So, someone on Reddit wrote, “My podcast stinks,” and I think we should talk about it.

Spoiler alert: just because your download numbers are low doesn’t mean your podcast is a total flop—like, it’s not the end of the world if you’re not raking in those big numbers. We chat about how it’s not just about the content but also the delivery, because if your audio sounds like it’s coming from a tin can, uh, good luck with that! We also throw around some ideas on getting feedback, practicing your craft, and remembering your “why” behind podcasting. So, grab your headphones and let’s chat about how to make sure your podcast doesn’t suck—unless that’s your goal, in which case, carry on!

Reddit is a wild place, huh? So, some poor soul decided to air their podcast grievances and proclaimed, 'my podcast stinks!' Cue the collective gasp from the podcasting community. But instead of spiraling into despair, we examine what this actually means for podcasters everywhere.

I mean, who defines success anyway? Our conversation kicks off by flipping the script on the typical podcasting narrative. We chat about how every download counts, even if it's just your mom and your dog tuning in. If you’ve ever thought about throwing in the towel because your download numbers look like the score of a bad baseball game, we’ve got some comforting truths for you. Your show could be a massive success if it brings you joy, which is really what matters, right?

Then we tackle some serious podcasting wisdom. If your audience is only a handful of people, that’s still a gathering! It's like playing to a room full of friends who actually want to hear what you have to say. We argue about the importance of content and delivery, because let’s face it, you could have the most riveting subject matter, but if it sounds like you recorded it in a tin can, good luck keeping anyone around. I offer some tips on spicing things up, like practicing your delivery (yes, even if it feels like talking to yourself in the mirror). Let’s be honest, we all need to keep sharpening our skills.

And naturally, we can’t resist discussing the age-old podcasting dilemma: why are you even doing this? If your goal is to have fun, then congratulations! You’re winning! But if you’re in it for fame and fortune without a plan, well, you might want to rethink your strategy. The episode wraps up with some encouragement to get feedback and engage with your audience—because who knows, they might just love that thing you think is a total flop! So tune in and let’s redefine success together.

• Just because your podcast isn't on the charts doesn't mean it’s a flop; success looks different for everyone.
• If you’re podcasting for fun and enjoying the process, then congratulations, you’re winning at life!
• Your show might be reaching just a handful of listeners, but hey, those are still real humans tuning in, right?
• Feeling like your podcast stinks? Maybe it’s time to ask for some honest feedback from friends or fellow podcasters.
• Tired of low download numbers? Remember, it takes time to grow an audience; patience is key, my friend!
• Practicing your delivery is like stretching before a workout; it makes all the difference for your podcasting game.

• Reddit
• School of Podcasting

So, you're having trouble getting guests on your podcast? That can be frustrating. But have you taken a good look at your website lately? Because sometimes the issue isn’t your pitch—it’s your presentation. If your site looks like it hasn’t been updated since the MySpace days, it could be sending the wrong message. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at podcast websites and how a few simple mistakes could be turning off potential guests before they even hear your show. Don’t worry—we’ll walk through how to clean things up so your site gives off the kind of professional vibe that makes people say, “Yes, I’d love to be on your show!”

Takeaways:

• If you're struggling to attract guests, your website might look like it's from 2005.
• First impressions matter, and if your podcast artwork is a mess, good luck attracting guests.
• Your website needs to be user-friendly because if it looks terrible, guests will run away.
• Using outdated hosting platforms can scream 'I'm not serious about my podcast', so step it up!
• Your audio quality matters; if it sounds like you're in a cave, no one will sign up.
• Make it easy for potential guests to follow your show; if they can't find you, they won't come.
• The "Set it and forget it" player hurts your podcast growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podmatch.com
• podcasthotseat.com
• buzzsprout.com
• podpage.com
• Video of me choosing shows.
• Join the School of Podcasting

Growing your newsletter can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? But fear not, because I've got a strategy that’s so simple, you might just roll your eyes and think it can’t be real. Spoiler alert: it is. We can use Google Analytics (or Fathom stats) to figure out which pages on your website are actually getting some love.

Trust me, you might be shocked to discover that old blog post from 2019 is still raking in the clicks while your latest masterpiece is gathering virtual dust. Once you've identified those star pages, it’s time to get crafty and whip up a quick cheat sheet or lead magnet. Who doesn’t love a freebie? You can easily create a PDF that people can’t resist signing up for, even if it’s just a glorified summary of your blog.

And yes, I did have a moment where I wondered if people even realize they can bookmark a page, but hey, if they want a PDF, who am I to judge? Now that you’ve snagged their emails, you can start sending them all the fabulous stuff you’ve got up your sleeve, from show updates to special offers, all while feeling like a total marketing genius. It’s like getting a backstage pass to your own show!

Takeaways:

• Having a newsletter is super powerful, but growing it can feel like a full-time job.
• Using Google Analytics can help you pinpoint your website's top pages for better engagement.
• Creating lead magnets from top-performing content is a total game-changer for email sign-ups.
• It's wild how a simple PDF request can boost your newsletter subscribers overnight.
• Social media is like a tiny trickle compared to the flood of potential from a newsletter.
• Invest some time to set up your stats and watch your audience grow—no magic wand required.

References

Google Analytics

Fathom Stats

Join the School of Podcasting