As you create your podcast, is it better to do an interview or a solo show? You might consider co-hosts. Should you have segment contributors? It all comes down to preference. There are benefits to each. We will cover those today.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
If you perform an interview on your show, you need to grab my list of 17 Most Powerful Podcast Inteview Questions Ever. You can download the full list at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/interview.
This list can be customized for any niche or guest. It will help you create more powerful interviews that will have your guests saying, “Wow, nobody has asked me that before.”
There are various ways you can structure your podcast. A few ways include a solo show, an interview, co-hosts, and crowdsourced.
Let’s talk about each one to identify the benefits and drawbacks of each.
SOLO SHOW
Benefits include …
Easy to schedule
Easy to edit
Less preparation
You have full control over the content
Drawbacks include …
More difficult to grow, because there is no guest to co-promote
The content is all on you
AN INTERVIEW
Benefits include …
Guest helps create the content
You don’t need to be the expert on everything
You have another person to promote your show
Interview swaps are possible
There is someone to talk to on the show
Drawbacks include …
Need to find guests that fit
More difficult to schedule
Lots of solicitation from potential guests that don’t fit your audience
It is tricky to find ways to promote yourself when you are interviewing others
CO-HOSTS
Benefits include …
Someone to talk to
There are two people to do the work and share the duties
Content ideas come from multiple people
Easier to be engaging with someone in front of you
Drawbacks include …
You need different personalities
Difficult to schedule
Balance of duties
Who owns the show if you split
CROWDSOURCED
Benefits include …
Much more engaging with differing points of view
Highly entertaining when produced correctly
Sounds like a top notch show with the variety of audio
Drawbacks include …
Takes time to find material
If you solicit your audience for content, you need to get people to submit
Requires more time to edit
OPTIONS
Those are just four of the ways you can structure your podcast. You could have episodes where guest contributors appear for a segment offering additional content. Repurposing your live presentations is another option.
The best part is that you don’t have to pick just one. You can use a consistent format and then drop in others when it makes sense.
On this show, I typically bring you a solo show. However, there are times when I have a guest here for an interview. It isn’t one size fits all.
Dave Jackson at School of Podcasting typically does a solo show. There are times when he does an interview. He also does a crowdsourced show once a month.
Dan Miller at 48 Days Podcast is usually a solo show answering listener questions. But there are times when he brings on a guest for a very special interview.
Pick the flavor that works for you. Then, change it when the time is right.
If you don’t have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.
Do you conduct interviews on your podcast? When you spend most of your show interviewing others, it will sometimes become difficult to find time to promote your goods or services and demonstrate your authority. Let me show you how to build your authority with a podcast interview.
Your entire show doesn’t need to focus on your guest just because you conduct interviews. Carve out a little time for yourself.
EXPLODE YOUR AUDIENCE
Before we dive into reconstructing your podcast interview episodes, let me give you some free training.
If you would like to learn how to grow your audience and leverage your podcast, join me for a free training. It is called “How To Explode Your Podcast Audience In 6 Weeks Or Less”. It will be a live, hour-long training on Oct. 6 at 12 Noon CT.
Do you want to grow your audience, increase your downloads and add subscribers to your podcast?
Would you like to become a respected authority in your niche and leverage that authority to help you monetize your show?
Do you want to learn time-saving tips to consistently produce your podcast, find interesting guests, promote your episodes, record the podcast and edit your content?
In this free training, you will discover how to create a simple plan that you can consistently follow in just a few minutes a day to grow your podcast and build your authority.
Let’s talk about the structure of your interview episodes. If you want to conduct an effective podcast interview, use the episode to demonstrate your authority and get people to take action, you need to follow 4 steps.
First, begin with the end in mind. What do you want your listeners to do when this episode is done?
Take my podcast for example. Let’s say I am interviewing a joint venture partner who has a webinar coming up that helps middle-age people transition into a career as a solopreneur. I want listeners to register for that webinar. We have a goal for the episode.
Second, we need to structure the podcast interview. I need to ask my guest questions that will get him to tell stories that get my listeners excited about his webinar. These could include stories about how he got started, what he would do differently if he started over and the best next step for my audience.
When you know the goal of the interview, it become a lot easier to structure your questions and know exactly what to ask.
After the interview, I then find some part of the interview that I could teach even more.
STRUCTURE EXAMPLE
Let’s say during the podcast interview, he talks about the benefits of being a solopreneur rather than an entrepreneur with employees. What could I teach around that?
If podcasters want to make money with their show, they need to turn listeners into clients. Then they can decide to become a solopreneur.
In my podcast, I could teach ways to attract your ideal clients using a podcast.
The fourth and final step is to assemble it in an order that makes sense.
First would be my recorded show open. This tells my listeners what the podcast is all about, who I am and who I help.
Next, I would add the episode intro. This tells listeners what this particular episode is all about and how they will be transformed by the end.
As I get into the content, I would teach my content. I will show listeners how they can attract their ideal clients using their podcast.
In order to attract clients, you first need to be an entrepreneur. Just our luck. I have our guest on the show today to show you how and why to become a solopreneur.
We then get into the podcast interview. Our conversation shows listeners the benefits of becoming an entrepreneur. Listeners learn why it is even better to be a solopreneur with no employees.
Finally at the end of the interview, we give our listeners a way and incentive to sign up for the webinar to learn more.
Now through the episode we have demonstrated our authority and expertise. We have conducted a great interview to allow our listeners to get to know, like and trust our guest. And, we have given our listeners a way to get even more help if they choose. Everybody wins.
PODCAST INTERVIEW NERVES
As you conduct a podcast interview, it is natural to be a little nervous. We are putting ourselves out there usually to a person we don’t know very well.
How can you curb your anxiety before you jump into your interview?
First, understand that interview butterflies are natural. Find some comfort in knowing that most every interviewer feels some nervousness the minutes before the talk begins. It is very similar to public speakers.
You’re not the only one.
FOUR STEPS
There are four things you can do to get over the jitters. These should help you a bit to calm the nerves before the podcast interview.
Prepare
Make sure you have your interview plan ready. Be knowledgable about your guest. Have at your fingertips any details that you will need. Create a map and know where you are going. Ensure you know what you hope to achieve with this particular interview.
Preinterview – Explain the process
Before the interview, have a quick chat with your guest. Let them know exactly how the interview will run and what they can expect. This will not only put you at ease, it will make your guest more comfortable and open.
Understand you are helping them
Your guest is on your show, because there is some value to them. Guests typically do not appear on podcasts out of the goodness of their heart. They are interested in expanding their brand by being on your show.
You have something to offer your guest.
Podcast guests are marketing their goods or services to your audience. You are putting them in front of a group of people that can expand their reach. This is a huge opportunity and benefit to them. You aren’t simply taking from them. Find comfort in knowing that you are helping each other.
Really listen and be involved in a conversation
Many podcasters get wrapped up in thinking of the next question and fail to listen to the current answer. Have a dialog instead of a lecture. Truly listen to the answers your guest is offering. Those answers tend to lead to amazing follow-up questions.
By getting heavily involved in the conversation, you will take your mind off of your nervous butterflies.
REFINE
Next time you create an interview episode, be sure you are making time to demonstrate your authority. Show people what you are all about.
Start with the end in mind. Figure out what you want to accomplish before you even conduct the interview. When you start with an overview, it becomes easier to achieve your goal.
Use these four steps to ease your nerves and settle into the conversation.
If you would like to learn how to grow your downloads, join me for a free training. It is called “How To Explode Your Podcast Audience In 6 Weeks Or Less”. It will be a live, hour-long training on Oct. 6 at 12 Noon CT.
In this free training, you will discover how to create a simple plan that you can consistently follow in just a few minutes a day to grow your podcast.
As I talk to podcasters and spend time in podcasting Facebook groups, I often find questions regarding how to structure your podcast. The questions span the spectrum from open to close.
How should the intro look? What needs to be included? Where should the interview happen? When do you make your call-to-action?
There is good news. It is your podcast and there isn’t one right answer. You can also change your show anytime you would like. Your structure isn’t set in stone.
YOUR GOAL
In order to determine how you should structure your podcast, you need to determine what you hope to accomplish. Many podcasters include elements in their structure simply because they heard it done on other shows.
I see this a lot when I’m coaching hockey. Coaches will run drills because they saw another coach do it. Unfortunately, they don’t understand the reason behind the drill.
A coach may be running a drill where two guys are battling for a puck in the corner. On the surface, it might just look like a battle drill.
On the other hand, if you had listened to the coach’s instructions you may have realized that the drill was intended to teach one of the players how to protect the puck along the boards to kill the clock.
Without understanding the reason behind an element on your show, you can’t achieve the goal the piece was designed to achieve.
Should you include an outtake before the standard intro of your show? It depends.
Should you include some chit chat on your show between co-hosts before the interview? Again, it depends.
What are you trying to achieve?
THE CLOCK
When you are building the structure for your show, use a show clock. This is the tool used in broadcasting to keep the show on track. It is like a rundown of when elements happen.
You can download my Podcast Talent Coach Show Clock worksheet at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/clock. This will help you lay out the structure for your podcast.
The biggest thing the clock will help you achieve is consistency. It really doesn’t matter much where things happen as long as they happen consistently on purpose. This is your show. Everything should happen for a reason.
START WITH AN OUTTAKE
Should you include the outtake audio before the intro? Only if it has a purpose.
Let’s say you are using a piece of the interview that happens later in the show. This outtake creates some intrigue and curiosity. It makes people want to listen to the full interview to see what it is all about. That is a purpose.
On the other hand, let’s say your outtake says, “Every online business should have a funnel that all starts with a strong lead magnet.” Yep. Right. Now what?
That clip doesn’t do anything to make me want to stick around to hear the interview. That was a statement, not a tease. Create anticipation and keep the conversation moving forward.
One of my all-time favorite tv shows was NYPD Blue. It always started with, “Previously on NYPD Blue.” Then, it would show a few clips of things that happened on past episodes.
Do you think those clips were random? No. They showed you clips from previous episodes so you would understand the storyline that was happening in this episode. You would say, “Oh yeah, I remember that character.” If you haven’t seen the previous episodes, it would get you up to speed.
Make your outtake serve a purpose.
PODCAST INTRO
There is a difference between your podcast intro and your episode intro.
Your podcast intro should be consistent from episode to episode. This is designed to tell your listener what the podcast is all about. If this episode is the first episode a new listener has ever consumed, the intro should bring them up to speed quickly.
On this podcast, I tell you each week you can turn your information into engaging entertainment and your podcast into powerful relationships. You can have more confidence in your content. You now know we aren’t talking about mics and mixers.
Your episode intro on the other hand changes episode to episode. This tells the listener exactly what is on this episode. “Today we are going to discuss your podcast structure.” Or, “Today we are going to interview my 2nd grade teacher.”
The podcast intro tells listeners why they should subscribe to the podcast. The episode intro tells listeners why they should listen to this particular episode.
Now you know the purpose of each. You should be able to decide how to structure each to achieve those goals.
CALL-TO-ACTION
Where should you incorporate your call-to-action and what should it be?
Again, what are you trying to accomplish?
When Dave Jackson and I review a show on the Podcast Review Show, we always ask the podcaster what their goals are. Many times they say, “Get more downloads.”
When we listen to the show, they tell listeners to follow them on Facebook, go review the show, leave me a voicemail and things like that. They rarely say, “Subscribe to my show and tell your friends.” Their call-to-action is rarely connected to their goal.
Decide what you want your listeners to do. Then, make that your call-to-action.
Be sure to get your important CTA in early. Many listeners don’t make it all the way to the end of your show. They stop listening when they are done doing what they are doing. If they listen while working out, they stop listening when they are done working out.
Include the call-to-action at the beginning of the episode. Then, include it again at the end. Both should be connected to your goal. Don’t confuse them with 13 calls-to-action.
My CTA for this episode is to download my Podcast Talent Coach Show Clock Worksheet. I put that call-to-action right up front. You’re getting it again right here. It is the only CTA. Get it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/clock.
I’m not asking you to rate and review the show, send me 3 carries pigeons with notes and vote for me in the next student council election. Just go download the worksheet.
OTHER ELEMENTS
There are many other elements you can include in your show. Again, it is your show. Add whatever you’d like. If you want a polka band in the middle, have at it. It’s your show.
Just be sure each element has a reason. My dad always loved polka music. It brings a smile to my face. Plus, I always loved being in jazz band in junior high. So, I’m including some polka music in the middle of every episode. Fine. At least you have a reason.
If you are adding “on fire” to the name of your cooking show just because all the cool kids are doing it, “Sushi Chef On Fire” probably isn’t the podcast name you need. Understand the purpose before you add anything to your show.
Go download my Podcast Talent Coach Show Clock Worksheet. Let it help you structure your podcast. Get it at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/clock.
If you need help putting it all together, let me know.
You can find my contact info and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Are you like most podcasters who contact me for help? Are you trying to make money with your podcast?
STRATEGY
When podcasters reach out to me for my complimentary podcast review and strategy session, I ask them a few questions to see where I might be able to help most. One of those questions asks about the biggest struggle they are facing.
I recently went through all of the questionnaires looking for commonalities. The struggle mentioned most often had something to do with making money with their podcast.
It reminds me of listening to a presentation by Brendon Burchard. He was describing a session at his Experts Academy. One of the speakers asked the audience how many had a website. He then asked how many wanted to make money with that website. Finally, he asked how many of you have something to sell.
That is typically the problem with podcasts. People want to make money with their podcast, but few have anything to sell.
If you have listened for any length of time, you know I am not a fan of relying on sponsorships or ads to generate revenue. I feel they clutter up your show. People are leaving radio and coming to podcasts to escape the ridiculous number of ads.
THE PROFIT
I cut the cable. If we are watching tv, my family now subscribes to a few streaming services.
The other night, we wanted to watch The Profit. It is the CNBC series where Marcus Lemonis finds struggling businesses to invest in.
We have always watched it on Hulu. Now it seems that the latest episode is on Hulu. The rest of the episodes are now on the NBC streaming service.
