Podcraft | How To Run A Great Podcast

In this final episode of the SCALE framework series, we dive into the last two powerful growth strategies: Live & In-Person events and Email & Engagement tactics. Drawing from our recent experience at the London Podcast Show, we share how speaking at events, running booths, and recording vox pops can build genuine connections with your audience.We also explore nine proven email marketing and engagement strategies that turn casual listeners into loyal fans. From the networking magic of getting on stage to the owned-platform power of building an email list, this episode reveals why these "old school" approaches still outperform many digital tactics.Plus, we announce an exciting opportunity for listeners to get free podcast coaching on upcoming episodes - could that be you?MentionedGet free podcast coaching on PodcraftThe SCALE Framework: full guideSCALE Framework Notion checklistPodcraft Pointers newsletterHow to run a booth at an eventMaking a montage episodeEmail marketing for podcastersBest social me

Video takes up a lot of focus in the wider podcasting conversation. Do we need to work harder to shine a light on the benefits of pure audio?We spoke to a bunch of kind and patient people at The Podcast Show London who were happy to share their thoughts. Send us YOUR thoughtsJames Cridland - PodnewsAna Ratala & Alec Trunley - RedCircleJoel Pearlman - RiversideCarl Hartley - University of LeedsAbisoye Adelusi - A1 Content StudiosPete Donaldson - StakJay Nachlis - Coleman InsightsSarah Golding - Indie AFYoung Zhao - OpusClipLauren Passell - Podcast Marketing MagicNaomi Wing - Blueprint StudioJack Drury - ShureKaleem Willock - TipaltiLouise Lambert - Reviewed & ClearedGary Aylott - CaptivateTavia Gilbert - The Podcast AcademyJustin Jackson - TransistorIzabela Russell & Bethany Jane - Music Radio CreativeTodd Cochrane - BlubrryDan Kendall - Health Podcast NetworkFelix Trench - Wooden Overcoats Ian Prowse - VortexSarah McDowell - Podcast ConsultantClayton M Coke - The Cashflow ShowKevin Field - Think L

As part of our SCALE framework, we discuss the importance of community and collaboration in growing your podcast. Learn how to effectively use listener surveys to understand and cater to your audience, turning feedback into powerful content. Discover how collaborating with fellow content creators can expand your reach and enhance podcast visibility. The episode also explores using low-cost merchandise as a marketing tool, rather than just a monetisation strategy, and shares practical insights on engaging with your podcast community.MentionedWork with usPodcast Growth: the bookHow to run a podcast listener surveyRephonic 3D audio graphHow to make a podcast trailerSparkToroPodcast Marketing Magic newsletter (co-hosted episode tip)How to get booked on a podcastHow to be a great podcast guestHow to advertise your podcast

We're going to tackle the huge topic of podcast growth by walking you through our SCALE framework. S – SyndicationC – Communities & CollaborationA – Advertising & Paid PromotionL – Live & In-PersonE – Email & EngagementOn this episode, we start with S for Syndication.Syndication is all about getting your podcast in front of as many ears as possible. Start by submitting your show to big platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Make your website a go-to hub with an About page, Subscribe links, Contact info, a media kit, and easy-to-use social sharing buttons. Keep it clean, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized so new listeners can find you. Use clear episode titles, detailed show notes, and link to any tools or resources you mention. Don’t forget a short trailer on your homepage and a separate page for transcripts—it all helps make your show more accessible and shareable. Resources MentionedHow to make your podcast trailerSEO for podcastersOur podcaster resources pagePodpage - build a

Vicki Weinberg, host of the award-winning podcast Bring Your Product Idea to Life, recently celebrated her five-year podcasting anniversary. On this episode, Vicki shares her journey from launching during the first week of lockdown to building a successful show with a dedicated audience.Starting a Podcast During LockdownVicki launched her podcast right as the UK entered lockdown in 2020, which presented unique challenges as she recorded weekly episodes at home with two small children. Despite the timing, she was determined to create something different from the business podcasts she had been listening to."I couldn't find anything where the person that was talking to me wasn't that much further ahead than I was," Vicki explained. She wanted to feature product business owners who were still in the early stages of their journey, making their advice more accessible and relatable to her audience.Finding and Booking GuestsOne of Vicki's biggest initial challenges was finding guests for her brand-new podcast:She sta

