Podcast Insider by Blubrry

We’re here to answer the question: what is a podcast? As podcast creators and listeners we have some strong opinions on what this means technically and creatively. Below are some examples of definitions from online and our team and expanded upon in today’s episode.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

From the dictionary:

Podcast – noun

noun: podcast; plural noun: podcasts

A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.

We ask some team members here at Blubrry to give their definition of what a podcast is.

Dave Clements: From a non-technical side, a podcast is a collection of episodes, which can be audio or video, but audio is the most widely used form of media. It becomes a “podcast” when it’s distributed by an RSS feed.

Aaron Hope: A podcast is a digital broadcast about a topic or a series of topics.

Cyndee: A podcast is a storytelling tool.

Barry Kantz: Podcasting is a revolution, similar to Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press allowing the spread of the written word, whereas podcasting allows the spreading of the spoken word.

MacKenzie Bennett: On-demand (mainly audio) storytelling content.

From Chat GPT:  Podcast (noun): A series of digital audio files in which people have passionate discussions about everything from true crime to potted plants, providing a perfect excuse to ignore your to-do list, procrastinate on chores, and avoid awkward small talk with strangers during commutes. Often mistaken for an invisible friend when listeners are caught laughing alone in public.

Interview

Tom Rossi from Buzzsprout and the Podcast Standards Project

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Your podcast’s artwork plays a crucial role in attracting potential listeners and setting the right tone for your show. In today’s episode we’re exploring the essential dos and don’ts when it comes to creating captivating podcast artwork. Let’s jump in with Blubrry’s graphic designer.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope

Podcasters ask us questions about podcast artwork regularly. We decided it was time to bring on a more creative and experienced person to guide us through our tips.

On this show we’ve had a few different versions of artwork and with each major change to the show we’ve updated the artwork. In that time, we’ve done our best to follow our own advice.

Dos Meet the minimum requirements from Apple and other podcast directories. Not following these specs will get your podcast rejected from directories until errors have been corrected. Let it breathe. Your artwork should be easy to read and understand with a quick glance. Anything more is most likely to get lost in the crowd. Check out some of the current shows in directories, derive inspiration and figure out what not to do and ensure you’re not directly copying someone else. Don’ts If you’re not comfortable creating your own artwork, hire someone else to do it for you. As the old adage goes, people will judge a podcast by its cover. Don’t create artwork before you do a deep dive into your listener persona / future audience. Keep it legible! Don’t combine colors, fonts, and too small text together. This is especially important because your artwork is most often shown on a phone/mobile device. Stay away from explicit content, intellectual property, branding, etc.

Get feedback from your friends and family during this process. You’ll likely have more than 1 iteration (you should!). Give yourself enough time before your podcast launch to make adjustments and get it just right.

Some examples discussed in this episode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Popular Podcast Formats and Styles

Early on in your podcast, you’ll make a decision on the format and style of your podcast. On today’s episode we explain the differences between the two and provide the most popular examples of different types of podcast formats. What type of podcast format did you choose for your show?

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett

Format: Delivery method – Interview podcast Structure: Content within said method – Intro, interview segment, outro

These decisions are some of the first you’ll make when you’re working on your podcast. It may come to you immediately and you know exactly what you want to do, but it could be a larger discussion and come from lots of brainstorming to finalize your best idea on releasing your content.

Listen to podcasts with all of these formats to help you make an informed decision.

Podcast Formats

Interview

Host a guest on the show to speak on a specific topic, riff and/or join you in whatever type of discussion you’d like.

Solo

Speak from the heart or plan it all out with a script. Pick the style you’re most comfortable with, because you only have yourself to rely on.

Co-Hosts

Takes off a lot of the pressure of solo shows and puts more focus on the relationship than interviews.

Journalistic/Education – Storytelling

Exploded in the past 8-9 years, with true crime, investigative reporting, etc.

Fiction/Drama – Storytelling

Oftentimes original content; can be scripted, off the cuff, etc. Lots of ways to go about this, but it’s all focused on immersing the audience in entertainment.

Panel

Grab new guests each episode to discuss a specific topic, used on all genres, easy to keep things going.

Combination

A little bit of everything. Throw in the ability to do anything you’d like at the time of recording. Can be fun, but potentially difficult to cultivate a loyal audience as they never know what to expect.

Changing Your Format and/or Structure

Don’t be afraid to change your mind if something isn’t working.

Over the years we have changed the format and the structure of Blubrry’s company show, what you’re listening to now as Podcast Insider. Our most recent format AND structure change happened just a few months ago.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Private and Premium Podcasting Use Cases

Keeping a podcast limited to a certain group of listeners gained popularity in recent years, especially due to a major switch to remote working. Blubrry offers a wonderful option for those interested in keeping a podcast secure and private, set to an audience of your discretion. Today, we go over when it’s best to use private or premium.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell

We review the use cases for private and premium podcasting and when is the best time to utilize these publishing options. Read here to learn more about Blubrry’s private and premium podcasting.

Should You Do It Private podcasting offers a highly secure method for communicating with your team members effectively.

Use cases: 

Proprietary business information for companies and organizations Employee communication (instead of memos)  Membership information for an organization or club Training videos and other information for onboarding employees or members

Pros:

More secure Dedicated app for listening/viewing content Dedicated page (PWA) for listening/viewing content More control over who listens

Cons:

Higher cost The inability to subscribe in “normal” podcast apps Premium podcasting caters to those seeking to monetize their shows by offering exclusive content for purchase by the public, or providing clubs and group members with special access to unique material.

Use cases: 

To monetize a show that is popular without the need for advertising You can offer ad free versions of your show to subscribers You can have early access for subscribers Publish bonus content for your free podcast if people subscribe

Pros: 

Less costly than private Ability to subscribe in podcast apps Can be done on your own domain  More control of the look and feel

Cons: 

Less secure Harder to manage (in most cases) Requires another plugin (membership plugin) to implement on WordPress

Both are great solutions to navigating online relationships with listeners, necessary in a remote world.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The Ins and Outs of Podcast Networks

A podcast network is a collection of podcasts, associated to one another via production, distribution and/or monetarily. Chances are, you listen to a podcast involved in a podcast network. Today, Blubrry discusses the pros and cons of joining or starting a podcast network of your own.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell

We review the pros and cons associated to participating in a podcast network

Joining a podcast network Pros Access to a built-in audience: joining a podcast network can give you access to a wider audience, as the network may already have an established listener base. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities: networks can negotiate advertising and sponsorship deals with brands that would be difficult to secure as an individual podcaster. Professional support: some networks offer professional support, such as sound engineering and editing services, which can improve the overall quality of your podcast. Cross-promotion: being part of a network means that your podcast can be cross-promoted on other shows within the network, increasing visibility and potential listenership. Cons Limited creative control: joining a podcast network often means adhering to the network’s branding and editorial guidelines, which can limit creative freedom. Sharing revenue: networks often take a cut of revenue generated from sponsorships and advertising. Less independence: being part of a network means being part of a larger organization, which may come with obligations and responsibilities outside of podcasting. Starting a podcast network Pros Increased revenue potential: by starting a network, you can generate revenue from multiple podcasts, rather than just one. Creative control: as the founder of the network, you have complete creative control over the branding and editorial guidelines of the network. Ability to curate content: as the network grows, you can curate the content to create a cohesive brand and target audience. Collaborative opportunities: by building a network, you can collaborate with other podcasters and build relationships within the industry. Cons High startup costs: starting a network requires a significant investment in equipment, software, and personnel. Administrative work: as the founder of the network, you will be responsible for administrative tasks such as accounting, legal work, and marketing. No established audience: starting a network from scratch means building an audience from the ground up, which can take time and effort. Risk of failure: as with any opporunity, there is a risk that the network may not succeed.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Choosing Your Podcast Publishing Style

There are various ways to publish your podcast, each with their own pros and cons. Today we’re getting a bit more Blubrry specific and will be reviewing the ways that you can publish your podcast with Blubrry’s tools and services, specifically our WordPress plugin and internal dashboard publishing platform.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

Clear up any preconceiving notions about publishing with clear explanations

Publishing Your Podcast … With Blubrry’s Two Publishing Options

Via PowerPress and Blubrry Publisher

PowerPress Blubrry PowerPress on a self-hosted WordPress site (We like to call this the Blubrry Way) Lets you own and control the feed address apart from any company or 3rd party Better for SEO (especially for episode search)  Protecting yourself; as long as you have that domain and site, your podcast lives! Gives you place to send your listeners for more information and to know where you will be no matter what happens on the app Blubrry PowerPress on a Blubrry hosted WordPress site Free with hosting plans at Blubrry Most of the advantages of a self hosted site.  Managed WordPress  Very fast feeds and site loading A bit restrictive, no additional plugins or themes Use your own domain with a advanced plan or above at Blubrry Blubrry Publisher Dashboard Publishing No website but a landing page on Blubrry.com’s directory  Quicklinks page could also be a good landing page (although that isn’t really it’s function) Publish everything right on your Blubrry dashboard Can be used to get started quickly Hosting files only and using some other way to generate an RSS feed (Squarespace, handwriting your own RSS or some other website support for podcasting)  Not used too much Blubrry would only be hosting files and collecting your stats. Most other features would not be used at Blubrry

For more information on how to publish your podcast media, read here on our website.

Blubrry Out & About

Todd and MacKenzie attended NAB Show 2023 (National Association of Broadcasters) this week, (hence the late episode

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Podcast Reviews Can Be Beneficial, But Are They All They’re Cracked Up to Be?

