Welcome to the era of digital storytelling, where podcasts have become the preferred medium for sharing ideas, stories, and expertise. With the surge in podcast consumption, aspiring content creators are seeking platforms that simplify the podcasting process without compromising on quality. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into how TalkShoe, a leading podcasting platform, makes podcasting easy and accessible for everyone.
Why Podcasting Matters
Podcasting has emerged as a powerful medium for communication and storytelling. With over 2 million podcasts and 48 million episodes available across various genres, podcasting has transcended niche interests to become a mainstream form of entertainment and education. The intimate nature of audio content allows creators to forge deeper connections with their audience, making podcasts a highly engaging and immersive experience.
The Rise of TalkShoe
Founded in 2005, TalkShoe has been at the forefront of the podcasting revolution, offering a comprehensive platform for both seasoned podcasters and newcomers alike. With its intuitive interface and robust features, TalkShoe has earned a reputation as the go-to platform for podcasters looking to streamline their workflow and amplify their reach. Over the years, TalkShoe has evolved to meet the changing needs of content creators, staying ahead of the curve with innovative features and cutting-edge technology.
User-Friendly Features
One of the key advantages of TalkShoe is its user-friendly interface, designed to simplify every step of the podcasting process. Whether you're a tech-savvy podcaster or a complete novice, TalkShoe's intuitive tools make it easy to create high-quality podcasts with minimal effort. Let's explore some of the standout features that set TalkShoe apart from other podcasting platforms.
Recording Made Simple
With TalkShoe, recording your podcast is as easy as pressing a button. Whether you're hosting a solo show or conducting interviews with guests, TalkShoe's recording feature ensures crystal-clear audio quality with minimal setup required. Gone are the days of complicated recording setups and expensive equipment. With TalkShoe, all you need is a microphone and an internet connection to start recording your podcast anytime, anywhere.
Editing Tools for Perfection
Polishing your podcast has never been easier thanks to TalkShoe's built-in editing tools. Trim, splice, and enhance your audio with precision, all within the TalkShoe platform. With real-time previews and seamless integration, editing your podcast has never been more efficient. Whether you're removing ums and ahs or adding in sound effects and music, TalkShoe provides all the tools you need to create professional-quality podcasts that stand out from the crowd.
Seamless Publishing and Distribution
Once your podcast is ready for the world to hear, TalkShoe simplifies the publishing and distribution process. With just a few clicks, you can publish your episodes to major podcasting platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, reaching millions of listeners worldwide. TalkShoe also offers customizable RSS feeds and embedding options, giving you full control over how your podcast is shared and consumed. Say goodbye to the hassle of manually uploading and distributing your episodes – with TalkShoe, everything is automated, leaving you more time to focus on creating great content.
Engage with Your Audience
Building a loyal audience is essential for the success of any podcast, and TalkShoe provides tools to help you connect with your listeners on a deeper level. From live chat and audience polls to Q&A sessions and listener feedback, TalkShoe facilitates meaningful interactions that keep your audience coming back for more. By fostering a sense of community around your podcast, you can turn casual listeners into dedicated fans who eagerly await each new episode.
Analytics and Insights
Understanding your audience and tracking the performance of your podcast is crucial for growth and optimization. With TalkShoe's comprehensive analytics dashboard, you gain valuable insights into listener demographics, engagement metrics, and episode performance. Armed with this data, you can fine-tune your content strategy and make informed decisions to maximize the impact of your podcast. Whether you're looking to attract sponsors, optimize your marketing efforts, or simply better understand your audience, TalkShoe's analytics tools provide the insights you need to succeed.
TalkShoe offers a comprehensive solution for aspiring podcasters looking to make their mark in the world of audio content. With its user-friendly features, seamless workflow, and robust distribution channels, TalkShoe empowers creators to unleash their creativity and reach new heights in the ever-expanding podcasting landscape. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, TalkShoe is your gateway to audio stardom. Join the podcasting revolution with TalkShoe today! With TalkShoe by your side, the only limit to your podcasting success is your imagination.
Every summer, Podcast Movement brings together thousands of like-minded podcasters and industry professionals worldwide. In one place, under one roof, and for 4 days, the international podcast community joins forces to celebrate the art of podcasting at the world’s largest podcasting conference.
And both TalkShoe Podcasting and Krantz Media were there to catch all the action and talk about all things podcasting.
Not only does Podcast Movement aim to provide knowledgeable talks, workshops, breakout sessions, panels, and more, but attendees also get to rub shoulders with thousands of other attendees. This is the ultimate opportunity to connect, meet and develop relationships with all sorts of contacts in the industry.
For anyone looking to shop for new equipment, get in the inside scoop about different services, or connect with brands on a deeper level, there are many, many companies from all podcasting nooks and crannies eager to meet and chat about their products, services, and more.
Let’s not forget about the parties. If you’re coming to Podcast Movement to work hard, you’re going to want to hit up a party and maybe play a little bit too. Every night there’s a social event designed to get people chatting and swapping business cards. Between the music, food, and drinks, you’re sure to have a great time.
At the “Superpowering IP through Podcasts” discussion featuring Steve Raizes from Paramount, speakers and panelists led the audience through an informative chat about how podcasts have become a critical part of looping in studios and networks to catch audiences with a new or existing IP. The podcast market is ripe with content that helps give life to mega marketing strategies but it pays to know the top priorities.
