Podcasting Smarter Podbean

In today's episode of Podcast Smarter, Norma Jean Belenky, Podbean's Head of Events, hosts an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Podcast Specialist Roni Gosch and Director of Content, John Kiernan. We have a lively discussion on various strategies for bootstrapping your podcast, Podbean swag and how to pace and communicating interview styles and preferences.  
We highlight the capabilities of the Podbean app for recording and live streaming directly from a smartphone, emphasizing the value of utilizing available tools to their fullest. 
"You don't have to have hundreds or thousands of dollars to start. You just have to start. I think starting is the hardest thing. So don't let maybe the lack of funds or the lack of whatever you're able to start with stop you because literally with the Podbean app, we have an app where you can record and edit and publish directly from your phone from a free app. You can get started today." - Norma Jean Belenky
We also highlight the significance of podcast merchandise and discuss effective ways for you to whip up your own custom podcast merchandise revealing exciting upcoming plans for the Podbean booth, including unique branded content designed by our team.
Roni also shares their expertise on podcast merchandise, taking us through some of the coolest merch items we've had on offer with a glimpse into the creative process behind Podbean's unique limited-edition stickers.  
This episode provides invaluable insights into the art of conversation redirection in podcasting. Learn subtle techniques for expanding upon briefly touched topics without coming across as impolite. Discover how to create the perfect tone for your show, keep your conversations engaging, and when to confidently jump into the conversation. We also cover options for multi-person hosts and the use of visual cues in video podcasting.
Whether you're a fan seeking Podbean merch, a podcaster hoping to master the art of interviewing, or just someone interested in the podcast production process, this is an informative and engaging listen with something for everyone.
Here are the main takeaways of today's episode:

Discover cost-effective strategies to launch your podcast and make an impact in the podcasting world.


Learn how to leverage the Podbean app for seamless and professional podcasting experience.


Uncover the best microphones tailored to beginner podcasters for top-notch audio quality without breaking the bank.


Master the art of podcasting with zero budget and still reach and engage a wide audience.


Explore techniques to captivate and retain your podcast audience, making your episodes unmissable and highly engaging.


The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:27 - Starting a Podcast with Zero Revenue 00:03:00 - Podcasting with Zero Budget Strategy 00:07:16 - Importance of Engaging Content 00:10:54 - Getting Podbean Merchandise 00:12:28 - Tips for redirecting conversations 00:14:19 - Providing structure to interviews 00:16:29 - Balancing interview structure and spontaneity 00:18:35 - Communicating interview style preferences

Resources:
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get industry updates: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe 
Watch the video of this event on YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSJeWFoVSw 
Sign up for all of Podbean's Free Live Events here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/podbeancom-31329492977 
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
Podbean's Apple Subscription Integration 
Podbean's Descript Editing Integration

About us:

Podcast Smarter is the official in-house podcast by Podbean. 
Podbean is a podcast publishing and monetization service, hosting almost 640,000 podcasts.  If you’re looking to start your own podcast, monetize your podcast and livestream directly to your listeners, you can set up an account at podbean.com 
Connect with us:


Subscribe to our email newsletter to get updates from the team head over to: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe
Find us on socials:
Instagr

In today's episode of Podcast Smarter, Norma Jean Belenky, the Head of Events at Podbean, hosts an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Podcast Specialist Roni Gosch and Director of Content, John Kiernan. We have a lively discussion on various strategies for monetizing podcast content and engaging the audience.
We cover a wide range of topics, including the benefits of live streaming, using Podbean's ad marketplace, the importance of consistency, and various ways podcasters can monetize their work. We also discuss the Podbean patron program, Apple Podcast subscriptions, and how you as a podcast host can increase awareness about these different revenue streams among listeners.
"We're not there yet where when you google something, it's going to scan audio. We're not there. And so when people are searching for content, they're using text, right? We're searching via text." - Norma Jean Belenky, Head of Events
Aside from Podbean tools, non-Podbean monetization options, such as PayPal donation buttons and 'Buy me a Coffee', are also discussed, providing podcasters with a wide variety of ways to generate income. The conversation underscores the value of merchandise in advertising a podcast and driving revenue. We aim to answer all questions, no matter how small or broad the topic is, in this enlightening information feast.
On a deeper level, the episode explores the personal and strategic layers of podcasting, focusing on audience engagement, visuals, tone consistency, and the celebration of milestones. There's also a discussion on the use of hashtags vs keywords in podcast descriptions, suggesting that effective keywords are more beneficial for SEO and overall discoverability. The significance of custom playlists on Podbean's embeddable player and the potential of transcriptions and chapter markers are also pointed out.
Tune in to this exciting episode and find out how you can take your podcast's performance to the next level in terms of monetization and audience engagement.
Here are the main takeaways of today's episode:

Maximize Revenue: Unlock effective podcast monetization strategies to boost your income stream.


