Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tops To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Dave Jackson
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  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tops To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Small Podcast lessons (less than 9 minutes) with big value to help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast from Hall of Fame Podcaster Dave Jackson This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. The Surprising Secret to a Growing Email List

    APR 12

    The Surprising Secret to a Growing Email List

    Growing your newsletter can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? But fear not, because I've got a strategy that’s so simple, you might just roll your eyes and think it can’t be real. Spoiler alert: it is. We can use Google Analytics (or Fathom stats) to figure out which pages on your website are actually getting some love. Trust me, you might be shocked to discover that old blog post from 2019 is still raking in the clicks while your latest masterpiece is gathering virtual dust. Once you've identified those star pages, it’s time to get crafty and whip up a quick cheat sheet or lead magnet. Who doesn’t love a freebie? You can easily create a PDF that people can’t resist signing up for, even if it’s just a glorified summary of your blog. And yes, I did have a moment where I wondered if people even realize they can bookmark a page, but hey, if they want a PDF, who am I to judge? Now that you’ve snagged their emails, you can start sending them all the fabulous stuff you’ve got up your sleeve, from show updates to special offers, all while feeling like a total marketing genius. It’s like getting a backstage pass to your own show! Takeaways: Having a newsletter is super powerful, but growing it can feel like a full-time job. Using Google Analytics can help you pinpoint your website's top pages for better engagement. Creating lead magnets from top-performing content is a total game-changer for email sign-ups. It's wild how a simple PDF request can boost your newsletter subscribers overnight. Social media is like a tiny trickle compared to the flood of potential from a newsletter. Invest some time to set up your stats and watch your audience grow—no magic wand required. References Google Analytics Fathom Stats Join the School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    5 min
  2. Frazzled Minds Make Frazzled Choices

    MAR 22

    Frazzled Minds Make Frazzled Choices

    Bad Environments Lead to Bad DecisionsBad environments lead to bad decisions, and boy, do we have stories to share! Ever looked back at some of your life choices and thought, “What on Earth was I thinking?” Yeah, me too! We run into the chaos of those moments when our brains were more frazzled than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. We chat about how a little bit of panic can turn us into decision-making nincompoops, like forgetting to get a website for our podcast. Spoiler alert: Having a website is a big deal if you want anyone to find your show. So, let’s unpack this hot mess together and figure out how to avoid those cringe-worthy blunders! Looking at our past decisions is like opening a box of stale donuts; it’s messy, and you might regret it. We’re all guilty of making choices when we’re not in the right headspace. I share classic examples, like the time someone thought not having a website was a smart move. It’s not. You want people to find your podcast? They need a place to land, not just a vague hope that they might stumble across it while scrolling through cat memes. Now, let's not throw shade. We all start from different places, but this was a classic example of being "rattled" lead to bad decisions. Takeaways: Bad decisions often come from panic or being overwhelmed, so slow down and think. Having a website is crucial for podcasters to be found and grow their audience. People tend to overlook basic steps when launching, like having a website ready. Without a website, you’re basically invisible to potential listeners trying to find you. Word of mouth is key for podcast growth, but you need a solid strategy to make it work. Don’t let a frazzled mindset lead to bad decisions—stay organized and plan ahead. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compowerofpodcasting.comnamecheap.comcoolerwebsites.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    9 min
  3. Sponsorship Shenanigans: How Not to Blow Your First Deal

    MAR 7

    Sponsorship Shenanigans: How Not to Blow Your First Deal

    Ever wondered how to navigate the wild world of podcast sponsorship? Well, grab your favorite snack and settle in because we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about snagging that sweet sponsorship deal. Picture this: you’re in a Facebook group, and someone’s practically begging for help because they’re clueless about how to answer a potential sponsor's questions. Yup, that’s our starting point! We'll dig into the nitty-gritty of what sponsors want, how to present your podcast’s value, and why you should treat your audience like gold (because they are!). Spoiler alert: stuffing your show with ads is like throwing glitter on a garbage fire—totally unnecessary and just plain messy! We also talk about the delicate balance of ads in your podcast. Ever heard of the 10% rule? Well, it’s a thing! Ads shouldn’t overwhelm your content; otherwise, you risk losing your audience faster than you can say ‘skip ad’. We’ll show real-life examples of how many ads are too many and why relevant ads can enhance the listening experience. And let’s not forget about the cash—how do you price your sponsorship deals? It’s all about charging what you’re worth and keeping that win-win vibe going. By the end, you’ll be ready to strut into your next sponsorship negotiation like a boss! Takeaways: If you're diving into podcast sponsorship, get ready for some wild questions, folks! Understanding your audience is crucial, because irrelevant ads are like bad breath at a party. Keep your ads to a minimum; too many will have your listeners hitting that skip button. Finding the perfect sponsor is like dating; make sure you both vibe with each other's goals! Remember, your relationship with your audience is worth way more than you think, so charge accordingly! Don't just take any random ad; find something you actually love so your enthusiasm shines through! Companies mentioned in this episode: Oxford Road Libsyn Ads Mentioned in this episode: Ready to start your podcast the right way? Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    10 min
  4. Serving Algorithms or Serving Humans?

