Patreon at SXSW: 5 Issues We Realized at So, You Suppose You Can Podcast?

In case you’ve been following Patreon’s evolution — and studying our weblog — you realize that podcasting is one in all our favourite matters, as a result of podcasters are a few of our favourite creators. Whether or not it’s serving to you determine should you ought to begin a podcast, exhibiting you which ones rewards it is best to arrange to your followers, or supplying you with actionable promotion suggestions straight from profitable Patreon podcast creators… right here at Patreon? We’re slightly obsessive about podcasters. We all know podcasters with a passionate viewers can do very well on Patreon, and switch probably the most dedicated of their loyal fan base into paying patrons.

So, after we heard Carmina Barnett, Director of Operations and Programming for Mortenson Broadcasting, and Feleceia Benton, Precept at Zoe Communications Company, and Frankie Wilson, CEO of VM Communications, LLC, had been going to document a reside podcast at SXSW known as “So, You Suppose You May Podcast” we grabbed our laptops, perked up our keen ears, and clicked RSVP’d instantly.

By means of a reside podcast, open dialogue, and a combination of training and leisure, our session hosts led a packed room a number of steps nearer to creating their podcasting goals come true. Listed below are a few of our favourite takeaways from the session:

1. Communicate clearly: It appears tremendous easy, however one of many causes individuals will flip off your podcast and discover one other one is that if they’ll’t hear you or what you’re saying clearly. After all, it is best to keep true to who you might be and by no means trash your distinct voice, however annunciate, decelerate, and ensure your listeners obtain your message.

2. Carry your power: Listeners don’t solely present up for the data you’re sharing — what additionally they love is what you distinctly deliver to the desk, just like the power and enthusiasm in your supply. Whenever you’re podcasting and broadcasting, keep in mind that initially: you’re entertaining. Retaining your supply buoyant and energetic makes that attainable.

3. Focus in your model: The large model questions nonetheless apply relating to your podcast. Ask your self: who’re you creating this podcast for? What does your potential viewers want that you’ve got? What do you contemplate a win? What are you able to do to monetize? Answering these questions earlier than you press document will help set you up for fulfillment relating to your podcast.

4. Content material planning is essential: Podcasts cease from lack of planning; remember that the power to create a podcast doesn’t imply you’ll create a profitable podcast. Planning forward ensures consistency in themes and matters, which interprets to a cadence your viewers can depend on. Plus, it retains you organized which is able to in the end save treasured time so you may get again to creating.

5. Digital distribution: You can argue that a very powerful facet of broadcasting a profitable podcast is distribution as a result of if there’s no manner for listeners to search out you there’s no person to hear. When searching for distribution channels, consider the place your particular podcast ought to go to interrupt by the noise. For instance, iTunes could also be the most well-liked podcasting platform, however simply because it’s well-liked doesn’t imply it’s the proper match. Take into consideration your viewers — the place do they hear? Take into consideration your self and your model, and search for a channel that fits your wants.

Need to know the bonus data from the session? The important thing to a profitable podcast in the end can come down to 1 factor: Authenticity. Being your self will appeal to the proper viewers to you. Don’t lean into what you’ve seen work for different creators, your new area of interest may simply be the subsequent massive factor.