If the Infinite Dial 2019 report encouraged you to head over to the ‘Gram, or you are already posting like the superstar you are, this tool is for you!
LinkTree: If you are on Instagram, then you know that you can have only one link on your profile. But if you are like me, then you might have multiple items you want to share with your followers. LinkTree makes it super easy for you to do so! Check out my Instagram profile to see LinkTree in action.
What in the World is Going on in Digital Media? 2019 Edition
Do you like numbers? My son likes numbers. In fact, he loves counting forward and backward from ten, often. Every game of hide-and-seek begins with counting. And the perfect number of strawberries to eat (as far as he is concerned) is five. Always, five.
So, what’s all this talk about numbers? Welllll, just last week Edison Research and Triton Digital released Infinite Dial 2019, their annual statistical report on all things digital media (including social media, smartphones, music streaming, and yes, even podcasting). Why is this important? Well, if you are someone working in the online space or hoping to in the near future, the way people are interacting and using digital media matters and will help you with creating your own digital media strategies for the months to come.
Here’s one quick example: if you are about to ramp up social media efforts but unsure whether to post on Facebook versus Instagram, Facebook usage is down while Instagram usage is on the rise. However, keep in mind that based on the number of users, Facebook still surpasses Instagram. If you are on the fence as to where to post, some of the social media trends could help you determine where to align your best efforts. The report offers food for thought, as well as, encouragement for audio media and consumption.
Here are some other interesting takeaways:
LinkedIn usage remained exactly the same for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Which, based on my interpretation, means it’s a fairly stable platform and worth using to connect and network with professionals in your industry. Hop on the LinkedIn gravy train; stable isn’t a bad thing.
Smart speaker ownership and use is up to 65 million estimated users (with Amazon Alexa beating out all of the other competition, currently). Soooo, if you have a podcast, submit your show to TuneIn or consider creating an Alexa Skill so that users can find and listen to your podcast on their smart speaker. Not sure how to go about doing so? I can help walk you through the steps.
Podcasting familiarity and listening is on the rise with the average monthly listening (age 25-54) up to 39%, compared to 2018 when it was at 32%. According to the report, “Along with the increases in podcast listening, audiobook consumption also surged, indicating a trend towards increased spoken word audio consumption."
If you have a podcast, this means, keep going! If you are thinking about starting a podcast, consider getting it started. Regardless of the Infinite Dial report, podcasting has been around for well over a decade and isn’t going anywhere. If you have a message and want to share it, what are you waiting for?
If you want to geek out on all things digital media trends, read the full Infinite Dial 2019 report here.
How to Save an Image from a Google Document
Have you ever received a shared Google Document from a client or team member with the image inserted into the document? And this was a document in which you were in charge of putting the content onto a website (copy AND picture, included)?
And you thought, “Well, dang. There is no way to get this photo ‘out’ of the document, unless I just screenshot it.”
Welllllll, guess what? There IS a way to download and save images that are within a shared Google Document. I've created this super short (25 seconds) video that shows you how.
Is there any reason why you shouldn't host a podcast?
Up this month, I answer the question: “Is there any reason a person shouldn’t host their own podcast?” Find out the answer, as you listen to an excerpt of my interview with Terry Green of BizEase Support Solutions, which includes three things you should consider before starting a podcast.
Click here for the answer
(Length: 2 mins. 37 seconds)
The Value and Benefit of Starting a Podcast
What is the value and benefit of starting a podcast, with the business owner, speaker or coach in mind? Find out the answer, as you listen to an excerpt of my interview with Terry Green of BizEase Support Solutions. PLUS, find out where you should be posting your podcast for the best exposure, search engine optimization and more! Click the audio player to listen:
In short: If you have a passion for a topic and a willingness to share your expertise, podcasting can be of value to you and your audience. Speakers and coaches, typically, have a message to share. Therefore, podcasting is a great platform for them to share said message in a fun and unique way. Podcasting is a great way to express oneself, be authentic and connect with your intended audience.
iTunes is just a small piece to your podcast launch
Launching and promoting your podcast does not end and start with iTunes. In fact, submitting your podcast to iTunes should be a very small part of your podcast launch. When launching your podcast and thinking about promotion, you should be focusing on: your current followers, their engagement and how you can increase their awareness of your newly launched podcast.
Here are some ways in which you can connect with your engaged followers and tell them about your podcast and later, about subsequent episodes:
Email them: if you have been building your email list, your subscribers want to hear from you. Let them know of your podcast launch. Then, when you release a new episode, send them a quick email reminding them of your podcast, share your show notes and a link back to your website where they can find the complete episode.
