Podcasting Step By Step

Hooray! You sent the perfect pitch and now someone wants to interview you on their podcast. On this episode, you'll learn how to bring your absolute best to the interview so the host falls in love with you and so do their listeners.   Show notes and a free podcast pitch template can be found at sarahmikutel.com    Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”    Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.    I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my other podcast, Postcard Academy travel podcast. This travel podcast is for the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure

We all want to grow our podcast audience, right? Well, one of the best ways to do this is by getting on other people’s podcasts. But how do you find the right podcasts to pitch to, and how do you get the podcast hosts to say yes? I cover it all this episode, plus I created a free pitch template for you, which you can find at at sarahmikutel.com    Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”    Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.    I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my other podcast, Postcard Academy travel podcast. This travel podcast is for the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everyth

Have you ever wondered, “Can I share a clip of this music on my podcast?” or “Should my guest sign a release form?” or “How do I legally disclose affiliates so I don’t sound like an awkward shill?” Well, you have come to the right place with your podcast legal questions.    Entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark joins me on Podcasting Step by Step to discuss:  why your guest should sign a release form and what should be on it; whether you can (or should) choose a podcast name that already exists; how to disclose affiliate relationships on your podcast; what fair use is and whether you can use music, news, or film clips on your show;  the benefits of registering your podcast as a business;  the difference between copyright and trademark and whether you need this for your podcast; if we need formal working agreements when hiring people to help us with elements of our podcast, like show notes and audio editing (you do -- ‘work made for hire’ contracts);  the elements of a podcast sponsorship contract;  the rules

How do I get more listeners to my podcast? Have you ever asked yourself that? I’m sure you have because we all ask this. Until we get clear on what we stand for, we won’t be clear in what we want to share with the world, on our own shows and on the ones we guest on. If we don’t know what we’re all about, why would an audience rally behind us?    Identifying your mission, vision, and values for your life is your foundation. When you have clarity on this, everything related to your podcast will flow more easily, from the interviews you participate in to what you post on social media. Your messages will be more consistent and more meaningful. This is when people will really start listening to you. This is how you grow your podcast audience.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”    Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month

At some point, most podcasters recording a remote interview will flub it up in some way, whether that’s by technical or human error. On Podcasting Step by Step, I talk you through exactly what you need to do to minimize those snafus that happen when recording an interview with your computer. Download your free Pre-Record Checklist.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”  Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.    I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my other podcast, Postcard Academy travel podcast. This travel podcast is for the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a ne

There’s no time like the present -- we hear that all the time. But do you feel it? Do you make time to enjoy yourself? To try something new that scares you a little? Maybe you’ve got everything in place to start your podcast, but are afraid to hit publish. Or there’s something you’re dying to talk about, but you’re scared about what others might think of you. Newsflash, friend: Our time on this Earth is almost over. You will never have this day again. Make it matter.    I’m your podcast coach, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? Check it out if you’re the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll learn how they did it and get their best insider food and culture tips.    Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix

You may know that the big podcast ad agencies want you to have 5,000 downloads an episode before they’ll talk to you (see The Five Best Ways to Make Money with Your Podcast if you need a refresher on the CPM model). But small podcasts can do just fine without them by negotiating their own sponsorship deals.    On this episode, I dive deep into sponsorship for the indie podcaster with Jessica Kupferman, CEO of She Podcasts, the largest women's podcasting community, which she co-founded with Elsie Escobar.    Subscribe to Podcasting Step by Step for free and listen to the episode with Jess to learn:  the right way to approach o sponsor; how do decide what to charge for an ad; what to include in your media kit and in which order; and so much more.   Show notes. Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”    Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to g

There’s this myth out there that anyone can start a podcast and the money will just start flowing in. As I mentioned in the episode on identifying your ideal listener, most podcasters do not make any money with the traditional CPM advertising model. And most ad agencies won’t even look at you unless you’re getting at least 5,000 downloads per episode within a 30-day period.   BUT your podcast can help you generate income, especially if you use your show to build your brand and business in a way that serves listeners and potential clients. Here are the five best ways podcasters can make money with podcasts -- plus a bonus.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more show notes. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.” Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.   I’m your podcast coach, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? C

Let’s say you have a brilliant idea for a podcast, and then learn that someone else just started something similar. Or, maybe three others already exist and they have a lot of ratings and reviews and loyal fans. This is actually great news because it means there is an audience for what you want to do.   But if you are the new podcaster in town, how do you set yourself apart from those existing shows in your niche? In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon says we are a mashup of everything we’ve experienced and that anyone can be creative with the right influences. On episode 14 of Podcasting Step by Step, I’ll share how you can use some of his tips and other techniques to take an existing podcast theme and make it your own. (visit sarahmikutel.com for show notes)   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.” Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the re

Bonus time! Are you interested in going to the She Podcasts Live event in October? It’s being held in Atlanta Georgia from Oct. 11-13 and is going to be one of the most fun podcasting events of the year. Do you want to be my +1?   I’m raffling off a free ticket worth $249. The giveaway is happening between now and June 15, 2019. Head on over to sarahmikutel.com/shepodcastlive to enter your name.    I’m sooo excited to attend She Podcasts Live in October. Whether you’re a podcast veteran or haven’t even launched yet, this podcast conference — created specifically for women and by women in podcasting — is going to be unforgettable. We’re talking three days of brilliant speakers, swag, parties, opportunities to pitch, and also to make friends with women from around the world who actually understand our podcast obsessions. :D   P.S. Guys can attend She Podcasts Live, too. But at this conference, it’s the ladies who will be running the show ;)   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) took place this week and we heard some exciting announcements from Apple, including that iTunes will be replaced by Apple Podcasts on Mac and podcast search and discoverability is about to get a lot better on Apple Podcasts.   On this episode of Podcasting Step by Step, I’ll share six things you need to know about Apple Podcasts, plus a little bonus.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.” Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free.   I’m your podcast coach, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? Check it out if you’re the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to sta

Elsie Escobar is a Hall-of-Fame podcaster, actress, advocate, one of the most significant voices in podcasting today, co-Founder of She Podcasts, manager of all things community at Libsyn, and an all around amazing woman who I am honored to know.   If you listen to Elsie on She Podcasts or Libsyn’s podcast, The Feed, you’ll know that she is creative, fun, and a die-hard podcaster who is all about empowerment, intentionality, and vision. Born in El Salvador, she’s also a proud Latina influencer who advocates for social and cultural change through her work. She challenges podcasters to go deeper with their shows and their messages and to get really clear on how you want to show up in this world.   On Podcasting Step by Step, we talk about what it takes to make it as a podcaster; why downloads are not the best way to gauge your podcast’s success — and what is; the conversation she wants to be having right now; and how podcasting saved her life. I’ve heard her mention this fact on other shows before, but she dive

How do you get your podcast into iTunes and Apple Podcasts? You need a podcast media host. On episode 11 of Podcasting Step by Step, I explain what a podcast media host is, why you need one, how your media host gets you into iTunes/Apple Podcasts and other podcast directories, and I share my discount code for my favorite podcast media host, Libsyn. For links to everything I discuss, head on over to sarahfmikutel.com    Get up to two months of media hosting for free To get up to two months of podcast media hosting for free, sign up for a Libsyn plan using my promo code POSTCARD.   Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck: When you sign up with the code POSTCARD, you’ll get the rest of the current month free plus the next month. Libysn bills on the first of the month, so to get the most out of the discount, sign up on the 1st. If you sign up on the 15th, you’ll only get a month-and-a-half free, and if you sign up at the end of the month, you’ll only be getting the next month free. Suggestion: sign up for

So you want to host an interview podcast. You know what you want to podcast about and the ‘why’ behind your show, but how do you find guests? And why would they want to come on your show? I cover how to find great podcast guests -- and how to get them to say yes to coming on your show -- on episode 9 of Podcasting Step by Step.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”   I’m your podcast coach,Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? Check it out if you’re the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll learn how they did it and get their best insider food and culture tips.   Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re

One of my favorite parts of podcasting is getting to interview other people on topics that really interest me and my audience. I’m fortunate because I’ve gotten to interview people throughout my career, but I know if you haven’t had a lot of practice, this could feel a little intimidating. So on episode 10 of Podcasting Step by Step, I’ll share 8 tips on how to make you a stand out podcast interviewer, including great questions to ask and tips for setting your guests up for success.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”   I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know that I also host the Postcard Academy travel podcast? Check it out if you’re the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another par

My first guest is James Cridland, who you may know from his daily podcast Podnews. James has been an industry expert in both radio and podcasting for years, influencing the audio strategy of major players like Virgin Radio and the BBC. He’s a self-described radio futurologist, a consultant, speaker, and writer, and I invited James onto the show to talk about the state of podcasting in 2019; the potential growth of the industry and opportunities for indie podcasters; and how he got into podcasting himself. Visit sarahmikutel.com for show notes.   I love interviewing other people, especially other podcasters. In addition to my solo shows, once a month I’ll be interviewing industry thought leaders/influencers/interesting people in the podcasting space. Next up: Elsie Escobar, co-founder of She Podcasts. Subscribe to Podcasting Step by Step so you don’t miss it :)     Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make an

I have heard some new podcasters say they’ve recorded 30 or more episodes and they still haven’t shared them with anyone yet. This is a huge missed opportunity to improve your show before you launch. Think about it -- would you rather make your show better before it goes out into the world, or would you rather have potential subscribers hear your first draft?   In episode 7 of Podcasting Step by Step, I share how to ask for feedback that will improve your podcast. And how to feel more comfortable receiving it.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for show notes and more articles on how to podcast.   Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.” I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.If you’re a podcaster, one of the most important things you need is a podcast media host.I use and recommend Buzzsprout. Excellent cus

I confess that I’m a little jealous of some of the podcast studios I’ve seen online, with acoustic panels and all this other pro equipment. I don’t have anything like this. (show notes)   I am currently living on the coast of England. I have a big bay window overlooking the ocean, which has always been a dream of mine, and when I’m lying in bed, I feel like I’m in an infinity pool.On a clear day, I can France.   All this might sound pretty magical, and it is. However, my housing situation is pretty random: I’m a lodger living with a Sri Lankan family and two other guys renting rooms here. This is not the ideal podcasting environment.   There are always people chatting in various parts of the house. Seagulls squawk outside my very large, glass window, which lets in a ton of street noise because a little road runs along the coast between my room and the sea.  I have high ceilings. Right now, a helicopter is flying around for some reason and someone just fired up a lawnmower. So, I have a room with a gorgeous vi

Before I launched my first podcast, I spent hours googling microphones and other equipment. I’m not a huge tech person. I just wanted someone to tell me exactly what I needed. But I kept reading conflicting advice. Or, I’d see someone ask an equipment question in an online forum, and they’d never get a straight answer, just a lot of, “Well, it depends…” And sometimes it does depend. But sometimes you just want an answer! So on episode five of Podcasting Step by Step, I share the exact hardware and software I use to podcast and why. These products and services will likely work for you, too.   Visit sarahmikutel.com for show notes.   Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”   I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.  If you’re a podcaster, one of the most important things you need is a podcast media hos

Understanding your ideal listener makes your podcasting life so much easier. It gives you a clear vision for the content on your podcast, on your blog, in your social media posts. Everything you do is in service to that ONE person. Of course, your show will appeal to more than just your ideal listener, but this laser focus will bring out the uniqueness of your show and eliminate the confusion many podcasters feel when coming up with episode topics.    On this episode, you’ll learn how to craft a story to define who your ideal listener is.    Visit sarahmikutel.com for show notes.    Ready to start podcasting? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.”    I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.If you’re a podcaster, one of the most important things you need is a podcast media host.I use and recommend Buzzsprout. Excellent custome