157: Producer Panel: Ask the Experts ft. Madison McCann, Michael Crosa, & Daniel Ashworth

What questions do you have for podcast producers? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a panel recording from a recent event with 148 Films here in Chattanooga. Studio manager, Daniel Ashworth interviews myself and local producers, Madison McCann & Michael Crosa, on some big questions about podcasting as a business, plus our best advice for clients and other podcasters.

Special thanks of 148 Studios for hosting this event and inviting me to be a part of the panel!

Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.

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Defining Success in Podcasting

Podcasting success is not one-size-fits-all. A recurring theme throughout the panel was the necessity of defining success on your own terms. While industry metrics like high download numbers are appealing, success might mean gaining new clients, building influential connections, or expanding brand awareness. By establishing clear goals at the outset, you can tailor your strategy to meet those objectives, measuring success in ways that are meaningful to your individual journey.

Content Creation and Branding

Before launching a podcast, there is value in solidifying your brand and content strategy. Madison McCann highlighted the need for a strong brand identity, including logo design and clear communication about your podcast’s theme and audience. Further, it’s crucial to consider the existing podcast landscape: What sets your podcast apart? Is there an unmet niche you can fill? By understanding your unique value proposition, you can carve out a space in an increasingly crowded market.

Leveraging Tools and Resources

For those diving into podcast production, selecting the right tools can make all the difference. The panel shared insights on balancing quality and budget, suggesting options like the Samson Q2U microphone for beginners or leveraging recording studios like 148 Studios for initial episodes. Additionally, utilizing tools like Descript can streamline editing by allowing you to cut audio directly from a transcription, saving time and effort.

You can check out our full guide of gear for podcasters here.

Monetization and Promotion

Monetization and promotion are critical components of podcasting as a business. The panel explored various methods, from promoting through existing social media channels and email lists to newer strategies like Pinterest and podcast feed swaps. What’s more, the concept of using podcasts to enhance business growth was paramount. By aligning your podcast with your business goals, you can expand your reach and potentially monetize through advertising, client acquisition, or even community building activities like sponsorships at live events.

Exploring New Trends and Opportunities

Lastly, the discussion touched on emerging trends such as the debate between audio-only versus video podcasting. While video can expand your reach on platforms like YouTube, it’s not always necessary, especially for solo podcasters. Panelists agreed that staying authentic and true to your brand resonates more with audiences than overly polished content. As podcasting continues to evolve, authenticity and engagement remain key drivers of listener loyalty and success.

Podcasting offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with audiences, grow your business, and build your brand. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your existing podcast, remember to define your goals clearly, brand your podcast effectively, and leverage the tools and strategies that align with your objectives. As the podcasting landscape continues to grow, so too does the potential for creativity and connection within this dynamic medium.

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Time-stamps:

Get to know the podcast producers (3:20)

Is there a best time of year to start a podcast? (6:30)

How do you measure the success of a podcast? (7:51)

Is it professional or a passion project? (10:17)

How to go from idea to published? (12:37)

What are the best methods of podcast promotion? (17:12)

Building a content strategy (21:52)

Where should you start with equipment? (23:40)

Audio only or video? (27:47)

What production tools should you use? (31:47)