I clicked on NBC. It made me go to the website to enter the activation code. When I did that, the site wanted me to link it to my cable subscriber. I skipped that step, since I don’t have a cable subscriber.
NBC then generously gave me 3 credits to use to watch their programs. I figure after these 3 credits, it will be a pay-for-play service like the others. I get it.
While I am watching one of my 3 free episodes of the Profit, I get the same stupid commercial breaks I would get if I was watching the show on free TV.
Why do I have to sit through commercials when I am paying them a fee? I am trying to escape commercials. Needless to say, I won’t be subscribing to NBC after my 3 free credits are gone.
If people are leaving broadcast and coming to podcasting and other on-demand services to escape commercials, why would you want to clutter up your show with them and risk sending them elsewhere?
THE INTERRUPTION
Seth Godin calls it interruption marketing. Companies interrupt whatever the listener or viewer is doing with a marketing message that may or may not be appropriate or pertinent. How many Audible and Blue Apron commercials can you sit through?
The other reason you don’t want to rely on commercials is because it makes your show a commodity. Your 1,000 listeners are the same as 1,000 listeners to any other show.
Ad buyers place their ads using a CPM model. They pay a certain price per 1,000 listeners. In radio, buyers will tell us they want to come in at a particular CPM. Our 1,000 listeners are the same as every other station.
Do you want your podcast treated that way? Are listeners to another show just as passionate and valuable as your listeners? Can you live on $40 per thousand listeners?
In order to make serious money with sponsorships, you need a pretty sizable audience. Most podcasters are not in this stratosphere.
Whether you want to turn your show into your career or simply want to cover the costs, I have a few ideas that can help get you there.
THE PROCESS
Let’s look at the facts. You have a podcast that is free to listeners. How can we take something that is free to consume and convert that into some revenue?
There are many ways to take the attention you are generating and leveraging that attention to make money. The first step is the gain the attention. We talked about building your audience in the episode last week.
You don’t need to have hundreds of thousands of listeners. You simply need to have passionate listeners that want more of what you share. Then, develop a product or service to sell. This way, the more you sell, the more you make. You control the output and the quality of help your listeners receive.
Are you teaching your listeners? Are you providing them with tools and information they can use? Are you interviewing interesting people that share great information that might be stretched into something more?
Perfect. Turn that in to a product or service.
PROFIT IDEA
I was on a coaching call with a podcaster struggling with making money. She has a podcast where she talks about healthy diets and how people can eat better. She loves teaching, talking in front of people and giving presentations.
We talked a lot about the people who reach out to her for advice. Many of these people had similar questions and similar struggles.
After we peeled the onion and discovered a few different layers, we determined she could start small group coaching to generate a few hundred dollars a month.
When people think of coaching, they think of some intricate system to market the program, bill the participants, and conduct the training.
I suggested she send an e-mail to the few hundred people on her list. If she could find 5 people willing to pay her $97 per month for group coaching, she could earn $485 per month.
In the e-mail, she could simply say, “I am starting a small group that I will coach each week providing A, B and C. We will get on a call each week to discuss it, answer questions and help with struggles. We will create some accountability to help you eat healthier and lose weight. Participation will be limited to 5 people and cost $97 per month. If you are interested, reply to this e-mail.”
When the people respond, have them send you $97 via PayPal. Then, set up a private group call on Google Hangouts, Zoom or the free platform of your choice.
At the end of the month, you ask, “Who want to go again?” Sign them up and recruit more with your e-mail list.
You only need 5 people and you’re making money each month. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.
THE FRAMEWORK
That is just one example of using a model called “Give away products, sell services”. She is giving away recipes, spreadsheet tools and other .pdfs. Then, she sells her services.
1. Podcast example: Giveaway lead magnets, sell individual coaching
2. Podcast example: Giveaway podcast info, sell webinars and seminars
I am putting together a new project to help you make money with your podcast. It will include a lot of examples and ideas like this.
Do you have a few hundred people listening to your show? Have you started gathering their e-mail addresses using an e-mail service?
Let’s get started. If you want to make money with your podcast, you must have something to sell. I can help you do that.
THE WORKSHOP
Money doesn’t fall off of the money tree. You need to leverage your audience and give them an opportunity to get even more value from you.
You can watch the free videos. Find them at PodcastTalentCoach.com/MoneyProject. You can learn all about the project there and get started with the free videos.
I can wait to help you make this year the year you start generating some money with your show. But, you need to take the first step. Go watch the videos at PodcastTalentCoach.com/MoneyProject. I’ll see you over there.
So many people feel structure will take away the opportunity to create and be spontaneous. My degree in architecture and career in radio proves that many people are very creative within a framework and structure. The framework actually gives your creativity focus. Focus is exactly how a show clock for your podcast benefits you.
A show clock is basically where your elements will fall during the episode.
LATE NIGHT
Think of a late night talk show. They have the opening skit. It is followed by the show open. The host is introduced and he does his monologue. That might be followed by some sort of skit or short. The host then interviews two or three guests. Maybe a band plays to close the show. Finally, the credits roll.
That format would be a show clock. Now, on each episode, the team simply fills in the parts. What is in the monologue? Do we have a skit or bit tonight? Who are the guests? Who is the band? Do we need to make room for anything else?
The show clock and grid provides the continuity and comfort for the viewer or listener while still allowing the host and team to be creative.
We need a skit on the show tonight. Is it going to be viewer letters, karoke or man-on-the-street? Maybe Dan wrote something new that we can add in. You have the framework. It is now up to you to design within that framework.
ARCHITECTURE & RADIO
When I tell people that I have a degree in architecture, but have spent my entire career in radio, they look at me like I have two heads. How does architecture turn into radio? They are nothing alike.
Actually, architecture and radio are quite similar. To be successful in either discipline, you need to be both creative and analytical at the same time. In architecture, you are given a set of requirements in which to use your creativity.
The architecture client might say, “We need a 2-story clubhouse for an exclusive golf course, along with 2 tennis courts, a pool, a dining room that seats 200 yet can be divided, and a garage to store the golf carts.” Now, go create.
The radio client might say, “We are opening a new location out west. We need to attract people there in the first two months. We need a commercial that stands out from the other stores in our industry.”
Or the boss might say, “We need to attract as many listeners to our morning show while still playing 8 songs an hour. You need 3 traffic reports, 10 minutes of commercials and 2 weather reports. Be funny.”
How do you get it all in? You create a framework that helps you focus on the important information that will move the needle and help you be successful.
If you have a podcast that is serving as a marketing tool for your business, you need to make sure you have carved out time to market your business while still entertaining the audience.
We are going to compare how four podcasters structure their show around their business. They entertain and provide useful, valuable information while still attracting clients to their business.
SCHOOL OF PODCASTING
Dave Jackson – School of Podcasting – Sells podcast consulting and a membership – podcast is 43 minutes.
:00 – Episode tease
:15 – Recorded open jingle
:23 – Dave introduction of the podcast
:58 – Dave episode introduction
1:30 – Promote the deal at the website
2:00 – Topic 1
20:00 – Question of the month
25:00 – Membership promo
25:15 – Book recommendation
26:00 – Final answer to question of the month
27:45 – Next question of the month question
30:00 – Topic 3
37:09 – Topic 4
41:25 – Tease for next episode
42:30 – Show close
42:45 – Outtakes
NATURAL BORN COACHES
Marc Mawhinny – Natural Born Coaches – Sells consulting for coaches – Podcast is 29 minutes.
:00 – Before we start the show – 10 Clients in 90 Days program
:30 – Recording intro to the show
1:00 – Marc’s introduction of the episode and guest
Jedli – Reading With Your Kids – Sells marketing services for children’s books – Podcast is 33 minutes.
:00 – Recorded introduction
:05 – Jedlie’s podcast introduction
:40 – Jedlie’s show introduction
:45 – RWYK Certified Great Read promo
1:45 – Guest introduction
2:00 – Interview
29:25 – Plug guest’s contact information
30:10 – Interview wrap
30:30 – Tease of next episode
30:45 – RWYK Certified Great Read promo & plug
32:08 – Thank of people that make the show possible
32:26 – Host show close
32:40 – Recorded close
YOUR CLOCK
Whether your show is 8 minutes long or 43 minutes long, it needs a show clock. You need to remind yourself to promote your business. You also need to schedule where and how that will happen.
That is where a show clock comes in. The clock helps you schedule the various parts of your show. My Podcast Talent Coach Show Clock Worksheet will help you put it all together.
In this episode, we talk about the importance and benefit of a structure for your podcast. Build your foundation. Then, build each episode upon that foundation.
Do the little work daily to build your foundation upon which to build your brand.
CHRIS YOUNG
Country artist Chris Young is in town tonight. Probably the 6th time he has been here.
The first time he came was about 10 years ago. He played in the radio station conference room to about 20 people.
The next time here, he played to a small club with a few other artists for a few hundred people.
Then he came to town multiple times opening for other bands.
Tonight, he headlines his own show for about 5,000 people.
Here is a guy that got great exposure on a television singing competition with a big audience. He has put in the consistent and methodical work over time to get where he is today.
Other artists on the singing shows don’t make it, because they haven’t put in the work to create the relationship over time. You can’t create a relationship in 20 weeks of a tv season. It takes years.
DO THE WORK
Do the work. Get rich slowly.
This all starts by creating a structure for your show. You need a focus around a topic that you love. This is your “why”. We discussed this in Episode 233 – Why Are You Creating A Podcast.
You need an idea of what the structure of each show will be. Are you doing interviews or a solo show.
Using that structure, you need to create a show clock that has some consistent elements. This should be your introduction, content and close. Maybe a few features.
Create a clear introduction. Remember, you always have new listeners joining the show. Tell them what you do and why they are here.
Each episode should have a goal. What is it that you are trying to achieve in the episode? Your close should end with a call-to-action.
I have worksheets that help you do all of this. It is part of my new coaching program. It is called
POWERFUL, PROFITABLE PODCASTING
12-WEEK COACHING PROGRAM
Each week, you will get a module of videos to help you build your podcast business.
Once a week, you also get access to a workshop where I teach some of the nuance of building your podcast business and I answer any of your questions regarding the modules.
To make sure you are making progress specifically for your business, you and I have a one-on-one coaching call once a month.
The 12 modules include …
1. YOUR MONEY BASE
The first module is all about show focus and building a foundation for your business
2. ATTRACTING YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER
Learn how to define your ideal customer and listener. Focus your show on your ideal listener. The more you know about your listener, the better you will be able to communicate. Keep this person in mind while recording each show.
3. THE PODCAST AND PROFIT CONNECTION
Each episode must have a goal in mind that builds your authority and moves your listeners closer to becoming clients.
4. GET YOUR LISTENERS TO TAKE ACTION
Defining a goal for your show with a strong call-to-action.
5. THE POWER OF STORY
Use storytelling to engage your audience.
6. GROW YOUR AUDIENCE
How to use interviews to grow your audience.
7. MONEY MAKING IDEAS
Strategies to use your podcast to build a business.
8. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND GROWTH
Review your show with a purpose.
9. GROW YOUR NETWORK
Learn how to create engagement and build relationships.
10. ATTRACT MORE POTENTIAL CLIENTS
This module is all about building ideal lead magnets.
11. SHOW ME THE MONEY
This will teach you to tie all of the pieces together.
12. THE LONGEVITY PROCESS
Learn how to prevent podfading.
STRATEGY CALL
Are you ready to connect your podcast to a business and start making money? Let’s see if this program is right for you.
Take advantage of my free podcast strategy call. We can develop a strategy for your podcast to build your structure and reach your goals.
The strategy call is free. There are no strings attached. It isn’t a sales pitch in disguise. I just help you get clear. At the end of the call, if you feel like Powerful, Profitable Podcasting coaching program is right for you, we can talk about it. That is up to you.
People have been reaching out to start a podcast. Today, I want to help you with 2 things. I want to show you how to start a podcast fast. I also want to show you how to create your episodes quickly.
I have developed a system to help you launch a podcast in four weeks. If you would like me to walk you through launching a podcast, start here:
When I started Podcast Talent Coach, it started out as a blog. I was also writing for the New Media Expo blog, which doesn’t exist any longer.
Dave Jackson from School of Podcastingreached out to me. He said he liked what I was writing and wanted to see what I was up to. After talking for a bit, he said, “You need to start a podcast?”
I thought, “Podcasters probably want to listen to podcasts rather than read a blog.” Pretty big breakthrough, huh?
The blog became the Podcast Talent Coach podcast. Dave was instrumental in helping me learn the ropes and figure out where I needed to go.
Now Dave and I do a podcast together called “The Podcast Review Show“. Podcasters join us on the show to have their podcast reviewed. It is basically a coaching session with the two of us for 60 to 90 minutes. If you would like to be on the show with us, visit PodcastReviewShow.com.
The point is, if you want to get somewhere fast, find someone who has taken the journey that can help you get there.
STEPS TO START A PODCAST
Know your why
Determine a consistent time to record
Create a structure for the process
Define your topic
Determine your target listener
Develop a name for the show
Create your graphics
Get your website set up
Define the style and structure of podcast
Get your gear
If you are doing interviews, determine how you will record the interviews
Schedule the interviews
Record the interviews
Record the open and close after – include a CTA
Edit the show
Add ID3 tags to your file
Create a hosting account and post the show
Post the show to your website
Share the link to the platforms
Promote the show
Review the show and get better
It sounds like a lot of work. You can make it fast by creating a system. If you would like my help, take advantage of my free podcast strategy call. I can help you launch a podcast in four weeks. We can see if that is right for you and your strategy. Find it at PodcastTalentCoach.com/PodcastFast.
FAST EPISODES
Now that your show is launched, you need to create consistent content each week. How do you do that without eating your entire week?
Create a system.
The first thing you need to do is stop worrying about being perfect. Perfect is the enemy of done.
So many podcasters what to edit out every “um” and bump of the desk. They want their show to sound like NPR (National Public Radio).