You’re familiar with podcast reviews and more than likely have read some yourself about a show before you’ve given it a listen. Today, we discuss the benefits of having them and if they are really all that important in the grand scheme of podcast creation.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane

Learn the Ins and Outs of Podcast Reviews

Benefits of Podcast Reviews Gives new listeners the general overview of the show. Can demonstrate respectability. Social affirmation of the show’s relevance and consistency People put a lot of weight behind reviews – we’re used to it with every purchase we make nowadays. Learn more in an article from Podcastle on some of the benefits of podcast reviews. Keep a Cool Head Similar to podcast statistics, if you’re receiving an influx (or none at all), the reviews can become stressful very quickly. Take all of them with a grain of salt. Remember, not everyone will like you – that’s perfectly ok! Keep your ego in check and weigh the reviews. There’s a good chance you’ll gain valuable insights. Apple Review Myth More reviews doesn’t mean that you’ll end up in New and Noteworthy. Trust us. Find Apple Podcast Reviews in Blubrry You can now find the reviews in our Statistics Dashboard under Audience and Apple Reviews. If you have any issues, let our support team know

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What do my podcast stats mean?

Podcast statistics can be a fun part of creating and growing your podcast. Collecting an overwhelming amount of data, we’ve prepared Blubrry’s podcast statistics in a way that podcasters can understand in the the podcaster dashboard. Today, we discuss podcast analytics overall and what creators should pay attention to.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

First and foremost, podcast statistics are not the same as web stats.

Podcast statistics are different than web stats, which you’ll get from Google Analytics or a similar service They measure different things Web stats will count every time something hits an mp3 file as a “hit” whereas podcast stats are able to tell that it is 1 download even though the hits may be 20 or 30 on the file Web stats are GREAT for pages and visitors but not so much for large media files How many subscribers (followers) do I have? It’s a very hard stat to figure out More important stat is downloads (listens) per episode There are ways to ‘Guess’ Todd’s Way Mike’s Way Blubrry now has Estimated Audience in our stats reporting Hosting company stats All hosting companies have basic stats Some are better than others Blubrry was the first podcast hosting provider to be IAB certification compliant 3rd party prefix stats Podtrac, Chartable and Blubrry! (and others)  Prefix stats are not available for use on some platforms (hosts)  Not a terrible idea to have a 2nd opinion to compare to your hosts stats  Just know they will not be exactly the same ever How do I use metrics to grow my show or improve my show? Knowing what works and what doesn’t  Measuring growth so you can see if you are going the right direction. Insights on where and when people listen On Blubrry stats, the retention graph might tell you that a segment causes people to stop listening Don’t obsess about your stats! This one is probably the most important thing to know

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Should go to industry events related to your show topic?

Yes, you should attend conferences, summits, virtual seminars, etc. that are related to your podcast. Today we’ll get into the details on how this can benefit you as a podcaster, how to create authority in your expertise this way and more.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane

We’re well versed in attending events as exhibitors, attendees, as speakers and even holding events of our own.

Industry Events for Your Subject/Niche Do your research for your own industry and see what is happening in your local area, online and more Apply for a press pass Meet people in the industry for possible interviews — to interview or be interviewed Why You Should Attend Intriguing speakers and presenters on your topic Networking You’re speaking / presenting Connect with likeminded creators Spark your creativity and/or passion once again What to Expect Lots of new information Inspiration / confusion Long hours — pack comfortable shoes To be open-minded with a critical eye Podcast (and Adjacent) Events We Attend Podcast Movement Podcast Movement Evolutions Outlier Podfest She Podcasts National Association of Broadcasters Summits, virtual events, podcamps, etc., and any topic where there are podcasters

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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What apps, directories, and services are worth the effort, and which ones may not be an excellent fit for your show.

There are many places where you should syndicate your show. We take you through the extensive list of where you can list your podcast and the pros and cons of each.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure you get the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still periodically have guests, so contact the team if you’re interested in being featured.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

Here are the most helpful podcast directories and apps you should use for your podcast.

Of course, Apple podcasts and Spotify are the most well-known. Although we suggest you be everywhere you can, sometimes there are reasons not to distribute to one place or another. Here are some things to consider when deciding how much effort you want to put in to get on a podcast app or directory.

Note: Subscribing/Following mainly functions similarly for each app, but it’s broader than when podcasting first started.

Must-Have Apps Apple Podcasts – This will also get you into many independent apps like Overcast, Pocket Casts, and many others that use Apple for their directory. Spotify – They get a lot of press in the podcasting world and are popular with the fastest-growing podcast listener demographic – around the world. Podcast Index – Apps that do not use Apple and apps that use both Apple and Podcast Index use Podcast Index as their catalog of shows Google Podcasts – As of March 2023 Blubrry – Even if you’re not hosting with Blubrry Great-To-Be-There Apps Stitcher – Once very popular, still used quite a bit on Android devices.  Amazon Music / Audible Podcasts – Podcasts show up in the Amazon Music and Audible apps TuneIn – Popular live radio app Podchaser – A directory of podcasts Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For Apps YouTube Music (coming soon) If YouTube Music Podcasts is the same as YouTube video channels, it might not fit your show well. Pandora – Music app that does have a podcast section iHeartRadio – Popular Live radio app with a podcast section Minor / Regional apps Deezer – EU JioSaavn – India Gaana – India Anghami – Middle East Resso – Middle East

We have instructions on submitting or getting into almost all of these apps, linked in the show notes.

Again, it doesn’t hurt to be everywhere. We don’t care how you listen as long as you listen. Just know that all these apps/directories have their business model and reason for existing.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Our ticket system is the best place for support with any Blubrry product or service (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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What apps, directories and services are worth the effort and which ones may not be a great fit for your show.

There are many places where you should syndicate your show. We take you through the extensive list of where you can list your podcast and the pros and cons of each.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

Here are the most useful podcast directories and apps that you should be using for your podcast.

Of course Apple podcasts and Spotify are the most well-known. Although, we do suggest you be everywhere you can, sometimes there are reasons to not distribute to one place or another. Here are some of the things to think about when deciding how much effort you want to put in to get on a podcast app or directory.

Note: Subscribing/Following mainly function the same for each app but its broader than it was when podcasting first started.

Must-Have Apps Apple Podcasts – This will also get you into a lot of independent apps like Overcast, Pocket Casts and a lot of others that use Apple for their directory. Spotify – They get a lot of press in the podcasting world and are popular with the fastest growing podcast listener demographic – around the world. Podcast Index – Apps that do not use Apple and apps that use both Apple and Podcast Index use Podcast Index as their catalog of shows Google Podcasts – As of March 2023 Blubrry – Even if you’re not hosting with Blubrry Great-To-Be-There Apps Stitcher – Once very popular, still used quite a bit on android devices.  Amazon Music / Audible Podcasts – Podcasts show up in the Amazon Music and Audible apps TuneIn – Popular live radio app Podchaser – A directory of podcasts Be-Careful-What-You-Wish-For Apps YouTube Music (coming soon) If YouTube Music Podcasts is the same as YouTube video channels, it might not be a good fit for YOUR show. Pandora – Music app that does have a podcast section iHeartRadio – Popular Live radio app with a podcast section Minor / Regional apps Deezer – EU JioSaavn – India Gaana – India Anghami – Middle East Resso – Middle East

We have instructions on how to submit or get into almost all of these apps, linked in the show notes.

Again, it doesn’t hurt to be everywhere. We don’t care how you listen, as long as you listen. Just know that all these apps/directories have their own business model and reason for existing.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Today’s episode of Podcast Insider is here to illuminate how a podcaster can grow their show. Every podcaster wants to know how they can expand their audience and reach; there are several tactics – new and old.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure you get the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured, reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett

How to grow your podcast is the age-old question. We have a few tips that may help you get the word out there and to attract more listeners to grow your podcast audience.

Target Audience Growing your audience is difficult if you don’t know who they are in the first place. Stick to your topic and do it well. Your niche will lead you to your people, don’t bother with trying to cater to the masses. Be Where Your Potential Audience Is Join Facebook groups, forums, and other social media groups around your subject of interest. Comment on your topic on social media. Become well-known for being helpful (don’t just spam the groups) Comment on news articles that apply to your topic. Again, be helpful and thoughtful, and don’t spam Attend trade shows, conferences, and other events around your topic. It’s a great way to network with your given topic group and meet the movers and shakers in that area. Search-ability (The dreaded SEO) Have a website (as we push all the time) Write articles that are not podcasts on your site to boost search traffic Write good show notes (see our episode on that here) TV/Radio/Newspaper  Use what works for your audience. Get on TV or radio. A lot of local TV and Radio shows are looking for guests. Your podcast will get you to be the SME (Subject Matter Expert) on that topic. Write articles for your newspaper (or any newspapers). Sometimes newspapers and news websites will take op-ed style articles. Many with links back to YOUR website and podcast. Social Media Marketing Work with other podcasters Engage with your audience

It’s fairly easy to grow your podcast audience with old traditional marketing and most importantly, word of mouth.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Profiting from your podcast is common and something that most creators consider or hope for at some point. Today, we discuss the ways that podcasters can make money from their shows.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Monetize Your Podcast

The many ways in which you can monetize your podcast

Advertising

Programmatic advertising: anyone can do this and ads can be about anything, however you’re not in control as the creator Sponsorships and ad deals: specific to that campaign and have detailed requirements within a contract Stats factor into any type of ad deal often times Can be dependent on whether you have built an audience Joining an ad network can ease the process of finding advertisers and deals

Value4Value (V4V) 

Call-back to last week’s episode, very simple once it’s properly set up From Podcast Index team – Blubrry has implemented many of the tools recently

Donations

Loyal listeners may be inclined to donate to you Tried and true, it’s easy to add a donation button to your website anywhere Cashapp and Venmo are now also very popular and easy to use for this

Premium Content

Early release of episodes for members Ad-free versions of the show Bonus content Extended content Apple premium Allows for simplified premium listening for the audience (and our integration for creators) There are lots of different ways to go about this

Selling Your Own Stuff

Books Merch Other products you produce or sell Courses Paid webinars, summits and events Promoting your business

Passive Income

Affiliate marketing Ads on your website

And of course, just do your podcast for the fun of it and forget the idea of monetization. That is the great thing about podcasting; it’s inexpensive and it’s quite fun.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Blubrry is dedicated to implementing Podcasting 2.0 features; today we’ll be exploring what some of these features are and how they work within the Blubrry Podcasting platform.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell

What is RSS and why is it important to podcasting?

