Podcasting Amplified - Joe Eftihiou at Claricast

Podcasting Amplified - Joe Eftihiou at Claricast

Discover actionable podcast growth tips from Robin Waite, including SEO strategies, guest selection, and streamlining production for greater success.

In a recent episode of Podcasting Amplified, podcast host Joe Eftihiou spoke with business coach and podcaster Robin Waite about the strategic choices that helped him grow his show, The Fearless Business Podcast. From optimising SEO and relaunching episodes to making intentional choices around guest selection and production, Robin shared practical insights on how to take a podcast to the next level.

If you're looking to grow your own podcast or understand what goes on behind the scenes of a successful show, read on for Robin’s actionable tips and advice.

What we Discussed on Podcasting Amplified

  1. Streamline Your Workflow: Simplifying production processes ensures that you focus on content quality rather than unnecessary complexity. By eliminating excess steps, Robin optimised his podcast production while maintaining high standards.
  2. Be Strategic with SEO: Optimising episode titles and descriptions with relevant keywords can greatly enhance discoverability. Robin’s reorganisation of episode numbers and SEO adjustments led to a significant boost in downloads.
  3. Choose the Right Hosting Platform: Select a podcast hosting platform that supports your growth. Robin moved from Anchor.fm to Podbean for better distribution and reach, improving the show's overall reliability.
  4. Balance Solo Episodes and Guests: A blend of solo episodes and guest interviews can attract diverse listeners. Robin discovered that his monologues resonated the most, helping him build a loyal audience.
  5. Embrace Intentionality and Experimentation: Adapt your podcast strategy based on listener feedback and results. Robin continuously refined his approach in response to data, leading to greater audience engagement and growth.
  6. Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances: Choose podcasts aligned with your brand and business goals. Robin found that being a guest on the right shows helped amplify his message and expand his audience reach.
  7. Follow Up for Long-Term Connections: Building relationships with podcast hosts is key. Robin’s follow-up efforts after guest appearances led to increased visibility, further opportunities, and a stronger network within his industry.

The Key Steps Robin Took to Grow His Podcast

1. Optimising SEO and Episode Organisation

Robin started his podcast with little strategy but quickly realised that SEO could play a powerful role in reaching a wider audience.

Why SEO Matters for Podcasts

Since podcasts are now indexed on search engines, SEO can help make individual episodes more discoverable. Robin noticed that once he re-optimised episode titles and descriptions, the downloads for his show increased. He also reorganised episode numbers and corrected order issues, further enhancing listener experience.

Moving to a New Podcast Platform for Better Reach

Initially hosted on Anchor.fm, Robin shifted to Podbean for better distribution across different markets. He noted that platforms like Podbean and Captivate, which are more specialised, tend to offer better reach and reliability as a show grows.

2. Relaunching Episodes to Spark Growth

When Robin’s show hit its 100th episode, he decided to do a special relaunch to celebrate. He released five monologues and five interviews in a single week, which led to a significant increase in downloads.

Why the Relaunch Was Effective

This content boost created a mini-event that helped reinvigorate listener interest. By varying content (interviews vs. monologues), Robin appealed to different preferences within his audience, and the impact was clear: downloads quadrupled in just 90 days. Based on listener feedback, he decided to create more solo episodes, which turned out to be his most popular format.

Balancing Guest Episodes with Solo Content

The Power of Monologues

Robin found that monologues offered a direct way for him to connect with listeners, especially those interested in his unique insights. He decided to release solo episodes more frequently, which helped him build a dedicated audience who specifically tuned in for his voice and perspective.

Carefully Selecting Guests

In the beginning, Robin accepted a wide variety of guests. But he learned that many of them didn’t actively share or promote the episodes, leading to a lower return on effort. He now reserves guest spots for people he has an established relationship with, ensuring that each episode will be shared and promoted by both parties.

Mixing Thought Leadership with Guest Content

Robin also introduced a new structure for guest episodes: he opens with a short thought leadership segment, invites the guest to share their insights, and then closes with his own thoughts. This approach gives listeners a bit of both worlds and allows Robin to consistently offer his perspective.

