how to launch a podcast

Unlock financial mastery and entrepreneurial empowerment with the guidance of Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, in our latest episode. We peel back the layers of budgeting bliss and financial finesse, inviting you to a candid discussion on the journey to monetary freedom. Danielle, a reformed CFO with a heart for coaching female entrepreneurs, shares her insights on the interplay between mindset and money, emphasizing the value of consistency and the liberating effect of financial transparency. It's an honest exploration of the financial discipline required to thrive in an online business and how embracing your numbers can forge the path to enduring success.

Ever felt overwhelmed with the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping or unsure when to make that crucial hire to bolster your business? We've got you covered with practical strategies for resource management and growth tactics that illuminate the road to delegating effectively. The conversation dives into the hiring process, from leaning on experts to engaging contractors and full-time employees, pinpointing the perfect moment each decision should unfold to protect and propel your venture. I open up about my own battle with financial shame, underlining the strength found in seeking help and the vital role it plays in cultivating a flourishing business.

As we wrap up, we leave you with wisdom on healthy spending habits and the significance of intentional investment in advertising and marketing. The narrative culminates with a gift from Kickstart Accounting—practical tools to guide you through tax deductions and intelligent hiring practices. This episode isn't just a lesson in numbers; it's an invitation to step confidently into mastering your business finances, joining a community where every question is welcomed and every financial step is celebrated.

Unlock the secrets to turning customer praise into your most powerful marketing tool. Imagine having an ever-growing vault of testimonials that effortlessly champions your work while you focus on what you do best. That's the reality I'll help you achieve in today's episode as we dissect strategic timing, the art of asking the right questions, and my four-step method for cultivating an enviable collection of endorsements. We're not just gathering testimonials; we're building a system that captures the essence of positive consumer experiences to give your potential customers the confidence they need to choose you.

Ever spotted a glowing comment about your service on social media and felt a rush of pride? Now, think about harnessing that energy across all your platforms—Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, to name a few. I'll walk you through recognizing these digital wins, turning casual praises into a curated arsenal of authentic social proof. 

You'll hear about my journey from missing these opportunities to actively collecting and interacting with my audience, making the most of every heartfelt review and comment. It's time to make your digital footprint work harder for you, and I'm here to show you how.

Then, we transform those testimonials into content that sells without selling. With our strategic deployment, you'll learn to anonymize and share feedback that resonates with your audience. We'll delve into the remarkable capabilities of Sinja, an AI-powered platform that distills testimonials into marketing gold by pinpointing common pain points and keywords. 

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to build your own 'wall of love,' showcasing the acclaim that sets you apart. So join us on this journey to amplify your word-of-mouth marketing and let satisfied customers do the talking.

"But how does SEO work? I've been trying to understand (for years!), and I still don't get it," said every frustrated creator who wants to see organic growth for their podcast. And I get it. I've been there and have firsthand exasperation when it comes to SEO.

This is why I wanted to bring on the expertise of e-commerce wizard Carrie Saunders. As she dissects the complexities of search engine optimization on her podcast "eCommerce Made Easy," Carrie joins us to share the essentials for grasping the SEO game and propelling your content to the top of search rankings. 

Together, we peel back the layers of crafting irresistible titles, the magic of well-worded descriptions, and the sheer power of transcripts. With tips that could elevate your podcast from hidden gem to center stage, this episode is a treasure chest for content creators.

Have you ever wondered how a simple change in your content strategy could result in a flood of new listeners? I share a surprising tale of an episode that did just that, emphasizing the unpredictable dance of audience engagement. 

We zoom out to explore the broader strokes of SEO, from using less competitive keywords to build your site's authority to the importance of ethical linking. For SEO novices and veterans alike, there's wisdom to nurturing online visibility and the virtues of patience and persistence in content creation.

Our conversation wraps up with actionable insights into ethical linking strategies and avoiding the pitfalls of spammy practices. As we navigate the SEO landscape, remember that every episode title, keyword, and link is a stepping stone to achieving your online vision. 

And for those just tuning in, subscribe or follow for a treasure trove of episodes that promise to guide you through the ever-shifting terrain of content creation and SEO mastery. Join us on this adventure; it's one you won't want to miss.

