to your own hype? Have you heard the term catfishing? It’s that thing where people use a picture of someone else or them 20 years (and 50 pounds) ago on their dating profile to attract the very best mate. Perhaps they’re delusional and think that they’re winning personality will win over this person they’ve just hoodwinked into a date.  Newsflash - nobody wins. The catfisher looks like a grade A dink and the catfishee is filled with disappointment at best and total disillusionment with the scene at worst. Either way - nobody is getting laid.  So, what does this have to do with podcasting? Let me ask you, have you ever seen a cool logo for a show and thought, ‘that looks good’? Or, read the description and thought, ‘this show is right up my alley!’? Or, maybe you’ve even given a show a click and been seduced by a slick, professionally produced intro? And then… the disappointment comes in.  Well meaning podcasters are catfishing listeners and nobody wins. Because, let’s face it - with a million podcasts (I’m not talking figuratively, there are A MILLION) out there, nobody is going to give a show a second chance if they feel like they’ve been sold a bill of goods that the show itself couldn’t live up to.    Are you doing this?    Is your show art representative of your actual show? Does your show description describe what you actually deliver? Does your intro match the quality and energy of your actual show? Are you using click-bait style titles for your episodes just to get someone to click play?  You are not doing yourself a favor! Nobody wants to be let down.  I’m not saying get crappier show art or get rid of your awesomely produced intro. I’m saying STEP UP! Why don’t you try living up to all that gloss? Why not serve your listener the show they so eagerly came to hear?  Your show will be better and your date, ehr, listener will be happy that they actually got what they came for.  Need help getting your show to live up to all that shiny, sparkly cover?  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

So, you want to be a podcast millionaire. You want a show so popular that advertisers will lob money bags at you non-stop.  You have two choices, keep dreaming or listen up for a reality check.  There are two ways to make money through podcasting. Last episode, I talked about using your podcast as a marketing tool for your business. In other words, using it to help your business make more money. But, not every podcaster has a business. This means that if you want to make money through podcasting and you can’t sell TO your audience, you have to SELL your audience. This might look like sponsorships or traditional ads. This is a volume game (one that Joe Rogan is handily winning). The bigger your audience, the bigger the sponsor checks.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t sell a smaller audience. If you have a very loyal audience or if you have a niche audience that specific sponsors would love to connect with, then you can demand a higher price for your ‘perfect fit’ audience.  If the idea of finding a sponsor or advertiser has your headphones spinning, you might consider working with an agency. You won’t take home as many money bags, but you won’t have to work as hard to find them either.  Or, you can do your own deals. Here’s what you can expect to be paid. What you get paid will depend on your download numbers. The price is based on CPM. That means cost per 1000 listeners. The industry standard for a 30second ad is around $18/ad. $15 for a 10-second ad and around $25 dollars for a 60 second ad. These numbers could be as high as $50/ad depending on the show, audience and sponsor. If you want to play the game of ‘how much could I make?’ then head to advertisecast.com and spend some time with their calculator. If you’re not quite ready for the big leagues or, maybe the idea of selling your audience doesn’t sit well with you, there is another option - affiliate marketing.  Affiliate marketing covers a wide spectrum of opportunities. You might become an Amazon affiliate and make a few pennies for sharing product links to your audience. Or, you might become an affiliate for a service or product directly and make a few more pennies. At the other end of the spectrum is partnering with someone who you allow to come on your show to sell to your audience (in exchange for a nice little commission).  Whether you’re advertising or affiliating, don’t forget my podcasting mantra of being listener-centric. You don’t want to ruin the listener's experience with excessive ads or ads that aren’t appropriate for the audience. I’m not saying, ‘don’t advertise’ but if you do, try to do it in a way that will help your listener. Accept advertisements for products your audience would actually be interested in. Doing this is a win-win because your audience learns about a cool product and the advertiser is more likely to see the rewards of sponsoring or advertising on your show.  It can be a bit of a slippery slope selling your audience in a way that says ‘I still respect you…’ Which is why some podcasters choose to go a different path when it comes to monetization. They let the fans pay them. And, some fans are happy to do it if it means that you’ll keep making your awesome podcast without commercial interruptions. There are a couple of ways to enable your fans to chip in. You can put a donate button on your website, sign up for a Patreon account, or use a crowdsourcing platform like Go Fund Me. Podcasters who’ve been successful at this often include perks or bonuses as certain contribution levels. For example, you might offer subscribers some access to premium content or show merch.  Speaking of swag - that’s the final option in making some money off your podcast - sell cool stuff with your logo, motto, or mugs on it!  So, there are four ways to make money from your podcast (besides using it as a marketing tool):  Advertisers & Sponsors Affiliates Donations Swag You might not want to try all four at once. Remember, you worked hard to attract and grow your audience, you don’t want to disrespect them by asking for money four different ways. Being Listener-Centric as a podcast means you think about them FIRST, not your bottom line.  Want to create a sponsor-worthy podcast or make yours more appealing to the masses? Why not book a free 15-minute coaching call and find out what to focus on next. 

