Amazon Prime Day is an annual shopping extravaganza that offers incredible discounts on a wide range of products, and this year is no exception. For podcasters, Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your gear, invest in new equipment, and find tools that can...

Hey Clocking In listeners—if you’re ready to make your podcast sound like mine, I’m sharing my simple, yet powerful podcast setup with you!  Note: There are so many different ways that you can record for podcasts, including working with recorders. The particular...

As a podcaster, having the right tools can make all the difference in the quality of your show, your efficiency, and your overall success. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which programs are worth investing in. Today, we're highlighting...

As a podcaster, choosing the right platform for recording your episodes is crucial. The decision can make or break the quality of your podcast. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tools, and while Zoom has been a popular choice for many, Riverside FM has...

If you're preparing to launch your podcast, one of the most important steps is the RSS feed submission process—but what happens when you go to submit to Apple Podcasts and you don't have an Apple ID or an Apple product? You're a little stuck. As a podcast launch...

When you dream about hosting your own podcast, you think about how much fun you’ll have sharing your message, connecting with your audience, and interviewing guests. What you usually don’t think about is all the time it takes to actually produce a podcast. Several...

Looking for new podcast episode ideas? One easy way to turn a single topic into several episodes is to create a series. Creating a series of episodes that fall under one topic is a great way to engage your listeners and grow your subscriber count. You also position...

Does writing podcast show notes feel like a drag? Do you question if they’re actually doing anything for your podcast and if you really need them? Trust me, I’ve been there, and my clients have been there too. However, I figured out how to hack podcast show notes to...

Online marketing and social media strategies are constantly changing, but there is one thing that has remained true for years: your email list is your most valuable asset.  Does the world of podcast email marketing intimidate you? It doesn’t have to when you use...

Is your podcast intro working for you? If you haven’t put a ton of time or strategy into your podcast intro because you think listeners will skip it, now is the time to change your outlook. A well-written podcast intro can hook your listeners and turn them into...

Are you new to podcasting? Most new podcasters like to start out on a Blue Yeti Microphone since it's a budget friendly option, but offers a cute accessory to photoshoots. While this is a beginner tool, it's easy to become overwhelmed when you're not sure how to use...

Have you ever wanted to include your listeners in your podcast? You can! All you have to do is ask them to send you voice messages through SpeakPipe. Podcasting isn’t a one-way street. Hosts have always relied on audience feedback to guide their content. In the past,...

Podcasting is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. It can also be a great way to make money. But, in order to monetize your podcast, you need supportive and loyal listeners. One way to get listeners is to monetize your podcast with a service...

Are you nervous about inviting more than one guest on to your podcast at a time? As long as you know how to manage the conversation, there’s nothing to be nervous about.  In fact, interviewing more than one podcast guest has tons of benefits for your show! Your...

You did it! You finally took the plunge and created the podcast you’ve been thinking about for years. Now how do you get it in people’s ears?  4 Ways to Market Your Podcast Launch Marketing your podcast may feel overwhelming if you aren’t used to promoting your...

Creating and hosting your own podcast can be such a great experience for many. It can be a creative outlet as well as a platform to market and grow your business. But, some may enter the podcasting world, give it a shot, then realize it isn't for them. You may be...

When you host a successful podcast, you will start getting pitches for guests and topic ideas all the time. While some pitches are the perfect match for your show, others won’t work.  It’s important to have a professional plan to reject podcast pitches so that...

If you’re a new podcast host, the thought of needing relationships with podcast publicists and pitching agencies may seem far off, but trust me, it can happen way faster than you imagine! As your podcast grows and gains clout in the industry, all of a sudden everyone...

One of the best ways to grow your credibility is to appear as a guest on podcasts. If you’re a podcast host yourself, being on a different podcast gets you in front of a pool of new potential listeners that you can bring back to your show with you. However, that...

Creating a free Facebook group for your podcast can be a great way to build your community and connect with your audience. Podcasters can find great value in your Facebook group, so you want to make sure it is easy to access and join. If you already have a Facebook...