Really Simple Syndication  RSS is an OPEN web standard (not owned or controlled by anyone)  It’s the primary way that podcasts are distributed It is what keeps podcasting an open medium that is not cancelable 

What is the Podcasting 2.0 project? 

It’s an open project to add features to RSS It’s an open directory of podcasts (podcastindex.org) It’s a way to monetize podcasts via Value4Value rather than advertising

What new features are available through the Podcasting 2.0 project?

Live Item – Allows you to announce via your RSS feed that you are going live. Adds the ability to listen/watch live without leaving your podcast app. V4V – Allows satellite streaming and boosts donations and comments via lighting (bitcoin) Transcripts / Closed captioning – Your transcript link in the feed can be viewed on apps that allow it. It also can be viewed on closed caption-capable players/apps.  Credits – Who are your hosts, guests, producer and so on? Like movie credits right in your RSS feed  TXT – An open tag for codes and other things to prove ownership once the email address is removed from the feed. Location – Allows you to set the location of your show or an episode.  Cross-app comments – This allows people to comment on your episode no matter which app they are using, without leaving the app.  GUID – A behind-the-scenes tag that identifies your podcast no matter where you host or move to. Kind of an ID number for your show. Funding – A place to put your donate link, such as Patreon, PayPal, Buymeacoffee or donate page right in the feed for apps to show. And more!

Why is Podcasting 2.0 important?

It allows for innovation in the podcast industry It helps keep podcasting a free and open standard for the open web It offers alternative funding for shows thorough V4V Read more here

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As we continue getting back to the basics of podcasting, on today’s Podcast Insider we explore the value of — and offer tips for — show notes.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett

Show notes describe your podcast: They are a quick synopsis of what your episode covers. Posted with your episode on your website, they show up in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary).

Include relevant links: They should offer access to the resources mentioned in the show and expand on the topics you’ve discussed.

A good place for a plug: The notes can also include info on upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc.

An SEO savior: Most podcasters leave a lot to be desired when including additional information or sources they mention in their episodes. Yet, you can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode.

Use templates; save time: We use templates for our podcast show notes to save us time each episode. We’ve even created show notepads for fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays, making it easy for listeners.

Get help: If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, there are resources to help — whether on a regular basis or the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners (such as Pro-Production) and similar features are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show.

Including show notes summarizes your content, allows listeners to get the most out of your episode, benefits any ads/sponsorships you have and, overall, brings your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit.

Show notes are something you must do each episode to advance your show. Although sometimes cumbersome, if you to use them to the best of their ability, it does get easier and offers a great ROI of your time.

________________

Show notes are the description of your episode, posted on your website and shown in podcast apps (that is if you don’t change the app summary). They contain relevant links and information to the episode, upcoming episodes, events, merch, etc. We’ve been using them for our show every episode since the beginning back in 2008 or so.

Show notes can be an SEO savior for podcasters. To be frank, most podcasters don’t do show notes justice and leave a lot to be desired with the additional information or sources they’re mentioning. Show notes are a really great way to gain new listeners overall but also for specific episodes. You can show up in search results for your topic when you use keywords appropriately, write enough (word count) and properly title your episode.

We use a template for our show notes and it saves us time each and every episode. We’ve even created show notepads for those that are fans of pen and paper. Apps handle HTML and links differently, but most often utilize links nowadays making it easy for listeners.

Regularly using show notes assists listeners get the most out of your content, is great and useful for any ads/sponsorships you have, and overall bringing your audience back to wherever you’d like them to visit.

If you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable writing, this is also something that someone can help you with – whether that is on a regular basis or just the first few times. Virtual assistants, launch partners, etc. are a great way to get a feel for what you want for your show. You have to do show notes each episode if you want to use them to the best of their ability, and it gets easier. Highly recommended that you use a template and or format so that you’re not overwhelmed each time.

For more information visit these links.

Show notes and episode descriptions Perfecting your podcast show notes Overall, podcast show notes Pro-Production Tip

Considerations when changing your podcast format

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Tips to Getting Your Podcast Going

As people who have launched lots of podcasts over the years, Todd and Mike from the Blubrry team are more than equipped to provide tips on the best way to start a podcast.

Welcome to the new look, new format Podcast Insider! For Episode 333, CEO Todd Cochrane (@GeekNews) and Blubrry Support Evangelist Mike Dell (@MGDell) take us back to the basics to discuss the best ways to start a podcast.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Podcast Insider; we’ve worked hard to ensure that you’re getting the best podcast knowledge. We’ll still be periodically having guests on, so if you’re interested in being featured reach out to the team.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell

We cover a variety of items at hand when starting your podcast.

Topics – Pick one you’re relentlessly passionate about and won’t run out of things to say about it; skip popular and stick with something you care about.

Podcast Titles – Do your research and secure the title quickly. Research other shows, you can do so here. Don’t make this too difficult to spell or pronounce.

Websites / Domains – Lock down a URL before it’s already taken. Consider if it will be your show title, network, business, your name, etc.

Artwork – 1400×1400 is recommended. Directories are very picky about this, so you have to get the specs right.

RSS Feed – Time to setup the lifeblood of a podcast; we suggest using PowerPress and Blubrry hosting.

Trailer / episode 0 / launch episodes – Should you do them or not? It depends, but it typically doesn’t hurt to give audiences a heads up.

Directories – You can’t submit to directories until you have your first episode; Apple, Spotify & Podcast Index. The page on where to submit your podcast can help.

Pro-Production Tip

Batch Recording and Social Media Setup

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There comes a time that you should refresh your podcast; change something up. And it’s time for Blubrry to do the same. Next week we’ll be back with a whole new format and some stylistic changes but still the same team. We’re pairing back on the number of topics we discuss each week so we can really give our expertise on the topics at hand. We think you’ll really enjoy the change. In the meantime, Mike and MacKenzie discuss big tech in podcasting, some listener data and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News “Big Tech is Bad for Podcasting” Leo Laporte on the Podnews Weekly Review What do chart-topping podcasts have in common? US people between 13-34, one third of them listen to podcasts every day  Confirmed: Google will remove Podcasts Search carousel on February 13th – https://podnews.net/uploads/google-podcasts-feb13.png           To be replaced by a “new feature”  Crooked Media podcasters move forward to unionize with WGA (Writers Guild of America East) Best Practice

Keeping your podcast fresh

Every once in a while you need to change things up to improve your podcast and keep it interesting for podcasters and the listener.

Blubrry News This podcast will be changing up the format a bit next week. If there is a subject you want us to dig into, let us know! Email mike@blubrry.com Blubrry Pro Tip

The Power of Audio vs. Video

Question of the Week

Question:  I’ve got to know how can I use the Blueberry listeners statistics dashboard to see downloads for a single episode on a specific day?

Answer:  Ah yes, good question!  Go to the Blubrry dashboard and click on See all Statistics under the stats chart. Then, in the blue bar at the top, click on Episodes. From there find the episode you want to check out. Click on it.  (the file name). Once you do that, you can scroll down to “trending” and hover over the graph and the daily numbers will show up for each day.

Got a subject you would like us to cover in detail, drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Produced and edited by the Blubrry Pro Production team at BlubrryPro.com.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider. Join us next week or better yet, Subscribe or Follow in the podcast app of your choice.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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We’re just learning the power of Value4Value for podcasters. Blubrry recently released this new RSS feed feature and we are excited to see where it leads for podcasters. Todd and Mike discuss how it works in details and some of the other Podcasting 2.0 tags released in PowerPress recently.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News The State of Podcasting 2022 The Ambies announce their nominees for 2023 PodcastGuests.com announces acquisition Spotify CEO “I may have gotten carried away with spending…” Drift Off With Joe Pera, a new podcast Best Practice

Value4Value

Value4Value is more than a tech thing; it’s a way for your audience to support and interact with you and your show. It’s an alternative to advertising which can free you up to do things on your show that advertisers may disapprove of.

Setting up Value4Value is getting easier for both the podcaster and the podcast listener. As an example, here at Blubrry, we have partnered with Alby to make getting a wallet easier.

Check out more info here: https://value4value.info

Here are the steps to set this up on your podcast with Blubrry.

Sign up for an account at getalby.com Fund your wallet over there In your Blubrry feed settings (PowerPress or Publisher) link your account to Alby in the Experimental tab Promote on your show that you are now V4V enabled Tell your listeners to check out a new podcast app over at newpodcastapps.com Blubrry News PowerPress 9.10 is out. It has all the Podcasting 2.0 features that we have rolled out so far.  If you’re headed to Podcast Movement Evolutions in March and would like to schedule a meeting with us, do so here. Todd and Mike will be on the Podcasting 2.0 show with Adam Curry and Dave Jones tomorrow.  Check it out here or watch for a live notice in Podverse or Podcast Addict (you must subscribe to the show first). Blubrry Pro Tip

AI, don’t think so

Question of the Week

Question: I’m using PowerPress for my feed and  want to switch to using Blubrry Publisher. Is this possible? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Answer: Yes, this is possible. The disadvantage is that your feed will no longer come from your own domain. The advantage of this would be that you don’t have to worry about the functionality of your website to keep your podcast online.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? OR a subject you would like us to cover on the show.Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Produced and edited by the Blubrry Pro Production team.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider. Join us next week or better yet, Subscribe or Follow in the podcast app of your choice.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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In recent years we’ve seen how people are getting their podcast change. New apps, new formats etc. But does an RSS feed make a podcast, a real podcast? We discuss in various topics today how podcasting has evolved, changes to podcast RSS feeds, most importantly with Podcasting 2.0 initiatives and more on today’s episode of Podcast Insider with Mike and MacKenzie.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Spotify laying off 600 more people Vox Media laying off 7% of its workforce Is the number of new podcasts REALLY down 80% over 2020? Podcast downloads UP in 2022 Full schedule for Podcast Movement Evolutions is out now  .FM domains are dominated by podcasting, not radio. Best Practice

Video Podcasting: Do’s and dont’s and why you might be making it too hard on yourself. Again, does an RSS feed make a podcast?

