Podcast Insider Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett

Today Blubrry discusses the essentials of building and maintaining a podcast website. We explore why having your own site is crucial for total control over your content and audience engagement. Specifically, we'll focus on the advantages of using WordPress paired with our plugin, PowerPress. Your show is never safer than when it's in your hands.



If you are using WordPress and PowerPress for your podcast publishing, YOU are the platform. This is good. You own the feed address and get all the SEO benefits to your brand. BUT, with great power, comes great responsibility!

Here are the main pros and cons of being your own podcast platform.

Pros

1. Control and Customization



Full Control: You have complete control over your content, layout, and feed settings.

Customization Options: PowerPress offers various customization options for your podcast, including episode-specific settings, SEO features, and advanced feed settings.



2. SEO Benefits



SEO Integration: WordPress is SEO-friendly, and PowerPress enhances this by allowing you to optimize your podcast episodes for search engines.

Increased Visibility: Proper SEO practices can increase your podcast's visibility, attracting more listeners.



3. Integrated Website



Unified Platform: Having your podcast and website on the same platform can simplify management and provide a seamless experience for your audience.

Additional Content: You can easily add blog posts, show notes, and other content related to your podcast episodes.



4. Monetization and Analytics



Monetization Options: You can integrate ads, affiliate links, and other monetization methods directly on your site.

Detailed Analytics: PowerPress provides detailed podcast analytics, helping you understand your audience and improve your content.



5. Community and Support



Large Community: WordPress has a large community of users and developers, providing extensive support and resources.

Regular Updates: Both WordPress and PowerPress receive regular updates, ensuring your site remains secure and functional.



Cons

1. Technical Knowledge Required



Learning Curve: Setting up and managing a WordPress site with PowerPress can be complex, especially for beginners.

Maintenance: Regular updates and maintenance are required to keep your site secure and running smoothly.



2. Hosting Costs



Additional Costs: You need to pay for web hosting, domain registration, and possibly premium plugins or themes, which can add up.



3. Potential for Technical Issues



Compatibility Issues: Plugins and themes can sometimes conflict, causing issues that need troubleshooting.

Security Vulnerabilities: A poorly maintained WordPress site can be vulnerable to security threats, requiring vigilance and security measures.

Too much security: Your RSS feed needs to remain public and not behind any firewalls or other blocking for security reasons. Some systems can block your feed from Apple and other destinations which defeats the podcasting works. In most cases, you are not trying to protect Fort Knox!



4. Time-Consuming



Content Management: Managing a WordPress site can be time-consuming, especially if you're also focusing on creating podcast content.

Backup and Recovery: Regular backups are essential to avoid data loss, adding to the time and effort needed.



5. Dependence on Plugins



Plugin Reliance: Relying heavily on plugins to from the way your site LOOKS can sometimes lead to issues if plugins become outdated or unsupported.

Performance Impact: Too many plugins can slow down your website, affecting user experience and SEO.

The podcasting path has been long and prosperous for our Podcaster of the Month, Greg Thompson.



Greg Thompson



Since its launch in 2016, Thompson's show, PodWheels, has produced more than 1,500 podcast episodes while generating more than 200,000 downloads. In this episode of Podcast Insider, he shared with us the long and winding road that led his career from sports celebrity interviews to the shared wisdom and important insights of truckers. Join Mike Dell as he learns of the incredible journey of Greg Thompson and the impactful stories from the world of trucking.



Check out the Podwheels network here



Find his Podcaster of the Month article here







The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.



Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider



Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Today we dive into the cutting-edge world of advertising strategies tailored specifically for podcasters. The monetization opportunities for podcasters is always changing, but there are a few ways that will always stick around. In this episode, we explore innovative ad techniques that go beyond traditional methods, helping you maximize your revenue while maintaining a seamless listening experience for your audience. The Blubrry team's expert advice on this topic can helps with actionable insights and advice to elevate your ad game. Discover how to transform your advertising approach to stand out in the ever-competitive podcasting industry.

Two Main Types of Podcast Ad Strategies:

1. Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI): (Programmatic) This allows podcasters to insert ads into their episodes dynamically, so different listeners might hear different ads depending on factors like location, listening platform, or time of day. This flexibility means that ads can be more relevant and timely.

2. Content Insertion: You manually set this up to insert ads, promos, intros, outros, and other such content. It’s less dynamic than DAI as it’s the same for everyone who listens during the time period set in the system.



Ad insertion technology offers podcasters a variety of ways to enhance their podcasts and monetize their content effectively.



Here are some key uses of ad insertion tech in podcasting:



Time-sensitive Advertising: Podcasters can insert ads that are relevant only for a certain period, such as promotions for an upcoming event or a sale that is about to end. After the event or sale, they can replace the ad with another without altering the original content of the podcast.