Captivate Audiences: Learn the secrets to creating engaging podcast content that keeps listeners coming back for more.


Boost Discoverability: Harness the power of keywords for podcast SEO to reach a wider audience and increase visibility.


Enhance SEO: Discover the benefits of podcast transcripts for SEO and how they can elevate your podcast's online presence.


Drive Engagement: Explore the impact of embedding podcasts on websites to boost audience engagement and interaction.


The key moments in this episode are:
00:02:20 - Monetization Strategies for Podcasters 00:07:31 - Consistency and Audience Engagement 00:11:44 - Utilizing Tags for Audience Engagement 00:12:22 - Embedding Your Show on Websites 00:13:36 - Customized Playlists and Embeddable Player 00:14:09 - Keywords Over Hashtags 00:15:32 - Enhancing SEO with Transcripts and Chapter Markers 00:18:10 - Optimizing Titles and Keywords

Resources:
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get industry updates: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe 
Watch the video of this event on YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSJeWFoVSw 
Sign up for all of Podbean's Free Live Events here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/podbeancom-31329492977 
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
Podbean's Apple Subscription Integration 
Podbean's Descript Editing Integration

About us:

Podcast Smarter is the official in-house podcast by Podbean. 
Podbean is a podcast publishing and monetization service, hosting almost 640,000 podcasts.  If you’re looking to start your own podcast, monetize your podcast and livestream directly to your listeners, you can set up an account at podbean.com 
Connect with us:


Subscribe to our email newsletter to get updates from the team head over to: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe
Find us on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbe

In today's episode of Podcast Smarter we return with our third of three episodes with with Bethany Hawkins, the founder of Crackers and Soup, a podcast production company.  
Explore the essence of building and utilizing a faithful, interactive podcast community and monetize that community in this episode of 'Podcasting Smarter'. Learn about the importance of consistent listener engagement and innovative methods, such as the 'question of the episode' and interactive Q&As on Patreon. Discover how a listener-centric approach can revolutionize your podcast outreach and enhance your revenue.
We dive into the art of humanizing communication to build a stronger audience bond, emphasizing that every listener should feel personally connected with despite the thousands of downloads per episode. The conversation expands on podcast monetization methods, illuminating the idea that monetization could mean a new follower or client, not just revenue.
The episode moves forward to the significance of collaborations with brands you love. Hear about how delivering authentic recommendations to your listeners can increase your income. Learn the trick to naturally weave in product talks into your chats. This episode is invaluable for podcasters wishing to engage authentically with their audience and diversifying their revenue streams.
We further delve into the rich world of podcast monetization with Podbean, uncovering the benefits sponsors bring to the podcast content and how promotional partnerships form a beneficial scenario for both parties. It includes strategies for managing your podcast successfully and compelling insights from Bethany, a podcast guru specializing in Black and BIPOC podcasts. Understand the power of resilience in the over-saturated podcast market.
Finally, we discuss strategies for making the best use of various programs and tools for quicker and easier editing and production, allowing you to concentrate on the creative and engagement aspect of your podcast. Tune in to this enlightening discussion and start making your podcast work harder for you today!
"Developing that one-on-one connection, I always try to emphasize the importance to my clients that they are talking to one person. They may have 10,000 downloads for that episode, but when that person is listening, they think that they're talking to them. One person" - Bethany Hawkins, Crackers in Soup
Bethany is an experienced podcast consultant known for her innovative strategies to enhance audience engagement and improve podcasting efficiency. With a passion for creating meaningful connections, she emphasizes the importance of fostering one-on-one relationships with listeners and leveraging platforms like Podbean for live Q&A sessions. Bethany's expertise extends to monetization strategies, where she encourages her clients to think outside the box and seek partnerships that resonate with their audience. With her insightful approach to podcasting, Bethany has helped numerous podcasters establish deeper connections with their listeners and achieve sustainable growth.
Here are the main takeaways of today's episode:

Mastering Strategies for Engaging Your Podcast Audience to Keep Them Coming Back for More


Uncover the Importance of Crafting the Perfect Question of the Episode to Ignite Audience Interaction and Participation


Unleash the Power of Utilizing Podbean for Live Q&A Sessions to Foster Real-Time Engagement and Connection with Your Listeners


Unlock Monetization Strategies to Turn Your Passion for Podcasting into a Lucrative Venture


