Prologue
Just a Podcast? No.
One of the pros of "social media" is that it's forced us to look at ourselves as well as different types of people. For example, this girl, this lady, and the drummer I want for my band.
I love this.
Most people live in silos. In general, we spend most of our time with people who look, think, and act just like we do.
Social media, and also podcasting, disrupt this. It's uncomfortable and it's messy, but it's important.
What you're doing isn't "just a podcast."
In this issue of Big Podcast Insider, thoughts on the "1000 True Fans" theory, a way to change your voice listen here for an example, and a podcast editing nightmare.
Want more? Get the audio edition.
Podcaster Opportunities
1000 True Fans
Lots of people talk about the "1000 True Fans" concept, but few know where it came from or the details behind it. This is an updated version of the original manifesto and the comments are as helpful as the article itself.
How the math works:
- You have to create enough each year that you can earn, on average, $100 profit from each true fan.
- You must have a direct relationship with your fans and be paid directly, so you keep 100% of the money.
1000 x $100 = $100,000
Is it possible with podcasting? Yes. Especially if you use your podcast to promote additional things you can charge for, such as:
- live performances
- books
- workshops
- consulting
- merch
This isn't to say that it's easy. For most people, podcasting is only part of a complete business and more of a marketing element than the end product. But living solely off sponsorship money and listener donations is also possible and plenty of podcasters are doing it.
Want help making more money with your podcast? Check out Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
Podcasting Tools
Don't Like Your Voice? Change It!
Supertone's Shift offers real-time voice changing technology. Listen here for an example.
It lets users immediately switch to any selected voice. Just pick a voice and begin speaking.
It's very cool and there are some good uses for podcasting, including fiction podcasts and guests who want to be anonymous. It's worth checking out and you can get it free here.
Podcast Production
This is a Post-Production Nightmare
I'm not posting this photo to make fun of this lady's hat.
When it comes to fashion, I'm with André Leon Talley that it's up to the individual to determine what "fashionable" is.
But ... A hat like this, with beads swinging back and forth as she talks, creates a lot of sound and that's an editing nightmare.
Same for clanging jewelry. Same for beards that are long enough to rub against the mic.
You may not notice it at the time of recording, but you'll definitely notice it in the playback.
Be aware.
Podcast Humor
A Person Who Gets You
The image is a joke, but I'm being serious ...
It's nice to have somebody in your life who "gets" you.
For some people, that "somebody" is you and your podcast.
It doesn't have to be anything serious—maybe somebody is really into birding and you have a birding podcast. But it's not about the "birding" or anything else ... it's about knowing you're not alone.
Classifieds
Swell AI
Swell AI automates writing podcast summaries, articles, social posts, and more.
- Manage multiple shows in one dashboard.
- Build custom templates for each show.
- Connects with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zoom.
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
$100 Podcast Studio from Focusrite
This $100 Podcast Studio from Focusrite includes:
- Vocaster One audio interface
- Vocaster DM1 mic
- Focusrite HP60v studio headphones
- XLR mic/interface cable
It's perfect for a solo podcaster or somebody doing only remote interviews.
Have two people in the same room? This $200 Podcast Studio with Vocaster DM14v mic, studio headphones, and XLR cable will do what you need.
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services