Strap yourselves in for a candid conversation with the creative geniuses, Zafira Rajan and Kirstie Fanton, the brilliant minds behind the "Business After Baby" podcast. We dive deep into their journey of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship and how this unique experience sparked their decision to launch a limited series podcast. 

From the project's inception to the creation of the title, cover art and format, we're taking you backstage to embrace the nitty-gritty of podcast creation, the highs and lows that make it worthwhile.

Ever wondered how personal stories can resonate powerfully with a public audience? Co-hosts Zafira and Kirsty offer a glimpse into their experiences of balancing vulnerability with boundary-setting in their podcasting journey. 

Their chemistry and mutual trust have fostered deep, meaningful conversations that have struck a chord with their listeners. In the process, they've built a community within their podcast, ingeniously integrating audience questions into their episodes, leading to an unforeseen success story.

But this episode is more than just about their podcasting journey. It's a celebration of the creative collaboration that led to a project with real impact. The overwhelmingly positive response from their listeners stands as a testament to their passion and commitment. 

As we wind up, our dynamic duo indulges us with some quick-fire responses and pearls of wisdom for the budding podcasters out there. Prepare for a whirlwind episode packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and inspiring tales. You wouldn't want to miss this!

Have you ever wondered about the darker side of podcasting? Well, brace yourself for an eye-opening journey as I pull back the curtain on the six most prevalent scams playing out in this industry. 

From paying for downloads to dubious promotion predators, unethical practices not only risk your reputation but can also create lasting damage with potential advertisers. My personal run-ins with these pitfalls have taught me valuable lessons I'm eager to share.

It's a wild world out there, and my mission is to arm you with the knowledge needed to navigate it successfully. Learn how to identify these scams and, more importantly, protect yourself from them. 

Whether it's the importance of exhaustive research, the power of a supportive community, or the wisdom in trusting your instincts, we'll demystify it all. Be especially wary of shady podcast networks - they might seem appealing on the surface, but there's more than meets the eye. Four core tips will fortify your defenses against falling prey to these scams.

Lastly, no one should be deterred from podcasting because of a few bad apples. I'll share my experiences and guide you on how to forge ahead and create content confidently while steering clear of scams. The fine print isn't just small talk; it's crucial when considering services or products, just like checking customer testimonials before you buy that online program. 

Harness this knowledge and create content that impacts you positively and helps you grow organically. Join me in this insightful episode that promises to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in your podcasting journey.

What if you could elevate your podcast production professionally...without breaking the bank? This is exactly what we explored in today's conversation with our guest, award-winning singer, and sought-after voiceover artist Cami Galles, who is also the CEO of 3V Productions. 

With a unique blend of experience from her time as an advertising executive at Google and AOL, Cami shares some incredible, practical insights on taking your podcast to the next level.

Cami pulls back the curtain on finding a quiet space to record, the importance of understanding the acoustics, and even reveals how a simple microphone plugging into your phone can dramatically improve your sound quality. 

With the power of free editing software like GarageBand, we discuss how you can cut off the tails, pops, and dead spaces in a podcast, ensuring a smooth and seamless listening experience. Plus, she shares the importance of audio markers and why a good mic check is non-negotiable. 

Last but not least, we dive into the concept of audio fatigue and how diversifying voices can help keep your audience engaged. Cami explains how you can create a distinctive branded identity in your podcast intro and outro and the importance of selecting a voice that's contextually relevant to your podcast. 

As a cherry on top, we also explore the role of visual elements in podcasting and the boundless possibilities of creating sizzle reels for businesses. To wrap things up, Cami leaves us with her golden advice - done is better than perfect. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or a seasoned pro, this episode is a treasure trove of practical tips and insights. Don't miss out!

Have you ever wondered how creators and influencers get just the right angle of their face or the background image for their brand? Yup, today we're talking about brand photoshoots and digging into all the details. 

Join me as I share the secrets of finding that perfect match photographer. From my personal journey with five photoshoots since 2018, including two taken by my mom and a friend, we'll unravel the importance of content images and why you don't need to break the bank for expensive equipment to get stunning shots.

Loaded with tips and anecdotes, this episode dives into the nitty-gritty of planning and preparing for a photo shoot. We tackle everything from deciding the number of pictures you'd need for your brand or website revamp to selecting outfits and props that bring your vision to life. 

