Alex Sanfilippo has the heart of a servant and has made tools for podcasters that help them, and in some cases pay them, to be better podcasters. He is one of the co-founders of PodPros (makes of Podmatch, PodcastSop, Podlottery,Podscore) and he is the host of Podcasting Made Simple. Today, he shares 10 Factors of Podcasting Success.
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Alex interviewed 1600 podcasters and summarized the following:
10 Factors of Podcasting Success
1. Self-Discipline: Podcasting requires self-discipline to produce and release episodes consistently. From sticking to a schedule to maintaining high-quality content, self-discipline is crucial for maintaining listener engagement and building a loyal audience.
2. Self-Care:Taking care of oneself is often overlooked in the pursuit of podcasting success. However, as Dave Jackson and Alex SanFilippo stressed, practicing self-care is vital to prevent burnout and maintaining creativity. Podcasters should prioritize rest, relaxation, and activities that recharge their energy to consistently deliver their best content.
3. Displaying the Value to the Listener – Crystal Clear: To attract and retain listeners, podcasters must communicate the value they provide through their content. From the very beginning, podcasters should establish what their show is about and what listeners can expect, ensuring that potential audiences understand the unique benefits they will gain by tuning in.
4. Clear Strategy to Grow and Monetize Your Show: Having a well-defined strategy for growth and monetization is crucial for long-term podcast success. Podcasters should consider their target audience, how to reach them, and what revenue streams are available. Even if the goal is not to achieve millions of listeners, having a clear plan will help podcasters serve their audience better and cover their costs.
5. Consistent Plan In Every Episode: Consistency is key in podcasting. Listeners value predictability, so creating a consistent structure and plan for each episode is crucial. Structuring content with segments, such as interviews, solo episodes, or Q&A sessions, ensures listeners know what to expect and keeps them engaged
6. Keep Your Show Organized: Organizing your podcast with standardized processes and systems reduces stress and allows for more creativity and longevity in podcasting. Building a system helps avoid overwhelm and ensures that the podcast runs smoothly. Utilizing new tools and technology can simplify processes and allow for delegating tasks to others.
7. Have a Team to Delegate: As a podcaster, you must recognize that you can't do it all alone. Delegating tasks can free up time and energy to focus on content creation and overall strategy. Whether hiring a virtual assistant for editing or partnering with others to share workload and responsibilities, building a team can alleviate stress and lead to more enjoyable podcasting.
8. Have Conversations with Your Audience: Conversing with your audience is invaluable for understanding their needs and desires. Take the time to listen to your listeners through individual conversations or surveys to gain insight into what they want to hear. Adjusting your content based on listener feedback can lead to increased listener engagement and a more successful podcast.
9. Constantly Improve Your Podcasting Craft: Podcasters should continuously improve their skills as speakers, listeners, and interviewers. Listening to other successful podcasts, attending workshops or conferences, and seeking feedback from fellow podcasters can all contribute to personal growth. As podcasters improve their craft, their confidence and enjoyment increase, resulting in a better listener experience.
10. Have Accountability Partners and Community: Being part of a community of podcasters provides inspiration, support, and accountability. Building relationships with fellow podcasters allows for collaboration, learning, and sharing experiences. Having accountability partners and a supportive community can prevent feelings of isolation, offer valuable feedback, and keep podcasters motivated during challenging times.
Conclusion: Podcasting success requires a combination of self-discipline, clear strategies, organization, and constant improvement. Podcasters can enhance their content, grow their audience, and monetize their shows by prioritizing self-care, engaging with listeners, and building a supportive network. Implementing the ten factors discussed in the “School of Podcasting” episode will contribute to podcasting success and lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling podcasting journey.
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Owner of the School of Podcasting. Also produces the "Ask the Podcast Coach." He is also the author of the book "More Podcast Money" and is a regular speaker at podcasting and media conventions.
