Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Dave Jackson
  • 4.7 (20)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Biweekly

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. Treat Your Podcast Like a Book: Why Listeners Don’t Come Back for Chapter Two

    4d ago

    Treat Your Podcast Like a Book: Why Listeners Don’t Come Back for Chapter Two

    My Podcast is Great, but It's Not GrowingEver feel like you’re pouring your soul into your podcast and the audience just isn’t showing up? Yeah, me too. In this episode, we tackle that painful realization that sometimes, the problem isn’t with the promotion, but with the content itself. We take a hard look at what happens when listeners start dropping off like flies. Is it that they’re just not your target audience? Or maybe, just maybe, your content isn't hitting the mark? Take It Outside of PodcastingWe draw some hilarious parallels between podcasting and other forms of media – like writing a book or even making a movie – because when you take it out of the podcasting bubble, things start to look a lot clearer. The Fear of FeedbackWe also discuss the absolute necessity of getting feedback from your audience and how terrifying that can be. But hey, if you’re not asking, you’ll never know what’s working and what’s not. So, buckle up as we dissect the ups and downs of podcasting, and how a little feedback can turn your ship around. You’ll leave this episode ready to engage with your listeners like never before! Takeaways:Podcasting advice sometimes makes more sense when you think outside of the podcasting bubble.Don't just assume your content is great; ask your audience what they really think.If your audience isn't coming back, maybe your content isn't hitting the mark anymore.Promoting isn't the only solution; feedback from listeners can be the real game changer.Taking a step back and comparing your podcast to books or films can clarify your approach.Remember, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about resonating with your true audience. Podcasting Observations School of Podcasting Mentioned in this episode: Join the School of Podcasting Community Unlock your podcasting potential with the School of Podcasting, where your voice takes center stage. Whether you're a beginner eager to launch your first show or an experienced podcaster looking to refine your craft, our resources and supportive community are here to guide you every step of the way. I have expertly crafted courses on everything from choosing the right equipment to mastering audience engagement, and enjoy personalized coaching that tailors success strategies to what YOU need. Join a vibrant network of fellow creators dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring growth. Elevate your podcast to new heights—your journey starts here School of Podcasting This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    8 min
  2. Goals, Energy, and Podcasting: A Wild Ride

    Jun 5

    Goals, Energy, and Podcasting: A Wild Ride

    Why Am I Podcasting Again?Have you ever stopped and wondered if you're podcasting for the right reasons? Sometimes it can feel like we're shouting into the void while the rest of our lives demand our attention. Between work, family, and everything else competing for our time, it's easy to look at your podcast and wonder if it's still worth the effort. When Life Gets in the WayIn this episode, I talk about the challenge of keeping your podcast momentum alive when life gets messy. Not every season of podcasting is exciting. Sometimes you're tired, overwhelmed, or simply questioning whether the time you're investing is paying off. Those moments happen to all of us, and they often force us to reevaluate why we started podcasting in the first place. The Passion vs. Profit QuestionOne conversation really stood out to me. I spoke with a client who had been podcasting for four years but had never seriously considered how to monetize their show. Their goal was simply to share helpful content and make a positive impact. But after four years, they started asking a different question: "Is this still enough?" That question opened the door to a deeper discussion about goals, expectations, and what success actually looks like. Sometimes the Goal Needs to ChangeOne of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that it's okay for your goals to evolve. Maybe you started podcasting as a hobby. Maybe you wanted to build a community, grow your business, or simply have meaningful conversations. As your circumstances change, your reasons for podcasting can change too. A fresh perspective can reignite your enthusiasm and help you see opportunities you may have overlooked. Finding New Energy for Your PodcastIf you've been feeling stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about your podcast's future, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. Sometimes the solution isn't quitting. Sometimes it's simply redefining what you're trying to accomplish. By revisiting your goals and being honest about what you want from your podcast, you may discover a new sense of purpose that makes the journey exciting again. Keep This in Mind When Monetizing Your ShowAs someone who wrote a book about making money with your podcast, you need to keep in mind you don't monetize a podcast, you monetize audience (and often yours is too small as 3% of your audience will take action). Final ThoughtsPodcasting today can feel overwhelming. There are endless platforms, constant changes, and enough advertisements to make anyone question their sanity. But when you reconnect with your "why," the path forward often becomes much clearer. If you've ever wondered whether your podcast is still serving you—or whether you're serving your podcast—this episode is for you. Takeaways:Babies are like the ultimate podcasting nemesis, demanding all your attention and time.Monetizing your podcast can feel like a nasty uphill battle, trust me on that one.If you're not making money, don't lose sight of the joy your podcast brings you.Changing your goals can light a fire under you and bring back that energy and enthusiasm. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    9 min
  3. How to Promote Your Podcast in Groups Without Getting Banned

