What I wish I knew before starting a Podcast

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Millions of podcasts share new episodes daily and make podcasting look so easy! But the truth is, every show has its own challenges and podcasting requires a lot of time, energy, mistakes, and a mindset to keep going. Check out Travis’ top 12 list of what he wished he knew before he started podcasting!

In this episode, Travis shares…

  • Your first 25 episodes are a time to fail and learn: Keep going
  • Grow your podcast network: Be a guest and collaborate with other podcasters
  • Look for accessible guests that will truly benefit your audience
  • Get the right mic!
  • Learn how to create the best recording environment with what you have
  • Hire a podcast editor so you can focus on content
  • Use a pre-recording checklist for every episode
  • Don’t pay attention to your download numbers
  • Be ready to do the work, find the right system, and check your podcast mindset
  • Share show notes for each episode to increase your SEO
  • Don’t make episodes longer than they need to be
  • Focus on providing entertainment, community, and value vs. landing a sponsor or monetizing your podcast

Memorable Quotes:

  • “One of the best ways to learn is to try and fail.”
  • “Use your time to focus on creating great content.”
  • “It does matter if certain episodes get way more engagement, way more downloads, way more shares than others...you can really optimize your content through feedback from your audience.”
  • “A little bit of notes goes a long way.”
  • “If you make something that you want to listen to, without a doubt, other people will want to listen to it, too.”

Links to resources:

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Episodes (31)

Episode 19 · 3 months ago

Going from Hobby to Income Stream

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Listen in as Travis shares valuable strategies to leverage Facebook groups, Live videos, and your network to increase your audience and your income!

In this episode, Travis shares…

  • The importance of knowing your ideal audience number and ideal audience avatar
  • Advice for what not to do when creating an online course
  • Why you should pick one social media platform for Live videos
  • Different ways to amp up your value and multiply your audience using Facebook Groups
  • The power of asking your audience to share your podcast
  • Strategy for repurposing clips of Live videos to grow your audience and build content
  • Options to turn your free podcast into an income stream by tapping into your network

Memorable Quotes:

  • “Don’t ever make a course until you’ve got people that say that’s something I want.”
  • “Typically, word of mouth is the number one way we find out about podcasts.”
  • “You should be able to find 3 little ear nuggets out of every Live you do. Clip them out and put them out on your favorite platforms.”
  • “The reciprocity is important because it’s going to inspire you and help you continue to do something you love.”

Links to resources:

The Rookie and The Vet Podcast

David Hanscom

Podcaster’s Kit 2020

Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/poddecks to join the Podcast Posse!

Go to https://www.poddecks.com/ to give your interviews a unique twist!

Download the new Pod Decks iOS App!

Episode 18 · 3 months ago

Why I hate Being called a Podcast "Expert"

I hate when I get labeled an expert. Expert or Guru seems like the end of the line. Someone who stopped learning at the top of their game to teach others.

I'm simply testing and sharing what works with podcasters. Period.

Will I ever stop testing? No.

Will I ever stop sharing? Nope.

You can count on me to not go GURU on you.

What the heck do I call myself?

DM me @poddecks

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Episode 17 · 3 months ago

5 Things You Can Test to Grow Your Show

Growing your podcast audience can take time and it’s tricky to know what causes your downloads to skyrocket or stay at the same number. Thankfully, Travis has 5 easy ways to test your show to get the growth you want!

In this episode, Travis shares the 5 Things to Test on Your Podcast:

  • Length of Show: Ask your audience what they prefer
  • Format of Show: Experiment changing from solocast to interviews or vice versa
  • Posts on Social Media: Try out audiograms, videos, ear nuggets, behind the scenes pics
  • Titles: Use questions, juicy hooks, and phrases that’ll make your audience click your title
  • Video: Incorporate video in your podcast so your audience can consume your podcast in different ways

Memorable Quotes:

  • “We want to constantly be optimizing but don’t test everything all at once.”
  • “It’s super fun to know people want to know more about who’s behind the mic and not just how they can improve on the mic.”

Links to resources:

ShurePlus MOTIV App

Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/poddecks to join the Podcast Posse!

Go to https://www.poddecks.com/ to give your interviews a unique twist!

Try out the new Pod Decks App on iOS!

Episode 16 · 3 months ago

Are You Willing to Invest in Your Podcast?

If time is money, how much are you truly spending on your podcast? Who is mentoring you? Is anyone mentoring you? Before you spend another penny or minute on your podcast, learn why you must start treating your podcast like a business and why should invest not just in your show, but in yourself, too!

In this episode, Travis shares…

  • How starting a podcast is similar to starting a business
  • Limiting beliefs that keep podcasters from investing in themselves
  • Why taking a loss now can pay off in the future
  • The difference between spending money and investing money
  • The benefits of investing in yourself
  • Details about the Podcast Builder Club

Memorable Quotes:

  • “If you’re intending on having a successful podcast at some point in time, it needs to make you money.”
  • “Money doesn’t even exist. Money is like time and we choose where we spend it.”
  • “Look at the podcasts you love. Do you think they’ve invested in themselves?”
  • “If you do the same things, you’re going to get the same results.”
  • “Lifelong learners are going to be the ones you see at the top of the food chain.”

Links to resources:

SounderFM

Squadcast

Joe Rogan

Serial

Podcast Builder Club

Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/poddecks to join the Podcast Posse!

Go to https://www.poddecks.com/ to give your interviews a unique twist!