Prologue
The "Dirty Secret" of Podcast Advertising
I love podcasting, but it's not the "one true religion" so many people claim.
Nothing ever is.
My goal for the people who hire me, those who read my books, and YOU is to build your authority, increase your impact, and grow your audience. And I do that in whatever ways works.
A quick story...
A well-known (and full-time) podcaster I know had an ad on his podcast that wasn't converting. He was worried about losing the advertisers, so he took the link from his podcast and put it in his newsletter.
BOOM! Response picked up and the advertiser was very happy!
Want sponsors for your podcast? Consider doing a "package deal" that also includes something in your newsletter. Not only will you be able to charge more money, you'll also get your sponsor better results, because people are more likely to click on a link in your newsletter than remember a domain name that was said on your podcast and type it in later.
Like a tree, the best time to start a newsletter was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.
In this issue, I'm giving you a plan to start your newsletter, come up with great content for it, and get it out to people. Everything you need is here.
I've included a couple of cool "newsletter tools" to make it easier for you to publish a newsletter, but don't think you have to buy anything to do this – you can start a newsletter with the mailing list service you already have. Or even with free accounts from a mailing service like Snovio and a tool to connect it to your website form like Integrately.
Try it. This time is going to pass regardless, so you might as well jump in now, give it a shot, and start attracting new listeners to what you do.
Podcast Marketing
6 Reasons Every Podcaster Should Have A Newsletter
Here are six good reasons why you should have a newsletter as part of your "media portfolio." In short, it gives you more options for connecting with listeners and will help you to develop skills, like writing, that will only help you with your podcast.
But here is something else to consider – newsletters are easy for people to access, much easier than podcasts. Because of this, a newsletter could very well be your "first impression" on new fans and be the thing that leads them to your podcast.
20x Newsletter Growth - This will also work for your podcast.
This is a quick read (it's a thread on Twitter) that will give you a process for growing your audience via newsletter, podcasting, or anything else you do.
Read it. It will only take a minute or two.
10 ways to improve your email open rates today
If you have a mailing list, you want to read this. Not only will it help you to improve email open rates, it will also help you to get more engagement from your audience, which will translate to your podcast.
12 Newsletter Directories (Submit Your Newsletter!)
Just like there are directories for podcasts, there are directories for newsletters as well. And submitting your newsletter to these directories is one of the easiest things you can to do attract new fans, many of whom will also love your podcast.
6 Email Newsletter Ideas for More Opens, Clicks, and Shares
Just like podcasts have "formats" and creative ways to get more engagement and downloads, newsletters have similar "best practices." Even if you don't have a newsletter, this article will help you get creative with episode titles and content that will result in more people downloading your podcast.
Podcasting Tools
Curated - Your best newsletter option
If you like the layout of this newsletter, you like Curated.
Curated makes it easy to organize newsletter content and make sure it's delivered. It's definitely an option worth looking at if you're considering publishing a newsletter for your podcast.
SendFox - Your Cheapest Newsletter Option (By Far)
SendFox is a nice, low-cost option for people just getting started with newsletters or those looking for a budget solution. For just $49, you'll be able to send unlimited newsletters to up to 5000 subscribers.
Podcast Monetization
How to Price Newsletter Sponsorships
This is worth a read even if you don't have a newsletter, because everything here applies to sponsorships of your podcast as well.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the best reasons to have a newsletter in your media portfolio is because you'll be able to offer "package deals" for podcast sponsors, getting even more money for each ad they run.