The NuVoodoo team talked about “The Seven Things Listeners Love About Podcasts (and the Three That Make Them Crazy). Through the team’s multiple one-on-one interviews, NuVoodoo was able to put together a quantitative study of a thousand-plus podcast listeners to pull out information and metrics that support or dismantle firsthand opinions about what podcast listeners love about podcasts.
In the “Podcast Leadership From Every Angle” breakout session, panelists discussed how the podcast industry is constantly evolving every day. It’s no secret that podcasting changes fast. This panel provided an excellent opportunity to open up the conversation regarding changes and themes that are happening in podcasting as we speak. With industry experts such as Steve Goldstein CEO of Amplifi Media; Martina Castro, Founder and CEO of Adonde Media; Larry Rosin President of Edison Research; Jessica Cordova Kramer, CEO of Lemonada Media; and Jonas Woost, Co-Founder of Bumper, attendees were in a for a real treat and mega interesting discussion.
Overall, it was a powerful conference that attracted talent and industry professionals from far and wide. It was another smashing success. TalkShoe came, saw and conquered Podcast Movement 2022, Dallas.
If you’re looking to add a whole other dimension to your podcast, whether it’s your first episode or your hundredth, here’s how to kick up a storm with your podcast; The new TalkShoe.
Built specifically for podcasters and producers, you can host and store, distribute and syndicate and easily transcribe your podcast on TalkShoe’s audio and video hosting platform. It’s your podcast, your way.
Sign up today to get started.
TalkShoe is excited to introduce the newest and most exciting podcast miniseries to date, the Mean Streets of Toronto podcast. Exposing its never before revealed underbelly, the miniseries goes on to give Toronto actual street cred, and shows us that there’s more to this city than just Drake and the Raptors and how “Toronto the good” may actually be Toronto the not-so-good.
In this dynamic podcast, in association with Dundurn Press, mixed and produced by TalkShoe’s very own Anton Strasburg, and executive producers Chris Houston and Dora Bloom, listeners will experience how much more there is behind the scenes of Canada’s largest cosmopolitan city.
Each podcast episode is a chapter from different books written by different authors and published by Dundurn Press. Listen in as each author reads their own chapter. If you want the real story instead of some picture-perfect, glossed-over tale, this is the uncensored podcast miniseries you want to listen to right now.
Truth and light emerge when we can celebrate the shadow and darkness. Enjoy being fully immersed in the naughty and dysfunctional parts of Toronto's history that are seldom talked about. Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect from TalkShoe’s exciting podcast series:
In the opening episode, listeners get to tune into the true story of a music editor at VICE who tried to become the coolest reporter the company had ever had — by becoming an international drug smuggler. In this cautionary tale of drugs, hip-hop, influencers, and glamor, listeners will get the inside scoop on what it’s like to seamlessly move between these worlds. From the book, Bad Trips by By Slava Pastuk with Brian Whitney.
In episode number two, listeners who’ve heard about the Don Jail but don’t really know its backstory will be able to experience what it was actually like to be there. Conceived as a “palace for prisoners,” Toronto’s famed Don Jail never lived up to its promise. Learn how it descended into a place of infamy where both inmates and staff were in constant danger of violence and death. From the book, The Don by Lorna Poplak. Lorna also reads episode number five, about the fire at the Don Jail.
Catch episode number three, and you’ll learn about the true story of a bank robber who, disguised in a mask and Beatle wig, killed a man in a shootout, sparking a national debate around gun control and the death penalty. From the book, The Beatle Bandit by Nate Hendley.
In episode number four, author John Goddard reads from his book The Man with the Black Valise. He tells the story of a teen who was violently attached in 1894. The crime was so brutal that people thought Jack the Ripper was loose in Ontario. The detective on the case became the model for TVs Murdoch Mysteries.
This podcast is packed with information, and mystery, allowing listeners to become immersed in a full listening experience. Enjoy the music, sound effects, and exciting delivery of the authors whose true stories have never been told until now.
You can catch all the authors at FANEXPO chatting about their books on a panel hosted by CTV’s Richard Crouse titled True Crime on the Mean Streets of Toronto at 2 pm Saturday, August 27th, 2022. Never fear, if you can’t make it TalkShoe will be there to record and publish a bonus episode on the Mean Streets of Toronto Podcast Page.
The podcast can be listened to on the Mean Streets of Toronto Podcast Page hosted by TalkShoe.com and will soon be released on all major podcast networks.
For more information, visit TalkShoe, and Dundurn Press.
About TalkShoe
With TalkShoe, creators can enjoy hosting and recording capabilities, distribution and syndication, joint moderator and co-hosting options, web or phone connections, easy-to-use RSS Feeds, auto-transcription, and so much more.
TalkShoe is powered by iotum, a leader in group communications solutions committed to building cutting-edge CPaaS and UCaaS solutions to enhance collaboration and communications for organizations of any size, anywhere in the world, and KMG, a full-service media consultancy that specializes in New Business Development, Content Syndication, and Investment Counseling for Digital Media companies.