Social media: Share newly release episode announcements on your social networks. Your updates should include something about your podcast, like title, episode number and link. You can get creative with your updates, to entice users to click on your link and listen. If you are not great at copywriting, you can work with a copywriter to help craft social posts for your podcast.
Your website: Post your podcast on your website. Always, always, always do this! Include a link titled, “Podcast” in your website navigation. When a user clicks on the link, they can access and view all of your released podcast episodes.
Submitting your podcast to iTunes is not the end all and be all of your entire podcast launch. Podcast directories should be thought of as a supplement to promoting your podcast. You do want to have your podcast listed in directories, as it gives your current users a numerous way to subscribe to your podcast. Further, it allows for new users to find, explore and experience your podcast. Allowing these new users the opportunity to like your podcast, love your podcast and become an engaged user.
Podcasting, is it for you?
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Everyone seems to have a podcast these days. Right? So the question I ask of you, is having a podcast right for you?Let's discuss, shall we?
First, podcasting has been around for over a decade. It's not new and will be around for many years to come. Second, while it seems everyone has a podcast; it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone should be podcasting.
Anyone that wants to start a podcast, should at least give it a try. However, if you want to start a podcast for business, consider these three questions below before starting:
Do you have a topic that you are passionate about and can talk about endlessly, without tiring?
Are you are creating a podcast, “just because you feel like you are going to ‘miss the boat’ on this whole podcasting craze”?
Do you have at least 2-3 hours a month to devote to your podcast?
If you’ve answered NO to questions #1 and #3, and YES to question #2, you may not be ready to start a podcast. Yet.
It does not mean you won’t ever be ready. It may take some strategy sessions to help you establish a plan. And, that’s okay. Take the time you need to determine the following:
Why you want to create a podcast. Determine your why.
Brainstorm topics you are passionate about. Figure out your what.
Devise a plan to help with time management. Create a plan to implement the production of your podcast. The plan can include outsourcing some podcast production tasks.
Once you’ve worked out the three parts above, you should be ready to move on and get started with your new podcast!
The main point of this post is to make it clear that podcasting is absolutely an awesome way to market and establish yourself as an expert in your niche. But, it's not the only arsenal in your toolbox. If it's not for you, that's okay! Don't force it. There are ways in which you can still share your knowledge and market your business in the digital world. Like: be a guest speaker on other podcasts, host or speak at online events, create videos or turn to blogging.
Want to find out what is involved in starting your own podcast? I offer podcast strategy sessions. Contact me today, to get started!
Your Virtual Assistant Doubles as an Accountability Partner
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I was a guest on a podcast recently, discussing virtual assistance. I was explaining to the host how I help my clients and what I do. She responded, “Oh, so not only are you a Virtual Assistant, but you are a business coach for your clients too. You hold them accountable to tasks and items.”Wait, what? Hold the phone. Could she be right? It didn't really hit home, until I received the following testimonial from a client:
[Darlene] is extremely professional, organized, honest, fast and delightful to work with! Her preferred communication is email, which is perfect for me! She makes my ideas better and allows me to send out a professional, regularly scheduled newsletter every month.
Having Darlene on board also helps me stay on task because I’m held accountable. A huge benefit! -Pam Christenson, Pam Christenson Massage
When one thinks of partnering with a virtual assistant, many benefits come to mind. The most often-talked about benefit is having someone in which you can hand-off items. Makes sense. But, what isn’t always clear and becomes so, after working together for a while; is that a virtual assistant can (and is) so much more.When you partner with a virtual assistant; one that provides a high-level of service (and most, if not all, do); you do gain an accountability partner.
Have you experienced any of the following:
Received a request or to-do from your V.A.?
Received an email from your V.A. to see how your blog post, podcast episode or newsletter content is coming along?
Or maybe, they’ve asked you how you’ve been implementing something they’ve created for you?
If you can answer yes to any of the above and you also get the feeling that you have to follow through because your V.A. is depending on you; then you, my friend; not only have a V.A., but a super awesome, secret weapon in your business: a virtual assistant, accountability partner extraordinaire.
Don’t have a Virtual Assistant yet? Well, what are you waiting for? I may be able to help you reign in the chaos of your busy-business life and help you stay on track. You can view a list of services that I offer to clients, here.
3 Things Your Podcast May Be Missing
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Are you practicing the three “S’s” when it comes to your podcast's promotion? Below are three things that you should be doing in order to to help promote and grow your podcast audience:
Darlene's Three S's to Podcast Promotion:
Send an email to your subscribers when a new podcast episode launches. Let your "peeps" know about your latest and greatest episode. They want to hear from you, otherwise, they would not have subscribed to your list.
Show notes! Show notes is a blog post that includes a description of your podcast episode, a brief overview of main topics discussed, can include time stamps for pertinent information and includes links to anything you mentioned in the podcast. You should be creating show notes for each episode and posting them on your website. Make them keyword rich too. Whenever you promote or share your podcast, direct people to that specific episode's show notes.
Social Media, you betcha'. Spread the word about your latest episode on social media. Don’t just tweet or post about it once, and be done. Add promotion of your podcast into your daily/weekly social media schedule to capture interest and engage followers.
Bonus: create Click to Tweets and include them in your episode’s show notes, making it even easier (and fun) for your audience to share your content.Need help implementing these three ‘S’s? Let's chat! Contact me today for a strategy session. We can devise a plan and promote your podcast, together!
Increase Your Online Exposure, Be a Podcast Guest
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For decades publicists have been booking clients on television and radio shows. Actors, humanitarians and people like you and me have been highlighted in articles both on and offline. Having your business featured in your local newspaper will help bring in new prospects, sharing your expertise on the radio where you mention your website address will likely bring new traffic to your site and talking about your expertise on a television show will most certainly help you gain some great exposure for your business. Traditional media coverage is great, but there is another media coverage market that you can tap into and gain even more exposure for your business. I am talking about Digital Media. Some examples of Digital Media include Blogs, Podcasts and online video (like those you see on sites like YouTube).
A podcast is much like a radio show, the only real difference is that is it available for listening at any time and can be produced by an independent production company or podcast producer. The idea is the same, in that you have the opportunity to talk with the show’s host about your business, product or service all the while sharing some great information and resources about your area of expertise.
Here are some tips that will help you book your first podcast guest spot:
Research your options. Podcasts usually have a very targeted audience. Do your research and find shows that you think have an audience in which your topic will appeal. Some podcasts have a media kit available that defines their audience demographic, this will aid you in your research. If you can’t tell who the audience is for a particular podcast by viewing their website, simply listen to a few podcast episodes (in fact, do this anyway!) after listening to two or three of them, you will be able to see if the show is the right fit for you and your topic.
Contact the show. Send an email to a podcast producer telling them about your interest in being on their show. Provide some information about the topic you are interested in talking about. But please, do not send a pitch form letter! Form letters are just so, impersonal. You want to eventually have a fun and open conversation with the host, yes? So, make an authentic connection, make it personable and clearly define how/why you would be a good fit for their show. The worst thing that can happen is that they decline your request.
Prepare for your moment. Once you have been booked to be a podcast guest, it is time to prepare. While being a guest on a podcast is your time to shine, remember that you are still a guest on someone else’s podcast. If you plan on talking a little bit about a new product or service, it is always a good idea to mention this to the podcast producer before the interview. You may also want to ask the host if they would be willing to share with you a list of topics or questions they plan to discuss during your interview, so that you can be well-prepared.
Generally speaking, a podcast is a medium that provides information and resources to listeners… if you are out to simply sell a product or service and have no interest in talking about anything else, then a podcast may not be the right avenue for you to gain exposure for your business or area of expertise. And that’s okay, there are many other digital media avenues you can take to help gain exposure for your business.
If you have some great information to offer, as well as, increase awareness in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, then search out a podcast and be a guest!
If you would like to be considered as a guest on my podcasts, I'd love to hear from you. Visit DVpodcasts.com to learn more about my shows and then use the contact page to connect.
Happy Podcasting!
Marketing Ideas for Your Podcast
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Marketing your business takes work. Creating a website and/or hanging out a “We Are Open” sign isn’t going to bring you clients. It’s a start, you’re open. Awesome! You need exposure and must get the word out that you are open for business. Have a marketing plan, be persistent with it and re-evaluate what is and is not working. Don’t be afraid to make a change, if something within your plan is not working. Now, let’s say you’ve gotten your marketing plan and processes down for your business. Sweet! Taking that further, maybe one of the strategies is to create a podcast as a way to connect and engage with current and potential clients. Here’s the rub, sometimes businesses create a podcast for the purpose of marketing and then decide, after some time, the podcast angle is not working. After diving deeper, it seems they suffer the same mind-set as a new business owner. They create a podcast, assuming people will find it, without doing any marketing for the podcast. Adding your podcast to iTunes isn’t necessarily enough.
You should market your podcast a lot like you market your business. The same methods and strategies may be used. Sure, it may seem like a Catch-22 or redundant, especially if the reason for your podcast is to market your business. Sounds like a lot work, huh? It can be, but what’s the point of having a podcast if nobody knows about it? If you are unsure of how to market your podcast, here are some ideas:
Include a link to your podcast in your email signature
Use social media to share podcast episodes, create images with quotes to share.
Include your podcast url on your business card
List your podcast in various podcast directories, especially those in your specific niche(if they exist).
Join groups on social networks where your audience hangs out, connect with them and when appropriate share your podcast (always check groups’ rules first, before promoting your podcast!)
Post your podcast along with show notes on your website, as a blog post. Search engines love new content. If you are podcasting consistently and posting show notes, it gives Google a reason to keep coming back to your site to crawl. This means eventual higher search rankings. Score!
Talk about your podcast, especially at networking events. If you connect with someone and they want to learn more about you… tell them your website and mention you have an online radio show. Don’t be shy! This is also why it’s essential to include your podcast url on business cards.
That’s just scratching the surface. You can also be guest on other podcasts, cross-promote, be a guest blogger, place ads in industry magazines or newsletters (or be featured), or choose to be a sponsor for a specific event.
Eventually, all of your hard work WILL pay off. Choose the options that work best for you. You don't have to do everything on the list above. Get the word out that you have a podcast and remember ALWAYS include a call-to-action in your podcast episodes. A call to action should direct listeners to your website, inviting them to opt into an email list or perform some other measurable action.
If marketing for your podcast sounds like a lot of work and you think you need help implementing some of these ideas… contact me for help. My podcast management services can be of service to you. I am only an email away.
Happy Podcasting!
In Today's Online World, Remember What it Means to be Human
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Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been covering marketing as a topic on my podcast, “The Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide.” My guests have shared their insight and expertise about blogging, social media and networking, just to name a few. Among all of the conversations I’ve had, there was one common theme my guests kept coming back to, as it related to online marketing. I’ll get to that in one moment. In today’s technological world, there is a misconception that we don’t connect with each other, our noses stuffed in our phones all the time. Yes, this is true. But for many, we are still connecting.
Let’s circle back to the commonality that kept popping up in my conversations with my podcast guests about online marketing: they all said (in one form or another) that being authentic, honest and caring was the most important thing we can do to connect with our audience in today’s online world.
That’s right; the common thread had nothing to do with using a specific tool, device or a social network. It was not about the 80/20 rule of sharing on social media or how to send a specific,“tweet.”
It all came down to one simple thing: what it means to be human. It's so important to not fall into the practice of being a machine pushing out content or sending links haphazard on social media. Be invested in what you put out into the online world and truly care. Also, don’t be afraid to show your true self. Your audience will notice. And, that will be the reason they choose to connect with you, the real you.
Check out recent episodes of The Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide to hear some of the conversations with business owners about online marketing.
Podcasts, blog posts or e-newsletters are great ways to share relevant content in an authentic way. Contact me, I’d love to help.
Turning Podcast Fans into Email Subscribers
Podcasting is a great way to establish yourself as the go-to person in your chosen niche. More than that, it can be used as a marketing tool to help connect you with your prospective clients. Creating and growing your email subscriber list usually falls within the top 3 marketing to-do's when working with marketing consultants and professionals. But, oftentimes creating an email opt-in is forgotten when it comes to podcasting. Think about it though, when someone opts into your email list, it means they want to hear from you. In that respect, it's very much like when someone subscribes to your podcast. The difference: you don't typically have a face/name/or contact for your podcast subscribers. An email list opt-in for your podcast helps bridge that gap.
If you are a business owner producing a podcast to establish your brand, you should be leveraging your podcast for marketing purposes. How so, you ask? One way is to create a valuable proposition that your listeners cannot refuse in the form of an email opt-in.
Here are some ideas for valuable content you can offer:
A monthly e-newsletter jam-packed with useful tools and content.
An awesome giveaway or prize drawing.
Podcast news clips: updates about future shows and guests' background, bios, etc.
A free guide with tips, tricks and tools that your audience finds relative.
As long as the content you provide is one of quality and your listeners want to consume, create an email list and start promoting it! Place the opt-in on your podcast website, Facebook page and mention it during podcast episodes.