    May 29

    How to Promote Your Podcast in Groups Without Getting Banned

    Are you eager to promote your podcast but worried about breaking the rules in online groups? In this episode of "Your Podcast Consultant," I share practical advice on how to approach forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities the right way. Drawing from my own stories and hard-earned lessons, I explain why simple self-promotion often leads to bans—and what you can do instead to build genuine connections and grow your audience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with small lessons that deliver big value for every podcaster. Takeaways:When promoting our podcast, we often make rookie mistakes that come back to bite us later.Self promotion in forums usually gets you banned, like, seriously, just don't do it.Always check the forum rules before posting about your podcast, or you'll regret it.Making friends before promoting your podcast can actually help you gain listeners and avoid bans.Consider reaching out to moderators first; they might even want to join your podcast.If you need help growing your podcast, there are plenty of resources available for you. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcastingpodmatchpodcastguestsredditfacebookguestexchange This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    7 min
  4. What Happens When All Podcasters Use the Same AI Interview Prompts

    May 22

    What Happens When All Podcasters Use the Same AI Interview Prompts

    In this episode, I share some insights from the world of podcast interviews, sharing surprising experiences from a marathon of guest appearances on brand-new shows. Maybe Not Use AI ResearchDiscover the pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI-generated questions, the importance of audio quality, and why genuine research and thoughtful preparation make interviews truly valuable. Whether you're a podcasting newbie or looking to sharpen your hosting skills, I've got some practical advice and candid insights to help you create interviews that stand out, and get shared. Takeaways:Using AI for podcasting is all about how good your prompts are, so don't skimp on that.New podcasters often have terrible audio quality, just buy a decent microphone already.If you're interviewing someone, do your homework and ask unique questions, please.Podcasters need to realize that repetitive questions make for boring interviews, spice it up!When you have better audio than your guest, it’s time to reconsider your setup, trust me.Researching your guest before the interview is not crazy prep, it's called being a pro. Mentioned in This EpisodePodmatch Podcast Guests Samson Q2U Microphone This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    9 min
  5. Seriously? People Still Say 'New Episode Out'?

    May 15

    Seriously? People Still Say 'New Episode Out'?

    How is this still happening?You ever have one of those moments where you see something so ridiculous you can’t help but roll your eyes? That’s basically the theme of this episode. I’m talking about the world of podcasting and, honestly, it’s kind of wild. It’s 2026, and people are still posting “New episode out! (and that's it)” on social media like that’s some kind of marketing strategy. Seriously? Yes, It's Better Than Nothing...In this episode, I talk about why podcasters need to stop doing the bare minimum when promoting their shows. If you’re going to post on social media, at least make it interesting. Lead with a question. Share a bold statement. Give people a reason to stop scrolling and pay attention. Don’t just announce your existence, do something to spark curiosity. Use a HookI also dig into the importance of using hooks when sharing episodes. In today’s world of endless content, you need something that grabs attention immediately. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising opinion, or a compelling claim, the goal is to invite people into a conversation, not just tell them your episode exists. There is No Excuse for "New Episode Out"And honestly, with all the AI tools available now, there’s really no excuse for lazy promotional posts anymore. AI can help you come up with stronger captions, better hooks, and more engaging content in seconds. If your entire strategy is still “new episode out,” it might be time to rethink things. Throughout the episode, I share practical tips on how to create social posts that actually connect with your audience and make people want to listen. I also invite listeners to join the School of Podcasting community, where we do listener parties, personal coaching, and help podcasters grow their shows in smarter ways. If you’re serious about podcasting and want your marketing to stand out, this episode is your reminder to stop being basic and start being intentional. Podcast promotion doesn’t have to be boring — and honestly, it shouldn’t be. Takeaways:In this episode, we discuss how just saying 'new episode out' is the laziest way to promote your podcast, so let's spice it up!Every podcaster should lead with a hook that actually grabs attention, otherwise, what's the point of even posting?We emphasize the importance of creating engaging social media posts instead of the bland standard phrases that nobody cares about.It's shocking to see how many people still use outdated promotional tactics like 'find me wherever you find your podcasts' – just stop it already!If you want your episode to stand out, it needs a compelling claim or question that makes people want to listen and engage.Utilizing AI tools can help you generate better social media content than the typical 'new episode out' post, so why not give it a shot? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    6 min
  6. Targeted Podcast Promotion: Going Where Your Audience Already Hangs Out

