How to Source Listener Questions Before You Have an Audience

The struggle is real when you're launching a podcast aimed at answering listener questions, but you can't even get your mom to tune in. I tackle this conundrum with a blend of sarcasm and genuine advice, emphasizing that while it might feel like you're shouting into the void, there are ways to build that listener base. I suggest simple strategies like inviting friends and family to send in questions or creating fake ones to maintain the illusion of engagement. I also touch on the importance of persistence and creativity in building a connection with potential listeners. It's a lighthearted yet insightful look at the early days of podcasting, reminding us that every popular show started somewhere, often with a few awkward moments along the way.Takeaways: Launching a podcast with no listeners means you gotta get creative with listener questions. It's totally fine to pretend you have questions from imaginary friends to fill the void. Use your website to encourage questions and make it sound like you're super popular. Engage your cousin or friends to send in questions, because why not? Links referenced in this episode:podcastconsultant.comschoolofpodcasting.comLeave a Voicemail!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Hey there, it’s Dave Jackson, and in this episode I’m revising the challenge of naming your podcast—a topic I haven’t covered since 2019! I share a simple test I use for show names: I tell people the name and ask what they think it’s about. If their answer matches my content, I know I’m on the right track.I talk about how it’s tempting to get cute with names (like “The Dugout” for a baseball show), but if you skip keywords like “baseball,” your show might not appear in searches. If you want a clever name, adding a clear tagline can help.I also cover practical tips like making sure your podcast name is easy to say and spell. I learned the hard way when I called a show “Podcast FastPass”—it was tricky to pronounce and easily confused. And be wary of names with tricky spellings or multiple possible formats (like “2” vs “two,” or double S’s).Don’t forget to check if your domain is available—I usually try for a .com, but if that’s taken, I recommend adding “show,” “radio,” or “cast” to get a unique domain. And of course, Google your proposed name to see if someone else is already using it.In this episode, I also mention two tools to help brainstorm names: one from PodPage, and a new one from Buzzsprout.Podpage Podcast Name Generatorhttps://www.podpage.com/podcast-name-generator/Buzzsprout Podcast Name Generatorhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/podcast-name-generatorNeed Help With Your Podcast?If you’re stuck on names or need help moving forward, come visit me at schoolofpodcasting.com! I’ve got tutorials, a supportive community, and consulting to help you succeed.Let’s create something great together!Mentioned in this episode:Want to Podcast But Not Sure Where To Start?I've got you covered with a FREE Podcast Launch Checklist that walks you through the whole process IN THE RIGHT ORDER. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/checklistPodcast Launch ChecklistThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

"What is the best podcast platform for beginners?" The short answer is – it depends on you and your goals! I cover several popular podcast hosting platforms, including Captivate, Transistor, Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Libsyn. My personal favorite is Captivate because for $19 a month, you can create unlimited podcasts and episodes, with only a price increase if you go over 30,000 downloads. I use Captivate for multiple shows and love its feature set.I also highlight the importance of understanding your goals: Are you trying to sell your own stuff (like my book "Profit from Your Podcast") or are you aiming for advertising revenue? I explain how selling your own products can often be more profitable than relying on podcast ad revenue for most beginners.You're Going to Have a Learning CurveWhile each hosting platform has a learning curve, they're all pretty approachable. Don't stress about being a beginner – take a day or a few hours to watch tutorials and get to know the software. I encourage you to treat this learning phase as putting gas in your tank for a smoother ride ahead.For those wanting extra help, I offer step-by-step videos and support through the School of Podcasting. Use coupon code "Listener" at checkout for a discount!Websites and Companies mentioned- Captivate.fm (Podcast hosting)- Transistor.fm (Podcast hosting)- Buzzsprout.com (Podcast hosting)- Podbean.com (Podcast hosting)- Libsyn.com (Podcast hosting)- Blubrry.com (Podcast hosting)- Schoolofpodcasting.com (My educational resource for podcasters)- profitfromyourpodcast.com (My book website)- RSS.com (Mentioned in context of advertising)- Spotify.com (Mentioned in context of advertising)- TidyCal.com (Calendar tool I use)Ecamm Live (Live streaming)If you need more guidance, reach out to me—I’m here to help podcasters grow!Mentioned in this episode:Want to Podcast But Not Sure Where To Start?I've got you covered with a FREE Podcast Launch Checklist that walks you through the whole process IN THE RIGHT ORDER. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/checklistPodcast Launch ChecklistThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode, I respond to a question from Cheddar Bunny on Reddit, who's just released two podcast episodes and isn't happy with the sound quality. They're recording everything on an iPhone and editing with Ferrite, but their voice track sounds way too muffled. The music sounds fine, but they're asking about Bluetooth microphones and how to improve things on a zero budget.I get where they're coming from, trying to be frugal and do everything on a phone. I've been there myself—I've filed for bankruptcy in my twenties and know what it's like to count every penny. That said, recording a podcast using only a phone is tough. The screen is small, editing is hard, and everything takes more time. Honestly, every podcaster I know who's tried going phone-only has ended up quitting because it just puts too many hurdles in the way.Sure, you can try improving your quality by exporting and cleaning up your audio with tools like Adobe Enhancement, but that's still extra steps and time. I really believe you'll save yourself a lot of frustration by moving to a computer. Even if you don't want to spend much, you can pick up something like the Samson Q2U microphone for under $100, and use free software like Audacity (which you might even be able to use at a library).If you do stick with your phone, here's a tip: speak directly into the phone as you would on a call (with the mic close to your mouth), instead of using speakerphone from a distance. I've done this myself in a pinch and it worked, but it was nowhere near ideal—took a lot of cleanup and definitely wasn't pristine audio.So while it's technically possible to podcast on a zero budget and just your phone, the end result often falls short of what you'd get with a small investment in some basic gear and a computer. In the long run, you'll thank yourself for making the process easier.If you want more help, head over to schoolofpodcasting.com—I offer coaching, tutorials, and an amazing community. I've been helping podcasters for 20 years, and I'm always here to help!MentionedSamson Q2UAudacity SoftwarePodtrak P4This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode, Dave Jackson addresses a common question from a Reddit post: "Which are the best podcast websites to post our work and get paid for it?" He dives deep into the realities and mindset of podcasting with a special focus on family projects. Dave emphasizes the importance of enjoying the podcasting journey itself, rather than fixating solely on making money.Key Topics Discussed:Initial Motivations for Podcasting:Dave reacts to people interested in podcasting primarily to get paid, sharing that he personally didn’t make money from his podcast for the first three years.The Real Value of Podcasting:Drawing parallels to family game night, Dave highlights the long-term sentimental value of recording family podcasts, describing such memories as “much more valuable than...the .005 cents you will make from someone like Red Circle.”The Journey vs. the Destination:Using a story about driving to his brother’s house to admire the changing fall leaves, Dave likens podcasting to enjoying the journey instead of fixating just on the end goal.Practical Podcasting Advice:Dave discusses hosting platforms like Red Circle, Buzzsprout, and Captivate as options for those needing free basic websites, while noting that making money through podcasting typically requires more investment and planning.Skills and Benefits Beyond Monetization:Dave lists numerous benefits to podcasting—improved public speaking, increased confidence, networking, and even unexpected professional opportunities—emphasizing that these skills often precede financial gain.Monetization Mindset:He advises potential podcasters to enter the field with realistic expectations about monetization, noting that it can take years to build an audience substantial enough to generate revenue and that focusing solely on money often leads to podcasters quitting early.Memorable Quotes:“You don’t monetize a podcast, you monetize an audience.”“There are all sorts of other benefits besides money when you start a podcast.”Support & Resources:Interested in starting or improving your podcast? Visit School of Podcasting. Use coupon code “listenr” for a discount on subscriptions.