One of the most powerful things about podcasting that most hosts don’t utilize enough is how it can grow other aspects of your brand. Your podcast should not be on an island that’s separate from your other marketing strategies, it should be incorporated and leveraged...

There’s a new podcasting trend that I want you to be the first to know about: Pop-Up Podcasting. This concept was created by Magan Ward, an entrepreneur, and educator for other online entrepreneurs!  We got the scoop on how Pop-Up Podcasting works straight from...

One of the reasons I love podcasting is because it’s so creatively fulfilling. There are always things you can do to improve and elevate your work.  If you ever feel stuck with your podcast growth or uninspired to keep going, I encourage you to try these simple...

I still remember how excited I felt about starting my own podcast. After producing and editing podcasts for other hosts, I couldn’t wait to dive in with my idea and bring my own show to life. But before I could fully dive in, I had to figure out how much I could...

As a podcast host, you’ve probably heard about the importance of optimizing your podcast over and over again. Yet, the concept of “optimizing” can have several meanings these days. What does it actually mean to boost your Podcast SEO? Essentially, there’s optimizing...

I truly believe that the goal of podcasting should not be to only amass a huge amount of listeners. However, it’s still important to track and understand your download numbers.  The number of downloads that are good for individual podcast episodes depends on...

Remember when you used to spend hours crafting a perfect playlist of all your favorite songs to burn to a CD for your friends? And then your iTunes player started creating playlists for you and changed your life?  All of a sudden you could easily share your...

New podcast hosts usually see podcasting as a fun creative outlet, a way to build a community or a project to do with a friend. But when done correctly, launching a podcast can also help grow your business. I joined Taylor Jones on the Fearless Fempire podcast to talk...

Are you confused about podcast networks and how they work? Think of them as a TV network, like NBC, where the network is the umbrella company that hosts a variety of TV shows. Podcast networks are the same: umbrella companies that host individual podcasts. An example...

I’m so excited to share this episode of the Branded by Bernel podcast with you! I’m usually behind the scenes of my client’s podcast, but this time I got to be a guest on one!  Bernel is an amazing branding coach and web designer who helps her clients turn their...

Do you want to see updates from your favorite websites in one place? That’s exactly what an RSS feed is for. RSS stands for “really simple syndication,” and the concept has been around for a long time. However, they serve a special purpose for podcasters who use...

There are so many channels to create and produce content today, and as a business owner, you may feel overwhelmed. Do you need to publish content on every single platform, or is it better to focus on one? If you already host your own podcast, I’m going to tell you...

As a creative entrepreneur in today’s world, putting yourself out there is part of the job. From social media marketing to email campaigns, your audience has to get to know who you are. This side of running a business can be tricky for introverts who prefer to stay...

Finding a podcast guest week after week may feel overwhelming, but there are simple tricks you can use to make the process seamless.  Do podcasts need to have guest episodes? Technically, no. However, having guests on helps provide your listeners with new...

What does it take to host a chart-topping podcast? Well first, you need to understand how podcast charts work.  Each podcast player has its own chart, and the ranking is determined by its own algorithm. That means that even if your podcast is number three on the...

Have you noticed that some of your favorite podcasts publish their episodes in “seasons” like a TV show? There’s no rule that says podcast hosts have to do this, and some don’t, but using seasons is a great way for hosts to break up their shows. Planning your podcast...

As a podcast host, have you ever gotten so wrapped up in a conversation with your guest that you forget you’re recording a podcast? This is a great problem to have, but it’s still important to be strategic about how you end your podcast interviews.  After all,...

Have you ever been hooked on a podcast that just disappeared? One week you’re enjoying a new episode, and then they don’t publish a new one for months?  Inconsistency with your podcast schedule is the quickest way to lose an engaged audience. The idea of...

As a podcast creator, you want to take advantage of all the marketing tools you can to get your podcast in front of new listeners. One way to launch your show to new ears is to get it promoted by Apple Podcasts. The editors over at Apple Podcasts are always looking...