Realize that NPR shows like Fresh Air, TED Radio Hour and Hidden Brain have a team of producers working on the show. That is a team for EACH show.
I am guessing you don’t have a team of 6 helping you do the research, coordinate the guests and produce your podcast. That doesn’t even take into account the marketing power behind NPR.
You are not going to out-perfect NPR. You will drown trying.
When it comes to business, a good rule of thumb is to be the high-end, exclusive product or the low-cost leader. If you try to live in the middle, you will be average.
So, if you can’t be as perfect as NPR, be natural. Be yourself. When people see your flaws, they know you are just like them.
EFFICIENCIES
Save a bunch of time by minimizing your edit time. Create the minimal viable product and ship it.
Batch your work where possible. If you can write show notes for multiple shows or record multiple episodes at the same time, save time by doing it.
Each time you sit down to do a task, it takes a certain amount of time to get in the right mindset to create. It also takes time to get set up and tear down. Save that time by doing multiple at one sitting.
Now, you are saving prep time. You are saving recording time. You are saving editing time. It will all add up.
I sit down and write a week’s worth of e-mail at one time. It saves me a ton of time trying to write them each day. I record 3 or 4 episodes at the same time. That also saves time.
Create a system that will help you save time.
If you would like my help creating your system, take advantage of my free podcast strategy call. I can help you find areas to save time and create your structure. Find it at PodcastTalentCoach.com/coaching.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Start strong. You can’t catch up to a bad opening. You work hard to get your audience to push play on your podcast. Don’t risk losing them by wandering into your content. Create a powerful introduction to hook their attention.
The presentation given by Goldstein offered a lot of data he gathered during a study of regular podcast listeners. This data provided great insight into the habits of people who regularly consumed podcasts.
One of the interesting facts centered on tune out. After pushing play, at what point do podcasters leave a podcast? How long do you have to capture their attention?
The study showed that most listeners leave a podcast within the first five minutes if they are not engaged in the content.
Five minutes.
In the first five minutes of your show, are you truly capturing the attention of your listener?
There are three introductions each episode should include in order to engage. You need to introduce the podcast. You need to introduce the episode. Finally, you need to introduce each segment.
SHOW
When you open the podcast, tell listeners exactly why they are here. Explain the benefits of the show. What is in it for the listener?
When someone discovers your podcast, it is likely they will listen to the most recent episode. Therefore, you cannot assume they have listened to every episode up to this point. Quickly bring them up to speed on the show.
Your show is like a cocktail party. When someone arrives a couple hours after the party has begun, you need to welcome them with a solid handshake. Then, you need to tell them everything they need to know to get up to speed.
You tell them where the food and drinks are located. You point out the restroom. You let your guest know where to put their coat. Finally, you make some quick introductions to key people at the event.
The same is true for your show. If I am new here, tell me what I need to know to understand the show. Introduce the players and explain their roles. Explain the purpose of the show. Fill me in on the customs and lingo of the podcast.
EPISODE
Once we have explained the show, we need to describe what makes this episode special. Why should I listen to this particular episode? Tell your listener the one benefit they will get by consuming this specific show.
Then, get to the point.
SEGMENT
As you roll through the various parts of the show, tell the listener exactly what they should take from each particular segment. Lead with a strong headline.
Every transition to a new segment is an opportunity for your listener to leave. The more time you waste, the more chance they will eject. Make your transitions quick and clean.
If you interview guests, start strong. Remember that it is your job to introduce the guest. It is not your guest’s responsibility to tell the audience what they need to know.
Find the three most important things that give your guest authority and explain to your audience why they should care. Include those three things in your introduction of the guest. Then, ask a strong question.
Do not start with, “Tell me a little about yourself.” You know your listeners and what they need to know. Your guest does not. Do your job.
Get your guest to drop the script by leading with their plug. “My guest has helped thousands of people [BENEFIT]. You can find her at [WEBSITE]. She has a new book out called [TITLE]. Please welcome [NAME].”
When you give the plug up front, your guest doesn’t need to worry about getting it in. We can now have a conversation.
Goldstein’s PM17 presentation also showed that only 47% listen to the full episode. That means over half of your listeners do not reach the end of your show. You are doing your guest a disservice if you wait to the end.
You are also shorting yourself if you wait until the end of your show to make your own call-to-action. Make it short near the top of the show. Tease that you will provide greater detail later in the episode.
Make each introduction within the show as strong as possible. You can’t catch up to a bad opening. You need to introduce the podcast, the episode and each segment within the show.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
I recently asked my tribe about their podcast struggles and the one thing they are struggling with most. This week, we are going to answer the questions about editing time, the structure of your show and how to get the perfect sound. This will help you get over a few hurdles and conquer your struggles.
EDITING STRUGGLES
I struggle with the production details. Would love to job it out.
Thanks Erik. Enjoying your podcasts. Heard about you via Dave Jackson. Keep up the good work. For me, it’s a tie between editing my podcasts, nailing down interview appointments, and over-the-internet issues during interviews.
Create a shell for your podcast. This is a session in your software that includes your show open, show close and any other recorded elements you use to produce the show each week. This will save you time searching for and inserting the parts.
Make editing easy. If you or your guest messes up, and you know you will need to take it out, pause for ten seconds. I learned this trick from Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting. When you go back to edit, the long silence will be easy to locate making it easy to remove.
Finally, don’t be so worried about removing every “um” and “uh”. A few of those help you sound natural. Simply work over time to remove them completely from your speech pattern. This will take time. Be aware of it. If you aren’t afraid of the silence, your “ums” will eventually go away.
If all else fails, find someone like Steve Stewart to do your show editing for you. Eliminate one of your memberships to pay for it.
STRUCTURE STRUGGLES
We did our first recording the other day and there were a few issues we are having to work out. Sound quality isn’t bad. Small issue with mic technique but the one thing that I can tell we are struggling with is the content. Having a single topic? Three segments? Just the interview? If we just do the interview the user just doesn’t get to know us. We can talk but containing it to say 15 minutes or less seems to be a challenge. Keeping it focused is the thing that seems to be something we are working on. We are going to be doing interviews and two other segments. No such thing as too long, just too boring right? Just want to make sure we do the latter. Thanks.
Jeremy Cox
Humble Pig Studios
@40 Podcast
EKJ: Which part do you enjoy most? Your show should be content that sparks your passion.
If you love interviewing people, interviews should be the biggest part of your show. It will be the best content you deliver, because you are passionate about it. You will continue to push yourself to be better.
With regard to the number of segments and the length of the show, let’s go back to your ideal listener. If you have completed the Target Listener Worksheet from PodcastTalentCoach.com, you have your ideal listener well-defined.
If we know how and why your listener is consuming your content, and what that individual likes most, we can begin to learn how to shape our content. As you mentioned, never too long – only too boring.
The structure of your show may ebb and flow at the beginning. As you get feedback from your audience and watch your download numbers, you will start to learn what they like and dislike.
The day you don’t do the “random thoughts” segment and your e-mail inbox fills with feedback, you’ll know whether or not to add it back in. When an episode gets twice as many downloads as your typical show, you know you may have hit on a hot topic or guest.
The podcast doesn’t need to be perfect right from the start. Launch and adjust as time goes on.
PERFECT SOUND STRUGGLES
I struggle with getting the recording space right to sound professional (I reluctantly ended up having to move into my bedroom as it was the only room in my house with a low ceiling) I had to put rugs on the floor and mattresses up against all the walls. Even still it is hot in my little room – I live in Queensland Australia and I am uncomfortable.
Annie Holden
Getting the levels exactly matched. Even though I know my way around VU meters and send the whole show through a cloud-based leveling service, sometimes my guest, appearing by phone, is not at the same level as me.
I struggle with getting started due to recording equipment.
Kyle Congleton
EKJ: Don’t let the equipment be the excuse for not launching. If you can use Microsoft Word and post to Facebook, chances are you can launch a podcast.
YouTube can be a great source for learning the equipment. Start simple. A USB mic like the Audiotechnica ATR-2100 connected straight into your computer will get you up and running.
Get a crash course on your recording software, like Audacity or Hindenburg.
Then, launch.
The audio doesn’t need to sound perfect. My buddy Kraig Mathias did a show from the park. He would go walking and record the show. It was about online business and money.
The content was great. Who cares that there are birds in the background?
Have you ever listened to the Marketing Secrets podcast with Russell Brunson? It was formerly called Marketing In Your Car, because he would just hit record before he started driving and record the whole podcast on the way to the office.
People will listen to great content with average audio. Great audio will never save poor content.
Here are a few tips. To minimize the background noise, make sure you are using a cardioid or directional microphone. This will do a great job picking up the audio source right in front of the mic without allowing much ambient noise to get through. Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from all directions.
You can also minimize background noise by being closer to the mic, even touching it. This will allow you to turn down your gain.
The entire room doesn’t necessarily need to be muffled by soundproofing. If you build some soundproofing right behind and close to your mic, the sound waves from you voice will be greatly absorbed without bouncing around the room.
To balance you and your guest, you can use some software like Skype Call Recorder that will allow you to record each person on a separate track. This setting is also available in some other conference software.
You can accomplish separate tracks by using multiple tracks through a sound board as well. This takes a little more set up and mix minus. This is higher level than beginners need to tackle.
Remember, most people are not listening to your podcast in ideal conditions. They are not in a perfectly quiet room wearing enclosed headphones. They are typically at the gym or in the car or mowing the lawn. Ideal sound quality isn’t critical in most situations.
Spend more time worrying about your content and having fun.
Do you need help with your podcast to conquer your struggles? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
When you are trying to ramp up your podcast from nothing to consistently publishing a podcast a week, you need to develop a plan. That plan should contain a few critical steps.
To be successful, develop an overview of the show. Build a structural foundation that you can use for each episode. Review your show to get the best content. Finally, create a schedule to create your content every week.
In this episode, I will help you build that plan.
PODCASTERS’ SOCIETY
If you would like to surround yourself with podcasters and experts to help you along the path, Daniel J. Lewis’ Podcasters’ Society is open again at a discount for a short time. This is a fantastic community and resource that will help you take your podcast from average to amazing. You will find tools to improve your content, presentation, production, promotion, and profit.
Save on your registration by using my affiliate link.
It is much easier to succeed when you surround yourself with people who support you. Then, be consistent as you publish.
I am in a mastermind with 3 other guys. We support and help each other along our business journey. We also keep each other accountable.
Facebook groups and memberships are another great way to learn and be held accountable. I am an affiliate of Daniel J. Lewis’ Podcasters’ Society. It is a great membership site to help you develop your podcast and solve problems you encounter.
Podcasters’ Society has an amazing community of podcasters and experts to help you along. I am one of the experts participating in the group quite often.
In this episode, I am going to walk you through planning your entire podcasts from show development to review. This will help you create that consistency.
Then, I will tell you all about Podcasters’ Society and how that can help you as well. Just know, right now you can get a special rate using my discount code to save a ton.
Podcasters’ Society is typically $49/month, which would be $588/year if you paid monthly. Let me help you knock $159 off of that.
Daniel has already discounted the annual rate to $479/year. That is a savings of $109 over paying monthly. I have convinced him to give my listeners an additional discount of $50. That saves you $159 off the first year for a rate of $429 for the first year. On top of that, you get to keep the $479/year rate after your first year. This discount is only available until the end of August.
If you choose the monthly option to try it out, you can save $15 off your first month. Instead of $49 for the first month, you will only pay $34. However, that rate returns to $49 in the second month. You will save much more using the annual savings.
So, let’s develop your show and take you from zero to a podcast a week. You must have a plan.
Your podcast won’t happen unless you schedule your work. Nothing gets done until it is scheduled.
We will develop an overview of the show. We will lay a structural foundation for each episode. I will teach you how to review your show to get the best content. Then, we will lay out a schedule to create your content every week.
Each of these steps comes straight out of my Podcast Talent Coach Worksheet library. You can access these worksheets for free by clicking here:
Webinars – Promo Strategy, Podcast Reviews, Audio Mastering, Podcast Profit Q&A – 64 now and adding nearly every week.
Tutorials – Music, Photos, Opt-Ins, Mails – 32 as of now
Courses – Zoom H6 for Podcasters, Simple Guide to Recording Interviews and Conversations on Skype, plus many more
Tools & Discounts
Forums
You can requests resources you’d like to see developed
Slack community and real-time chat
Learn and be part of the community
If you would like to join me in Podcasters’ Society, do it before the end of August. Your membership is typically $49/month, which would be $588/year if you paid monthly. Let me help you knock $159 off of that.
Daniel has already discounted the annual rate to $479/year. That is a savings of $109. I have convinced him to give my listeners an additional discount of $50. That saves you $159 off the first year for a rate of $429 for the first year. On top of that, you get to keep the $479/year rate after your first year.
Even if you do not take me up on the Podcasters’ Society offer, download the FREE worksheet library and begin developing your content plan this week. By developing the foundation for consistency, you will go from zero to a podcast a week in no time.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
Creating Consistency – My Podcast Workflow – Episode 166
Creating consistency with content using a podcast workflow
How do you find time to record your podcast? Consistency is an important part of building an audience. This week, I thought I would share my podcast workflow to help you create more consistency with your show.
Before we begin, I want to share with you two things.
First, I launched a Facebook group last week for podcast interviews. If you conduct interviews on your podcast, join our group here:
We are helping each other find great guests and become better interviewers.
Next, I received a great e-mail from one of my coaching clients. This shows the power of taking action.
Erik,
I’m listening to the episode on how to get guests while driving home last night. As u go thru each tip, I say “yeah yeah yeah” until u said those magic words “make the ask short and offer something of value to the guest” and it was like a lightening bolt.
I pulled off on the side of the road and messaged a top-of-the-food-chain guest I’ve been chasing w no results for a while ,,,,,, and said, “Hey I have an opportunity to highlight your vision (something I know he is pushing) and if u can give me a 30 second sound bite I can record it and put it out.”
It worked. I got the clip today and a commitment for an interview As I reflect on it, I’ve been trying to impress him w how good my podcast is instead of figuring out what he needed so I could offer that thing of value.