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I spent some time the other night updating some show notes that AI generated. There were at least seven words that not only would I never use, some of them I didn't even know what they were. I know many people will blame the prompt. Learning to prompt takes time, and updating content that isn't even close to sounding like you also takes time. So with this in mind I ask, "Is AI really saving us time?"It surely does when it generates images for me as I am very much a "stick figure theater" kind of artist. But I've been typing since I was in middle school, and I have a brain. So I don't need artificial intelligence, I have actual intelligence. So the text you are reading right now came from my brian, and is now going to you. Stevie Ray Vaughn called this "Soul to Soul." For me, having ai right a few paragraphs for show notes makes no sense when I can do it better, and in the same amount of time (I'm at 19:31 for recording, editing, creating an image and now writing show notes)So let AI do the things you can't, and consider doing the things you can so you don't have to worry about it sounding like you. It will, because YOU did it. Join the School of PodcastingAre you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing, to marketing and monetization. With our proven methods and expert instructors, you'll be creating high-quality, engaging content in no time. Say goodbye to the frustration and uncertainty, and hello to a successful podcasting career with the School of Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Ever had that moment when your best buddy decides they want to jump on the podcast train with you? Yeah, it's all fun and games until you realize they might just be the anchor dragging you down. In this episode, we look at how to keep that precious friendship intact while navigating the choppy waters of collaboration. I share some painfully relatable stories about working with friends, like that time they left a stable job for a shiny new opportunity that turned out to be a total flop. The conversation gets real as we explore the fine line between friendship and business. We dish out some tough love on how to set expectations upfront—because let’s be honest, no one wants to be that person who shows up to record without their gear or forgets to silence their phone (seriously, how hard is that?). By the end of this episode, we hope to arm you with the knowledge to turn your podcasting venture with friends into a thriving success—or at least a tolerable mess. With a little clarity and some awkward but necessary conversations, you might just save your podcast and your friendship. So grab your mic and let’s get this show on the road, sans the drama!Takeaways: Having a friend help you with your podcast can be a slippery slope, so tread carefully. If you're going to work with friends, it's almost like a podcast prenup is necessary. Clear expectations are key to avoid awkwardness and potential friendship ruin. When friends become co-hosts, prepare for a potential friendship breakup or awkwardness. Sometimes, friends don't hold up their end of the deal, and it gets messy. Having a list of duties can save your podcast and your friendship from disaster. Resources:https://podcastprenup.com/School of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get insights into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. Each issue of our newsletter offers a glimpse into what's shaping the podcast landscape, with actionable advice to boost your podcasting journey. You also get a glimpse "behind the scenes" and bonus content from the School of Podcasting. Go to www.podcastingobservations.comPodcasting ObservationsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Let's dig into the whirlwind of podcasting realities where we chat about how many podcasters seem to think that just slapping a website together is like waving a magic wand for traffic. The problem is - it’s not. I mean, if only it were that easy, right? Just like the classic movie 'Field of Dreams' where they thought building the field would bring the players, our podcasters think that creating a website will bring in the listeners. But no one’s showing up for the party unless you have a plan! So, in this gem of an episode, I break down the nitty-gritty of why traffic doesn’t just magically appear and what you can do to change that sad little narrative. We talk about organic search, SEO, social media engagement, and the importance of having a solid content strategy. Seriously, your site should be the hub of your podcast universe, not just a lonely outpost in the middle of nowhere. Let’s get those listeners clicking and engaging, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be one of those success stories we all love to hear about!Takeaways: Just having a website for your podcast won’t magically bring traffic; it’s like expecting pizza to show up just because you ordered it. Podcasters often think traffic will come from their website alone, but it’s really a game of SEO and marketing, folks! To boost your website traffic, focus on organic search and engage on social media—shocking, I know! You need a strategy for your show notes; they shouldn’t read like a robot wrote them, or Google will just yawn. Creating valuable content is key; if your show notes make people feel like they’re studying for a test, you’re doing it right! Don't forget, Google loves EAT: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—because who doesn’t want to be the cool kid on the block? Links referenced in this episode:podcastconsultant.com/growthschoolofpodcasting.compodpage.comEpisode about E.E.A.TMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get insights into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. Each issue of our newsletter offers a glimpse into what's shaping the podcast landscape, with actionable advice to boost your podcasting journey. You also get a glimpse "behind the scenes" and bonus content from the School of Podcasting. Go to www.podcastingobservations.comPodcasting ObservationsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