    FEB 21

    Serving Algorithms or Serving Humans?

    Algorithms are like that friend who bails you out one minute and then ghost you the next. They can help you reach your audience or throw your content into the digital abyss. This episode looks into the wild world of serving both our lovely audience and those picky, mood-swinging algorithms. We’re talking about how they can boost small creators or stomp them into the ground based on some arbitrary rules they change on a whim. So, grab your favorite snack and let’s break down the double-edged sword of algorithms – they give us exposure but can just as quickly snatch it away! Takeaways: Algorithms can be your best friend, but also your worst enemy, so watch out. Knowing your audience is great, but knowing the algorithm is like a second job. Instagram's new algorithm favors smaller accounts, but will it actually help? Who knows! Content might be king, but the algorithm's the one holding the crown, so please bow. If you think you can ignore the algorithm and still thrive, good luck with that! Just remember, if the algorithm changes, your content could dry up faster than your last relationship. Mentioned in this episode: Ready to start your podcast the right way? Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    9 min
  5. Podcaster Blues: When Your Show Just Won't Take Off

    FEB 14

    Podcaster Blues: When Your Show Just Won't Take Off

    So, your podcast isn’t growing, huh? Yeah, it’s like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks, but all you get is a messy wall. When I was married I bought my wife flowers once a week. You won't believe what she said to me! Spoiler alert: if you’re not giving them what they want, they’re gonna ghost you faster than a bad date. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get to the bottom of this podcasting conundrum together! Takeaways: Sometimes, taking a break from your podcast can slow your momentum, so be careful. If you're putting in a ton of effort but still seeing low numbers, maybe it's time for a change. Understanding your audience's wants is key; otherwise, you're just talking to a wall. Your podcast can be fun even when the numbers aren't great; focus on that joy instead! Don't get too attached to your ideas; switch things up a bit if they're not resonating. Feedback is crucial; if you're not getting it, you might miss the point altogether. No feedback IS feedback. Links referenced in this episode: askthepodcastcoach.comschoolofpodcasting.com Mentioned in this episode: UNLIMITED One-On-One Coaching Are you struggling to grow your podcast or turn your ideas into a show that stands out? With over 20 years of experience, Hall of Fame podcaster Dave Jackson offers one-on-one coaching designed to fast-track your success. Whether you're launching, refining, or scaling your podcast, Dave cuts through the noise with expert insights, proven strategies, and personalized guidance. Avoid costly mistakes, master your message, and build an engaged audience—without being overwhelmed. Ready to make your podcast impossible to ignore? Let’s make it happen School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    11 min
  6. Don't Let Tech Scare You: Podcasting Is Easier Than You Think!

    FEB 7

    Don't Let Tech Scare You: Podcasting Is Easier Than You Think!

    If you're sitting there sweating bullets about diving into the world of podcasting because technology gives you the heebie-jeebies, relax, my friend. The real villain stopping you isn’t the tech; it’s your brain playing tricks on you. Seriously, we chat about how the fear of technology is just a fancy excuse to avoid trying something new. Trust me, if you turn down the radio when your phone rings, you can totally handle mixing audio for your podcast. It might seem tough at first, but like everything else, it gets easier once you give it a shot. You've Been Thinking of Starting a PodcastEver sat down and thought, "Man, I totally want to start a podcast, but my tech skills are basically at a toddler level?" Yeah, I get it. We've all been there, staring at our devices like they might bite us or something. But here’s the kicker: it’s not the technology that’s holding you back, it’s your brain. Seriously. In this episode, we dive into the real culprit behind your podcasting fears. It’s not some high-tech wizardry that’s out of your reach; it’s the mindset that says, "I can’t do this." We share some examples, like a client with 40 tabs open on Chrome—because who hasn’t been there? We explore how the fear of tech is often just the fear of trying, and trust me; we’ve got the laughs and the insights to help you kick that fear to the curb. It’s all about realizing that everything seems hard until you actually do it, so let’s get you podcasting, shall we? Takeaways: Don't let technology scare you; you're probably overthinking it—it's simpler than you think! If you tried podcasting before and found it hard, give it another shot; things change! Being afraid of tech is common, but remember, you learned to tie your shoes, right? Everything feels hard until you get the hang of it, so just dive in and start! You already mix audio when you turn down the radio for a call; you can podcast! Seriously, if you can save a photo in an email, you can upload a podcast episode! Mentioned in this episode: Ready to start your podcast the right way? Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    11 min
  7. Stop Selling, Start Helping: The Secret to Self-Promotion in Podcasting

