I get this question on a fairly regular basis. And that is, Hey, we said this, should I mark my podcast as explicit? One time I was thoroughly confused because they were mentioning the F word. And I'm not going to say any of these words today, I'm going to keep mine clean, but it was the F word. It's the one that rhymes with fire truck. And they said, Can I use this (the F Word) Because I'm using it as an adjective, not a verb. And the fun part of this, especially when it comes to Apple, is they've never really defined exactly what is explicit. So consequently, you can't go right up to the line because well, the line isn't very well designed.  Which leads everybody going well, is it okay to talk about this if it's .........? So here's my answer to that. Number one, there is no answer. It's really up to you. I'm going to talk about what the consequences are here in a second. But most of the time, if you have to ask, Is this explicit? The answer is, Yeah, probably. Would you listen to this episode with a three year old in the car? That's another way of thinking about it.  So let me tell you what happens when you mark a single episode as explicit. Even though it's just an episode, your entire show will be banned in a bunch of countries. And I want to thank Daniel J. Lewis, he's the guy behind mypodcastreviews.com If you mark a single episode, your show will be pulled from Apple's directory in the following countries: Bahrain Belarus Brunei Darussalam Burkina Faso Chad Egypt India Jordan Lebanon Nepal Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Tunisia United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Yemen So kiss that goodbye.  Now the other thing that can happen is if you leave it labeled clean, and somebody goes to Apple and says I would like to report this episode, there is a chance they will pull your entire show. The third option is okay, I don't want to mark it explicit because I want to be available everywhere. Then you can bleep out the naughty words.  Free 15 Minute Strategy Session Click HERE to Apply for a Free Strategy session  I'm Dave Jackson from the School of podcasting comm thanks for joining me on my mission to rid the world of boring podcasts and I look forward to being your podcast consultant.  

Your Podcast Consultant

When Do I Mark My Podcast As Explicit?

You’ve probably heard the phrase knowledge is power. I always say knowledge is power when you act on it. Today I’m going to explain when knowledge is a curse. When you do an interview, picture yourself sitting at a table with your guest across from you and your listener sitting to the left of you. This is often where the curse of knowledge comes into play. You bring up that time at the weidapit and how much fun it was with Lisa. Your audience doesn’t know what a weidapit is, and who the heck is Lisa? This can lead to them feeling like they don't belong and this podcast is not for them.  Need Help? Check out my free 15-minute coaching call.

Is the Curse of Knowledge Ruining Your Podcast Interview?

The more honest feedback (from people you aren't related to grew up with) you get from your audience the better your show will be. It's a little scary to ask people for feedback, but in the end without feedback, you are at risk of wasting your time creating content that doesn't resonate with your audience. Today I have some tools to make it easy.  Podcast Voicemail podcastvoicemail.com is exactly what it sounds like. You get a toll-free number for your audience to call into. The good news is everyone knows how to dial a phone number and it can be as low as 7 cents a minute. The bad news is the audio is not great so if you're looking to use these calls in .your show, it's not a great choice.  Podpage Podpage is a great tool where you can create a great-looking website for your podcast and it has a voicemail tool built-in.  Speakpipe Speakpipe is the original tool for getting feedback from your audience. It's $15/month and recently went through a very nice upgrade.  Telbee Telbee is a bit like Speakpipe on steroids and a little more flexible for $18/month Video Ask Video ask is a way to get feedback via video. They have a free version, and then monthly plans start at $30 Voice Form As I write this in September of 2021 Voice Form is on Sale for a lifetime price of $69. Not only does it make it easy to get feedback, but it also has built-in tools for surveys. I am currently testing this for my free call application. Apply today for a free consulting call.