You talked about the promotion. You didn't talk about the content. I'm here to tell you, it's your content. How do I know? Because I've been helping podcaters grow their show. There are two phrases that go back to back .1. I need help growing my podcast2. My content is fine. Then I listen and it takes nine minutes to get to the topic. The episode title starts with "Episode XX" which is a giant waste of space (only your ego cares what number it is). Ask your audience to share it with a friend. To get them to do that you need to make REMARKABLE content. Do you have a website where each episode is a post with keywords and SEO focused headings?Does your website make it easy to follow the show?Do you have an email list? (which studies have shown helps grow a podcast more than social media). Check out systeme for a free way to get started.Free Episode ChecklistTake your episode and hold it up against our Remarkable Content ChecklistNow before you think I'm a horrible person. I'm not saying your show is the worst show ever. But we all (myself included) are blind to our own weaknesses. You need a group of friends/listeners who will tell you what you are doing right, and what needs some tweaking. At 100 downloads per episode that means you have a hallway of classrooms (I was a teacher) filled with people who want to consume your stuff. They would be playing video games, netflix, hulu, radio, kindle, etc but they are taking time to download your show. In some cases 100 downloads might be AMAZING. Case in point if I did the "Pygmy Pony Show" and had 100 downloads I would be amazed. If I did the "Hey we're all fat" show I would expect more downloads as the potential audience is so big (rimshot)... so as with all podcast answers, "It depends"Takeaways: Growing your podcast isn't just about marketing; it starts with your content quality. If you're stuck at seven downloads a day, maybe your content's just not that riveting. Remarkable episodes need both great content and delivery, otherwise, good luck out there! Don't start your podcast with chit-chat; nobody cares about your garage work at the start! Feedback is crucial; you're blind to your own flaws in your podcasting game. Remember, no amount of marketing can save a podcast with just 'meh' content. Get the podcast growth checklist at podcastconsultant.com/growthMentioned In This Episode:School of PodcastingFix My Podcast ServiceMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get insights into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. Each issue of our newsletter offers a glimpse into what's shaping the podcast landscape, with actionable advice to boost your podcasting journey. You also get a glimpse "behind the scenes" and bonus content from the School of Podcasting. Go to...

First up, let's talk about the wild ride of launching a podcast. It's like trying to throw a birthday party and making sure every single balloon is inflated to perfection. Spoiler alert: it’s impossible. Our main speaker, Dave, dives headfirst into the chaotic world of podcasting, where he points out that there’s never a perfect time to hit that record button. Seriously, if you're waiting for the planets to align or for your cat to give you the nod of approval, you might be waiting forever. Instead of obsessing over SEO and storytelling like it’s a PhD thesis, just grab that mic and start chatting! Trust me, your first episode will probably make you cringe later on, but that’s part of the journey. And hey, if you're gonna mess up, might as well do it while having fun, right?Takeaways: Launching a podcast is like having a baby: there's never a perfect time, so just go for it! Researching SEO and storytelling can easily turn into procrastination, so stop buffering and hit record! Your podcast is a recipe, not a statue—it's all about experimenting and adjusting as you go! If you're waiting for perfection, you might just be overthinking everything—start recording already! Listening to your own content is hard, but if you can't handle it, maybe it's not ready for the world. Remember, aiming for perfection might just land you somewhere really good instead, so embrace the journey! Start Your Podcast!Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing, to marketing and monetization. With our proven methods and expert instructors, you'll be creating high-quality, engaging content in no time. Say goodbye to the frustration and uncertainty, and hello to a successful podcasting career with the School of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get insights into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. Each issue of our newsletter offers a glimpse into what's shaping the podcast landscape, with actionable advice to boost your podcasting journey. You also get a glimpse "behind the scenes" and bonus content from the School of Podcasting. Go to www.podcastingobservations.comPodcasting ObservationsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy