School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast

• Data-Driven Podcast Growth

  Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’s working and what’s not can save you from wasting your time. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how to collect and use data from places like Apple and Spotify to figure out your audience and their habits. Don’t worry, we’ll also have a laugh or two about how confusing all this can be, because who doesn’t love a good irony sandwich? So, buckle up, and let’s turn those numbers into something that actually helps your podcast shine!Data Sources:podcastsconnect.apple.com You can see how many Apple followers you have, and how far they are listening (and compare episodes to median and best numbers. podcasters.spotify.comYou can see how many Spotify followers you have as well as demographic data of your audience. You can also see how far people listen. You can also see how often your show was shown, and how that lead to people listening.podcasters.amazon.comYou can see how many people on Amazon Music are following you, how many downloads you get and how far people listenYour Media HostThis could be Captivate, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, Transistor, Libsyn, etc (I do not recommend Spotify). Here you can see how many downloads you get per episode, and see the location of your audience.Google AnalyticsHere you can see the top pages of your website, among many other things. You can find it at analytics.google.comYouTubeYouTube statistics are impressive and show you an insane amount of detail. The stat I look at is how far people watch. Keep in mind a video on a YouTube short is anything above zeroAudience SurveyWhen in doub,t ASK YOUR AUDIENCE. This is the #1 way to get direct feedback from your audience. Check out the book, "The Audience in Listening" by Tom Webster, regarding creating a survey (or use the one built into Podpage).Takeaways: Data is your podcasting superpower; it helps you know what's working and what's not. If you're seeking sponsors, understanding your audience demographics is absolutely essential. Start with the end in mind; knowing your goals helps you get the right data. Don't just hope for feedback; ask your audience directly with surveys for better insights. Using platforms like Google Analytics can reveal hidden gems about your podcast's online performance. Remember, marketing your podcast is as essential as creating it; be strategic about your approach. Links...

  --------  

  50:17
• Should My Podcast Be On YouTube: Facts to Help

  So, let’s dive into the wild world of podcasts on YouTube, shall we? This episode is all about the big question: should your podcast even be on YouTube? Spoiler alert: I don’t have a definitive answer, but I’m armed with some juicy facts to help you figure it out. I tackle the age-old debate between audio and video, and you'll learn that while YouTube has a gigantic audience, audio podcasts have a much better chance of getting discovered. I mean, who wouldn’t want 564 listeners to hunt down their content instead of just 38 viewers? So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s get into the absurdity of the podcasting landscape—because why not?Clarify This DiscussionWe are talking about put video (actual video not a static image).For this discussion, a podcast is audio (even though it can be video).Takeaways: Podcasts on YouTube? Yeah, it's a thing, but don't kid yourself into thinking it's the only way. The audio side of podcasting has way more potential listeners than video. Like, a LOT more. If you want to grow your podcast, focus on audio first—it's cheaper and has less competition. Joe Rogan and Mr. Beast didn't just pop up overnight; they hustled for years before their success. Most folks prefer to listen rather than watch, so give the people what they want—audio content! YouTube's algorithm can help, but if you want real connections, audio is where it's at.If you have the time, budget and desire - by all means BE ON YouTube! MentionedHow to Podcast Like Joe Rogan video.Samson Q2u MicrophoneAudio Tecnica ATR2100 USB MicZoom Podtrac P4Sonzy ZV-E10 II DSLR CameraMentioned in this episode:Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthWorry Free PodcastingAre you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.School of Podcasting

  --------  

  41:59
• What AI Tools are Podcasters Using?

  Are you using AI? Or better yet, which AI tool are you using? That's the big question we’re tackling today! We listen to fellow podcasters to find out about their favorite tools and whether they save time or make things messier. Spoiler alert: Sometimes, it feels like we’re just swapping one headache for another! Plus, I just got back from Podcast Movement Evolutions, so get ready for some juicy insights. Participants:Craig from aigostocollege.com and livewellandflourish.com Ethan from dailysportshistory.com Ralph from askralph.com Kim from thepharmacistvoice.com and perrysburgpodcast.com Tim from createartpodcast.com and findapodcastabout.xyz York from welcometoearthstories.comDave from schoolofpodcasting.comAi Tools for PodcastersOtter AIElevenlabsMagaiPoePerplexityClaudCaptive (Media Host)DescriptNotebook LMResound.aiChatGPTVista SocialAlso Mentionedpodcastpartnership.comCastahead Media Follow the showTakeaways: I learned at Podcast Movement that most podcasters now use AI tools to boost productivity. The real question is, which AI tools are actually helping us, and are they worth it? Ethan from Daily Sports History uses AI to ease his writing process and save time. Ralph from Ask Ralph uses AI daily to generate content for his podcast and...

