I'm not usually a "hard truths" kind of person. Mostly because you could look at me the wrong way and I'd get my feeling hurt. 🥲 But this is a hard truth every podcaster must face: there will come a time you feel like no one cares about your podcast. In this episode we'll talk about what to do when you start having a podcast meltdown, my embarressing first attempt at starting a podcast and why it's okay if no one cares about your podcast.Send me a message:morgan@morganfranklin.mediaWant more?🎧 Let's connect! LinkedIn Threads Instagram Pinterest✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🫶🏼 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
Trying to be yourself online feels like trying to be cool on the first day of school. Over the past few months I've made a conscious effort to figure out how to be myself online. Turns out, it's not as easy as I thought it'd be.In this episode we're talking about how to practice being yourself online, why being the "brand" of you won't build a community and what to do when you feel like you have nothing left to give. In this episode:(3:11) Why we put out "the brand" version of ourselves instead of who we really are.(4:02) If you want to build a communiy that's actually cares about you, and your podcast and your business, you have to do this. (7:28) Climbing cringe mountain, and actually getting out of your own way. (9:08) What helps me stay on track and actually make content people people want to consume. If you need 1-on-1 help, or you want help on how to speak directly to your audience - send me a message! Want more?🎧 Let's connect! LinkedIn Threads Instagram Pinterest✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🫶🏼 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
You got a podcast sponsor! Yay!!! Now what? 😳In this episode we’re going to take a real sponsored ad I'm working on, talk about how to break it down into a readable, memorable, actionable ad, and most importantly talk about how you can create ads your listeners won’t skip immediantly the second they hear a different music start playing.In this episode:(1:32) Why podcast advertising is the most powerful digital marketing tool(2:34) ChatGPT generated ad vs. human generated ad(7:29) Tips for creating ads that convert listeners into buyers(10:26) Let's write a podcast ad together Do you need help with your podcast ads or finding sponsors? Send me a message!Links in this episode:🎧 Let's connect! LinkedIn Threads Instagram Pinterest ✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🫶🏼 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
It's really hard to be successful podcasting when you dread making your podcast. 😬 This episode is dedicated to all my podcasters who are tired, stressed and low-key want to quit their podcast. Whoever said podcasting is easy lied to us, because podcasting takes hard work, dedication, commitment and most importantly a much needed break from time to time. In this episode we’re going to talk about how podcast burnout costs you money, what to do when you want to quit everything, and how to manage the feelings of overwhelm when you feel like you’re caught in the revolving door of podcasting. Links in this episode:👋🏼 Shop My Customizable Canva Podcast Media Kit✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
Finding the right guests to host on your podcast will make you more money than any sponsorship or ad likely ever would.In the beginning most podcasters think they're going to get rich on partnerships and brand deals and 60-second mid-roll ads, but the truth is most of us are going to make money podcasting through the connections and network we build through our podcast. In this episode we’ll talk about how to create a valuable connection with your guest, how to turn a one time collaboration into an ongoing partnership and what it takes to position your podcast as a coveted marketing and outreach opportunity. Links in this episode:👋🏼 Shop My Customizable Canva Podcast Media Kit✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
If you live in the United States the past 3 weeks have felt like a year. 🫠 It’s election year and also one of the most significant and historical presidential elections of our lifetime.Over the past month I’ve heard a lot of opinions on the right, left and quite frankly the pits of hell. Everyone has an opinion, but the bigger question is - should you share it on your podcast? 😬In this episode I’m breaking down the pros, cons and my best advice for sharing your political opinions on your podcast. Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop MY Podcast Templates✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
