Many podcasters think you start by buying a microphone.
You don't.
Others think it starts when you record yourself with that microphone.
It's not.
No. You start a podcast by first knowing what to talk about.
THAT is the start!
But the microphone is STILL not the next step.
After knowing what you should be talking about, you have to push yourself beyond that.
You next need to learn how to talk so that your stories attract an audience.
Each one came to podcasting along a different path.
Each one has created their own custom process.
And some don't actually know anything about podcasting at all because their staff does it all for them.
It's a wicked mess of conflicting information that mixes best practices with outright myths.
The end result is something that only works for that podcaster.
Here's what usually happens.
You follow all of their steps to the letter.
They tell you that step one is to go buy your first microphone.
So, you do.
When your microphone arrives, they tell you to plug it in, and hit record.
You do that too.
What do you talk about? Doesn't matter. They tell you to talk about whatever you want to talk about so long as it's only 22 minutes long.
Why 22 minutes? Nobody knows.
Could be some nonsense about average commute time. Dosen't matter. You do as they say.
By follwing their steps you eventually turn your recording into your first audio file.
Next, they get you to use their promo-code to upload that file to a media host.
Why that media host? Again. Doesn't matter.
This is followed by some automated way to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts.
Do you control your podcast in Apple Podcasts? No. But again. Don't matter.
None of their process is explained to you. You job is to shut-up and follow their path.
So you do.
Then, at some point, that first episode appears in Apple Podcasts directory.
Congratulations! They tell you your a podcaster now!
Their final piece of advice is for you to share the link to your podcast in Apple Podcasts to friends, family, and everyone on social media.
It's nothing but blue skys, growth, and monetization from here on out!
Rinse and repeat.
Seems simple enough.
So you go on to record episode #2, and #3, and #4, using the same process.
Rinse and repeat... right?.
But something feels... off.
You keep recording the next episode but nothing is happening. Nobody is engaging with you. Nobody is emailing you. And your download numbers? They're tiny.
Because buying a microphone is not step one. It's more like step eight.
The start for all new podcasters begins with podcast design!
Podcasting is a creative process that takes thinking, planning, and doing.
A microphone is a tool, not a step.
Until you have something to say, and you know how to say it, the microphone is not a priority.
Imagine the listeners you could reach if you could get a deep understanding of what your audience wants and how what you created provides that when they finally press play.
Imagine if you could get your hands on a proven step-by-step system that would help you define and shape your idea into episodes that communicate your topic in a way that organically attracts listeners.
Now, imagine learning how to do all of that from someone that's helped multiple podcasters collectively attract several thousands of listeners to their podcasts.
Each Podcast Worthy lesson contains straight-to-the-point strategies and tactics that walk you through the entire process. It shows you what's important and what's not. Podcast Worthy is like having me as your coach teaching you the exact methods you need to create, build, and produce your podcast. Here's an idea of the big topics we will cover together:
You first need to understand how podcasting works and all the moving parts that make up the podcast lifecycle.
Learn the how to develop your podcast idea into a strong foundation for long-term success using essential design principles to create a show that will last.
Learn how to take your podcast idea and craft a blueprint based on design constraints that define your goals, establish your format, and fuel your creativity.
Learn how to use your podcast Why Statement and blueprint to develop a final podcast design that will make you ready for your first episode.
Learn how to find stories that work for your audience and how to craft them into a professional content strategy for your podcast.
Learn to create flexible episode scripts that guide your podcast content without stifling creativity, ensuring focused and engaging episodes
Learn the art of podcast branding by learning how compelling podcast names and show art help you stand out in a crowded podcast landscape.
Learn how to demystify podcast pre-production and understand the essential planning elements needed to record good-enough audio.
Learn how to edit good-enough audio and understand what should stay, what should be removed, and when to stop.
Learn what to do with your audio when it's ready, how to navigate hosting platforms, and what needs to be in your feed to make it all work.
Learn what to do after you've made your podcast episode available to the world and how listeners actually listen to your audio.
Learn how to use your podcast process to create your next episode and how consistency becomes your secret weapon in growing an audience.
Learn how you can leverage Podcasting 2.0 application trends to enhance your podcast and improve your listener's experience.
If you have absolutely no idea where to start with your Podcast, this is perfect for you. In the first couple of lessons, I’ll show you exactly how to decide on your topic so you can get started right away.
The thought that goes into a podcast's design is what determines it's future. It is not just the topic and name that you have to worry about but the decisions you need to make before the microphone. This includes decisions about audience, scope, purpose, bias, filters, sources, structure, and tone. All of these elements need to be considered before you hit record. Clarity is what makes you stand out from the 800,000 other podcasts that have podwrecked. The clarity that comes with understanding the principles behind podcast design.
Just because there are podcasts in your niche does not mean they are good, or planned, or have an audience. Too many podcasts linger for years without ever recording another episode. I call these shows podwrecks because, like a shipwreck, they never actually sink and force others to navigate around them. However, the secret to getting past podwrecks is to do something they cannot do: record new episodes! A podcast with purpose, good design, and fresh episodes will always rise above the podwrecks over time.
You bet it can! When a podcast does not get the audience we hoped, we need to go back to the drawing board and rethink our approach. This course will help you do that. By taking what you already have and applying my principles to your podcast, you will refine and retool your existing show. What most podcasters discover during this process is the parts they skipped before buying a microphone. Because clarity of purpose is the key to podcast survival, your podcast will improve when you learn how to find yours.
-- Tom Black | PAUSE for Dramatic Effect