We dive into the three sneaky signs you’re stuck in an amateur creator mindset: struggling with writer’s block, relying too much on motivation, and being scared to share your ideas. On this episode, we'll break down why clarity beats inspiration, how small rituals and voice memos can kickstart your creative flow, and why documenting your journey publicly builds confidence and an audience. From AI tools like VoicePal to the power of a good title and a solid idea dump in Trello, this episode is packed with practical mindset shifts to help you create more consistently—and more confidently.

With its impressive 50k per episode download numbers and strong YouTube presence, Cal Newport's Deep Questions is a podcast in the "top 1%" category. On this episode, producer Jesse Miller joins me for a chat about going from regular caller to planning and running the show. We'll find out more about the role of a podcast producer, as well as the similarities and differences between creating a show with a five-figure audience and the more typical podcasts of the average indie creator.

The landscape of online search is changing rapidly. While roughly 60% of Google searches now end without a click (known as "zero-click searches"), we discuss how this trend has actually been evolving for years - it's not just about AI.Key points from our conversation:Search behaviours have been changing gradually - Google has long provided direct answers for weather, sports scores, currency exchange, etc.Content in the "middle ground" struggles most - generic, shallow content that doesn't fully answer questions.The "barbell approach" to content creation: Focus on either high-utility, data-rich content OR uniquely human content (stories, experiences, opinions)Distribution is becoming decentralized - YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit are becoming search engines in their own right.Recommendation algorithms are replacing traditional search in many contexts.Content sites aren't dying, but their role is evolving more toward conversion rather than discovery.We also touched on how podcasting fits into this changing landsca

A great podcast episode title isn’t just catchy—it grabs attention, boosts discoverability, and sets clear expectations for your audience. On this episode, we break down best practices, including ideal character length and front-loading key information, and introduce the WHISPER TITLES framework—13 proven structures to make your episodes more clickable. Whether you’re aiming for curiosity, emotion, or problem-solving, these strategies will help you craft titles that drive engagement and grow your podcast.Also MentionedWant to work with us? Get in touchPodcraft Pointers newsletter (full WHISPER TITLES guide will be emailed out next week!)

It’s understandable why so much misleading advice exists around “the podcast launch”. After all, we’re used to the launch life cycles of products, films, albums, and books.After a few days or weeks, it becomes pretty clear that a new game console or blockbuster movie has sunk or swam. But a podcast isn’t like that at all.In this episode, we talk about why, before going on to dispel three common podcast launch myths. Then, we'll go through our podcast's L.A.U.N.C.H framework—these tactics and techniques genuinely move the needle and are well worth your time and attention. Mentioned in This EpisodeWork with us14 ways to collaborate with other creators6 tried and tested content frameworks

There are more mics, interfaces, mixers, and digital recorders than there are stars in the sky. In this episode, we delve into the cost of podcast equipment in 2025 and give options, examples, and recommendations for every budget and format.The Cost of Podcast Equipment in 2025Need Help With Your Podcast?

If you've launched a lot of podcasts, you're likely also someone who's quit a lot of them - and that isn't a bad thing. Some shows and topics have natural life cycles, and whether we lose enthusiasm or just feel we've said all there is to say, there's no harm in drawing a line under things and moving on.

