Megan from the Wild Healers podcast asks, "Is it possible for an independent podcast to make it into the Apple New and Noteworthy section?" Special thanks to Kris Emerson, host of the Excel Still More podcast, for sharing his experience getting into the New and Noteworthy section. TL;DR The Apple Podcasts New and Noteworthy section is a common goal for new podcasters. The appeal is that if you can get your podcast listed there, you'll be able to grow your audience faster, build momentum,...

Letty from My Sweet Business with Letty Alvarez asks, "What kind of download stats can you expect with a new podcast?" TL;DR Launching a new podcast is a lot of work and is something you should celebrate! It’s only natural to want as many people as possible to listen to it, but where should you place your expectations? In this episode, we’ll walk through 3 questions that will help you determine what your benchmark for success should be. 1. Do you have an existing audience? If you’re...

Norman from Antifool asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?" TL;DR In recent years the number of new software options for podcasters has increased quite a bit. Some of them are great for experience podcasters that want every bell and whistle imaginable. While others are focused on streamlining the process as much as possible. So in this episode, we'll share the pros and cons of the top five recording software options that we use and recommend at...

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?" TL;DR It's not uncommon to have a guest interview lined up where the only microphone that person has access to is the one on their smartphone. In that case, you just want to keep things simple so your guest can focus on what they want to say and not on the tech involved. So in this episode, we'll share some coaching tips you can give to your guest to get better sound...

Bill from Happy Valley Hustle asks, "How do you get your guests to consistently promote their podcast episodes?" TL;DR Having guests on your podcast is one of our favorite marketing strategies. They have a great time sharing their expertise and, if everything goes well, they're eager to share it with their network of friends and followers. Unfortunately, guests are known to drop the ball in this area, so here are 3 tips to help your podcast guests share their episodes more consistently. 1....

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "How do you promote a podcast?" TL;DR One thing most podcasters don't realize is how much work it takes to grow your audience and find new listeners. Podcast marketing and promotion often take as much time as creating the podcast episodes themselves. The key to making any marketing strategy work is to find new listeners that would be interested in your podcast and telling them about it. Here are the top 3 strategies for promoting your...

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "My question is about podcast networks. When should you start one, join one, or should you avoid them?" TL;DR Many of today's most popular podcasts are a part of podcast networks. These networks pool together groups of shows for better access to sponsors, faster growth, and better exposure. They can be an excellent option for independent podcasters, but there are a couple of things to be aware of before signing on the dotted line. Pro #1:...

Kwame from Negotiate Anything asks, "What are some things we should keep in mind when it comes to doing an introduction?" TL;DR A well-produced podcast intro can increase the quality of your podcast, retain new listeners, and serve as a launching point for the rest of your episode. When done poorly, however, it can have the opposite effect. In general, there are three main things you want to communicate in your podcast intro - who you are, what your podcast is about, and why they should...

Klaas from the RPG Heroes asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?" TL;DR While many podcasters are under the impression that getting more reviews in Apple Podcasts leads to a higher position on the podcast charts (or even inclusion in the New & Noteworthy section), those things are not influenced by the number of podcast reviews you have. So what purpose do podcast reviews serve? Podcast reviews are one way to see what your listeners think about your podcast and serve as...

Brad from the Gay Mystery Podcast asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?" TL;DR Podcast websites have three main benefits. First, building a custom website frees you from the restrictions that the website your podcast host provides for you probably has. You can literally make it whatever you need it to be. Second, having a website will help you build your online brand or online business. You can use your podcast as free marketing to promote your products and turn your listeners...

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What's the most important information to look at when you're deciding on keywords for podcast SEO?" TL;DR Search Engine Optimization (also known as SEO) is the practice of tailoring your online content in a way that's easy for search engines like Google to index and display in their search results. When done well, this means that more people find you without having to spend a dime on advertising. Podcast directories also use this kind of information...

Brandon from Digital Marketing Tool Talk asks, "What is the ideal length for a podcast episode?" TL;DR One of the great things about podcasting is that there are so few rules regarding what makes a great podcast. There are some podcasts that have episodes longer than 3 hours (*cough* Joe Rogan *cough*) and some that are 10 minutes or less. Focus on making your podcast as long as it needs to be to say what you need to say without worrying about hitting a certain target. As an overall trend,...

Kylie from Halfwit History asks, "What makes a successful podcast?" TL;DR How you choose to define success is up to you. There's no right or wrong answer, but having a clear sense of purpose for your podcast will help you stay focused on the right metrics instead of getting caught chasing download numbers (which is only one way to see if your podcast is doing well). Regardless of the definition you choose, you can maximize your podcast's potential by doing a handful of things consistently...

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll share our top recommendations for podcast artwork and royalty-free music. Get $20 off any design contest at 99designs.com/Buzzsprout Royalty-Free Music SoundstripeAudioblocksEpidemic Sound Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn all the details about the show that’s replacing this one, Podcasting Q&A. Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn whether you should rebrand your podcast or start a new one. Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn how to record and edit podcast episodes using just your phone. Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode. Microphones: RODE smartLav+ Kit for iPhonesRODE smartLav+ MicrophoneRODE SC6 (Android users)Movo Podcast Interview MicrophoneHeadphone to Lightning DongleHeadphone to USB-C DongleSoftware: GarageBand (iPhone, iPad)Recording Studio Light (Android) Need some help with your podcast? Join the...

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we’ll talk about the impact that the coronavirus is having on podcast listening around the world. Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn why an online course may be the key to your podcast's next breakthrough. Courses we recommend: Gimlet AcademyHow to Start a PodcastAmp'd Up PodcastingPodcast Production Course Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll cover the pros and cons of using Podcorn to monetize your podcast. Learn more about Podcorn for podcasters. Fill out this short questionnaire to submit a question or topic for a future episode. Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Launching a podcast is an exciting accomplishment! But it can be discouraging if you don't get the support you want from your family and friends. In this episode, Jordan and Angie Griffith talk honestly about family support and how to stay positive when the people in your inner circle don't cheer you on! Thanks, Vineeta, for your question! Vineeta's podcast is launching soon! Follow Vineeta on Instagram to be the first to know! @vineeta_santoshi Guest Angie Griffith Host of 4 Things For...

In this episode, Joshua asks, "in a niche with lots of competition, what's something we can do to stand out?" Thank you, Joshua, for your question! You can check out his podcast, 4th and Flex Fantasy Football Podcast, here: https://4thandflexpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Special thanks to our guest, Arielle Nissenblatt! Arielle is the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective & Co-Host of Sounds Profitable. You can find Arielle on Twitter @arithisandthat and at...

In this episode, Badr Milligan joins Jordan to brainstorm how to start a second podcast or leverage your current show's success when new podcast inspiration strikes! Thanks for your question, Kelly! You can find Kelly's podcast, This vs. That: Wedding Decisions with Kelly McWilliams here: https://www.kellymcwilliams.com/blog/this-vs-that-wedding-podcast Guest Badr Milligan Host of The Short Box Podcast Twitter: @TheShortBoxJax Check out his podcast here:...

Getting a big-name guest, whether it be a celebrity or industry expert, can seem impossible to an indie podcaster. Our guest, Angie Griffith, shares her top tips for landing the guest interview of your dreams! Thanks to Jenna Duddleston for the question! You can find her podcast, Bar Talk with Jenna, here: https://bleav.com/shows/bar-talk-with-jenna/ Guest Angie Griffith Host of 4 Things For Your Podcast  & Podcast Strategist Check out her website & podcast here:...