We get it. You’re capable. You learned how to edit your podcast and that’s great. But, ask yourself should you be editing your podcast? Or, should you hire a podcast editor? And, how do you hire the right editor? How much does a podcast editor cost?  There are a lot of questions that come up anytime someone considers hiring an editor. They are similar questions that come up when a new podcaster thinks about hiring an editor. And they’re good questions. Before we dive into these important questions, let’s tackle the elephant in the room.  Well, at least let’s offer him some peanuts. I mean, he’s huge and this is a small room and I don't think things would go well if we actually tackled him.   First things first, what the heck is a podcast editor? On the surface, this is an easy question to answer. A podcast editor assembles the audio pieces of each episode to the state where it is ready to be published.  Pretty smartsy-fartsy definition, don’t you think?  The problem is this. We can have a dictionary-like definition but out on the mean streets of podcasting, it won’t hold up.  Here’s why. There are thousands of people calling themselves editors doing a huge range of duties that amount to an episode being ready to publish.  Let me show you some examples you’ll find on the spectrum of podcast editors: Takes audio pieces and puts them together.  Takes audio pieces and puts them together, removes ums, ahs and gaps (using AI) Takes audio pieces and puts them together, removes ums, ahs and gaps manually while listening to the show. Takes audio pieces and puts them together, removes ums, ahs and gaps manually while listening to the show, sweetens audio, adds music and sound effects.  Takes audio pieces and puts them together, removes ums, ahs and gaps manually while listening to the show, sweetens audio, adds music and sound effects, and makes editorial decisions about the content of the episode.    And there are a lot of variations in between. The point is, not all podcast editors are the same so we can’t really cover them off with one simple definition.  Now that we are on the same page about the spectrum of podcast editors available, let’s talk about if you need one.  There are a few of reasons you might need an editor: You don’t know how to edit and you have no intention of learning You learned how to edit and you are discovering that the learning curve is steep You have the money and know your time is better spent generating income in your business instead of editing.  Your show quality is not aligned with the caliber of your brand. Do any of these fit the bill?    Then let’s move on to the next step of questions… What level of podcast editor do you need and how the heck do you find a good one?  As mentioned, there are a lot of editors out there. Some really great editors, some good editors, and some “editors”. I’m not throwing shade here but the podcast editing arena is no different than a lot of other online service providers’ arenas. Some are there because they are educated, experienced and passionate, and some are there because they found an app online that can edit podcasts and they discovered they can make a lot of money using it.  So, let me give you a few tips on how to wade through this sea of available podcast editors.  Get a referral. If you have any podcast friends who have great sounding podcasts… ask them who edits their show.  Hire an editor like you’re hiring a team member… because you are. Check qualifications, interview multiple candidates, listen to their work, and ask important questions about their process. (I go into detail on this in this episode so be sure to listen).  Do a test edit. You may have to pay for this but some editors will do it for free especially if it’s a show that’s already aired. That way you can compare what you did to what they would do with the raw audio. (I don’t think I have to say this but just in case, it’s not okay to publish an episode edited as a test. If it’s good enough to publish, pay the editor).    And, the final question. The one that everyone wants to know. How much does a podcast editor charge?  How long is a piece of string? There are so many factors that go into an editor’s rate. And, remember there is a wide range of editors who approach editing in a very different way.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to cop out here. I know you want answers.  Generally speaking, podcast editors could charge per episode, per raw minutes to be edited, per hour of their time, or even as a fixed rate per month.  And this can result in a single episode edit costing $30 - $500. It all depends on the editor’s experience, the finesse they have, the complexity of your show, and what’s included in their process. The middle range for a solid edit per episode is around the $100-150 range. Add ons may be part of a fixed package like uploading, audiograms or graphics for social media, show notes, and publishing to your website.  When discussing cost with your potential editors, make sure you know what you’re getting. And, check their terms too (some editors will charge for overtime or late delivery of raw audio).  There is a lot to consider when hiring an editor but, if you get it right, it’s like buying back your time.  Want to know if your show needs an editor’s touch? I’m not available for editing but I can guide you in the right direction. Just book your Free 15-minute Coaching Call.  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

