Bad environments lead to bad decisions, and boy, do we have stories to share! Ever looked back at some of your life choices and thought, “What on Earth was I thinking?” Yeah, me too!

We run into the chaos of those moments when our brains were more frazzled than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. We chat about how a little bit of panic can turn us into decision-making nincompoops, like forgetting to get a website for our podcast.

Spoiler alert: Having a website is a big deal if you want anyone to find your show. So, let’s unpack this hot mess together and figure out how to avoid those cringe-worthy blunders!

Looking at our past decisions is like opening a box of stale donuts; it’s messy, and you might regret it. We’re all guilty of making choices when we’re not in the right headspace.

I share classic examples, like the time someone thought not having a website was a smart move. It’s not. You want people to find your podcast? They need a place to land, not just a vague hope that they might stumble across it while scrolling through cat memes.

Now, let's not throw shade. We all start from different places, but this was a classic example of being "rattled" lead to bad decisions.

• Bad decisions often come from panic or being overwhelmed, so slow down and think.
• Having a website is crucial for podcasters to be found and grow their audience.
• People tend to overlook basic steps when launching, like having a website ready.
• Without a website, you’re basically invisible to potential listeners trying to find you.
• Word of mouth is key for podcast growth, but you need a solid strategy to make it work.
• Don’t let a frazzled mindset lead to bad decisions—stay organized and plan ahead.

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• powerofpodcasting.com
• namecheap.com
• coolerwebsites.com

Ever wondered how to navigate the wild world of podcast sponsorship? Well, grab your favorite snack and settle in because we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about snagging that sweet sponsorship deal.

Picture this: you’re in a Facebook group, and someone’s practically begging for help because they’re clueless about how to answer a potential sponsor's questions. Yup, that’s our starting point!

We'll dig into the nitty-gritty of what sponsors want, how to present your podcast’s value, and why you should treat your audience like gold (because they are!). Spoiler alert: stuffing your show with ads is like throwing glitter on a garbage fire—totally unnecessary and just plain messy!

We also talk about the delicate balance of ads in your podcast. Ever heard of the 10% rule? Well, it’s a thing! Ads shouldn’t overwhelm your content; otherwise, you risk losing your audience faster than you can say ‘skip ad’. We’ll show real-life examples of how many ads are too many and why relevant ads can enhance the listening experience. And let’s not forget about the cash—how do you price your sponsorship deals? It’s all about charging what you’re worth and keeping that win-win vibe going. By the end, you’ll be ready to strut into your next sponsorship negotiation like a boss!

• If you're diving into podcast sponsorship, get ready for some wild questions, folks!
• Understanding your audience is crucial, because irrelevant ads are like bad breath at a party.
• Keep your ads to a minimum; too many will have your listeners hitting that skip button.
• Finding the perfect sponsor is like dating; make sure you both vibe with each other's goals!
• Remember, your relationship with your audience is worth way more than you think, so charge accordingly!
• Don't just take any random ad; find something you actually love so your enthusiasm shines through!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Oxford Road
• Libsyn Ads

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to start your podcast the right way?

Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com

School of Podcasting

Algorithms are like that friend who bails you out one minute and then ghost you the next. They can help you reach your audience or throw your content into the digital abyss. This episode looks into the wild world of serving both our lovely audience and those picky, mood-swinging algorithms.

We’re talking about how they can boost small creators or stomp them into the ground based on some arbitrary rules they change on a whim. So, grab your favorite snack and let’s break down the double-edged sword of algorithms – they give us exposure but can just as quickly snatch it away!

• Algorithms can be your best friend, but also your worst enemy, so watch out.
• Knowing your audience is great, but knowing the algorithm is like a second job.
• Instagram's new algorithm favors smaller accounts, but will it actually help? Who knows!
• Content might be king, but the algorithm's the one holding the crown, so please bow.
• If you think you can ignore the algorithm and still thrive, good luck with that!
• Just remember, if the algorithm changes, your content could dry up faster than your last relationship.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to start your podcast the right way?

Join the School of Podcasting and get step-by-step courses covering everything from planning and equipment to editing, audience growth, and monetization. Plus, you'll get expert UNLIMITED coaching and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way. Start your podcast with confidence—join today! 👉 SchoolofPodcasting.com

School of Podcasting