Podcast Insider

Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett

Blubrry’s Official Podcast where we talk about the Podcasting industry, Blubrry news and interview podcasters on why they started their podcast.

Technology Business Marketing Education Tutorials

Available Episodes

5 of 52

Mastering Podcast SEO: Strategies to Grow Your Listener Base – PCI 433
Hit play now and start optimizing your podcast for growth! Want more listeners to discover your podcast? It’s time to harness the power of Podcast SEO! In this episode, we break down how to optimize your podcast for search engines and major directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The key differences between Podcast SEO and traditional SEO ✔️ How to find and use the right keywords for your episodes ✔️ Best practices for writing SEO-friendly show titles and descriptions ✔️ The importance of transcripts, a podcast website, and structured data ✔️ How to leverage reviews, engagement, and link-building for better visibility Plus, we’ll share expert insights from SEO pros and proven strategies to boost your podcast’s ranking and attract new listeners. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your SEO approach, this episode is packed with actionable tips! Maximize Your Podcast’s Reach with SEO Strategies! 1. Understand Podcast SEO Basics A. How Podcast SEO Differs from Traditional SEO Audio vs. text: Traditional SEO relies heavily on text-based content. For podcast SEO, you must create written assets—titles, show notes, descriptions, transcripts—that search engines and podcast directories can crawl. Platform-specific algorithms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories use their own algorithms and ranking factors. Optimizing for each platform is just as critical as optimizing for Google. Pro Tip (from Semrush): Treat each podcast episode like a web page, with its own optimized metadata and unique URL, so that search engines can better discover and rank each episode. B. Why Visibility Matters Attracting new listeners: People searching for topics in your niche can find you via Google or podcast directories—if you’ve optimized well. Building authority: High visibility and quality content help establish you as a trustworthy voice in your field. 2. Keyword Research for Podcasts A. Identifying Relevant Keywords Brainstorm topics: Think about your niche, audience pain points, and trending issues in your industry. Leverage SEO tools: Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, Google Keyword Planner, or Keywords Everywhere can help you find relevant and high-traffic keyword phrases. Check competitor podcasts: Search for competing podcasts in your field; note what titles and descriptions they use, and see which keywords keep appearing. Search Engine Journal Insight: Don’t forget “long-tail” keywords or questions (“how to start a food blog podcast,” for example). These more specific queries can attract highly targeted listeners who are looking for exactly what you offer. B. Where & How to Integrate Keywords Show title: If your podcast is niche-specific, include a broad keyword (e.g., “The Digital Marketing Masters Podcast”). Episode titles: Craft specific, keyword-rich episode titles to appeal to searchers (e.g., “SEO Tips for Small Businesses”). Show notes & descriptions: Summaries that include secondary or related keywords help platforms understand your content’s context. 3. Optimize Podcast Titles & Descriptions A. Podcast Title Keep it authentic and concise: Aim for a clear, descriptive title. Don’t keyword-stuff. Front-load keywords: Placing your main keyword near the beginning can boost visibility in search results. Branding: Balance discoverability with branding. Make sure the title is recognizable and easy to remember. B. Episode Descriptions (Show Notes) Short, SEO-friendly synopsis: Use the first 1–2 sentences to highlight the episode’s main focus with relevant keywords. Include timestamps or bullet points: This helps both users and algorithms identify crucial segments of your episode. Add relevant links: Link to guests’ websites or your own related blog posts for additional context (and backlink opportunities if they share your content). Semrush Note: Including “chapter markers” or “episode sections” ca...
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Why 2025 is the Perfect Time to Start a Podcast (Even If It Seems Oversaturated) – PCI 432
2025 is a great time to start a podcast Thinking of starting a podcast in 2025? Worried the podcasting world is already too crowded? In this episode, we dive into the top reasons why launching a show now can be more advantageous than ever—even when it seems like “everyone” already has a podcast. From tapping into hyper-niche audiences to taking advantage of cutting-edge tech, you’ll learn why there’s plenty of space for fresh voices and unique ideas. Join us as we break down the key factors that make this an ideal moment to get behind the mic. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell The Myth of Oversaturation How the boom in podcasting can actually work in your favor Why today’s listeners crave more specialized and personal content Hyper-Niche Advantages Finding and serving a very specific audience How drilling down on a topic can create a more loyal listener base Monetizing and collaborating within niche markets Continued Technological Improvements Lowering production costs and simpler editing tools High-quality mobile recording options Better distribution and analytics platforms making it easier to track success Growing Global Listenership Why podcasts are still expanding into international markets Potential for multi-language or cross-cultural shows Opportunities to reach new demographics that weren’t listening before Evolving Monetization Models Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and subscription-based models Using membership sites or premium content to create sustainable income Why brands are doubling down on podcasts as a marketing channel Standing Out with Authenticity The power of genuine storytelling and human connection Differentiating factors: personality, format, and unique angles Cultivating an engaged community vs. chasing large numbers Low Barrier