Blubrry News Podcasting 2.0 features released! RSS feed features available in Publisher and PowerPress. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel. We will be posting a lot of how-to videos soon. Todd is speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando today and Friday. Blubrry Pro Tip

When is a podcast not a podcast?

Question of the Week

Question: I have another person managing my podcast, but I don’t want them to have my login info. Can I have additional users on my Blubrry account?

Answer: Yes! We have account sharing. To find that, go to the Podcaster Dashboard at Blubrry.com and select your show (if you have more than one) and click on Show > Manage and then Sharing settings. You can invite people by email and give them access to your stats or publishing or both on the show level. They will not have access to the other shows on your account or your account settings.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Columbus, Ohio & Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The great debate in podcasting: sound vs. video. Podcasting is most often known as audio, but in recent years has taken a sharp turn to video as well. Podcast sound only reigns king for regular publishing, but video has a purpose. Mike and Todd discuss podcast sound, some amazing new Blubrry releases and we feature a pro-production tip about you guessed it – podcast sound.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Do listeners want video? Why video can’t replace audio in podcasting Podcasts removed from search at Google Is the Google Podcasts app going away? New (launching) podcast creation has drastically dropped since 2020 Best Practice

While not accessible to everyone, if you have the means, consider upping your bandwidth to reduce issues when recording.

If you can’t upgrade your bandwidth, here are some tricks that may help

Do not use wifi; use a wired connection to your router. Do a double-ender recording where each host records themselves.  Do not use video on either end. Blubrry News Quicklinks was launched this week for Blubrry hosting customers. Media Mastering by Auphonic released today. Free until February 18th.  Podcast 2.0 features added to Blubrry Publisher. PowerPress and more info next week! Todd is speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando Thursday and Friday. If you are in the area, we have some expo-only passes available. Blubrry Pro Tip

What do you sacrifice with bad sound? Thanks for the tip, Kate

Question of the Week

Question: What are LUFS? Why is -16lufs the standard for podcasting?

Answer: Lufs stand for “Loudness Unit Full Scale” which to ordinary people means as loud as a system can handle. For podcasters, it just means that your show’s audio will be as loud as it should be, and if we all do -16lufs, people won’t have to change the volume on their device between shows at that value. Not sure who or why -16 is the standard, but it is for now.

More reading for the sound geeks:  https://www.edmprod.com/lufs/ 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from The New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Our first big release of the year was working with Apple. We now integrate with Apple Podcast Subscription shows for easy publishing directly from the Blubrry platform.

Anyone producing a premium subscription based Apple Podcast can now publish their premium episodes directly through our platform and we’re very excited about it. Tune in to hear more on that feature as well as some cools tools in Slack and for Podcasting 2.0.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Apple Podcast Subscriptions integrated into the Blubrry platform PRX using V4V in a new way Levar Burton is launching his first kid’s podcast, Sound Detectives Slack now produces a transcript if you upload an audio file. Not sure how useable it is yet, but we discovered that last week. Other chat services have this too. True Crime podcast listener now a murder suspect Best Practice

Reach out to be a guest on your favorite podcast! We don’t mean your favorite podcast that is not relevant to insights or expertise that you can provide, but you should reach out to be a guest on a show you’re familiar with for a meaningful conversation.

Blubrry News Lots of Podcasting 2.0 features are now in the Blubrry publisher. Learn more here and here. Location Transcripts Chapters Person Live Item TXT Podping Value (V4V) Coming very soon PowerPress will be updated with the same tags very soon Todd will be keynote speaking at Podfest Expo in Orlando Thursday and Friday –   If you are in the area, we have some expo-only passes available. Reach out to MacKenzie. Todd will also speak at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Las Vegas in March. Blubrry Pro Tip

First Impressions Artwork

Question of the Week

Question:I use an AudioTechnica ATH-M50 headset for my podcasting, but I need to buy three more pairs for guests, and I don’t want to spend $200 on each pair. Can you recommend a “decent” headphone option that sounds neutral and easy to listen to for long periods of time that’s under $100?

Answer: (Mike)I have a set of Sony MDR 7506 headphones that I like a lot. They are around $80 and seem tough as well. At least I haven’t broken them yet

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Enough with the 2022 recap, we’re here to focus on what’s ahead for 2023. Mike and MacKenzie review some recent articles predicting and focusing on potential changes the podcast industry; it’s a bit foreboding. Working in podcasting for so long, both of them give their best takes on ad dollars, networks, even the economy.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Great Podcasting Market Correction from Bloomberg A Rocky 2023 for Podcasting? from The Verge 30 experts give their forecast for podcasting in 2023  What are some of Mike and MacKenzie’s predictions for podcasting in 2023? MacKenzie – Hoping for better search within apps Mike – Predicting Joe Rogan will leave Spotify Best Practice

Don’t Ghost Your Guest!

Encourage your guest to share your episode when it’s published! Easier said than done but there are many ways to make it easier for them to share said episode. Follow an email schedule / template where you follow up with a link to the episode; social media handles if they want to tag (and ask for theirs) and clue them into other cool places they can share their link.

Blubrry News Todd is attending CES in Las Vegas, he can provide a quick tech recap next week tpn.tv Looking to start off the month of January with a Podcaster of the Month blog feature, guest on this show, etc. Email MacKenzie! Integrations, announcements and releases coming soon, starting next week. Blubrry Pro Tip

Ads for your podcast

Question of the Week

Question: From a flurry of support tickets this week – What are the ‘Podcast Landing Page URL’ and ‘Podcast Mirror Feed URL’ fields for in PowerPress?

Answer: “Podcast landing page” is where you can put a page you want people to go to if they click “Podcast Homepage” in Apple and other apps.

“Podcast Mirror feed URL” is used when you choose to use the Podcast Mirror service that Blubrry offers. This can also be used to create a 301 redirect to a new feed if you are moving away from PowerPress to generate your RSS feed.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from MacKenzie’s studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Todd and Mike review how the predictions panned out for this last year. Also, Mike had a little fun with the RoadCaster Pro’s cart buttons

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Podcasts tend to follow a routine or format each episode. Most often this is a good thing for the audience as repetition is conductive to building loyalty. That doesn’t mean you need to stick to the format that you’ve always done. Thanks to Kate from the Pro-Production team for joining Mike this episode, they have some great discussions on podcast format changes, mastermind groups and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Spotify may rebrand Anchor Overcast web player will remain after all Will Joe Rogan renew with Spotify?  Apple’s holiday deadline for adding new shows, channels or subscription shows may be slower than normal from Dec 23rd to Jan 2nd. Best Practice

Be wary of the so-called podcast mastermind groups. Anyone can call themselves a mastermind, and certainly plenty of podcasters that know a bit about podcasting do call themselves just that. Sometimes these groups and orgs can be very helpful, but a lot of the time, they’re not worth the hype and definitely not worth the money. As you head into the new year with renewed energy, do your research. Keep in mind, this advice also applies to podcast networks.

Blubrry News Blog post: Remembering Blubrry in 2022 Next week’s show, we pull up what was predicted for 2022 and see how we did.

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Many people have asked, even we have pondered and answered, and now there is a report on the best day to release a podcast. Kind of. A report has recently been released providing percentages on how popular each day of the week is to release a new episode. The data may surprise you.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News True Crime Podcast Proof helped to free 2 men after 25 years in prison  What is the best day to release a podcast? Here’s a report on the subject: What day are the most podcast episodes released? NPR Student challenge is back for 2023  Live podcasting, the open way from Dave Jones Spotify cuts live audio shows Good Housekeeping’s 40 best podcasts of 2022  SmartLess Media formed by the hosts behind SmartLess podcast with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. They announced four shows that will debut in 2023, hosted by fellow celebrities. Best Practice

Use your voice to the best of your ability, and forgo trying to ‘sound like a podcaster’. The best advice we can give to anyone that is anxious about how their voice sounds, is to do it anyway. Your conversational voice will most likely work best; and the content is the most important part. Articulate yourself well and your voice will follow suit.

Blubrry News Blubrry offices will be closed the Monday after Christmas (Boxing day) and the Monday after New Year’s Day. We will also be out the Friday afternoons of Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. We are still head down on a bunch of new features and a couple of new products. Look for some announcements after the first of the year. One of those features will be Value 4 Value, where you will be able to get donations to your show via Sats (small parts of bitcoin). This show is enabled for V4V so if you are listening on a supported app (Fountain, Podverse, or others), you can send us a boost. Blubrry Pro Tip

Podcast Gear/Tech

Question of the Week

Question: What are the 3 or 4 best destinations to submit my podcast to? 