A/B Testing: With ad insertion technology, podcasters can test different ads to see which performs better with their audience. This can be done by alternating between different ad versions across different episodes or even within the same episode over time.

Improved Listener Experience: By using ad insertion, podcasters can place ads in natural breaks within the content, making the listening experience less disruptive. This strategic placement can help maintain listener engagement and reduce the likelihood of listeners skipping ads.

Back Catalog Monetization: Podcasters can monetize older episodes by inserting new ads into them. This makes the entire catalog a potential source of revenue, not just the latest episodes.

Tiered Subscription Models: Some podcasters offer ad-free versions of their podcasts to subscribers while using ad insertion to monetize the free versions. This can encourage more subscriptions while still generating revenue from non-subscribers.

Sponsorship Flexibility: Ad insertion technology makes it easier for podcasters to manage sponsorships. They can switch sponsors across different episodes or seasons without needing to re-record anything.

Performance Tracking: Podcasters can track how well different ads perform in terms of listener engagement and interaction. This data is crucial for improving ad strategies and demonstrating value to advertisers.

Replacing Beg/End: Change your intro messages/music/outros at the beginning or end of your shows.



Ad insertion tech (or, more accurately for this discussion, content insertion) is available in three ways at Blubrry; htey can be used for more than just advertising.

Here is what we offer at Blubrry:



Manual ad insertion (Pre-roll only). Pre-roll ads for Thrive Bundle or Pro Hosting

Manual ad insertion (Pre, Post, and Mid-roll). Full ad insertion with Blubrry Pro hosting

Programmatic ad insertion. (DAI) Ads are automatically sold and inserted for you. You share in the revenue. $ This is available to ALL Blubrry hosting customers at no additional cost.



By leveraging these capabilities,

Creating exclusive content for paying podcast listeners is an excellent way to provide additional value and encourage more listeners to subscribe to premium tiers. Blubrry offers premium podcasting for creators to offer to their audience in hopes of not only creating special, specific content for them, but monetizing said content as well.

Here are several ways podcasters can offer exclusive content to their paying subscribers:

Bonus Episodes: Offer additional episodes that are available only to paying subscribers. These could include deeper dives into topics discussed in regular episodes, interviews with special guests, or entirely unique content not available in the main feed.

Early Access to Episodes: Allow paying subscribers to listen to episodes before they are released to the general public. This early access can be a significant draw for dedicated fans who eagerly anticipate new content.

Ad-Free Listening: Provide an ad-free experience for subscribers, which can make listening more enjoyable and streamlined.

Extended Episodes: Offer longer versions of regular episodes with extended discussions, additional segments, or uncut interviews that non-paying listeners don't get to hear.

Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share insights into the podcast production process, including planning sessions, bloopers, and discussions about how episodes are put together. This type of content gives listeners a sense of involvement in the creative process.

Exclusive Q&A Sessions: Host live or recorded Q&A sessions where paying subscribers can submit questions. These could be about the podcast content, general advice, or personal questions for the host.

Interactive Content and Polls: Allow subscribers to vote on upcoming episode topics, guests, or other elements of the show. Engaging listeners in the content creation process can increase their investment in the podcast.

Member-Only Community Access: Create a private forum or chat group, such as on Discord or Slack, where subscribers can interact with each other and the hosts. This community aspect can be a strong incentive for fans to subscribe.

Exclusive Merchandise: Offer merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers that are only available to paying members or at a discounted rate compared to general availability.

Special Events: Invite subscribers to exclusive online or in-person events such as live recordings, meet-and-greets, or workshops.

Personalized Messages or Content: Provide personalized shout-outs, birthday messages, or other personalized content that makes subscribers feel valued on a personal level.



By leveraging these strategies, podcasters can create a compelling subscription offering that enhances listener engagement and boosts revenue, all while rewarding their most loyal fans with valuable content.







The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.



Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider



Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

A Rising Tides Raises All Ships

As the world of podcasting continues to grow, creators must find innovative ways to expand their audience. Today, we're diving into the art of cross-posting, a powerful tactic that leverages the magic of collaboration. Podcasters that team up with fellow hosts can amplify their reach and introduce each other's content to a whole new crowd. Take note of these strategies and join us as we explore how to make cross-posting work for podcast hosts and their podcasting allies.

Today's Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Todd Cochrane

Cross-post Strategies for Podcaster Collaboration



Guest Appearances: One of the most common forms of collaboration is inviting a podcaster from another show to be a guest on your podcast and vice versa. This exposes both podcasts to each other's audiences, potentially increasing listenership.

