Send us a text Turning your podcast ideas into reality starts with defining your "why" – whether it's a passion project or business venture. This episode breaks down the essential first steps for new podcasters to confidently plan and launch their shows! Check out this Podcasting Q&A Episode for steps on submitting your podcast to the directories, Podcast Directory Submission 101 If you have questions about preparing for your podcast, email us at support@buzzsprout.com. Have a topic or qu...

Send us a text Discover the essential steps to get your podcast listed on major listening directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. This episode breaks down the process of creating and submitting your RSS feed to ensure your content reaches your target audience! Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com Keep podcasting!

Send us a text Engagement is the key to building a meaningful relationship with your podcast audience, and Buzzsprout's Fan Mail feature makes connection simple and effective. In this episode, we break down the Fan Mail feature, how to use it on your podcast, and strategies for engaging with your listeners. Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com Keep podcasting!

Send us a text We’re relaunching Podcasting Q&A with a fresh new twist! Kickstart your week with us while we answer common questions we see straight from the support inbox. Each Monday, you’ll get the best tips and strategies to keep you podcasting with confidence! Have a topic or question we should address on a future episode? Text us or email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success Team at support@buzzsprout.com Keep podcasting!

Megan from the Wild Healers podcast asks, "Is it possible for an independent podcast to make it into the Apple New and Noteworthy section?"Special thanks to Kris Emerson, host of the Excel Still More podcast, for sharing his experience getting into the New and Noteworthy section.TL;DRThe Apple Podcasts New and Noteworthy section is a common goal for new podcasters. The appeal is that if you can get your podcast listed there, you'll be able to grow your audience faster, build momentum, and rid...

Letty from My Sweet Business with Letty Alvarez asks, "What kind of download stats can you expect with a new podcast?"TL;DRLaunching a new podcast is a lot of work and is something you should celebrate! It’s only natural to want as many people as possible to listen to it, but where should you place your expectations?In this episode, we’ll walk through 3 questions that will help you determine what your benchmark for success should be.1. Do you have an existing audience?If you’re starting from ...

Norman from Antifool asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?"TL;DRIn recent years the number of new software options for podcasters has increased quite a bit. Some of them are great for experience podcasters that want every bell and whistle imaginable. While others are focused on streamlining the process as much as possible.So in this episode, we'll share the pros and cons of the top five recording software options that we use and recommend at Buzz...

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What is the best way to record someone using a phone for a podcast interview?"TL;DRIt's not uncommon to have a guest interview lined up where the only microphone that person has access to is the one on their smartphone. In that case, you just want to keep things simple so your guest can focus on what they want to say and not on the tech involved.So in this episode, we'll share some coaching tips you can give to your guest to get better sound quality as...

Bill from Happy Valley Hustle asks, "How do you get your guests to consistently promote their podcast episodes?"TL;DRHaving guests on your podcast is one of our favorite marketing strategies. They have a great time sharing their expertise and, if everything goes well, they're eager to share it with their network of friends and followers. Unfortunately, guests are known to drop the ball in this area, so here are 3 tips to help your podcast guests share their episodes more consistently.1. Commu...

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "How do you promote a podcast?"TL;DROne thing most podcasters don't realize is how much work it takes to grow your audience and find new listeners. Podcast marketing and promotion often take as much time as creating the podcast episodes themselves. The key to making any marketing strategy work is to find new listeners that would be interested in your podcast and telling them about it. Here are the top 3 strategies for promoting your podcast.1. S...

Jonathan from Halfwits & Failed Crits asks, "My question is about podcast networks. When should you start one, join one, or should you avoid them?"TL;DRMany of today's most popular podcasts are a part of podcast networks. These networks pool together groups of shows for better access to sponsors, faster growth, and better exposure. They can be an excellent option for independent podcasters, but there are a couple of things to be aware of before signing on the dotted line.Pro #1: Easier ac...

Kwame from Negotiate Anything asks, "What are some things we should keep in mind when it comes to doing an introduction?"TL;DRA well-produced podcast intro can increase the quality of your podcast, retain new listeners, and serve as a launching point for the rest of your episode. When done poorly, however, it can have the opposite effect.In general, there are three main things you want to communicate in your podcast intro - who you are, what your podcast is about, and why they should care. Th...

Klaas from the RPG Heroes asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?"TL;DRWhile many podcasters are under the impression that getting more reviews in Apple Podcasts leads to a higher position on the podcast charts (or even inclusion in the New & Noteworthy section), those things are not influenced by the number of podcast reviews you have.So what purpose do podcast reviews serve? Podcast reviews are one way to see what your listeners think about your podcast and serve as "social pr...

Brad from the Gay Mystery Podcast asks, "Do I need a custom website for my podcast?"TL;DRPodcast websites have three main benefits. First, building a custom website frees you from the restrictions that the website your podcast host provides for you probably has. You can literally make it whatever you need it to be.Second, having a website will help you build your online brand or online business. You can use your podcast as free marketing to promote your products and turn your listeners into c...

Krystal from The Proffitt Podcast asks, "What's the most important information to look at when you're deciding on keywords for podcast SEO?"TL;DRSearch Engine Optimization (also known as SEO) is the practice of tailoring your online content in a way that's easy for search engines like Google to index and display in their search results. When done well, this means that more people find you without having to spend a dime on advertising.Podcast directories also use this kind of information when ...

Brandon from Digital Marketing Tool Talk asks, "What is the ideal length for a podcast episode?"TL;DROne of the great things about podcasting is that there are so few rules regarding what makes a great podcast. There are some podcasts that have episodes longer than 3 hours (*cough* Joe Rogan *cough*) and some that are 10 minutes or less. Focus on making your podcast as long as it needs to be to say what you need to say without worrying about hitting a certain target.As an overall trend, we've...

Kylie from Halfwit History asks, "What makes a successful podcast?"TL;DRHow you choose to define success is up to you. There's no right or wrong answer, but having a clear sense of purpose for your podcast will help you stay focused on the right metrics instead of getting caught chasing download numbers (which is only one way to see if your podcast is doing well).Regardless of the definition you choose, you can maximize your podcast's potential by doing a handful of things consistently right ...

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, we'll share our top recommendations for podcast artwork and royalty-free music.Get $20 off any design contest at 99designs.com/BuzzsproutRoyalty-Free MusicSoundstripeAudioblocksEpidemic SoundRecord your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn all the details about the show that’s replacing this one, Podcasting Q&A.Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.

Today on 5 Minute Mondays, you'll learn whether you should rebrand your podcast or start a new one.Record your podcasting question at Speakpipe.com/Buzzsprout to be featured on a future episode.Need some help with your podcast? Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook to get the help you need from podcasters just like you.