We'll often say that podcast sponsorship isn't the only way to monetize a podcast, and for many creators, it likely isn't "the best". But all forms of podcast sponsorship aren't equal, and it's entirely possible that it could be lucrative for you, even without thousands of downloads. Podcast Sponsorship: The Ultimate GuideHow to Make a Podcast Media KitThe Podcraft Academy

A bit of a dual-purpose episode this week. We're going to run through (and dispel) 16 common podcasting myths and test out eight different call recording platforms in the process.We recorded segments with Squadcast, Riverside, Alitu, Iris, Cleanfeed, Zoom, Streamyard, and Zencastr.Also mentioned: The Podcraft listener surveyThe IndiePod CommunityWhy video can't and won't replace audio in podcastingWhat's the best day of the week to release a podcast episode?Podcast industry statisticsAverage podcast downloads Data on desired episode lengthHow to do effective podcast sponsorshipHow to grow a podcast without social mediaMinimum effective podcast editing

In this episode, we dig deep into the mindset and systems that power a ridiculously consistent and long-lived podcast. My guest is Matty Lansdown, from the How to Not Get Sick and Die Podcast, and he shares how he built his show to over 400 episodes, much of that time while working a full-time job. We explore the psychology of consistency, practical systems for success, and strategies for maintaining quality content production.Matty also shares insights on building a profitable business through podcasting, and using AI tools for content repurposing. Finally, we dig into the balance between different content platforms and the importance of focusing on what works rather than trying to be everywhere.Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your show, we're sharing actionable insights on building sustainable content workflows, recruiting and developing team members effectively, and creating a content strategy that stands the test of time.Check out Matty's show over at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/pod

An effective podcast trailer can help you win over potential new listeners, giving them a flavour of your show. They can easily be played on other podcasts, which can also help you grow your audience. So... how do you make a good one?MentionedThe Podcraft Listener SurveyIndiePod CommunityPodcast Trailers GuideRephonic Audience Graph

Each episode you release will be someone’s first impression of your show. A good podcast intro lets you manage your listener’s experience and let them know what’s in store immediately. Give them a sense of what they will get out of it and leave them no doubt that this is the podcast for them. Later on, use your outro to ensure you turn new listeners into followers or subscribers and guarantee they return for more.What Do the Top 20 Podcasts Tell Us About the Perfect Intro Formula?Podcast Intro Script Template & Tips to Open With a BangThe Podcraft Listener Survey

A Call to Action is when you ask your audience to do something. For example:share the podcast episode with a friend,review the show on Apple Podcasts or Podchaservisit the podcast’s website, crowdfunding page, or social media contentclick on a link in the show notesAnd so much more!Many podcasters feel frustrated at the lack of action from their call, however. In this episode, we talk about why you might be seeing little or no uptake with your CTAs, and offer a few tips for putting that right. Check out our full Podcast Calls to Action guide, which accompanies this episode. And our own CTA this week is a request for you to take our (very quick) Podcraft Audience Survey.

In the distant past, when listeners synced MP3 players with iTunes and early homo sapiens tried to get their shows in "New & Noteworthy", podcasting was a tricky medium to create content in. We used Skype and built websites out of sticks, and you could get eaten by a dinosaur when trying to upload your latest episode. These days, it's much easier to make a podcast and reach your target audience. This episode isn't purely an "in our day" ramble, but also (hopefully!) some useful tips and advice about making the best of what's available to you now. MentionedThe IndiePod CommunityRemote Recording ToolsRode Wireless MicroAlituPodpageCanvaUK Business StartupAudio Drama for PessimistsKo-Fi Vs Buy Me a Coffee

A quickfire episode running through the following content frameworks, with examples and exercises on how to apply them in your own podcast. Lists: Where you break things down into bite-sized, numbered pieces that are easy to skim and share. Use lists to highlight top picks, tips, or resources your audience will love.Comparisons: Where you help people decide by putting two options head-to-head. Break down the pros and cons so your audience can make smarter, more confident choices.Reviews: Where you share your honest opinion about a product, service, or experience. Show your audience what’s great, what’s not, and whether it’s worth their time or money.Case Studies: Where you tell real-life stories to inspire or teach your audience. Dive into successes, challenges, or unique approaches that they can learn from or relate to.Costs: Where you break down what things cost and whether they’re worth it. Help your audience understand where to spend, where to save, and what to expect financially.How-Tos: Where you teach