The Podcast Fast Track

Your podcast intro has 7 seconds tohook listeners or lose them forever. Most podcasters blow it withgeneric music and boring introductions. Let's talk about the sounddesign psychology that separates amateur podcasts from the onespeople actually binge.*The Brutal Truth About FirstImpressionsYou've got brilliant content.Game-changing insights. Stories that could transform lives. Buthere's the thing - if your intro sounds like garbage, nobody willstick around to hear any of it.Bad sound design pushes people awaybefore they even get to your brilliance. It's like showing up to abusiness meeting in pajamas. Sure, you might be a genius, butnobody's going to take you seriously.After 13 years of producing podcasts,I've seen it all. The good, the bad, and the "oh dear Lord, makeit stop." Let's make sure yours falls into the first category.Watch along as I show you how to do this yourself on this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxiP2w1LI00&feature=youtu.be

The brutal truth about your failing content strategy (and the 3-second rule that changes everything) The 3-Second Death Rule That's Killing Your ContentYour reel has exactly three seconds to live or die. Three seconds before viewers scroll past, potentially lost forever. And here's what makes it worse: when viewers swipe past, the algorithm doesn't forget about it—it actively punishes you.It's a brutal truth!  While you've been making content, successful creators have been making something completely different. There's a massive distinction that's costing you hundreds of thousands of views. Gone are the days when you could simply pull highlights from your podcast and expect them to perform. The game has completely changed, especially in the last year.Those creators getting 200,000 views understand a fundamental shift in how short-form content works—a shift that most creators completely miss. It's not about better content or fancier editing. It's about understanding what your reels actually are (hint: they're not what you think).The Content Creator's Secret WeaponWe're not content hopers. We're content creators. But most creators are hoping for viral moments instead of engineering them. The difference between 200 views and 200,000 views comes down to specific techniques you can implement before you even hit record.There's a pro technique I use with interview guests that turns boring responses into viral gold—without making your guest look bad. In fact, it makes them look even more expert while giving you complete control over the viral potential of your content. This single technique has transformed how my clients approach their podcast interviews.But here's the thing: none of this works if you don't understand your audience's deepest pain points. I've developed a specific questionnaire that digs through the layers to find your true niche and audience. Once you have this clarity, creating scroll-stopping content becomes almost automatic.You can check that out right here.The Framework That Changes EverythingThe worst content mistake you can make isn't what you think. It's not about poor quality or bad audio. It's something that makes viewers ignore you forever and triggers the algorithm to bury your content even deeper.I've developed a specific framework for creating what I call "scroll-stoppers"—content that doesn't just get views but builds an empire. It involves scripting certain elements (but not what you'd expect) and understanding the three types of headlines that actually make people stop scrolling.In the full episode, I break down:- The exact 5-hook method I use before every recording- Two different recording strategies (one saves time, one maximizes viral potential)- How to pull 10 viral reels from a single piece of content- The spokesperson technique that saves boring interviews- Why giving away your best content actually makes you more money---Subscribe to the podcast or Watch the Full EpisodeReady for the complete system? This blog post only scratches the surface. In the full episode, I'm revealing everything—including actual examples of hooks that work and live demonstrations of how to implement them.📺 Watch the Full Video Tutorial🎧 Or prefer to listen? Get the complete breakdown on the Podcast Fast Track podcast, where I go even deeper into the psychology behind viral content and share client case studies you won't see anywhere else.Connect with AaronGet daily content tips and behind-the-scenes...

