Growing Your Audience Episodes

Chapters in podcast episodes allow listeners to easily navigate content, enhancing their listening experience by allowing them to skip to segments they find most intriguing or relevant. Dave Jackson explores the evolution and utility of chapters, reflecting on his initial disdain and eventual reliance on them. Dave invites podcasters to share their perspectives, highlighting a range of opinions from enthusiastic advocates to skeptics who worry chapters might disrupt the listener's engagement. T...

In this episode of the School of Podcasting (episode 949), we get some great insights from media research expert Tom Webster. With a focus on optimizing podcast content and strategy, Tom and Dave explore common pitfalls that podcasters face, particularly the importance of engaging content from the outset. They discuss practical tips on improving podcast narrative and editing, handling advertiser concerns, and leveraging audience feedback to refine your podcast. Whether you're a seasoned podcaste...

DISCLAIMER: Today's show contains adult content. Maybe listen to this one when the kiddies aren't around. Today, I share some insights that will explain why I spent close to $400 to fly to Atlanta for one day. Then I share some stories about some strange laws in the UK that are getting people arrested for posting memes and two words that cost a comedian millions of dollars. Mentioned In This Episode Join the School of Podcasting Community Profit From Your Podcast Book Power of Podcasting Networ...

Are you confident your podcast content is truly resonating with your audience? Many podcasters assume their content is "fine" without digging deeper. But there's a powerful way to gain invaluable insights directly from your listeners. In this episode, I share a game-changing strategy I recently used at my new job with Podpage. By conducting one-on-one Zoom calls with users, we uncovered crucial feedback that transformed our product. This approach can work wonders for your podcast too! Got Feed...

70% of podcasts are discovered via word of mouth (Jacobs Media). So if we can understand what makes someone recommend something, we can start to do that in our show. We heard words like affordable, quality, and unique. Some people recommend based on a relationship that delivers value. When you deliver something you can't get any place else. Got Feedback On This Episode? I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than five questions and works gr...

My last day at Libsyn was July 12th, 2024. I'm starting a new chapter in my podcasting career, and so to announce the next chapter, I thought it might be fun (and maybe inspirational? ) for newbies to see what is possible with a podcast. Last week I talked about my journey through technology. I explained that where I am now is NOT where I started and it took years to get here. Today I'm talking about the most important benefit of podcasting (and it's not money, or fame). It's relationships. You...

How to Ensure Your Podcast Guests Shine: Understanding your audience is non-negotiable when crafting an exceptional podcast. All good podcasters start by clearly identifying their audience. Are you catering to 24-year-old women or 59-year-old women? Knowing your audience is essential to producing content that resonates. This involves diligent research to understand your listeners' preferences and needs. Today, we're talking about how to do ENGAGING interviews as well as how to GET MORE INTERVI...

Why are reaction videos so popular? I mean, I can watch or listen to something and have my own reaction? Today I tie this into podcasting and how sharing your opinion can help you build your community. I play clips from a show I like, one that drives me nuts, and one that will potentially offend you as it deals with pronouns (which is the whole point - how does it make you feel). I also talk about brand safety and how it's not working, and maybe we shouldn't worry about it. Join the School of...

How do you grow your audience? I hear this every day in every Facebook group. It starts with your content. It can't be good. It can't be great. I needs to be WOW content that your audience HAS to share. Today we talk about the ingredients that make up wow content from the book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt. I also talk about what GOOGLE thinks is good and what stops us from making WOW content. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start...

Today I talk Mark Lawley from the Practical Prepping Show. I brought Mark on as he is a "regular guy" (retired Police Officer) who started a podcast with his wife Krista and the ball has been rolling along as their show grows (they have 14000 people in their Facebook group). Mark shares his journey from initial struggles to unexpected success, revealing the importance of knowing your audience, having fun, and continually learning. Join us and uncover the secrets to making your podcast not just ...

Today, I dive into the essence of keeping a positive and persistent approach to podcasting. I play guitar, and one of the reasons I'm pretty good is my attitude when learning to play. Share how you can do the same in podcasting. This gets you further than launching and keeps you going. In this episode, I share stories from his insightful visit to the Content Entrepreneur Expo, revealing varying opinions on the use of AI in content creation. We'll explore how consistently honing your podcasting ...

Today we do a deeper dive into why podcasters quit before getting to 10 episodes. What causes this? We also look at topics that can turn up the heat and controversies around your show. JOIN THE SCHOOL OF PODCASTING COMMUNITY Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing to marketing and monetiza...

