I'm Brian Carpenter, host of Fresh Art 5, part of the Education Podcast Network, just like the show you're listening to now.Shows on the network are individually owned and opinions expressed may not reflect others.
Find other interesting education podcasts at edupodcastnetwork.com.
Coming up on episode 252 of the House of EdTech podcast, we're going into chapter five of my book, I Like to Podcast and You Will Too.We're talking about hosting, promoting, and distributing your podcast.Strike up the band.
Welcome to the House of EdTech.My name is Chris Nessie.
The House of EdTech launched in 2014, giving me the opportunity to speak with teachers, leaders, and creators so you can more effectively integrate technology, strengthen your pedagogy, and have more confidence in your classroom and school so you can make an impact.
And get involved with the podcast by visiting my website, chrisnessy.com.Using technology isn't difficult.And this is where it begins.This is the House of EdTech. and I'm very excited to bring you this next episode of the podcast.
As I said in the teaser, I'm gonna be bringing you episode five of I Like To Podcast, and you will too.This is the House of EdTech guide to podcasting that I self-published back in August of 2023.
In addition to going through this next chapter of the book, I will also be providing you with additional commentary on the topic of podcasting.
And I assure you, there are some things that are, and this is why I was not so keen on writing a book, there are things that are out of date in this book, so good thing you're listening to it.
If you want to pick up a copy of the book that I just told you might be a little bit outdated, It's okay.It'll be fine.You could pick up a copy of the book for yourself or someone else.
If you go to chrisnessy.com slash I like to podcast, the book is available physically as well as for your Kindle.
Now, if you don't want to pick up a copy of the book, but you are getting value and you want to show your appreciation, go to chrisnessy.com slash support.
I'd also like to invite you to join the Discord community, where we can discuss the book, technology, and of course, education.Go to chrisnessy.com slash discord.
Also, as I teased in episode number 251, something big is coming and here we are at the end of a calendar year.It is the 2024 House of EdTech Smackdown.That's right.We're back. It is time for the Smackdown.
It's going to be episode number 257, and that's going to come out on December 22nd, 2024.Now, if you're a new listener, you don't know what the House of EdTech Smackdown is.So allow me to introduce it to you.
At the end of every calendar year, I do the house of ed tech SmackDown where you, the listener contribute your favorite tech tips, tools, websites, resources.
I guess since we're living in the world of AI, your favorite prompt generation tool, whatever you're loving. in the world of education technology, I want you to share it.And I want you to share it as far and as wide as this podcast goes.
So if you've ever attended an EdCamp or a conference and you've participated in some type of EdTech Smackdown, well, let's do it here on the podcast.And this is an episode that I do every year.So this will be the 11th EdTech Smackdown.
If you want to see what's been recommended before to get an idea, you can go to chrisnessy.com slash all time smackdown.Derek Larson maintains that spreadsheet.Check it out.It's okay if you want to repeat things.
And it's also kind of fun to go down memory lane and see some of the edtech tools from years gone by.And certainly we've lost some brave edtech soldiers along the way. Now if you want to participate, you need to send me a voicemail.
You could send me an email, but then you take your chances as to how I will give you a voice.Although I'm thinking, if you send me an email, I might just have AI give you a voice. might not be your voice.
In fact, it's probably not going to be your voice, but I would love it if you sent a voicemail.So if you go to chrisnessy.com, send a voicemail, or if you want to record it and email it to me, you can send it to feedback at chrisnessy.com.
And I need you to make your submission by December 20th, 2024.Now, if you're listening to this in the future and it's past December 20th or it's past 2024, Hey, Maybe you'll be in line to be involved in the next House of EdTech Smackdown.
But for now, I would like to present to you, I Like to Podcast and You Will Too, A House of EdTech Guide to Podcasting, Chapter 5, Hosting, Promoting, and Distributing Your Podcast.
In today's digital age, podcasts have become a popular medium for sharing ideas and information.With the rise of streaming platforms, it has become easier than ever to create and distribute a podcast.
However, simply creating a podcast is not enough.You also need to promote and distribute it in order to reach a wider audience.
In this chapter, I'll discuss the various strategies and techniques that you can use to promote and distribute your podcast.We will also discuss the importance of building an online presence and engaging with your audience.
By following the advice in this chapter, you can increase the visibility of your podcast and reach more listeners. But first, what is a podcast media host?
A podcast media host is a service that provides storage and distribution for your podcast audio files.When you create a podcast, you will need to record and edit your audio files.We talked about that in Chapter 4.