Once your email list starts to grow, don't let it sit there! Engage your subscribers - send them monthly podcast highlights, special audio files just for subscribers and other newsworthy items. Ask them for feedback and show that you care about them.
Your email list and your podcast is a marketing tool you can use to help cultivate and grow your connections. Get started now!
Online Video & Podcasts: Nobody else is doing it, why should I?
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I am an accountant (or hair dresser or fill in your service of choice here), how can I benefit from promoting my business using online video or podcasting? Nobody else in my industry is doing it. It just seems silly and pointless. Does that sound like you? There was one thing that speaks volumes to me in the paragraph above:
"Nobody else in my industry is doing it."
EXACTLY! If few people in your industry are using online media for promotion, you have an opportunity to establish yourself as the go to person or expert in your niche. Online video and podcasting are both great ways to extend your marketing reach globally, without spending loads of money on newspaper, radio or other traditional advertising. That's not to say you shouldn't use traditional marketing methods, but my advice is that you don't ignore your online market or reach. If you pay attention to your online market, you could potentially catapult your business to the next level.
According to statista.com, in 2013, the number of digital video viewers in the United States amounted to 195.6 million and, it was also found that 33% of US adults listened to audience as of 2015. Chances are, that at least a percentage of those viewers or listeners make up are your ideal clients. Creating video or podcasts these days, is super simple. If you have a smartphone, a computer, a microphone and some editing software (or someone that you can partner with to make your final productions shine), you can promote your business online!
The next time your PR rep or marketing professional says to you, "Let's add a podcast to our marketing plan," don't immediately dismiss it. Remember, if you don't try, you'll never know. And, as a advocate for podcasting to help promote business, the most important thing to remember is that online media allows your market to get to know, like and trust you. When you are able to do that, your bottom line will greatly improve!
Need help with your online marketing support? I've got you covered! I'd love to speak with you to see how I can help.
Podcasting for a Cause
I talk a lot about podcasting for your business on my site and my blog. But, you can also create a podcast on a variety of other non-business topics. The single most important thing to remember when it comes to creating your next podcast is this: create one that is on a topic that you are most passionate about. Given that point, podcasting about a cause you believe in or support is a fantastic way to jump into the world of podcasting! Let me put this into perspective. Imagine you are someone that supports a local animal rescue, going as far as volunteering in your spare time to help care for the animals and fund raise for the group. You love the animals, enjoy working with the other volunteers and have an overwhelming sense of happiness helping out. Now, let’s take this one step further; you want to do more. You want everyone to know about this wonderful group, the animals that need adopting and encourage others to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Well, a podcast is a perfect outlet! With a podcast you can: share your knowledge about the rescue with a specific audience, list it in several podcast directories (including iTunes and Stitcher) , share on social media streams for even more exposure and reach people across the nation AND in your own backyard.
Right about now, you may be thinking, “Yeah, okay, Darlene … this all sounds great, but what on earth do I even talk about? Won’t animal rescue chat get old, fast?” First, if you are passionate about your chosen topic, talking about it will never get old. Second, there is something simple you can do now in order to fill your ‘idea bucket’ . It’s good old-fashioned brainstorming! When it comes to podcasting, I like to break brainstorming up into two step process.
STEP 1: Brainstorm and come up with the overall topic for your podcast. Think of the overall topic for your podcast as the outside of your idea bucket. You should be able to tell someone you’ve never met, in one sentence, what your overall podcast is about. Take for example my podcast, Inspired Entrepreneur’s Guide. I tell people it is the podcast that encourages new entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in a funk to stop dreaming and start doing. It gives them just enough to get an idea of what the show is about. It also keeps me on track when creating future episodes. The same will hold true for you. Remember, the overall topic is the outside of your bucket.
STEP 2: Once you’ve decided on an overall topic for your show, start brainstorming topic ideas for each individual episode. The episode ideas are what goes into your bucket. Fill that bucket up, okay?! Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas: - Your first episode can be an introduction to your rescue group, yourself and what to expect in future episodes. - Your second episode will be an interview with a volunteer. - And your third, well, interview a pet owner that has adopted a rescue.
By the fourth you can start to branch out and interview other rescue groups. Then continue to extend these ideas further –training tips for a newly adopted rescue dog, rehabilitation, current issues with euthanasia laws for rescues, etc.
As you can see, a little brainstorming in the beginning can go a long way. Always keep the reason for your podcast in mind and your overall topic in check. They will be your guide!
If you have questions or need help, I am here. I love helping people get started with podcasting for their business or their cause. Contact me at any time for help!