Just the Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

142 Do You Need a Podcast Editor (and How to Find a Good One)?

You’ve probably heard of a producer. And, you probably know that there are a lot of different types of producers - especially in the world of media. You have an executive producer, a line producer, a technical producer, an associate producer… the list goes on.  But, have you heard of a podcast producer? In this episode, I explain what a podcast producer does and if you might need one for your podcast.  The first thing we need to clear up is the job of a podcast producer. I could be a real ass here and say ‘a podcast producer produces the podcast!’ but I won’t.  There are actually a lot of ways to describe a podcast producer and, it should be noted, that not all podcast producers do the same things. It really depends on the style of podcast they are working on.  For example, a podcast producer working on an NPR style show is going to be doing something very different from a producer who is helping an entrepreneur create a show that serves to increase their authority and sales.  So, for the sake of simplicity (too late, Wohlberg!) let’s say a podcast producer is responsible for the consistency and flow of the show in the general sense and on an individual episode basis.  The producer is going to be responsible for choosing a good topic, finding the right guest, screening that guest and making sure that the host has all the information they need. They make sure the content or interview flows smoothly and serves the purpose that was intended when the producer booked the guest or picked the topic. They will also likely make sure that the show sounds good, that all of the promotional elements are in place (which may include coordinating with the people writing show notes, emails, and social media posts about the episode). They are the glue that holds it all together.    IMPORTANT NOTE: This seems like a good time to point out that an editor is not a producer and a podcast coach is not a producer. Your coach may help you develop your show or improve your show, they are not going to be responsible for the creation of each and every show. (For more on a coach’s role, check out Episode 140 - What’s a Podcast Coach)   In some cases, a producer is part of the team that a production house will provide to a podcaster. This is a service that some podcasters like because everything is handled by one company and most of the people are in-house (or at least in the loop). The producer is the one that coordinates everything. Okay, now that we’re clear on what a podcast producer is and is not… the big question is, do you really need a podcast producer?  A lot of podcasters start out on this journey alone which means they are doing everything themselves. If this is you, remember to put the producer hat on once in a while. That means, stepping back, looking at the big picture and possibly adjusting your plan.  If that’s not happening and the little things are starting to fall through the cracks, you may want to consider outsourcing a podcast producer - especially if you are podcasting to grow your authority and build your personal brand or business.    Speaking of business, let’s look at the ROI of a producer.    You’ll have a positive ROI if that producer is going to significantly increase your listenership by picking better topics, bringing in better guests, preparing those guests, and arming them with promotional material to help spread the word. You’ll also have a positive ROI if the producer helps to ensure that your show serves your listener and contributes to listeners becoming customers. These can be tricky things to measure but they are worth considering.  Here’s one more consideration, and it’s the big one. Will having a podcast producer free up your time so that you can focus on income generating tasks or selling more widgets?  Consider that in your ROI equation.  Ultimately, you should hire a podcast producer if the time you spend coordinating your podcast  is eating into your ability to make more money or scale your business. Hiring a producer can take your podcast to the next level and help it fulfill its intention to boost your authority and convert with ease.  Want to know what I think of your show? I’m not a producer but I can help you determine if you need one. Book a free 15-minute coaching call.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

141 What the Heck is a 'Podcast Producer' (and Do I Need One)?

Hello, I’m a podcast coach. A what? A Podcast Coach. Well, what the hell is a podcast coach? This conversation doesn’t happen as much now as it used to but that doesn’t mean people aren’t wondering about it. And if they’re podcasters, they are often also thinking, ‘Do I need a podcast coach?’ (And sometimes they should be thinking that, but they aren’t) Well since you asked (or didn’t but wanted to), let me break it down for you.    What is a Podcast Coach (or Podcast Coaching)? On the surface, it’s pretty simple… someone who coaches people how to podcast.  BUT, there are a lot of podcast coaches out there and they aren’t all the same. And, because there is no official ‘podcast coach certification’, pretty much anyone can call themselves a podcast coach.  The way I see it, podcast coaches fall into three types: The Online Course Creator. This podcast coach has taken their knowledge and poured it into a digital course that you can go through at your own pace. This is a totally hands off coach. You pay to access their knowledge and then you figure the rest out on your own.  The Group Coach. This podcast coach either runs a mastermind for a group of podcasters OR they have an online course that they support with some level of group coaching. This means you will have a DIY aspect but also some support from the coach in a group setting.  The Personal Podcast Coach. This type of coach works directly with you one-on-one. They listen to your show and give you specific feedback and guidance. Or, they help you develop your show in a custom way.    In case you are wondering, I am type #3. I work directly with my clients to help them develop or improve their podcast using my decades of radio experience and my decade of podcast experience. I also help them with their tech set-up, their performance, and develop a marketing strategy for their podcast so that they get maximum results. That’s the benefit of working with a personal podcast coach.  I’m not here to say one is better than another, but if you’re thinking about hiring a podcast coach, you should know the differences.  Should you hire a podcast coach? Do you need a podcast coach?  Maybe.  Take into consideration that there’s a lot that goes into making a great podcast. You need to consider:   The tech, including the hardware, the software, editing and uploading. The producing, including the format, structure, producing, lining up guests and interviewing. The performance and presentation.  The marketing, including the show notes and strategy.   If you’re not paying attention to all of these elements and you don’t have lots of time and energy to learn about them, then you need a podcast coach.  Another reason to hire a podcast coach, especially if you haven't launched your podcast yet, is to make sure your podcast doesn't do more harm than good for your brand. You need to make sure that everything that you're doing on your show is aligned with what you're doing in other areas of business and marketing. If you're an individual with a service-based business, a consultant, coach, or a personal brand, this is vital. As a business owner, you know how important it is when you launch something new, you consider your ROI and your ROE (your return on effort). And, you know, taking the time at the beginning, to do things right with total clarity around your show concept, is really important. If you have not started your podcast yet and you want to make sure you do it right but you don’t want it to take you forever then, yes you should hire a coach. If you have started a podcast and it’s not doing anything for you, then yes, you should hire a coach.    Basically, if you have expectations of your podcast beyond it just existing, AND you don’t have the time or know-how to try a whole bunch of new things, then you should hire a coach.   Which kind of coach you should hire depends on what the podcast means to you. Are you investing your time and energy into a podcast so that you see direct results in your business? Then you need to hire a coach that is going to work directly with you.  Or, are you investing your time and energy into a podcast because you love being a podcaster and it’s a cool hobby? Then you can hire a coach that matches what your hobby is worth to you in terms of time and money.    How to Pick the Right Podcast Coach So, now that you know what a podcast coach is and that you want a podcast coach in your corner, what should you do before hiring one? I recommend that you do your homework. Read the reviews. Listen to their show and the shows that they’ve worked on.   Find the coach that you feel confident is going to help you reach your goals. A person who jives with you and you like their personality. A coach whose program, system or time frame makes sense to you.  Be careful of any coaches who promise you things like huge download numbers or fame and fortune in a few months. Podcasting is a long game.  So if you find yourself thinking about starting a podcast for your business or if your existing podcast isn’t performing the way you want it to. And you’re tired of guessing about what to talk about, the guests you should have on, or how to market your show and thinking you’re just wasting time and money putting out another episode then, you might want to hire a podcast coach.  And, if you’re going to be working with them one on one, make sure you talk to them directly. Any coach worth their salt will happily have a chat with you.   And you can start with me. I offer a free 15-minute coaching call just so I can give you some guidance and give you a free sample of what it’s like to work with me. Because let’s face it, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea! But I might be yours.    So, click here to book your free 15 minute coaching call.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