About Dundurn Press
Established in 1972, Dundurn Press is one of Canada’s largest and leading independent trade publishers. With over 2,300 books in print, Dundurn Press is recognized for producing high-quality, award-winning books across multiple genres. They publish books that reflect the world, satisfy curiosity, enlighten, and entertain. Dundurn Press seeks to amplify and elevate exceptional Canadian voices to the world, particularly those that have not yet been discovered or have been previously underrepresented in trade publishing.
Podcast Movement: Evolutions is a 2,000 person event that invites podcasters and industry professionals from around the world for an information-filled, high energy and super exciting 4-day event – and TalkShoe was there!
As per their website,“Think of [Podcast Movement] Evolutions as three single-track events, all happening simultaneously, with combined keynote talks, parties and networking events. Each track is carefully curated to be a well-rounded offering of discussions covering the spectrum of podcasting. So versus needing to decide what sessions to attend during each block, we do the hard work for you.”
Podcast Movement Evolutions covered topics including the latest research, tools, technology and information that pertains to creators, industry pros, companies and more. Take a look at some of the highlights that went down in sunny Los Angeles:
Alongside TalkShoe’s media partner, Krantz Media Group Director of Content, Jason Insalaco, we navigated the conference’s discussions, sessions and networking events. To start, the opening keynote with Will Ferrell (Big Money Players Network and The Ron Burgundy Show) and Conal Byrne (iHeartPodcast Network) not only made everyone laugh and chuckle, it also made everyone stop and think. The conversation was thoughtful and articulate and Will Ferrell spoke from the heart, opening up about how excited he is to showcase new talent while also sharing a bit about how he got to be quite possibly the funniest guy on the planet. Ferrell and Byrne carried on a conversation that had everyone eager to check out Ferrell’s podcast – especially the one where Ron Burgundy interviews Deepak Chopra. Stay tuned for more from Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network where he brings on up-and-coming comedians to give them a chance to share their humor and make a splash in the industry.
We started off strong with a “Branded Breakfast” from Sound That Brands – a branded podcast service that connects people and brands to their stories by promoting their content in the form of a podcast sponsored by a brand with zero advertising. With their tagline, “Be the content, not the interruption,” Dave Beasing, CEO of Sound That Brands, discussed how even though branded content can be challenging, it’s important to figure out if it can help your brand succeed. We learned that advertising promotes the product, while true sponsorship opens up the traits behind the product – the sweet spot where brands should strive to be.
While branded content isn’t for everyone, it’s still an untapped resource that has proven it can be successful for the right brand – like for Trader Joe’s and their five-part podcast series called "Inside Trader Joe's" that focuses on “the way the retailer does business.” Hosted by Tara Miller and Matt Sloane, these two personalities take listeners on a journey behind closed doors to bring to life what it’s like as a crew member or the CEO (yep, he’s a real person) and discuss real Trader Joe topics – even their parking lot issues. They were guests on the panel and had plenty of insider info to share.
There were so many players and interesting people from around North America and beyond, including Ben Bradbury, Head of Audio at Workweek) to connect with. In fact, we couldn’t walk anywhere without running into familiar faces or getting stopped to chat about new and upcoming technology. We spoke to the Head of Product, Jordan Hauge at Podopolo who are creating an app that not only makes podcasting interactive, it makes it social by matching you to the podcasts that light up your passions and interests.
We met Toby Goodman, creator of the Listen Better Marketing Podcast, Joelle Aya CEO of Minting House Agency who works with podcasters and creators to come up with cutting-edge podcast advertising and influencer marketing services and Manny Faces, President of Manny Faces Media.
In the discussion, “Podcasting Under Pressure; Lessons from Making a Podcast Every Day,” we learned how there is so much more to podcasting than what meets the ear – especially when you’re cranking out fresh, hot content every day. Thanks to the producers from ABC News, and producers from ESPN, we got a real look at how these daily news crews have to imagine Tuesday as the new Friday, pull out insights and info essentially BEFORE it happens and bring out the best and most interesting headlines in news media and sports for their listeners.
Friday and Saturday provided extra informative talks too:
“Making Great Sh*t On Time, On Budget and On Point” from Spoke Media was straightforward and had plenty of insight – especially when it comes to deadlines and how even tight limitations can lead to big creativity!
Hosted by the podcasters Good Moms, Bad Choices, their talk “How Authenticity Can Leverage Your Podcast” was an in-depth discussion about how finding your authentic voice to grow your show can bring in unique opportunities that help you shine in the podcasting space – no matter how niche or outspoken you might be.
Then, of course, there were a few parties where we got to meet and mingle. On the rooftop terrace at the Grammy Museum, hundreds of chatty podcasters got to sip and snack. It was a beautiful night filled with conversation and business card swapping – with Paris Hilton spinning in the background. Brought on by iHeart Radio, Hilton wore her sparkliest outfit while throwing down classic hits. We got to meet more creators and podcasters doing incredible things – from a fashionista helping women over 40 reinvent their style in the Fashion Crimes Podcast to a doctor who interviews veterans to bring their inspiring stories to life on Home Base Nation!
And that’s a wrap for the 2022 TalkShoe Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles!
Looking for podcasting hosting, white label services or a one-stop-shop for your podcast to take off? Make money podcasting with TalkShoe. Built specifically for podcasters and producers, you can host and store, distribute and syndicate and easily transcribe your podcast on TalkShoe’s audio and video hosting platform. It’s your podcast, your way.
