Tips

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Professional vs. Amateur Podcasting + Ways to Monetize Your Podcast That AREN’T Sponsorship!

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Today after church a few of us from choir were hanging around and talking about performing. Our choir director was telling the younger members how the main difference between a Professional musician and an Amateur musician is the fact that a professional gets paid. That’s why it’s called Professional, as in, that’s the person’s profession — they get paid to perform.

She went on to say how just because someone is technically a professional it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good; it just means they can command a price to perform. The opposite can also be true — an amateur can be just as talented and even more so than a so-called professional.

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Lessons in Inclusive Editing for Podcasters

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One of the best ways I like to up my skills is by taking training courses that challenge my skills and get me outside of my comfort zone. For a long time, everything in podcasting seemed that way. But one thing I found lacking from podcasting conversations was how to edit for sensitivity and inclusion.

When I saw ACES: The Society of Editing had a few courses on those subjects, I looked further into them before signing up.

Introduction to GetVokl for Podcasting

Introduction to GetVokl for Podcasting

You guys … YOU GUYS! I am all sorts of giddy right now!

You know how I sometimes warn podcasters about Shiny Object Syndrome and not going all out for the newest tool for podcasters? Well, I’m kind of throwing that out the window (temporarily, at least).

If you remember Blab that shut down in 2016 (RIP Blab), you may remember this amazing live video platform where you could have a chat room, record podcasts, bring in guests easily, and you could join via mobile app. Unfortunately, Blab is no more.

But after years of its legacy hanging around, I was so happy to have been introduced to GetVokl and talk to Alex today from the company!

Quick Tip: No more iTunes! (Well, sort of ...)

Check your inbox because on January 31st, podcasters who submitted their shows to iTunes received an email from none other than Apple Podcasts with a few things they want to make sure you're aware of.

The main points of the email were:

  • Podcast Analytics Beta
  • Specification Update
  • Easier Podcast Submission for Hosting Partners
  • Apple Podcasts Badges

For the most part, the first three were pretty straightforward, but the fourth point is one that will take some getting used to for seasoned podcasters and new podcasters, alike.

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FREEBIE: Tips for Interviewing Podcast Guests

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FREEBIE: Tips for Interviewing Podcast Guests

While your comfortable (or getting comfortable) behind the microphone, your guests might not be. Although they may have amazing insights to share and your audience will love them, it's still nerve-wracking to be put on the spot.

While I can't do much to take away their nerves (aside from give you my recipe for Sangria, maybe), I can offer some tips to help them feel more at ease about sounding good.

While it might be easier to have your guest join you in your studio, it's not always possible. The tips in this post are for podcast interviews done remotely.

Quick Tip: Podcasting with a Blue Yeti

Quick Tip: Podcasting with a Blue Yeti

If you've ever gone into a podcasting Facebook group and asked about microphones, you may have noticed some contention around the Blue Yeti USB Microphone. 

"It picks up everything."

"It sounds like you're in the bathroom/tunnel."

"You can't use it with a mixer."

For the most part, the first two can be fixed with some tweaking, as you'll see below. And with some extra cables and software, even the third problem can be fixed.

 

Putting Yourself Out There (and Staying Safe)

Putting Yourself Out There (and Staying Safe)

With technology evolving and more ways to connect than ever before, it can be incredibly easy for someone to find out a lot about you by just searching your name in Google or on social media.

Before you begin a podcast, know that you will be putting yourself out there to the masses and it's a good idea to evaluate what other information you may already have that's easily searchable. And it's a good idea to take precautions sooner rather than later

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What Podcasting Microphone Should You Get to Start Out With?

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What Podcasting Microphone Should You Get to Start Out With?

Visit any Podcasting Facebook Group and this question will come up on a weekly basis, and especially around the holidays. It's one of the first steps to starting your podcast and one that probably gets a lot more weight put on it than necessary. The easiest and more basic answer is get a microphone that fits your environment and voice, but where to start?

If you happen to live in an area with a music store, you might be able to test out different microphones and see which one sounds best with your voice. Some even let you rent equipment to test it out with your setup. But if that's not an option and you want a microphone today, there are a few options I recommend right off the bat.

If you noticed, the title for this post is What Podcasting Microphone Should You Get to START OUT WITH. That's because my recommendations are for those just getting started in podcasting and don't want to spend a lot of money upfront, in case it's not something they want to pursue.

Remembering to Thank Your Audience

Remembering to Thank Your Audience

As Thanksgiving is upon us in the United States, it's important to take this time to think about what we're thankful for in our lives. And that includes our podcasts.

It's easy to get caught up in the game of comparing your podcast to others, especially those with more experience than you. But I can't tell you the number of times I've been turned off by podcasts I'm listening to in which the hosts complain about their "low" numbers.

Don't be those podcasters. Remember, everyone starts with zero listeners, as one of my podcasting mentors Dave Jackson says. Moving that number up is your job as a podcaster and marketer. And the more you cherish the audience you already have, the more they'll feel compelled to become your podcast ambassadors and spread the word about you and your show.