One of your most important messages is of being a servant of guests and listeners and giving the something. Thanks Erik.
Regardless of the information and training I provide you, none of it will matter unless you actually put it to work.
That is why I love working with Rick and his co-host Anne. When I make recommendations to them in our coaching sessions, they put the suggestions into effect and see results. They do the work. I’m so proud of them.
If you would like information on my coaching services, get details here.
Now, let’s talk about your podcast workflow and consistency.
Many podcasters will post episodes consistently. Then life will get in the way causing them to miss a few. They will then get back on track.
When this inconsistency happens, they will often reach out to me wondering why they cannot get their downloads to grow.
Listening is a habit. Help your listeners to develop that habit.
THE BENCHMARK
Have you ever listened to a radio show where they do a bit at the same time every day? You know you are on time on the way to work if you hear the game or joke or trivia question when you are at the corner of 16th and Broadway.
In news radio, the network news typically airs right at the top of the hour. These stations sometimes do “traffic on the tens”, where they air the traffic report every ten minutes at ten past, twenty after, etc. Morning shows on music stations might play their contest every morning at 7:20, creating consistency on the show. The station might do a lunchtime feature playing nothing by 80s music.
In radio, we call these a benchmark. The definition of a benchmark is a standard or point of reference against which things can be compared or assessed. When the radio feature happens at the same time each day, that is the point of reference for the show.
The benchmark tells listeners they are in the right spot at the right time. It becomes a habit, because listeners are listening at the same time each day. The feature provides stability and consistency in the life of your listener.
Your show can do the same thing when you are consistent. Listeners may not listen every Tuesday at 6pm when you post. However, they might listen every Thursday at 7am on their way to work, because they know a new episode is there when they tune in. When you don’t publish, the promise and habit are broken.
To create consistency, I have found focus is critical. My podcast is the center of all I do. If I do not create the podcast episode, nothing else matters. Therefore, I have scheduled a specific time each week to record the podcast. I built my podcast workflow to streamline the process. If it doesn’t get scheduled, it doesn’t happen.
You should do the same thing. Schedule the time. Build your podcast workflow. Make it happen.
There is another step that helps me create consistency. I batch my recording. Each time I go into the studio, I record three episodes. This step also helps me work ahead just in case life gets in the way.
I use the podcast time during the weeks I am not recording to write the outlines for new episodes.
Let’s go over my podcast workflow for each episode. This will help you plan your episodes and schedule your time to record. Most of all, a plan will help you create consistency with your show and a habit for your listener.
A good rule of thumb is one hour of preparation for every hour of show. That involves gathering your information and outlining it for the show.
Once your show is recorded, you will probably spend another hour or two posting it and promoting it. If you want traffic, you need to spend most of your time promoting and marketing your content.
If you wish to create more engagement and increase downloads with your podcast, begin focusing on consistency. Schedule your podcasts. Create a podcast workflow. Then, begin to market your show as much as you can.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
This week on the podcast, we discuss 5 steps to ensure your proper podcast preparation.
But first, did you get my free e-book with 15 tips to improve your podcast this week? This resource containg 15 tips that are quick and easy to implement that can improve your show immediately.
If you would like your free copy, text “15Tips” to 44222. That’s one fie T-I-P-S to 44222. I’ll shoot you all the details.
This week, let’s talk about proper podcast preparation for your episode to ensure you are reaching your goals.
SHOW PLANNING
You must know where you’re going before you can actually get there. That statement is true with a road trip and it is also true with your podcast. When you set out to record a show, you must have goals in mind. Once you’ve determined what you hope to accomplish, you can then decide how you will make it happen.
So many podcasters seem to record their show less than fully prepared. I hear hosts often search for details that should be right at their fingertips. There is no reason to lack the proper information while you are doing your show. If you’ve fully prepared for your podcast, the information should be right in front of you.
Is rehearsal really the enemy of spontaneity?
Many people refuse to rehearse any part of their podcast, because they feel it will remove all spontaneity from the show.
Think about a speech you have given. When you have only rehearsed the speech a couple times, anxiety sets in.
Thinking about making a mistake makes you nervous. Your lack of preparation is the cause. You worry that you may forget something. You are not prepared.
On the other hand, when you have rehearsed the speech many, many times, you eventually know it by heart. You begin to feel much more confident. The worry isn’t present. You begin to relax.
When you relax, the spontaneity kicks in.
Spontaneity in your speech happens most when you aren’t worried about the mechanics of the presentation. Your mind is allowed to move naturally through the material.
This relaxation helps you become truly engaged with the audience and material. Wonderful, creative, spontaneous things happen when you reach this point.
The same can be said for your podcast. When you know the material, have defined a specific goal for the show, and have mapped out a plan to achieve that goal, your podcast will be filled with many “oh wow” moments.
When you worry about your content, you have no brain power left for spontaneous things to happen.
Where are you spending your time? Are you too busy thinking about the next question and blocking out the spontaneity? Is rehearsal really the enemy of spontaneity?
FIVE POINTS
There are five key steps to proper podcast preparation. Taking these five steps each time you record will give your show focus, make your show more entertaining, and create stronger relationships with your listeners. These steps will also make you sound more professional.
If you have ever fought the impostor syndrome, being more prepared will help you win that battle.
The impostor syndrome, or impostor phenomenom, is the psychological phenomemon in which people are unable to interalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence that proves they are deserving and successful, those that suffer from impostor syndrome do not feel they deserve the success. These people believe their success came about not because of skill or expertise, but more because of luck or manipulation.
Students sometimes face this phenomenom in college when they tell themselves they really don’t belong in such an esteemed university and others may soon discover the fraud.
It is common for us all to experience the impostor syndrome to some extent. The phenomenom is roughly the opposite of your ego. Your ego is telling you that you are the best around and people should admire everything you’ve done. Your internal impostor is then telling you that you have no authority to be doing this. You are a fake and a fraud with no credibility. The only reason you are in this position according to your internal impostor is because nobody has yet discovered the truth.
Both your ego and impostor exist within you. Learning how to manage both is a challenge. Being well prepared for your show and having the confidence to stick to the plan will help you win that battle.
Here are the five steps for adequate podcast preparation.
1. YOUR GOAL
Overall, what do you hope to accomplish with this particular show? Define the call to action you hope to make your listeners take. Here, you are defining the ultimate purpose of this specific show.
The purpose of this particular episode may be more focused than the overall goal for the podcast as a whole. If the general goal for your podcast is to teach people to coach lacrosse, the goal of the show today might be to discuss the power of Double-Goal Coaching. The goal today is a subset of the goal for the podcast overall.
Your call to action of your show could be many things. It could be teaching your audience in order to build relationships, sales of your product, visiting your website, supporting your cause, joining your club or simply listening again. Know what you hope to accomplish before you begin the journey.
Knowing the goal for your show will help you develop a filter for your subject matter and topics. When each topic passes through this goal filter, you will be able to determine if the topic should be part of the show and how to best handle the content. Your show filter helps keep the show focused. You cannot build your filter until you first know the goal of your show.
Let’s take the “School of Podcasting” podcast with Dave Jackson for example. Dave is focused on helping people lauch podcasts. He wants to help as many people as possible get up and running with their own show. Therefore, everything Dave does on his show is centered around that goal. His content goes through that show filter.
Dave also reviews podcasts. Reviewing shows isn’t part of launching shows. Dave has a completely separate podcast called the “Podcast Review Show”. Where “School of Podcasting” is focused on launching, “Podcast Review Show” is focused on improving. Both shows have their own unique filter for the content.
The goal you develop for your show will build a focus for your podcast. When your show has focus, people know what to expect. Consistency is developed with your content. You also build confidence to fight your inner impostor when you consistently reach that goal each and every show.
2. STRUCTURE DEFINES TOPICS
Once you have developed the goal for your podcast and a goal for this particular episode, you need to determine which topics you hope to discuss today.
Topics come in many different forms. A podcast will sometimes focus on one topic for the entire show. Sometimes a podcast will have an overall theme while handling a few different topics under the umbrella of that theme. There are podcasts that answer various listener questions during the show. Others interview guests. And yet, some podcasts combine many styles into one show. How you approach your show is completely up to you. That is one thing that makes podcasting so great. You are in control.
Your show should have a structure that you follow for each episode. Your structure is a rough guideline that can easily be followed by your listeners. You might start the show with your show open and a quick overview of the episode. You could then include some news about your business and the industry in general. A short guest inteview could be next followed by listener e-mail questions. Finally, you could end with a recap and contact information. Each week, you simply plug in new content to each segment.
On the other hand, your show may only be an interview each week. It could be very focused and streamlined. You get to decide.
Once you have built the structure for your show, you can easily determine which topics will fill each particular episode. You can look at the structure in the example above and know exactly what you need. To record today’s show, I would need my show open, my outline, a list of news headlines, my recorded interview, and a list of e-mail questions and supporting answers.
Many people forget to bring the answers to the questions. Have your answers outlined to ensure you have any supporting material you need to appropriately answer the questions. When you try to answer the questions off the cuff, you will inevitably forget some important facts. It is best to make some notes before you begin recording. That takes us to the next step.
3. STRATEGY FOR EACH TOPIC
When developing your strategy, you need to determine how you will address each topic. Whether you are presenting information, answering questions or interviewing guests, there are many ways to address each topic. You do not need to do it the same way every other podcast does it. Be unique. Find the way that will stand out.
If you are interviewing, do you need to ask the same questions that every other podcast asks? What if you play a game with each guest called “The Hat of Forbidden Questions”. It’s a hat filled with crazy questions. You simply reach in the hat, pull out a question and ask whatever is on the card. It is completely different than every other podcast. It will also get unique answers while engaging your guest in a unique manner.
Here is a tip many people forget. This is show business. You could play “The Hat of Forbidden Questions” and never even have a hat. You could have a list of crazy questions for your guest written out and simply pretend to reach into a hat. This is show business. You are here to entertain.
Do you think the actors in “Seinfeld” or “The Sopranos” ad lib their lines? Of course not. Do you find it less entertaining when they follow the script? Of course not. There is no reason you cannot add a little show biz to your show.
Just be sure to always be true to the show. If you are going to pretend there is a hat, you MUST ALWAYS pretend there is a hat. Giving up the showbiz secret will ruin everything. On the other hand, you could really have a hat and have a ton of fun with it.
Determine how you will approach each topic. Will you play audio examples? Will you play voice messages from your listeners? Are you going to read e-mail? Maybe there is a guest contributor. Determine each approach before the show begins.
4. OUTLINE
Once you’ve created the show topics and the strategy for each topic, you need to create an outline for the show that includes each topic.
An outlines serves two primary purposes. First, you can use this outline in your show open. It will give the audience an idea of the content in the show today. Second, the outline will keep you focused during your show. The outline will help you determine where you are going and serve as a reminder of how you plan to approach each topic.
Your outline should be detailed, but not scripted. Include the important facts and notes on your outline. You will want this information at your fingertips during your show. When you begin telling a story and you don’t have the specifics right in front of you, the story gets off course and you lose momentum.
Build the outline with enough content to help you get through the information, but not so much that your show becomes scripted. You simply need to write down enough information to remind you where you are going. It is the map you are following. Road maps don’t show every detail of every building along the route. They simply draw a line to represent a road. You get the idea and end up at your destination. The same is true with your outline.
Do not write a script. Tell stories instead of reading them. If you sound like you are reading your information, you will sound stale and boring. Engage with your audience by telling stories. Make the stories come to life by using great words and inflection in your voice. You won’t get that energy, excitement and engagement when you read a script.
5. THE DETAILS
The final step before recording your show is gathering your details and supporting information. This includes the facts, figures, details and other elements will you need for each topic. Gather all of the information you need before the show begins.
Look over your outline to ensure you have each piece of supporting content. Make sure you have the facts to your stories. Gather the audio elements you plan to include. Round up any e-mails you plan to address. You do not want to waste the time of your audience while you search through your inbox trying to find that one great question you hoped to include during the show today. Be prepared.
If names are important to the story, jot them down. If dates or a timeline is a critical part of the tale, make note of it. I hear shows go astray quite often when the host cannot remember the web address for their story. The often say something like, “Hold on, I’ll find it here.” You then hear them tapping on their computer while searching Google to get the address. If they knew they were going to approach this topic with this particular story, the web address should have been part of the outline. Be prepared.
I recently heard a podcast trying to remember the web address for one of their topics. The host couldn’t come up with it. He paused recording the show, found the address and then started recording again. This is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes you don’t realize you need a piece of information until you are well into the story.
The issue I have with the way he handled the situation is how he addressed it during the show.
He said something like, “There is a website that will help you with this. It is … uh. Oh, what it is. It is something like WebAddress.com or something. Oh, I can’t remember right now. It’s a great web site. Ok, I just paused the recording and found it. It is GoodWebAddress and it gives you everything you need.” The “Ok, I just paused the recording and found it” line came out of nowhere. Listening to the show, I couldn’t tell he stopped recording and started again. The context was completely out of whack. The listener heard no pause. The subject matter simply started again in another place.
Now, he didn’t say those words exactly. I am paraphrasing. I am also keeping his name and podcast out of it, because I don’t want to embarrass him or disparage his show. This is simply to make a point. His show is great. More importantly, I don’t have his permission to name him or his show.
With a few creative edits in post production, you would never have known he didn’t have the information in front of him. It is show business. This is about your credibility. You are trying to build trust with your audience. If you look unprepared, you look amatuer. Sure, reveal your flaws during your show. But, don’t look like you are unsure of your content.
In post production, he could have edited the content to say, “There is a website that will help you with all of this. (edit) The website is GoodWebAddress. It gives you everything you need.” No need to look unprepared. Take two minutes to make it sound professional.
Get all information in front of you that you will need to record your show. Force yourself to stick to your outline of your content. When you start following tangents that are not on the outline, you get into territory for which you haven’t prepared and have no supporting information. You then fight to get back on track.
Build your reputation, trust and credibility by being a prepared, professional podcaster everytime. Even if you are only doing it as a hobby, you need people to trust you in order to bring them back episode after episode. Your supporing information right in front of you before the show begins will help you sound knowledgeable and prepared.
PODCAST PREPARATION RECAP
1. Your goal
2. Your structure defines your topics
3. Create a strategy for each topic
4. Outline
5. Information
Next week: How to increase podcast listener engagement.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. Post any questions or comments you might have, or e-mail me at Erik@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
When you organize your content, you allow yourself to be more creative during recording. You actually allow for more spontaneity and creativity.
Many podcasters believe that planning all of their content removes the opportunity for things to happen. Does planning remove the fun from your show?
Not at all.
When you spend less time trying to think of the next piece of content, you can spend more time thinking about how to make the next piece of content amazing.
Organizing your content is the key to allowing your content to become entertainment.
THE CLOCK
The one tool most radio hosts use to organize their show is a show clock. This is basically a schedule of what is to happen on the show and when those pieces of content occur.
The show clock becomes even more important when you have a co-host. The clock puts all members of the show on the same page. Each host knows exactly what is coming up and when it is supposed to happen.
There are two versions of a clock. One is a circular clock face. The other is a list.
Both versions list the title of the segment, a description of the content, when that content is due to happen on the show and how long is it supposed to last.
For example, the show open will be first. It might be the 60-second recorded theme. That would be followed by a 4-minute introduction. This would include the tease of the content coming up in the show along with guest information.
As you complete the clock, you continue to fill it out in this manner.
Now that you have the schedule for the show, you can use your brain power to make each piece of content amazing. Be creative. Add details and stories to the notes. Know exactly how you will make it engaging. Get that call-to-action in there.
Your clock will be similar in every episode. Most start with the show theme and intro. Most end with the closing. The meat in between might change. The clock allows you to be creative.
SPONTANEITY
Many people refuse to rehearse any part of their podcast, because they feel it will remove all spontaneity from the show.
Think about a speech you have given. When you have only rehearsed the speech a couple times, anxiety sets in right before you go onstage.
On the other hand, when you have rehearsed the speech many, many times, you eventually know it by heart. The anxiety level of presenting the material isn’t as high. When you begin, you feel much more confident. The worry about making mistakes or forgetting parts isn’t present. You relax. This is when the spontaneity kicks in.
Spontaneity in your speech happens most when you aren’t worried about the mechanics of the presentation. Your mind is allowed to move naturally through the material. This helps you become truly engaged with the audience and material. Wonderful, creative, spontaneous things happen when you reach this point.
The same can be said for your podcast. When you know the material, have defined a specific goal for the show, and have mapped out a plan to achieve that goal, your podcast will be filled with many “oh wow” moments.
The show clock allows you to rehearse and organize the content before you hit record. It will put you at ease and allow you to be creative.
Try it this week. Download the show clock and organize your content for your next episode.
You can download the PTC Show Clock template in the worksheet section online at PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Next week, you’ll learn how to make the best use of your co-host to create compelling content and engage your listeners.
Do you struggle to find time to create your podcast each week? I think it is a challenge we all face at some point in time.
I have a few tips that can help you streamline your process while still creating great content. This week, I want to walk you through the process I use when creating my podcast every week.
This is part of a content creation series. Last week, we discussed reviewing your show to improve your content. Determining your goal for the episode and evaluating your progress is a critical step for improvement.
Over the next couple weeks, we will talk about organizing your content and making the best use of your co-host.
This podcast started nearly 3 years ago. I knew I could use the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 25 years in radio to help podcasters improve their shows.
When I began recording the show, the process would take me hours every week. It felt like I would get one show posted and promoted only to begin creating the next episode.
Over time, I learned that I needed to spend more time promoting my show than I was spending to create the content. The content needed to be great. But it wouldn’t have any effect if nobody knew about it.
The key is spending 25% of your time creating great content and 75% of your time promoting that content.
To free up time to promote your podcast, you need to streamline the content creation process. Find the areas that can be combined, removed or refined in order to shorten the time it takes to create your podcast.
The plan is fluid. The topics change if listener feedback or topics of the day warrant a move. The planner simply gives me a basic framework.
The planner includes episode date, post type, category and headline. I also include call-to-action, offer and marketing info in the plan. It is flexible. You can customize it in a way that fits you best.
I took a few hours one Saturday and completed the planner.
Topic Development Worksheet
This helps me flush out the focus of the episode. Download it for free at PodcastTalentcoach.com.
Why is the topic relevant? How will you make the audience care? What emotion do you hope to stir? Where will you take the topic?
There are 11 total questions on the worksheet to help you focus and make the content as powerful as possible.
I use the topic from the planner to complete the worksheet. On a Saturday morning, I will usually complete 2 or 3 worksheets for upcoming episodes. These 3 worksheets take me about an hour to complete.
Show Outline
After I complete the worksheet, I create a show outline. These are the big points I want to hit during the episode. This will serve as the framework as I record.
After the outline is complete, I add any details that need to be included. This would include names, web addresses, examples, stories or anything else that will support my topic.
Each outline will take me about an hour to complete. So, it takes about 3 hours to complete all three outlines.
Overall, worksheets and outlines take me about four hours on a Saturday morning. Now I am ready to record.
Batch Recording
In order to avoid feeling like all of my time is eaten by the content creation process, I batch my recording whenever possible.
After creating my outlines, I am ready to record three episodes. This usually takes place on Sunday mornings for me. I head to the studio and knock out a batch of episodes.
To record my 30-minute podcast, it usually takes me about an hour. This includes recording, editing, processing and saving. Knocking out all three episodes usually takes me about three hours.
All in, writing, recording and editing three shows will take me about 7 hours of time. However, because I have batched the process, I am now set for three weeks. If you average it out, the time is just over two hours a week. The batch process frees up a lot of time to promote the show.
Post and Promote
Podcast Talent Coach podcast is posted late Wednesday night. I upload the show to Libsyn. Then, I post the Libsyn link, show notes, all website links and a graphic on my website. This will typically take me about an hour.
After the show is posted, I create my e-mail to all of the members on my list. I find ways to help them in addition to the content.
Making this e-mail free and valuable is critical. I want to be able to provide my members information they can put to work immediately. This includes tips, resources, links and free downloads.
The promotion of the episode is not the sole intent of the e-mail, though it is an important part.
To further promote the episode, I post the graphic I created for the post on Twitter and Facebook.
The promotion of the show requires another hour or so. That is two hours of posting a promoting each Wednesday night.
Now, I have given myself the rest of the week to engage on social media and comment on other shows. I can use the time to post to forums and appear on other podcasts. My coaching work with other podcasters also takes up time during the week.
Overall, my podcasting endeavors requires about ten hours a week on average. I keep the work concentrated, focused and batched where possible. This allows me more time to work on my business rather than in it. (See “The E-Myth Revisited“.)
This week, take time to assess your entire process. Where can you batch your process? How can you streamline your content creation?
FIND ALL OF MY RESOURCES HERE.
If you would like a Podcast Talent Coach workbook that will walk you through the entire batch of worksheets step-by-step, it is available in paperback or Kindle versions online at PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Next week, you’ll learn how to organize your podcast content to create focus with powerful, impactful content.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
On a recent episode of the Podcast Review Show that I do with Dave Jackson, we got into a discussion with a podcaster who struggles with the introduction of his show. This happens with so many hosts. How do you properly begin an episode? What are the important elements of a solid podcast introduction? What is the purpose?
We were talking with Doug Salamone of Mind Drippings podcast. On this particular episode, Doug was interviewing Taylor Pearson, author of “The End Of Jobs”. Doug said he was having trouble forming the introduction of his interviews.
Before you begin your show, determine what are you hoping people will take from the interview. What is the point?
Many podcast introductions are a waste of time. They host wanders into the episode rather than creating anticipation and setting up the content that is to come.
“Tell us a little about yourself, who you are and what you do.” It is such an overused first questions.
Do your homework. Know the important facts about your guest that support the topic. Provide those pieces of information right at the beginning. Then, hit the ground running with great questions.
Make your podcast introduction compelling. It should make your audience want to stick around for the payoff. I hear so many shows begin with their standard show open immediately followed by a bunch of housekeeping. Don’t waste the time of your audience. Your introduction should make a promise (tell the audience what to expect). You should then follow through on that promise (give them the content they expect).
Last week, we discussed the purpose of a strong podcast introduction. This week, I want to walk you through the steps of creating your powerful purpose and intriguing introduction.
What do you hope to make the audience laugh at, marvel at or better understand?
What is in it for them?
Why is the topic relevant to your audience?
How will you make the audience care?
What is the source of the topic?
How will the source lend credibility to the topic?
What do you find intriguing about the topic?
What emotion do you hope to stir?
In what context will the story be set?
Where will you take the topic? Where will the story go?
What details will you use?
What is the one thing you hope your listener will remember about you/your show?
Write the intriguing introduction to your topic.
Before you begin your show, determine what are you hoping people will take from the interview. What is the point?
Do your homework. Know the important facts about your guest that support the topic. Provide those pieces of information right at the beginning in your podcast introduction. Then, hit the ground running with great questions.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.
How Radio And Podcasting Are The Same – Episode 118
The podcast “elite” will sometimes say, “This isn’t radio, this is podcasting. It’s different here.”
Well, I have news for you. Podcasting and radio are more alike than some will admit. You could benefit a bit by recognizing the similarities and borrowing the best practices.
There are many ways that radio and podcasting are the same.
The Same …
1. Same Tools
Both create with audio equipment.
This one is pretty obvious. Both are creating shows using a mic and other audio equipment.
The different ways the equipment is used makes it art. One sculptor may work with wood when another works with rock. Both are still sculptors and artists.
2. Same Approach
Both sit in a room alone trying to entertain people they cannot see.
It sounds crazy when you say it out loud. Both podcasters and broadcasters sit alone in a room talking with people they can neither see nor hear. Both try to predict the reaction of the listener while creating the entertainment.
3. Same Conversation
Both have real conversations with the listener.
Being authentic is critical to success of both podcasters and listeners. Both try to build knowledge and trust with the audience in order to develop a relationship.
4. Same Visions
Both create images in the mind of the listener.
When you tell great stories, your listener gets to know you. This is part of the “know, like and trust” philosophy of doing business.
Stories with vivid details allow the listener to develop images in the theater of the mind. These stories allow her to enjoy the story in her own way.
5. Same Experience
Both are individual activities.
When two people watch the same video, little is left to the imagination. When the same two people hear audio, each will develop individual images in their mind.
No two images will be identical. Listening is an individual activity.
6. Same Connection
Both try to make a one-on-one connection and create a following.
The podcaster and broadcaster are both trying to create a tribe for their content. If you are not trying to grow your audience, you will eventually be talking to yourself.
7. Same Episodes
Both produce episodic content that keeps listeners returning.
This is especially true in talk radio. Content is regularly produced by both podcasters and broadcasters. Those episodes of content build upon each other to create an ongoing show.
8. Same Goal
Both hope to capitalize on the attention using a strong call-to-action.
Content is created by both in order to attract an audience. Once the audience is built, both try to activate that audience with a call-to-action.
The goal may be monetization, support or simply returning for the next episode. Either way, both hope to move a group of people.
9. Both Can Interact
Both are able to interact in real time.
This wasn’t true a few years ago. However, now that technology has come such a long way, both podcasters and broadcasters can interact with the audience in real time.
Podcasters chat with their listeners in real time using phone systems, Google hangout, chat rooms, and other methods. No longer is this feature limited to broadcasters.
… And Sometimes Different
There are a few features of podcasting that differs from broadcasting.
1. Podcasters Time Shift
Podcasting can be time shifted. This can be a benefit over broadcasting.
Podcast listeners can enjoy the show anytime they would like. They do not need to be next to the radio at a given time in order to hear their favorite show.
This is a feature and not necessarily something that makes podcasting inherently different from broadcasting. When we are talking about the art and goal of the audio, this is just a different way of delivering.
2. Podcasters Benefit From The Beginning
Podcast listeners start at the beginning. Mark Ramsey did a great session on this at New Media Expo 2015.
Some broadcast listeners join the show at the beginning and some join in the middle of the show. Podcast listeners all start at the beginning of the episode.
Rarely will a podcast listener download a show, scroll through to the 17:00 mark and begin listening there unless there is a specific direction to do so.
3. Podcasters Can Niche Down
Podcasting can afford to be more niche. By nature of the medium, broadcasting must be mass appeal. This is definitely a benefit for podcasting.
4. Podcasting Is Inclusive
Almost anyone can create a podcast. Podcasting requires a minimal investment. This makes it easy for most to get involved. There is no limit to the number of podcasts that can be created.
Getting on the radio requires getting through the gate keeper. Your other option is to buy your own station. Both are quite difficult.
Again, advantage podcasting.
The nine similarities between the two formats are largely foundational. The essence of the art is the same. The goal, methodology and tactics are identical between the podcasting and radio.
Podcasting enjoys a few benefits over broadcasting. The few differences are hardly enough to proclaim podcasting much different than radio.
I’d love to know what you think. E-mail me anytime at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Should You Change Your Introduction? – Episode 107
Should you change your introduction? Is it time to freshen it up?
I get this question a lot when I’m coaching clients. Before we can adequately answer the question, we need to examine the purpose of an introduction.
The first thing we learned in speech class was the structure of a speech. A good speech is built with an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Your podcast is no different. However, it may be structured like a series of tiny speeches.
Let’s just look at the introduction of the podcast itself.
Your introduction should set up your podcast. It should be an intriguing introduction that tells the listener exactly what the podcast is all about. What will I get when I listen? It doesn’t matter whether your podcast is 10 minutes or 60 minutes long. You need to tell the listener what is to come.
“Welcome to the Podcast Talent Coach Podcast. My name is Erik Johnson. Over the next 30 minutes, we will help you transform your information into engaging entertainment and turn your podcast into powerful, profitable relationships.”
With that quick introduction, I told you exactly what to expect. You know the name of my podcast. You know the name of the host. You know exactly how long my podcast will run. You know the goal we are setting out to accomplish. I’ve also put you in the mix by referencing your dreams and how my podcast will help you. In those brief seconds, I’ve given you who, what, when and why.
Your introduction must be intriguing. This is true for the overall podcast introduction and the introduction to your stories. “Today we are going to talk about work” is not intriguing. That will not make anyone want to stick around to hear what you have to say, especially for 30 minutes or an hour. “Do you love your work? Do you think it’s possible? Well, you’re about to find out.” That is the intro to Dan Miller’s “48 Days” podcast. That is a statement that will stir some emotion and make people listen through to the end.
It is critical that you tell the listener what your podcast is all about EVERY time. Each week, you will be gaining new listeners. You cannot assume they heard the first podcast, or even one of the first twenty-five. Each time you begin an episode, you have to assume someone is hearing your show for the first time. Your introduction will welcome them into the party and get them up to speed.
Even those people that have been listening since the beginning will find comfort hearing that consistent opening they can almost recite verbatim. They’ll feel like they are in the club. Your introduction tells your listener they are in the right spot.
Remember, it is every time.
Failing to introduce every time is the one misstep I hear most often with podcasts. Talent get too comfortable with their podcast after doing it ten or twenty times. The podcast gets lucky enough to make it into the top ten. People discover it, and the podcast begins with no introduction as if the listener stepped into the middle of a conversation. It becomes uncomfortable for the new listeners. The podcast suddenly stops growing its audience. Remember, your show will always be new to somebody.
You will have new listeners every time you post a new podcast. You cannot assume your audience has heard your podcast before. You need to set up the show at the beginning to let the new audience members know what they can expect while letting the returning fans feel comfortable without being bored.
THREE QUESTIONS
There are three questions you should answer to help you form your introduction.
1. What do you hope to make the listener feel with this story? Your introduction should stir some emotion. You need to establish the atmosphere right out of the gate.
2. How will you engage the listener with your introduction? Hook them immediately. Make them care right at the beginning. What is in it for them?
3. What will your position for your show? This will help you define the structure of the show and tell your listener what is to come. Are you teaching? Is it an interview or debate? Are you answering questions from listeners?
So, should you change it up? If your introduction is doing the job of informing your listeners and encouraging them to listen to the episode, then there is little reason to change.
REMEMBER THESE INTRODUCTIONS?
Your regular listeners find comfort in your show open. Many people dislike change.
Remember some of these tv themes? Cheers ran for 11 seasons. Friends ran for 10 seasons. M.A.S.H. lasted for 10 seasons with the same introduction.
The Simpsons debuted in 1989 and has been running for 27 seasons. Over the 27 seasons, the series had two revisions. The first revision was at the beginning of the second season when the graphics were improved. The other revision happened for season 20 when the show moved to HD.
Both revisions were necessary to add new characters and a few other updates. The unique quirks in the intro where Bart is writing on the chalkboard and other jokes keep the intro fresh. However, it has basically been the same intro for 26 years.
If your introduction is enticing people to listen to your episode, it is succeeding. There is no real reason to change it. Don’t change for the sake of changing. You just might make your regular listeners feel uncomfortable. People know what they like and like what they know.
I would love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
Developing your strategy involves determining how you will uniquely address each topic. Whether you are presenting information, answering questions or interviewing guests, there are many ways to address each topic. You do not need to do it the same way every other podcast does it. Be unique. Find the way that will stand out.
If you are interviewing, do you need to ask the same questions that every other podcast asks? What if you play a game with each guest called “The Hat of Forbidden Questions”. It’s a hat filled with crazy questions. You simply reach in the hat, pull out a question and ask whatever is on the card. The method is completely different than every other podcast. This approach will also generate unique answers while engaging your guest in a unique manner.
Here is a tip many people forget. This is show business. You could play “The Hat of Forbidden Questions” and never even have a hat. You could have a list of crazy questions for your guest written out and simply pretend to reach into a hat. This is show business. You are here to entertain.
Do you think the actors in “Seinfeld” or “The Sopranos” ad lib their lines? Of course not. Do you find it less entertaining when they follow the script? Of course not. There is no reason you cannot add a little show biz to your show.
Just be sure to always be true to the show. If you are going to pretend there is a hat, you MUST ALWAYS pretend there is a hat. Giving up the showbiz secret will ruin everything. On the other hand, you could really have a hat and have a ton of fun with it.
Determine how you will approach each topic. Will you play audio examples? Will you play voice messages from your listeners? Are you going to read e-mail? Maybe there is a guest contributor. Determine each approach before the show begins.
Once you have your list of topics, develop a strategy to uniquely approach each of those topics. Be original. Stand out from the crowd. Know how you will handle each topic before your show begins.
Questions
Here are a few questions to help you begin.
What are you passionate about?
What are your unique qualities?
What topic tends to occupy most of your conversations?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Use these topics to define a focus for the show.
Complete this sentence: I help ___ do ____ so they can ____.
Many online marketers use this sentence to define their purpose and focus. You can do the same.
You can find these questions on the Show Focus Development Worksheet in the free Worksheet series online at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.
I would love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
7 Ways To Improve Your Podcast This Week – Episode 085
There are many ways to improve your podcast. This week, I have 7 ways for you that should be pretty easy to implement.
To help you in various ways, I have selected 7 different areas for improvement. You will feel the need to make different improvements at different times. The different areas should help.
Start with the one suggestion that interests you most. Then, work your way though the remaining tips.
Improve Your Audio
The easiest way to improve your audio is to begin using a pop filter. This is a simple screen that goes over or in front of your microphone.
A pop filter prevents puffs of air from attacking your mic as you speak. You can find inexpensive pop filters online. You can also make your own out of nylons and a wire clothes hanger.
To cut down echo, record in a smaller room. In the past, I’ve used a large closet. Not only does the small room cut down the bounce of the sound waves, the clothes hanging around you will cut down on any echo.
If you do not have a closet, find the smallest room you can. A smaller room equals less echo.
Once you have a small room, hang baffling to absorb the sound waves. You do not need to spend a ton of money for expensive baffling. I have used packing foam, sleeping bags and folded, corrugated cardboard covered with blankets. Find any soft material to absorb the sound.
Improve Your Content
To improve your material, you need to review your show. Professional athletes watch game film to improve. Learn to do the same.
Listen like a listener. Pick a show from a few weeks ago and listen on the way to work or while you are exercising. Make note of the pieces that jump out at you and those that need work.
Do more of the good stuff. Replace the rough parts with more good stuff.
You will only truly hear the good and bad when you listen like a listener.
Improve Your Show Notes
Make your show notes valuable for your fans. Incorporate links listeners can use.
Create beneficial links. Sure, link to your own content. Then, link to tools that you use. Link to great articles. Link to helpful resources. Create value.
When your listeners benefit from your show notes, they are likely to come back more often.
Improve Your Interaction
If you want your listeners to interact with the show, make it easy for them.
Focus your call-to-action on one thing. When you add more than one, you force your listener to make a decision. Decision making is too much work.
Decide what you want your listener to do after listening to this specific episode. Then, add that call-to-action at the end of the show.
Your call-to-action can be different for each episode. Even so, only include one per episode.
Improve The Value To Your Listener
What do you want your listener to gain by listening this week? Have a goal for every episode.
How will the listener benefit? When you know this before you begin recording, you can better ensure your listener gains something by listening.
The only way to know that you have achieved your goals is to prepare properly. You need to define your goals and listener benefits before you begin recording. This should be part of your show prep.
This particular episode of Podcast Talent Coach empowers you with seven ways to improve your podcast. That is how you will benefit. I defined that goal before I began recording. It was part of my prep.
Improve Your Consistency
Consistency builds trust. When your listener expects your show to be posted every Friday, you need to post every Friday.
Listeners are creatures of habit.
When your show does not show up, it is just like you have missed an appointment with a client. You are destroying the trust you have built with your fan.
To improve consistency, develop a show schedule and stick to it. Know when you will record. Know when you will post. Now, stick to it.
Improve Your Engagement
Engagement is different than interaction. A listener that cannot turn your show off is engaged. A fan that is providing feedback is interacting.
If you want to engage your listener, talk to that person as an individual. When you address your audience as a group, your listener does not feel special. Talk to one person.
When you talk to your listener as an individual, she feels special. She feels like you are having a conversation with her.
When you address your listeners like a crowd, your fan can get up and leave without feeling guilty. It would be just like walking out during a concert. Nobody is going to notice. No engagement.
Here is the checklist:
1. Improve your audio by using a pop filter, a smaller room and baffling.
2. Improve your content by reviewing your show like a listener.
3. Improve your show notes by incorporating links your fans can use.
4. Improve your interaction by using one, focused call-to-action.
5. Improve the value to your listener by defining the benefit before you begin.
6. Improve your consistency by developing a schedule and sticking to it.
7. Improve your engagement by talking to one individual.
Pick one of these improvements, and get to work this week. Your podcast improves little by little. The more steps you can take moving forward, the more improvement you will make.
Have a great week. Let me know how I can help.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
The purpose of a show clock is to provide a consistent framework for your content. By using a framework, you do not need to reinvent the wheel for every show. You simply plug in your great content into the clock.
Using a clock and being prepared does not mean you need to be less creative. In fact, it allows you to focus on creativity rather than the length of your episode. You get to design within the framework.
You can see examples of a show clock by watching the evening news. A typical newscast may follow of framework of top story, weather headline, general news, full weather, sports, and a kicker story.
Late night shows will use something like a monologue, funny skit, benchmark (like letter bag), big guest, second guest, and musical guest.
QUESTIONS TO START
As you begin to develop your show clock, there are a few questions you need to determine for the layout of the show.
What is it that you want to include in each episode of your show?
What is the goal of your podcast?
Once you are ready to add the content for this particular episode, you will need to answer two more questions.
What will the call-to-action be at the end of the show?
What is the main idea your listener will take away and remember?
Let’s look at an example of a show clock. For this example, we will use a 60-minute show.
For our sample show, we want to include a show open, intro/tease, latest update on our business happenings, an interview, tip of the week, call-to-action and the show close. 7 items total.
The content will not be the same every week. However, the structure will remain constant. The episodes will include different interviews, different news, and different tips. However, our listener will know what to expect from each episode.
Now that we have the elements, how do we lay these items into a structure for our show?
First, we determine the length of each to fit our hour. Length of each bit should also be consistent.
Open – 1 minute
Intro/tease – 5 minutes
Latest update on our business happenings – 15 minutes
An interview – 25 minutes with intro and thank you
Tip of the week – 10 minutes
Call-to-action – 3 minutes
Show close – 1 minute
Next, we turn the elements into running time to keep us on track.
:00-:01 – Open
:01-:06 – Intro/tease
:06-:21 – Latest update on our business happenings
:21-:46 – An interview
:46-:56 – Tip of the week
:56-:59 – Call-to-action
:59-:60 – Show close
When you are recording your show, you can use this layout to keep you on time.
CLOCK PITFALLS & EXCEPTIONS
You also need to keep an eye on edits and timing. Edits will lengthen the recording that will become shorter once you edit the episode. Therefore, record more than you need. You can always remove audio. Finding additional audio to add to extent your episode to 60 minutes is difficult.
If you hope to include a 20-minute interview in the episode, you should record a 30-minute interview. You can then edit it down to the best content for a solid 20-minute piece in the show.
There are always exceptions to the rule. You do not need to be exact with times. This show clock is to keep you on track. If your 5 minute segment turns into 7, you will still be ok. You will simply need to shorter your 20 minute bit to 18. It will ebb and flow.
Be consistent. If your listener expects a 60 minute show, they will accept 55 minutes. However, 45 will feel short. 1:15 will feel like you are overstaying your welcome. Use the clock to get close.
You can also have the occasional special show that breaks format. Just ensure the show is special. If you are going to break your brand promise, you better make sure it is worth it.
You can get sample clocks and blank clocks on the Worksheet Page online at PodcastTalentCoach.com. Find them HERE.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. Post any questions or comments you might have, or e-mail me at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
How To Take The Headache Out Of Show Planning – Episode 073
Where is your podcast going in 2015?
If you don’t know where you are going, how will you know if you get there.
So many shows discuss goals around this time of year. It is only natural with a new year comes reflection. This is a perfect time to assess your previous year and decide what you want the next twelve months to look like.
A goal is a simply a dream with a deadline. What are you dreams for the next year? If you don’t have a map & destination, you’ll only wander. You’ll never get anywhere. Let’s be specific and set some deadlines.
You and I discuss goals quite often. We talk about having an objective for each episode. What is it that you want your listener to take away from each episode. Once you answer that questions, you will know where to take your content in that episode.
We also need to answer that question on a larger scale. What is the purpose of your show? How are you helping people? How do you serve your listeners?
Once you create the mission for your show, you will have a filter for all of your content. When it comes time to plan an episode, you can ask yourself, “How will I serve my listener this week?”
My show is designed to give you more confidence in your content. I want to help you defeat that little voice in your head that is saying, “I hope I don’t make a fool of myself this week.”
Each week when I sit down to create my show notes, I ask myself how I might share with you a bit that I have learned over the past 25 years in radio that will give you confidence in your content and be more engaging with your listener.
MISSION
Let’s start with the mission of your show. Write down the sole focus of your show. How do you help people?
2015 GOAL
What is the one big thing you want to accomplish over the next year? We want to develop little steps to get there. Let’s break the big goal into bite-sized pieces.
If you create a weekly show, you only have 52 shows over the next 12 months. It may sound like a lot. However, you need to be intentional to reach your goals.
Break your goal into milestones. Keep in mind that your progress might not be a straight line. It may ramp up like a curve. Write down those milestones.
EPISODE GOAL
As we develop each episode, what do we hope to accomplish in each show that will help us move toward our 2015 goal? More importantly, how will that episode goal help us get closer to our milestone on the way to the yearly goal?
Each episode should have a strong call-to-action that helps us get closer to our milestone. What is your call-to-action within your podcast? How can we make that call-to-action more effective? Where are you sending your listener each episode to get more info? Be specific and write it down.