One of the most daunting parts of being a podcast creator and host is coming up with a fresh episode idea every single week. That’s why I always recommend planning your episodes in advance so you’re never left hanging without an idea. Want some easy podcast episode...

As a podcast host, you want to turn your target audience into loyal listeners with easy, automated systems. One of the simplest systems you can use is your show description.  The show description is an opportunity to welcome new listeners and tell them exactly...

As a podcast producer, I help all my clients create resource hubs for their podcasts. Not sure what that is? You can listen to this episode of Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin to learn all about them!  Essentially, a resource hub is a landing page for your podcast,...

After hours of dreaming, creating, and perfecting your brand new podcast, it’s finally time to launch it! But hold up: you can’t just hit publish and expect your podcast to explode. For your podcast to reach the ears of your dream listeners, you need to build a...

If you’re new to podcasting, you’ve probably heard the term “IAB certified” thrown around in the podcasting community and wondered what on earth people were talking about. Even if you are familiar with the IAB certification, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to...

Being a podcast host comes with a lot of responsibility—including deciding who will be on your show. While ideally, you'll reach out to the perfect guests that align just right with your show, there will come a time when you receive pitches that aren't a good fit....

Marketing your podcast is a vital step in growing your audience! Great marketing allows you to reach new listeners by promoting and highlighting aspects of your podcast. With social media, marketing yourself has become way more accessible. You can utilize your social...

Boosting Your SEO Rankings with Your Podcast Has this happened to you? You put your heart and soul into your podcast, create a rock-solid brand around it, and when you finally release it, your downloads fall flat. As a hardworking podcast host and creator, nothing is...

Inviting guests to speak on your podcasts in an amazing way to share fresh ideas with your listeners. If you usually record solo podcasts, having a conversation with a guest takes all the pressure off of you. You know I love creating workflows, so of course, I’m going...

The decision to monetize your podcast seems like a no-brainer. You’re already putting a ton of time and effort into your podcast, and you love doing it, so why not get paid for it? However, once you decide you want to monetize your podcast, the big question is how...

Does launching a podcast feel like a side project that you do for fun, but not actually something that contributes to your business? It doesn’t have to be that way.  I believe you can use your podcast to grow your business by creating a marketing funnel. With the...

How to Monetize Your Podcast Does the idea of monetizing your podcast intimidate you? I get it, but before you push back on monetizing your podcast, I want you to consider the time and investment you already put into it. Making money from your podcast doesn’t have to...

One thing that podcast hosts often overlook is vocal health. When you speak into a microphone for a living, or for your side hustle or hobby, it’s important to prepare your voice.  As a podcast host myself, I’ve developed easy ways to get my voice ready to record. If...

Planning your podcast content in advance gives you the opportunity to ensure your content is engaging as well as effective in accomplishing the goals you have for your podcast. Create a Goal for Your Podcast Whether you’re wanting to start a  new podcast or maybe...

Creating and implementing contracts is a part of business ownership that no one wants to talk about, but as a podcast host or producer, it’s crucial that you don’t skip it. Any time services and money are exchanged, there needs to be a contract involved.  In this...

There is so much power in podcasting, for your brand, your business, but also yourself. My podcast client, Quianna of Quianna Marie Weekly invited me to sit down for a discussion about podcasting on her podcast. I'm honored that Quianna asked me to join her in episode...

Updated May 5, 2022: Unfortunately, Facebook has officially announced the removal of Podcasts from it's platform. While we're saddened by the decision, we still believe that social media promotion and repurposing your podcast content across Facebook and Instagram are...

I'm a big proponent of defining your own success, primarily because my definition of success has definitely shifted over the years. Shortly after I launched Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin, I shared an episode highlighting this and sharing exactly how I view success in...

The numbers behind your podcast episodes are important for understanding both the success of your podcast (if your goal is listenership) and in what content resonates with your audience. A few important number to consider tracking around your podcast download numbers...