If I could give one piece of advice to EVERY podcaster it’d be this: the difference between a good and a great podcast is storytelling. The more engaging, relevant and relatable your stories are, the more quickly you’ll grow your podcast and brand. If you’re struggling to find new listeners, if you're constantly feeling burnt out from publishing and promoting new episodes, if you can’t figure out what sets your podcast apart, this episode is for you. In this episode:(0:00) Storytelling: the most important skill every podcaster must master to grow their audience.(3:57) These are the stories that turn first-time listeners into lifelong fans. (4:35) How to use storytelling in your podcast when you're feeling podcast burnout. (6:37) My key to viral storytelling and the best tip to use when telling stories. (9:40) Setting up your guests to tell better stories during their interview. Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop MY Podcast Templates✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
What do podcasters that make millions of dollars through sponsorships doing differently than the rest of us?Podcasting is a 25-billion dollar industry, and this goes without saying, but there are plenty of advertising dollars to go around. The question is, is your podcast setup to get any of this money? Would a potential sponsor listen to your podcast and think it’s a good investment?In this episode we’re talking about what sponsors are looking for, what the most successfully monetized podcasts are doing to make money with their podcast and how you can make a podcast that’s monetizable.In this episode:(1:34) Does your audience size really matter?(4:16) How building a strong niche audience can improve your chances of monetization.(5:25) What does a successfully monetized podcast look like? (And how can we replicate that success.)(6:30) The two most important questions to ask yourself before monetizing your podcast.(7:15) What are million dollar podcasts doing differently than the rest of us? Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop MY Podcast Templates✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
A few weeks ago I saw someone on Threads asking why none of the podcast gurus ever talk about SEO for podcasts.As someone that works professionally in podcasting and digital marketing that made me laugh, because most of the podcast educators I follow are constantly talking about SEO for podcasting.But I get it! SEO is confusing, and boring and honestly kind of a pain in the neck to explain and implement. However, that doesn’t take away from its importance to help your podcast grow and reach new listeners across the internet. Once you get the hang of SEO and how to optimize your podcast, it’s a skill that will pay off forever.In this episode I’m breaking down what SEO is, how you can use it for your podcast and a few easy ways to start optimizing your own podcast episodes today. Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop MY Podcast Templates✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
Over the past 2 months I’ve gone into the trenches of digital marketing research for my podcasts to figure out what will actually bring more downloads and listeners to each episode.Like so many business owners, brands and podcasters I knew the power of email marketing but it sounded like a major pain in the neck. Could it really help that much?? The marketing gurus aren’t lying to us about this one - sending a weekly email has more than doubled my downloads in the past 2 months and in this episode I’m going to break down for you exactly how I did it.In this episode:(2:18) The guest email that got my episode 30,000 downloads.(5:02) How to find the best place to host your emails and contacts.(6:47) How to start building an email list of listeners who actually want to open your messages.(10:25) The strategy I’ve used to grow my list since my first subscriber.(11:26) Why listeners are more likely to listen and buy from an email than social media.Want to check out my lead magnets?ChatGPT Prompt to Start a PodcastPodcast Launch ChecklistSelf-Audit Podcast ChecklistMonthly Podcast Progress Tracker10 Guest Questions for Pre-InterviewsStart Sending Emails with ConvertKitYour first 10,000 subscribers free plus:Unlimited landing pagesUnlimited opt-in formsSend unlimited emails and newslettersAudience tagging and segmentationSell digital productsNewsletter feed and website
Having a podcast is one of the easiest ways to get your professional brand off the bleachers and starting on the varsity team. The truth is, anyone who has a podcast and an engaged professional audience is only a couple steps away from being a keynote speaker and not only a keynote speaker - a paid keynote speaker. 😁 In this episode, I’ll share my step-by-step strategies for booking speaking engagements from your podcasting experience and of course - getting paid!In this episode:(1:00) The simple networking strategy I use to book paid speaking gigs for myself and clients.(3:55) How to create and optimize a "one-sheet" that's working to get you keynote opportunities.(4:35) One thing you can do to seperate yourself from all other speakers in your niche. (6:24) Making money from a keynote when you aren't paid from the event. (8:03) How to build your brand locally to drive global interest. Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop My One-Sheet Template🥳 Get 15% OFF Now Until 7/1/2024 with code LAUNCH15✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