Streamlining Production Without Compromising Quality

Avoiding Overproduction

When he began producing episodes, Robin added step after step to the process, eventually reaching a 68-step workflow that cost up to £500 per episode. He realised that the high production value didn’t always translate to better results, and simplified the workflow to focus on what listeners truly wanted: high-quality content, not unnecessary frills.

Tips for Cost-Effective Podcast Production

Robin advises focusing on the essentials and not feeling pressured to produce a video component if it doesn’t add value. While video can be beneficial, audio-only podcasts still offer a highly engaging experience for listeners without the need for extensive setup or editing.

Building Audience Connection Through Audio-Only Content

Robin’s audio-only monologues remain his most popular episodes. Without the distraction of video, he feels more relaxed and natural, which makes it easier to record several episodes in a short time. Listeners have responded positively to this format, showing that quality content and personal connection are more valuable than extensive production.

Monetising a Podcast: Lessons Learned

Moving from Hobby to Business Strategy

Robin began his podcast without a clear monetisation plan. By episode 67, however, he became more strategic about aligning the podcast with his business goals.

Tips for Attracting Sponsorships and Opportunities

While initially unplanned, the podcast attracted sponsorship and speaking opportunities. Robin suggests staying flexible and open to partnerships, but ensuring that sponsorships align with the podcast’s values and audience. He advises podcasters to consider how each episode can connect back to their larger goals, whether that’s attracting clients, promoting a product, or building authority in their field.

Takeaways from Robin Waite’s Podcast Journey

Streamline Your Workflow

  • Simplify the production process to focus on quality over quantity.
  • Limit added steps to what actually contributes to listener satisfaction.

Be Strategic with SEO

  • Optimise episode titles and descriptions with relevant keywords.
  • Choose a hosting platform that supports your show’s growth goals.

Balance Guests and Solo Episodes

  • Solo episodes are a powerful way to engage directly with listeners.
  • For guest episodes, prioritise people who will promote and add value.

Embrace Intentionality and Experimentation

Robin's journey highlights the importance of intentionality. From SEO to guest selection and production choices, he adapted his strategy based on listener feedback and results. By focusing on what truly adds value, he’s been able to create a podcast that resonates with a growing audience.

Robin as a Podcast Guest

Robin emphasises that a podcast guest appearance can be a highly effective marketing tool, especially when strategically aligned with your expertise and business goals. His approach includes choosing podcasts that are relevant to his audience, as well as considering the potential reach and reputation of each show. By selecting the right podcasts, Robin has been able to amplify his voice to new audiences who are primed to engage with his message.

Takeaways from Robin’s Approach:

  1. Choose Podcasts Aligned with Your Brand: Robin advises being intentional about where you appear as a guest. He looks for podcasts that resonate with his own audience and business objectives, ensuring that the conversations will feel authentic and valuable.
  2. Build Rapport with the Host: Establishing a connection with the host not only improves the quality of the conversation but also encourages hosts to promote the episode more enthusiastically. Robin’s experiences show that a genuine connection can increase the episode’s reach and impact, as both the guest and host have a vested interest in its success.
  3. Showcase Your Unique Expertise: Rather than attempting to fit a specific mold, Robin emphasises the value of showing up as your authentic self. By focusing on his unique expertise and approach to business coaching, he’s able to stand out in a crowded space and attract listeners interested in his perspective.
  4. Leverage the Platform for Continued Engagement: Robin suggests promoting your guest episodes on your own channels to create a network effect. Sharing episodes across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and your email newsletter can increase reach and attract listeners who may have missed the episode on the original platform.
  5. Follow-Up for Long-Term Connection: Post-episode engagement is crucial. Robin maintains relationships with the hosts, often leading to further opportunities, whether as a repeat guest or through collaborations. This follow-up strengthens his network and establishes him as a go-to voice in his industry.

Benefits Robin Experienced as a Podcast Guest

Robin’s appearances on podcasts have led to significant benefits, including increased traffic to his website, new client leads, and stronger industry recognition. His willingness to share actionable insights during guest appearances has built a reputation that aligns well with his own podcast, The Fearless Business Podcast.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimise an existing show, these insights from The Fearless Business Podcast offer actionable advice to make your podcast more successful and sustainable.

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