Sign up to access TalkShoe’s new platform and get recording your podcast today.
If you’ve been part of the TalkShoe podcasting community, you know what it’s like to podcast with us. From recording and streaming, to exporting and importing to hosting and storage and so much more, TalkShoe has been keeping creators excited to create since 2006.
But just like all good things, they must come to an….just kidding! We’re not going anywhere. TalkShoe is only getting better and improving with more state-of-the-art features, and an amazing new look and feel.
Check to see the new TalkShoe podcasting portal, designed for creators who want to create. The new TalkShoe is here to bring you the best online podcasting experience. We’re up, we’re running and we’re just waiting for you to get in on the good stuff by logging into your account, or by signing up here to start creating your podcast today!
Are you a seasoned podcaster or just starting out fresh? Either way, it doesn’t matter. The new TalkShoe will get your story seen and heard, and make you money. No matter where you are, you can podcast with TalkShoe. TalkShoe has no limits and neither should you.
Ready to learn more? Here’s what the new TalkShoe has in store for its community of long-time and brand new creators:
Analytics
Analytics offers numbers and patterns so you can make big growth decisions when it comes to building an audience, upping the number of downloads and giving listeners more of what you do best!
Simply, open your account to view the new “Analytics” tab. Curated from all listening platforms, Analytics provides you with the metrics surrounding your proper listens and impressions data. Now it’s easier for you to get a much wider view of who’s listening to your podcast and how they’re listening. This means you can curate your content and deliver to your audience exactly what they want.
It’s straightforward to use; Sort by podcast (per episode coming soon) and set your date range to see on a daily, weekly or monthly basis the amount of listens, where people are listening from (state/province, country), what source they are listening on, what type of device they’re using and more!
Simplified Distribution
Why make distribution more complicated than it has to be? With the new TalkShoe, it’s easier than ever before to get your podcast seen and heard. We provide you with step-by-step instructions in uncomplicated language so even your grandmother can do it!
Using TalkShoe’s podcast software plug-in RSS feeds, you’ll be able to ignite conversation and engagement by linking your episodes to online publishers including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeartradio Pandora and so much more.
Show Me!
Advanced Podcast Publishing
Ok, so you’ve got this whole podcasting thing down pat from writing to recording, but when it comes to planning and publishing, you need a little guidance. No worries! We’ll take care of the rest. Everything from scheduling your podcasts in advance to planning future releases, we’ve got the tools to schedule an episode and so much more. All you have to do is plug in the date and time, upload your recording and sit back and relax, and wait for your audience to tune into your episode at the time and date indicated.
Media Drive
Make your life easier and more streamlined with files and media that are all stored in one place. Imagine being able to access your fully-decked out content library whenever you want, totally on command. Imagine the episodes you can create painlessly when files and document references are swift and easy to locate and grab.
Now you can add documents and files to your podcast simply with the click of a button. Plus, all your show recordings will also be stored in your Media Drive so you don’t have to go rooting around trying to piece together your downloads and edits.
Separate Live Events
To go live, or not to go live? That is the question… but it doesn’t have to be! You can create a new recorded episode or a new live event or both! Depending on your audience and content, you get to choose. By default, all existing shows will be categorized as both a live event and episode. Live events are for going “live” but episodes can be recorded or uploaded into your RSS feed. And if you do decide to schedule a live event, you can choose if you want it to go automatically into your RSS feed, or not!
If you’re looking to add a whole other dimension to your podcast, whether it’s your first episode or your hundredth, here’s how to kick up a storm with your podcast; The newTalkShoe is the go-to, one-stop-shop for all your podcasting needs. Built specifically for podcasters and producers, you can host and store, distribute and syndicate and easily transcribe your podcast on TalkShoe’s audio and video hosting platform – all while making money for being a creator. It’s your podcast, your way.
Sign up to get started with TalkShoe’s new platform and to stay on top of release dates, marketing bonuses and more. Your new portal awaits!
In the days before podcasting really hit it big, feuds between musicians commonly made headlines. Notable “beefs” include Tupac vs. Biggie, Prince vs. Michael Jackson, and more recently Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West. The drama never seems to stop, and why should it? With such newsworthy headlines, these iconic disputes only seem to spark popularity and feed the machine.
These days, the line between podcasting and the music industry is blurred. Especially as of late, now that Spotify, the world’s largest streaming provider, with over 381 million monthly active users, including 172 million paying subscribers, stands by Joe Rogan’s podcast while Neil Young removes his music.
“I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines — potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them,” Young wrote in a now-deleted letter, according to Rolling Stone.
More specifically, Young’s main issue is with Joe Rogan, Spotify’s star podcaster with whom they have an exclusive license to his show, a license they paid around $100 million dollars for. Rogan’s show was also the number one most listened-to podcast in 2021. Originally a comedian and TV personality, Rogan’s wildly popular and controversial podcast brings on celebrities, comedians, actors, musicians, MMA fighters, authors, artists, and beyond. Not one to shy away from controversy, Rogan has chatted with people from the alt-right and has made questionable anti-vax and anti-masking comments.
Rogan has been quoted saying that he is "not an anti-vax person,” saying "I believe they're safe and encourage many people to take them," he said while refusing to back down on claims that young people did not "need" the vaccine.
