Methods Not To Use To Increase Downloads pt 2

We have been talking about some of the ways podcasters used to use to increase their download numbers. Unethical ways. Methods that have mostly been done away with in actual numbers counting.

But you still may hear of these methods by some unscrupulous people that will try to manipulate and beat the system.

The IAB has implemented a series of changes that have become the industry standard in counting downloads. This is to bring almost every podcast hosting platform into compliance with industry accepted standards. This was to level the playing (and reporting) field to advertisers across the industry.

In our last episode, I covered the first two unethical ways that some podcasters have tried to beat the system. Stay away from those methods.

Trying to change your URL feed and trying to spam your social media accounts may give you a few more downloads, but the loss of reputation will far exceed the few additional downloads you will receive.

In addition, every download now indicates 60 seconds or more of listening time. So just because someone has received your file into their iTunes (or Apple Podcasts) account does not mean they listened to the file – and will not be counted as a download.

Today, I will give you two more methods to stay away from:

3. DO NOT set your online player to "auto-play!"

Youtube is an example of what I mean by auto-play.

Many people who see something "automatically" begin to download will stop it. Some will click off of the page altogether (and may not ever come back). I've seen some podcasters load a player to every page of their website (and set them all to "auto-play)!

Why do they do this?

All in an effort to get "one more download."

The new IAB rules will not count any of these efforts unless the visitor to your website listens for at least 60 seconds. So all you are really doing is “spamming” a visitor who is trying to find out some additional information on you, your podcast or your website and services.

DO NOT USE THIS METHOD!

4. Trying to increase download numbers by increasing the publication frequency!

Every episode published could increase your downloads exponentially (according to the number of subscribers you have).

For example, if you have 100 subscribers and publish 4 episodes per month, that is 400 downloads (assuming they all listen to every episodes for at least 60 seconds).

Now, if your increase your publication schedule to 5 days per week, that would mean 2000 downloads per month! WOW! That is awesome, right?

WRONG!

Statistics prove the shorter your podcast, the more listeners you will have.

If you increase the number of published episodes each week, your potential listeners have to dedicate more of their time to try and listen. You may end up losing listeners in the process! All why increasing your workload!

Instead, nurture your existing subscribers to share the episode link with THEIR followers. Let others do the work and you can see small, but steady increase in downloads!

Join me next time as we go over a few ways (ethically) you can use to see an increase in your download statistics.

Be sure to subscribe to this series so you will be notified when a new question is answered. If you have any questions about podcasting, visit my website at www.podcast-training.com and use the contact form to "Ask Bob!"

If you would like to watch the video I made for this episode, you can view it on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/aPxO6Hgt9LU

What Kind of Podcasts Are the Most Popular – pt 3 Solo Commentary

The Solo Commentary Podcast: This is probably the easiest type of podcast you can put together. It is basically the format I am using for this podcast, “Ask Bob.” It may be the easiest to do, but is also harder to accomplish.

Many people are not able to do this type of podcast, because you actually have to carry on a conversation with other people, even though you are talking to nobody at the time! That is what I’m doing right now. I’m talking to you – even though you are not here with me at this time! I’m talking to the computer screen!

Some podcasters will write out the script to use on their podcast commentary. This is ok – but you need to be skillful enough to read without it sounding like you are reading! Nobody wants to listen to you just reading a script on the air! That would be more like an audio book!

Personally, I do type out notes that I use to guide my conversation. That way I don’t waste time trying to remember what it was I wanted to talk about or forget to mention something I wanted to share. But you must be careful. DO NOT make it seem like you are only reading.

The best thing about the solo podcast is you can talk about whatever your passion is. I can guarantee you, somebody out there is interested in the same topic you are passionate about as well. It could be car repair, golf, landscaping, crafts – the topics are limitless!

Next time, we will be discussing “Panel Discussions.”

If you find these videos helpful, please give us a rating and a comment below. It helps others to find this information as well. Thank you in advance for helping us to get the word out!