Here’s a newsflash - creating a podcast costs time and often, money. It won’t take long before you start thinking, ‘I need to make some money here…’ If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me how to monetize their podcast (often before they’ve even started) I’d be rich… and I guess my podcast would be monetized.  Here’s the hard truth, monetizing takes time. But, since so many of you have asked, I’m going to break it down for you over the next two episodes.  Before we can start talking about monetization strategies, we need to clarify which type of podcaster you are. There are two main types of podcasters - those who podcast for their business (podcasting = marketing) and those who podcast as a business (selling your audience to a sponsor).  In this episode, I’m talking to those business owners who are podcasting to draw attention to what they do and build their authority.    Here’s how you monetize your podcast if you are a business owner. You don’t! Your podcast is not how you make money, it's a tool for you to increase the money you make in your business by increasing your revenue. Hello, marketing.   Here’s how it works. You create a podcast about your area of expertise and create content that you know your ideal customer will LOVE and lap up like a thirsty pup during a heatwave.  Then, in your podcast, you have a killer call to action that helps that thirsty audience connect with you, engage with you, and eventually buy from you.  And, because they know who you are (and pretty well too, since you’re in their earballs every week), they like you (obviously, or they wouldn’t keep listening) and they trust you (thanks to all of that great valuable information you keep sharing) they are going to happily sign up for whatever service or product you offer.  This kind of know/like/trust doesn’t happen overnight so you do have to keep with it. And, you need a few more key things to make sure your audience is moving in the right direction (next stop: paying client).    Here are the podcast must-haves if you want to monetize (aka have it be an effective marketing tool): Brand alignment (your podcast and your brand are on the same page) Listener-centric podcasting (you have your ideal customer in mind every time you record) Valuable content that will position you as trusted expert in your niche (and make you an authority) Quality production that reflects the value you offer in your business.  Clear call to actions at the end of each podcast so that your listeners (aka potential customers) know what to do to work with you (cha-ching).  Oh, and; Don’t try to double dip by bringing in a sponsor. It confuses the message and makes your audience feel frustrated and less important. If you want to build your authority make sure you keep your eye on the prize and don’t get side-tracked with piddly little sponsorship deals.     For those of you who skip to the very end of my 5 minute episodes for the solid gold nuggets… 1) you’re missing all the fun and 2) here’s what you need to know to monetize your podcast - be intentional, serve your audience, be patient, help them take the next step with a solid call to action. And, don’t treat them like a commodity… serve them and they’ll think of you first the next time they need to buy the service or widget that you sell.    Still not clear on how to make money with your podcast? Book a free 15-minute coaching session with me and I’ll walk you through the steps you need to be taking to turn your podcast from a time-vortex into a lead-generating machine.  Tune in to the next episode to find out how podcasting-as-a-business types can monetize their podcast.  067 This is the Bare Minimum You Need to Reach in Podcasting 075 Why You Need To Know Your Podcaster Type

Are you still producing one podcast at a time? Stop the madness! Bulk producing can save you time and make your podcast more consistent.    If you’ve never heard of bulk producing before, it’s simply creating your podcast in groups instead of one at a time. You know, like buying a month’s worth of chicken wings at once or getting a month’s worth of good-morning kisses in one makeout session. (update: my wife has just informed me that kisses are not an acceptable thing to optimize through bulking). Let’s bring it back to creating your podcast.   If you release a podcast every week, then instead of writing, recording, editing, uploading and doing marketing each week, you would do a week’s worth of producing in a few dedicated days a month.  While it may seem on the surface like this will all equal the same amount of time, it actually saves you time because you get into the zone of each activity and can say in the grove for longer.  If you have a show with a co-host or if you have an interview show, then this will require some co-ordinating. But, it will be worth it.  I’ve had several clients implement bulk producing and it does save them time but it also makes their show more consistent and well thought out.  One caution with bulk producing is that you have to make sure you have the vocal stamina to pull it off. If you have a long show or if your voice doesn’t have good endurance, then you may not want to do an entire month of shows in a day. You can still buk produce twice a month and reap the benefits.  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and learn more about working with me at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/. You can even sign up to pick my brain for 15 minutes in my free coaching call. Click here to book a time. 

