The podcast has officially rebranded and been renamed to 'Podcasting for Indie Podcasters!'

In this episode, I'll discuss exactly why I decided to ditch the old name of The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting and embrace something that's more inclusive and SEO-friendly: Podcasting for Indie Podcasters.

When you start a podcast, one of the last things on your mind is rebranding. But as your show grows, evolves, and you as a podcaster develop, you start to think about how your current branding might actually be hindering how you can grow your podcast and reach a wider audience. And that's exactly where I was: hosting a podcast that I love, but unsure if the name was the right fit anymore.

We dive deep into why I was feeling that the old name was right for the show anymore, including connotations with the word 'lazy,' VAWg micro-aggressions, and how the show seems to have evolved out of that name. Keeping the old name was also making me concerned that I was eliminating people from listening to the show and was stunting my podcast's growth by not being inclusive. I also discuss the new branding in terms of cover art and colours.

Finally, we move onto discussing the revamp of the blog that goes with the podcast and I'll tell you all about what to expect from the podcast in 2026.

Checklist for Rebranding Your Podcast:

1. Why are you rebranding?
2. Renaming your show - research, search intent
3. Colours/images
4. Updating your show's name everywhere (doesn't have to be done in one go)
5. Sharing this change with your audience (email, social media, etc)

Takeaways:

1. Rebranding is a big deal, and it’s okay to rethink your podcast's identity as your audience grows and changes.
2. Choose a podcast title that reflects your content and appeals to your target audience, ensuring it's searchable and relevant.
3. Don't rush your rebranding process; take your time to ensure every detail feels just right before making it official.
4. Make sure your rebranded podcast maintains cohesion across all platforms, from social media to your website, for a consistent listener experience.
5. Engage with your audience about your rebrand; their feedback can help shape your podcast's future and build a community.
6. Rebranding isn't just about looks; it's about capturing the essence of what your podcast is truly about and who it serves.

Read the Blog Post: Podcasting for Indie Podcasters: Why I Rebranded My Podcast and 7 Tips to Rebrand Your Own Podcast >> https://veritysangan.com/podcasting-for-indie-podcasters-why-i-rebranded-my-podcast-and-7-tips-to-rebrand-your-own-podcast/

Links Mentioned:

1. Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.com

Podcasting is a wild and amazing journey. One minute you’re excitedly recording your latest episode, and the next you’re drowning in editing and second-guessing every little detail. In this episode, we dive into the seven telltale signs that you might just be taking your podcasting journey a smidge too seriously...because taking your podcast too seriously is possible.

We chat about how obsessing over minor editing mistakes can suck the joy out of your creative process. I mean, have you ever listened to a popular podcast that sounded like it was recorded underwater? Probably Yet, they still have tens of thousands of listeners. This just goes to show that your audience is more interested in the content that you can give them rather than a perfectly polished audio track. So, are you finding yourself giving up fun for perfection? If you’re stressing over a missed breath sound or an awkward pause, it might be time to reevaluate your approach.

In the episode, we also tackle the pressure of posting schedules. Yes, consistency is key, but if that pressure is making you want to pull your hair out, it’s time to hit the brakes. Remember, podcasting should be a joy, not a chore. And comparing yourself to full-time creators with fancy studios? Let’s just say it’s a recipe for burnout. We’re all just trying to make magic happen from our dining tables, right? Plus, we discuss the dangers of over-planning. If you find yourself exhausted before even hitting record, that’s a sign you might be overthinking it. Let’s embrace spontaneity and authenticity instead.

Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or a business strategy, it’s crucial to keep the fun alive. So, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘should I quit my podcast?’, or are wondering how to re-inject the fun back into your podcast, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Taking your podcast too seriously can drain the joy out of creating, so keep it light and enjoy the creative process.
• If you find yourself obsessing over every tiny editing mistake, it’s time to relax a bit. No-one is going to mind about the odd breath or 0.2 second pause.
• Remember, podcasting can be a fun hobby, not just a business strategy or stress-inducing chore.
• Comparing yourself to full-time creators may lead to burnout, so embrace your unique journey and what your individuality can bring to your show.
• Over-planning your episodes can kill spontaneity. Keep it real and authentic for you and your audience.
• If recording feels like a chore, it might be time to reevaluate why you started podcasting in the first place and fall in love with the podcasting process all over again.

Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

• Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast? >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-43-should-i-quit-my-podcast
• Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/100
• Ep 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-112-7-tips-to-get-out-of-a-podcasting-creative-slump/

Ever felt the pressure to turn your podcasting passion into a money-making machine? In this episode, we’re diving into why you don’t actually have to monetize your podcast if you don’t want to! In this episode, we explore five solid reasons to keep your podcast a fun hobby instead of a pressure cooker of dollar signs.

From the exhausting hustle of monetization culture to the pure joy of podcasting just for the love of it, we’re giving you the green light to focus on what really matters: your creativity and connection with your audience. So whether you're just starting out or already knee-deep in the podcasting world, we'll remind you that the joy of sharing your voice should come first.

And hey, if you still want to know how to monetize your podcast later, no worries! We’ve got a whole playlist in the show notes to help you with that too.

Takeaways:

• Monetization culture can zap the fun out of your podcasting hobby, leaving you stressed.
• It's totally okay to podcast just for joy; you don't need to make money from it.
• Your podcast should be a creative outlet for you, not just another job to stress over.
• Remember, you have full permission to enjoy podcasting without the pressure to monetize.

Episodes Mentioned In the Show:

• Monetise Your Podcast - Full Playlist >> https://player.captivate.fm/collection/d3f05aaa-5298-483c-b542-bf9e37b02829/

Feeling stuck in a podcasting rut? We totally get it! In this episode, we're diving into seven super handy tips to help you shake off that creative slump and reignite your podcasting passion. Whether you're wondering "what to podcast about" or contemplating “should I quit my podcast?”, we’ve got your back with some fun and practical advice to get those creative juices flowing. From revisiting your most downloaded episodes to answering listener questions, we’ll explore ways to make your podcasting journey enjoyable again. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s figure out how to podcast like the pros (or at least like we know what we’re doing)!

Takeaways:

1. Revisiting your most downloaded episodes can spark new ideas and help you understand what your audience loves.
2. If you're in a creative rut, just record a messy voice note when inspiration strikes, no matter how wild the idea!
3. Audience interaction is key; asking for listener questions can turn into multiple episode ideas, so don’t be shy!
4. Repurposing old content can breathe new life into your podcast; consider turning popular blog posts into episodes.
5. List episodes are super easy to create and great for SEO, so why not make a top five or seven mistakes episode?
6. Taking a break from podcasting doesn’t mean you have to explain yourself; prioritise your well-being and come back when you're ready.

Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

1. Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast? >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-43-should-i-quit-my-podcast
2. Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting >> https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/100

There's a lot of talk about cutting pauses out of podcast episodes, and a lot of tools, such as Riverside and Descript use the ability to remove pauses as a selling feature.

But sometimes, pauses are needed. I've recently been listening to Paul C. Brunson's We Need to Talk (I'll link it below if you're not familiar with the show). This is about raw and honest conversations and there are times in the show when there are whole pauses, sometimes a few seconds long. And this is ok; it shows raw emotion and the moment and conjecture of what is being said by the guest would be lost or diminished if those pauses weren't left in. They're poignant and allow you as a listener to reflect.

Sure, leaving pauses in won't work for all podcasts and all show or presenter styles, but depending on the content you're delivering, the interviews you're conducting, and the tone of the message that you're delivering, pauses may need to be left in.

So, in a world of podcasting advice where you're constantly being told to trim the pauses and cut out 'dead space' in terms of there being no audio; I'm giving you the permission you need to consider if pauses are needed in your show, and also, permission to leave those pauses in if they work for you and your content.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson >> https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/we-need-to-talk-with-paul-c-brunson/id1765126946

Do you really need a podcast coach or course? That’s the million-dollar question we’re diving into today! We’re peeling back the layers on the podcasting coaching scene, where it seems like everyone and their grandma has a “how-to” course to sell. I might even be eating my own words from past episodes because, let’s be real, it’s totally okay to change your mind.

We’ll explore whether a coach can actually help you level up, or if maybe, just maybe, you could save your cash and find what you need in free online communities instead.

