Behind Bars and Beyond: How Prison Changed My Perspective on Life with Cat Coley

Mark Asquith, a seasoned podcaster and co-founder of Captivate, emphasizes that podcasting is not a saturated market, but rather an entertainment medium where storytelling is key to standing out. He shares insights from his extensive journey in the podcasting industry, discussing how he transitioned from running a digital agency to creating one of the largest podcast hosting platforms. The conversation also highlights the importance of authenticity and being oneself, suggesting that personal stories resonate more with audiences than scripted content. Mark offers practical tips for aspiring podcasters, including the value of crafting personalized pitches to appear on other shows and the effectiveness of consistent marketing efforts. With a focus on growth and community engagement, he encourages podcasters to leverage their unique experiences to connect with listeners and build a loyal following.

Takeaways:

• Mark emphasizes the importance of being authentic and yourself when podcasting, as this helps build genuine connections with your audience.
• Podcasting should be seen as an entertainment medium, and a dry show will likely struggle to attract listeners.
• Consistency in marketing and content creation is key; it's about making gradual improvements over time.
• Even in boring industries, there are opportunities to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
• Utilizing social media is important, but it should be part of a broader marketing mix.
• When seeking to guest on other podcasts, personalized and thoughtful pitches significantly increase your chances of being invited.

Mark and Carly engage in a lively conversation about the evolution of podcasting, emphasizing Mark's extensive journey in the industry that spans over a decade. Mark shares candid insights about his early days in podcasting, illustrating the challenges he faced when trying to secure funding for podcast-related projects during a time when the medium was not yet recognized as a viable industry. The discussion highlights Mark's transition from running a digital agency to becoming a key player in the podcasting space with the founding of Captivate, a podcast hosting platform that has grown to support thousands of podcasters. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity in podcasting, with both hosts agreeing that being true to oneself is crucial for success in a saturated market. Mark encourages aspiring podcasters to focus on storytelling, rather than merely following trends, and stresses the importance of being entertaining and engaging to attract and retain audiences.

Throughout the episode, Carly and Mark delve into the nuances of podcast marketing and audience engagement. They discuss the various strategies that can be employed to promote a podcast effectively, such as leveraging social media, guest appearances on other shows, and creating compelling marketing pages. Mark shares his experiences of how he built his audience through consistent efforts, including free coaching sessions that not only provided value to participants but also served as a platform for showcasing his expertise. He emphasizes that marketing is not just about immediate results but rather about building relationships and trust over time. The conversation culminates in a discussion on how podcasters can adapt their content and marketing strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, underscoring the value of community and feedback in shaping successful podcasting ventures.