Podcast Networks Do’s and Don’ts
We all want our show to grow, so we use social media, which brings in a trickle. We know targeting people who already listen to podcasts is more efficient, and we get an offer from a podcast network.
Here are some things to consider:
- Podcast networks don’t make small shows big. They make big shows bigger (from the book Make Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum)
- Get it in writing that if you want to leave, you can take your RSS feed WITH YOU, and they will redirect the feed to your new home (or you lose your audience).
- Talk to people on the network BEFORE you join. See what their numbers were before they joined and AFTER they joined.
- Ensure you have LIVE access to stats (not some spreadsheet or screenshot requiring you to trust the person who sent it to you).
- If you’re thinking a podcast network is that “One Thing” missing from your show, it’s not. I would advise getting feedback from people outside of your family who will give you good and bad feedback.
SHE NEEDED LAWYERS
On The Feed from Libsyn, Rob and Elsie talk about a person who joined a network (she had a big audience) and eventually had to take them to court to get control of her show back. When she did, she could see where she had lost HALF her audience. (discussion starts at 31:05 mark)
Keep in mind a “network” doesn’t have to be fancy. You could find three other shows like yours, and all agree to cross-promote each other. I interviewed people who had started networks on this episode of the School of Podcasting. I have a group of friends and we often mention each other’s shows.
All the knowledge from my decades of experience, the information I learn from my interviews, and ALL the knowledge from other podcasters is all rolled up in the School of Podcasting. You should join!
