Audio Unicorn Izabela Russell

In this episode of The Audio Unicorn, Izabela Russell dives into the benefits and strategies for optimizing your podcast on YouTube. Izabela shares experience of managing and succesfuly growing her own company's YouTube channel to over 330,000 followers.

Key Points Covered:


Importance of YouTube as a discovery platform
Advantages of YouTube over traditional search engines
Understanding the YouTube algorithm for content promotion
Transitioning from audio-only to video content
Overcoming challenges of appearing on camera
Planning compelling thumbnails and titles before recording
Hooking viewers in the first 30 seconds
Recommended video lengths for optimal engagement
Key metrics to track: click-through rate, average view duration, and ranking by views
Importance of consistency and human connection in content
Encouragement to embrace YouTube for podcast growth
Invitation to connect with Isabella on LinkedIn
Announcement of upcoming podcast changes and guest appearances

As always please Connect with Izabela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelarussell/

Work with my team on your podcast: https://musicradiocreative.com/collections/podcast-essentials

Short episode this week, almost a BONUS of sorts with some reflections on The Podcast Show in London. In this episode I cover:

- UK Podcasters community on Facebook (you can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451075618325342

- Thoughts on the quality of talks at The Podcast Show

- Attendee profile

- Overall feelings and thoughts from the Podcast Show.

Hello, hello! Welcome to another episode of The Audio Unicorn, the show dedicated to helping business owners and marketing professionals understand the world of podcasting for business. I’m your host, Izabela Russell, and I’ve been working as an audio branding expert in my own business since 2011.

Today, we're diving into a question I get asked all the time: How much does it actually cost to start a podcast, and what are the ongoing monthly expenses? With over 20 podcasts released alongside Mike at Music Radio Creative, we've tried pretty much everything. So, if you're looking to start a podcast with minimal hassle and optimal sound quality, keep listening!

Connect with Izabela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelarussell/

Work with my team on your podcast: https://musicradiocreative.com/collections/podcast-essentials 

Choosing the right day to publish your business podcast can significantly impact its reach and engagement. In this episode, we explore the key factors to consider when selecting the optimal publishing day, including understanding your target audience's listening habits, analyzing competitor release schedules, and leveraging the power of consistency. Discover actionable strategies to align your podcast with peak listening times, differentiate yourself from competitors, and establish a reliable release schedule that keeps your listeners coming back for more. Tune in to optimize your podcast's publishing strategy and maximize its impact in the business world.
Connect with Izabela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelarussell/
Work with our team on your podcast: https://musicradiocreative.com/pages/podcast-production

In this episode I share my reflections from attending NAB 2024 in Las Vegas. Some points of interest include: 
Massive gender gap in the broadcast industry AI in media The future of local radio and podcasting Rise Women in Broadcast Media: https://risewib.com/
Book mentioned: Invisible Women by Carline Craido Perez
Connect with Izabela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabelarussell/
Work with our team on your podcast: https://musicradiocreative.com/collections/podcast-essentials 

Welcome to Audio Unicorn, the show dedicated to helping business owners and marketing professionals grasp the concept of podcasting for business. I'm Izabela Russell, an audio branding expert since 2011, and today, we're diving into how you can excel as a podcast host at every stage of the interview process.
Before the Interview Research Your Guest Deep Dive into Their Background: Investigate your guest's career path, educational background, and personal interests. This foundational understanding allows you to ask questions that highlight their unique perspectives and experiences.
Examine Their Work: Review their publications, media appearances, and social media activity. This not only shows your respect for their work but also enables you to engage in more meaningful conversations.
Understand Their Recent Activities: Stay informed about their latest achievements and current projects. This acknowledgment can serve as a warm and personalized conversation starter.
Prepare Your Equipment Ensure your recording equipment is in top condition to avoid any technical hiccups. Remember, having a backup plan, like my memorable interview with Mike, can save the day when unexpected issues arise.
Outline the Interview Creating a rough outline helps in maintaining the interview's flow while ensuring all critical points are covered. From a structured introduction to a thoughtful closing, each segment of the interview should be planned for coherence and engagement.
Set Clear Expectations Communicate with your guest about the interview's format, duration, and any specific content preferences or boundaries. This step is crucial for establishing a comfortable and respectful environment for your guest.
During the Interview Create a Welcoming Atmosphere Begin with light, open-ended questions to warm up and establish rapport with your guest.
Engage in Active Listening Listening attentively to your guest's answers not only shows respect but can also lead to spontaneous and in-depth discussions that captivate your audience.
Mind Your Body Language Your body language affects your voice's tone and energy, even if it's not visible. Keeping a relaxed posture helps in maintaining an engaging voice.
Keep the Conversation Flowing Use your prepared questions to guide the conversation naturally, but don't hesitate to explore intriguing topics that arise during the interview.
Encourage Storytelling People are drawn to stories. Prompting your guest to share personal anecdotes enriches the podcast with depth and relatability.
Handle Technical Issues Calmly If technical issues occur, address them with composure. A well-thought-out backup plan can be invaluable in these moments.
After the Interview Show Appreciation Always thank your guest for their time. A follow-up thank you note can further solidify your relationship.
Edit Thoughtfully Carefully edit the interview to enhance the listening experience, removing any pauses or off-topic tangents that might distract from the content's value.
Promote the Episode Leverage all your social media platforms for promotion, tagging your guest to reach a broader audience.
Engage with Your Audience Respond to feedback and comments from your listeners. This engagement not only fosters a community but also provides valuable insights for future episodes.
Reflect and Improve Listen back to your interviews and identify areas for improvement. Continuous learning and adapting are key to evolving as a podcast host.
Summary Being an exceptional podcast host involves thorough preparation, skillful execution, and thoughtful follow-up. By deeply understanding your guest, ensuring technical quality, and fostering engaging conversations, you create a podcast that's informative and captivating. Setting clear expectations and effectively promoting your episodes further enhances the listener experience. Remember, the goal is to provide value to both your guest and your audience, contributing to the growth and success of yo