As a host, it's so important that you prepare for an interview, just as much as you expect your guest to prepare. Since you are executing the interview, you need to make sure that you are communicating things efficiently to make sure your guest understands what is...

Creating systems and workflows for your podcast is so important to both streamline it and stay consistent! I'm a big fan of building out a system that works for you, so when my friend and Podcast Launch VIP Day client, Dolly Delong invited me to be on her podcast to...

When producing a podcast, hosts need to think of themselves as a listener and make a note of things that can be annoying or distracting to their audience. Identifying these minuscule noises and habits and eliminating them can only help to improve the quality and...

When you start a podcast and host interviews, you'll eventually be bombarded with pitches.. good ones, bad ones, and everything in between. After managing podcast pitches for clients for years, I decided that the best solution to this is to have a podcast guest...

Producers can take the work off your plate and execute your ideas behind the scene. They help maintain your podcast by editing, scheduling, managing, and bringing your visions to life.  Manage Your Podcast Your producer can keep up with all the nitty gritty...

Using an intake form helps gather all the assets you need for a guest. This is an easy way to have all your guests' information in one place so you don’t have to scramble to find their information. 9 Items to Request on Your Podcast Intake Form Email address: This...

Creating a podcast for your business is a unique way to reach new clients and provide great content to listeners. Your podcast also provides a platform to market your services with ads and organic marketing.  A podcast is a great resource for your business! Not...

Connecting with your podcast listeners is so crucial these days because people tend to want to have somewhat of a relationship with the people they support. You can also expand the individual relationships you have with your listeners and create a community where they...

Once you've pitched yourself or accepted a position as a podcast guest, it is very important that you put in the work to prepare and provide the best conversation possible. This ensures that you cover all your bases for being a great guest and making the interview...

A business podcast should serve the audience, along with the business itself. Look at it this way, if your clients are happy then the company will flourish and bring in more revenue. Many businesses begin podcasts with the intention of educating fellow business owners...

Marketing for podcasts is very important, not only to grow your audience, but also maintain the listeners you have already acquired. There are 5 easy to use marketing platforms that you should include by default to grow your audience. The 5 marketing platforms you...

Apple Podcasts has recently improved the listener experience by introducing Automatic Downloads. Listeners are able to easily enjoy the newest of their favorite podcasts wherever they are without much planning ahead. For Podcasters, you can be sure that your listeners...

I know just how much time it takes to plan out a podcast and launch. You probably spent a lot of time and care in planning, prepping, and creating your podcast.. or maybe you're just getting started! If you're still in the research phase of your podcast, I have the...

So, you're ready to jump into the world of podcasting? You may have a concept, setup, and all of the tools necessary to get started- but have you named your show? This simple step can be one of the most challenging of all! The name of your podcast is your audience's...

Interviewing guests on your podcast can be such a fun experience, and bring great benefits to your show! Not only do you get to chat with a friend or field expert, you can grow your audience with cross promotion with your guest, and you can add some variety into your...

Featuring guests on your podcast can be a great benefit to your show and a lot of fun! Many podcasters host guests frequently on their podcasts. Yet, many just starting out in the podcast world aren’t aware of all that goes into preparing and planning guest features....

A podcast is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and creatives to build a relationship with their audience. Hosting a podcast can also become a mode of free marketing for yourself. For those who provide a product or service beyond their podcast content, a podcast...

Starting your podcasting journey is a process with many steps. You'll start with the fun stuff- creating and conceptualizing the show. Then you’re faced with the decision of how you’ll produce your show. You could either hire a producer ( like Gaffin Creative) or...

Spotify has quickly grown to become one of the most popular platforms for podcast listening. As they’ve grown, Spotify has updated its podcast charts to help growing podcasts connect with new audiences. A refreshed algorithm and expanded charts provide a larger...

Your podcast is the place for you to express your ideas, expertise, and really whatever you want. When planning your content you’ll want to structure your episodes in a way most comfortable for you and fitting to your show.  There are a few common ways in which...