I have LONG wanted a Podcast Newsletter that provides content for me — an INDEPENDENT PODCASTER.I mean, it's OK to have industry news about who moved from what bigwig company to another biggerwig company in a higher profile industry-speak position... no problem there.But it's not relevant to me at all.So I've created an Indie Podcast Newsletter FOR Indie Podcasters, BY an Indie Podcaster. Abraham Lincoln would have said something like that if he were a podcaster.I'm calling it "Podawan" (hat tip to the Star Wars universe).I LOVE the idea of Podawan Learner... and since we are all bootstrapping, do it yourself kind of folks, we can be Podawans.Each episode or installment of the Podawan newsletter will include...An Education section that highlights stuff you need to learn or do betterA Success Stories section that tells of Indie podcasters who have actually done it.An Industry News section where I frame happenings in ways that matter to you.And an Editorial section... where I write an opinion piece based on issues within the podcast industry (and shock... it will be RELEVANT to Indie podcasters).Finally... I'll be taking LETTERS TO THE EDITOR... you can write your input about my opinions, industry stuff, something else. I don't care what it is. Send it to me.I hope you'll subscribe. It's going to be a fun and RELEVANT ride.Oh yeah... you can also find some fun, Podawan swag here.

How successful can a niche podcast be?The answer likely depends on the niche. For example, back on episode 154 of this podcast Glenn Hebert, the personality and power behind The Horse Radio Network said this about his niche:”(Annually) We are well into five figures, and you know, in our niche, we’ll probably never get to six figures. I don’t see us ever doing that.”But his comments are about an expensive and specific niche, horses. What about if the niche in question is broader but very popular?Like Bourbon?While he was still in college, Kenny Coleman became a fan of bourbon (makes sense) and got into the “Bourbon Culture” from there. His interest became a passion and his passion has turned into a multi-six-figure business, all built on the back of a podcast that happened to become very, very popular.My theory? Kenny pursued something he loved that many others were growing to love at the same time, and he saw an opportunity to serve people like himself.Kenny and Ryan started their podcast from scratch, just like the rest of usGo back and listen to episode 1 of The Bourbon Pursuit podcast (you can find it here). There was nothing super special about it. Just two guys with a mic (maybe two) who were talking about something they enjoyed — bourbon. They set the stage, gave listeners an idea what to expect, and asked for feedback. I love what they said at the end of that episode...“If we suck, let us know, if it’s good, let us know. If you think something else would be cool, let us know. We just want to learn and grow as we go.”That is KEY: Ask for feedbackNo matter what your niche is, you won’t be able to serve your audience well until you know what they want. So figure out ways to ask them...What do they want to learn?Who do they want to hear from in the niche?What kind of skills do they need?What are the pains they feel related to the niche?These days Kenny and Ryan do that through a community that is managed, run, and kept alive by members of their Patreon supporters. But back at the beginning, they had to figure out ways to do it. Annual surveys were a tool they used. Soliciting listener feedback episode to episode helped. And little by little, they were able to dial-in their demographic and know how to serve their audience better.Quality matters, both technically and in skill levelKenny and Ryan started their podcast about bourbon back in 2015. Bourbon back then was NOT the thing it is today. Today it’s cool, hip, trendy, etc. , but back then, it was just a hobby for enthusiasts. But that began to change. More bourbon-related podcasts started showing up and Kenny (the Executive Producer of the show) realized he’d have to figure out ways to make their show better than all the rest.So he up-leveled the equipment they used. He improved their interviewing skills. He shot for higher-level guests and topics listeners said they wanted to hear.And the podcast continued to grow.Burnout happens to all podcasters at some pointThere was a turning point when Kenny felt he was going to have to give up the podcast. He was working a full-time job, was married, and had a child, and he felt that he was being pulled in too many directions. Between his job and the podcast he was working 80 hours a week and knew that without any payoff coming from his efforts, it didn’t make sense to keep making the kind of sacrifices he was making.He was open about the situation on social media and a fan reached out and suggested they start a Patreon. Kenny didn’t even know what it was. If you dont, here’s the nutshell: Patreon allows fans to support you on a donation level. You can set it up in a way they donate monthly, or per-episode you...