Accusing Rogan of spreading misinformation regarding the world health crisis, Young told Spotify: “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” A bold statement made by the Canadian-American rockstar known for his classic hits “Heart of Gold” and “Harvest Moon,” considering 60% of all his streaming music comes from Spotify listeners.
As for Young, the singer is no stranger to serious medical issues, having been a survivor of the poliovirus and catching the infection just a few years before the vaccine was available in 1955. In his memoir, Waging Heavy Peace, Young describes what it was like to get polio at just 5 years old. The disease took over his body and caused lengthy hospitalizations. He recalls how other children avoided him. Young’s symptoms continued into adulthood too.
Spotify’s market capitalization fell about $1.2 billion shortly after Young yanked his songs once the streaming giant made it clear that Rogan was chosen over Young.
All of which leads us to an interesting fork in the road. Is Spotify a music streaming company or are they committed to podcasting? What is their strategy and where do their loyalties lie? It’s pretty obvious where especially when you follow the money. Prior to Rogan going exclusive to Spotify, a host-read ad on The Joe Rogan Experience used to cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas now, to get any ad on his show, the minimum spend is $1 million. Should Spotify go with the old rocker or the new outspoken kid on the block?
Rogan holds a secure spot in this unlikely game of thrones. After all, Spotify intentionally licensed his show to 1) convert listeners to the platform and 2) make money through ad sales. According to The Verge, when marketers buy ads on Rogan’s podcast, they are required to buy ads on the rest of Spotify’s catalog too. The catch becomes obvious – if Rogan succeeds and brings in more advertisers to the rest of Spotify’s investments then everyone on that side is happy. Spotify has other high earners like Call Her Daddy and Armchair Expert, but nothing compares to the reach, scale, and sheer popularity of The Joe Rogan Experience. Seems like a sound investment.
Perhaps podcasting’s biggest quarrel to date could have been avoided if Spotify had done a better job at communicating and going public about their guidelines.
Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, also released a statement, "Personally, there are plenty of individuals and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly. We know we have a critical role to play in supporting creator expression while balancing it with the safety of our users," Ek said. "We take this seriously and will continue to partner with experts and invest heavily in our platform functionality and product capabilities for the benefit of creators and listeners alike. That doesn’t mean that we always get it right, but we are committed to learning, growing, and evolving."
Young isn’t the only one to pull the plug on Spotify. Canadian-American singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell stands in solidarity with Young and has since removed her music too. Mitchell made a statement on the website, “I’ve decided to remove all my music from Spotify. Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.”
What do you think? Got an opinion to share here or a bigger opinion to share in a podcast? Tell us what’s on your mind. Sign up with TalkShoe to start your own podcast and share your story with the world. Start today.
What’s great about podcasts is that your audience is attracted to you. With podcast episodes ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours, your audience is hooked onto every word you’re saying. So, what are you saying and why should they listen? What makes your podcast different from the next guy’s talking about the same thing?
Uniqueness is what makes you stand out. Every listener wants something in return for their time spent listening to your episode. In simple terms, they want a problem solved; better health, more wealth, longer-lasting happiness, or deterring boredom. And this is what every podcast does, but it’s up to you how you make a listener stick around.
It’s all about saying the same thing everyone else is, but in your own voice, in your own way, with your own spin on things. Here’s how to make your podcast stand out:
5. What is Your Format?
Sure, a 30-minute interview with an expert is great, but if you want to generate interest right off the bat, start thinking about putting in a little thought into revamping your format. Consider breaking up your episode into segments or creating a mini-series. We all know that the standard interview works, but do try different ways to contain your content.
4. What is Your Topic?
It’s easy to want to have a broad topic so you can reach “everyone.” While that might sound enticing, and like something that makes logical sense, the old saying, “if you talk to everyone, you’re talking to no one,” truly applies here. Niching down will help you sell to the people who want to hear what you have to say. And down the line, you can always adjust and open it up to be broader.
Here’s how to narrow in on your niche. Let’s take a broad topic like nutrition. Everyone can relate (everyone’s gotta eat!) but who is it exactly you want to narrow in on? If you’re in school, your angle could be healthy nutrition for broke college students. Maybe it could be geared towards parents who are overloaded with their careers, looking for fast and easy ways to provide nutritious meals for their families. Perhaps, it’s a podcast about nutrition for women who are expecting and looking for tips and tricks to get the best nutrition for themselves and their babies.
An angle on a topic means you can still cover the whole subject, however, you’re just relating to a specific “slice of life.”
3. How is Your Production Quality?
Do yourself a huge favor; Buy the best tools you can afford to make your podcast come to life! Even if you’re a first-timer and this is your hobby, that doesn’t mean you have to sound like one. There are so many options on the market to help you sound good, so choose the technology and get the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.
If you’re starting out, don’t fall into the trap of a 45-minute show that sounds like it was recorded slightly underwater in a basement, and then publishing it unedited, because “you don’t have time to edit.” Put in the time, raise the quality, and create something magnificent.
Plus, when you edit, you’re opening yourself up to creating even more content! Going through your recording will show you the bits and pieces you may have forgotten about. Mining for these nuggets means you can pull them out and repurpose them across other social media channels. It's actually really simple to do – start with a transcript of your episode and pick a few parts that are juicy and shareable. Choose 30 seconds up to 10-minute segments either to use on Instagram or as your actual podcast episode and pull these out of your recording or record them separately. Remember, quality over quantity every time!