Co-Hosting Episodes: Occasionally co-hosting episodes on each other's platforms can mix things up for listeners and offer fresh perspectives and discussions, which can be particularly engaging and attract followers from each host’s base.

Cross-Promotions: Podcasters can agree to promote each other’s shows. This could be through shout-outs during episodes, sharing each other’s content on social media, or including links in newsletters. It’s a simple yet effective way to reach new listeners who trust the recommender’s tastes.

Content Collaboration: Working together to produce content, whether it’s a series, a special episode, or a segment within an episode, can blend the strengths and unique styles of each podcaster. This might involve thematic discussions, debates, or joint investigations.

Community Events: Hosting live events, whether online or in person, can generate buzz and deepen engagement with audiences. These events can include live podcast recordings, Q&A sessions, or meetups, providing an interactive experience for listeners.

Social Media Takeovers: Allow a fellow podcaster to take over your social media accounts for a day or vice versa. This can add variety to your content and introduce your audience to new voices and styles.

Shared Resources: Pooling resources such as editing software, studio space, or marketing tools can reduce costs and increase production quality. Collaborators can also share knowledge and skills in these areas to enhance each other’s podcasts.

Joint Ventures: Launching a new podcast together that combines the unique elements of each host’s existing podcasts can attract listeners from both audiences and capture new ones interested in the joint content.

Affiliate Marketing: If both podcasts discuss similar topics or products, they can arrange to use affiliate links and promote products they genuinely like, earning commissions and providing valuable recommendations to their listeners.

Network Partnerships: Joining or forming a network of podcasts that share a similar theme or audience can enhance cross-promotion opportunities and streamline various aspects of podcast production and marketing.



Be sure to implement today's tips on collaboration and cross-promotion into your podcasting strategy.



Thanks for joining us on Podcast Insider, where we bring you insider access to the tools you need to succeed. Until next time, keep podcasting!







The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.



Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider



Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike.

todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com

Todd and Mike sprinkle bits of advice about what podcast statistics that podcasters should pay more attention to as well as the ones that are less crucial to creators overall understanding of their success. Podcasters should focus on key statistics that reflect their unique goals and aspirations instead of getting caught up in every available metric.



Remember the importance of not stressing over stats but focusing on consistency and quality of the content to ensure steady growth and audience retention in the long term.

Today's Hosts: Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane

Podcast statistics can be an important way of measuring your podcast's success. Depending on your goal, stats can give you insights that can help you adjust your show’s content and marketing strategy.

What to Look For In Your Podcast Stats

Aka these are the important podcast statistics in our opinion 😉



Listener Growth Rate: See how your show is growing (or not) over time, indicating the podcast's appeal and reach.

Download Numbers: (Per Episode) Provides a direct metric of how many times episodes are being downloaded (or listened to), reflecting the podcast's popularity.



Advertisers and Potential guests are most interested in per-episode downloads.

Total downloads and downloads over X amount of time, for the whole show are interesting, but not super important.





Retention: This includes the average listening duration and episode completion rate, which help understand how much of an episode listeners consume.

Demographic Information: (This is not directly measurable in stats, but it can be done with a survey.) Insights into listeners' age, location, and interests can guide content creation and marketing strategies.

Subscriber/Listener Counts: The number of dedicated listeners who subscribe to receive updates or automatic downloads, indicating a stable listener base. This is sort of an unknowable stat, but there are ways to get a good idea.



Check a single episode and see what the downloads were in the first 3 days or so.

Also check for “mobile apps” in the apps section. Most of those will be “subscribers or followers” in the first 3 days or so.

Use Blubrry’s Thrive bundle to add the listener/subscriber graph





Trending Graphs: This gives you a snapshot of how your podcast is doing over time. An upward trend means it’s growing. On Blubrry stats, you can see trends Monthly, Daily and even hourly for the first 7 days.



Non Crucial Podcast Stats

The items below are good for social proof, but may not tell you anything about your podcast success.



Social Media Followers: Social media can be a good way to promote your show, but just because you have x followers does not mean everyone who follows you on social media will listen to your podcast.



This includes subscribers to your YouTube channel, Facebook, etc.





Website Hits: The same as social media. Just because someone clicks on your link and lands on the episode page on your website doesn’t always translate into a listen/download.

Total Episodes Count: More episodes don't necessarily mean higher quality or more listener engagement.



Things to Keep in Mind When Reviewing Your Stats & Success



Try not to compare yourself to other podcasters. You have your own style, subject matter that might not be for everyone in your niche.

Podcast audiences ebb and flow. Someone might subscribe and listen to every episode but then disappear. People try out podcasts and then move on to other podcasts.

Episode totals might also go down and back up from episode to episode, this is normal.

You might get a big spike once in a while. If your show is mentioned in some high-profile way.