140 What's a Podcast Coach (and Why Should You Hire One)?

Tell me if this sounds familiar. Someone recommends a new podcast so you check it out. You open it up and start to scan the different titles looking for something that sounds interesting.  This is a common experience that almost every podcast listener has had. What happens next? It could go one of two ways: They click on an episode and listen They decide nothing looks interesting and leave By now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what is driving their action.    It’s your titles, dum-dum!   And yet, so many podcasters put absolutely zero effort into crafting a great title for each episode.  This leads me into the tip for today -- pay attention to your titles! Grab Attention the Right Way with a Great Title Here are three common mistakes that podcasters make with the episode titles.    1. No Respect! This is listed as the number one mistake because it is the biggest mistake and the most common. Your title is everything. I don’t care how amazing your sound or what brilliance you unleash in your episode - if you have a crap title nobody will click on the episode and nobody will listen. If you want to be found, you need to have a good title. If you think your title is just for organization, you’re thinking about it wrong. Your title is a HUGE part of your marketing. This is the one shot you have to convince people to click play (or atleast read the description). Don’t disrespect the power of the title. Don’t short change it (or your show). Put a little effort into crafting an SEO-rich, enticing title and you’ll reap the downloads. Check out episode 83 for more on this.  2. Focusing on the What Instead of the Why. How many times have you seen an episode title follow this format: episode number, guest name. Or, this format: episode number, topic. Hello? Sure these might be the facts of the episode but it does absolutely nothing to tell a listener why they should tune in. And, while we are on the topic, unless you have Oprah on your show, your guests name is not reason enough for a new listener to click play. I don’t care how big a ‘get’ you think the guest is, their mere presence isn’t going to convince me I should listen. Tell the listener what they are going to get out of clicking play. Use the title of your episode to lay out the benefits of listening. Marketing 101 - what’s in it for them.  3. Clickbait. Sometimes the pendulum swings too far the other way. While I respect the extra effort of not just putting a guest name or general topic, over-promising in your titles will win you exactly one play. Once you fail to live up to the promise of your title, that listener will never listen again. Don’t try to trick or fool people into listening. You should be aiming to build an audience not just score high downloads.    Avoid these mistakes and you’ll be creating titles that serve to attract your ideal listener. Make sure you deliver on that well crafted title and you’ll build an audience of loyal listeners.  The title is a critical part of the process and a key to marketing your show organically. So, don’t phone it in.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

139 Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid with Podcast Episode Titles