Answer:  Well, you want to try to be as everywhere as you can.  But if you want to pick the most important ones, I would say submit your show to these four:

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Podcast Index

It doesn’t hurt to submit to all the others. If you are a PowerPress or Blubrry user, go to the destinations settings and submit to them all. (Don’t lose any sleep over it) 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from MacKenzie’s Home Studio in Columbus, OH & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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As the year comes to a close, the end-of-year 2022 podcast articles can be found in abundance, many of which Todd and Mike discuss in today’s episode of Podcast Insider. Along with insights from the year, we focus on if you should take a break with your podcast and promotion opportunities during the holidays. Audio and microphone enthusiasts, stick around for the question of the week.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News 2022 Podcast Insights Sounds profitable put out a report called “Safe and Sound” about listener brand safety Some insights into the most successful segments of podcasting in 2022 2022 Podcaster Wrapped from Spotify, released on Nov. 30. Hosts, if you haven’t looked at this yet, maybe you’ve got your own stats for your show What PR pros should know about podcasting – lots of helpful stats on podcast creation trends Westwood One and PodcastOne founder, Norm Pattiz, has died at 79 Fellow podcast hosting company employee BJ Forsyth (Scrum Master for the Dev team at Libsyn) passed away in a car accident.  Rob Greenlee, formerly of Microsoft, PodcastOne, Spreaker, and most recently Libsyn, is now working at Podbean as SVP, Content and Partnerships. Congrats Rob! He also is using a Mac!

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Back from the long holiday week last week, Todd and Mike talk about The Podcast Show London, What started the podcasting idea and Apple’s podcast of the year 2022. Plus many more things.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News The Podcast Show London is back for May 2023 The Death of Twitter: What Does it Mean for Podcasters?  The genesis of Podcasting  Adobe adds a free Mic Checker online As purpose-driven ads face challenges this holiday, could podcasting provide a lift? Apple chose their podcast of the year, Slow Burn: Roe v. Wade  Lots of shows disappeared from Spotify this week. It was a bug at Spotify. It should be corrected now. Best Practice

When changing your website URL or building a new website, Be careful! It could be an extinction event for your show.

Blubrry News Blog post: Leaning into Adult Content by Tara – like tar  Podcasters of the Month  Newsletter went out earlier this week Lots of new features Some are powered by Podcasting 2.0.  Blubrry Pro Tip –  Who vs. How? Blubrry Pro Tip

Confidence to podcast

Question of the Week

Question: Is it possible to do a show with a new host every episode?    We are doing a company show and want experts in our company to host an episode and pass the hosting around to different people in the company. 

Answer: Yes, everything is possible! In Podcasting, there are no rules for the content.   We do that on this show. We rotate between 3 hosts and sometimes other people. The key is to have a standard format. Or maybe one point person that does the intro every time and turns it over to that episode’s host. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Perfecting your podcast show notes can be done. We tell you how and reference our most recent blog post on the subject written by Meryl Klemow. As the holiday dates begin, schedule your podcast submissions, publishing, launching, etc. accordingly.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Apple is auto-tagging individual podcast episodes by topic Alex Blumberg has left Spotify / Gimlet Media  Our partner, Headliner, now allows people to upload their entire episode to YouTube; limited to Pro and Enterprise subscribers Apple Podcasts is hosting numerous webinars, including Nov. 17 and 18. View the full list of dates and webinar topics such as setting up subscriptions here. Spotify releases “video podcasting” in 180 countries Apple holiday schedule is beginning on Nov 19, prepare for delays until January. 1 in 5 Americans listen to podcasts daily. Best Practice

Write your podcast and show notes for the genre you’re producing. Nonfiction Writing Lessons from the Planet Money Podcast. 

Blubrry News Blog post: Podcast Show Notes by Meryl Klemow The Blubrry team will be out Thursday and Friday of next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please be patient as we catch up on Monday. Blubrry Pro Tip

Confidence to podcast

Question of the Week

Question (from Reddit): I need to get a good microphone but want to go with a USB to start with. Is it best to get something like the MV7 USB/XLR just in case I want to add a mixer in the future? Or can a just USB mic be OK? What other mics should I look at?

Answer:  It’s best to get something you can grow with.  The Shure MV7 is a great choice but if you want something a little cheaper, but still good, the Audio-Technica ATR-2100X  and the Samson Q2U are good choices.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Once you get the dream guest, you need to nail your podcast interview. Easier said than done for most, so we are here to provide some tips on how to approach your podcast interview. Along with our interview tip from the Pro-Production team, we also have articles about the Hot Pod Summit, Facebook Live Audio and what to do with your podcast around the holidays.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News Hot Pod Summit recap, from Ariel Shapiro. Scripted podcasting still hasn’t had its “Serial” moment How Crooked Media combats the right-wing talk machine Why late-night comedy shifted to podcasting Facebook Live Audio rooms closing Dec 1st Podcast statistics providers that are IAB certified will have to be re-certified annually from now on. More details here. Overcast is discontinuing the web version of the player Speaking of Overcast, Dave Jackson from School of podcast is moving from Overcast to Castomatic for his own podcast listening Lead Balloon recorded an episode in an F-18 fighter jet (episode 37 and a YouTube Video)  Best Practice

The holidays are here. Should you take a break over the holidays?

Ways to keep your audience listening if you do take a break:

Pre-record episodes if you show lends itself to it Do a best of show with clips from past episodes Everyone is familiar with a re-run Perhaps a cross-post with another podcast (with permission of course)  Play podsafe xmas music?

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Choosing a podcast name comes with some challenges, but like most things in life, it can be made easier with assistance from others. We urge you to choose your podcast title and associated branding materials wisely. Aside from podcast titles we focus on podcast listener growth, podcast ad sales and a reminder that we’re happy to migrate any podcaster from their current podcast host. Todd is back and MacKenzie is filling in for Mike; next week we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Live Facebook recording.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Spoken word growing among younger audiences, a significant boost in gen z listeners Apple publishes insights about growing subscription podcasts Amazon offers ad-free music and podcasts with Prime membership Very little ad growth in Q3; it fell during the summer and picked up early fall. An increase in brand awareness advertising and decrease in direct response. Sounder.fm shutting down its podcast hosting. If you’re looking to save your podcast and move to Blubrry please contact us and we’ll give you details on our migration offerings. Best Practice

Choosing a podcast name: Pick a distinct and memorable podcast title. Does your podcast name make sense to everyone or just you? Along with this is a well thought out and designed cover art. It never hurts to get a few pairs of eyes to weigh in on these choices. Lastly, consider SEO advantages and disadvantages with desired title.

Blubrry News Blog Post: We’re Hiring: Social Media Strategist Blubrry Pro Tip

Interview Tips – Conversation

Question of the Week

Question: Is posting / promoting my podcast daily too much?

Answer: Perhaps. It’s all very circumstantial, however we believe that engagement on a daily basis can get you further in the long run. People are more likely to overlook scheduled posts (on all platforms) about episodes or subscribing, etc. if you post every day as opposed to interacting with your comments, retweets, stories, and more. They want to feel involved. In a parasocial world, give the people a bit of what they want and you’ll go far.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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There comes a time as a podcaster that you run into some technical problem with your show and you need to reach out to your service company. We are that company and have some tips on how to help us help you with your podcasting problems.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News The privacy reports never stop. Podnews: Podcast app sent your location to any podcast publisher 27th annual Webby Awards are open for entries. Early entry closes on Oct. 28 There are 573 podcasters in Saudi Arabia Squadcast has been granted their patent for their recording engine. Get the full description here. Nuvoodo says that 38% of podcast listeners have bought something they heard about on a podcast. We definitely have bought something advertising on a podcast. Here comes the Gen Z listeners. And an interesting connect to Gen X. Best Practice

Determine how you’d like to measure your podcast success. There’s a multitude of ways to measure how well a podcast is performing, and it can be overwhelming if you’re looking at too much data. Pick a few benchmarks and analytics you want to focus on. These can change over time of course, but hone in on a few at a time for better understanding.

Blubrry News Todd had an eye-opening experience at Ignite the Sound in Saudi Arabia. We have some new features and integrations coming soon.  If you’re looking to be an Apple premium subscription launch partner, please reach out to us ASAP. Blubrry Pro Tip

Grow your podcast with Narrow Podcasting (learn more here)

Support Advice Question of the Week

Help Us Help You, Podcast – The more information you provide support (not just us, but anyone) the better we can serve you and get any issues fixed quickly. Some things that will greatly help us help you faster are:

When calling, have your login information and better yet, be logged into your site, your account at Blubrry and any other services you need help with. Know your RSS feed address or at least HOW/where the RSS is generated. (Blubrry Publisher, WordPress with PowerPress or some other way). If it’s a billing issue, have your payment method handy when you call.  Use the contact form at Blubrry.com/support OR call the 877 number.  Direct emails and calls can get lost as they are harder to keep track of. Leave a voicemail if we don’t answer right away. PLEASE do not keep trying over and over. Leave a voicemail and we WILL get back to you.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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People, specifically creators may ask, has podcasting peaked? We don’t really think so, but listen to today’s episode to find out exactly why. MacKenzie joins Mike to discuss Tik-Tok entering the podcasting arena, working for Howard Stern, podcast websites and a whole lot more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Tik-Tok is ‘going’ after podcasting. Want to work on the Howard Stern channel? They’re hiring now.  Pocket Casts mobile apps are now open source The Podcast Academy announced three new board members. Congrats! Podcast releases new episode on cassette YouTube introducing a new identity feature, handles. Best Practice

Website or at least dedicated web page for your podcast. Creating a place where people can easily locate any links, social media tags, episodes, merch, etc. is going to make your life as a podcaster easier.

Blubrry News Blog Post: When to Rebrand Your Podcast by Tara O’Brien Podcaster of the Month: Kimberly Cain from The Naked Vibes Show Todd is at Ignite the Sound in Riyadh, SA We are working on bringing some more Podcasting 2.0 features to our platform. To check out Podcasting 2.0 enabled apps, visit https://podcastindex.org/apps and try out a new listening app with some of these new features. Blubrry Pro Tip

Has podcasting peaked?

Question of the Week

Question: When is the best time to record a podcast?