And if the thought of editing is making you want to run away in the opposite direction, you can always hire someone to do it for you.
2. Expand Your Online Presence
Everyone is on social media. Are you? Podcasts are such a great way to broaden your reach and promote yourself. By putting your efforts into more than one channel and actually nurturing your presence without just dropping new episodes, you’re able to create a brand voice. The trick here is to be very present and give your audience what they want. Interact, post, and build relationships by creating community, starting conversations, and answering questions.
When you create community, you build rapport. And when you build rapport, you get noticed!
1. What are YOU Bringing To The Table?
Now for the “piece de resistance.” At the end of the day, it really all comes down to you and how you show up as you for your podcast. Your personality and “je ne sais quois” is probably the most stand-out thing you can do! Yes, there are a lot of funny, well-spoken, educated, and enlightened people out there, but there’s only one you and that’s what listeners want.
Getting “you” across can include your background, your stance, your experience, your opinion, your knowledge; All of which contribute to your angle. While this may be tough to demonstrate until your listeners actually listen to your show, drilling it down and getting clear on your essence and show concept can be done via your podcast description plus across your social media channels.
With TalkShoe, you can create the podcast of your dreams telling the story you’ve always wanted to share. It’s easy to get started when everything you need is in one place. You can record your podcast in advance, or stream it live. TalkShoe gives you ample space to host and store, distribute and syndicate and easily transcribe your podcast. Start here.
It’s almost 2022. Have you started a podcast yet? Now is the time because they aren’t slowing down. Don’t worry if you haven’t already, or if you have other things to get in order before you can. We’ve put together a few must-haves and actionable steps you can get working on to get you launched and listening. The best time to start a podcast was yesterday. The second best time to start is now!
Before you begin, consider your audience. Who are you speaking to? Why should they listen? Why are you doing it? This is about knowing exactly who is interested in what you have to say. Who is going to resonate with your message? What’s in it for them? What value can you provide? Create their persona by imagining everything about them. What does your audience eat? What kind of hobbies do they like? Who are their friends and family? What do they do for work?
This is the first step, albeit a big one! Once you feel like you know what your audience is into, you can move on with the following things you need to help you launch your podcast:
1. Creating A Catchy Podcast Name
Clever, descriptive, or your own name; whichever you choose, use simple, straight-to-the-point language that reflects your content.
2. Deciding on Podcast Length and Frequency
Podcast lengths greatly differ; Some are bite-sized at 10 minutes while others are 2-3 hours or longer! Once a month is great, twice a month is better. Whatever you choose, just try to remain consistent.
3. Writing Episode Titles
Use exciting, descriptive, and easily searchable keywords. Stay away from numerical episodes and treat each title like a magazine headline.
4. Figuring Out A Podcast Format
Solo? Co-hosted? Panel? Doc? What way will best support your content? You can use a mix of all of them, but generally, you’ll naturally stick to one.
5. Selecting Hardware And Software
All you need is a computer with a standalone microphone and access to the internet. This is enough to get going. As you get more advanced, you’ll probably want to upgrade your equipment. As for software, choose a podcast platform like TalkShoe that can handle hosting, creation, distribution, marketing, recording, streaming, and more.
(alt-tag: Two professional young women seated and posing for camera with podcasting mics in front of them.)
6. Creating A Show Script
Cat got your tongue? Not if you have a script! This isn’t your average word-for-word script though. The very nature of podcasting is conversational, so as long as you have some key points, it’s up to you to fill in the blanks!
7. Getting Comfortable With The Mic
Your voice is an instrument so it pays to know how to use it! Vocal warm-ups and a knowledge of how your voice can be used softly or loudly help. Imagine you’re speaking to people instead of a mic in a four-wall room!
8. Learning The Tech
Got a virtual co-host? Reaching out to remote guests? Get a feel for the tech you’re using so you can avoid glitches, delays, and snafus.
9. Editing your Podcast
Will you be editing or hiring someone else? Editing isn’t always necessary, but if you want to correct background noise or make the delivery sound a little more seamless, try looking into freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr to make any corrections.
10. Finding Music
It’s not mandatory, but it sure adds a nice layer! Use it for the intro and outro and for less than 10 seconds for an even more professional-sounding podcast.
11. Designing Podcast Cover Art
Small but mighty, your podcast cover art gives listeners a clue about your podcast. Make it simple and not too detailed. You can set this up yourself in Canva or hire a designer.
12. Hosting Your Podcast
Find a media hosting service like TalkShoe that can help you host, store and share your podcast. Get set up with an RSS feed, and live streaming services for multiple options and choices.
13. Submitting to Directories
Once you’re recorded and ready to be heard, use your hosting service to submit to heavy hitters like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
14. Social Media, Promotion, and Monetization
When it comes to growth and monetization, there are a few factors that determine whether you’ll be able to make money from your podcast:
i. Content:
Choose a topic that best represents you and can lead to a sustainable podcast. Is your heart in it? If so, it’ll show and resonate with your listeners. Not only will you be able to eventually profit financially, but you’ll also be able to make a difference in people’s lives.
ii. Presentation:
Be aware of how your voice and projection come across in your podcast. You want to be passionate and enthusiastic instead of bored. Pro delivery and performance skills not only sell your content, but also sell you, and that’s how ad dollars begin to follow you!
iii. Building Community:
Especially in the digital world, the only way to communicate is through online interactions. Not only are you reaching out to your audience, but your audience is also reaching out to each other. Creating opportunities for interaction instills trust and support.