A Big Get. That’s what people in radio call landing an interview with a big name celebrity or a hard to nail-down politician. But, sometimes, that ‘big get’ is all about ego instead of being about serving the listener. Sometimes, that big name has no place on your show. Sometimes, you need to say no to ‘the big get.’ You might be thinking this has nothing to do with your podcast. But, if you have guests on your show, then it absolutely does. Because the criteria we used to determine if a guest belongs on the show (big name or not), is exactly the criteria YOU should be using to make sure that your podcast stays listener-centric.  In this episode, I walk you through the three examples of guests that might be self-serving instead of serving your listener. Ignoring these is the #1 sign that your podcast is too self-serving.  The first example is 100% self-serving. Booking someone on your show because you want to get information for yourself. You are basically pumping them for info because you need that info for your own personal development or business growth.  Don’t laugh. This is not a ridiculous concept. It happens all the time. People start a podcast just so they can get access to experts they would never have an opportunity to talk to. They are literally using whatever listeners they might have to gain access to the inner circle.    Are you doing this? Check your intentions.    The next example of a guest that may be self-serving is if you are booking them just so you can add some promo juice to your podcast. If the whole reason you invite them on your show is so you can get access to their audience, you need to check your intention. If the only reason to have them on the show is to be able to brag about having them on the show or to see a big boost in your downloads, then you might have slipped into ‘self-serving’ mode.  The final example of a self-serving podcast guest is someone who has (in some form) paid to be on your show. Now, I’m not naive. I know this happens all the time. Heck, I used to make a good chunk of coin hosting radio shows that were what we called ‘pay to play’ where a sponsor paid to be featured on the show.  It’s a model that has been around forever.  So, what would this look like in the world of podcasting?  It could be that a sponsor has an ‘appearance’ written into their contract. It could be when your clients are promised to be on your show as a ‘perk’ of being a client. Or, it could be a straight up guest appearance fee that they agree to pay.  The main thing here is to make sure that this guest doesn’t just benefit your bank account. You have to be sure that you maintain your show’s integrity AND that you talk about something that will actually benefit your listener. Who, by the way, did not tune in for an infomercial!  All of these examples can go from being self-serving to listener-serving IF you make sure to answer this one key question: What’s in it for the listener? If you’ve been listening to my show for a while you’ve heard me talk about listener-centric podcasting. You need that avatar filter running at all times. When you bring someone, and I mean anyone, on your show they MUST serve your listener. Ask them how they're going to serve your listener. Make them think about how they're going to do that. And that means you need to tell them exactly who your listener is and what they're struggling with. And it’s your job to only bring on quests that serve your listener. No matter how much money that you’ll make from having them on your show. The line between a show that is self-serving and a show that is listener-centric can get blurry at times. But there is one key way to make that line crystal clear and always come down on the right side of it. Check your intentions. If your intentions are not to serve your listener, then you are on the wrong side of the line.  This doesn’t mean that you can’t also benefit from having a certain guest on your show, just remember what your mama told you - serve your listener before helping yourself.  What, your mama didn’t tell you that? Hmmm. That’s weird. Okay, well remember what your podcast coach told you: Always serve your listener first before serving yourself!  Here, hold up your plate. Let me give you a big heaping helping of good podcast advice. Take advantage of my free podcast coaching. Book your free 15-minute session by clicking this link to my calendar.  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Book a FREE 15-Minute Coaching Call here: https://calendly.com/timwohlberg   Got a Question? Or topic suggestion? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/   Subscribe to my Podcasting TipsLetter https://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-advice/   Tim Wohlberg Podcast Coach

138 The Number 1 Sign Your Podcast is Too Self-Serving

 Niching your podcast to increase your impact is no longer a secret strategy. But, have you ever considered going local as a way to niche down?  Forget the world wide web -  get traction where you live by creating a podcast that has a distinct place in the world. I know, I know. Exiting the global stage to shine on a smaller local stage seems like the opposite of growth. But, it does work.  Let me give you an example. Take a real estate agent with a podcast. This agent could talk all about negotiating a deal, what to look for in a house, or what fixes to make before listing. These are all universally valuable insights that anyone in the world (or at least their country) could benefit from. And, if the podcaster is any good, they might attract a large audience.  And, how is that going to impact business? Is that large audience going to choose the famous podcaster as their listing agent? Not if they live on the other side of the country! Now, flip that around and go small -- go local. Now the real estate agent is talking about specific neighborhoods, trends in growing communities, or new roads that might impact the appeal of a specific area. Not super interesting for a listener on the other side of the country but invaluable to the local listener. Guess who they’re going with when it comes time to pick a real estate agent.  So, this example of going local is pretty obvious. If you’re swimming in a small pond, you may as well podcast to a small pond.  But, what if you’re swimming in a big pond. In other words, what if your podcast topic has no geographical boundaries. What if you’re a weight loss coach or a digital marketing expert… there’s no reason to limit yourself to a local pond, right?    Wrong. There are still benefits to going local.     Those two examples are two of the largest, most crowded ponds. So, if you’re swimming around in a podcast pond like that, how are you going to stand out and attract loyal listeners? One way is to help them find a connection with you… and one of the easiest ways to make a connection?  You guessed it, where you’re from.  Your location can be your shared experience. You hike the same mountain trails, walk your dog in the same parks, get stuck in the same traffic or rave about the same best-taco-truck-in-town. Now they have a reason to listen to you instead of the 1000s of other podcasters in your niche.    And, there is one more big perk. Local coverage.  When you have a podcast that is clearly identified as being in a location (vs the generic ‘virtual and global’) you are far more likely to be able to get media attention.  Do not discount the value of this. I recently saw a post online from a new podcaster celebrating a significant number of downloads right after launch. Everyone was all over him wondering what his secret sauce was. I took a quick look at his profile and saw the evidence right there… local coverage. His podcast had been featured in the local news. He was getting numbers bigger, more global podcasts hadn’t hit in a year all because he’d focused locally.    So, going global might make you feel bigger, but staying local will give you more impact. Something you can leverage into more loyal listeners and a more effective podcast.   Need some help niching your podcast to just the right size? Book your free 15-minute coaching call with me right now. Click here to access my calendar.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