Welcome to the School of Podcasting! In today's exhilarating episode, we dove deep into the art of leveraging social media to supercharge your podcast. Join me, Dave Jackson, and social media strategist Katie Brinkley as we unpack the power of the 4 pillars strategy—awareness, education, elaboration, and storytelling—to captivate your audience. Discover the secret sauce to building a dedicated community, why consistent posting trumps timing, and the essential tools for tracking and enhancing yo...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the School of Podcasting, where your host, Dave Jackson, invites you on a deep dive into the exciting world of Podcasting 2.0. Join us as we explore the dramatic shift from traditional podcast monetization to earning directly through satoshis, capturing the real impact of this new revenue model with personal stories of enhanced earnings. This episode is a must-listen for all podcast enthusiasts and creators seeking to keep up with the latest trends and...

Today I asked my audience how full is their playlist? Are they looking for more shows? Happy with the Current Line up? Or are you already behind on the shows you follow? Is it harder to grow a podcast today than, say 5 years ago? I also talk about an Evernote alternative (as their price is going WAY UP) and how when things evolve, some will like it and some won't, do what is right for your show, and your sanity. Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Are you considering diving into the dynamic world ...

Hey there, fellow podcasters! I'm Dave Jackson, and welcome to another episode of the School of Podcasting, where we breathe life into your podcasting journey. Today's lesson is close to my heart: "Strategies for Staying Motivated." We all know the drill — some days, you're on top of the world, ready to share your voice with the masses; other times, the mic might as well be a ten-ton weight. But don't fret; I'm right there with you, and together, we're going to conquer those podcasting blues. ...

We all know the podcasting space is an ever-changing space so I asked, What are you going to STOP doing in 2024 and will you be STARTING in 2024? The audience chimes in so we can all learn together. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing t...

Today we have a few topics. First, its a new year! Are you ready? I go through a list of things that you might want to make sure you have. We talk about asking WHY to help you find additional motivation, and to TIME yourself so you can make informed decisions. Lastly, some people are making bad decisions for their podcasts as a business, and I give some advice on what to watch out for. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know ...

The goal of this episode is to help you understand what makes a GOOD podcast, and help you decide if you should also be a video podcast. As it's the beginning of the year, MANY people will be selling you on how you can quit your job with no effort, no work, and how easy it is to leave the 9 to 5. They rave at how much money you will make, after all, they are on a boat! And you will do it quickly. I just can't do that. I want people who are fueled by passion, and understand there is a process o...

I have a tradition that the last episode of the year is you answering WHY your favorite show is your FAVORITE. You know the show, you get notified in your app, and you immediately stop listening to whatever show and IMMEDIATELY go to theirs. Thanks to all who participated. I did something different and had AI summarize all the "WHYs" together. A special shout-out to Matt Rafferty from The Author Inside You. I assembled this at the last minute, and unfortunately Podinbox ate your reply. Join th...

Today on episode number 910, what if you took a feedback tool like SpeakPipe and you combined it with the convenience of my podcast reviews and the networking functionality of something like Refonic and then combined it with someone who is obsessed over data that will help you understand and grow your audience named Daniel j Lewis? Well, you get Podgagement, and that's what we're gonna talk about today. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast...

I read an article by Leslie Thompson titled, A reflection on 5 years of podcasting, and it really moved me. It points out that even if you end up ceasing to produce your podcast, the time is not waste. It may feel that way, but Leslie shares how her time on the Rogue Ones podcast was not a wate of time and she has used her skills in other projects including her now show Niche to Meet You. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know...

Today I talk about some practices I've seen and heard about that may be designed to prey on the uninformed and/or be designed to serve the podcaster and not their audience. I also comment on a great article from Tom Webster, which ties in nicely with a documentary called "Worst to First" which shows how Z100 in New York City described their show in a way that positioned themselves as an authority. Join the School of Podcasting Community Risk-Free Are you looking to start your own podcast but d...

David Hooper published an episode where he gives the "behind the scenes" view of his interview with Dolly Parton on his Build a Big Podcastt show. I've known Dave for years and respect his insights and snarkiness, and when I heard this episode, I felt compelled to tell everyone about it. That triggered me. Why exactly was I sharing this? Today I brought Dave on as I dissected his episode and got his comments. Check Out Dave's Books As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase...