We saw a big increase in traffic when we started posting all our weekly newsletter content as podcasts. I attribute this to, as you said, the fact that podcasts fit into people's days in ways that other content can't.
I thought that I was doing OK, and TBH, I think I have done so considering zero background in content creation. I just write well, and built. No IT/new media background, none of these topics you're addressing.
It's something I now need to sit down with and plan, but I just kind of made mistakes; broke things; and I'm STILL only at 5.5K listeners for my podcast in 1 YEAR.
I didn't follow any of your rules at first, but I got there. My equipment is great now. I have a friend who has millions of listeners and who has been on C-SPAN 4 times for his podcast who helpfully intervened :D!
I've been on Substack for about 30 days or so, which is something I wish I did from the outset – it's really the perfect fit for me – after (blundering) managing my raw email list between my website (ampouletude.com) and SendGrid, manually, with lots of Excel and html and css hacking, with minimal AI until I found something there recently, as well.
All this is to say – I need to follow you more closely because you are distilling-down what I've learned through trial (and plenty of error) in the past 2 years of my personal brand work in addition to my core/background of coaching (bodybuilders, strength athletes).
Thanks for these tips, I’ll look into Riverside. Yes, I’ve considered doing a podcast as I’ve got several hundred long form posts I could base episodes on. I’d probably start without guests though, less to wrangle as a newbie.
I’d love to podcast, but the editing & guest management always scare me away. But I’ll get there because podcasts deepen relationships in a way most other forms of content cannot. There’s something about listening to someone’s voice for an hour that builds instant trust.
Question: do you host your podcast outside of Substack as well? Or do you distribute it solely through Substack to the various outlets? Is Riverside also a host, or just for editing? Thank you for your great post!
I have considered this. I think information to encourage people to expatriate would be useful. Especially in these trying times. I need to upgrade my WiFi to Starlink. The cell towers have not been repaired enough after Hurricane Beryl last year to provide consistent service here in Jamaica. Thanks for the article while it’s a bit overwhelming.
I love all this insight! Thank you! I have a podcast that I’ve been doing (albeit inconsistently) for the last few years and the content in many shows is timeless. I’m new to Substack and wondering if it would be good to repurpose the content here? I have been wanting to create shorts as well to draw more views and create more reach anyway. I’m I on the right track with this thinking? Any tips about repurposing content from past shows that hold valuable content?
This is a supremely helpful post. I've been podcasting for five years, and it has completely changed my life in so many ways. If anybody reading this is feeling the podcast itch, I can't tell you how important it is to pay attention to it. All the fears and anxieties that you might have about it will disappear so quickly.
I'm a naturally very self-conscious person. I'm very busy. I run a very successful business, and podcasting is the beating heart of it.
I already have a podcast which is hosted outside of Substack. I don't want to replace this. I get the impression you have a similar setup.
How do you get the links for things like Spotify, YouTube podcasts, and Apple podcasts alongside each post without having Substack generating them when it takes over the hosting?
I want to be able to add my existing Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Podcast links.
It's a difficult question to ask, but I'm hoping you know what I'm talking about.
We saw a big increase in traffic when we started posting all our weekly newsletter content as podcasts. I attribute this to, as you said, the fact that podcasts fit into people's days in ways that other content can't.
I thought that I was doing OK, and TBH, I think I have done so considering zero background in content creation. I just write well, and built. No IT/new media background, none of these topics you're addressing.
It's something I now need to sit down with and plan, but I just kind of made mistakes; broke things; and I'm STILL only at 5.5K listeners for my podcast in 1 YEAR.
I didn't follow any of your rules at first, but I got there. My equipment is great now. I have a friend who has millions of listeners and who has been on C-SPAN 4 times for his podcast who helpfully intervened :D!
I've been on Substack for about 30 days or so, which is something I wish I did from the outset – it's really the perfect fit for me – after (blundering) managing my raw email list between my website (ampouletude.com) and SendGrid, manually, with lots of Excel and html and css hacking, with minimal AI until I found something there recently, as well.