Are you effectively planning each show before you begin? Sometimes it is difficult to get motivated to record your show on a regular basis. Plan ahead. Download the planning worksheet at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. When you lack motivation, revert to the plan you’ve already created.
Do you interview guests on your show? Create a list of guests you’d like to get on the show. Be brave and reach out to those people. Let’s get them on the show. Give yourself a goal with a deadline. Let one guest lead to another. Always ask for leads.
GET BETTER
To improve, you need to review the game tape. Are you reviewing your show on a regular basis?
All great sports teams review tape of previous games. You should do the same. Again, get the worksheet at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Finding someone that can help you honestly review your show will help as well.
BUSINESS
You should step back from your podcast to look at your overall business. If you are monetizing your podcast, we need to schedule time to help reach that goal as well. Baby steps and milestones.
There are many business possibilities stemming from your podcast. These could include books, speaking engagements, seminars, affiliates, products and more. If you have yet to monetize your podcast, schedule your time to create something powerful. Be sure to include deadlines.
The next year can be huge for you if you plan. Set deadlines to turn your dreams into goals. Be sure to find balance in all areas of your life.
Take some chances. Go for the big interview or launch a product. Dream big. You might just reach your dreams.
I want to thank you for a fantastic 2014. It has been quite a success for me.
I have met many amazing podcasters. You have given me your time each week as we grow together. I can’t thank you enough for that.
Podcast Movement invited me to share my knowledge at their event in Dallas. This coming year, I will present at New Media Expo as well.
Many have downloaded my worksheets and purchased the Podcast Talent Coach workbook. It has been a blast. I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Have an amazing 2015.
What would you like me to cover in the upcoming year? How can I better help you? E-mail me at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
You and I have often discussed the ingredients necessary to create powerful business relationships. People do business with those they know, like and trust.
How do we create that important trust ingredient?
In order to develop trust, we need to build consistent structure with our podcasts.
Structure is necessary to build consistency and trust with your fans. The audience expects specific elements each time they listen to your show. They expect your style to be consistent. Your audience expects the host to be the same for each show. You must deliver to that expectation to build trust with your fans. This trust is where podcast monetization begins.
TRUST DESTROYED
In a matter of one meal, lack of consistency destroyed my trust in one of my favorite restaurants.
My family and I went out to a steakhouse for a family meal. This was a restaurant that we visited frequently. In middle America, steak is a frequent meal.
At this particular restaurant, my favorite steak is their filet. It is thick and juicy. Usually medium-well done. Just a little pink in the middle. Oh, so good.
If I don’t order it medium-well, it is usually too red in the middle. I can’t handle steak that does not look like it has been cooked all the way. A little pink and I’m good.
A nice baked potato usually accompanies the steak. I’m in Heaven. Perfect meal.
On this particular night, I ordered it the way I typically order it. Nice and consistent.
That is not the way I received it.
Instead, the waitress delivers me a something that resembles a flat iron steak. Not even an inch thick. It looked more like a strip than a filet.
If you are not a steak eater, this would look more like a flat chicken breast. A filet is more akin to a square tennis ball. The two are nothing similar.
In fact, I don’t even think this particular restaurant has a strip steak on the menu.
If I were to order a strip, I would order it medium. Anything more than that gets delivered like a piece of shoe leather. Which is exactly what this was. The steak was tough and nothing like I ordered or expected.
The consistency wasn’t there. The restaurant destroyed any trust I had in them to deliver a meal like I ordered. My favorite meal was gone.
That was the last time we had dinner at that restaurant. It was probably a year ago. The trust was gone.
I LIKE IT LIKE I LIKE IT
Think of McDonald’s. When you order a Big Mac at McDonald’s, you expect it to taste exactly like the last Big Mac you purchased and ate. This is true whether you purchased your last Big Mac at the same restaurant, across town, in another state or around the world. You expect it to be consistent.
If the Big Mac you purchased today suddenly has mustard and sauerkraut on it, you would be a little hesitant to purchase another next time. You know what you want and want what you know. You want consistency.
Now, translate that consistency to your favorite television show. It may be a regular, primetime show, the evening news or a variety show. It really doesn’t matter.
All shows follow the same pattern. Your favorite show opens with some sort of theme. It’s the same opening for every show.
The show open probably introduces the main characters, actors or hosts. The open lets you know what to expect over the course of the show. If it is a sitcom, you might see a couple outtakes from previous episodes that define the character. If it is the news, you may see a tease for the stories coming up. If it is a variety show, they will probably tell you about the big events on this particular episode.
The show will then roll through the content.
Eventually, the show concludes in a consistent manner each time. The news will usually end with some sort of lighthearted kicker story. Variety shows may have a musical guest at the end. Dramas end happily ever after.
Every successful show follows a pattern. It is a consistent pattern. You want to know what you’re getting each and every time.
The consistency gained from the show structure helps the audience feel at ease and comfortable with the program. If your listener is new, she is brought up to speed quickly when you tell her what to expect.
If the listener is a returning participant, your introduction causes him to say to himself, “Oh, yeah. Exactly how I remember it. This is the right show.”
If you are watching the news and suddenly there are two new anchors along with different people doing the weather and sports, you will wonder if you’ve somehow stumbled upon the wrong channel. It will feel uncomfortable. It isn’t what you expected.
Consistency helps your audience feel at home. Work to achieve it every time.
You can build that consistency by creating a structure for your show that will allow you to fill the time with great content.
FIVE Ws
Just like a great news story, you can create a solid structure by defining by the Five Ws. Develop the structure of your show by determining Who, What, When, Where and Why. This structure will be the same for every show. The content of the show will vary within the structure and keep the show fresh.
Who will the audience hear on the show? Many podcasts are hosted by one or two individuals. These people are the only voices the audience hears. One person as the host is the easiest version. If you are the only person featured on your podcast, you can create the show whenever you’d like. The downside is the fact that you will need to fill the entire show with content while talking to yourself.
On the other hand, two hosts pose other problems. With two hosts, there is often no a leader of the show. The direction of the podcast is left to chance. If both are not in the same room, they will often talk over each other without the help of non-verbal cues. It requires much more work and planning to make a show with two hosts sound smooth.
There are many other versions of “who”. The host can interview a guest on each show. Callers can be part of your show with the appropriate equipment. The audience could interact with the show via e-mail. Any version of the “who” works.
Multiple styles can be combined as well, like a late night talk show. You simply need to select the style that makes you most comfortable and be consistent with it.
As you are deciding your “who”, determine what role each voice will fill. If there are two personalities with the same opinion, one of them isn’t necessary. You’ll just waste the listener’s time trying to get each personality mic time while communicating the same message. It would be very similar to debating yourself. There must be contrasting points of view between the personalities to justify the existence of each on the show.
What will be on your show? This includes topics, interviews, callers, e-mail, audio clips, highlights, sound bites, articles and other material you might include in your content. Your “what” might be answering e-mail from listeners with questions on your topic. Your “what” might be your comments and thoughts on various articles you’ve discovered on your topic. You could interview experts in your field.
As I mentioned in earlier podcast episodes, using the voice of the person asking the question is much more powerful than you reading an e-mail. That second voice adds depth to the conversation, adds validity to the question and creates a sense of eavesdropping on the conversation by the listener.
If at all possible, use audio to make your point. As you determine what will be on your show, find the “what” that excites you.
Do not get into a rut. Be creative. Find new ways to say the same thing.
When will you record and post your show? Find the time of day when you have the most energy to record your show. If you are a morning person, and you love getting up at the crack of dawn full of energy, record your show in the morning. If you enjoy staying up late long after everyone else has gone to bed, and the creative juices are just beginning to flow, choose to record at night. There is a time of day when your energy is highest.
You need to find the right time, because your energy level will be noticeable coming through the speakers. If you are tired, your audience will know. If you are smiling, your audience will be able to hear it. Find your sweet spot, and record at that time.
You do not necessarily need to post your show at the same time that you record it. You could record four shows on the same day and post them periodically over time.
If your content is time sensitive, you might need to post your show the same day you record it. For instance, if you’re discussing the day’s news or sports scores from last night, it might be stale if you wait a week to post it.
You simply need to be consistent with your posts. If you decide to post your show every Tuesday at 3p, your listeners will expect your show to be there on Tuesday at 3p. You can’t post it at 5p. The listener will not come back hoping it is there two hours late. That would be similar to the 6 o’clock news starting at 7:30. That’s not when you expect it and you wouldn’t tune it at 7:30 hoping the news is there.
Deliver on your promise. Post consistently.
You also need to decide how often you will create a show. It could be daily, weekly or monthly. It should definitely be regular and consistent to build an audience. Your fans need to trust that the show will be there when you say it will be there. Select a schedule that you can handle on a consistent basis.
Do not attempt a daily show if you cannot stick to that schedule. It is much better to post weekly and deliver too much than it is to attempt daily shows and miss a few. Humans are creatures of habit. If you can get them listening to your show as a habit every Wednesday at noon during their lunch break, use it to your advantage by posting consistently.
Where will you create your show? This is an important detail. Each episode of your show could come from your “studio”. You could also record your show on location if you are incorporating guests.
The technology available today will allow you to record almost anywhere. Find a place where you can focus on your show and control the surrounding ambient noise. You want the sound quality of your podcast to be as good as possible. However, don’t let that restrict your creativity.
Strive to make it good, but do not let perfect get in your way. Location is an important factor to the professional sound of your show. Content is as well. Balance the two.
Why are you creating a podcast? You need to find your passion. If you are creating a podcast for reasons other than your passions, you will find it difficult to keep up the consistency required to be successful.
Find the one thing that you love to discuss more than anything else. That should be the topic of your podcast. Chances are, you already know a ton about your passion topic. You will also find it easy and rewarding to discuss that topic. Money will typically follow you if you follow your passion.
Work to create that important trust ingredient by building consistent structure with your podcasts.
Create a structure for your podcast that will remain consistent for each show. The consistency will help build trust with your audience. Deliver to the expectations of your listener. That trust is the first step in monetizing your podcast.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. Post any questions or comments you might have, or e-mail me at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.
Let’s help you determine where to begin podcasting.
I recently had lunch with the guys from the “200churches” podcast. Jeff Keady and Jonny Craig are pastors at a 200church in Northwest, Iowa. They want to encourage and support other pastors of “smaller” churches.
As we were having lunch, Jeff was telling me about their start in podcasting. They had all of the equipment and were ready to roll. As they were about to record their very first episode, Jeff said he didn’t know where to start. What was the first thing he was supposed to say? How do you figure out where to begin podcasting?
Where to begin is a natural problem. You know what you want to say. You simply don’t know where to start it all. How far back to the beginning of your message should you go?
You have all the equipment. You have set up the technical details of the podcast. How does the show content begin?
Whether you are a brand new podcaster, or someone with hundreds of episodes under your belt, this episode will help you with your content. If you are just beginning, this will help you create your framework. We will walk through content preparation as you lay out the show.
If you are an “old pro”, this content will be a great refresher to help you step back and evaluate your progress. When we have done something for a long time, assumptions begin to creep into the content. We sometimes take small details for granted as if our listener has been with the show from the beginning.
There are six steps to defining your content and preparing your podcast. These six steps will help you determine where to begin podcasting.
1. What do you hope to accomplish?
This includes both the topic and the show overall. Set a goal for each topic, the episode and your podcast in general.
2. What are the interesting topics you hope to address on this particular episode?
As you determine your topics, look for a theme to develop.
3. How will you treat each specific topic you hope to address?
What will you do with the content? You could answer the question, demonstrate the answer, play some audio, show charts to support your answer, or use some other treatment. Find a way to make it your own. Your approach should be unique to you.
4. Create an outline for the flow of the show topics.
This is important for the show introduction. Bullet points should suffice. Do not script your content.
5. What supporting information will you need for the show?
Organize and highlight for easy access during the show. This will help you sound prepared as you begin to build credibility with your audience.
6. Write your introduction. Write your conclusion. Include your call to action.
If you would like a worksheet to walk you through this process and others, visit the worksheet section at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com. These worksheets will further help you determine where to begin podcasting.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
If you listen to online business podcasts, you’ve surely heard the business funnel discussed. Online marketers move a large group of people into the big end of the funnel. As the price increases, the funnel gets smaller indicating fewer people buying.
Similar to the business funnel, we want to move our listeners through a show funnel. We want to engage our listeners, hook them by piquing their interest, and finally moving them through our content.
The size of the listener pool gets smaller as the group moves through the funnel. Many people will see our headline. A portion of those people will move further to read the description. An even smaller group will continue to move through the funnel by beginning to listen to the show. A subset of that group will actually get to the end of the episode.
How can we move our listeners through the episode more efficiently? How can we get more of our listeners to reach the end of the episode?
In this episode, we discuss five tips to help you with your engaging content and the listener progression through your funnel.
1. Develop A Goal For Your Show
As you develop your podcast, you need to determine what you hope to accomplish with the show. What will the show be about? What do you hope to make your audience feel? Is there some call to action you wish to make your listener take?
After you have developed the goal for your show, stick to it. All content on your show should support your goal.
If your goal is to help consumers get out of debt, don’t spend a lot of time discussing your favorite, new CD. Your listener has come to your show expecting you to deliver on your promise. If you tell her you help people get out of debt, deliver that content to her. When you start discussing anything other than that, your brand promise is tarnished. She will be headed elsewhere.
In his “My Disney Podcast”, Correy Webb discusses all things Disney. He discusses his cruise adventures, visits to the parks and other traveling tips. If Correy suddenly began discussing the poker game he had with his buddies last weekend, you would be disappointed. Poker isn’t the reason you’re listening. His Disney promise would be broken.
A great brand is built slowly with great consistency. Deliver on your brand’s promise. However, before you can deliver, you need to develop a goal for your show.
2. Prepare For Your Show
Before you begin to record your show, you should spend just as much time preparing for the show. It is very similar to mapping out a trip. You not only need to know where you are going, you need to know how to get there.