But then you need to upload that file to a media host. The media host will then make your audio files available for download or streaming on various platforms, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
In addition to hosting your audio files, a podcast media host may also provide additional features, such as a website for hosting your podcast website, statistics about your podcast performance, and tools for managing your podcast's RSS feed.
Some of the most popular podcast media hosting companies include
And I'm going to here on the spot, update this list, live Spotify for podcasters, blueberry buzzsprout captivate Libsyn, which if you want to use Libsyn, that's what I use to host this very podcast.
And if you'd like to use the promo code Nessie, N-E-S-I, you can get up to two months free on Libsyn for hosting your podcast.And they are the oldest podcast media hosting company out there.
In fact, as I'm recording this, it is Libsyn's 20th anniversary.So here on the show, congratulation to Libsyn for 20 years of podcast media hosting.There's also Podbean and Spreaker.
These companies offer a range of hosting plans and pricing options, and some also offer additional features such as, again, website hosting, analytics, and support for integrations with other tools and platforms.
It's important to research and compare the features and pricing of different podcast media hosting companies before choosing one that is right for you and your podcast. Now, submitting your podcast to popular directories, like Apple and Spotify.
A podcast directory is a website or platform that allows users to search for and discover podcasts.
These directories typically include a list of podcasts organized by category or genre, along with descriptions and other information about each podcast. Some examples of popular podcast directories include Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Podcast directories make it easier for listeners to find and access podcasts on a variety of different platforms.Some directories also offer additional features, such as the ability to subscribe to podcasts and or leave reviews.
How do you submit your podcast to a podcast directory? The process for submitting a podcast to a directory will vary depending on the specific directory you are using.In general, here are some simple steps for submitting your podcast to a directory.
Number one, create an account on the podcast directory's website.This will typically require providing your name, an email address, and some other basic contact information.
Number two, once you have created your account, you will need to provide the URL or the web address of your podcast RSS feed.
Your RSS feed is essentially a feed of information about your podcast, including the title, description, episode titles, and other metadata.
If you are not sure where to find your podcast RSS feed, you can typically find it on your podcast hosting platform.Number three,
After you have provided the URL of your RSS feed to the directory, it will typically verify that feed and make sure it is valid and properly formatted.
Let me add in here, if you're using a reputable media host, that RSS feed is created automatically and it is also updated each time you publish an episode.
You don't have to get into the code and the tags and a whole bunch of other stuff that I'm not here to talk about.But after you submit it, The validation should take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
Number four, once your podcast feed has been verified, it will be added to the directories list of podcasts.And this could also take a couple of hours or a couple of days to appear.
If you're going to be doing this near the end of the year, just know that the Apple podcast team, which is made up of actual human beings, they do take time off.
So if you want your podcast to be available in January and it's brand new, you want to get it out and ready to publish and kind of submit things here in November, or else it might take a while for you to get approved and available in something like Apple podcasts.
Back to the book. Number five, once your podcast has been added to the directory, you can typically update your podcast information, such as the title, the description, episode titles, all through the directory's website.
You can also use the directory's website to view statistics about your podcast, such as the number of downloads, and depending on the media host you're using, you might be able to estimate the number of subscribers or followers to your podcast.
but it depends on which media host you're using and what stats and data you have access to.Let's talk about promoting your podcast.Promoting your podcast on social media and other online platforms requires strategic thinking.
Let's explore some effective strategies.Number one, share updates and new episodes of your podcast on social media. This builds anticipation and excitement among your followers while also attracting new listeners.
Additionally, engage with your audience by responding to comments, questions, and sharing extra content related to your podcast.
Little behind the scenes note here, as I'm recording this episode, I am live on the broadcast channel for Instagram for House of Ed Tech.
So maybe follow at House of Ed Tech on Instagram and send me a message and you can get to the broadcast channel as well, where I'm going to try and do things like what I'm talking about right now.
Number two, create opportunities and collaborate with other podcasters or influencers in your niche. By guesting on other podcasts or partnering with influencers, you can introduce your podcast to a new audience and potentially gain more listeners.
One of the ways that I do that with this podcast is through the Education Podcast Network, which I started in 2015.
That allows me to connect with and promote not only my podcast, but you heard the bumper at the beginning of this episode for Brian Carpenter's Fresh Air at Five. and every episode of the podcast you hear about a different podcast on the network.
Hopefully you go and check them out.Go to edupodcastnetwork.com.There's some great podcasts there for you.Number three.Increase the visibility of your podcast on social media by leveraging hashtags.
Use relevant hashtags in your posts to make it easier for people to discover your podcast and join the conversation.Did you know that House of EdTech has a hashtag?That's right.You guessed it.It's hashtag House of EdTech.