to Entry, High Creative Freedom Podcasting as a playground for testing ideas and formats Multi-platform promotion: How social media and video can amplify your message Simple steps to get started with minimal equipment and upfront costs Future-Proofing Your Brand Positioning yourself as a thought leader in your niche Building relationships and networking through podcast interviews How consistent content output can evolve into new opportunities (speaking gigs, book deals, etc.) Key Takeaways for Listeners Despite a seemingly crowded market, there’s a massive appetite for new, specialized shows. Advances in tech and the global growth of podcasting create unique opportunities in 2025. Authenticity, hyper-niche content, and community-building can help your podcast stand out. Monetization models continue to diversify, making it easier to earn income and sustain your show. Starting now means you’ll be better positioned as the medium continues to evolve. Check out our Plans and Pricing online to see which Blubrry plan is meant for you. Listener Challenge What unique angle or niche do you have that would stand out in the podcasting world? Whether you’ve already got an idea or you’re still brainstorming, we’d love to hear from you. Share your concept or inspiration on social media with the hashtag #FuturePod2025, and let us know how you plan to make your mark in the world of podcasting! Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected] Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.
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38:16
Split Decision: How to End a Podcast Co-Host Partnership Gracefully – PCI 431
Breaking up with a co-host can feel like navigating a delicate and deeply personal crisis—especially when you’ve invested time, energy, and your creative efforts into building a podcast together. But like any partnership, misalignments in goals, scheduling, or creative vision can arise, sometimes leaving you little choice but to respectfully part ways. Today, we explore the signs that it may be time to move on, how to plan an amicable separation (if possible), and the best ways to handle shared branding, intellectual property, and audience communication. We’ll also dive into the emotional side of a co-host breakup—discussing how to maintain positive relationships, practice self-care, and explore your rebranding options (or even launching a new show from scratch). From updating artwork and bios to establishing legal boundaries and dividing ownership, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth transition. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about not only ending things on good terms but also moving forward stronger—whether you choose to continue the show solo or embark on an entirely new and different venture. Today's Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell How to End a Podcast Co-Host Partnership Gracefully 1. Signs It’s Time to Part Ways with Your Co-Host Recognizing misalignment in goals, schedules, or creative vision Listener feedback and declining engagement as red flags Gut-check questions to ask before making the decision 2. Planning an Amicable Separation Setting up a proper meeting to discuss the break and next steps Reviewing your initial agreements (verbal or written) Keeping communication clear, professional, and empathetic 3. Handling Branding, Ownership, and Intellectual Property Deciding who owns the show name, social channels, and website Dividing past content archives fairly (music, artwork, etc.) Legal considerations: written contracts vs. verbal agreements 4. Managing the Transition with Your Audience How and when to announce the change to your listeners Crafting a consistent message across all platforms (podcast episodes, social media, newsletter) Maintaining listener trust and loyalty during transitional episodes 5. Navigating Emotional and Personal Fallout Handling personal feelings of loss or disappointment Best practices for preserving a positive relationship if possible Strategies for self-care and avoiding burnout amid major podcast changes 6. Rebranding the Show (or Starting Fresh) Deciding whether to continue the existing show or launch a brand-new podcast Building a new brand identity (name, artwork, format) Retaining loyal fans while attracting new listeners 7. Technical and Administrative Checklists Updating show artwork, host bios, and RSS feed details Removing or transferring hosting credentials and account access Adjusting distribution channels (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) 8. Lessons Learned: How to Build Partnerships That Last Setting up co-host agreements from the start Understanding each other’s goals, strengths, and schedules Creating a regular feedback loop to spot and resolve issues early 9. Success Stories from Podcasters Who Went Solo Highlighting podcasters who parted ways but thrived on their own Challenges of solo hosting vs. co-hosting Tips to keep content engaging without another voice to bounce ideas off 10. Next Steps: What Comes After the Split? Future growth strategies for the newly solo (or restructured) show Potential avenues for monetization or audience expansion with a new format Using analytics to guide your content decisions moving forward We hope that this information helps you decide if and when it's time to end a podcast co-host partnership and if so, how to go about the split gracefully. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider,
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18:48
Using Video to Elevate Your Podcast Promotion – PCI 430