5 Tool to Make It Easy to Connect With Your Audience

I get this question all the time and the quick answer is when it comes to subscribers - you can't. However, there are other ways to measure success. First, let's talk about the current state of affairs. You can see engaged listeners (people that listen to a sizeable chunk of your episode) in Apple. You can see followers in Spotify. In Google podcasts you can actually see subscribers. However, if you look at Spotify and Google's numbers they don't seem to jive with the number of downloads. This is why I say for the most part you can't. To this, I ask, "Why do you want to know?" I WANT TO TRACK GROWTH If the answer is, "I want to track my growth" then I have a solution. You can use your download numbers. If you want to know who your superfans are, then use a time frame such as 7 days. In hosts like Libsyn (use the promo code sopfree to get a free month at Libsyn.com) and Buzzsprout you can look at how many downloads an episode receives after 7 days (as well as 30, 90, and all-time). This makes it easy to see what episodes performed the best. NOT EVERYONE LISTENS! (BUT MOST DO) I know some people shout, "But you can download a file and never listen to it." In June of 2021 Apple had a glitch where it's auto-download option quit working, and according to podnews, this represented about 11% of downloads. This means roughly 90% of people that download a file listen to it. Apple podcasts has a feature that if you haven't listened to any of the last 5 downloads it stops downloading them. LET'S GO BACK TO YOUR WHY Keep in mind there are more ways to measure success and that is why we are coming back to your why. In episode 99 I talked about the different ways people benefit from podcasting. I episode 79 I talked about the importance of knowing your why. Some examples are: Being seen as an expert Getting to talk to people you normally wouldn't Growing influence Selling more products Getting your message out Growing an email list I look at my stats once a week. I look at the last episode and compare it to the previous episode. My goal is not to drive numbers up for advertisers. My goal for this podcast (my why) is to get you to hire me as your podcasting sherpa. Your trusted guide to get you over the mountain you feel is starting a podcast. If you're more of a self-paced person, you might join the School of Podcasting. In May of this year, my numbers took an ever so slight dip. However, my consulting numbers went up. When you know your why, you know when (or more importantly when NOT TO) to start to look at your content. MEASURING SUPER FANS For now, I would look at how many downloads you get the first seven days after being published if you want to use download numbers. If you need help growing your audience, reach out to me at podcastconsultant.com and schedule a strategy session. I can listen to an episode, check out your website, and let you know if I find any hidden fruit.

How Can I See How Many Subscribers I Have to My Podcast?

Today we continue our discussion of Imposter Syndrome and feeling "We're not worthy!" Here are some strategies: You are not defined by your mistakes. The “I must not fail mentality” can be crippling. There is one person who really needs your message Not everyone will like you, and that is OK. Credentials don't always mean what you think they do. Find one person you know and trust and let them know you feel like a fraud Instead of saying, “I don't know anything” say, “I don’t know everything…yet. I’m still learning.” Yes, there is luck and timing, but there is also talent, dedication, and charisma. While your feelings are real, this does not mean they are accurate. Quit focusing on yourself, and instead focus on your audience and how you will deliver value. But What Are the Magic Words That Make Impostor Syndrome Disappear? In doing tons of research on this, there aren't any words that you can say to have your feelings "Poof" and they vanish.  What you're going to have to do is acknowledge the nervousness, and keep going.  I've been public speaking for decades, and yet I still get sweaty hands before I start. Once I start, I'm fine.  What turns down the panic and nerves is taking action. I know you're saying "But I'm nervous!"  That is normal. Being nervous is actually good. It shows you care. But letting your fear stop you is a choice.  We have a joke at the School of Podcasting. We say, "Nobody is going to punch you in the face." You know what? So far, it's true.  Let's Get Your Podcast Going Sign up for a podcast strategy session today.

How Do I Get Rid of Impostor Syndrome? Part 2

70% of people have impostor syndrome. This is where you feel you are a fraud. You have opportunities that land in your lap and you feel underqualified. You feel it's just a matter of time until you are found out.  This results in crippling fear or overworking/perfectionism. Here are some things to consider: You feel like a fraud because of this huge opportunity that has been put in your lap. Maybe, it's not quite as important as you think. It's important to you, but you're not curing cancer. It doesn't have to be perfect You have had some successes in the past. You've done hard things in the past. Think of the hardest thing you have to overcome. You did it. You're still here. Don't ignore your successes. DO NOT compare yourself to THAT person. There are always people “better” than you and people worse. You are never as good as your best review or as bad as your worst. Your feelings are normal. Feeling nervous is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.   I can help you work through the nerves and get your podcast off the ground.  Schedule a strategy session today.