All this is to say – I need to follow you more closely because you are distilling-down what I've learned through trial (and plenty of error) in the past 2 years of my personal brand work in addition to my core/background of coaching (bodybuilders, strength athletes).
I appreciate you sharing this. I have wanted to start a podcast for a while now. This is such simple advice and inspiring.
Signing into Riverside to check it out. Thank you!
You got this! My DMs are always open if you need any help
Thanks for these tips, I’ll look into Riverside. Yes, I’ve considered doing a podcast as I’ve got several hundred long form posts I could base episodes on. I’d probably start without guests though, less to wrangle as a newbie.
Makes a lot of sense! If you have 100+ long-form posts, you could start with solo episodes based on these posts.
Here is what I learned about the winners vs. those on the fence (like me).
1. Fear is the big show-stopper. Push through fear.
2. Perfectionism is the pursuit of an illusion. It can also become a crutch, an excuse.
3. Step out of your comfort zone - every day.
4. Tell me one good reason why you can't follow the instructions in this post.
Let us all support each other and start a podcast!! Thanks, Jari!
I’d love to podcast, but the editing & guest management always scare me away. But I’ll get there because podcasts deepen relationships in a way most other forms of content cannot. There’s something about listening to someone’s voice for an hour that builds instant trust.
Take it step by step, Tara! In the beginning, it's a lot of new things to figure out. But it's so worth it!
Question: do you host your podcast outside of Substack as well? Or do you distribute it solely through Substack to the various outlets? Is Riverside also a host, or just for editing? Thank you for your great post!
I use Spotify for Creators to distribute it to Spotify and Apple Music. It's very easy to use!
Then I upload it to YouTube directly. And also to Substack directly.
And Riverside FM is only a tool to record and edit episodes - not to distribute it.
This answers my question..Thanks
I have considered this. I think information to encourage people to expatriate would be useful. Especially in these trying times. I need to upgrade my WiFi to Starlink. The cell towers have not been repaired enough after Hurricane Beryl last year to provide consistent service here in Jamaica. Thanks for the article while it’s a bit overwhelming.
Take it step by step!
I love this breakdown.
It's been on my radar to start a podcast for The Quietly Ambitious. I appreciate the timely push to "just do it."
Always feel free to send me a DM if I can help you out! :)
Thanks for sharing these tips. I totally appreciate the value of a podcast - I enjoy listening to podcasts every day.
At the moment I'm just getting brave enough to record and publish short videos so it will be a while before I get into podcasting.
That's already a huge step! Once you get into the recording flow, branching out to a podcast will be much easier.
Thanks for the encouragement.
I love all this insight! Thank you! I have a podcast that I’ve been doing (albeit inconsistently) for the last few years and the content in many shows is timeless. I’m new to Substack and wondering if it would be good to repurpose the content here? I have been wanting to create shorts as well to draw more views and create more reach anyway. I’m I on the right track with this thinking? Any tips about repurposing content from past shows that hold valuable content?
Great overview. I’m interested in exploring different business models for podcasting:
1. building an expansive funnel with lots of free content vs.
2. keeping ~80% paywalled and leaning on a large personal network for distribution.
Most people seem to choose (1); I’m personally leaning toward (2) but looking for more examples. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
This is a supremely helpful post. I've been podcasting for five years, and it has completely changed my life in so many ways. If anybody reading this is feeling the podcast itch, I can't tell you how important it is to pay attention to it. All the fears and anxieties that you might have about it will disappear so quickly.
I'm a naturally very self-conscious person. I'm very busy. I run a very successful business, and podcasting is the beating heart of it.
I already have a podcast which is hosted outside of Substack. I don't want to replace this. I get the impression you have a similar setup.
How do you get the links for things like Spotify, YouTube podcasts, and Apple podcasts alongside each post without having Substack generating them when it takes over the hosting?
I want to be able to add my existing Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Podcast links.
It's a difficult question to ask, but I'm hoping you know what I'm talking about.
Actually I worked this out. Stand down. I appreciate you.