Every podcaster is looking for ways to grow her audience. Why? Hopefully, it's for reasons bigger than our own ego (if it's not, please — STOP podcasting right now).The best reason to work toward podcast audience growth is to better serve those who find our show interesting and or helpful. I know you agree with me, right?Scott Johnson is a guy who does that through a couple of podcasts, but the one we focus on in this conversation is what he calls his "passion project" — "What was that like?" It's an intriguing show that interviews real people about the bizarre and sometimes painful experiences they've had in life. (Check out this episode, "Robert was in a gunfight with pirates" to get a taste for yourself).Scott and I discuss the MAIN thing he's done to keep his audience growth heading upward — and it comes in THREE forms. He breaks it down on this episode.You'll enjoy this episode if you're interested in...the best ways to discover what kind of people listen to your podcasthow to find other podcasts that have a similar audience (listen to understand why this is important)making connections with the podcasters who host those showspartnering with other podcasters to grow your respective showsreal-life results that come from this strategypodcast mastermind groups: their benefits might surprise youMentioned on this episode"What was that like?" - Scott's podcast discussed on this episode: https://whatwasthatlike.com/Scott's The Computer Tutor podcast: https://computertutorflorida.com/MIDROLL: Podcast MastermindIf you're interested in growing your podcast by joining forces with other podcasters who are on their way to success (just like you), consider applying for the next Podcast Fast Track Podcast Mastermind. It's one of the best investments you can make in your podcast, hands-down. Not to mention the great ongoing cooperative relationships you'll make with other podcasters like yourself. APPLY FOR THE NEXT GROUP HERE.Other podcasters who share your audience are NOT your competitionOne of the things I've loved about podcasting ever since I started is the reality that it's a very cooperative space. Unlike other industries, podcasters seem more than generous to help others who are trying to grow a show just like they are. This conversation with Scott is an example (he's a very generous guy).Scott banks on that fact as part of his podcast audience growth strategy. It's an easy assumption to make because you know that other podcasters who your audience finds intriguing or interesting are attempting to grow their listenership just like you. Reaching out to them to investigate cooperative partnerships makes perfect sense.But it's not easy to do with all the SPAM hitting our inboxes these days. For that reason, I was super interested in finding out how Scott makes the most of his opportunities to partner with other podcasters. As I suspected, he doesn't use a copy-and-paste email template that can be modified for pseudo-personal outreach. He does the hard work required to ensure he's coming across genuinely and that his communication is cutting through the noise. Listen to find out the details because I ask him all the questions.What elements contribute to your audience growth outreach pitch being noticed?As I mentioned above, SPAM...

If you feel you don't know enough about the topics you want to podcast about, you are in good companyMaria Failla began her podcast, Bloom & Grow Radio because she DIDN'T know enough about how to care for her plants and saw it as a great opportunity to talk to experts who did. And by the way, isn't that a GREAT name for a podcast? It comes from a line in Maria's favorite song from the musical, "The Sound of Music" - Edelweiss.I was eager to talk with Maria about her journey because as a client, I've seen her go from almost no audience to an amazing following and enthusiastic membership community that's quite astounding. The lessons she's learned are ones any podcaster can benefit from, especially if you're looking to serve your audience in bigger ways, build relationships with sponsors that benefit them long-term, and therefore, fuel your podcast, AND make your podcast a full-time living kind of thing eventually.All of that is true of Maria and it just might be possible for you too. Give her a chance to convince you of what's possible!What you'll learn from Maria's story[2:32] Maria's monetization story: Where she's at now[4:32] Niche podcast ad sales | speaking opportunities | membership community[7:18] The wandering path: Why Maria thought 10 episodes would be it for her show[11:10] The first steps of monetization Maria started taking[14:35] How to leverage the power of the fact that you are your target listener[19:36] How to move affiliate relationships to sponsor partnerships🚨 Set up a MEMBERSHIP for your podcastIn this episode, I mentioned that I have a very successful membership once your podcast is rolling. You'll hear Maria speak about how she's doing that if you listen (you ARE going to listen, right?).I use a platform called Supercast, which I describe at the midpoint of this conversation. HERE IS MY AFFILIATE LINK to Supercast... and remember, if you use my link to sign up for Supercast, I'll send you my "Supercast Walkthrough" video to help you get it set up and get started.And to see how Supercast works, here is the link I share with my podcast listers that provides more information about my podcast partnership (what I call it instead of a "membership"): https://CareyGreen.com/partners[27:17] The membership Maria has created sounds amazing... she shares how you can build one too![33:06] Premium tiers are coming to Maria's membership... here's how she's setting it up[36:01] How Maria's self-doubt and ignorance led her to a vulnerable approach to her topics (that has been SUPER successful)[38:10] Getting past the fear of asking people for money to support what you're doing[42:01] Being friends with your sponsors removes the tension from the financial relationship and makes things more fun[44:51] Why "Bespoke" podcast ads are THE WAY TO GO with your sponsor relationships (it's a game-changer for you and your sponsor)If you're not an expert in your niche, that may be an IDEAL reason to start a podcastMaria says that she never expected her podcast to get past 10 episodes. There were a handful of reasons for that but the main one was that she thought she would probably run out of questions and guests by then. But as she got into things, it became clear to her that not only did she have more and more questions as she went along, but the audience was benefitting greatly from the content she was producing.That led her to one of the key insights that have...

