PoDrops Brittany Brown and Rob Winters

Do not self-host your podcast. Let me repeat, do not try to save money by self-hosting your podcast. At the end of the day, this will not do you any favors. Use a reputable service like PodOps Hosting. Not only do they provide highly affordable hosting options, but they also offer a plethora of features to help you reach your future audience. For example, PodOps Hosting can help your podcast be submitted to a huge number of podcast directories at the click of a button. They also automatically push out every new episode. If you self-host, you need to do all of this work manually, episode by episode. Self-hosting is a recipe for failure as it will consume too much time and effort for you to focus on producing great content.  

We've discussed the value of transcripts as a way to make your podcast more search engine friendly and provide journalists and reviewers an easy way for obtaining accurate quote material. One of the most important things a transcript brings to your podcast is ADA compliance. There is a difference between a full transcript and an episode script.Your transcript should include the following description of any music sound effects or background noise intentionally included in your podcast. Minute markers and who is speaking as well as the script or discussion between the speakers. Also be sure you provide a link to each of your episodes, and transcripts, and avoid creating one webpage containing all transcripts for your show. 

A podcast network is a curated collection of podcasts that are hosted by a third party. Some podcast networks are designed to promote new and niche shows while others are focused on shows that have already made a splash and looking to grow their audience. If you have a popular show, it can be a great way to expand your reach. A podcast network can help get your podcast in front of new audiences and boost its visibility on platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. However, if you’re just starting out, it’s hard to get added to a podcast network as they’re generally focused on more established shows with already-established audiences. So if you’re just starting out, it’s best to promote your show independently until it becomes more widely known. You can submit your podcast for consideration on most podcast networks for free. Alternatively, some networks charge a fee for submitting your show. There are many things to consider when submitting your show for consideration on a podcast network. First, make sure that your show is relevant to the network's audience. Second, decide whether your show would benefit from being hosted by the network or if you'd rather do it independently. Third, decide how you're going to promote your show once it's been accepted by the network. Finally, make sure that you have a plan in place for promoting your show even if it's not accepted by the network because sometimes podcasts are rejected even if they're perfect.

Podcast require a good bit of talking rather than going into an episode cold, give yourself a little time to warm up. If you have a script, read it through a time or two if your episodes are unscripted, try using a tongue twister like Sally sells seashells by the seashore or Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers.Say something, even if it's a little silly, a few times over and it will help wake up your vocal cords. Which improves your dictation and helps you deliver a more flawless episode. 

Whether you’re monetizing your podcast or just trying to grow your audience, if you want to get people to listen to your show you’re going to need to engage them on an emotional level. One of the best ways to do this is by asking for listener support. By creating a pledge or donation system and posting it on your website and social media channels, you can give listeners a way to contribute to your podcast in a meaningful way. Not only does this make them feel like they’re part of a community, but it also gives them a reason to listen each week and share your show with friends. With this type of support system in place, you are also more likely to get featured on popular websites such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. When listeners see that other people are listening to your show, they might be more inclined to check it out for themselves. Ultimately, listener support is one of the best ways to grow your podcast and reach new listeners who might not have been aware of your show before.

If you are using the new Spotify feature that allows you to incorporate video into your podcast or you're taking the more traditional approach and posting your podcast videos on YouTube. Remember to brand your space. Visuals make an impression, your shirt, your hat, and your microphone are excellent places for your podcast logo to appear.If you have a full studio, neon signs can turn a bare wall into an extra piece of content that helps your brand stand out to. If you have space, a green-screen is a great way to come up with visual set. Not only incorporate your logo, but facts and figures, as well as other important points from your conversation.