137 How Going Local Can Increase Your Podcast Impact

You’re a podcaster but should you also be a video-creator?  I can’t tell you how many times I talk to podcasters about podcasting and the question of video comes up. It seems like lately, more and more new podcasters are planning to include video either as a version of the show or to promote the show.  I’ve got big news for you - they’re on to something! Far too many entrepreneurs and small business owners ask the question ‘video or podcast?’ when it comes to their marketing efforts. The mistake is that it shouldn’t be ‘or’ it should be AND. Video vs. Podcasting is a popular discussion in our household because my wife, Valerie, is a video confidence coach. That’s right, our household includes a video coach and a podcast coach.  You might think that this video vs. podcast conversation can get quite heated but you’d be wrong. It’s totally harmonious because we discovered long ago that video and podcasting can play nice in the sandbox. In fact, they can do a lot in supporting each other! Here’s the most important thing you need to decide if you are going to tap into the marketing power of both video and podcasting:   Be listener/viewer-centric.    You’ve heard me say this before and (surprise, surprise) if you were in Valerie’s world, you’d hear her say it too. It is the most important part of creating effective content - think of your ideal customer who is at this moment, your listener or viewer. Focus on serving them first.  The second most important thing you need to remember when dabbling in both video and podcasting is to pick a primary! Pick which medium is going to be your primary show. Are you going to be video first and lift the audio OR are you going to be podcast first and create a video with the audio?  If you don’t make one your primary, you will end up working a lot harder!  Whichever you choose, make sure to take care of your secondary audience. If you are primarily video, be sure to describe anything visual so your podcast listener doesn’t feel left out. If you are primarily a podcast, try to do something that will hold their attention visually. It doesn’t have to be much - it could simply be a moving waveform!  And the third most important thing to note is that it is worth the effort.  I’m surprised how many people find me on YouTube. I shouldn’t be because YouTube IS the second largest search engine after Google. But, I am surprised because my videos are really simple - just a moving waveform over my logo.  Here’s what I learned, some people just prefer to listen to their content on YouTube. And, I get inquiries all the time from people who have only ever heard my podcast in video form.    BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!   Even if you don’t want to create a video version of your podcast, you can still tap into the power of video to promote your show.  Here are three ways to do that: Create a video social post using an audio clip and poster (use an app like Wavve or Headliner to keep it simple) Post it on Youtube (you can use an app or a tool like Kapwing to add motion to a static poster) Get on camera and create a video to tease your audience and push them to the full episode. Hint. Tell them what’s in it for them!   Again - it is worth it? Just look at some of these statistics:  Social media posts with video have 48% more views Video campaigns on LinkedIn have 50% higher view rates Social videos generate 1200% more shares than text content   So, if you’re a podcast-purist who refuses to access that video can be worthwhile, you’re missing out. And, so are potential listeners and customers who aren’t finding you! If you need some help with your video/podcast strategy, hit me up for a free coaching call. We’ll connect for 15-minutes to talk about you and your podcast. You’d be surprised how much we can accomplish in 15 minutes! It’s free so what have you got to lose?  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ Um... or https://www.youtube.com/c/podcastperformancecoach   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

136 Video or Podcast? Which is the Most Effective Form of Marketing?

What if you showed up for a dinner party only to watch the host scramble to figure out what to make for dinner? Would that make you feel comfortable? Like a wanted guest? Or would it make you feel like they cared so little about you that they couldn’t be bothered to put something in the oven before you got there? Unless your host is your dimwit cousin, the answer is probably the latter. You would not be impressed. Things would be awkward. And, dare I say, you’d think twice about accepting an invitation from this half-assed party host again.    This scenario is playing out in podcasts ALL. THE. TIME.  Frankly, I’m shocked at how many times I’ve heard one co-host say to the other co-host, ‘So, what are we talking about today?’   What?!   You were so pressed for time that you couldn’t have this conversation BEFORE you hit record?  Here’s the message I’m getting loud and clear: You don’t have time to prepare because you don’t care about your show or your listeners.  There. I said it.  Now, you may just be lazy.  You may think that this approach keeps it ‘real and authentic.’ (I didn’t subscribe to ‘the making of your podcast’ btw) Or, you may just think that your time is more important than my time (you know, those few minutes when I have to listen to you figure out your show before you get around to serving me, your LISTENER!)   Whatever your reasoning, the result is the same. The listener is being disrespected.  Is that what you were going for when you started your podcast to grow your authority and convert with greater ease?    I know, I know. I’m on a bit of a rant and being a hard-ass.  But the truth is, I want you to see how not taking 3 minutes BEFORE you hit record to figure out your plan is really sending the wrong message.  You want your listeners to feel taken care of. You want them to feel like you’re doing this for THEM and that they are the most important thing to you. You want them to see you as an authority and thought leader. That’s how your podcast can serve you, your business, and your listener all at the same time. So, do the right thing and prepare. Off air. Because preparing is caring.  Now, if you need some help getting your poop in a group, I’m happy to help you out. You can book your free 15-minute coaching call with me by clicking here. We’ll talk about your podcast and make sure it’s serving your ideal listener, your business, and you.  Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

