Podcast Insider Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett
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- Technologie
Blubrry's official podcast where we discuss the podcasting industry, Blubrry news and interview podcasters on why they started their podcast.
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Creating a Podcast Website: Must-Have Features and Tips
In today’s episode, we will delve into the podcast website must-have features, from selecting the perfect theme and SEO plugins to incorporating an effective audio player. Join us as we discuss the elements your podcast website needs, how to integrate social sharing, and tips to enhance your website's user experience for your listeners.
Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett
Creating a website for your podcast involves incorporating several essential tools and features to ensure functionality, audience engagement and SEO.
Podcast Website Must-Haves
RSS Feed Setup: Configuring an RSS feed specifically for the podcast, which enables the distribution of episodes to various podcast directories and platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast apps..
Integrating a Robust Podcast Player: Embedding a reliable podcast player that allows visitors to listen directly from the website. The player should support all episodes, offer play/pause functions, and track progress. The right player lets your listeners enjoy your content effortlessly on your site.
SEO Optimization: Implementing search engine optimization techniques to increase the website's visibility and ranks well, attracting more listeners via search engines.
Episode Archive: A well-organized archive or library where visitors can browse through past episodes, categorized by date, topic, or guest.
Search Functionality: Implementing a search bar to help users quickly find episodes or content based on specific keywords or themes.
Subscription Options: Providing clear options for visitors to subscribe to the podcast via different platforms or email to receive updates on new episodes. Blubrry’s PowerPress provides a simple, pleasing subscribe widget.
Effective Social Media Integration: Links or buttons to share podcast episodes on social media platforms, and widgets to display recent social media posts related to the podcast. Be sure to make it easy for your audience to share your episodes and increase your podcast’s reach.
Contact Information: A dedicated section for contact information, encouraging listeners to engage, provide feedback, or send inquiries, possibly including a contact form.
About Page: Include an informative about page detailing the podcast’s mission, the hosts, and the background story to help new visitors understand more about the podcast.
Mobile Responsiveness: Ensuring the website is fully functional and looks good on mobile devices, considering many users might access the site from their phones.
Blog or News Section: A blog or news section where you can post updates, announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and additional resources related to podcast episodes.
Analytics Tools: Integration of tools like Google Analytics to monitor website traffic, listener behavior, and engagement metrics.
Accessibility Features: Making sure the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This might involve text transcripts of episodes, use of alt-text for images, and compliance with web accessibility standards.
Customizable Themes and Visuals: A visually appealing design that matches the branding of the podcast, which includes logos, color schemes, and a professional layout.
Security Measures: Ensuring the website has SSL certificates for security, especially if you're handling subscriptions or personal information.
Blubrry's free WordPress Site with hosting
Blubrry's recommendations for podcast websites
You need a podcast website
Podcast website hosting
PowerPress for WordPress - manage your podcast on your site
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into making your podcast website as powerful and engagi... -
Landing a Job in Podcasting: Insider Tips
Sharing practical tips for landing a job in podcasting
Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or a passionate storyteller looking to break into the industry, this episode is packed with valuable advice from top insiders.We uncover necessary skills, the dos and don'ts of applying, and how to make your resume stand out. Long-standing Blubrry employees share our experiences to help you turn your podcasting aspirations into a rewarding career.
Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane, Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett
Finding a job in the podcast industry involves a mix of networking, skill development, and strategic job searching. Here are some steps and tips to help you navigate your way into a podcasting career:
1. Define Your Interests & Leverage Podcast Skillset
As a podcaster you already have skills (Assuming you didn’t pay someone to do these things for you)
Managing your RSS feed and distribution
Show planning
Show production (recording and editing)
Producing show notes / posts
Marketing the podcast
Recording
Editing audio/video
2. Build a Portfolio
Create Your Own Podcast: This is a great way to gain hands-on experience and showcase your abilities.
Contribute to Existing Podcasts: Offer to work (even as a volunteer initially) on existing podcasts to gain experience and build your portfolio.
3. Networking
Social Media and Forums: Engage with podcast communities on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Join discussions, ask for advice, and share your work.
Events and Conferences: Attend podcasting workshops, conferences, and meetups to network with industry professionals.
4. Utilize Job Platforms
Podcast-Specific Job Boards: Websites like Podjobs.net, Inside Podcasting, and the Podcast Movement's job board are good places to find industry-specific listings.
General Job Websites: Don't overlook general job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Use keywords related to podcasting to find opportunities.
Company Websites: Always check the podcast companies' websites career center. We at Blubrry occasionally need people and will post the jobs on our site.
5. Pitch and Apply Strategically
Customize Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.
Cold Outreach: Don't be afraid to reach out to podcasters or podcast companies you admire to inquire about potential opportunities or to offer your services.
