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Podcast

Five Ways to Monetize Your Podcast

Podcasting is a powerful tool. You can reach listeners from all over the world. You can also network with other podcasters from around the world. Many podcasters have their podcast as a passion hobby. They are passionate about the topics they talk about, and they enjoy creating content and informing their listeners. 

In addition to having a podcast be a passion project, you can also monetize your podcast. This can help you become a full-time podcast or let this be a side hustle that brings in extra revenue. Today, I want to share five ways to monetize your podcast. 

Sponsorship and Advertisement 

Find brands or companies that your guest and their customers will benefit from their products. Charge them a fee for advertising on your podcast episodes. Create different packages to offer different prices depending on how many episodes they want to sponsor and how long the ad will be. 

The packages for advertising may also be used for other podcasts and small businesses. Reach out to brands, companies, or other podcasts by emailing them and pitching to them. In the pitch, let them know that you have advertising spots available and why their brand and your podcast align. Also, post on social media, in your episodes, and in your newsletter that there are advertising opportunities available. 

Graphic that says, "five ways to monetize your podcast"
Graphic by author Heidy De La Cruz

Affiliate Marketing

Partner with brands to promote their products and receive a commission through sales made from your affiliate link. This can be done in multiple ways, either reaching out to the brands directly and signing up for their affiliate program or signing up for Amazon’s affiliate program and promoting different products with your unique link. Lastly, look up affiliate marketing programs to see which one is best for you. 

Merchant Sales to Monetize Your Podcast

Sale your own merchandise! The possibilities are endless, whether that’s notebooks, pens, pencils, mugs, t-shirts, or tote bags, all with your podcast cover art, or if you have a saying for your podcast, use that. Sign up with Printify, design your graphics on Canva, or hire a graphic designer, and then add your designs to the merchandise. Printify can be connected with Shopify, and Shopify can be connected to your website; however, it’s easier.  

Host Live Events or Workshops 

This option can help you monetize your podcast but also help grow your podcast for those who sign up who may not have heard of your show. So, host live events, webinars, or workshops related to your podcast’s content and charge a fee for attendance. 

If hosting events is not your thing because, to be honest, it’s a lot of work, you can always hire an event coordinator to help you. 

This option can also be done virtually. 

Donations or Tips

Depending on which podcast hosting site you use, you can have the option to set up to receive donations from your audience. For example, I host with Spotify for Podcasters, and they have an option for this – it’s a button that says, “support this podcast,” and when someone clicks, they have the option to do a one-time donation or sign up for a monthly subscription. 

In Conclusion, on Monetizing Your Podcast

These are only five different ideas to monetize your podcast; there are more creative ways to make money from your podcast. If you’d like more ideas, you can download the 15 ways to monetize your podcast list under my podcast resources page. 

Found this helpful? Share it with another podcaster! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at heidy@heidydelacruz.com

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Five Ways to Market Your Podcast

podcast plan schedule for marketing written on the notebook
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist on Pexels.com

Podcasting is taking this digital world by storm; it feels like every day, a new podcast is out on the market. This is because podcasting is a powerful way to connect with your audience. However, publishing your podcast is only the first step in the podcasting cycle; once your episode is published, it’s time to market the podcast! 

When one hears the word marketing nowadays, social media are the first two words that come to mind, but we can market our podcast in other ways besides social media. Now, I’m not saying don’t use social media for marketing; I want to give you five additional marketing tools to utilize for your podcast journey! 

Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting, these marketing strategies will help you with insights to broaden your podcast reach and gain listeners. 

Let’s begin!

Collaborate With Other Podcasters

One of the best ways to reach new listeners is to be a guest on podcasts like yours. By being a guest on other podcasts, you’ll share your experience, expertise, and information at the end of the episode so listeners can subscribe to your show and connect with you. 

There are plenty of groups on Facebook for podcasters who are looking for guests and guests who are looking for shows to appear on. Another way to be a guest is to pitch yourself directly to podcast shows you’d like to be a guest on. 

The next three all go together.

Create a Website for Your Podcast

Where you host your podcast depends on whether there is a page included, but you can always buy your domain and create a website exclusively for your podcast. For example, I host my podcast on Spotify for Podcasters, and they include this page for my podcast. The page shows the description of my show, the episodes, the shownotes, the cover art, and the apps where people can listen; however, this isn’t a website per se. 

If you’d like to create a website for your podcast, you’ll need to choose where to host it – like 

  • WordPress
  • Squarespace
  • Wix
  • GoDaddy

Buy your domain, and from there, you can add all the content of your podcast.

Start a Blog

Within your website, you can blog about your podcast episodes, which is another way to market your podcast. However, each blog post has to be optimized for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) so it can rank on Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. 

By turning each podcast episode into SEO-optimized blog posts, you’ll reach organic listeners to your website and your show. But fair warning, this marketing strategy is a long-term commitment in order to see results. In another post, I’ll share the pros and cons of this approach. 
I do offer this service to seasoned podcasters, especially those who don’t feel like they are good writers or writing can take them longer to finish. Send me an email at heidy@heidydelacruz.com to discuss details.

Email Marketing or Creating a Newsletter

Within your website and blog, you can integrate an email list and have your audience subscribe to your newsletter. Another way you can have people sign up is by including a link to your newsletter on the shownotes of each podcast episode. Lastly, when you are a guest on other podcasts, you can tell their listeners to join your newsletter. 

One great way to encourage your listeners to sign up for the newsletter is to provide them with a freebie. A free guide, list, or resource that’s exclusive for those who join. Within the newsletter, you can send your subscribers exclusive content, special announcements, promotional codes, and updates about new episodes.

You may like: 3 Reasons Why Small Business Owners Should Have an Email List

Attend Networking Events

What better way to find listeners than to meet them in person? Get right in front of your audience at networking events. Find business networking opportunities in your community to attend. There are also events specifically for podcasters; that’s an option. Or, if you’re feeling bold enough, you can host your own networking event. 

These are only a few of the many ways one can market their podcast. If you would like a list of 30 different ways you can market your podcast, you can download the list here. As a podcast coach, I can help you set up a marketing plan for whichever strategy you choose. 

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Two Things Every Podcast Episode Must Have

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Every podcast episode needs two things! I mean, there are more than two things needed, but two things MUST be on each podcast episode. But before we jump into what those things are, remember that launching a podcast, getting the show running smoothly, and getting a schedule that works for you all have moving parts to it. As a seasoned podcaster and podcast coach, my job is to provide tips and tricks to make your podcasting experience the least overwhelming as possible. 

I’m super excited you finally decided to get your podcast going. As you are getting things together for your podcast and you’re outlining your episodes, make sure you include these two things: an intro and an outro! 

This may seem like obvious information but trust me, there are podcasts out there that don’t have this. Now, I want to share with you what exactly to include in each part!

What Is an Intro (Introduction) For Podcast Episodes

The introduction of your episode, intro for short, is the first thing that listeners will hear when they press play on your podcast episode. Think of it like the introduction of a TV show!

What Should You Include in the Intro

Each episode should have the same intro. If you are doing seasons, you can change it up for each season but make sure that it’s not a different intro for each episode because you want consistency. Also, keep in mind as you publish more episodes, not everyone will start on your first episode. They may listen to episode 15 first because that’s the episode a friend recommended. Make sure your introduction has this: 

  • Music (royalty-free – we don’t want copyright lawsuits)
  • Who you are
  • Name of your podcast 
  • What your podcast is about 
  • If you have a slogan/saying/or mission 

The best thing to do is record the intro, save that file, and plug it in when you’re editing. Some podcasters, after their initial intro, will record a welcoming message letting the listeners know what this particular episode is about. This is an option, or you can just get right into the episode.

What Is an Outro for Podcast Episodes

The outro is the opposite of the introduction of the episode. So it’s the closing remarks of the episode. Think of it like the ending credits of a movie or TV show!

What Should You Include in the Outro

Same as the intro, every episode should have the same outro. The most important thing to have in your outro is a call to action. Do not end your episode without one! Tell your listeners what to do next after listening to your episode. Here are a few call-to-action ideas: 

  • First, thank them for listening (time is precious) 
  • Leave a review or rate the podcast (depending on which platform they are listening on)
  • Follow on social media 
  • Subscribe to the podcast
  • Sign up for your newsletter
  • Share with a friend

If your podcast is an extension of your business, this is the perfect place to plugin whatever products or services you offer. And change the outro whenever you have a new product or service available. 

Remember to include all the links to resources, products, or services mentioned in the episode in the shownotes. In another post, I’ll tell you exactly how to write your shownotes and what to include.

Conclusion

One of the great things about podcasting is that you can create your show and adjust it to your liking, however, there are a few things that are needed to make the podcast successful. And an intro and outro for each episode is one of them! I hope this article was helpful; if so, please share it with a podcasting friend. 

Coming soon, I’ll have a podcast starting kit for purchase that will include a weekly planner, monthly planner, guest intake form, episode outline, and shownotes outline. 

With Love, Heidy

P.S. If you would like a free checklist to get started on your podcast and a list of equipment and tools I use for my show, sign up for my podcast newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Business Podcast

One Great Way to Market Your Online Business – Podcasting

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Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Marketing your online business can sometimes be a hassle. There are many ways you can go about it, and the online world is consistently changing. But if you’re looking for a new way to market your online business, I want to ask: have you thought about podcasting? If not, here are three reasons why podcasting is an excellent way to market your online business.

Establishing Authority and Expertise

With podcasts, you’ll dive deep into the topics related to your industry. With each episode, you’ll showcase your experience and knowledge to provide value for your audience. Talking on podcast episodes provides the opportunity to give your audience more explained details and share personal experiences that other marketing tools do not. 

Marketing on podcasts positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Listeners are more likely to engage with businesses that are perceived as authorities in their field. 

Also, inviting guest experts in your field will enhance credibility and will help you reach a new audience and even clients. 

Building a Community and Connection

Since podcasts allow you to reach more people, you can create a community and connection around your show. Podcasts create a personal connection with your audience. Hearing your voice and your guests’ voices can help humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.

Listeners can create a sense of loyalty when they subscribe to your show because they want to hear from you on a regular basis. This builds a community of engaged and loyal followers who are more likely to support your business and its offerings.

The great thing about podcasts is that they can be interactive. You have to include the option to have your audience send you questions, and you can answer them on the show. That will make them a part of the show. 

One last thing to remember – not everyone is on social media, so you’ll definitely reach a new audience with podcasting. Also, you won’t have to worry about social media’s algorithms.

The Content is Timeless

People will be able to find your podcast episodes for years to come. Think of it like YouTube videos – those live on forever. Podcasting is timeless in the same way. Even if a person isn’t ready to become a client yet, they will receive knowledge and advice from you, and once they are ready to become a client, they will already have built that trust from listening to your podcast.

Bonus Reason – Repurpose Your Podcast Episodes

One of the best things about podcast episodes is that you can repurpose them for other marketing tools. For example, you can take each of your podcast episodes and turn them into SEO-optimized blog posts. This will help gain organic traffic to your website and your podcast. 

Market Your Online Business with Podcasting

If you are looking to start a podcast – I have a free checklist, equipment, and tools list just for you. Sign up for my podcast newsletter and receive yours today. If you have any questions about podcasting and how to start your own, schedule a call with me to discuss. 

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Becoming a Podcaster Was the Best Choice

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Podcaster Heidy De La Cruz

It was in 2019 when God put it in my heart to start a podcast. Although I initially thought I would be sharing and celebrating the good things, my friends are doing in their lives on the podcast. The concept of sharing immigrant stories didn’t come until about a month before I started researching how to launch a podcast. Now, it’s been almost two years since I became a podcaster, and looking back, it’s the best choice I’ve made. Here are a few reasons why.

Share Immigrant Stories

When I first got the tug to start a podcast, the vision was to have a co-host, and we would give our opinions about various topics. I tried to get my husband to do it, but he wasn’t interested. I then thought I would highlight my friends and talk about the great things they are doing in their lives, but after I read an article on Medium about an immigrant from Kenya and how each culture shock she experienced in the United States diminished her confidence, I thought how these types of stories aren’t shared or talked about. 

The concept of immigrants sharing their journey coming to the United States and what they experienced after they arrived was foreign to me. I had not heard of podcasts or a space that shared these types of stories. Although this is just a part of their stories, not all of it, I still think it’s an important part and will continue to highlight them.

Since starting The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast, I’ve heard so many incredible, inspiring, and sad stories. I said I want to share the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the podcast because everyone has a different experience, and that shapes their perspectives and their opinions. Their truths are their truths; neither I nor anyone else can take that away from them. I’m just using a medium to host their stories.

Live My Mission While Spreading the Gospel

The mission of my podcast is to change the narrative of immigration to a more compassionate and empathetic approach – like a Jesus approach. And the best way to achieve that goal is by sharing stories of immigrants. As I am sharing these stories, I’m also spreading the gospel and showing my audience that even though we may disagree with policies, we can still extend compassion to God’s people. 

At the end of the day, we should treat everyone as they are all made in the image of God. And there are plenty of Bible verses that talk about how we should treat immigrants and refugees. 

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 NIV

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

This last verse is a reminder that how we treat others is how we treat Jesus himself.

Teaching Others to Podcast

In September of 2022, I posted on Facebook how I wanted to help others launch their own podcast, and in August of 2023, I hosted my first “How to Launch a Podcast Masterclass.” I’ve created a six-week course where I walk people through the process of launching a podcast step by step. 

I’ve realized that initially, the process can be overwhelming. However, if you break it down step by step, it’s easier to manage and not feel discourage. I want to be the person I needed when I started my podcast.

Teaching others to do podcasts is a love I didn’t even know I had until I started. I’ve always been generous with my knowledge and sharing my process of whatever project I’m working on. So, now I’m sharing the knowledge of launching a podcast and helping those who wish to have their own. It’s such an amazing feeling!

You may like: I’ve Had These Opportunities Since I Started Podcasting

Becoming a Podcaster Was Clearly the Best Choice

Sometimes, we don’t realize we like something until we try it. When I first started podcasting, I didn’t know I would help others launch theirs, and once I started, I realized I absolutely love it. I’ve tried many things in my life, and some of them I didn’t like, so I shifted, but I wouldn’t have known that it wasn’t for me if I hadn’t tried. 

Becoming a podcaster is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, and I’m so glad I took that huge leap of faith. I’m excited to continue on this path and share the journey with you along the way! 

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Save Time Editing Podcast Episode

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Photo by Milo Deckert on Pexels.com Editing Podcast

Editing your podcast episodes is crucial in delivering high-quality content to your audience. And editing your podcast episodes may be the least fun process of hosting a podcast. You can outsource this task if you have the funds, but if you don’t, here are a few efficient tips to help you save time! Let’s dive in!

1. Create a Customized Template

The best thing to do is create a template that already has your intro and your outro, so all you have to do is plug in the episode recording or video in the middle. From there, you’ll edit out what you don’t want from the episode, like dead air, questions your guest may have wished to re-answer, etc. 

If the software you use to edit doesn’t allow you to create a template, record your intro, then record your outro, and use those in each episode so you don’t have to record them every time. 

If your podcast is audio only and you have a MacBook, you can create a template on GarageBand and use this software to edit your episode. GarageBand already comes with your MacBook, so you don’t need to buy editing software. 

2. While Editing Podcast Episodes, Write Show Notes

This is the best time to write your show notes/description when editing your episodes. These notes serve as a valuable resource for listeners, summarizing the episode’s content, highlighting key takeaways, and providing relevant links or resources. By writing your show notes during editing, you’ll ensure accuracy and coherence between the content and its accompanying notes. This approach also helps you save time in the long run, as you won’t have to revisit the episode later to create detailed show notes.

In addition to writing show notes during this time, you can pick out your favorite episode quotes to create graphics. And choose which clips you’ll want to use to turn into videos for social media.

3. Time Management

The worst thing I did at the beginning of my podcasting journey was underestimate how long it would take me to edit episodes. When it comes time to edit your episodes, give yourself double the time the episode length. If your episode is twenty minutes long, block out about forty minutes to edit. 

These are a few things that have helped me be efficient when editing my podcast episodes. In another post, I’ll write about what you should include in the introduction and outro of your episodes. 

What tips would you add to this list? 

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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I’ve Had These Opportunities Since I Started Podcasting

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This is me interviewing a guest for my podcast.

My podcast launched in April 2022 and since starting this podcasting journey I’ve had opportunities I never imagined would happen. When I started my podcast it was with the sole intention of having my own show to share immigrant stories. But it really opened up a new world of opportunities. It’s crazy to think how you can start something with one goal in mind but as you go through the journey it can take you down a different path. 

Let me share a few opportunities I’ve had since starting my podcast.

Speak at Events

Public speaking has not been my main skill. I remember in high school being so afraid in my public speaking class whenever it was my turn to give a speech. However, I’m glad I took that class even though I still need to practice this skill. But anyway, since starting my podcast I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a few events. 

One of them was to share about my business, the services I provide, and how I got into podcasting. And the other I was debating on sharing about my business but God told me to share a little of my story and I did. As my podcasting journey continues my opportunities to speak at events will continue to grow as well.

Be a Guest on Other Podcasts

As part of my podcasting journey, I’ve had opportunities to be a guest on other podcasts. If you want to start podcasting you don’t have to do this, it’s completely optional. However, I’ve been invited to be a guest and I’ve also pitched myself.

I’ve been on over 25 podcast shows and counting. In each episode, I’ve discussed different things, different parts of my stories, my business, my poetry book, my podcast, and some combination of all of those things. Depending on what your expertise will depend on which podcast you’ll want to be a guest for, but the opportunities are endless. 

My best advice to start being a guest on podcasts is to join Facebook podcasting groups that are tailored for finding guests. Being a guest on a podcast was actually my first experience with podcasting before I started my own show, however, when I started podcasting it wasn’t my intention to be a guest on other shows, it just happened. But this is also a great way to market yourself, your services, books, business, etc. I’ve made some great connections being a guest on different podcasts and I’m so grateful for the opportunities.

Intern for One of My Favorite Podcasts

Okay, this opportunity is one I’ll always talk about because it was a full-circle moment for me that I’ll never get over. Back in 2019, I went to the Lifeway Women’s Live Women’s Conference for the first time. The host that year was Jamie Ivey from The Happy Hour Podcast. Since then I followed her on Instagram, listened to her podcast faithfully, and have truly enjoyed the good content that she produces.

And one day I was like, “I want to start a podcast.” God put it in my heart in 2019 to start a podcast and I wanted it to be similar to Jamie’s. I was going to have friends come on the show and talk about the good things they were doing in life because we don’t take time to celebrate ourselves enough. 

Well, earlier this year I saw in Jamie’s newsletter that they were looking for interns. I applied thinking it doesn’t hurt to try. Then went through the whole process and Angie Elkins, who at the time was the editor for the show, did my interview and at the end of the interview, she said they wanted to extend the offer. I legit cried and if you know me, I’m not one to cry easily. It was just such a surreal and full-circle moment.

Those five months of the internship were so great and it was amazing to see the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a podcast business. Also, all the different people that were in place to help things run smoothly! Can’t wait to be there one day.

Co-Host Virtual Podcast Networking Events

Earlier this year I was asked to co-host a virtual podcast networking event. This was for the Facebook group Women in Podcasting with Francy. She hosts Life with Francy Podcast. We would host this event every third Sunday of the month.

Podcast hosts and expert guests would come together to share about their show, what they speak about, and if the hosts were looking for guests at the moment. It was so fun being able to serve in a leadership role for a podcasting group, especially a group for women. I’ve made some great connections from those events and still keep in contact with some.

Opportunities Are Endless

As you can see podcasting has provided opportunities that I didn’t think about when I first started this journey. I am so glad I took the leap of faith when I did and I cannot wait to see what other opportunities this journey provides in the future. 

You never know where your journey will take you unless you start! So, if you are thinking of starting a podcast – I say start! And if you need help getting it launched get in contact with me and let’s set up a call to discuss how I can help you! 

With Love, Heidy

Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Podcast

Would You Move to a Different Country to Find Purpose?

Picture of cover art for podcast episode finding purpose, a women with blonde hair in a coffee shop with the text for the podcast
Cover art for the episode – Finding Purpose

Burcu is from Turkey and was a recent guest on my podcast, The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants. Like all my guests, she shared her journey of coming to the United States and her experience here. However, unlike other guests, she wasn’t fleeing hardship or seeking a better quality of life when she left Turkey; she was seeking purpose.

Life in Turkey Was Great but No Purpose

Back home in Turkey, Burcu had what people would call the ‘perfect life.’ She had a good career, made good money, had a car, a place to live, and was doing what she wanted; however, she felt like she wasn’t living her true purpose. So, what did she do? She quit her job and moved to the United States — without knowing much English and without knowing anyone here. Talk about brave!

Burcu eventually made friends and founded her company Joyy, LLC, during her time here. She helps business owners and entrepreneurs with personal and professional goals, which is her true life’s purpose!

She also started the Coffee O’Clock Podcast, where she speaks with inspirational people with the goal of spreading joy and inspiration.

Why This Story Is Important

I wanted to highlight this particular story from my podcast because it’s different — when we talk or hear about immigration, we typically hear about people fleeing war, hardship, humanitarian crises, or persecution; however, this was not the case. And this is why I started this podcast — to share these stories — the good, the bad, and the truth.

Also, I wanted to share her bravery because I am a person who struggles even going on a date by myself, let alone moving to a whole new country where I don’t even know the language and to find purpose. How many people do you know that would or have done that?

I want to thank Burcu once again for sharing her story on my podcast — you can listen to the episode here and follow her on Medium Burcu Onaranel Erten!

With Love, Heidy

Are you interested in a little bit of a personal development newsletter? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

This post was originally published on Medium

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Podcast

What Is Covered in the 6-Week Podcast Course?

podcast studio with two mics, camera, and tv screen. two women speaking into the mics.
This is me recording at a podcast studio – Pod Media Lab

How long have you been putting off starting your podcast? In one of the Facebook podcast groups I’m in, the admin asked how long people put off starting their podcasts and everyone answered YEARS! Some said 2, 3, and even 5 years! But one person wrote this – “I thought about it for a few years, but once I got serious about it, the smartest thing I did was hire someone to help me launch my podcast. They kept me accountable, and I got it launched in a month!” 

That is exactly how I want to help you! I will keep you accountable so you don’t give up and coach you every step of the way. You can ask questions whenever they arrive and I will help with any challenges that may arise. And trust me, challenges do happen. 

When I launched my podcast I did it all on my own and it was overwhelming. I wish I had someone to talk to when I had doubts, or to share my concerns with, or even just to check up on me to see how I was progressing, but I didn’t have any of that – so because I know how those feelings of doubt creep up, I want to be there for you throughout this whole process!

 Here is what we will cover in the 6 weeks of the podcast course.

Week One

In week one we will discuss three things:

  • What is your why?
  • What is your niche or topic?
  • Who is your target audience?

Discovering your why is the first step to launching a podcast because it will be your drive. Your why will help you stay focused, establish goals, vision, and mission, and will keep you going when challenges arise. So when those moments of doubts come up during a roadblock you’ll go back to why and keep going. 

You need to know what is your topic and who you are talking to because your podcast isn’t for everyone. And you don’t want it to be for everyone!

Week Two

In week two we will piggyback from week one to help choose a title for your podcast. This comes with knowing your topic and your audience. Then you will choose if you want to do solo episodes, have guests, or a mixture of both. If you want to have seasons, if so, how many episodes per season, or if you want to just continue recording? 

I will help you create a cover art for your podcast and select a launch date. This will help map out a plan for your recording schedule and publishing schedule.

Week Three

Now it’s time to research which is the best hosting host for the podcast. Different hosting sites offer different features and some are free and others have paid plans. Once a hosting site has been established it’s time to write the description of the show. 

During this week you’ll get your recording equipment, if you don’t already have it. When I started my podcast I started recording on my phone and slowly invested in other equipment, but I don’t want people to not start because they don’t have professional equipment. 
Here are the links for the equipment I use for my podcast: 

Mic for Zoom interviews

Camera for Zoom interviews

Headphones

Macbook

Camera for in-person interviews

Mic for in-person interviews

(This site contains product affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links).

The last thing we will work on this week is planning the trailer episode – which is a preview of what the show is about and what’s to come.

Week Four

This week you will record your trailer episode! You’ll have a few friends listen to it and get feedback. We will plan your first six episodes, plan how you’re going to market your show, to then start marketing it that week. And in this week I’ll go over editing and where you can pick royalty-free music.

Week Five

Almost towards the end here – you’re going to upload your trailer episode to your hosting site! Start marketing your trailer episode and get the momentum going! And from here you’ll select five friends to be on your podcast-launching team. More recording will be done this week, you’ll record the intro and outro that you’ll use for each episode, and this week you’ll record your first three episodes.

Week Six

We’ve come to the end of our time together! This week will be a week of reflection on how far you’ve come! You have a podcast – you did it! YOU’VE LAUNCHED A PODCAST!

This week I want to take time to truly celebrate what an accomplishment this is! We will celebrate all the successful podcast launches! 

You’ll have your launch team promote your podcast, you’ll schedule your first three episodes, and record your next three since you’ve already planned them!

Let’s Launch Your Podcast!

So are you ready to launch your podcast? If so, let’s set up a call and get you signed up for the course.

P.S. Payment plans are available! 

With Love, Heidy

Are you interested in a little bit of a personal development newsletter? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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Podcast

Three Reasons Why You Should Start a Podcast

A podcast studio, there are two chairs, two women sitting in each chair. One is interviewing the other, and there are microphones and lights.
Me interviewing a guest for my podcast. Photo by 1L2L Productions

Have you thought about starting a podcast? If so, why haven’t you started? Is the feeling of not knowing where to start holding you back? Is getting the equipment to start holding you back? Maybe, it’s because you think that no one will listen? Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed because podcasting is something you’d like to do but you’re unfamiliar with the industry. 

Well, if you resonate with any of those questions then fear and doubt is holding you back and I want to help you overcome that. So, here are three reasons why you should start a podcast.

Build a Community with Your Podcast

Regardless of the topic you want to speak about there is an audience for it and the beautiful thing about podcasting is that you can build a community. When I started my podcast in 2022 I had no idea that it would be listened to globally. Currently, people in over 90 countries have listened to my show so think about the potential that yours will have. 

You have a unique voice, viewpoint, opinions, and experience – sharing them will attract like-minded listeners, which will create a sense of community around your podcast. With this community that you are creating you can build relationships, network, and even collaborate with some of your listeners. The possibilities are endless. 

Let me give you one example of how my podcast led to a collaboration and then a leadership opportunity. I had the pleasure of being a guest on Life With Francy Podcast. Francy is from Puerto Rico but currently lives in Kansas. After being on her show I asked her to be on mine to talk about her immigration journey, so this turned into a collaboration. 

From there she was invited to lead a monthly podcast networking event for Women in Podcasting Facebook Group. And she requested for me to be a co-leader with her! So for a few months at the beginning of the year, I was co-leading a podcast networking event. I got to meet other great podcasters and expert guests.

Multiple Sources of Income

Did you know that you can make money from podcasting? According to Forbes Advisors, there are eight ways to make money from your podcast. 

  1. Affiliate Codes or Links
  2. Consulting or Coaching
  3. Sponsored Ads or Episodes 
  4. Promoting your services or products 
  5. Subscriptions or Memberships 
  6. Advertising Networks
  7. Selling Merchandise
  8. Donations 

Depending on which hosting platform you choose you can make money from ads with them. For example, Spotify has an advertising program where if you achieve 100 new followers every month they will pay you per listen. 
Lastly, according to The Verge podcasting will be a $4 Billion industry by 2024! So there is plenty of money to be made. 

Expand Your Skills

Podcasting requires a variety of different skills like recording (content creation), audio editing, video editing, public speaking, marketing, writing (descriptions and show notes), planning, organization, and more. As you dive into podcasting, you will develop and polish these skills, which can lead to more opportunities but also personal and professional growth. 

Also, you can discover skills you didn’t even know you had with podcasting. For example, I didn’t know I was good at interviewing people until I started podcasting. I’ve gotten compliments before from my guests saying how I asked good questions and dove deep into subjects, but also I made them feel comfortable to be open and share details.

I Want to Help You Launch Your Podcast

If you’ve gotten this far and you’re still not convinced or feeling overwhelmed about starting, I want to help you! I am hosting a live 6-weeks podcast course where I will walk you step by step on how to launch a successful podcast. The course will cover everything from discovering your why, what’s your niche, choosing a format, creating the cover art, editing, equipment, scheduling, hosting sites, and more.

Class will start on Tuesday, September 5th at 7 pm EST via Zoom and we will meet weekly for an hour, for six weeks. At the end of the course you’ll be fully equipt to launch, with a plan, schedule, and knowledge on how to run a smooth podcast operation.

If you are interested in signing up – you can do so here.

Podcasting is for everyone, whether you’re a writer, business owner, content creator, author, photographer, or you want to do it as a hobby – still do it! As I said above, the possibilities are endless. Hope to see you in class!

With Love, Heidy

Are you interested in a little bit of a personal development newsletter? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, “Into My Thoughts.”

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