135 Preparing is Caring (and Builds Authority) When it Comes to Podcasts

So, you think you’re pretty hot on the mic? Well, I’ve got news for you. Mic skills go beyond knowing where to place the mic.  So, let’s say you’re all up to speed on proper mic placement.  You know, you’re 2 - 3 inches away. The mic is pointing to the corner of your mouth, and you’re talking past it (not straight into it, but past it so you don’t have any p’s popping).   And, we’re assuming the proper mic is selected in your recording software and that you’re seeing the proper levels.    Basics, right? Good.    Now, let’s talk about how you can ruin this perfect set up by not being mic-aware. Being mic-aware is all about staying tied to that mic. Making sure you stay in position whenever you are talking.  Otherwise, what your audience gets is ghosted words and abandoned sentences where they can barely hear you.    Imagine reading a blog when sud Or, if you had a T-shirt with a saying on it and the last two words are in tiny print. So, small you have to lean awkwardly in to read them.  Maybe you have to squint. It’s brutal.    Here’s the thing - you can’t expect people to fill in the gaps or go back and turn up the audio just because you looked down or turned away from the mic.  And even if they do, why would you want to annoy them like that?  Remember, this podcast is about and for THEM. You want to treat them like gold. You want the podcast to be such a spectacular listening experience that they will vow to never miss an episode. You want them to stop random people on the street just to spread the gospel of YOUR podcast. But they aren’t going to do that if you annoy them by ghosting words or dropping off in the middle of the sentence just because you’re too disorganized or lazy to hold a piece of paper up where you can both read AND have good mic placement.    You need to be like a chicken. Your head needs to be locked into position next to that mic of yours. Watch how chickens do it.    It’s called head tracking. Your body can move but your head stays put. When you do that - every magical word out of your mouth goes straight into the mic and deep into your listener’s ears.  The other thing I tell podcasters I work with is to plant your feet. Yes, they’re standing up when they record.  When you’re scrambling, or rummaging around looking for stuff and talking off mic. It tells me that you don’t know what you’re doing, you didn’t prepare and you’re not focused.   It’s the little things that say, ‘I love you, listener’. So, don’t make it sound like. ‘I lo…     And, I hope that’s just the tip you need to become a better podcaster, build your authority and sound more like a pro so you can convert with ease.    Not sure if your room and mic sound pro? Book a free 15-minute coaching call and we’ll get you fixed right up.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question or Topic Suggestion? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

134 Is Your Lack of Mic Awareness Putting Your Podcast in Danger?

Have you ever noticed that things are a little bumpy out of the gate when you turn that mic on? Well, if you have, you are in good company. Some of the best radio voices need time to warm up, to get into the groove of the read. In this episode, I’m going to share a trick that the pros use to combat the sleepy-start. This is a trick I use and one that I used to use when I was directing top voice-talent.    And, it’s dead simple.  Ready?    Here it is… finish with the start.  Yep, it’s that simple. If you’re working with a script or an outline for your podcast (listen to Episode 10 for a tip on doing it right), get going on it and don’t stress that you aren’t fully amped and grooving from the top.  Instead, make note of when it starts to feel like you are the pocket of your performance. Finish things up and then come on back to the beginning and start again.  Do not pause or stop, go right back to the start so that you have that perfect energy all dialed in.  When you do this, you bring all of your best energy to the start of your show. You’ve warmed up and you’re delivering the goods off the top.  It’s a bit more work but it’s worth it.  Think about it -- new listeners (and even subscribers) make a call on whether they are going to keep listening within the first moment or two. You want to make sure you’re giving them a real taste of what’s to come. And that’s exactly what happens when you return to the start after you finish.  A simple tip today that will have a powerful impact on your performance and the professional sound of your podcast.  Give it a try and let me know if you (and your listeners) notice the high-voltage difference.  Want to know if your groove is good enough? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and we’ll talk about how to make you sound more like a pro.    Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

133 What's the Best Way to Start Strong Every Podcast Episode?

The podcast world is always evolving and it raises a lot of questions. Almost instantly after Apple Podcasts sent out a notification about their new subscription service, emails started flooding my inbox.    My podcast host clients were filled with questions like: Is Apple going to start charging people to listen to my podcast!?! Should I be charging people for my podcast!?! How can you be so sexy and be a kick-ass podcast coach at the same time!?!   That last one had nothing to do with Apple’s email but I get that question a lot and I NEVER dignify it with an answer. So, to answer the questions not focused on my status as a podcasting sex-symbol… No, Apple is not going to start charging people to access your podcast. That would be a really bad look for them.  But, they did announce a new option for podcasters to choose to charge listeners for access. There are a couple of ways you can take advantage of this including all paid content, freemium content (without any ads or designated extra content), or continue to offer our podcast for free.    Which brings us to the MOST important question… should you charge listeners?    First, let me point out that charging for access to your podcast is nothing new. It’s always been an option. Apple jumping in with this new service is just making it seem like something we should be considering more carefully.    So, should you charge your listeners? Here’s my take. It depends on the purpose of your podcast.    If you are podcasting as a business (meaning your main business plan is to earn revenue by selling your audience to advertisers) then charging subscribers might be a consideration. It depends on how loyal your audience is. Are they willing to pay or would they rather sit through an ad and let the advertisers pay?  If, on the other hand, you are using podcasting as a way to grow your authority so you can develop a relationship with your audience, create loyalty so that when they buy (a product or service) they wouldn’t dream of buying from anyone but you -- in that case, I say no.    Think about it, all the work you’re doing building a relationship with them and then you want to charge for admission to the friendship? Is that going to help them know, like and trust you? Will they be excited to also pay you for your product or service after you charged them to listen? Is your information or entertaining banter really that much more interesting and exciting than a gazillion other podcasts out there for free?  Are you in the business of podcasting or is podcasting a tool to help you grow your business?  I would say, don’t chase the pennies of a subscription if your podcast is supposed to help you land the big dollar clients.  But, every show is different and every strategy has its pros and cons. So, as a business owner, you have to decide for yourself. Take a look at your business plan and your marketing strategy and see if or where a paid subscription fits in.  If you decide to stay on the free side, know that there is nothing you need to do. Apple is not going to start charging your listeners. Their experience with you and your show won’t change after Apple opens up the subscription option this summer (2021).    Phew, you can relax.    But can you? In order for your podcast to do a good job of attracting and nurturing potential clients, you have to have an intentional podcast that is aligned with your goals.  If you’re scratching your head and thinking something like, ‘what is this too-sexy-for-podcasting coach talking about?’, well then, I invite you to book a free 15-minute coaching call with me. In just one quarter of an hour, I can help you diagnose and re-align your podcast to your goals.    Click here to access my calendar and book your call right now.   Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/   Got a Question? Contact me: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