Answer: 11am EST on Thursdays

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As with any industry, when one company decides to put an end to a podcast, another company is gearing up to start their own; always progressing in podcasting. Sirius and Spotify are making changes to their podcast output and we’re commentating on the latest podcast conferences. Join Mike and Todd to hear more about podcasting 2.0 namespace progress, hiring in podcasting and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Facebook live recording.

News

Endings and Beginnings

– SiriusXM is opening a new studio in Miami – Spotify cancels 10 original shows from Gimlet and Parcast

Tips and advice from the Publisher Podcasting Summit Podcast Futures conference, coming up next week. Podcasting 2.0 namespace phase 6 is undergoing planning. New possible tags include podcast:txt podcast:hasGuests podcast:events podcast:state Improvements to the podcast: chapters tag The charges against Adnan Syed, from Serial, have officially been dropped by prosecutors Megyn Kelly the Q3 fastest growing conservative podcast. Read more here. Best Practice

When in doubt, hire out. This is a privilege, but if your budget allows it and you’re currently stuck with a podcast task you loathe, hire someone to handle it for you.

Blubrry News Blog post: Should You Start A Podcast in an Oversaturated Market? by Tara O’Brien. Read it here. Chau is leaving Blubrry

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  Awards season has almost come and gone in podcasting. A handful of different awards shows have occurred recently, and we share the podcast winners of the past week. Mike and MacKenzie sit down to discuss the sale of and potential sale of a few podcast networks, the audience changes over time for those at the top and more on today’s episode.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Glenn the Geek’s Horse Radio Network was acquired by the Equine Network Audacy is exploring the sale of Cadence13 Time to re-think promo codes? by Tom Webster Women on the Rise: Alex Cooper tops Joe Rogan Hollywood Reporter ‘40(ish)Most Powerful People in Podcasting’ Podcast Winners International Women’s Podcast Award winners 17th annual People’s Choice Podcast Award winners Want to hear ‘Joe Rogan’ interview ‘Steve Jobs’? Podcast.ai has produced the interview powered entirely by AI. It’s a hoot! (and a bit creepy). Best Practice 

Let your guest speak. Having a guest on your podcast is a privilege, you’ve worked to find them, set this up, and supposedly value them; let them speak uninterrupted on your show to shine for your guests.

Blubrry News Podping now supported in PowerPress AND Blubrry publisher feeds! Tune into Podping.watch to see the updates in real-time. Blog Post: A Peek Into What Piques Your Audience’s Interest by Tara O’Brien Blubrry Pro Tip

Alumni Match-making

Question of the Week

Question: Is it ok to have a scattered release schedule when I am first starting my podcast, until I get my footing? Say for about two months.

Answer: Yes, it can be “OK” but is it the best way? Not really. The consistency is what allows people to build you into their regular schedule. Over time, it gets more important as more and more people discover your show and your schedule.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Coming to you this week from Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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The Podcast Index initiative continues to move forward with more and more use of additional RSS 2.0 feed tags being implemented and used, including from Blubrry. Join the conversation for podcasting 2.0 simplified, courtesy of Mike and MacKenzie.

 

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Podcast companies BUYING listens in mobile and online game apps. Dave Jones, from Podcastindex.org, is on this weeks New Media Show talking about Podcasting 2.0.  Marc Maron’s WTF is going live on stage in London UK on Oct 19th.  People’s Choice Podcast Awards show will be live at 9pm ET on Sept. 30th (Friday) Cross-promotion is still a good way to promote your shows – A&E does it.  CNN cuts some of their podcast staff. Andy Lehman’s Podcast Namespace Plugin for WordPress has added the live item tag Podcast listening differences along political party lines Best Practice

More Podcasting 2.0 Simplified: Let your listeners know about some new podcast listening apps to take advantage of the Podcasting 2.0 features. Learn more here: https://podcastindex.org/apps

Blubrry News Blog Post: Growing Your Podcast on Social Media – Travis Brown International Podcast Day live starts at 10:30am ET. Here is the schedule, also https://linktr.ee/internationalpodcastday  PodPing is now supported in PowerPress 9.5 which was released this week! Blubrry Pro Tip

Re-recording an interview because of bad guest audio

Question of the Week

Question: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you started podcasting?

Answer: This is from a Facebook group. There are lots of answers.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun. You don’t need the “best” gear to get started! Just start creating episodes and upgrade along the way. How much time it takes to build a following. How easy it actually is, despite what seems like complicated processes and how much money it would generate. Pace yourself. You can burn out if you go too hard too quickly.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Coming to you this week from the Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan & MacKenzie’s undisclosed location in Columbus, OH.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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You can never truly predict the outcome of your podcast, and that stands true for Serial, as Adnan Syed was released from prison earlier this week, the focus on season one of a hit podcast from 2014. MacKenzie joins Todd this episode to discuss the effects of a podcast, a bit on the history of the RSS feed, and editing and marketing tactics.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News Adnan Syed, whose story was the focus of the hit podcast Serial in season one, has been released from prison. Syed’s story was kicked off by Serial and then again thoroughly discussed in the podcast Undisclosed. This is not the first case podcasting has shed light on that had a profound impact in real life, but it is known as the first true crime podcast to bring in millions of new podcast listeners back in 2014. Apple wants your website address for podcasting (in the EU). Open podcast prefix project. RSS 2.0 is 20 years old! View the RSS timeline here. Spotify has added audio books to their platform. Best Practice

Trial runs. Don’t skimp out and decide it’s unnecessary to test out your equipment, even those that have done this before. Podcast equipment is best tested multiple times and with multiple people.

Blubrry News Blog Post: How Radio Experience Can Translate to Podcasting – by Meryl Klemow Getting Started in Podcasting, a webinar – Tuesday September 27th at 4:30pm. Register here. Blubrry Pro Tip

Marking edit points in your recording

Question of the Week

Question: What is a good (unorthodox) way that can help you grow your community/listeners? 

Answer: A variety of options such as: billboards, call into the radio, tables/booths small local events, etc. Many of our partners and friends such as Pro-Production, Podcast Academy by Proudmouth, Produce Your Podcast, and more have lots to say on this subject.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, OH.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Podcast growth can be difficult and overwhelming for new podcasters. Travis Brown, an avid user of social media for podcast growth, shares his wisdom and experience as a digital creator overall in today’s interview.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News ShePodcasts Live has been moved to June 2023. Kudos to their team for making a hard decision for the best of the attendees and show. iOS 16 is out now (iPadOS is delayed). Trying to run Auphonic Desktop on Mac M1 or M2? Re-download it here so you can re-install. It’s still marked as version 1.8 but it will work now. The Brookings Institute has found that conservative podcasters release more episodes than liberal podcasters. Best Practice

Podcast promotion isn’t one size fits all. Give some of these ideas a try and see what works best for you.

4.5 things everyone wants to know about podcast promotion Blubrry News PowerPress webinar on Sept. 20 International Podcast Day is Sept. 30th and Blubrry is a sponsor. Check out their site https://internationalpodcastday.com/ and the live stream schedule here. Blubrry Pro Tip

The dark side of podcasting tech

Interview

Travis Brown – Digital Creator Extraordinaire. Use his wisdom to grow your podcast on social.

Instagram Social Boom — free webinar! Question of the Week

Question: If I want to buy an existing podcast, how can I value it in a dollar amount? (Kurt from The Leading Saints Podcast)

Answer: 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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One of the great things about podcasting is that there is no one way to do it. But there are some preferred or more accepted ways, according to listeners and ad agencies. That brings us to our main topic today, podcast ads: host-read or pre-recorded, what is better?

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News Podcast ads: Host read or pre-recorded ads. Which is better? Apple sends welcome email to already listed shows. Whoops. Video and YouTube is changing podcasting Cumulus splits with Podcast Movement New Canadian podcast newsletter: Pod The North Happy Star Trek Day! 56 years ago today, Star Trek premiered on NBC.  https://www.startrek.com/day Here are some Star Trek related podcasts to check out http://www.trek.fm/ (A network of a lot of good shows) https://www.womenatwarp.com/ Best Practice

Pre-recorded intros and outros

Short versions of these are useful for editing and continuity. Listeners enjoy a quick sentence or two getting into the new episode to learn about today’s topics, but a reliable in and out can be helpful as a creator.

Blubrry News We are in ‘polish’ mode on all our new services and some old ones. If you see anything you think needs a tweak, let us know!  Dragon Con recap Looking for some Podcasters of the Month to feature before the end of the year; let us know if you’d like to be one of them. Blubrry Pro Tip

Guest Podcasting part 2. See episode 309 for part 1.

Question of the Week

Question: I keep hearing podcast hosts say “Find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.” What is the BEST way to promote subscribing or following in my podcast?

Answer: Have your own website and promote that. Make sure you have all the links to destinations your podcast is syndicated to on your site (or at least the main ones).

Like we say here, go to PodcastInsider.com and subscribe or follow us there. Or something like that.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

There are a few new places to listen to podcasts, and you’re probably already familiar with these platforms. YouTube and Twitter have taken another step forward in podcast discovery. While Mike and MacKenzie chat about podcast directories and platforms, they catch up on Podcast Movement a bit, reusing and repurposing content and, of course, offering their take on what to do with a problematic microphone situation.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News

                   New places to listen to podcasts:                   – YouTube is rolling out a podcast section.                    – Podcasts coming to Twitter? A full circle moment for Twitter.

Apple is updating its RSS requirements in 2023 Podcasting market to grow 30% through 2026 Comedy is the #1 Genre in Podcasting (for Q2-2022) New podcast app Fountain has a new chart “Hot on Fountain”  Six things podcast listeners love about podcasts (and 4 that drive them crazy) Zoom takes over podcasting Best Practice

Taking care of your voice. If podcasting or any type of audio is part of your regular content, it’s in your best interest to take care of your voice / health.