    JAN 25

    Stop Selling, Start Helping: The Secret to Self-Promotion in Podcasting

    If you’ve ever struggled with promoting yourself or your offerings, I get it—it can feel awkward, even "salesy." But what if you thought of it as a nudge to value instead of just another call to action? In this episode, I dive into why it’s so important to let your audience know about the valuable products and services you provide. I share some personal stories about the mental barriers that often make self-promotion feel uncomfortable and how shifting your mindset can help you better connect with your audience. As podcasters, understanding self-promotion is key to monetization. And here’s the truth: the most profitable strategy isn’t running ads—it’s selling your own products or services. I share a story about a fellow podcaster who hesitated to promote her speaking engagements, fearing she’d come off as pushy. That hesitation is something I see all the time, especially among creatives who undervalue their own work. That’s why I encourage you to reframe self-promotion—not as selling, but as sharing value. When you make that shift, it becomes easier to talk about what you offer in a way that feels natural and beneficial to your audience. I also dig into the psychology behind why so many of us avoid self-promotion. No one wants to be seen as aggressive or overly pushy—but here’s the thing: promoting yourself is simply a way of guiding your audience toward something that could help them. I talk about how you can subtly weave your experiences and expertise into your content, creating a natural and relatable narrative that informs your listeners without feeling like an ad. As I wrap up, I emphasize the importance of having a clear call to action—what I like to call a “nudge to value.” I break down practical ways to integrate this into your episodes, from personal stories to simple shifts in language, so that promoting yourself feels more authentic. The goal? To help you build trust, foster a stronger community, and ultimately grow your podcast in a way that aligns with your values. If self-promotion has ever felt like a struggle, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to make it work for you—without the sleazy sales tactics. Takeaways: Promoting your own products or services is often the most profitable monetization strategy for podcasters. Many podcasters hesitate to self-promote due to fear of sounding salesy or pushy. Instead of viewing it as a call to action, consider it a nudge towards value for your audience. Self-promotion can be subtle; share stories that naturally illustrate your services without being overt. Understanding your audience's needs allows you to create products that genuinely help them. Communicating the value you offer to your listeners without feeling uncomfortable is crucial. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.com Mentioned in this episode: We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive! Podcas Hot Seat This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    8 min
  8. Is Podcasting Still Worth It in 2025?

    JAN 18

    Is Podcasting Still Worth It in 2025?

    Is it worth starting a podcast in 2025? Dave Jackson dives into this question, addressing common concerns about the podcasting landscape and whether it remains a viable medium. He emphasizes that despite the increase in podcasts and competition, the audience for podcasts continues to grow yearly. Drawing an analogy to college football, he illustrates that passion and the desire to share a message are key motivators for many podcasters, regardless of the competitive environment. Jackson also highlights that monetization is not the only goal; many creators start podcasts simply to express their creativity and connect with others. For those considering podcasting, he stresses the importance of understanding your "why" and "who" to build a meaningful and engaged audience. Making it in the NFLThe odds of a football player making it to the NFL are extremely low. Only about 1.6% of college football players make it to the NFL2. For high school players, the chances are even slimmer, with only about 0.00075% (or roughly 1 in 133,333) of high school football players eventually making it to the NFL6. To break it down further: About 7.3% of high school players go on to play college football. Of those college players, only 1.2% get drafted to the NFL. Even for highly-rated recruits, the odds are challenging: Five-star recruits have about a 50% chance of being drafted. A 5-star recruit has a 39% chance of "sticking" in the league. These statistics highlight the extreme competitiveness and selectivity of professional football, emphasizing that making it to the NFL is a rare achievement that requires exceptional skill, dedication, and often a bit of luck Takeaways: Podcasting continues to grow every year, with millions of listeners in the U.S. alone. Just because podcasting seems crowded, it doesn't mean there isn't room for new voices. People often start podcasts not to make money but to share their passions and creativity. Understanding your audience is crucial—monetizing a podcast means monetizing your audience. Even successful podcasters initially started because they enjoyed discussing their topics and connecting with others. The competitive landscape of podcasting is much less daunting compared to platforms like YouTube. Mentioned in this episode: We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive! Podcas Hot Seat This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    10 min
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4.8
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18 Ratings

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Small Podcast lessons (less than 9 minutes) with big value to help you plan, launch, and grow your podcast from Hall of Fame Podcaster Dave Jackson This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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