It's really hard to sell something when you aren't sure what it should cost. 🤷🏻♀️Pricing podcast ads is one of the biggest hurdles that keeps podcasters from making money from sponsorships on their podcast. We want to monetize our podcast and sell advertisements, but how much should we sell them for? What is an advertisement on our podcast really worth? In this episode:(1:15) The industry standard for podcast ad pricing and how CPM works. (3:24) Understanding podcast ad terminology and different ad types. (7:29) How to calculate podcast ad pricing based on your podcast's expenses.(12:28) Creating a rate card and media kit to send prospective sponsors. (13:18) The two things every podcast sponsor wants to close the deal. Note: If you've recently listened to Ep. #014: How to Get Your First Podcast Sponsor, there are a few overlapping topics between episodes including the breakdown of expense based pricing strategies and the explination of some ad types. The current episode provides more details to both, and other context that's necessary to pricing podcast ads. 🫶🏼 Links in this episode:👩🏻💻 Shop My Podcast Media Kit and Rate Card Template✨ Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to Start🎧 Work with Me 1:1 💛 Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)
Do you know how many listeners actually listen to your entire podcast? For most podcasters, it's not very many. Which is sad! We want people to listen to the entire episode. Not just the first 2 minutes. 😩 This episode will walk you through how to create a podcast episodes your audience will actually listen to from start to finish. In this episode:(1:19) How to turn first time listeners into lasting audience and engaged community. (3:20) The easy changes you can make to episode descriptions to get listeners to stay until the end of the episode. (This can be done for past episodes, too!) (5:28) The small mistake podcasters make that impact listener retention long-term.(7:30) Why you should start speaking to one person instead of the genaric audience and how this builds your connection and community. (15:16) How to review retention and consumtion rates and what they mean for your podcast. Links in this episode:Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to StartBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast SetupRead this Episode's Show Notes
So you're ready to monetize your podcast? Who are we kidding, you were ready before this thing even launched!Since 2021 I've helped close over $200,000 in direct sponsorships and partnerships for my own podcasts and clients. Just a friendly reminder: advertisers will spend $2.37 billion on podcasts in 2024 and you deserve to get a slice of that pie. 😬In this episode:(2:02) The audience size you need before starting the monetization process. (4:43) One thing you must know before reaching out to potential sponsors. (6:13) Your formula to calculate what your ads or partnerships should cost! (9:28) Standard podcast ad placements and how long they normally air. (13:05) What your pitch deck and outreach message(s) should include. Links in this episode:Free Download: Pre-Interview Cheatsheet (10 Questions I Ask Every Guest!)Podcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to StartBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast SetupRead this Episode's Show Notes
One of the most frustrating parts of having a podcast (and trying to grow a podcast) is trying to figure out if you're actually making any progress or not. Is it "working"? How do you know when it is "working"?If you're constantly questioning if your podcast is doing well or how you can actually tell if the work you're putting in is worth the effort - this episode is for you.Get your free monthly podcast progress report here! (This report is the exact report I use every month for all of my podcasts and clients. I've also includes a printable black and white version.) In this episode: (1:20) What 50 podcasters told me their biggest podcast goals for 2024 are! (3:04) One of the most important tools to keeping your podcast (and you) on track.(5:14) How to self-audit your podcast progress every month. (10:29) Making S.M.A.R.T. goals for your podcast.(12:13) Why you MUST be SPECIFIC about what you want for your podcast. Links in this episode:Download your free monthly podcast progress report here!Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with mePodcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to StartShop my EXACT Podcast Setup
