Quit Wasting Your Time
This newsletter contains affiliate links. Not all of them, but some of them. I earn a small commission, and it doesn’t cost you anything. I call that a win-win.
Back in June, I wrote a post called, “What are you going to do with all those downloads?” I hesitate to type out my thoughts now as I’m still seeing people waste LOTS of their time with whiteboards straight out of the Oppenheimer movie.
Here it is:
They want to know what the Subscribers-to-downloads ratio is. Ok, let’s say it’s 10%. NOW WHAT?
Are you going to do a better show? Shouldn’t you be doing that anyway?
Monitoring what is working is a great practice, but this type of stuff is overkill and in my opinion, a waste of time.
If only they used their power for good….
Podcasting is Like Darts
When you think about playing darts, while you may be competing with someone, in the end, you are competing against yourself—your hand, your vision, and your concentration. There may be some noise that distracts you, but even that means your score is based on how well YOU block it out.
So, how many downloads are there? I’d like more than the last episode.
What is the average Completion rate? I’d like more than the last episode.
How many Followers and Subscribers? I’d like more than the last episode.
Don’t Waste Your Time
I bought a cheap timer this week that counts up or down (and you can pause it). Something about seeing time sleeping through your fingers brings a sense of urgency to stay focused, preferably on things that move the needle (like making a unique show - not an easy task).
Using the timer, I’m amazed at how often and how much time I waste on YouTube Shorts. They know what I like and give it to me over and over. Now, I set a timer to go off in case I’ve been tricked into a dopamine overload.
You’ve got the gear, so quit worrying about it. Work on the content and delivery. Those are the two ingredients that make up your content. Get it right, and then promote it to the world.
Politicians Make Great Practice
So I watched the presidential debate here in the US, and it's fun listening to the question and then listening to the answer (that doesn’t answer the question. Both sides do this, so let’s not go there).
This can help your editing, as you will be better at identifying when someone truly answers the question rather than just giving you a word salad.
It’s Like a Hallway at a Podcast Event
click for more information.
Last month was a great conversation, and this month will be better. Sign up to get notified.
My Latest Content
Streamyard Alternatives: 5 Budget-Friendly Options to Escape the 80% Price Surge (blog)
School of Podcasting (Follow)
When, What, and How to Outsource Some of Your Podcast Production
Ask the Podcast Coach (Follow)
Balancing Podcast Metrics and Meaningful Success
Your Podcast Website (Follow)
Bounce Rate Explained: Essential Tips for Podcasters to Improve Website Engagement
BreezeDoc is a free tool from AppSumo that simplifies getting a signature (so maybe for a release form).
The Damn Truth Band - This is Who We Are Now (video)
A cool band with a 70’s vibe end up playing upside down (an old, but fun gimmick).
Podcast Xray
Podcast Xray isn’t new, but if you want to see what days a show publishes on, who they host with, how long their shows are etc, this can save some time (but keep in mind, what are you going to do with this information?) You search for a show and it shows you their information.
To Shill or Not to Shill
A great episode from Tom Buck on his show The Enthusiasm Project. He points out that COMPANIES are giving people creators gear to review and then asking to NOT let people know you got it for free. That is illegal.
How to Make People Listen Longer
A great episode from Courtney Elmer that has some great, “Oh yea..” moments that we often forget. I was on her show talking about if you can be successful without video.
Things I Want You To Know
Podindy.com is November 9th. I will be speaking along with Craig Van Slyke from the show AI Goes to College and we will be talking on “How to Profit From Your Podcast with the Power of AI.”
This is a super affordable one-day event, and if you can’t make it to Indy, there is a super affordable virtual ticket. Check it out at www.podindy.com
Podgagement Affiliate Contest
My buddy Daniel J. Lewis (the man behind Podgagement) is having an affiliate contest, so I thought I’d mention it here in the newsletter. You get ALL of your ratings, reviews, etc from multiple apps all in one place. I use it at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/follow Check it out.
What’s Coming In The Future
Next School of Podcasting (I think…)
The one and only Tom Webster will be on Monday’s show talking about his book, “The Audience is Listening.” Tom always makes me think and gives me feedback on suggestions I make about “Brand safety.”
Follow the School of Podcasting at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/follow
Need Help With Your Podcast?
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned podcaster, the School of Podcasting can help. Helping podcasters is what I do, and I’ve been doing it since 2005
USE THIS LINK to save 20%