PodMov Daily: Thursday, October 8

Episode 302: Your Thursday Podthoughts

To Diversify Podcast Content, Start with Writing

Anyone with an established podcast should consider adapting it into a book, says marketer Jim Woods. Clearly, far from every podcast lends itself to paper. But Woods gets at what industry experts have insisted to creators: “Every time you create a new form of content, you’re reaching a new group of people.”

Woods recommends starting with transcripts to develop shorter pieces of writing. “If you have an interview podcast, each question will help guide you as you turn the transcription into a blog post,” he points out. A blog excerpt by Tim Ferriss, based on one of his podcast conversations, illustrates the finished product.

Leading creatives from Aaron Mahnke to Renay Richardson emphasize that a podcast is but one part of a ‘show.’ The first step to expanding a show is diversifying content, and the platforms on which it appears. Setting aside Woods’ statement that podcasters need to write a book (nope) the idea checks out.

Un-complicate Your Podcast with Tough Questions

Though “complexity creep” is common in podcasting, it may be leading to unnecessary stress. In Evo Terra’s Podcast Pontifications, the podcaster, author, and radio broadcaster explains the process of “making your show less complex without impacting your livelihood or your audience's enjoyment of the show.”

“As we grow more confident in our ability with every episode, we add in more layers of complexity, exploring our own creativity and finding ways to make the content we produce on our podcast better,” Terra writes. To begin simplifying, first examine each element of your podcast by its wants and needs.

The trick is to refine, not redefine, the podcast: “Not necessarily stripping it down to the basics, but stripping out the needlessly complex pieces that aren’t good for you or your audience.” Terra’s tough questions prioritize and preserve the listener experience. In turn, the answers clarify what needs adjusting.

Buzzsprout: Full-Service Podcasting, Award-Winning Support

Buzzsprout isn’t just the easiest way to start a professional podcast. It gives you the tools and support to host, promote, and track your show. Since 2009, Buzzsprout has been the gold standard for hosting. With advanced statistics, monetization, and promotion features, there’s so much more to love.

Podcasting with Buzzsprout is the full package: Automatic episode optimization, transcription capability, and comprehensive distribution are part of the deal. Above all, their award-winning support team has your back. Get enthusiastic, knowledgeable help when you need it — every step of the way.

Over 100,000 people have chosen Buzzsprout to launch, learn, and grow. With resources like YouTube videos, guides, and podcast episodes, it’s easy to become a better podcaster. You’ll even meet other creators in the private Facebook community. Ready for a better podcasting experience?

Here's what else is going on:

• Full deck: Spotify for Podcasters has launched Promo Cards, custom assets for promoting shows and episodes on social media. There’s no log-in required, meaning you can use the tool for any podcast. Cards are out in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. 

• Booked up: For potential podcast guests, James Griffin of Discover Pods explains how to craft an effective media sheet. Pack it with personality to stand out: “A one-sheet that is well crafted can mean the difference between your pitch landing you a guest spot and crickets.”

• Trophy case: This Saturday at 8:00 pm CT, the Latin Podcast Awards ceremony will stream on the Audio Dice Network. This Hispanic Heritage Month, podcasters from around the world will be honored by category, country, and considered for the Latin Podcast of the Year.

• Shock jock: Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw reports that Howard Stern, “who’s maintained his star power in the podcasting era,” is nearing a contract renewal with Sirius XM to the tune of $120 million a year. If the number sticks, it’ll top Joe Rogan’s $100 million deal with Spotify.