Glenn Hebert... is one of those guys who saw the value and power of podcasting early on. His "Horse Radio Network" has been in the podcasting game for a long, long time as a result.I wanted to chat with Glenn about monetization because he's done it well — he and his wife both work full-time for their little media company and have recurring sponsorships for their shows that are long-standing.How does that kind of thing happen? That's what I wanted to know.Glenn is quick to point out that his audience (horse owners) are an obsessive bunch (his words). They are eager and willing to spend lots of money on their horse hobby, so he's got a bit of a built-in "buyer's market" in his niche.But the principles he shares are applicable just the same.Listen to this episode to hear the story of how the HRN came about, how Glenn started monetizing, what the income is like now, and how he recommends you go about doing the same thing in your niche.

Podcasting success comes in all shapes and sizes... and in any niche area you can think of.This episode is a case-study of sorts and focuses on a very specific niche podcast and the impact its had on it's creator — Mark Goldman.Mark is an accountant, and a recruiter for the accounting industry. His businesses help others succeed in the accounting field and help companies in need of a good accountant, find one.So why did Mark think it was a good idea to start a podcast for the recruitment side of his business? Because he was looking for a way to make his voice heard in the industry and serve his audience of incoming accountants and business clients.But here's the funny part, Mark barely knew that podcasts even existed when he was introduced to the idea. When he found out about it, did some homework, and realized it might be a good content creation option for his company, he dove in.In this conversation, Mark shares his mistakes, his frustrations, his dashed expectations, and what he's learned along the way. And as powerfully as any guest I've had on the show, Mark drops some gold nuggets about mindset, financing your podcast, revenue generation, and more.You're going to love Mark's unassuming manner and humble demeanor. But more than that, you're going to love the powerful concepts and mindsets he has to share about making your podcast a success, even if it's in a very small niche.Take the time to listen. You can thank me later.

Get Into Jeremy's Podcast Marketing Course ASAP before it fills up! (Affiliate link)No doubt, marketing and promotion of your podcast, with a goal toward growing your audience with the RIGHT listeners, is a very difficult task. I know because I get questions about it from clients all the time.Are you struggling with the same issues? Dollars to donuts you are…Jeremy Enns has made a study of successful podcasters VS not-so-successful podcasters and he’s found a handful of things those on the plus side of the equation are doing that the others are not — even though it looks like the same thing from the outside.In this conversation, we cover all this stuffJeremy’s first podcast - an R-rated, Local Ice Cream Review show… reallyLessons learned from a co-hosted show (tech and intrapersonal)How Jeremy created his podcast business and began specializing in marketing5 out of 10 clients were growing their shows effectively. Jeremy’s deep-diveWhy you have to view the purpose of your podcast differently to be successfulJeremy’s view of marketing in general — and podcasting specificallyWhat the successful 50% of Jeremy’s clients were actually doingGenerative Marketing is Jeremy’s superpower — what IS it?A magic question: “What would make my show something you can’t wait to share?”Are you posting about your show on social in a way that is “me-me-me” centric?Providing value on social media even WITHOUT links back to your stuff (be generous)Think of your podcasting skill like that of learning a new instrumentGet Into Jeremy's Podcast Marketing Course ASAP Before It Fills Up! (Affiliate Link)CONNECT WITH JEREMYFind all of Jeremy’s offers at https://CounterweightCreative.co/podcastification Jeremy’s blog (mentioned at the end of the episode)Find Jeremy on LinkedInFollow Jeremy on Twitter: @iamjeremyennsAnd on Instagram: @iamjeremyenns RESOURCES MENTIONEDSmart Passive Income Podcast from Pat Flynn (one of my early influences too)All things Seth Godin are worth your time and money and… well, whatever you want to invest.Seth Godin’s podcast: Akimbo (I listen to this one, too)Get Into Jeremy's Podcast Marketing Course ASAP Before It Fills Up! (Affiliate Link)