How Do I Get Rid of Impostor Syndrome? Part 1

I get this question alot, "Do I NEED a website for my podcast?" This is usually from a person who feels they are not a "technical" person and they fear making a website. They feel you need to be a "nerd" to create a website. Well, fear not, you don't need to be a nerd, but you do NEED a website. Here is why How is Google going to find you? When you publish an episode with text describing what is in the episode it is "Google Food." You want a CENTRAL place for your audience to go to. Your social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc) are "Satellites" but these come and go (periscope anyone?).  Your website is the place people to go take action. This could be to subscribe/follow to your show, join your email list, leave a voicemail You don't want to say "Find my show in (app)" and those apps have horrible search features and in some cases, you can't be found. By sending them to your website they don't have to search for those links. You can make it easy to follow/subscribe. Check Out Podpage Right now I love Podpage. This was designed on podcaster feedback and makes it super easy to create a beautiful site for your podcast in less than 5 minutes. You can try it for free for seven days check it out. If you want a little hand-holding, I do have a course at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/learnpodpage Need Some Help With Your Podcast Schedule a strategy session at www.podcastconsultant.com/schedule

Do I Need A Website For My Podcast?

You've ended up with an interview that is a real stinker? How do you save your interview? Acknowledge it's your fault Turn it into a narrative style podcast Remove it, or don't publish it.  What and How Can I Edit My Podcast? Never forget it is YOUR Show.  For more interview tips see http://schoolofpodcasting.com/interviewtips Schedule a Strategy Call Today Go to www.podcastconsultant.com/schedule Full show notes at www.podcastconsultant.com/97

What Do I Do With a Bad Podcast Interview?

I get this question on an almost daily basis. The answer is: it depends. After all YouTube is quite popular. 2 billion people log into YouTube Each Month 1 Billion hours watched daily In 2019 it was reported that 500 hours of video were uploaded to Youtube every minute It's the #2 Search Engine Source If you're not doing anything on YouTube - Yes If you already have a YouTube channel with real videos (not audio with a static image) I would create a second YouTube channel for the "Fake Video" (audio with a static image) episodes.  Some people try to find the perfect clip to use as a promo. This can be quite a time suck. Why not just come up with a tease, and say it into your web cam? Then explain where they can find the full episode.  A very popular web cam is the Logitech C920. DO NOT use the camera's mic (or the built in microphone of your computer). The audio from those devices is awful and audio is very important to video. I can help if you're new to video. 

Should I Put My Podcast On YouTube?

A Niche is a group of people. Some people call it your target audience. The bottom line is "everybody" CAN'T BE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE.  Three Tools To Niche Down Demographics (age, sex, location) Business (what is the topic the show is about) Level of Expertise (Beginners, Intermediates, Experts) EXAMPLE: I want to do a show about: Being more confident Being a more confident parent Being more confident first-time parents Being a more confident first-time interracial parent. Need Help With Your Podcast? Schedule a strategy session today Mentioned In This Episode Adoptees On We Have Cancer Podcast

What is a Niche? How Do I Niche Down?

Back in episode 90 I talked about some of the really bad advice for new podcasters that I see in Facebook groups and today I want to talk about batch recording and when it's OK to do it, and what are the negative side effects.  WHAT IS BATCH RECORDING Batch recording is when you record a bunch of episodes in one sitting. For example, if you do a show that publishes Monday through Friday, you might record five shows on Saturday. Then set them to release over the next week.  THE PROS OF BATCH RECORDING YOUR PODCAST When you batch record, you have one day where you can focus and "pound out" your podcast and take the test of the week to either promote those episodes, research more episodes, etc. You have the rest of the week "free."  The other nice thing about having a few unreleased episodes is when life happens, you have an episode to publish and keep your schedule. Having unreleased episodes can reduce some of the stress of always being on the hunt for new episodes.  WHEN IS BATCH RECORDING YOUR PODCAST A BAD IDEA? So I was in a Facebook group and someone said when you launch you should record 10 episodes ahead of time and then schedule your big launch.  I will say this again, having a BIG launch and thinking it will deliver unending success is like saying having a BIG wedding will deliver bliss and happiness. In both cases, the work is still starting.  WHEN TO NEVER BATCH RECORD I had a client once that came to who had already recorded 52 episodes of his weekly podcast. There was one large problem. The files were in the wrong format. He had no way to go back and redo them. He had to go back and re-record them.  If you have not found a stranger who is your target audience to listen to your show and give you honest feedback, then recording a bunch of episodes is not a good idea.  In the business world, this is called "Proof of Concept." Before you go "all in" on a product you want to make sure your intended audience needs that product and likes the one you created.  What if you record 10 episodes and they all have the "Lightning Round" segment, and after the first two episodes are release you get feedback that the lightning round is really annoying? You have eight more episodes with a lightning round coming down your feed in the future unless you go back and edit them.  So I would never batch record a large number of episodes when you first launch until you know you are delivering what your audience wants.  Ready To Start Your Podcast? Schedule a strategy session today at www.podcastconsultant.com/schedule Mentioned In This Episode Episode 90 - Don't Throw Away Your Audience Podcast Editing Service - Let My Team Edit Your Show