Blubrry News Getting back into the groove after Podcast Movement. Todd will be at DragonCon this weekend in Atlanta, GA.  It’s Sept. 1, the first day of International Podcast Day month. They’re coming back this year for a live stream, only 8 hours instead of their longest, 32 hours. Blubrry Pro Tip

Repeating ideas for new content

Question of the Week

Question: My recording is getting a lot of background noise. How do I reduce the background noise coming into my microphone?

Answer: The main thing is to NOT record any background noise. I know, that sounds too simple.

Simple things you can do that will help:

Make sure you are in the quietest place you can be.  Turn off fans, A/C and other noise-producing things in your recording area. Soundproof behind you. Put a rug on the floor if you are in a room without carpet. Close curtains / blinds so the noise doesn’t echo off the windows. Get closer to the microphone and turn down the gain. You can boost it in post-production with something like auphonic. If you have a dynamic mic, use that instead of a condenser mic. Remember, a little bit of ‘ambiance’ doesn’t hurt sometimes. AND, sometimes, you just can’t help it.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Coming to you from the podcast recording studio at Podcast Movement Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett and Chau Pham chat about Blubrry’s booth and meeting new podcasters and how the event is going overall. They’re excited about some mics from Shure, a new service from ecamm and more. It’s a short episode, but a fun recap of the event. We can’t wait to come back next year.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the HubSpot podcast studio at Podcast Movement 2022 in Dallas, Texas. Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

You can now make money on Blubrry with Programmatic Ads! Our development team and the rest of the team have been putting in long hours getting this and another BIG thing ready for Monday.  Watch for an announcement on Monday. Otherwise, Todd and Mike talk about what is going on in the news and the need for a backup strategy for your show.

News Ads may be coming to Apple Podcasts  Latino Listener Report released by Edison Research  Step into the Podcast Bus    Kind of like the Podcast BUG – (Mike Wilkerson)  Congratulations to Jame Cridland of Podnews for being named one of the thought leaders in podcasting Libsyn buys German ads company Julep  Audacy layoffs touch it’s podcasting business –  Best Practice: Backups – Have a Backup Strategy!  Back up your media files JUST in case Get a removable hard drive and back up there. (Or just a thumb drive. You can get them 1tb or bigger now!)  Backup to the cloud somewhere like Google Drive, Dropbox or AWS cold storage. Back up your RSS feed as a text file. Load you feed in Chrome.  (other browser won’t work the same) then, select all and paste it in a text doc.   If you host with Blubrry and use PowerPress, we also keep a copy of your feed for you.  Blubrry News:  Make Money! – Programmatic Advertising available to all hosting customers  Blog Post:  Connecting with your local community by Meryl  More releases coming next week and we’ll see you at Podcast Movement the week after that. Todd, Mike, MacKenzie and Chau will be at Podcast Movement in Dallas next week. IF you are there, drop by and say HI and pick up some swag.   This show will be from the Podcast Movement show floor next week (different format I’m sure)  Blubrry Pro Tip: Private Podcasting Question of the Week:

From Ethan:  Our podcast network started with one show. These days we have 7 shows in the network, but we’re storing all those shows in the same Blubrry folder. Not great for content management. Can we re-organize our Blubrry catalog of shows into different folders? Would that affect the URL of the MP3s? Will PowerPress show us the new folders?

Answer:Yes!

With our pro hosting plan and “Multi-program mode” in ​​PowerPress you can separate which folders you upload shows to. This keeps the media separate and it also keeps the stats separate.  Put in a ticket at blubrry.com/support and we can setup a time to help you get that setup. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie

150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180

Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Summer is coming to a close (in America at least) and here at Blubrry we think that podcasts are under utilized by educators. Podcasts are an amazing component of education and all kinds of learning. We encourage educators of any kind to look into podcasting, including private podcasting. We also talk about podcast guests paying to be on shows, Soundcloud and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News As reported in Podnews, Art19 adding stats redirect for PodTrac and making podcaster’s stats public  Podcast guests paying $50k to be on popular shows Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey Are Jumping Into Podcasting Soundcloud lays off 20% of global workforce. We wish those employees good luck. Sinclair Broadcasting is getting into podcasting Best Practice

Podcasting is most likely under utilized in the classroom.

As the school year starts up again, we urge teachers or instructors of all kinds to use podcasting alongside their in person lessons and courses. For those worried about content being released to the general public, our private podcasting is a great solution to satisfy your team’s needs.

Blubrry News Blubrry partners with PodRocket Academy for podcast training Blubrry partners with Descript for editing and transcripts More releases coming next week and we’ll see you at Podcast Movement the week after that Blubrry Pro Tip

The unsung hero of podcast equipment

Interview

Kimberly Cain

Podcasts – The Naked Vibes Show and Deeper Connections from The Daily MotivatorContact Kimberly

Question of the Week

Question: From Kurt – After I publish an episode, is it possible to make a change to that episode file and swap the files without messing up the analytics for that episode?

Answer: Yes, make your edits on the file and name it exactly the same as the original file. Then, re-upload the file to Blubrry and you will be all set. The new version of the file will replace the old one on the server.

Note: It may take a while for the CDN cache to clear and start playing the new version of the file.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

When should you publish your episodes? There might be a best time to publish podcasts, but it requires a bit of digging to find out what is best for you. This episode we discuss publish times, Spotify podcasting progress, Value 4 Value in podcasting and mistakes to avoid when starting your podcast.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News Spotify earnings meeting: They’re getting rid of Car Thing as they could never come to a solid price, podcast engagement grew ‘double digits’ year over year, podcasts generated €200 in 2021, and lots more, read a different article here. Podcasts to the MetaVerse via iHeartRadio Most podcast listeners also listen to radio (says this survey) New, very different, podcast “Shameless Acquisition Target” hosted by Laura Mayer Todd and Mike both are experimenting with Value 4 Value.   Best Practice

Investigate the Best Time to Publish Your PodcastYou have at least an inkling of when people are listening to your new episodes simply because you have a feel for your audience. But, to get an even better understanding, take a look at your Blubrry stats. Our stats can make it clear the time of day and make adjustments accordingly.

Blubrry News Blog Post: Tips for Networking by Meryl Klemow. Definitely read this if you’re headed to Podcast Movement next month. Support might be a bit slower than normal next week. The whole team is meeting (in person). We will try to get to you as best we can. Thanks for understanding! Episode might be a day late next week, we’ll see when the team finds the time to record. 4-5 major announcements leading up to Podcast Movement Blubrry Pro Tip

Avoid this Podcast Mistake that a Young Start-Up Owner Made

Question of the Week

Question: How important is good audio for a podcast?

Answer: Very important. Do your best, but the main thing is do not make it painful to listen to. Bad audio will screw up good content, but good audio will make bad content sound almost good.

Make sure your levels are such that if someone is listening to your show on a play list and it goes to the next show in their list, that the levels do not jump or drop too much. The standard is -16 lufs. If you don’t have a way to check lufs, then -3 to 0 db on a standard meter is close. Auphonic is a good tool to level your audio before the final mp3 output for your podcast.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production Studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Privacy concerns in podcasting have a history of not only being addressed, but the industry has been pro-active about addressing those concerns as well. The IAB Tech Lab released a document about podcast privacy concerns and laid out how they plan to tackle the issue.

Please excuse our technical difficulties today; these things happen to everyone once in a while, even podcast companies.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News IAB Tech Lab releases a document about Podcast Privacy Challenges Acast bought Podchaser for $34 million LivexLive is going to spin off Podcast One  Jame Cridland from Podnews reveals the podcast industry’s biggest spammer  5 Radio Produced Podcasts up for Marconi Awards Best Practice

Data Driven Decisions

All podcasters have the opportunity to take a moment to thoroughly review their podcast statistics and determine how to move forward. Was it the title, the topic, the guest, the longer or shorter episode?

Blubrry News Blog Post:  Show Me The Monetization by Tara O’Brien Preparing for Podcast Movement We’re meeting for a company gathering soon – let us know if there are any big features or ideas or problems you’d like us to consider for early August Blubrry Pro Tip

Crucial elements of your podcast

Question of the Week

Question: What happens if I change the file name on a published episode?

Answer:  A few things, but nothing terrible. 

You will have to re-upload and re-link the file in your post The apps and directories will just start playing the new file just as they played the old one.  A new entry will be in your stats for the new file name. 

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the Blubrry HQ in Columbus, Ohio & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

As podcasting technology advances, some see the RSS feed as a nuisance as opposed to a benefit of podcasting. Todd and Mike discuss why the RSS is still important, even in 2022. Apple divulged some information on iOS16 and ending a deal agreement, SiriusXM is up to additional advertising and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News Anchor founder says RSS is hindering podcasting. We do not agree; RSS is still important. Apple ends consulting deal with Jony Ive iOS16 will have larger music & podcast artwork shown on the lock screen Halfway through the year, what’s up and what’s down in podcasting?  SiriusXM and Comscore Bring Cookie-free Audience Targeting to Podcasts Spotify adding video podcasting in 6 more countries Best Practice

Why RSS coming from your own site important to podcasters

Blubrry News Blog post: Finding Podcast Advertising by Meryl Klemow Blubrry Pro Tip

Starting a podcast network?

Question of the Week

Question: How do I get better at speaking into the microphone confidently? (from Reddit)

Answer:  Best advice is to PRACTICE!  Also, don’t think of the microphone. Think of the person (yes, pick one) that you are talking to. Speak as if you are talking to that imaginary person. If you are having a guest or a co-host, just talk to them like you would over a table at the bar. But again, the more you do it, the better you will get.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Putting the focus on your podcast audience is key in podcast growth. This can mean doing a variety of things to hone in on, such as visualizing your audience, joining a podcast network, or create a media kit for advertisements that really match your listeners. Luckily, we’ve released a new feature for the Blubrry community, podcast media kits. Join Todd and our new marketing team member, Chau, as they chat about our new tool, podcast ad frequency and more.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording with Todd and Chau.