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the power of video for podcasters. First, we’ll discuss why adding a visual component to your podcast promotion can skyrocket listener growth and brand recognition. Then, we’ll get hands-on with tips for setting up a budget-friendly or professional-quality video studio—without sacrificing great audio. You’ll learn how to transform your existing podcast content into scroll-stopping short clips, “audiograms,” and highlight reels perfect for YouTube, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and beyond. We’ll also explore YouTube’s incredible potential for podcast discoverability, plus the ins and outs of live streaming your show to foster real-time engagement. If you’ve ever wanted to document the behind-the-scenes of your recording process, we’ll share strategies for building trust and a personal brand through transparency. From embedding video clips on your website and using them in email newsletters, to leveraging Blubrry’s tools for hosting and managing video, we’ve got you covered. Finally, we’ll discuss exciting ways to monetize your new video content, such as sponsorships, exclusive membership offerings, and paid video courses. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell Using Video for Podcast Promotion 1. Why Video Matters in Podcast Promotion Benefits of adding a visual component to your marketing How short video clips capture attention on social media Impact on listener growth and brand recognition 2. Lights, Camera, Podcast: Setting Up Your Video Studio Equipment essentials: cameras, lighting, backdrops Budget-friendly vs. professional setup options Tips for achieving high-quality audio while filming 3. Repurposing Audio Content into Scroll-Stopping Video Clips Best practices for editing standout promotional clips Tools for turning audio snippets into visual “audiograms” Strategies for hooking viewers in the first few seconds 4. YouTube as a Discovery Engine for Podcasters Why YouTube is essential for discoverability Optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags for SEO Converting audio episodes into full-length video or highlight reels 5. Short-Form Video Strategies: Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Beyond Deciding which platform(s) best fit your show’s demographics Engaging your audience on mobile-first platforms Cross-posting and scheduling to maximize reach 6. Going Live: Streaming Your Podcast for Real-Time Engagement Live streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms Pros and cons of live video vs. edited video Driving listener participation and Q&A sessions 7. Behind the Scenes: Documenting Your Podcast Journey on Video Day-in-the-life style videos for deeper audience connection Showcasing prep, recording, and post-production on video Building trust and a personal brand through transparency 8. Integrating Video Into Your Podcast Website and Email Newsletters Best practices for embedding video clips on your site Strategic placement in blog posts and show notes Using animated GIFs and teaser clips in email newsletters 9. Blubrry Tools & Tips: Hosting and Managing Video for Podcasters Blubrry platform features that streamline video hosting Analyzing video metrics and engagement Balancing audio and video production without burning out 10. Monetizing Your Video Content Sponsorship and ad opportunities for video Premium or exclusive video content for members or Patreon supporters Generating additional revenue streams with video courses or webinars Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.
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29:10
Building a Profitable Podcast Strategy for Businesses – PCI 429
Special Edition of Podcast Insider ft. Paul Colligan In this special edition of Podcast Insider, Todd welcomes longtime friend and podcast industry veteran Paul Colligan. Together, they dive deep into how businesses—small or large, local or global—can leverage podcasting as a powerhouse marketing and sales tool. From identifying the exact goal of your show, to repurposing content for social media, to measuring real ROI (not just downloads), Paul and Todd share proven strategies and case studies that will help any business make podcasting an integral part of its growth plan. Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane ft. Paul Colligan What Are You Trying To Do With the Show? There’s no “wrong” goal—maybe you want to build brand authority, bring in local clients, or expand globally. Just be crystal clear on your specific objective. Paul’s Four-Question Framework What do you want the show to do? How will you know it’s doing it? Is it doing it? How do we make it better? This simple system keeps you laser-focused on results rather than just cranking out episodes. Niche vs. Broad Podcasting Example: If you only sell Nevada real estate, call it the “Nevada Real Estate Show.” Hyper-local can mean high-quality leads and conversions. Monetizing Without Major Downloads Case study: A financial advisor’s show with fewer than 1,000 downloads per episode generated higher-quality leads—converting 1 out of every 3 calls. Interview vs. Solo Formats Learn how JJ Virgin shifted from interview-centric episodes to a solo Q&A style—resulting in better listener retention and less production hassle. Production & Branding Match your show’s production level to the story you’re trying to tell. “Caveman branding”: Your podcast title and artwork should immediately signal what the show is about. Repurposing Content Turn one Q&A livestream into multiple short podcast episodes, YouTube clips, Instagram Reels, and more—maximizing content reach while minimizing extra work. Choosing the Right Consultant & Tools Avoid the pitfall of “podcast consultants” who overpromise. Seek hosting and measurement solutions (like Blubrry) that have a proven track record and can align with your specific goals. Takeaways Set Clear Goals Before You Launch Whether it’s lead generation, brand awareness, or direct revenue, define success metrics from Day One. Don’t Obsess Over Downloads High downloads don’t always translate into high conversions. Focus instead on engaging the right audience. Leverage Multichannel Repurposing Recording live Q&A or interviews once can yield multiple clips for social media, YouTube, and emails. Vet Your Advisors & Platforms Work with experts who understand your business model—and choose reliable hosting/statistics solutions. More from Paul Colligan Podcast Partnership X - @colligan Be Featured on Our YouTube Channel Know of an expert in the podcast field that wants to be featured on Blubrry’s YouTube channel? Contact [email protected]. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Thursday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected] Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.
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