Do you ‘bang out’ your podcasts? Don’t be proud of it. It’s not a good thing.  Banging out a podcast puts your performance as a podcaster at risk and it does not serve your listener. Remember, your listeners, the whole reason you do this podcast? They don’t want your banged out crap!  Scheduling your podcast better is going to improve your podcast. I’ve heard this first hand with one of my clients who went from sounding scattered and uninterested to being a straight up baller. Yes, changing how you schedule your podcast can give you swagger and make the whole listening experience more valuable for your audience.  That’s what you’re trying to do, right? Serve your audience up so much gold that they think only of you when it comes to your area of expertise?  A lot of entrepreneurs make the mistake of treating the recording of their podcast is just another task. They squeeze it in between meetings and then their head is not in the game. Or, they cram it into their weekend or evening when they can’t control the audio-environment and then what you, as a listener, get is the fourth take and the only take where nobody banged a pot or screamed in the middle of it.  Here are a few things you should take into consideration when scheduling your podcast recording session:     Time of Day   What time of day are you at YOUR best? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Are you more energetic after a meal or before? Pick the time of day that will put your best energy behind the mic.      Distractions   We all have them so pick a time when you have the least of them or you can control them. This means not scheduling your recording session during your office’s happy hour or when your partner is cooking dinner and the kids are only partially supervised and prone to screaming. It also means picking a time when your phone is less likely to go off and distract you.        Buffer Time   Trying to record directly after a big meeting or when you have another meeting coming up in 15 minutes means you’ll feel rushed. Book a bit of time before and after or just book ample time for your recording session so you don’t have to resort to ‘banging it out!’     Positive Mindset   Buffer time will also help you get into the right frame of mind for your podcast. I like to take a minute to review my script outline and think about my listener. I remind myself how important this time is because if I do it right, I’ll be helping a business owner have a better podcast. That one thought helps me get into the right mindset.      Dedicated Time   The above points may have given this away but you need to put recording your podcast into your calendar! Schedule it in and treat the appointment with reverence. This is an immovable time. Make sure everyone knows it too so they don’t just ‘pop their head in with a quick question’ which will totally take you out of the game. You might even consider picking up an ‘On Air’ light so that people know you’re taking it seriously (and so should they!).  Here’s one option. Here’s another. Here’s another.     Bulk Record   If you’re struggling to set aside time every week for your podcast recording session, you might find it easier to set aside one day per month. Recording all of your episodes at once requires stamina and some organization but in the end, it can really save you some time and give you a consistent sound to your podcast. Done right, moving to batching your podcasts can significantly improve your performance as a podcaster.    If you want your podcast to sound fantastic and you want to really connect with your audience, you need to do everything you can to perform at your best. It starts with scheduling time for a super-successful recording session that leaves you oozing with swagger.  Speaking of swagger, remember my client who went from sounding scattered and uninterested to straight up baller? There’s one other thing she did besides scheduling her recording sessions better. She also got clear on who she was talking to, what information they needed from her, and why they needed it. In other words - she clarified her podcast message and mission.  She did that with the help of my Podcast Tune-up program. If you’re podcasting for business and NOT seeing the ROI you’d hoped for, book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and I’ll help you find the opportunity you’re missing. And, if it’s right for you, I’ll tell you what it takes to work with me 1-on-1 as your podcast coach.   

We’d won gold at the Music Festival but as we listened to the review of our performance, I was mortified. The memory of that moment still mortifies me to this day. (Click play to hear what almost cost me my highschool band-geek card) *Metta Warning: The above story is the anecdote example I promised you last episode.* So, too lazy to listen, eh. Fine, I’ll spoil the fun and tell you that the whole point of the story is that when you DON’T PLAN trombone solos, things get messy and embarrassing and just, not good.  The same is true for podcasts. You can’t just wing it. You need to have a plan going into each episode.  And don’t give me that fooey about podcasters like Marc Maron and Joe Rogan not having a plan because: You are not Marc Maron or Joe Rogan They do plan They’ve got years of experience making it sound like they don’t have a plan and getting back to it when they expertly take a detour   At the very least, you should be able to answer this one question BEFORE you hit record:  What do you want your listener to get out of this episode? Asking this question helps each episode have a point and it ensures that your listener is going to keep listening.  And a warning… if your answer is ‘they get to hear an interesting and entertaining conversation.’ [buzzer sound] Not good enough! Dig a little deeper. Care a little more.  Remember, you are not doing this podcast for you. You are doing it for your listener. Which is why you can’t just wing it every episode.  I’m not saying you can’t be spontaneous, or that you can’t go off on an entertaining tangent - but keep your listener in mind (and what’s in it for them) and bring it back to your plan.  This is ESPECIALLY important if you’re podcasting to grow your authority, build your brand, and market your business.  Don’t feel bad if you fall into the ‘I just wing it’ club. I talk to a lot of entrepreneurs and business owners who think that they can just hit record and start talking. When I connect with them during one of my Free 15-minute coaching calls, one of the first questions I ask is, “what does your listener get out of your show (or the show you want to create)?” It stumps a lot of people. And, answering that question changes the direction of their podcast for the better.  Don’t plan to wing it, actually plan it.  Want to know what other questions I ask in my Free 15-Minute Coaching Call? Book at time right now and find out. Let’s make sure you’re on the right track or planning to start a podcast right.    Special thanks to Stephen Kepler for playing the role of ‘Disappointed Adjudicator’. Check out his YouTube Channel (he was recently featured on John Krasinki’s Some Good News) or on Twitter. And check out his podcast The Green Room Actors Podcast.

Are you shoving facts and figures down your listener’s throat? Are you blathering on about yourself and failing to make a connection?    Stories to the rescue!    In my last episode I explained why stories are such a powerful way to connect with your listener on a deeper level and worm your way into their memories. If you haven’t heard it yet, *spoiler: science.  Getting yourself and your podcast embedded in your listener’s memory will help with recall and make you seem more like an authority on the subject. These are good things.  So, how do you use storytelling effectively in your podcast? There are probably a million ways. But, I promise you a 5-minute podcast so I’ve boiled it down to 4 key styles of storytelling that I have seen work really well in podcasting.    Here they are - 4 Storytelling Styles for Podcasting: 1. Simple and Short Success Stories  These stories are used as examples to make your point.  2. Belief Busting Stories These personal accounts or stories from history that are used to disprove a belief that your listener might be holding on to. These are especially powerful in breaking through limiting beliefs.  3. Core Story This is the feature story - the story upon which your whole episode is based. You’re going to want to make sure there is a lot in it for the listener if you’re going to spend all of your time on one story - think take-aways and revelations! 4. Analogy  Use a story people may or may not know (either from history or your experience) that seems to be unrelated to the topic but is ripe with symbolism. These can really trigger that creativity center and make your podcast really memorable.    Whichever style you use, make sure you bring it back to the reason people tune into your show. Unless your show is literally ‘Storytime for Podcast Listeners’, you can’t just tell stories. You have to make them relevant to the WHY behind your show.  Not sure what that WHY is… I can help with that. Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and we’ll work it out.  And then, sometime in the future you can have a success story of your own that starts with ‘Once upon a time, I called up this podcast coach…’  Click here to book a time in my calendar to start your story. 

Gather round the campfire, podcasters, I have an f-bomb laced story for you.  Be honest, when you read that sentence, did you actually picture a campfire?  Of course you did, you’re human. And, that’s what we humans do. We use our memories to fill in the gaps that words leave. And, we’ve been doing it since caveman times. You know, like before we even had podcasts.  Speaking of the times before podcasts… and before Netflix and TV, there was only radio. Radio used to be the main form of communication and entertainment. Back then, actors performed radio plays which made plays or stories much more accessible to the masses. They used to refer to these radio plays as theatre for the mind. Nobody ever saw these actors, but everyone who listened could describe the characters to a T. The creative mind filled in the blanks.  And, people loved it. In fact, it was kind of like a rush.  You see, the brain actually releases dopamine when the Amygdala gets triggered - and you know what triggers the Amygdala? It’s memories, emotion, and creativity (aka stories). Are you starting to see where I’m heading with this?  Let me spell it out for you. Stories are good. People like stories. People get a rush from stories and those stories get locked into their brains. When stories get locked in, the storyteller does too. If you are the storyteller, dear podcaster, you’ve just wedged yourself into your listeners brain and they liked it.    Ta-daaaa!   Now, if you’d like to hear this in action… and hear a story positively laced with f-bombs, then click play and delight you amygdala.  Next week, I’ll explain exactly how YOU can use stories effectively in your podcast - no matter what kind of podcast you have.  What’s that you say, you don’t have a podcast yet? Well, hit me up for a free 30-minute discovery call and I’ll tell you the story all about how you crafted a perfect podcast to promote your business. Click here.

How did you picture podcastland before you started? Did you dream of being a magical podcaster who never makes any mistakes? Welcome to the real world.  Sure, all new podcasters know that they have a lot to learn (at least they should!) but most think that after a short time they will have learned what they needed and move on to making podcasts with ease with only pimple-sized bumps in the road.  If you’ve been podcasting for any amount of time, you know this is not true. And if you think that other podcasters have it easy and never face challenges, I’m here to tell you *buzzer sound* you are not alone!  In this episode, I invite you to play a little podcaster bingo with me. Let me list a few common ways we eff-up as podcasters and let’s see who gets a bingo first.  Join in as we review the heart-stopping, I’m-going-to-quit, curse-inducing mistakes podcasters face.    If you’re just starting out (or you haven’t yet) this should be an eye-opener. If you’ve been at this for longer than a minute, this episode will hopefully remind you that as a podcaster, you’re human. And, that’s okay.  In fact, it’s great because that’s how we grow as podcasters!  So, whether you think you're perfect or you know you’re a hot mess, this episode is your reality check.  Correct me if I’m wrong - after all, I can’t sit here telling you that you can make mistakes if I can’t make ‘em too!  Ready to yell BINGO? Share your podcast oopsies with me. Click on the orange tab on the right handside of my website to leave me a voice message. https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Did you ever test your dance moves using a broom? Make out with a pillow? Tryout your pickup lines in the mirror (finger guns and all)? Rehearsing is a natural way to get ready for big steps in your life. So, why do so many newbie podcasters think they can turn on their mics and spew gold the first time.  I’ll let you in on a little secret (hold on to your ego) YOU CAN’T. Nobody can.  There are a lot of steps to launching a podcast successfully (I outline 9 in my Concept to Casting program) and one of them is to REHEARSE.  If you’ve recorded ‘episodes’ of your podcast and you cringe when you listen back, or you’ve filed them neatly away and conveniently put off launching for a million other reasons (but know deep down it’s because you sound like crap) - you’re not alone! Stepping up to the mic for the first time can be intimidating and may induce performance anxiety. We know how we want to sound in our heads but it doesn’t quite come out like that.  