The Circle Sessions

Welcome to The Circle Sessions, where we dive into the latest news and trends in the world of media, advertising, and content creation. In this episode, host Brett Johnson is joined by the ever-creative Don The Idea Guy as they explore the hot topics ripped from the headlines.

The world’s #1 podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience has renewed with Spotify. The show will no longer be exclusive: and will ‘soon’ be made available on additional platforms like Apple, Amazon and YouTube. Terms of the deal weren’t given; the Wall Street Journal suggests the deal is worth as much as $250mn; however, Spotify told The Guardian that figure was incorrect.

SiriusXM Inks New Multi-Year Agreement with SmartLess Media, Including Powerhouse Flagship Podcast, “SmartLess” SiriusXM’s roster, which includes Crime Junkie, Pod Save America, and Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. SiriusXM also cut a deal with James Corden in November.

Use Passionfroot to create an online media kit and find sponsors. Here is the example we talk about in the podcast.

In a split 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission has voted to move forward with a proposal that would bestow benefits on broadcasters that invest in locally-originated programming. If adopted, it would give processing priority to radio and TV stations that certify they provide locally originated programming when they file license renewal applications or transfer a license. Don and Brett disagree on the opportunities for podcasters if this unfolds for stations needing more locally produced content.

Brett has more to say about this in this episode of The Circle Sessions.

Key Takeaways

1. There is potential for podcasters to leverage opportunities in traditional radio stations and platforms like SiriusXM for additional exposure and audience growth.

2. The strategy of podcast advertising warrants careful consideration, ensuring that ad breaks do not overwhelm the listener experience.

3. Understanding listener behavior, preferences, and consumption patterns can help in strategizing podcast release schedules and content.

4. The evolution of platforms like SiriusXM from satellite to app-based services could impact the landscape of podcast exclusivity and subscriber counts.

5. The competitive landscape of podcast acquisitions by major platforms like Spotify and SiriusXM signals a shift towards exclusive content and original programming.

6. Platforms like Passionfroot.me offer creators a visual portfolio and sponsorship pitching platform, potentially presenting a valuable revenue generation opportunity.

In this engaging and informative episode, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge and lighthearted banter, making "Ripped From The Headlines" a must-listen for anyone interested in the podcasting industry and the world of content creation.

Memorable Moments

04:04 Spotify deal opens up to other platforms.

09:02 Discovering interconnected relationships in Hollywood'...

The Circle Sessions

53 From Pixels To Profits

In this episode of The Circle Sessions, Brett Johnson and web design expert Yasmine Robles from Robles Designs dive deep into the world of conversion-focused web design and how it can boost profitability for businesses and podcasts.

Yasmine knows her stuff when it comes to creating websites that are not just visually stunning, but also strategically designed to convert visitors into loyal customers. Their conversation is full of practical advice and real-life examples, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to level up their online presence and monetization game.

They kick things off by discussing the importance of conversion-focused design and how it's all about making moolah from your website. Yasmine sheds light on the nitty-gritty of strategic planning, user experience optimization, and the art of driving desired actions – all with the ultimate goal of turning visitors into happy customers. It's not just about creating a pretty website; it's about crafting an online experience that seamlessly guides people towards making a purchase or taking the desired action.

They dig into the core principles of conversion-focused design, focusing on clarity, simplification, and relevance. They stress the need for a clear and user-friendly layout, especially optimized for mobile because, let's face it, we're all glued to our phones these days. Yasmine draws parallels between these design principles and podcast strategy, emphasizing the importance of keeping content clear, simple, and relevant – whether you're designing a website or planning your next killer podcast episode.

Things get practical when they walk through a scenario of a podcaster wanting to sell merch like coffee mugs. Yasmine's advice is spot on – align your podcast content with your website, and leverage show notes and transcripts to promote your merch seamlessly. Add some upsell opportunities and user-generated content, and boom, you've got a holistic approach to boosting those merchandise sales.

Smartphone vs. desktop user behavior takes center stage, and Yasmine stresses the need for simplicity and ease of navigation, especially on mobile. No one likes a complicated purchasing process, right? So, keeping it a smooth 1-2-3 step journey is key to driving those sales.

The episode wraps up with a reminder about the power of post-purchase engagement and leveraging user-generated content for some good old social proof. Yasmine's insights on nurturing customer relationships post-purchase and building a community-driven approach are pure gold. Because let's be real – creating a hyper-engaged community around your brand or podcast is like hitting the jackpot for sustained profitability and growth.

Top 10 Takeaways

1. Conversion-focused web design is essential to maximize profits from a website, and this approach involves creating a clear path for users, simplifying navigation, and presenting relevant content to drive desired actions.

2. Strategic website layouts guide users through a seamless journey, focusing their attention on key elements that drive conversions, such as call-to-action buttons and strategically placed information.

3. To sell merchandise on a website, such as coffee mugs with a podcast logo, a strategic approach involves incorporating links in show notes or blog posts, providing a clear path to purchase, and potentially upselling related products.

4. Mobile optimization is crucial for e-commerce websites, and while the user journey should be similar for desktop and mobile, the content presentation should be simplified and tailored to the user's viewing experience on different devices.