    May 8

    Targeted Podcast Promotion: Going Where Your Audience Already Hangs Out

    Podcast promotion breaks down to this:Identify who your audience isGo to where they are (online and offline)Make friends with themTell them about your show Don't Overthink itSo a person on Reddit mentioned they wanted to grow their podcast about horror movies. Let's see.... where could I find a bunch of people who like horror movies... if only there was a place where people who like horror MOVIES go. If only...... Go to Where They AreSo go to the movie cineplex, if you want to go all out have a t-shirt made for you with your logo and URL on the shirt (see Stickermule), and have some business cards made with your logo and website address, and a QR code (I use switchy for that. It not only makes QR code and a whole lot more but I can track how many times that QR code was used). Then as people are entering the building ask them, "Are you hear to see (scary movie title)?" and if they say "Yes," then give them a card and say "I do a podcast for people just like you." Expectations Yes, some will throw the card away. Some will put it in their pocket. Other will be bored sitting through endless advertisements waiting for the movies to start and will point their phone at the QR code (which takes them to my follow page). Keep in mind you build you audience one person at a time. And often that one person hangs out with other people who also like what they like, and word of mouth starts to grow your show. Now, word of mouth is effective. We know it is. It ranks high in all the ways to promote your podcast, but we also know it is slow. If you are looking for a giant switch to give you 30,000 downloads an episode, that just doesn't happen. The More You Do It The better You Get At itI know for me, selling my book, Profit From Your Podcast, in person is always a little uncomfortable, but the more I did it, the better I got at it and the more books I sold Do You Need Help Growing Your Podcast?If you need help growing your show, come visit me at schoolofpodcasting.com. One of the features we have there are listener parties where a group of us will get together and you get to watch us listen to your show. This way you can see if we laugh when we're supposed to laugh and cry when we're supposed to cry. If it's not working, you'll know immediately and it's time to go back and do some basic editing. Check it out at schoolofpodcasting.com. Mentioned In This EpisodeStickermule (T-shirts and more) Canva (business Cards) Design Crowd (crowd source your business card or t-shirt design) Switchy (QR codes that are trackable) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    6 min
  7. How to Not Look Stupid While Podcasting (Trust Me)

    May 1

    How to Not Look Stupid While Podcasting (Trust Me)

    July 4th was supposed to be a festive day filled with fireworks, but instead, it turned into a disaster for me. Picture this: I’m all set to enjoy the show, but as I step out, the sky starts drizzling. Naturally, I whip out my phone to scroll through social media, because who doesn’t love seeing what everyone else is up to while ignoring the world around them? Fast forward a few moments, and bam! My foot hits an uneven sidewalk, my phone goes flying, and I’m face-first in the concrete. My knees did not fare well. Everyone around me thinks it’s a scene from a slapstick comedy, and I’m just trying to play it cool, you know? But here’s the kicker: this little escapade has everything to do with podcasting. Yeah, you heard me right. Looking stupid while starting a podcast? It’s practically a rite of passage. We’ll dive into how to embrace that awkwardness and turn it into something valuable. So, buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride! We've Looked Stupid BeforeI live near Cleveland Ohio and if I go into a room of 30 adults and scream, "Here we go brownies here were go!" they will answer with RUFF RUFF! Grown adulst will bark like a dog. Also being Ohio means you must stand and spell your state when someone plays the song Louie Louie. My favorite is the "Chicken Dance" at weddings how this tradition of some demonic polka got started I will never know, but again everyone is willing to look stupid. When you venture into podcasting one of two things will happen. You will have a successful show that you love doing, you'll have that story about the time you started a podcast. I Can Help Takeaways:So, if you're thinking about starting a podcast, brace yourself, because looking stupid is basically part of the package.People worry too much about looking dumb on a podcast; trust me, we all do it sometimes, and it’s totally fine.You can learn from your own mistakes, but learning from others is even better, so listen up, folks.In the end, podcasting is about having fun and sharing stories, not about being perfect.When you finally start your podcast, remember: you might end up with a great show or a hilarious story about your failed attempts.If you want to avoid looking stupid, just don’t do stupid stuff, but let’s be real, we all mess up sometimes. Links referenced in this episode: schoolofpodcasting.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    10 min
  8. YouTube Demonetization is on the rise.

    Apr 25

    YouTube Demonetization is on the rise.

    I've been researching the current challenges creators are facing on YouTube, particularly with demonetization issues. I share my thoughts on why YouTube, as great as it is for discovery and stats, can be risky for creators—especially those who rely on it for income. I spotlight the story of Steven song, a talented animator who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and over a decade into his channel, only to be demonetized without warning. You’ll hear how the lack of human customer support at YouTube is affecting creators’ mental health, and why relying solely on YouTube revenue might not be the best strategy. All Your Eggs in One BasketI talk about the importance of diversifying your income streams and caution against tying essential expenses to unpredictable YouTube payouts. I also offer some practical advice on making your content more discoverable, like focusing on great episode titles and eye-catching thumbnails, while reminding you that YouTube’s algorithm can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’re thinking about starting a video or audio podcast, or simply want to learn about the realities of growing on YouTube in today’s landscape, this episode gives you valuable insights and honest advice from my years in the industry. Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Visit schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code “listener” for a special deal. I look forward to helping you succeed! The secret reasons Youtube is demonetizing channels (video) I got demonetized it's over. (video) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    7 min
See All (241)

4.7
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like