Maybe you realize that you hate the sound of your own voice (so you try to put on a ‘radio voice’ and discover that it sounds fake and kinda hurts your throat). Maybe you’re stumbling over what to say. Maybe you interviewed someone and talked all over them or just booted the interview around. Or, maybe you scripted it all out carefully and ended up sounding like a robot.    I’ve heard it all.    When I work with new podcasters in my Concept to Casting Podcast Launch Program, I get them to do what I call a ‘barf session’ or two. This is simply opening the mic and letting it all out. Just trying whatever. This really helps them get over the intimidation and get comfortable behind the mic. After these sessions, we continue to rehearse until they find their voice, get competent with the technical side of things, and get to the point where they can focus on delivering gold to the listener. This can take many, many rehearsals!  This isn’t just for solo shows. If you’re planning on doing an interview show, make sure you rehearse interviewing with someone. If you have a co-host, practice together!   And if you can’t tell whether your rehearsals are improving your performance, get a second set of ears on it.  The point is, not rehearsing is like trying to run before you can walk - chances are, you’re going to fall flat on your face. And, so is your podcast.  Barf it out! You’ll feel better, perform better and start your podcast sounding like someone people should listen to.  Want more help launching your podcast successfully? I work with entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow their brand with an authority-building podcast. Step one is to connect with me for a free 15-minute call. Click here to get on my calendar.

Thanks to the pandemic, the audio-quality bar is lower than a limbo pole in a 1980’s frat-house flick. Resist the urge to see how low you can go. A lot of podcasters are having to make adjustments due to the lockdown and new social distancing rules. You might not be able to be in the same room as your co-host, have guests who don’t have access to their gear, or be in a household that just doesn’t get (or care about) the need for quiet when you’re recording.  Add to that, broadcasters who are ‘making due’ with low quality, Zoom-based shows with the expectation that the audience will understand the limitations they have.  It’s enough to make you accept ‘good enough.’  Don’t do it!  Demand more from yourself. Demand more for your audience. Afterall, didn’t you start this podcast to build your authority and deliver golden treats to your listeners’ ears? Of course you did - and right now, they need you more than ever. If you really want to rise above - don’t succumb to the lowered standards! If you are having to connect online for your audio recording, I share a few tips in this episode about how to get the best possible audio from the system, including:   The settings you should be using if you’re recording on Zoom Why shutting the hell up will help you avoid dropouts. How hardwiring your internet connection can improve sound quality.  Coaching your guests to give you better audio (even if they have a crappy mic)  Why wearing headphones is not optional! Options other than Zoom (since everyone and their cat is on this platform gobbling up the bandwidth). Look into Zencastr or Ringr if you don’t mind losing the video connection, or check out my current fav, Squadcast which has video AND great quality audio.  I know a lot of you have a lot on your plate right now and you’re thinking geeze Coach Tim, it’s a miracle that I’m getting my podcast out at all and now you’re telling me I have to care about my quality and my audience too?  Yes.  That’s my job.  I’m here to remind you that your podcast plays an important role in your marketing by building your authority and connecting you with your audience. Don’t eff it all up because you saw everyone else’s standards slipping. This is your time to shine. It’s your opportunity to be better than the rest. So, pandemic or no pandemic, give your listeners the best possible audio! Not sure if you’re pulling that off? I’ll give it to you straight! Book a free 15-minute coaching call. Here’s a link to my calendar. ZENCASTR RINGR SQUADCAST See ya!  