Expertise doesn't have to be expensive; the right photographer is out there waiting to capture your brand's essence. Plus, we'll discuss how to perfectly time your shoot around your life and work.

My exceptional experience with Camille, my photographer, is a testament to the fact that it's not just about the shoot but the relationships and memories we build along the way. 

As I recap my recent session through all the behind-the-scenes stories, we'll discuss how to create a shot list, decide on the types of pictures you need, and the significance of good music during a shoot. Tune in to celebrate the beautiful journey of content photo shoots, and learn how to make your next one a resounding success!

After listening to today's episode, you'll say, "Wow!" Today's remarkable guest, Bevin, turned adversity into opportunity and embarked on an empowering entrepreneurship journey. From being laid off in 2019 to setting and smashing revenue goals, Bevin's story inspires you to tackle your challenges. 

We dive into her techniques and strategies that have helped numerous small businesses and entrepreneurs scale their operations, focusing on the power of content creation and strategic launches.

Then, we take on manifestos. Have you ever wondered about having a mission statement, crafting a manifesto, or considering the impact of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals? Bevin enlightens us on these aspects, drawing from her rich personal experiences. 

We also navigate the nuanced realm of content creation, discussing the balance between organic conversation and strategic planning. Bevin's emphasis on setting boundaries when sharing personal experiences is an essential marker for content creators. 

As we wind up our chat, Bevin divulges the significance of sharing human stories and their power to foster connections. We explore the transformative potential of microactions and how they can build momentum towards achieving your goals. 

Beyond discussing business strategy and growth, this interaction shines a spotlight on personal growth, resilience, and the audacious courage required to pursue your dreams. Bevin's story embodies the power of taking action and believing in your potential. Are you ready to take the DAMN chance with us?

Ever wondered what goes into producing a live event? Strap in as I take you on a whirlwind journey of my time as an On-the-Road Event Producer. From planning to prepping to managing live, you'll get the full picture of what it takes to put on a show. Plus, I'll share some priceless lessons learned from the three-day event I produced for my dear friend, Heather Sager.

The heart of any event, whether live or virtual, is its content. And managing time is critical when it comes to creating content that hits home. I'll let you in on how setting time limits ensures your content is just right, not too long, not too short. 

Plus, you'll discover how important it is for the audience to fully receive the message you're sending out. But wait till you hear about how our Airbnb turned out to be the perfect solution for Heather's virtual event.

But as the saying goes, 'Less is more.' This couldn't be truer when it comes to event planning. I'll reveal how simplicity can truly maximize impact. Take a peek into my experiences, the trials, tribulations, and triumphs, and how, with a dash of creativity, you can achieve more with less. 

So, whether you're an event planner, a content creator, or looking to host an event, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights you simply can't miss! Tune in and take your event management skills to the next level.

Ready to unlock the secrets of making it big in the creator economy? Join us as we unpack the journey of Justin Moore, a sponsorship coach and founder of Creator Wizard. 

Graced with the wisdom of a seasoned professional, we'll explore Justin's eight-year experience in the creative field, where he's made a whopping $4 million working with brands. We'll cover everything from finding your niche to navigating sponsorships and even turning failures into stepping stones.

As we dive into the world of content creation, we'll shed light on the counterintuitive truth that choosing a specific niche can actually broaden your horizons. Hear Justin's story of transitioning from a newbie creator to earning a handsome compensation from a skincare brand for his wife's YouTube channel. Discover how you, too, can effectively monetize your influence and engage with your audience in a meaningful way. 

Finally, we'll open the doors to a golden future by setting a clear vision for your creative journey. Reflecting on his own experiences, Justin will share how investing in a mastermind completely revolutionized his view of his business, prompting him to aim for the stars. 

We'll also jump into strategies for advocating for yourself, forming brand partnerships, and setting the right price for your worth. So, sit back, tune in, and allow us to guide you on this exciting path to unlocking the full potential of your creativity.

Ever wonder how to create an award-winning podcast from scratch? Being at the helm of my podcast journey, I've navigated the exciting, unpredictable terrains of podcasting. This episode is a rare opportunity for me to get candid about my journey, demystifying the process from a novice podcaster to a seasoned pro. I asked my friend, ChatGPT, to interview me.

In today's episode, I discuss the significance of strategic partnerships, choosing the right niche, and why getting started is the most crucial step - even when you're brimming with uncertainty.

As a podcaster, I have discovered the immense joy of creating content that resonates with my audience. I spill the secrets of finding my mojo with podcasting and reveal my recipe for creating a successful podcast. Stepping into the shoes of a podcaster isn't always smooth sailing, but every stumble I encountered became a valuable learning experience.

Taking a break from your podcast can be challenging, but how do you keep your audience engaged during this hiatus? I bare all about my decision to hit pause, maintaining audience rapport during breaks, and the exciting process of rebranding from The Rookie Life to The Proffitt Podcast. 

Here's a bonus: don't miss out on my invitation to a free training session where I'll be sharing more about measuring podcast success and how to secure your first or next 1000 podcast downloads. It's going to be a thrilling ride, so buckle up!

Do you ever stumble upon a voice that resonates so deeply with you that it feels like a dear friend sharing wisdom over coffee? That's exactly how you'll feel as you listen to this episode with our incredible guest, Karen.

A certified health and lifestyle coach with a heart for women over 40, Karen's shift from blogger to podcaster has allowed her to connect more intimately with her audience. Her unique blend of health and life coaching topics, coupled with the raw authenticity of her voice, has struck a chord with women seeking transformation over 40.

It's not always easy to hook a podcast audience from the beginning, but Karen has artfully mastered the craft. She shares insights on selecting the right categories and places for your content to maximize reach. Karen also discusses the surprises and successes she's experienced with different topics and the importance of audience engagement. But the conversation doesn't end on the podcast platform; we also discuss cross-promotion and the realities of transitioning followers from the podcast to social media or email lists.

Embracing the concept of imperfection, Karen sheds light on her struggle with perfectionism and how she's broken free from the cycle of re-recording and over-editing. She dishes out advice that will be a breath of fresh air for anyone stuck in a similar cycle.

Eager to connect with Karen and learn more? Tune in to her fantastic podcast, Wellegant Woman: Redefining Midlife.

Are you ever struck with the fear of sounding too "salesy" when marketing your business or product? Tracy Beavers, a seasoned expert in marketing and sales growth, joined me to reassure you that selling doesn't have to feel spammy. With over 20 years of experience, she shares her wisdom on creating high-converting offers and using content, email lists, and even your podcast to sell without feeling guilty.

As we delved deeper, we discussed the challenges of building an online business and how the power of human connections can be a game-changer in sales. Tracy also shared the secret to growing your email list and creating a fruitful online community using Facebook. She revealed her strategy for creating 90 days of content in one day – a major productivity hack you can implement immediately!

Finally, we broke down the walls of perfectionism as Tracy opened up about her journey and how focusing on service first helped her succeed. She also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming masterclass designed to help you grow your business. 

Tune in to this enlightening conversation and learn how to navigate sales and business strategies, overcome perfectionism, and build value for your audience. Your path to mastering non-spammy selling techniques starts here!

Are you ready to venture into the satisfaction scale of creators and unpack some tantalizing insights? We've taken a deep dive into ConvertKit’s State of the Creator Economy, putting aside the nitty-gritty of growth tactics and income goals, to explore the heart of the creator experience. What emerges is a vibrant picture of creators who, against all odds, seem to harbor a constant undercurrent of positivity. Turns out, Podcasters are leading this happiness parade, and we explore what fuels this joy. 

As we progress, we unravel some intriguing correlations between income and satisfaction. Creators earning over $100,000 annually exhibit a higher satisfaction score compared to those earning less, but why? 

We also get up close and personal with creators, who spill the beans on their strategies to increase happiness. Moreover, we tackle the ever-looming specter of Creator Burnout, helping you identify its signs and strategize how to overcome it. So buckle up, savor the freshness, and let's keep going on this exciting journey.

Ever wondered how AI can revolutionize the world of creators? Join us on an enlightening journey as we navigate through the multiple facets of AI in the creator economy. 

With a staggering 34% of creators already leveraging AI tools and 51% eager to try them out, there's no denying that AI is the future. We take you through the thrilling experience of working with AI tools like Canva's new AI image tool, chatgpt's impressive user reach, and Teachable's AI course curriculum builder. But the AI revolution isn't all rosy - we also address concerns about maintaining originality and the cost involved.