Creating show notes for your podcast is a great benefit for both you and your listeners! Your show notes are essentially the key topics you cover in the particular episode. This is also the place that you can provide resources, social links, and even products you...

Podcasting is a great resource for creators and educators in every field.  Creating and launching a great podcast requires some investment. The cost of equipment, membership fees for the necessary programs, any promotions you run, and all the other costs can...

Your podcast is launched! All your hard work has paid off and you’ve released your few episodes. So, what’s next? When planning your show, one major decision to make is how often you will release your episodes.  Your release schedule is totally up to you! This...

Are you wanting to launch yourself as a public speaker? Or simply looking to land more opportunities on podcasts or at speaking events? The best way to establish yourself as a voice in your field is to provide a speaking page on your site.  A speaking page is your...

Ready to launch your new podcast? As your launch day approaches, you’ll want to prepare the tools to promote your new show. One easy and free tool you can use is a podcast launch team!  A podcast launch team is a group of people who will help you promote your...

Apple just recently announced the arrival of Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a service that allows creators to offer unique benefits to paying listeners. There are many features to this new program, many of them designed with the goal of empowering creators.  This new...

Podcasts have quickly risen in popularity over the past few years. The accessibility of this style of content creates a platform for creators to connect with their audience in a way they had not been able to before. Podcasts are able to create a personal interaction...

Guest interviews on your podcast can be some of the most interesting and entertaining episodes you create. Yet, reaching guests can sometimes present a challenge with long distances. Luckily there are many recording platforms that allow you to reach your guests...

Hosting guests on your podcast is a great experience for you, your guest, and your listeners! This is a chance to network, provide insight from other experts, and have some fun on your show. But, before you host a guest, it’s important to understand the role that a...

Launching a podcast comes with many decisions, one important one being how many episodes to publish on your launch day. At Gaffin Creative, we encourage all of our podcasts to launch with at least 3 episodes! Posting multiple episodes when you launch brings a variety...

Finding music you can use on your podcast isn't as tough of a task as you might believe. There are a variety of websites that sell licenses for royalty free music. It's important that you're looking for two things when searching for music: Royalty Free Music Licensing...

Being a guest on podcasts can help grow your brand, influence, and eligibility to speak on stages. Once you’ve been accepted as a guest on a podcast, the host or producer will likely reach out for your assets or media kit. Let’s make their job a little easier by...

One of the best ways to help grow your website traffic, along with your podcast listenership, is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Improving your SEO simply means that you are increasing your ‘searchability’ organically within Google. You can improve the...

Want to build your podcast audience before you even launch? One major way to attract an audience is through a podcast trailer.  Like the trailer you might see for a movie, this short synopsis of your content will encourage listeners to engage with your podcast....

Apple Podcasts is one of the most popular podcast players today. Within the platform, Apple curates a selection of what is called “New & Noteworthy” podcasts, just as the name suggests, these are new shows that Apple sees as noteworthy. Getting featured here is a...

A major step to growing your podcast’s audience is transcribing your episodes. A transcription of your podcast is simply the audio of your content converted to text. This can be done manually, by typing word-for-word the entirety of every episode, or automatically by...

One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need as a podcaster is a microphone. Your podcast doesn't need the newest, most expensive mic on the market. One of the biggest things to consider when looking for a microphone is whether you want to use a USB or...

What’s the first and last thing you hear when you start a podcast? The intro and outro! Every podcast has them, and your podcast needs them too. The tricky part is getting a solid intro and outro done well. It’s best to go into it with a plan, so here we have a basic...

You're ready to launch your dream podcast and turn it into a reality, right? First you'll need some equipment! There are so many options out there when it comes to podcasting equipment and tools, but today I'm sharing my exact recording setup (plus a few additional...

One of the most important parts of starting your own podcast is executing an impactful trailer to draw potential listeners in. But, what goes into your trailer? There are many things you can include in your trailer, but today, we'll be covering the baseline elements:...