6. Continuous Learning
Stay Updated: The podcast industry is evolving rapidly. Keep learning about new trends, technologies, and strategies to remain relevant.
Podcasting Student Discount: Blubrry just announced a generous 50% off discount for a full year for our hosting plans for any college student. Learn more about the podcasting student discount here.
7. Consider Freelancing
Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be good places to find freelance podcast-related jobs and build more experience.
Create Your Own Job:
Content consulting
Technical consulting
Editor
Host other people’s podcast
Voiceover
Marketing podcasts
8. Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Start Small: If you're new to the industry, an internship or an entry-level position can be a valuable stepping stone, offering both experience and networking opportunities.
Navigating a career in podcasting can be both challenging and exciting. Persistence, continuous learning, and active engagement with the podcasting community are key to finding your place in... -
Exclusive Podcasts: Innovation or Industry Setback?
Exclusive Content Has the Capability to Reshape the Podcast Industry
Companies like Spotify, Wondery, and Luminary have invested in exclusive podcasts, contributing to a more competitive environment. Blubrry, on the provider side has also started offering Premium podcasting subscription plans content creation for our podcasters. Are these efforts worth it for the podcast industry?
These directory platforms offer unique content to their subscribers, with Luminary, for instance, providing exclusives featuring well-known personalities and charging a monthly subscription fee.
This move towards exclusive content not only diversifies the podcasting ecosystem but also pushes platforms to innovate and improve their offerings to attract and retain listeners.
These platforms offer unique content to their subscribers, aiming to stand out through exclusives with high-profile personalities and utilizing subscription-based models to thrive.
Today's Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett
How the drive for exclusive podcasts is affecting creators, listeners, and the platforms themselves.
Content Differentiation and Quality Improvement: Exclusive content platforms often strive to distinguish themselves through high-quality, unique programming. This competition can drive overall improvements in content quality across the industry, encouraging creators to innovate and invest more in production values.
Audience Fragmentation: Exclusive deals can lead to audience fragmentation, where listeners are spread across multiple platforms, each requiring separate subscriptions. This fragmentation could make it challenging for listeners to access all their favorite content without subscribing to multiple services, potentially leading to subscription fatigue.
Increased Monetization for Creators: Platforms that offer exclusive content deals often provide substantial financial incentives to creators. This influx of resources can enable creators to produce higher-quality content and potentially expand their operations, but it might also create a divide between creators who secure exclusive deals and those who don't.
Discovery Challenges and Opportunities: Exclusive platforms may offer better discovery tools and marketing support for their content, helping some podcasts reach larger audiences. However, the exclusivity could also limit discovery opportunities for those podcasts outside of the platform, potentially stifying their audience growth.
Innovation in Content and Distribution: The push for exclusivity can lead to innovation not only in the content itself but also in how it is distributed and consumed. Platforms might introduce new features, interactive content, or cross-medium storytelling to differentiate their offerings.
Potential for Consolidation: As exclusive platforms grow and solidify their positions, there could be a trend towards consolidation in the podcast industry, with larger players acquiring smaller ones or exclusive deals leading to a concentration of popular content on a few platforms. This could impact competition and diversity within the industry.
Impact on Independent Creators: While exclusive deals can be lucrative for some creators, they may also pressure independent creators who wish to remain platform-agnostic. These creators might find it increasingly challenging to compete with the marketing and production capabilities of exclusive content.
Adapting Business Models: The growth of exclusive platforms may encourage the entire industry to explore and adopt new business models beyond traditional advertising, including direct listener support, premium content tiers, and hybrid models.
Global Expansion and Localization: Exclusive platforms with significant resources may also push for global expansion, -
On the Road with Blubrry's Podcast Pioneers
A recap of the Mid-America Trucking Show and Podcast Movement Evolutions, featuring an interview with our April Podcaster of the Month, Cheryl Jones
In this enlightening episode of our podcast, Todd and Mike recap their experiences at two conferences they attend in March: the Mid-America Trucking Show and Podcast Movement Evolutions. Getting into the the details of these conferences, buzzing with innovation, inspiration, and insightful exchanges.
They share their experiences with keynote speeches that set new directions for the future of podcasting and reflect on the informative and inspiring conversations with today's creators speaking on some of our latest releases, specifically Vid2Pod and PAI, our Podcast AI Assistant.
This episode packs in valuable takeaways, trend predictions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from some of the industry's most anticipated gatherings. Don't miss out on this comprehensive recap that promises to fuel your passion for podcasting and perhaps, inspire your next big idea.
Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Mid-America Trucking Show
More commonly called, MATS
Mike attended this show to talk with truckers who want to or have a podcast
Spoke with people about Vid2Pod for YouTubers that want audio podcasts as well
One of the networks with Blubrry is PodWheels powered by Radio Nemo
A massive conference overall
Podcast Movement Evolutions
More B2B than other podcast events
Had some great conversations with partners, potential partners and organizations that are or will be doing podcasts
Onboarded a Vid2Pod show from YouTube (now a podcaster)
Reviewed our new podcast ai assistant, PAI
April Podcaster of the Month, Cheryl Jones
Read more about Cheryl and her show here; her show is Thrive 55+ Podcast.
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 -
Podcast Vid2Pod & Widgets
In today's episode of Podcast Insider hosts Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell discuss the new tools released by Blubrry Podcasting: Widgets & Embeds, and Vid2Pod. Widgets and Embeds are aimed at improving engagement with audiences and Vid2Pod makes it incredibly easy for video creators to also become audio creators.
The first of these services, Widgets and Embeds, offers a seamless integration of podcast content into websites and blogs. This tool allows podcasters to effortlessly share their episodes on various platforms, providing listeners with easy access to their favorite shows. With customizability and user-friendly design at its core, the Widgets and Embeds service ensures that podcasters can maintain their brand's aesthetic while reaching a wider audience.
The second service, Vid2Pod, is a game-changer for podcasters looking to tap into the power of video content. This innovative feature simplifies the process of converting video content into podcast format, opening up a new realm of possibilities for content creation. Vid2Pod addresses the growing demand for versatile content consumption, allowing listeners to enjoy their preferred podcasts in whichever format they choose, be it audio or video. By bridging the gap between video and podcasting, Blubrry's Vid2Pod service is set to revolutionize the way we think about content creation and distribution in the podcasting world.
Let's delve into these new features from Blubrry Podcasting.
Today's Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Widgets & Embeds
Been available for about two weeks, if you haven’t tried these widgets and embeds out yet you can find them under Show - Manage - Widgets from the sidebar in the Podcaster Dashboard.
PodRoll
Recommends podcasts similar to yours
This widget uses the PodRoll tag to promote the shows you like and can be used for cross-promotion
Audience Survey
Gives a link for your listeners to fill out your survey (from Blubrry)
Subscribe/Follow
Similar to our WordPress Widget, it gives links and logos for people to follow your show on the podcast apps.
Funding
Uses the funding tag for Paypal, Buy Me a Coffee or Pateron, Boostagrams (Or any donation site)
V4V boosts just like in the apps
Show Credits
Shows any show-level credits for your show like Hosts, Producers and editors.
Live
Indicates live streaming status in real-time for listeners
Gives your live status: future, currently live or past live streams
Trailer Episode
Shows a player with your trailer episode
Compatibility
Available for all websites that can embed iFrames, not exclusive to WordPress and accessible from the Blubrry dashboard.
Vid2Pod
Vid2Pod is a way for video-first creators (YouTubers) to have an audio podcast version of their show available in all the podcast apps without extra work. It will automatically create a podcast episode for any new video you put out on your playlist in YouTube (currently).
Automatically converts YouTube playlist videos to audio podcast episodes
Targets video-first creators to expand to podcast platforms
Automated conversion, metadata pulling, and direct publishing
Together, these two services enhance the podcasting landscape and also empower creators with more tools to expand their reach and engage with their audience in innovative ways.
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.... -
Podcasting 101, Blubrry’s Podcast AI Assistant – PCI 388
This week we released our latest tool for podcasting, our very own Blubrry PAI - Podcast AI Assistant. In this episode we go into detail on how our new artificial intelligence feature for Thrive Bundle customers completely changes the way they prepare for, publish and promote their podcast. This new podcast AI tool is a game-changer for our creators and we promise will simplify the podcasting process, saving all involved precious time and energy that can be devoted to your podcast recordings.
Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and Mike Dell
Last week we talked about the Thrive Bundle at Blubrry. Now, the REST of the story.
Blubrry AI Release Blog Post
Blubrry PAI Podcast AI Assistant Info Page
Blubrry Thrive Bundle - The only way to get our AI tool is by purchasing our hosting add-on
Features of Blubrry PAI, Podcast AI Assistant
Pre-Show, Episode Planning Features
Topics suggestions
Guest questions
Will generate show flow content
Post-Show, Episode Podcast Production
Transcript
Show title suggestions
Show summary to use for show notes or more
Bullet points
Episode artwork
Chapters (Podcasting 2.0)
Social Production
Social media captions
Promotion email content
Coming Later
Highlight Clip Creation
We've always got more up our sleeve. Want a specific feature, be sure to let us know.
Join us for a Blubrry PAI Platform Walkthrough
Thursday, April 4th, at 5PM EST. Register here.
Don't forget to subscribe to Podcast Insider for more insights on making the most of your podcasting efforts. Have questions or want to share your experiences with Blubrry PAI? Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.
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