Over the course of these videos and articles, I want to answer any questions you may have concerning podcasting. You can leave your questions in the comments section below. But a better way of communicating with me and making sure I am able to see your questions rapidly is by using the contact form on my website. Go to https://podcast-training.com/contactand click on the contact tab. Fill out the form and be sure to send me your questions.

If your question is used on this podcast, I will be giving you credit for bringing it to our attention and you will receive a FREE download of my book, “The Complete Guide to Podcasting.” That is a $37 value and you will receive it for FREE if you send along your questions and used on this “ASK BOB” program. If you include your website or podcast information, I will be referencing that as well and putting your information in the show notes of the podcast.

Who knows, you may see some increased traffic to your website, your podcast, etc. just from asking a question. If I get asked the same question, the first person to ask it will be getting the credit.

So IF you have a question, don’t wait! Ask today. Just go to

https://podcast-training.com/contactand fill out the contact form.

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast in order to be notified when a new episode is being published and a new question is being answered.

Remember, Keep Talking – You’re Awesome!

If you would like to watch the associated video for this article, please click HERE:

https://youtu.be/XPbyLggZYz0

How Can I Increase My Download Numbers?

Before I get into answering that question, I want to take a couple of episodes to lay a foundation upon which we can build in answering that question. The foundation is one which will help you to focus on ethical ways to increase your download numbers.

First, let me give you some background on recent changes that were made (and implemented across the podcasting industry) that affect how downloads are counted.

Due to the popularity and growth of podcasting, advertisers wanted in on the possible exposure a podcast audience could be given to their services. But, back in 2014, there was no industry standard and an advertiser simply had to rely on the data provided by the podcasters.

In an effort to bring some conformity, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) came up with some standards that would help in this area. Although they were not mandatory, they released what is known as the “Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines” (version 1.0 in 2016 and version 2.0 in 2018).

The IAB then implemented a "certification and compliance" program that has now been adopted by the leading podcast hosting platforms. It is now the "industry standard" in counting downloads. The biggest thing you, as a podcaster, should be aware of is this: Any download stat you see means someone listened to that file for at least 60 seconds or more.

If someone clicks off at 59 seconds, it does not count.

This means you should not use "unscrupulous methods" in trying to increase your download statistics. Stay away from scammers who claim they can give you "thousands of downloads for $10" or whatever. Your reputation is more important in the podcasting world than your download numbers!

In the next few episodes, I am going to share a few ways some people are still trying to beat the system. I need to share these with you because you will see them out there. It is important for you to be able to recognize "what not to do" before you start implementing ideas to increase your download numbers.

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you will be notified when a new question is being answered! If you have a question about podcasting, go to my website at www.podcast-training.com and "Ask Bob" by filling out the contact form!

If you want to view the video I made for this episode, you can view on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/CiQkQ8AcojE

WHAT IS A PODCAST?

Today, I will answer the question, “What is a Podcast?”

First, a podcast is a modern form of blogging. When blogging was introduced, it transformed the way information could be delivered to the masses. Instead of writers submitting countless articles to countless magazines, etc. in trying to get their articles published, blogging was created.

With the expansion of the internet, bloggers soon found they could bypass the corporate world of magazines and interact with their intended audiences directly. Some bloggers even monetized their content and created an entire new career, without even trying to enter the magazine publishing world.

Podcasting is the audio version of blogging!

Just like blogging allowed anyone with a computer to become a reporter, podcasting allows anyone with a computer to become a talk show host or online radio personality.

The main difference between online radio and podcasting is the ability for podcasters to generate subscribers. I had an online radio station that had thousands of listeners in over 160 nations. We were rated #1 in the world on several occasions by Shoutcast. But I could not ever contact any of them. I could not capture their emails nor offer them the ability to subscribe to new programming. I was at their mercy to keep coming back for more content.

Podcasting changes that dynamic. Through podcasting, you can offer a subscription alternative. You can offer free items in exchange for your listener’s email address. You can grow your own, personal audience that only wants to hear from you!