132 Is Apple Podcast Subscriptions a Good Idea?

You have a podcast growth strategy right? You know that plan you have for attracting an audience full of your ideal customers?  Here’s the problem, most podcasters either don’t have a growth strategy or they are borrowing pieces of other people’s growth plans.  Or worse, they suffer from fomo when they hear about other podcasters getting big download numbers. They beg for their secret with a desperate hope that there is some kind of cookie cutter plan they can follow for quick and easy success.  Stop the insanity!  And, check your ego.  Chances are, the only reason you want big download numbers is so you can brag about them. But, if you’re podcasting for your business, that huge audience of yours probably isn’t what you really need.  In most cases, the entrepreneurs and business owners I work with don’t need hundreds of thousands of listeners -- they need qualified leads that turn into real sales. Which *newsflash* doesn’t always come from a big audience.  I’ve talked before about not obsessing over your vanity metrics, so I won’t go on about that again. Worrying about the number of downloads should really only be relevant to you IF your podcast is your main business (i.e. you plan to sell your audience to sponsors).  In this episode, I focus on what you should be doing to grow your podcast if you’re podcasting FOR your business. No, wait - scratch that. What you should be doing to grow your business using your podcast as a marketing tool.  You see, too many podcasters think that podcast growth is about how big the podcast gets, but the paradigm shift I want you to make here is that your podcast growth should be around the KPIs that matter to your business growth.  So, for example, you could be looking at leads generated from the podcast or sales (made easier due to your boosted authority thanks to the podcast).  In both of these cases, it’s not going to be the total number of listeners that matter, it’s that the right people are listening and taking action.   You want quality over quantity when it comes to your audience.    Just look at other forms of digital marketing for proof of this approach. It’s not how big your email list is, it’s how good your open rates and clickthrough rates are. It’s not how many followers you have on social media, it’s how engaged they are.  As an entrepreneur, you want the right listeners more than a lot of listeners.  So, when it comes to having a podcast growth strategy, make sure it’s aligned with your business growth strategy.  When you accept this, you’ll stop comparing yourself to other podcasts. You’ll stop begging podcasters with big audiences for their ‘secret’. And, you’ll focus on the metrics that matter most to you so you can judge your growth plan on the numbers at the bank instead of on a podcast distribution platform.    Want some help getting your podcast growth plan aligned with your business? Book a free 15 minute coaching call with me right now. We’ll talk about YOUR podcast (or your podcast idea) and YOUR business to come up with a custom plan for growth.  No cookie cutter strategies allowed.    Tim Wohlberg Podcast Coach https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

131 Why Your Podcast Growth Strategy Needs to be Custom

Are you compromising your authority just by how you present your information? You might be if you do this one thing? And I hear a lot of people doing it?  I’m not going to mince words, it drives me crazy? Imagine if every sentence you wrote had a question mark on the end (like I did above). It would be pretty hard to accept that person as a confident expert in their field, right? You’d have to doubt whether they actually know anything if they are even questioning themselves.  This is what you are doing if you engage in ANY level of upspeak (or uptalk).  Upspeak is when your intonation goes up at the end of the sentence. The result is a sentence that sounds a bit like a question, even when it’s not meant to be.  This alone can sabotage your efforts to sound like an authority in your field or come across as a subject matter expert.  And the worst part is, so many people have no idea they are doing it.  First thing you need to do is listen to your own podcast and have an ear out for any level of upspeak.    Next, fix it!   The antidote to upspeak is downspeak. You can practice this by having your tone drop down at the end of a sentence. End on an emphatic note. End with some certainty. Drop it down so they know that it’s a fact not a question.  Try putting an arrow on your script at the end of each sentence to remind you to drop it down. You might even want to practice over doing it, just to get the feel of it.  Downspeak has the opposite effect of upspeak. It will instantly boost your authority. It makes you sound confident in your own words. People will feel reassured by this and see you as someone who knows what they are talking about. And, they will trust you and the information you are sharing. That’s what you want, right? To be known as someone who knows what they are talking about and who can be trusted? If you are an entrepreneur or business owner who is using your podcast as a marketing tool, then you want your podcast to boost your know-like-and-trust factor. Being confident and delivering information with certainty is going to make you much easier to trust! It can take some time to break out of the upspeak habit, especially if you’ve been doing it a long time. But, keep at it. It’s worth it. And, you will see the results in how your podcast performs.  And I hope that’s just the tip you need? Ahem, I mean I hope that’s just the tip you need⬇. Need more help creating or turning your podcast into an authority boosting machine? Book a free 15-minute coaching call and we’ll get down with the details on how to do that. https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