What You Need to Know About Batch Recording Your Podcast

As someone who works in tech support for a podcast media hosting company, I get to see a wide view of the podcasting space. With this in mind, I want to help you get your podcast questions answered quickly.  Tip 1: Write down your login name and password.  There are times when we don't post an episode for a while and when we fire up the microphone we forget how to login. I use a tool called LastPass that securely stores my login and passwords.  TIP 2: Be SUPER Specific. Here are general terms that people use.  My Podcast (name?) The Episode (which one) Isn't playing (where). Isn't displaying (where) My Client (which one) TIP 3: Send the ticket from the email you use to login This way if you forget to say the name of your podcast, then the tech support person should be able to look up your account based on your email.  TIP 4: Let Me Retrace Your Steps So you feel something isn't working right. To recreate the problem, I need to know exactly what you've tried and how you did it. So instead of, "I can't update my billing." It would be. I logged into my account for my show (name of show) on my phone and I copied and pasted in my new credit card number. When I click save it go the error (then the error).  Tip 5: Uncropped Screenshots Are Always Welcome Here is an article on how to take screenshots. You can paste these into a Word or Google Doc and then attach them to a ticket.  TIP 6: Sending Multiple Tickets Can Slow Down The Response I know the squeaky wheel gets the grease. However, when you send in a ticket, and another, and another. Instead of having all of your information in one place, I now have to organize all of your comments and that takes more time. Be patient. We want you up and running. Also, trying to shame people by posting to social media isn't helpful either. The social media person often is not a person on the tech support team.  TIP 7: Don't Ask Facebook I realize you in a panic in some cases, and you REALLY need an answer. When you ask Facebook there are a few things to consider: 1. You are asking people who may not have any insights into the issue, but respond anyway. 2. The competitors of your current media host will start telling you to switch to their service.  I'm not going to ask my Dentist how to add a new starter to my car. The best place to get the best answer is from the team of your media host. They know the system inside and out.  TIP 8: Patience is a Virtue I understand you're frustrated, but taking your frustration out on the person who is trying to help you doesn't help the situation. This especially goes for churches.  Summary:  Your tech support team wants you to be successful. They want you up and running sooner or later. No detail is too small. Many times if you log into your media host first, the information about your account is already included.   

Behind the Scenes of Podcast Tech Support

Way back in episode 37 I said the easy way to get your show into an Amazon smart speaker (Alexa) I said you could use Tunein.com (which was true and still is) but it's much easier (and works well) if you add your podcast to Amazon Music.  Another Reason to have your show listed in Amazon Music/Audible is your show will start to appear in Amazon search results.  How often do you go to Amazon a day? How many searches do you do?  Go Play In That Traffic Here is a resource: Episode 20 - Top Podcast Directories If you need help growing your podcast, then schedule a strategy session today and let's get you going in the right direction.  go to www.podcastconsultant.com/schedule

Another Reason to List Your Show in Amazon Music/Audible

Saying a big launch is the key to a successful podcast is like saying having a big wedding is the key to a happy marriage. In both cases, the real work is just starting.  Schedule a Strategy Session If you need help with your podcast, and want to tap into my 16 years of experience, I'd love to help (my background is in teaching/education). Go to www.podcastconsultant.com/schedule I saw in a Facebook group where someone was not happy with their progress and was going to "delete everything and relaunch" NO!!! I live in Akron Ohio and about 60 miles north is Cleveland, Ohio. If I start walking to Cleveland and take a wrong turn I don't go back home and start walking to Cleveland again. I readjust from where I am and keep moving in the right direction. If you delete your show you are THROWING AWAY YOUR AUDIENCE. I don't know about you, but I work too hard to lose one single audience member.  Launching a Podcast is Easy I could burp into my phone and it would be in Apple next week. This is not a joke.  Launching a GOOD Podcast Takes Thought You have to know who your audience is, and what they want. You have to know YOUR WHY. Then figure out what you can talk about that will hold their attention while getting them to move toward your WHY.  If you need help, come visit me at www.podcastconsultant.com

Don't Throw Your Audience Away

Small Podcast lessons (less than 9 minutes) with big value to help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast from Hall of Fame Podcaster Dave Jackson

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Your Podcast Consultant

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