In the next episode, I will answer the question, "Is Podcasting Difficult to Do?"

Over the course of these episodes and articles, I want to answer any questions you may have concerning podcasting. You can leave your questions in the comments section below. But a better way of communicating with me and making sure I am able to see your questions rapidly is by using the contact form on my website. Go to https://podcast-training.com/contact and click on the contact tab. Fill out the form and be sure to send me your questions.

If your question is used on this podcast, I will be giving you credit for bringing it to our attention and you will receive a FREE download of my book, “The Complete Guide to Podcasting.” That is a $37 value and you will receive it for FREE if you send along your questions and used on this “ASK BOB” program. If you include your website or podcast information, I will be referencing that as well and putting your information in the show notes of the podcast.

Who knows, you may see some increased traffic to your website, your podcast, etc. just from asking a question. If I get asked the same question, the first person to ask it will be getting the credit. So IF you have a question, don’t wait! Ask today. Just go to https://podcast-training.com/contact and fill out the contact form.

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast in order to be notified when a new episode is being published and a new question is being answered.

Download your FREE PODCAST CREATION CHECKLIST today! This is the same checklist I provide my clients and follows along with the training program. I am making it available to you FREE at this link:

http://rthibodeau.com/receive-your-free-podcast-training-checklist/

Is Podcasting Difficult to Do?

Today, I will answer the question, “Is It Difficult to Do?”

Quick answer is “No.” But there are some things that you need to pay attention to in order to produce a quality product. If you do not have a quality podcast in this day and time, your listeners will probably only end up being your family and close friends. If you want to expand your reach, you should invest in a few pieces of equipment that will improve your quality.

Now, if you are doing a video podcast, you definitely will need a camera. If you are going to use your lap top, you probably have a camera built in. If you are using a desk top computer, you can purchase a cheap camera that will sit on top of the monitor. The other option is to purchase an actual video camera, but this could also be the most expensive option.

For an audio podcast, you can use the microphone built into the computer itself. But it will also sound like you are using the microphone built into the computer. For just a small investment, you can purchase a headset and microphone combination. This will improve the sound quality and help you to stand out from those who just want to use their cell phone or computer microphone.

For a bit more, you can purchase a little better Condenser microphone, such as a Blue Yeti or Blue Snowball. These work well as long you stay close to the microphone. I have used a Blue Yeti and you can see it here!

If you truly want to go all out and get to the professional sounding quality, you can purchase a Dynamic Microphone. This style of microphone only picks up sounds that are directly in front of it. It’s the type you see in pictures of radio stations where the DJ is speaking directly into the mic. The condenser mic’s pick up sounds from AROUND the microphone...basically, the room. Which is why it sounds “funny” unless you are directly in front of the microphone, like I am right now.

So, there you have a list of some of the equipment you will need. In the next episode, I will go over “Is it complicated?”

Over the course of these episodes and articles, I want to answer any questions you may have concerning podcasting. You can leave your questions in the comments section below. But a better way of communicating with me and making sure I am able to see your questions rapidly is by using the contact form on my website. Go to https://podcast-training.com/contact and click on the contact tab. Fill out the form and be sure to send me your questions.

If your question is used on this podcast, I will be giving you credit for bringing it to our attention and you will receive a FREE download of my book, “The Complete Guide to Podcasting.” That is a $37 value and you will receive it for FREE if you send along your questions and used on this “ASK BOB” program. If you include your website or podcast information, I will be referencing that as well and putting your information in the show notes of the podcast.

Who knows, you may see some increased traffic to your website, your podcast, etc. just from asking a question. If I get asked the same question, the first person to ask it will be getting the credit. So IF you have a question, don’t wait! Ask today. Just go to https://podcast-training.com/contact and fill out the contact form.

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast in order to be notified when a new episode is being published and a new question is being answered.

Download your FREE PODCAST CREATION CHECKLIST today! This is the same checklist I provide my clients and follows along with the training program. I am making...