PodMov Daily: Thursday, October 1

Episode 297: Your Thursday Podthoughts

Global Teams Selected for the Google Podcasts Creator Program

Google and PRX have announced the 20 production teams of the 2020–2021 Google Podcasts creator program. The selected creators represent 11 countries and produce podcasts in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish. Applications were based on existing shows, a new parameter this year. 

Launched in 2018, the Google Podcasts creator program aims to provide podcasters everywhere with open resources, to empower underrepresented voices, and to showcase new work. This year, creators will develop audio drama and fiction, chat casts, personal chronicles, storytelling, journalism, and reporting.

The teams will participate in 12 weeks of virtual training conducted by PRX and industry experts. In addition to equipment and $12,000 in funding, they’ll get regular feedback on all aspects of production, including storytelling, sound design, and marketing. Check out full details on each podcast, and wish them luck.

Using Podcasts to Establish Expertise In Your Field

For both hosts and guests, podcasts are a strong platform for establishing authority in a particular area. In an article for The Podcast Host, award-winning audio producer Daren Lake shares a framework that helps podcasters define their niche, create value through branding, and speak about themselves assertively.

To be an expert, some think “you have to have done something ‘successfully’ (a subjective word) for 10,000 hours and make a lot of money.” Lake explains that podcasting is full of niches that dispel such a narrow definition. He outlines how cultivate a unique brand using the deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm you have.

Projecting arrogance over confidence is a common concern. Lake makes a helpful distinction: “The fine line between bragging and sharing information with someone is: Bragging = Serving only yourself, Sharing Information = Creating value and helping them.” To the right listener, your perspective can be a true resource.

The Hot 50 Countdown: A New Podcast from Podcast Magazine

Launching soon on all major podcast platforms, The Hot 50 Countdown is a brand new podcast from Podcast Magazine. Each month, Podcast Magazine's own Rob Actis counts down the Top 50 podcasts in the land as determined by podcast fans. 

Rob takes listeners “beyond the microphone” for in-depth discussions with leading podcasters, and dives deeper into the stories podcast listeners can't get enough of. Familiar with American Top 40 ? You’ll love this new show.

Will your favorite podcasts be featured? They can. Vote at www.podcastmagazine.com/hot50 and make your voice heard. Grab a free, lifetime subscription to Podcast Magazine to be the first to know when The Hot 50 Countdown launches. Stay tuned!

Here's what else is going on:

• Dusty trails: Podcast downloads are an “obfuscated and disconnected-from-reality metric,” writes Evo Terra. Other methods are more effective for tracking engagement and growth, he argues, and downloads shouldn’t determine podcast hosting prices or advertising rates.

• Free samples: For the Sounder Coaching Series, Savvy Social host Andréa Jones digs into social media strategy for podcasts. For an organic identity that doesn’t brag, use language that “gives people scrolling a compelling reason to click your link and give the episode a shot.” 

• One planet: Spotify for Podcasters has translated its podcasting tools into Spanish and Portuguese. As of yesterday, International Podcast Day, users in Brazil and Mexico can access distribution and analytics tools in their local languages. More countries will be added soon.

• Stay awhile: The web host GoDaddy breaks down the critical elements of a slick, friction-free podcast website. Best practices cover details like curated episodes and email capture opportunities. Tips are non-platform specific and illustrated with screenshots from pro shows.