5. The post-purchase journey should include a thank-you page and transactional and marketing emails to engage customers further and encourage repeat purchases or additional actions.

6. User-generated content, such as images of customers using purchased products, can be utilized on websites to build a sense of community and increase customer engagement.

7. Podcasters can monetize their offerings through various strategies, including selling merchandise, creating a paid community, utilizing "buy me a coffee" options, and leveraging user-generated content for promotion.

8. Websites can feature a "meet our community" section or showcase user-generated content from social media to foster community engagement and increase the cool factor associated with the brand.

9. Engaging with customers post-sale and maintaining a sense of community can contribute to repeat purchases and continued support of the brand, beyond the initial transaction.

10. Podcasters and businesses can seek professional support for website audits, SEO optimization, and content creation to ensure their online presence is ef...

The Benefits of Hiring a Podcast Consultant for Your Business

Brett Johnson, My Podcast GuyTM takes an in-depth look into the essential role of a podcast consultant, focusing on how they can amplify your podcast's impact as part of your broader marketing strategy. Brett, a seasoned podcast consultant from Circle270MediaTM Podcast Consultants, explains the multifaceted approach his team uses to elevate a podcast's presence and effectiveness.

The episode begins with Brett introducing the concept of a podcast consultant, detailing the key services such as strategy development, content creation, and marketing assistance they provide to help podcasts reach their full potential. He emphasizes three main benefits of hiring a podcast consultant: access to industry expertise, a tailored strategic approach aligned with specific business goals, and increased time and cost efficiency due to expert guidance.

Further, Brett discusses how a podcast consultant can enhance a business's content marketing strategies, thereby boosting brand awareness, driving audience engagement, and opening up new revenue opportunities through diverse monetization strategies.

He also covers practical elements of working with a consultant—from identifying clear podcasting goals and developing engaging content to implementing effective promotional tactics and optimizing the podcast for search engines to improve discoverability and audience reach.

Metrics and analytics are highlighted as crucial tools a consultant uses to track performance and refine strategies, ensuring the podcast not only reaches but resonates with its intended audience, thereby fostering a loyal listener base.

We know you will find this episode invaluable when you are ready to elevate your podcast's impact and integrate it effectively into your marketing strategy.

Top Takeaways

Role of a Podcast Consultant - A podcast consultant, like Circle270MediaTM, acts as a strategic partner aiding in podcast creation, production, and marketing to maximize the podcast’s potential.

Industry Expertise and Insights - Consultants possess extensive knowledge about the evolving landscape of podcasting, providing valuable advice for navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities in the industry.

Tailored Strategy Development - Consultants work closely with clients to develop strategies that align with specific business goals, ensuring the content resonates with the intended audience and fits the overarching business objectives.

Time and Cost Efficiency - By utilizing a consultant’s expertise, clients can avoid common pitfalls, streamline production processes, and optimize resources, which saves time and reduces costs.

Brand Positioning and Awareness - Consultants help position brands as authority figures in their respective fields through compelling podcast content, thus elevating brand visibility and awareness.

Audience Engagement and Community Building - Strategic planning by consultants aids in increasing listener engagement and fostering a loyal community around the brand, enhancing the overall podcast experience for audiences.

Monetization Strategies - Consultants guide clients in exploring various revenue streams such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations to effectively monetize the podcast without compromising content quality or audience engagement.

SEO and Discoverability Optimization - Consultants assist in employing SEO strategies for optimizing podcast titles, descriptions, and metadata to boost discoverability and attract more organic traffic.

Performance Metrics and Improvement - Consultants use analytics tools to track listener behavior and engagement, offering insights that can refine content strategy and enhance podcast performance overall.

Professionalized Approach Versus DIY - While DIY podcasting resources are available, consultants provide a more professionalized, personalized approach with continuous support, which can be particularly beneficial in a competitive market.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Tailored strategies to boost listener engagement and revenue.

03:35 Podcast consultant can elevate your podcast visibility.

07:42 Podcast consultant helps grow brand and income.

10:49 Start by visiting mypodcastguy.com to book.

Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best...

In this episode of The Circle Sessions, Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications joins host Brett Johnson to share valuable insights on email marketing for 2024.

Tonnisha provides do's and don'ts for effectively reaching and engaging your audience through email. From providing incentives for subscriptions and utilizing targeted advertising to creating and managing email newsletters, she offers practical tips for successful email marketing.

Top Takeaways

1. Email marketing remains a powerful tool for reaching and engaging with your audience, regardless of the type of business, whether it's a podcast, videocast, or other endeavors.

2. Incentives play a crucial role in encouraging people to subscribe to your email list, and they don't necessarily have to be discounted; offering freebies, bonus episodes, or exclusive content can also be effective.

3. Avoid buying email lists, as it can lead to negative consequences, such as being marked as spam, potentially damaging your sender's reputation, and impacting your ability to use email marketing platforms.

4. Utilize email marketing advertising to reach new audiences, working with companies that can help target specific demographics, industries, or locations to ensure your email campaigns reach interested and relevant recipients.