  --------  

  42:45
• From Model Trains to Money: Monetizing Your Passion Podcast

  You can totally monetize a podcast even if your audience is smaller and niche. It's like having a tiny but super passionate fan club instead of a massive crowd that’s half-asleep. Today, we’re chatting with Ray Arnett from aroundthelayout.com, who lives, eats, and breathes the world of model railroads. He’s got some wild ideas about partnerships that don’t rely on the usual sponsor route, and trust me, it’s more interesting than it sounds. Monetizing a Smaller AudienceThink making money off a podcast is just for the big shots? Well, let's pop that bubble! This episode digs into how even those tucked away in the tiniest of niches can make some cash. If you're a model train enthusiast with a handful of loyal listeners, you’re in for a treat. Ray Arnott Shares All the LessonsRay's not just talking numbers; he’s all about engagement and connections, proving that sometimes having a smaller audience means having a more dedicated one. Forget about chasing those elusive sponsorship deals; Ray's got a different game plan. He shares how forming partnerships with like-minded businesses has been the real money-maker for him. So grab your conductor's hat and hop on board as we explore the wild world of niche podcast monetization. Get ready to learn that with the right approach, even a handful of listeners can lead to big bucks!Takeaways: Monetizing a podcast isn't just for the big names; even small niche audiences can cash in. Engaged listeners are worth their weight in gold, no matter the size of your audience. Finding the right marketing partners who share your vision can be a game changer. Creating a community in your niche can lead to unexpected sponsorship opportunities. Never take your community for granted.It's not about having a large audience; it's about having the RIGHT audience.Underserved communities need a safe place to connect with like-minded people.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comaroundthelayout.comHeartbeat Community ToolRedirect.Pizza (aff)Cancer and Comedy PodcastSchool of Podcasting Affiliate ProgramMentioned in this episode:Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free communityPodcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/questionQuestion of the MonthStarting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a...

  --------  

  48:01
• Unlocking Podcast Growth: The Power of Partnerships with Stephanie Thompson

  Today, we’re exploring the world of partnerships versus sponsorships with the fabulous Stephanie Thompson. The key takeaway? Partnerships are better at growing your show. Forget just pocketing cash for a shout-out; we’re talking about meaningful connections that can actually grow your audience. Stephanie explains how she snagged partners before she even had a following—zero downloads, folks! So, if you’ve been thinking about how to take your podcast game to the next level, this chat is for you. Grab your earphones and get ready to learn how to team up with brands that vibe with your message!Want Another Story of Someone Who Got a Sponsor Before Launching?Check out The Riches are in the Niches With Harry Duran episode 767Takeaways: Partnerships are more about shared goals and values compared to one-off sponsorships. Monetization through partnerships can grow your audience, not just your pocketbook. It's all about the fit; the right audience and brand alignment are crucial for success. Don't promote brands you don't believe in; integrity is key in partnerships. Transparency with analytics and feedback helps maintain healthy brand relationships. Educate your partners about your audience to foster better collaboration and understanding. Stephanie did a "trial run" on her courses - BEFORE she launched.Links referenced in this episode:podcastexpertlab.comschoolofpodcasting.comprofitfromyourpodcast.comcastahead.netbeyondbourbonstreet.comProfit From Your Podcast BookThe Day My Vagina Broke BookMentioned in this episode:Help When You Don't Know Where To StartI get it. I talk to people looking to launch or grow their podcast. "“There’s too much gear/software — I don’t know what I need.” Microphones, mixers, hosting platforms, editing software — it’s easy to get lost. Analysis paralysis kicks in fast. I help podcasters. I've been doing it 20 years. Let me help. Dave Jackson schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingPodcast Expert Lab7-step podcast partnership success: This course pays for itself after just ONE partnership. Imagine getting paid to talk about what you love with brands that align with your audience. Complete this on-demand course at your own pace, using short, bite-sized videos and actionable tasks to boost your podcast growth and income. You don’t need to be famous—you just need the drive to grow and the strategy to earn!Podcast Expoert LabQuestion of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

  --------  

  49:54

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast

School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast: Podcasts in Family