We've brought together personal experiences with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Co-host AI by Buzzsprout, and Grammarly to give you an authentic view of how AI can aid creators. Listen to industry expert Rob Lennon, the founder of Creator Boost, share his insights on the potential value and pitfalls of AI. Discover how the right balance can turn AI into a creative partner rather than let it take over the entire creative process. We also delve into AI's impressive editing capabilities and its promising future in scheduling and marketing. So come along, keep it fresh, keep it fun, and let's explore the fascinating world of AI in the creator economy together.

Ever wondered why your online creation business isn't hitting that coveted six-figure mark? Well, you're not alone. 

Join us as we unpack the findings of ConvertKit's State of the Creator Economy Report for 2023, shedding light on the income and business strategies of content creators. 

We'll reveal that almost half of the creators surveyed made more money in 2022 than the previous year, and an impressive 76% earned income online, a 15% increase from the previous year. 

But it's not all about the numbers. We'll also get into the creative strategies creators plan to adopt to boost their income - from adding income streams to collaborating with others, and investing more in their business. 

Plus, we'll spotlight the most popular income streams creators intend to add to their business, with digital products leading the race. So, if you haven't thought about selling digital products yet, now's the time. 

Stay tuned for an empowering discussion on the creator economy and how to elevate your online income. Our mantra? Keep it fresh, keep it fun, and just keep going!

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the creator economy? Join me today as I dissect ConvertKit's State of the Creator Economy for the 2023 report with fascinating revelations. 

I'm delving into the intricacies of being a creator - from full-time employment to understanding the essentials of business finances and insurance options. Let's explore the time and commitment it takes to build an audience while debunking the myth that creators are overnight successes.

The road to success in the creator economy is paved with strategic decisions. Let's highlight the importance of total revenue over follower count, the power of having a team, and the art of setting priorities that drive growth. I'm also sharing tips on how to increase income, build an engaged audience, and craft a customer journey that effectively converts. Then, one of my favorite parts, we’ll talk about the prospective income streams creators are adopting - from digital products, subscriptions, paid memberships to professional services, coaching, and freelancing - to boost their income.

The journey of a creator is not just about the profits, but also about the costs. We examine the expenses involved in content creation and how AI can streamline operations. Utilizing insights from the ConvertKit report, we discuss the satisfaction levels among creators and the emerging trends in the creator space. 

Wrapping up the episode, I'll address the loneliness often experienced by creators and remind you that you are not alone in your creative journey. So tune in to navigate the creator economy together, learning, growing, and generating more profit.

Have you ever wondered about the power a supportive partnership can hold in your podcasting journey? Picture this, two distinctively different individuals, Melissa Kitchen, the genius behind the Preserve Your Past podcast, and Carrie Saunders, the e-commerce expert with her podcast, E-commerce Made Easy, coming together to launch their respective shows. 

Hear their personal stories, their unique experiences, and how they tapped into the power of an accountability buddy to aid their journey.

Launching a podcast may seem like a solitary endeavor, but Melissa and Carrie's story proves otherwise. Discover how they found each other, connected, and collaborated despite their unique podcast themes, and how they kept each other accountable, motivated, and inspired. 

Our discussion doesn't stop at that, we turn the spotlight on the little victories and milestones in their podcasting journey, shedding light on the importance of having a cheerleader by your side, someone to celebrate your wins, big or small, with you.

Finally, we learn from their insightful advice for new podcasters that "Perfection is not necessary to represent yourself well". They walk us through the importance of perseverance, setting achievable short-term goals, and the immense impact of having an ally to cheer you on. 

So, if you're thinking of starting a podcast or simply want to learn how to find the right accountability buddy, don't miss out on Melissa and Carrie's story of a supportive podcast partnership. Now, go out there and find your podcasting partner in crime!

The podcasting landscape has gone through several evolutions since I started in 2018. You can dynamically insert podcast ads (on your own!!), create episode footers for all your content, and monetize your show in ways that still blow my mind.

Let's talk about how you can monetize your podcast in 2023! 

(Psst, these tips are especially exciting if you’re already a Buzzsprout user! It makes implementing that much easier.)

Tune in to hear how you can start making money with your show asap.