News Podcast fraud on the rise again Podcast ad frequency Visualizing your audience Blue Wire, a sports podcasting company has raised 2.5 million, looking at profitability for the first time in 2023. A great article on a former journalist making the switch and creating an entire company devoted to podcasting. Best Practice Preparing for advertising and what you will be expected to provide to a potential advertiser Average Episode Downloads over a 30 day period How many Episodes per month How long you have been podcasting Is your content brand safe Blubrry News Blubrry Media Kits have been released, including podcast audience data Programmatic Advertising is currently in beta testing Blubrry Pro Tip

More on ‘Should I Join a Podcast Network’

Interview

Tori Nelson, Ro Schwarz, and Jennifer Anderson from KidNuz

KidNuz.org

KidNuz is the widely popular, daily podcast created by 4 veteran TV journalists determined to give kids a newscast of their own. It’s 6 1/2 minutes long, chock full of the day’s top stories, all told in a kid-friendly, fun, fresh and nonpartisan way. KidNuz covers current events, sports, science, politics, health — and stories about kids doing cool things! The team is on a summer hiatus but will be back at the mic with fresh episodes on August 1st. In the meantime, listen in for how KidNuz got started and the impact it’s having on listeners big and small.

Mission: To engage kids in current events, encourage critical thinking, and spark meaningful conversations.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan & ???.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Industry studies and surveys are giving insights into podcast creators and listeners. Todd and Mike discuss a few that came out recently and some that will come out soon.  They also talk about new feature coming to Blubrry soon! (Media Kits!)

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

News Sounds Profitable did a report on podcast creators. According to Podcast Index, there are over 50,000 open video podcasts up from 39,000 last November. Apple put out more information about video podcasting Podcast Movement is running a survey for podcasters. They are going to be doing one for listeners and they want your input on what do you want to know from listeners.  Take the survey here. Edison Research invests in larger sample size. Best Practice:

Do not be afraid to try new things on your show. 

This can keep both you and your listeners interested.

Mix up the format from time to time (one thing at a time) Try a new segment Mix up the order of segments Video Go live on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter Do a video version of your show This could be bonus content you can refer to in your audio show New Artwork Freshen up the artwork from time to time Maybe use episode images Blubrry News Blog post: Your Company Should Be Podcasting –  By Tara O’Brien Do you have a media kit?  Soon, we will help provide you with one! Todd has been on a lot of interviews lately.  Here is one of the great ones! Blubrry Pro Tip:

Podcast Networks *Beware!

Question of the Week:  How do I check to make sure everything is working when I publish an episode?  I want to make sure my episode updates on Apple, Spotify and the rest of the apps.

Answer:  This is what I do personally and recommend to our clients.

After Publishing, Clear any caching on your website (if you are publishing on a WordPress site) Hit PLAY on the player in your post.  Go to your post as a normal human would and simply hit play.  If you hear your show start, it’s been posted correctly. Load your RSS feed address in the chrome browser.  I know, in most cases it looks like a bunch of code (which it is), but if it loads up and doesn’t hang up or give you some sort of error, it’s good. Go to castfeedvalidator.org

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from New Media Production studio in Coldwater, Michigan, and Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team.

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is:

Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

When this show started in 2008 we never could have imagined that we’d be at episode 300 now. Join us as we celebrate the 300th episode of Podcast Insider today! MacKenzie joined Todd and Mike to host this time and they reminisced about the past versions of the show, podcast advertising instances and where podcast listeners live.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording with Todd, Mike and MacKenzie

News Obama’s moving their content to Audible, away from Spotify 4 reasons why advertisers in Asia should use podcast marketing from The Drum Announcer vs. Host Read Ads Podcast listening tilts towards larger cities Best Practice

Celebrate your big wins publicly. Such as… your 300th episode of your podcast.

Some History of This Podcast Started as the “Blubrry & PowerPress Community Podcast” in 2008ish.   Restarted started as The PowerPress Podcast with MacKenzie in 2015. A second podcast was added called “Your Podcast” with Todd and Mike (terrible name) in 2017. We combined them to form Podcast Insider in 2019. First episode here. Blubrry News Blog post: Making the most of your summer break by Meryl Klemow Media kit and programmatic ads are coming soon! Blubrry Pro Tip

Tweaking Sound Design and Music

Interview

Robert Riggs, True Crime Reporter and Fox Nation TV show “Freed to Kill”

Learn more here.

Question of the Week

Question: From Ted Newill, Medical Device Success podcast

I have been invited by a trade show organizer to conduct a podcast from the trade show floor. This is one of their tactics to liven up the show. I will probably do 2 or 3 podcast interviews in one day. You have been to trade shows so you know what the noise level can be. What kind of gear do you recommend I use to keep the background noise to a minimum. Headsets with microphones? Lavalier mics? Etc.

Answer: A headset mic such as the Audio-Technica BPHS1 is a good option. Use that with a Mixer, portable recorder or interface that takes XLR. Any hand-held DYNAMIC mic should work. The background noise would add “ambiance” to the on location sound. Personally [Mike], I use a zoom H5 recorder with 2 hand-held dynamic mics and it’s good enough.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

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Coming to you this week from the Blubrry Studio in Columbus, New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

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Learning never stops in podcasting. Recently, the team at Apple explained how Apple podcast search works and the results it gives, in terms of user behavior, metadata, and more. Speaking of learning, we go over 3 lessons on audio marketing, tips for respecting your listeners time and some branding recommendations for your podcast.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording

News Apple tells how Apple Podcasts search works 3 Lessons on Audio Marketing –  Conal Byrne from iHeart Podcast listening is growing in 2022 Spotify to acquire Sonatic (Likely Related) WordPress.com says you will be able to create podcasts from blog posts Snoop Dogg fans love Martha Stewart on her podcast Vacations and road trips are in full swing. Lots and lots of articles out titled ‘Best Podcasts for Car Rides’ Best Practice

Set a podcast mission, similar to a company mission. What do you want your listeners to get out of this podcast and what action steps will you take to make those goals happen?

Blubrry News Blog Post: Branding for your Podcast – by MacKenzie Bennett Next week is our 300th show! (Yay us!) MacKenzie will be joining us to celebrate since she was the one who started the PowerPress Podcast which turned into Podcast Insider. Also, we have a great interview scheduled. Programmatic form here Blubrry Pro Tip

Respecting Listeners Time

Question of the Week

Question: Why are all the apps & directories so strict on podcast artwork? What are the rules?

Answer: Apps need to have a consistent aspect ratio. Everyone picked square as it’s the easiest. As far as the content of the image, no rules other than common sense.

As for the technical rules…  The image must be PNG or JPG in RGB.  (lots of letters there) Apple wants between 1400 and 3000px SQUARE images.  All the other apps and directories will take an image in that size range.  BUT the other size thing is file size. Try to make it less than 500kb in size.  It will work a bit larger than that, but no need to have an image that is too big.  Most people are seeing it on their phone screen at 1×1 inch.  My images are all 1400x1400px.  That is good enough and gets the job done.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download

Looking to monetize your podcast? Luckily, Blubrry has programmatic advertising coming soon to our platform for all hosting customers. Mike and Todd chat about what this will entail with our podcasters and lots on Spotify, as they had lots to say in a presentation earlier this week on their future, RSS feeds and their active monthly users.

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Podcast Insider. Looking to be a guest on the show? Let us know. Emails are listed at the bottom of show notes.

Live Facebook recording.

News From Podnews: Maya Prohovnik, who oversees Spotify’s creator tools across podcasting, described RSS as “outdated technology”, and said they have been able to replace it for their on-platform distribution. She also claimed that every new Anchor show brings 2.5 new monthly active users to the Spotify platform. Ashley Carman’s Twitter thread on it here.  Spotify Investor Day recap here. Spotify, a 20 billion opportunity, including insight into advertising Apple Podcasts changes some of their user agents (very geeky) but good news Blue Wire says its studio at the Wynn Las Vegas is helping it stand out Clubhouse loses 4 executives Bob Saget’s final podcast interview to air on Til This Day podcast Why so many TV shows have podcast companions Best Practice

Instagram Stories: Great for promoting episodes specifically, and use posts to promote the show overall. When new episodes are released the 24hr story option is an easy way to share new content or content that is currently relevant. Posts tend to be more useful for the long haul.

Blubrry News Blog Post: Why you need a template for your podcast by Jen Thorpe Todd will be speaking at PodStock in New Jersey this weekend Want to monetize? Programmatic advertising coming to Blubrry soon! Email MacKenzie@blubrry.com if you’d like to be June’s Pride podcaster of the month. Blubrry Pro Tip

Podcast environment  

Question of the Week

Q: From Janet Lewis on Facebook. “Since the pandemic, I have been recording my podcasts online using zoom BUT my podcast editor just shared with me that my guest and myself are speaking at different levels. If you are recording a podcast via zoom are you just using the output from zoom OR are you using additional tools to ensure you and your guest are speaking at the same level?”

Answer: I [Mike] would recommend you run the file through Auphonic (Auphonic.com) It will auto-level your episode file for you so both parties sound at the same level. The Blubrry Pro team uses it for Podcast Insider and it works very well.

Todd: You may also want to consider not recording in Zoom. You may want to consider something like a Rodecaster that integrates with Zoom but will allow you to control levels.

Got a question you’d like us to answer on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video) and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. 

The best place for support with any Blubrry products/services is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

______________

Coming to you this week from the New Media studio in Coldwater, Michigan & Mike Dell’s World Studio in Traverse City, Michigan.  Produced by the Blubrry Pro-Production team. 

NEW! Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider 

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email todd@blubrry.com Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email mike@blubrry.com Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address is: Blubrry – MacKenzie 150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180 Columbus, Ohio 43235

Download