(alt-tag: Close-up photo of iPhone showing a podcast playing on screen.)
Get recording with the new TalkShoe, your one-stop-shop for recording and launching your podcast. Everything you need is in one place. Use TalkShoe’s virtual studio to record with others remotely. Store, distribute, monetize and syndicate easily and seamlessly. Start your journey here.
Download our checklist with a list of questions to support you on your podcast creation journey. >>
So you’ve recorded your podcast, and you’re proud of the final result. Congratulations!
Now you just need people to listen to it. Thankfully, there’s more than one way for your podcast to get seen and heard. In fact, there are multiple ways to promote a podcast, and they can easily overlap to give you the best chance at being discovered. Some are pretty easy while others are more about the long game. Add one or a few to your marketing mix and see which ones have the best results.
Is your podcast polished and ready to go? Let’s start off with a few easy ones you can literally do right now:
1. Ask To Subscribe
So simple, but we can all do with an obvious reminder from time to time! All this means is including a “Subscribe” button anywhere and everywhere on your podcast. Mention it in your recording, put it on your social media and close by
2. Submit To Directories
Once recording and editing have been completed, decide who and where you want to submit to. The go-to is Apple podcasts, but there are up and coming players who are getting many downloads. Spotify and Google, for example. The more places your podcast is listed, the better. Plus, it’s free, so why not?
3. Maximize Existing Resources
Do you have an email list? Social media accounts? If not, no worries. You can create them. If you do, use them to your advantage now! Make announcements, share clips of your podcast, create posts – anything to hook people in.
(alt-tag: Angled down view of person sitting at desk with podcast notes, a mic, and cup of coffee in recording studio.)
Ok, now let’s kick it up a notch.
Here are a few more ways to get ears and eyeballs on your podcast. They take a little more time and resources, but are very valuable to the success of your podcast:
4. Ask And Share Questions
Encourage listeners to ask questions and tag you on social media. That way, they get exposure, their friends get to see what they’re asking and your show gets a shoutout. People love hearing their names spoken online and this creates a loop of user engagement.
5. Start a Blog
With a blog, the possibilities and shareability are endless! It’s easy to share a blog post, plus you can supercharge it with SEO words for better ranking. Furthermore, there isn’t that much of a difference between your podcast audience and blog audience, you’ll notice how they support each other to increase your audience all around.
6. Create a Website
You don’t need a fancy website, something simple will do. A website will give your blog a place to live, plus will act as a destination for your audience and leads to go to. Especially as you start building your email list, you’ll need to send them somewhere and your website is the place where they can get more information.
7. Email List
Your email list is like digital gold. This is your direct access point to individual members of your audience and is a fantastic way to keep people aware of your new podcast episodes, launches, subscriptions, contests, and so much more! Don’t forget to add a call to action with every email and a link to your website if you have one, or social media handles.
8. Be A Guest On Other Shows
Instead of reinventing the wheel, get listeners listening to your show by promoting yourself on other people’s shows. Choose podcasts that have a similar audience to expose yourself to, and start making connections. Try to choose podcasts that are more famous than yours for maximum exposure!
9. Have Guests On Your Show
The same applies in the opposite way. If you’re a guest on other shows, have guests on your show too. Leverage each other’s audience to grow and boost your content.
10. Contest And Giveaways
Everyone loves receiving freebies. If you’re able to give away something that aligns with your show and attracts relevant people that boost your brand instead of just the general public, consider what kind of contest or giveaway you can create. Maybe you can get people to call into your show live, or run a giveaway that invites followers to tag your show on Instagram.
(alt-tag: Two young women against a white brick background sitting separately, chatting and smiling into microphones for a podcast interview.)
Here are a few more strategies to add on top of your marketing mix. Think of these as little shortcuts and added bonuses:
- Tell Everyone And Their Mother
Literally. Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Whatever your podcast is about, work it so you can bring it up in conversation as much as possible. Perfect your elevator pitch so that when you go to walk your dog, pick up your mail or meet someone at a party, you’re able to get to the core of your podcast as fast and succinctly as possible.
- Cross-promote
Take advantage of guest matching services to bring on guests, which – did you know? – generally, bring in twice the amount of listeners!
- Create CTAs
A call to action at the beginning, middle, and end of your episode gives your audience direction, leading them towards an action. Encourage them to sign up for your coaching, subscribe to your channel or leave a review.
- Business Cards
This might sound hokey and 20 years too late, but if you’re meeting and rubbing shoulders with a lot of people on the regular, consider creating business cards that have QR codes on them. This way, people can just use their smartphone to scan the code and get taken directly to your podcast website.
- Live Recordings
Live recordings provide multiple uses for content that not only promotes your brand but builds it. Consider how a live recording can be streamed now, and recorded later to edit and upload for a rebroadcast. Plus, you can use the video content to create clips and teasers for social media.
With TalkShoe, you can launch your podcast into outer orbit. Enjoy a one-stop-shop for everything you need to store, distribute, syndicate, and monetize your podcast. If you want to get the most out of your podcast, learn more about TalkShoe here.