5. Tailor your email marketing to specific audience segments rather than sending generic messages to a broad audience. Understanding your target listener or subscriber's preferences and creating customer profiles is crucial for effective email marketing.

6. Implementing an email newsletter, whether on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, provides an opportunity to stay connected with your audience, share helpful content, promote events, and maintain brand awareness.

7. Be mindful of not overwhelming subscribers by flooding their inboxes with excessive emails. Use analytics to understand your audience's preferences regarding email frequency, and provide options for subscribers to choose their preferred frequency.

8. Email marketing offers direct contact with your audience and provides valuable analytics to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns. Use this data to make informed decisions and continually refine and improve your email marketing strategy.

9. Politeness and respect are essential in email marketing. Treat your subscribers' email addresses with the same level of respect as you would treat their phone numbers, and seek their permission and preferences regarding email frequency and content.

10. Make use of available resources and expertise in email marketing to optimize your strategy, whether through consulting with experts, leveraging social media, or seeking assistance with analytics and audience segmentation.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Offer incentives for email marketing subscriptions, despite saturation.

05:53 Being marked as spam has consequences.

08:18 Company helps reach local lawyers with emails.

12:28 Analyze podcast analytics to target the audience.

14:18 Newsletter setup, content, engagement, and freebies overview.

18:22 Be polite in email communication, considerate.

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Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

The Circle of Experts are:

Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

Don The Idea Guy

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vince-mcgill/lemon-slice

License code: 2NRNUIV5VG7...

Circle Sessions: Be More Than A Podcaster - Episode Overview

In this enlightening episode of "The Circle Sessions," host Brett Johnson begins by revisiting an idea brought forth by Eric Nuzum during his podcasting masterclass at Radio Days Europe a few years ago. The episode grapples with the evolving identity of podcasters, urging content creators to think beyond their conventional roles.

Key Concepts: Beyond Being Just a Podcaster

Brett kicks off the episode highlighting two significant ideas from Nuzum’s masterclass:

Don’t Just Be a Podcaster

Nuzum proposes that creators should consider themselves as "audio makers," broadening their focus beyond simply podcasting platforms. This shift allows for greater adaptability to new trends and technologies.

Community Building

Emphasizing that podcasters are not in the audio business but the community building business, Nuzum underscores the importance of creating hubs for listeners who are passionate about specific topics.

Special Guest: Matty Staudt

Joining Brett for this segment is Matty Staudt, a seasoned podcaster with over 17 years of experience and the president and founder of Jam Street Media. Matty shares valuable insights from his journey in both radio and podcasting, emphasizing the transformational nature of podcasts in the business and community engagement landscapes.

Interview Highlights

Matty explores the trajectory from traditional radio to the expansive world of podcasting, noting how the term "podcasting" has evolved from a niche, almost frowned-upon label to a mainstream, billion-dollar industry. He recounts the early days at Stitcher, where they preferred the term "on-demand audio" to distance themselves from the then-negative connotations of podcasting.

1. The Transition from Radio to Podcasting: Matty shares his personal shift from radio to podcasting 15 years ago. He discusses how this move was initially met with skepticism but has ultimately proven to be a groundbreaking venture.
2. Beyond Content Creation: Emphasizing the importance of visibility, Matty asserts that even the best podcast is like an unseen masterpiece if not marketed properly. Highlighting his own educational pursuit, a master's in digital marketing, he advocates for an integrated approach to building and promoting podcasts.
3. Community as the Crux: For Matty, the essence of successful podcasting lies in fostering a loyal community. He explains how podcast listeners often become dedicated followers, a trait highly attractive to advertisers.

Challenges and Realizations

The conversation touches on the initial hurdles businesses might face when embracing podcasting. Matty observes that many brands he works with already possess a sophisticated understanding of their audience as a "tribe." This existing relationship only amplifies the podcast's potential to deepen community engagement.

Case Study: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Matty recounts an interesting case study involving one of his early clients, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, demonstrating how an institution's values can be communicated effectively through podcasting. By producing content like “Does College Matter?” and “Zip Code Economies,” the bank was able to reshape its public image and extend its influence beyond traditional banking narratives.

Technological Evolution and Future Prospects

Reflecting on the technological advancements in podcasting, from the pre-iPhone era to modern-day streaming, Matty illustrates how improved accessibility has broadened the audience base. He anticipates future technological innovations that could further expand the interactive capacities of podcasts, moving beyond the "silent film" stage to more dynamic content forms.

Guidance for Aspiring Podcasters and Brands

A significant portion of the discussion addresses prospective podcasters and businesses contemplating this medium. Matty offers balanced advice, stressing that while podcasting has immense potential for community building and brand extension, it requires commitment. He cautions against entering the podcasting world with short-term goals or unrealistic expectations about immediate sales impact.

Breaking Conventional Rules

Brett and Matty explore the creative potential in podcasting, encouraging new entrants to experiment and push boundaries. While traditional formats have their place, the most memorable podcasts often break the mold, integrating narrative, interview, and other innovative elements.

Final Thoughts<...