I don’t want to alarm you, but you might be letting your listeners down. They’re not mad...just disappointed. Promises, promises, promises. Your podcast should be built on them. Or, rather on one in particular. And that promise should be repeated like a pledge to your listeners in your intro every episode.  So, what does it take to perfect your promise? In this episode, I help you understand why you need a promise, what it should consist of (and what it shouldn’t) and how staying committed to it will result in your podcast boosting your authority.  The first step is to determine what’s going on with your promise right now. Does your current intro have a promise? Do you tell the listener how listening is going to help them? If you have a promise - assess it and if you don’t have one GET ONE! If your podcast is a marketing tool for your business (a way to increase your authority, expand your reach, and make sales easier) then you want your podcast promise to be aligned with your business. There’s no point in promising to give listeners great ideas for date nights if you’re a divorce lawyer… unless your ideas really suck.  When we work with clients to develop their podcast from scratch, we spend a lot of time talking about the promise. It has to encompass who your ideal listener is, why they’re listening and what you want them to do after they listen.  And, it has to be wrapped up in a neat little sentence that you say in your intro. Every. Show.  But, watch out because you don’t want to over-promise. You have to be able to deliver on your promise every time.  So, how do you get it just right? Take a clue from your business. What problem do you solve? What transformation do you facilitate? What outcome do you help your clients achieve?  Chances are, your podcast offers up little pieces of these - small baby steps moving the listener toward that desired outcome.  That is what the listener will get out of listening. And that is how you can begin to structure your promise.  You can’t just tell them what’s in the show, you have to tell them what’s in it for them. What will they get out of it? You can’t just promise to share insights or tips or inspiring conversations, you have to promise that listening will get them closer to that thing they want… that desired outcome, transformation or goal.  An exercise I share in this episode inspires you to keep digging until you fully understand what that is.  Your promise could (and should) impact the content of your show. If you want to be an authority figure in your niche, you have to deliver the goods to your listener every show.  If you’re not doing that, then I think your show doesn’t hold much promise.    Badumbum.    And, yes, your promise can change. If you are pivoting your show or just finessing it, make sure your promise reflects the new direction.  I just changed my promise to more closely align with my business as a coach (and podcast developer) and with the clientele that I want to work with.  My promise is to deliver one actionable tip so you can grow your authority as a podcaster and convert more sales with ease. I know that’s what you want. It’s what you need. And, I’m committed to delivering that every show and in my business.  If you’d like some help crafting your promise, book a free 15 minute coaching call with me. It’ll be great. Promise!

Your listener loves your show. You love having listeners who love your show. The end.  Is that all you want out of your podcast? A love affair?  If you’re podcasting for your business or if you have hopes of your podcast being your business, love isn’t going to cut it.  You need ACTION! But if your listeners don’t know what that action is, they won’t take it.  Image you’re leading a hike. Everyone meets you at the trailhead. They’re excited as you tell them about the trail ahead, what they’ll see, how many times you’ve hiked it, the history of the trail. Then you bust out your snacks. You offer up your trail mix recipe. People think you’re awesome. Here’s the problem. People want to start the hike and you haven’t told them which way to go. You haven’t given them a map. You haven’t even pointed them in the right direction. They’re all just hanging out. Sure, they’re having a good time but YOU. ARE. ALL. GETTING. NOWHERE! Don’t do this with your podcast! Be the guide. Tell them how to get started on their journey with you.  So, let me ask you a question that I ask everyone who connects with me for one of my free 15-minute coaching sessions...    What do you want your listeners to DO after listening to your podcast?   Don’t feel bad if you aren’t sure. A lot of the people I talk to aren’t sure.  But, you should figure this out. What you want them to do - that next step you want them to take - is going to seriously impact what your podcast is all about!  Let me give you a hint - it probably has something to do with engagement which probably has something to do with converting.  You might want them to convert from a passive listener to a subscriber, from a subscriber to a fan on social media, from a fan to a customer, from a customer to a raving lunatic of a promoter of your show… you get the picture.  So, what is the next step you want them to take? Once you figure that out - make sure you TELL THEM.  Don’t assume it’s obvious. You have to tell them what to do and how to do it. You have to have a call to action. That could be to subscribe, follow you on social media, download something from your website, or work with you. Whatever it is, you have to invite them to take that next step.  Not sure what that looks like for your show? Maybe you don’t have a show yet and you want to make sure you start right by KNOWING what the listener’s next step should be?    Take this step: Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me.    We’ll figure it out together.