Spoiler alert: not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes the best stuff is lurking behind the free curtain. So, grab a cuppa of your favourite drink and let’s get into it!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into whether you really need a podcast coach or course.
• Changing your mind about podcasting advice shows growth and adaptability in the industry.
• Many people call themselves coaches, but some are more like mentors—know the difference!
• Before spending big bucks on a course, assess what specific outcomes you truly want.
• Free resources abound for aspiring podcasters, so do your homework before hiring a coach.
• Shiny object syndrome is real; just because someone succeeded doesn't mean they can help you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Free Podcasting Course from Captivate.fm >> https://www.captivate.fm/launch-podcast-course
• My blog >> veritysangan.com

After a seven-month radio silence, I’m back to share some juicy insights about what it means to take a break and why it can be super important for our creative sanity.

I kick things off by admitting that while consistency is the name of the game, sometimes life just gets in the way. Whether it’s personal stuff or just plain old burnout, stepping back can be a game changer. I share my experience of logging into Captivate.fm after my break, expecting crickets, only to find thousands of downloads. Mind-blowing, right? It’s proof that building a solid foundation with good SEO and quality content pays off, even when you’re MIA.

Plus, I dive into the importance of unique listeners; this is the golden nugget of podcast analytics that show us who’s really listening to your content. This episode is a reminder that podcasting isn’t just about the hustle; it’s also about nurturing our creativity and audience.

I promise not to leave you hanging for so long again, because the next episode is going to stir the pot: are podcast coaches worth the cash? Stay tuned!

Takeaways:

• After a seven-month hiatus, I realised that taking breaks is crucial for creativity.
• Even when I ghosted my podcast for months, thousands of downloads kept rolling in. What helped? Good SEO. Check out the recommended episodes below to help you up your podcasting SEO game.
• Unique listeners matter way more than just download counts; it’s about engagement and loyalty, not just numbers.
• Strong SEO in titles and show notes helped new listeners find my podcast while I was away.
• Engaging with a smaller audience can be more effective than chasing after new listeners; let's focus on quality over quantity!
• Consistency is key, but so is knowing when to step back and recharge—don't be afraid to take a breather.

Listen to Episode About Taking a Break from Podcasting:

🎧 Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting ➡️ https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/100

Listen to Episodes About SEO:

🎧 Ep 108: How Can Fearne Cotton Get Away with This?? - Why SEO-Rich Titles Matter More for Indie Podcasters ➡️ https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep108

🎧 Ep 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google Ranking ➡️ https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep107

🎧 Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting | How to Implement Your Own SEO Strategy ➡️ https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep104

🎧 Ep 26: How to Repurpose a Podcast Episode Into a Blog Post That’s Optimised for SEO ➡️ https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-26-how-to-repurpose-a-podcast-episode-into-a-blog-post-thats-optimised-for-seo

🌟 Get a free 30-day trial with Captivate ➡️ https://veritysangan.com/captivate

Fearne Cotton has managed to attract a massive audience for her Happy Place Podcast, even with episode titles that primarily feature just the name of her guests. This raises the intriguing question of how she gets away with this, especially when indie podcasters are often advised to use SEO-rich titles to attract listeners.

In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind Fearne's success, highlighting her established brand and the loyal following she's built over the years. Unlike indie podcasters, who may struggle to gain visibility, Fearne's fame and the broader Happy Place movement provide her listeners with a clear understanding of what to expect.

I also share essential tips for indie podcasters on crafting compelling episode titles that can help them attract their ideal audience and stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape.

Takeaways:

• Celebrity podcasts can thrive with simple episode titles due to their established brand.
• Indie podcasters, however, need to utilise SEO-rich titles to attract new listeners effectively.
• Fearne Cotton's podcast success illustrates the importance of building a loyal audience over time.
• Episode titles should highlight the benefits of the content to engage potential listeners.
• Creating specific and descriptive titles helps clarify what listeners can expect from each episode.
• Trial and error with title formats can improve visibility and listener engagement for indie podcasts.

Episodes Mentioned:

• Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting - https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep104/
• Ep 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google Ranking - https://lazygirlpod.captivate.fm/episode/ep107/

Links Mentioned:

• ListenNotes - https://www.listennotes.com/
• Happy Place Podcast - https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/podcast/

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.