Do you ever catch yourself thinking about starting a podcast? Well, now’s the time to think a little less and start doing a little more. If you’re bouncing back and forth between podcast ideas, that’s okay. Deciding the kind of content you want to curate and bring to your audience isn’t an easy task. So let us help you!
In this article, we’ve brought together a few out-of-the-box and interesting ideas to stoke the creative fires of your imagination. Use these as a springboard or take them and go!
Here’s a pro-tip in the meantime: If you can talk about it, you can podcast about it. Literally, anything you can come up with can be translated into an episode, season, or podcast.
1. Short Stories
Write your own or enlist the help of published authors (after you get their permission). Collect all different kinds of stories from around the world. Try dedicating different episodes to different genres like fairy tales, murder mysteries, children’s stories, folklore, etc.
2. DIY
Who doesn’t love a good DIY? If money’s tight or you just can’t seem to find what you’re looking for in stores, make it yourself! Talk about how to make furniture from cinder blocks, install shelves or arts and crafts for the kids, all with your own two hands and a little ingenuity.
3. Product Reviews
Ever wonder if a Dyson hairdryer is actually worth investing in? Swap real-world bits of information, reviews, and first-hand experience of the products people are curious to try.
4. Advice
Instead of the age-old column, get real feedback in the here and now with an advice podcast that covers a broad range of topics. Try a car-related podcast or get intimate with love and relationships. Provide well-researched real estate advice or get serious about how to raise children and how to parent effectively.
5. Share a Coaching Session
If you’re a coach, consider sharing a recording of your session (with your client’s permission of course!). Whether from a small group or 1:1, if you had a breakthrough session, share it with the world. Let them know what it is you do and don’t forget to include your information.
6. Surviving the Great Outdoors
There’s no shortage of things to discuss when you’re unraveling the mysteries, complexities, and expansiveness of Mother nature herself. You can dive deep into topics like family-friendly locations, expert gear, best adventures, and more.
7. Favorite Things
Bring on guests and get people to share the things that make their life better. In other words, their favorite things like bands, cars, coffee, cities, anything big or small!
8. Guided Wellness
Lead and produce meditations, chants, and affirmations that can be used across a variety of situations: sleep hygiene, heart-opening inspiration, calmness, high anxiety, etc. Bring on different experts to talk to the topic or lead a meditation. Lead short mini-meditations, or go for longer sessions, whichever your audience is asking for.
9. Book Synopsis
We all have a list of books we want to read. Some people can get through it, but for the rest of us, it sure would be awesome to get the shortened version of the classics! Have a conversation around popular books that discuss the highlights, themes, and plots of the literature people want to read.
10. Psychology
The science and spirituality behind how the brain and mind intersect are far-reaching and fascinating. Zone in on different schools of thought from leaders like Jung and Freud, or branch out to eastern philosophy and other forms of therapy for a well-rounded take.
11. Other Ways Of Living
Between tiny homes, digital nomading, growing your own vegetables, and more, there is a surplus of ways to live this one life. Cover a few, or cover all of them on your podcast. Invite a guest who’s passionate about making their own kombucha or talk about what it’s like to tear down a school bus and make it a beautiful living space!
12. Paranormal Oddities
People can’t get enough out-of-this-world stuff. Anything from a “glitch in the matrix” to haunted hotels to creepy sightings will get people talking and listening.
13. Starting A Business
Especially during a pandemic, entrepreneurship has never been more alive. Side gigs, hustles, working multiple jobs to have multiple streams of income, it’s all part of the world we live in. Discuss how to scale, network, and really launch into the next level of success.
14. How To Brand
In the age of individuality and standing out in the crowd, branding isn’t only for big companies. In fact, it can be for everyone and definitely for the individual. Talk about how it affects your online presence, and getting a job. Loop in marketers, and designers and get chatting about what makes for a successful and well-liked brand.
15. What to Watch
With so many TV shows, movies, short films, and docs literally at our fingertips, it’s overwhelming to know what to watch. Get straight to the good stuff when you can listen in to what people have to say about the latest and greatest.
16. How to Podcast
Seriously. The medium is the message here, so why not use it to its full advantage? Share what you know or learn from others. By swapping hacks, tips, and learning how to write scripts, and more, your passion and know-how grow exponentially.
17. Writing and Writers
Team up with wordsmiths and penners to trade ideas, work on scripts, and discuss what makes for a good piece of writing. Chat about different styles, and structures or break down how to develop a daily writing practice.
18. Aging Gracefully
What’s it like to find the first wrinkles on your face or becoming a grandparent for the first time? What about retirement savings or becoming a “snowbird?” Bring this up for discussion and see what your audience has to say.
19. Pop Culture Trends
With TikTok and a vast expanse of social media, trends are popping up every minute! Have a podcast that talks about what’s happening right now. Compare and contrast, dissect and ridicule or just plain have fun with whatever the kids (and adults) are doing these days!
With TalkShoe, you have the tools to create a million different podcasts. You can speak to any topic your mind can think of. Get serious or stay playful. Bring on guests or go solo. Collaborate overseas or bring in a co-host from the same city. Use the virtual recording studio to add in effects and give you high-quality and unadulterated sound. Learn more about TalkShoe here.