Many hosts will have an idea of which topics they hope to address on the show. They may have a few e-mail questions to answer or a current event to discuss. That is where most quit. They think, “Well, I have our ideas. Let’s do this.” They then begin recording.
This is a big mistake. You must plan what you hope to do with each topic. How do you hope to answer the questions? What will your opinion be on the current event. Most importantly, how will you present it to your listener.
If you plan to answer an e-mail question only because you think it is a good question, but you do not plan out your answer, you will wade through the answer. It will take you much more time to answer the question than is necessary. Your show will therefore lack momentum. Your listener will become easily bored. When you stumble your way through your answer unprepared, your listener will wonder if you actually now where you are going.
Before you open the mic, plan out your show. Jot down some notes. Write down the few important points you need to mention as you’re answering the question. Then, make sure you stick to your plan.
Dan Miller does a wonderful job of this in his podcast “48 Days to The Work You Love”. He knows exactly which questions he wants to answer in his show. He knows exactly how he wants to answer them. He also has a few solid examples for each answer. Dan tends to over-promise at the beginning of the show with the questions he hopes to answer. He should either stick to a time limit for each answer, or promise fewer with the potential of a few “bonus” answers at the end if time permits.
Give your show more momentum and energy. It will happen when you prepare for your show.
3. Tease Me
Anticipation is a key feature to storytelling. Your story should build just like a good plot builds in a movie. You need to make your audience anticipate the content that is on the way. It is like a vacation you are planning to take. The fantastic anticipation for the trip is almost as pleasurable as the trip itself. You can’t wait for the trip to arrive. You want your listener to feel the same way about your content. When they can’t wait for the story to arrive, you have created some great content.
Teasing is the art of creating anticipation for your audience to entice them to stick around for the payoff to your setup. It is a critical element of your show. Teasing helps create momentum for your podcast.
When you promote parts of the show that are coming up, you must creatively tease your audience. You must give them a reason to stick around. It isn’t enough to simply say, “A great story about this weekend is coming up.” Few will stick around for the payoff. Tease. Create anticipation. Instead, use something like, “You’re never gonna believe what I found in the attic this past weekend.”
The evening news does a wonderful job at teasing. Create anticipation. Tease me.
4. Create A Power Intro
The opening of your podcast should explain the purpose of your podcast and let your listeners know exactly what to expect as if this is the first time they have ever heard the show.
A well-crafted introduction serves two purposes.
First, it tells the brand new listener who is hearing the show for the very first time exactly what to expect from the show. It is like the intro to a late night talk show. “From New York. It’s the Late Show with David Letterman. Tonight, Tom Cruise. Larry The Cable Guy. And Katy Perry. Letters from the mail bag. Tonight’s Top Ten list. And Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra. And now, former New York City Medical Examiner … David Letterman.” You know exactly what is coming your way, even if you have never seen the show before.
Second, those that have heard the show before are confident that they are in the right place. Those regular listeners will find comfort in the opening of the show they hear each time they tune in. Fans will also feel like they are “in the know”. This is similar to singing the theme song of your favorite sitcom. As soon as you hear the first few notes of the theme song, you know you’re on the right channel. Your show intro should elicit the same response.
As you create your show open, treat it as if every listener is saying, “Hey, I’m new here. What’s going on?” You’ll make everyone comfortable as the show begins.
5. Make Your Listener The Star
Make your listener the star. It is your show. You know where it is going. When listeners are involved in your show, it is always your job to lead your guest and make them the star.
There are many ways to incorporate your listeners into your show. Live interviews, live calls, recorded voicemail messages, and e-mail are a few of the possibilities. Incorporating listeners into the show gives your entire audience a vested interest in the show.
With guests, you must remember you always know more about your show than they know. You know the goals of your show. You know the plot and strategy. You are always on the show. They are new. Lead your guest.
Phrases like “great question”, “I’m glad you mentioned that” and “I didn’t realize that” make your guest feel they are adding to the show … as long as you are authentic in your comments.
Financial guru and radio host Dave Ramsey is great at guiding his listeners. When a caller begins to ramble on, he will always step in with, “How can I best help you today?” That is a great way to say, “Get to the point.” You need to remember that your callers are not professional. They are not sure how to adequately edit their question while still providing all of the necessary elements.
Just as you do not need to answer every e-mail you receive on your show, you do not need to read the entire e-mail. When you are using voicemail and e-mail questions, edit them before you use them. Keep the essence of the question while eliminating the unnecessary details. Nobody will fault you for editing a 4 minute voicemail message to a great 30 seconds. They will probably thank you. The edited call is still the call as long as you aren’t changing their words. Your show is entertainment. Edit it as such.
When interviewing a well-known guest, make it easy for them. Open with great questions for which you already know the answer. Talk hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman have producers that do a pre-interview with their guests. They will ask the guest, “If Jay asks you about ____, what will you say?” The producer then puts the great questions on the blue cards for the host. Jay may not know the answer, but the guest knows the question is coming.
If you know your guest has done some amazing things, ask them about it. Then, let them answer. I hear so many hosts interview guests as if they are trying to show the guest how much they actually know. In turn, they answer the question as they are asking it. This leaves the guest very little to say.
You and your show become great when you make your guests and listeners the star.
Using these five tips will help you refine your content and give it focus. This will help you move your listener through your show funnel. Develop a clear goal, prepare for the episode, tease your listener, write a power intro and make your listener a star. You will be well on your way to transforming your show.
A few housekeeping notes for you.
Dave Jackson and I are now hosting the Podcast Review Show together. Our guests appear on the show to have their podcast reviewed by the two of us. Typically, hiring the two of us individually for an hour would be hundreds of dollars. Not only do you get an hour of consulting from us on this show, you get to plug your show for a sixty minutes.
Our guests typically pay $99 to be featured on the show. I’ve convinced Dave to cut you a break. By using the code coach50, you can appear on the show for only $49.50. You get half off. Still an hour. Still feedback from both of us. Still plugging your show. Half the price.
The code is coach50.
Now, we cannot possibly review everyone. Once we fill the available slots, this deal will go away. We have already had a great response. Just a few openings remain. If you are serious about your improvement and would like to be on the show, get registered today.
We have not made anyone cry yet. At half price, it surely cannot hurt that much. Just use coach50 when you register.
If you are truly serious about building your podcast, improving your show and increasing your traffic, you should also be attending the Podcast Movement in Dallas on August 16 & 17. Find my affiliate link online at PodcastTalentCoach.com.
I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
I’m Erik K. Johnson, founder of Podcast Talent Coach. I help people refine their content to transform their information into engaging entertainment so that they can convert their podcast audience into powerful, profitable relationships.
Have you ever struggled with your confidence to launch or record an episode of your podcast? Have you worried that you were just pretending to know what you’re doing? That someone might find out that you didn’t really belong amongst the podcast professionals?
I’ve been there. I was at that point when I started in broadcasting. While in college getting my degree in architecture, I became a party DJ to make some extra cash. Music had always been a big part of my life. I had been a musician since I was 11. However, I had wanted to be an architect since 6th grade. Getting my architecture degree was never in question.
Around my junior year of architecture school, I started becoming disenchanted with the field. It was then that I picked up a part time summer job at a radio station where my brother worked. Just to make some extra cash. As my passion for architecture waned, my passion for radio grew. Next thing you know, I’m taking classes in the College of Journalism and becoming the music director of the college radio station.
My music director position at the college station turned into another part time commercial radio job. That position eventually became full time.
Architecture was still part of my life. I was nearly done with my degree and didn’t want to throw it all away at that point. So, I finished my degree in architecture and continued to work in radio. Oddly enough, my only architecture job came while I was still in high school.
When I began in radio, the impostor syndrome heavily kicked in. I had an architecture background. What right did I have to be on the radio? Who was I to think I was in a position to be amongst these radio guys who had been doing it for many, many years and had paid their dues. I felt like I was playing dress up and pretending to be one of them. It took me years to get over that and build the confidence to perform on a daily basis.
After doing it for 25 years, I got to the point where I was programming multiple radio stations at the same time. Some of those station were recognized with national awards from the National Association of Broadcasters. The stations ranked #1 quite often. My own show was regularly #1. I built the confidence within myself to deliver content that was compelling and connected with my audience.
When I launched my podcast, I quickly went back to the beginning. The impostor syndrome kicked in again. Who was I to think I could build a successful podcast amongst these greats that had been doing it for years? Dave Jackson at the School of Podcasting has been podcasting since 2005. I’m just starting. How can I possibly think I belong in the same arena as Dave?
Then, I started thinking about my story. I had been here before. That helped me shake the impostor syndrome and put out my content.
That’s what I want to help you do. I want to be that cheerleader for you if you don’t have the history that I have to overcome that little voice inside your head doubting your ability. You can do it. You belong. You have just as much authority on your opinion as anyone. Let’s get it out to the world.
It is fairly simple to set up a mic, mixer and laptop, load up some software and record some audio. Setting up a website with WordPress, creating a Libsyn account and posting a show isn’t very complicated. Even if you are not very technically savvy, there are great people like Dave Jackson and the School of Podcasting that can help you with every step along the way. He even has a great class at www.HowToPodcast.com. You’ll have a podcast launched in 6 weeks.
Creating the platform is only the first step. Creating great content is up to you. Your content isn’t something you can outsource. You need to find the confidence to put your thoughts and feelings out into the world.
How do I bootstrap to begin? Make it simple. Get an inexpensive microphone, like a $60 ATR-2100 or a $99 Blue Yetti. Pick up an inexpensive mixer like a $99 Yamaha 4-channel. Get a free WordPress site. Create a Libsyn account for $15 a month. You’ll need a computer and some free Audacity software. If you already have a laptop, you’re up and running for under $200. Again, Dave Jackson has a whole list of recommendations for you at www.SchoolOfPodcasting.com. I leave the technical stuff up to him.
My goal is to transform your content and beef up your confidence.
So, how do you define your niche? Will anybody really care? It is easy for the impostor syndrome to sneak in here. Your internal impostor will tell you nobody cares about that topic. Your niche is too small and nobody will come. You’ll be talking to yourself.
Fight it. Your niche size doesn’t matter as much as the passion of the niche community. If you have a group of people that are passionate about and loyal to a particular subject, run with it.
The more narrowly you target your niche the better. If you are interested in fishing, pick a small niche. If you love fly fishing, but create your show around fishing in general, you will find it tough to build loyalty. If your show is only on fly fishing, you will primarily attract those interested in fly fishing. The niche is smaller than fishing in general. However, every show will be of interest to your audience.
If your show is “The Fishing Show” and all about fishing, you’ll be hit and miss. One week you talk about fly fishing. The next week you discuss deep sea fishing. Now, you fly fisher friends only get what they seek on occasion. You aren’t catering specifically to them. People will only check our your show now and then. You will find it difficult to build a passionate tribe.
The audience for “The Fishing Show” looks like a bigger audience than “The Fly Fishing Show”. But, it is deceiving. The passion lies in the niche.
Be confident in your topic. You will start slowly. But, it will grow. Stay the course.
How do you get ready? How do you overcome the pre-launch jitters? Planning your podcast will help relieve a bit of the anxiety. If you know where you’re going, you can stay focused on the goal and fight through the self doubt. Plan your show before you begin.
Let’s discuss the 5 Speech class basics and how they pertain to your show.
1. Lead with a provocative point – capture their attention right at the beginning.
2. Dazzle with details – make the story come to life.
3. Take the first exit – Get out when you have the first opportunity.
4. Don’t repeat yourself and overstay your welcome – In talk radio, it’s called the call circle.
5. Include a call to action – this is the whole reason you’re doing a podcast and creating a tribe.
Have confidence in your content. Fight the impostor syndrome. Do all you can to push forward and get your content out.
When you plan your show, it makes it easier to stay focused on the goal. Know what you hope to communicate on this episode. Lay out how you plan to communicate that information. Then, define your intro, details and exit. Define your call-to-action and determine where you plan to incorporate it into the show.
Now, all you need to do is record the show and post it for the world to hear. The more work you do ahead of recording, the easier it is to believe in yourself while the show is rolling. Remember, because it is fun is the main reason you are podcasting. Enjoy the process.
This week, plan your show.
Determine the topics for the show.
Lay out your intro, details and conclusion for each topic.
Deciding the correct topics for your show is instrumental when creating consistency for your podcast. Once you have developed the goal for your podcast and a goal for this particular episode, you need to determine which topics you hope to discuss. Select your topics carefully. Creating a show structure will help you find the right topics.
Topics come in many different forms. A podcast will sometimes focus on one topic for the entire show. Other podcasts have an overall theme while addressing a few different topics under the umbrella of that theme. There are podcasts that answer various listener questions during the show. Others interview a single guest. And yet, some podcasts combine many styles into one show. How you approach your podcast is completely up to you. That is one thing that makes podcasting so great. You are in control.
Your show should have a structure that you follow for each episode. Your structure is a rough guideline that can be easily followed by your listeners. Structure creates consistency.
An example podcast structure might begin with your show open and a quick overview of the episode. You could then include some news about your business and the industry in general. A short guest interview could be next followed by listener e-mail questions. Finally, you could end with a recap and contact information. Each week, you simply plug in new content to each segment.
On the other hand, your show may only be a single interview each week. It could be very focused and streamlined. You get to decide.
Once you have built the structure for your show, you can easily determine which topics will fill each particular episode. You can look at the structure in the example above and know exactly what you need. To record today’s show, you would need the show open, the outline, a list of news headlines, the recorded interview, and a list of e-mail questions and supporting answers.
Many people forget to bring the answers to the questions. Have your answers outlined to ensure you have any supporting material you need to appropriately answer the questions. When you try to answer the questions off the cuff, you will inevitably forget some important facts. It is best to make some notes before you begin recording.
A structure for your show will bring consistency to your show. Your audience will know what to expect each time they listen to the show. You can then populate the structure with your topics. Structure will help define your topics.
The Podcast Talent Coach podcast is created to help you with the ART of podcasting. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment. I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.