130 How Upspeak is Compromising your Podcast Authority

**Jerk-Alert** Fair warning… in this episode, I share 5 things you should be doing to ensure you get the best possible audio from guests on your show … but I can’t promise I’ll be nice about it.    Here’s what happens all the time. Podcasters focus on their own audio quality (and they should). They get the best mic they can, they pad out their room, they drape themselves in blankets… they go to extreme lengths to make sure they sound great for their listener.    Awesome.   But then they let guests show up on their podcast and deliver pure crap directly into their listener’s earballs. Ouch.    Why would you do that to your listeners?    Instead, follow these tips for securing the best possible sound every time. Yes, this will require a small amount of effort before you hit record, but it’s worth it.    Here are the 5 things you can do to improve the quality of your guest’s audio: Choose the right platform to do your recording (especially if you are connecting via video). Hint: make it ABZ - Anything But Zoom Use your eyes and ears to scan the environment. Hunt down sounds that can come up and ruin your interview audio. Think kids, cats, dogs, pens, jangly earrings, and phones.  Shut the hell up during your interview. All of the re-affirming is destroying your guest’s audio. They’re doing fine, they don’t need all of this encouragement. Nod if you must.  Solidify your connection or strengthen your wifi. You can’t expect great audio over the internet if you don’t have a great internet connection.  Get them ON the right MIC! There are a lot of things that technically qualify as ‘a mic’.  You want to be demanding that they pick the right one. In this episode, I demonstrate how cheap mics, earbud mics, and onboard laptop mics sound so you can hear how crappy they are. I also help you coach your guest in making the most of a bad (mic) situation.  This mini-coaching session before you start your interview is critical if you are trying to make the best of the situation you’ve been dealt (i.e. the guest said they have a mic but it’s a pile of crap).    I can’t say this enough. You are making your podcast for your listener. As in, not your guest. So, do your job and demand better from your guests. Ooops, sorry, slipping back into the jerk zone.    Just tell your guest that you want your audience to hear every perfectly clearly so they don’t miss a thing. Everyone who agrees to be on a podcast WANTS to sound good… so help them, and help your listener, and help yourself. Everyone wins.    Want more tips on sounding better? Let’s connect for a free 15-minute coaching call. Grab a spot on my calendar: https://calendly.com/timwohlberg   By the way, I mentioned a few platforms that out-perform Zoom when it comes to recording podcasts. They are:  Squadcast.fm   Riverside.fm  Zencastr.com

129 How to Get Way Better Audio from your Podcast Guest

“Are you aware of the connection of your show name to rape culture?” That was a question I got in an email a few months ago and it stopped me dead in my tracks.  Now, I’m not going to pretend that my old show name, Just the Tip was innocent. While it was an exact description of the premise of my show -- just the tip you need to improve your podcast -- I knew there was some sexual innuendo in there. It’s a phrase I grew up with and never really considered it too offensive. In fact, I didn’t really think all that much about it at all.    Call me naive, but I didn’t equate it to rape or date rape. Once someone pointed it out, I couldn’t think of it any other way. And, I couldn’t go on calling my show by that name. So, I decided to ditch it.    Changing your show name should not be done lightly. You want to make sure that you are doing it for a good reason. I mean, it’s not like underwear that you change once a week.    Here are some good reasons to change your show name: It no longer represents your brand or your brand values (check) You’ve rebranded as a business and you need your show to join the party You’ve pivoted (either your show or your audience) and the name doesn’t fit anymore You’ve niched down and you need your show name to reflect that.  There are a million other podcasts with the same name and you’re getting lost in a sea of sameness. You picked a crappy name in haste and you know better now (check)    If it makes sense for you to change your name, make sure you pick your new one well. You want it to be clear over clever. And, you want to do some research to make sure it’s not going to be taken in a way you don’t (ahem) intend it to be.    Once you’ve landed on an Oh-So-Much-Better name, you will need to do a few things.  Secure the domain of your new name Change your show art Log in to your podcast distributor (like Libsyn, Buzzsprout or Podbean) and change the title in your show settings  Upload your new artwork (listen to this episode for some tips around this) Update your categories (if needed) Change your copyright on your website Audit your social to make sure everything reflects your new name Announce it! This is optional, but it’s a good idea to let your fans know that it’s still you even if the name has changed.    Changes on your distribution network can take 24 hours, so check back in that everything has taken hold.    That’s it! Changing your name is easy, but you want to get it right.  And, be careful about blaming the name for bigger issues. Just changing the name may not be enough to save a poorly performing podcast. That might require a bit more work and an actual pivot. This is what we cover in my Podcast Tuneup. If you think you might need a name change or a show tune-up, let’s chat. Grab a free 15-minute coaching call and I’ll tell you what I think.   RELATED EPISODES https://podcastperformancecoach.com/068-your-podcast-is-not-safe-how-to-protect-it-from-being-pulled-from-itunes/

128 It's Time Rebrand Your Podcast. How to Change Your Show Name

Tim Wohlberg is a podcast talent coach who helps podcasters be better podcast hosts. Each episode this broadcasting and radio veteran offers one simple tip that a podcaster can use to gain mic confidence, grow their audience and sound more like a pro. These podcasting tips will help podcasters get better every time they hit record. If you want to sound more pro and grow your podcast audience, he’s got just the tip for you. For more podcasting improvement tips, to have your podcast professionally critiqued or to hire Tim Wohlberg as your podcast talent coach, visit podcastperformancecoach.com.

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Just the Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

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