Normally, I try to stay positive and encouraging. Maybe I still am, as I encourage you not to fall for these Podcast Tools (often based on AI) that promise great success and wealth without doing any work. Here are some of the things this company (who will remain nameless) promised:

• A chart-topping podcast in minutes
• You don't even need a microphone (think about that)
• Just let AI clone your voice, make an AI video version of you, and make six figures.
• Podcasting is expensive (it's not -you can get started for $80)
• Instant money from advertising (when big sponsors need 10-20,000 downloads per episode)
• It quotes successful podcasts that aren't using their system (and sell their own products, not advertising).

Takeaways:

• You don't monetize a podcast - you monetize an audience.
• If it were this easy, everyone would do it - and all podcasts would be the same.
• Many podcasting scams prey on the uneducated, making it sound easy to succeed.
• Building a podcast audience takes time, typically around three years, so be patient.
• Don't fall for the hype that you can create a podcast in minutes without effort.
• You can't skip the hard work of podcasting and expect to succeed; it requires consistency in schedule and consistency in quality content.

Mentioned In This Episode

Conan O'Brien Needs Some Cash

Podnews Weekly Review

Podnews Daily

Will “Verified” Downloads Ruin Podcast Advertising

School of Podcasting

Video of Fake Countdown Timer

Mentioned in this episode:

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Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: Got a Question For the Question of the Month?

We've done this before. What would you ask if you were me? What question would you ask a group of podcasters? Be sure to say a little bit about your show and your website so we can give you a shoutout. I need you to answer by May 23rd, 20225.

Question of the Month

Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, just waiting for the podcast gods to drop some divine inspiration in your lap? Yeah, me too. But don’t worry, we’re exploring the world of podcast ideas today!

I asked you, the wonderful listeners, how you come up with your brilliant episode topics, and trust me, some of the answers are pure gold. From scavenging through old notes to eavesdropping on pharmacy conferences, we’ve got tips and tricks to keep those creative juices flowing. So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned podcaster struggling for content, jump in and let’s figure this out together—because who doesn’t love a good brainstorming session, right?

Participants

Kim Newlove

https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/

https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/

Dan LeFebvre

https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com

Justin Blackett

https://www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/

Takeaways:

• When you're stuck for podcast ideas, sometimes it's easier to think about what not to discuss.
• Finding inspiration for episodes can come from anywhere, even from the most mundane situations.
• Engaging with your audience directly can help generate content ideas that resonate with them.
• Using tools like feed readers can streamline how you gather information and find inspiration for your show.
• Podcasts often draw content from current events, books, or personal experiences that resonate with the audience.
• The key to successful podcasting is staying curious and always looking for new perspectives and stories.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• thepharmacistsvoice.com
• perrysburgpodcast.com
• shipshapepodcast.co.uk
• basedonatruestorypodcast.com
• inoreader.com
• feedly.com
• Notejoy (affiliate link)

Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’s working and what’s not can save you from wasting your time. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how to collect and use data from places like Apple and Spotify to figure out your audience and their habits. Don’t worry, we’ll also have a laugh or two about how confusing all this can be, because who doesn’t love a good irony sandwich? So, buckle up, and let’s turn those numbers into something that actually helps your podcast shine!

podcastsconnect.apple.com

You can see how many Apple followers you have, and how far they are listening (and compare episodes to median and best numbers.

podcasters.spotify.com

You can see how many Spotify followers you have as well as demographic data of your audience. You can also see how far people listen. You can also see how often your show was shown, and how that lead to people listening.

podcasters.amazon.com

You can see how many people on Amazon Music are following you, how many downloads you get and how far people listen

Your Media Host

This could be Captivate, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, Transistor, Libsyn, etc (I do not recommend Spotify). Here you can see how many downloads you get per episode, and see the location of your audience.

Google Analytics

Here you can see the top pages of your website, among many other things. You can find it at analytics.google.com

YouTube

YouTube statistics are impressive and show you an insane amount of detail. The stat I look at is how far people watch. Keep in mind a video on a YouTube short is anything above zero

Audience Survey

When in doub,t ASK YOUR AUDIENCE. This is the #1 way to get direct feedback from your audience. Check out the book, "The Audience in Listening" by Tom Webster, regarding creating a survey (or use the one built into Podpage).

• Data is your podcasting superpower; it helps you know what's working and what's not.
• If you're seeking sponsors, understanding your audience demographics is absolutely essential.
• Start with the end in mind; knowing your goals helps you get the right data.
• Don't just hope for feedback; ask your audience directly with surveys for better insights.
• Using platforms like Google Analytics can reveal hidden gems about your podcast's online performance.
• Remember, marketing your podcast is as essential as creating it; be strategic about your approach.