Watering My Wife's PlantsShe asked me to SATURATE some of them... what does that mean? It means entirely soak them... cover them... overwhelm them with water!This episode is about THAT, for your podcast. Here are some of the best ways to do itSyndication (platforms) - my list of "how to" instructions: https://podcastfasttrack.com/podcast-directories-2018-2019-get-submitted/This is Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, etc. - use my list above to get your show on all the platforms you can!Social sharing / promotionPlatform appropriate frequenciesYour content and OTHER's contentco-schedule shares how often to share on each platform: https://coschedule.com/blog/how-often-to-post-on-social-mediaDo it the RIGHT way (Jeremy Enns upcoming episode) - empathy and generosityTRULY HELPFUL approachALWAYS include a link back to the full episode (1st comment?)Other methodsYour audience (requires you have a GREAT show they want to share)Ask them to share specifically (pause, ask, resume)Emails to your list asking for shares periodicallyOther people's socialMention other accounts related to your episode (at mention tag)Libsyn does a "Promote the tar out of yourself" Friday post - join the fun! https://twitter.com/libsyn and https://www.facebook.com/libsynTag Apple about your show (with a link to your show ON their platform) and maybe they'll help you promote! https://twitter.com/iTunesPodcasts and https://twitter.com/ApplePodcastsGuests should help you promote their episode, but don't always. Here are tips to help you help them help you. :)Trade magazines or publications/websites/mediaRequires scrappiness and hustleVA could do with the right instructions (but avoid being SPAMMY)Appropriately leverage relationships / groupsFind journalist emails - send articles / pitch ideasEPISODE SWAP / EPISODE PROMOSIdentify a similar listening audience first - https://graph.rephonic.com/Ensure it will be mutually beneficialTwo optionsPlan the date and pull the triggerScott Johnson, "What Was That Like" https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rP5xXidzXD_pCDyfKl1OJtD_z88Js-Vl/view?usp=sharingBUSINESS CARDSImage of my square cardTELL people that you podcastShare a card with those interestedLeave them in appropriate places (bulletin boards)With your check when you pay your dinner billCONFERENCESStickersConversationsDave Jackson interview with Jack Rhysider - https://schoolofpodcasting.com/how-jack-rhysiders-darknet-diaries-podcast-gets-300000-downloads-per-episode/REFRESH YOUR EPISODESDon't let...

https://podcastfasttrack.com/I hope you're putting these steps into action...I know you're busy. I know you have other commitments.If that's the case, file this away and get back to it. But this stuff is important for the longevity and audience building of your podcast.We've already covered the first two steps - (1) Notice / Awareness and (2) Quality / Helpfulness.Now it's time for the 3rd phase - Originality / AppealIn my view, we are right at the tail end of the "interview-someone-famous-in-your-industry-and-get-an-audience" phase of podcasting.Because the podcast-o-sphere is SATURATED with those types of shows.OK - probably not ENTIRELY saturated, but we're getting pretty close. And I'm not the only person who thinks so.Here's this from... @Scott Galloway of NYU... about podcasting in the year 2020......the podcasts of the highest quality at the top of the charts will reap the lion’s share of the benefits. Niche podcasts that truly add value will also survive and do well, but reheated Joe Rogan imitators… that sh!# is going to fall off the face of a cliff.If you already have one of "those kind of shows" running and it's doing well, you've got a leg up on the competition.If you are struggling to get an audience with that format... maybe you know why, now.If you are considering starting a show of that nature, I recommend you tweak that decision based on my recommendations below.No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, you can make changes - large and small - that make your show more orginal and therefore, more appealing.Consider these things...+ Podcasts are as much entertainment as they are educationAnd entertainment has to be - well, entertaining.Look at what you're doing with your show currently?Can you add something to spice it up? (music, transition sounds, other voices, ambiance or sound effects)You want to be careful here and not overdo it.And you WILL likely get some negative feedback about such changes from existing listeners.But give it time... keep changing things little by little, and overall your listeners will come to LOVE it.One show that does this well...Roger Whitney - The Retirement Answer Man (listen here)Roger's show is broken into segments, he uses transition sounds and segments effectively, and his humor and laid back approach come out loud and clear.What could you do along this line to not only make your show more entertaining, but to reap the rewards of the domino effect it sets in motion...+ more entertainment = more fun = better listener experiences = happier audiences = long-term followers/subscribersDo you get the picture?Can you be more yourself?It's amazing how much being yourself multiplies into audience attraction. When you are you, those who see the world the way you do tend to like the way you talk about things.Not only that, they tend to trust your more quickly and buy your stuff (subscribe to your podcast) more rapidly.A show that does this...

https://podcastfasttrack.com/AFFILIATE OFFER MENTIONED: CAPTIVATE - get your free trial!If your podcast is going to be top in its niche, people have to know about it. Obvious, but true. And you don’t accomplish it by posting 10 Facebook posts per day saying, “Listen to my podcast! Listen to my podcast! Listen to my podcast!” Even if you include an audiogram.The awareness step requires what I’d refer to as “guerrilla promotion” techniques. Some involve social media, some don’t.1 – Get biz cards printed up for your show. Seriously.Sticking with our real estate example from the first article in this series, if you’re actively working in the real estate industry, you meet others who are actively working in the real estate industry all the time. Right?Your podcast can help those people. But only if they know about it.So along with trying to rustle up new clients/customers (and handing out your normal business cards), why not rustle up some new listeners to your show by handing out show-specific business cards?And be sure to include a direct link for the easiest way they can subscribe to your show. You figure out what that is (and it may or may not include a QR code or two).2 – Find the online and real-life communities that talk about what you talk about on your podcastIt only takes one search on Facebook to find groups that are interested in what you have to say. Do it and join the groups that appear to be active and have a decent number of members.But again, don’t immediately start posting “Listen to my podcast! Listen to my podcast! Listen to my podcast!”Follow these steps instead…1. Watch and listen2. Notice the common questions or needs that arise3. Start answering questions with helpful answers (in other words, don’t just show off or promote yourself, truly help people)4. Make friends5. When you finally do share your podcast, do in a way that provides topic-specific episodes as a solution to someone’s needThen do the same thing in real life.It takes a bit more work to find these real-life groups, but they are out there. And they are extremely valuable! Google “my niche groups in my town” and see what turns up. Go to those groups. Then repeat steps 1-5 above in real life.And don’t forget to take your podcast biz cards!3 – Take note of where high-profile people in your niche are and copy what they are doingAre there people in your industry who you look up to…• Writing pieces for industry magazines? (online or offline)• Placing ads in industry journals or publications? (online or offline)• Presenting at industry events?• Writing local newspaper columns or op-eds?• Guesting on podcasts within your industry? (affiliate link)Figure out how to do those things for yourself — and do them. Regularly. Giving away amazing insights and value. And keep at it.4 – Develop friendships with others who podcast and blog about the things you do (and those influencers from the previous point)There are so many ways to come at any topic. That’s why there are so many podcasts in every niche (OK, maybe not in the “underwater basket weaving” niche, but you get the point).Those others who are podcasting or blogging in your niche are not your competition. In fact, they could become some of your