We all want to do our best. Well, most of the time.. 😀😀 But what about all those times we want to do our best but we don't know how? What about all those times we want to do our best so badly we do nothing at all? What about all those times we think other people will judge us for not doing our best? What about when we start to confuse our best with perfect? What if we can't be perfect? In this episode:(1:46) The (biggest) struggle I see almost 100% of podcasters have (4:09) What I WISH someone had told me before I launched my first podcast (6:17) My best advice for podcasters at any stage(7:28) How people actually feel about your podcast (10:20) How many episodes you should air before judging the numbers Links in this episode:Free Download: 10 Questions I Ask EVERY GuestBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with mePodcast Rescourses: Equipment, Software and Everything You Need to StartShop my EXACT Podcast Setup
Since 2020 I’ve produced and published over 400 episodes. During that time I’ve learned a thing or two about consistently creating content and the real struggle of creator’s block. 😵💫😵💫 This week I’m sharing my tested systems to make sure you never run out of episode ideas again. No matter your podcasting goals, consistency is the most important tool in any podcaster's tool belt. In this episode:(2:04) The simple trick that's completely changed the way I create episode topics. (2:48) How to actually get episode ideas from your audience. (4:28) How to use keyword research (correctly) to find episode topics. (8:48) Using ChatGPT and AI for podcast topic ideas. (11:05) The most important metrics podcasters need to understand when creating new episodes. 🤖 Get your free ChatGPT prompt for 10 episodes here (It's the exact one I use, and it's incredible!) Links in this episode:Free Download: 10 Questions I Ask EVERY GuestBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast Setup
Bad reviews suck. Whether you just got one or you’re still ruminating over the one you got 4 years ago, getting a bad review on your podcast is never a fun experience.You’ve put so much time, energy, and money into this podcast and now someone who listened to 3 minutes of 1 episode is giving you a 2 star review because “your voice is unbearable and there’s too many ads”.Over the years I’ve had more than my share of bad reviews, trolls, bots, haters and downright rude people commenting on my podcasts. This episode is about bad podcast reviews: how to deal with them, what you can learn and finding peace in the truth not everyone will like your podcast. In this episode:(1:34) One inevitable truth of podcasting. (2:08) The different kinds of bad reviews. (4:34) The first thing you need to look for in a bad review. (6:11) How to identify actionable feedback from bad reviews (and avoid more bad reviews)..(8:26) What to do after you get a bad review. Links in this episode:Free Download: 10 Questions I Ask EVERY GuestBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast SetupWant a review? Send me a message with a link to your podcast!review(at)morganfranklin(dot)media
Having a podcast is hard work. Why does everyone always conveniently forget to mention that part? Podcasting is hard. It's even harder when you aren't growing, or getting closer to the goals you set in the beginning. This episode is dedicated to diagnosing and addressing 3 of the most common reasons podcast aren't growing. Download your free podcast audit here! In this episode:(1:38) Why your audience is slowly losing interest in your podcast. 😢(3:21) How to engage and keep your listener’s attention with every episode. (4:58) What you aren’t doing, but you MUST do to get new listeners. (8:52) The biggest hurdle most podcasters are facing when it comes to consistent growth.Links in this episode:Get your free podcast auditBook a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast Setup
The human attention span is 8.25 seconds. That means when someone ask you about your podcast you have roughly 8 seconds to hook their attention and start your podcast elevator pitch in a meaningful way. In this episode we'll break down how to answer what your podcast is about, the most important elements of any podcast pitch and how to guarantee the person you're talking to will not only remember your show, but listen after you walk away. In this episode:(1:26) How to create a pitch hook for your podcast that will speak directly to your future listener and quickly explain your podcast. (3:05) What to do when someone isn't interested in your podcast after you deliver the first hook of your pitch. (4:41) How to construct the second phase of your podcast pitch to give credibility, background and explain why you're uniquely equipped to host this show. (6:46) Closing the deal. How to get someone to subscribe to your podcast without fail. (9:43) Steps to further define your pitch hook and simplify your podcast messaging. (11:38) How to ACTUALLY start networking with people who want to hear about your podcast and how to meet people both online and in person. If you enjoy the show and you want to help more business owners and podcasters make money with their podcast will you give me a 5-star review? It helps the show rankings and gives more listeners an opportunity to find the show. Thank you!Links in this episode:Free Download: 10 Questions I Ask EVERY Guest Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with meShop my EXACT Podcast Setup