Discover the Benefits of Hiring Help for Podcast Production and Growth to Streamline Your Workflow and Elevate Your Content


The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:26 - Building a Loyal and Interactive Community 00:03:12 - Strategies for Patreon and Monetization 00:09:27 - Diversifying Monetization Strategies 00:15:23 - Importance of Promoting Your Own Product 00:15:43 - Resilience of Marginalized Voices 00

In today's episode of Podcast Smarter we return with our second of three episodes with with Bethany Hawkins, the founder of Crackers and Soup, a podcast production company.  
Uncover the surprising key to making your podcast stand out in a sea of competition. It's not just about content, but the strategic use of branding and design. Find out how to captivate your audience and create a lasting impression. Stay tuned for the unexpected twist that will change the way you approach podcasting.
"Your podcast is your brand. If you have a business that has particular hex codes, that has a particular mood board, you're going to want to incorporate those type of things that make your business aesthetic you into your graphics, into your cover art so that everybody knows all of this flows and coincides." - Bethany Hawkins, Crackers in Soup
Bethany Hawkins is a seasoned podcast consultant with a knack for elevating shows through intentional branding and design choices. Her expertise lies in crafting show notes optimized for SEO, leveraging transcripts for accessibility, and implementing AI tools for content creation. Bethany's commitment to empowering podcasters to enhance their visibility extends to her meticulous strategies for marketing engagement and her keen eye for developing distinctive podcast branding. With her unique approach and dedication, Bethany has become a trusted authority in the podcasting community, helping aspiring podcasters maximize their impact and reach a wider audience.
Here are the main takeaways of today's episode:

Unlock the secret to boosting your podcast's visibility with SEO-optimized show notes.


Enhance your podcast's accessibility and reach a wider audience by leveraging transcripts.


Discover how AI tools can revolutionize your podcast content creation process.


Elevate your podcast engagement with innovative marketing strategies.


Unleash the power of intentional branding and design choices to elevate your podcast's impact.


The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:22 - Importance of Search Engine Optimization in Podcasting 00:02:06 - Strategies for Better Visibility 00:05:56 - Multi-channel Content Marketing 00:08:02 - Building Relationships with Guests 00:12:08 - The Importance of Podcast Branding 00:14:53 - Importance of Thoughtful Immersion in Podcast 00:15:35 - Rebranding and Graphic Considerations 00:16:01 - Importance of Consistent Branding 00:16:32 - Graphic Usage and Brand Association 00:17:25 - Conclusion and Invitation for Interaction

Resources:
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get industry updates: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe 
Watch the video of this event on YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub4l6a6wjZ4 
Sign up for all of Podbean's Free Live Events here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/podbeancom-31329492977 
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
Podbean's Apple Subscription Integration 
Podbean's Descript Editing Integration
Connect with Bethany and Crackers in Soup:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcrackersinsoup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcrackersinsoup/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crackersinsoup/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crackers_in_soup
About us:

Podcast Smarter is the official in-house podcast by Podbean. 
Podbean is a podcast publishing and monetization service, hosting almost 640,000 podcasts.  If you’re looking to start your own podcast, monetize your podcast and livestream directly to your listeners, you can set up an account at podbean.com 
Connect with us:


Subscribe to our email newsletter to get updates from the team head over to: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe
Find us on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbean Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podbeancomYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0H3hvTa_1_ZwFg6RjGNXGw/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/podbeancom  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podbean Website: https://podcast.podbean.com/ 
 
Email us:
To cont

In today's episode of Podcast Smarter we speak with with Bethany Hawkins, the founder of Crackers and Soup, a podcast production company.  
We'll share a look into the effective strategies that have empowered black-owned podcast businesses to excel. The conversation sheds light on Bethany’s distinctive methods for creating engaging podcast content, offering valuable insights for podcasters aiming to attract and retain a diverse listener base. This episode not only highlights Bethany’s success in the industry but also prompts podcasters to consider how they can adopt similar tactics to enhance their own growth and reach.
"You really have to know and understand what you're doing in your business... So you are getting your audience excited about that particular topic before you even drop it, before you even launch it." - Bethany Hawkins, Crackers in Soup
Bethany's journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful black-owned business owner is nothing short of inspiring. With her keen insights, Bethany has been instrumental in guiding podcasters to create authentic connections with their audiences, leading to remarkable growth and impact. Her unique approach focuses on aligning the client's personal strengths with their podcasting goals, ensuring genuine and enduring engagement. Bethany's expertise and dedication have empowered countless individuals to find their voice and build thriving podcast communities.
Here are the main takeaways of today's episode:

Mastering the Art of Growing Your Podcast Audience


Launching a Successful Podcast Service Business


Empowering Black-Owned Podcast Businesses with Effective Strategies


Crafting Engaging Podcast Content to Captivate Your Audience


Harnessing the Power of SEO for Explosive Podcast Growth


The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:00 - Bethany's Journey to Podcasting 00:07:44 - Overcoming Initial Podcasting Challenges 00:13:07 - Keeping the Audience Engaged 00:14:36 - Leveraging Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey News 00:15:06 - Keyword Utilization and SEO 00:15:22 - Gaining Traction and Building Audience 00:15:39 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Resources:
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get industry updates: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe 
Watch the video of this event on YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub4l6a6wjZ4 
Sign up for all of Podbean's Free Live Events here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/podbeancom-31329492977 
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
Podbean's Apple Subscription Integration 
Podbean's Descript Editing Integration
Connect with Bethany and Crackers in Soup:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcrackersinsoup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcrackersinsoup/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crackersinsoup/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crackers_in_soup
About us:

Podcast Smarter is the official in-house podcast by Podbean. 
Podbean is a podcast publishing and monetization service, hosting almost 640,000 podcasts.  If you’re looking to start your own podcast, monetize your podcast and livestream directly to your listeners, you can set up an account at podbean.com 
Connect with us:


Subscribe to our email newsletter to get updates from the team head over to: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe
Find us on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbean Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podbeancomYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0H3hvTa_1_ZwFg6RjGNXGw/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/podbeancom  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podbean Website: https://podcast.podbean.com/ 
 
Email us:
To contact Podcasting Smarter with questions get in contact at podcastingsmarter@podbean.com 

Welcome to a captivating episode of Podcasting Smarter, the second episode with special guests Oliver Wellington, the founder of Headliner, and their marketing manager, Elissa Craig. Together, they share invaluable tips and practices for promoting podcasts and unravel strategies such as visual engagement and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
We kick off with exploring the concept of content repurposing and how Headliner, equips creators to share their podcast content across various platforms. Next, we share insights about the blend of strategies that successful podcasters employ, including the use of automated clips and crafting custom clips.  
Not shying away from experiments, Oliver and Elissa advise podcasters to dabble with in-depth videos, animated content, and AI tools along with the potential of AI as a game-changer within the podcasting domain, with robust tools at creators' disposal to convert creative concepts into dynamic and engaging content.
Delving into audience engagement techniques, Elissa underscores the significance of adopting a community-driven approach to podcasting. She emphasizes the role of listener engagement, communication through different channels, and content optimization in leading a podcast to success.
Our conversation further explores strategies for extending your podcast's reach and emphasizes the power of audience engagement and collaborations in podcast growth, and delves into the potential of promo swapping and guesting on other relevant podcasts. A broader analysis reveals additional channels such as leveraging podcast networks, participating in podcast conferences, and reaching out to podcasting services for potential collaborations.
The episode also offers their forecasts the future of podcast marketing. Elissa focuses on the importance of SEO optimization and entails experimenting with elements like chapter art. Oliver, on the other hand, foresees an increasing bias towards video content, even for predominantly audio podcasts. This episode is a treasure trove full of practical knowledge for those who aspire to elevate their podcast to an unprecedented level.

"At Headliner, we're basically just repurposing content, right? So you have your core podcast recording, and then from that you can create transcript, basically like tons of different things with very minimal effort, transcript, videos and all the different aspect ratios for all the different social networks stuff." - Oliver Wellington
In this episode, you'll learn how to:


Learn how to effectively repurpose your podcast content to reach a wider audience and maximize engagement.


Discover powerful strategies to engage your podcast listeners and build a thriving community on social media.


Explore collaboration techniques that can skyrocket your podcast growth and expand your listener base.


Stay ahead of the game by uncovering the latest trends in podcast marketing and SEO to elevate your podcast's visibility.


Uncover the potential of AI in revolutionizing podcast production and promotion, and how it can benefit your show's success.


Today's special guests are Oliver Wellington and Elissa Craig.
Oliver Wellington is the founder of Headliner, a platform that has significantly influenced podcast promotion. His journey began with a simple idea for a social audio app, which evolved into Headliner, reflecting his commitment to improving the podcast industry. Oliver's insight into the effectiveness of visuals and audiograms in podcasting has helped many podcasters expand their audience and engagement.
Elissa Craig works alongside Oliver as Headliner's Marketing Manager, specializing in using AI tools for enhancing podcast content. Her practical experience and strategic thinking have proven her to be a key player in podcast marketing. Elissa offers hands-on advice that helps podcasters confidently adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
Together, Oliver and Elissa bring a grounded and insight