Now I also use the hashtag EdTech when I tweet and Instagram and TikTok.So when I put my content out, if other people are looking for EdTech content, I want them to see my stuff.
And if you've never checked out the hashtag House of Ed Tech, go check it out.Let me know what you see, respond, and maybe add it to something you follow on a regular basis.
Number four, utilize the unique features of different social media platforms to promote your podcast creatively. This is what Gary V., Gary Vaynerchuk calls creating with context.
So for example, you could share behind the scenes footage of your podcast recording process on Instagram, like I'm doing right now, or use something like LinkedIn to share articles and written content related to your podcast topic.
If you're using Instagram or Twix, which I'm going to go with Twitter and X's Twix.I'm going to call it Twix.Two for me, none for you.I love Twix.Anyway, create with context.
If I'm doing something on Instagram for the podcast, it's going to be more visual.
If I'm doing something on LinkedIn for the podcast, it's going to be more informative and I'm going to make sure it's very formal and not like I use other social media platforms.
Or if I'm using Twix, then it's going to be, you know, up limited to 240 characters and things of that nature.Or if I'm promoting an episode or content on Facebook, I'm going to use the platforms as they're meant to be used.
So I might put the same piece of content out in a couple of different ways on a few different platforms.Number five, consider utilizing paid advertising on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Running targeted ads can help you reach a larger audience and attract more listeners. Now, I'll be honest, this is a strategy I share, but it is not a strategy that I have tried with the House of EdTech.
From what I understand, I could, or you could, target your ads, and I could go on something like Facebook and say, I am looking for people who identify as educators in the education field, and put a whole bunch of different keywords in, and I can really target some Facebook posts as ads.
I could run ads on TikTok.I could boost posts on Instagram.Haven't done it yet, but maybe it's something you could consider to, again, reach a larger audience and potentially attract more listeners.
Number six, to succeed, consistency, engagement, and creativity are essential. Regularly share updates, engage with your audience, and establish a strong online presence for your podcast.
Now, if you're just breaking into social media, focus on your audience.Don't focus on the number of followers.Don't focus on the number of likes.Focus on bringing your A-game in your podcast episodes and the way that you engage.
If you have a, and this is really relative, a small following, then take the time to engage with everybody and anybody who engages with you.Maybe you'll get to the point where you can only do for some what you wish you could do for everybody.
I'm in a position where if I'm getting comments, I'm, I'm doing my, my hardest, my damnedest to reply to those comments. All right, now let's explore some popular and effective social media platforms for promoting your podcast.
I mentioned Twitter or Twix or X, and obviously this platform enables real-time updates and audience engagement.You can share links to new episodes and respond to comments and questions from listeners. Threads.This is a platform similar to Twitter.
It is tied to your Instagram account, and it was one of the fastest growing apps of 2023.And as we're here at the end of 2024, it is still growing and becoming more popular.Facebook. You can reach a large audience through this powerful platform.
You can share updates about your podcast.You can run targeted ads.You can host a Facebook group.You can start a Facebook page for your podcast, all for the purpose, not just to promote, but to connect with your audience.I can't stress that enough.
Use social media to connect with people, not just jack up your download numbers.If you connect with people, the downloads will come. Same for Instagram and LinkedIn.
You can leverage Instagram's visual appeal to share behind the scenes footage and engage in content related to your podcast.And again, you could also run ads.
And for LinkedIn, connect with professionals and influencers in your niche on this professional networking platform.You can share written content, videos, and articles related to your podcast topic.
Remember, the choice of the best social media platform for promoting your podcast depends on your specific goals and your audience.Consider the unique features and the demographics of each platform to decide where to focus your efforts.
Next up, building an email list.There are several reasons why a podcaster should build an email list.An email list gives you direct access to your audience.
By collecting email addresses from your listeners, you can send them updates and announcements about your podcast, as well as special offers or other content.
This can help to foster a sense of community among your listeners and keep them engaged with your podcast. An email list allows you to reach your audience even when they are not actively listening to your podcast.
For example, if someone subscribes to your email list but then stops listening to your podcast, you can still reach them and send them updates and reminders about your show.
This can help to keep your podcast top of mind for your audience and prevent them from losing interest. An email list can help you grow your audience as well.
By offering a compelling incentive such as a discount or exclusive content, you can encourage people to join your email list and you can attract new listeners to your podcast.
You can then use your email list to keep these listeners engaged and encourage them to become regular listeners of your podcast.
Some examples of popular list-building companies include Aweber, ActiveCampaign, Campaign Monitor, Constant Contact, ConvertKit, Drip, GetResponse, HubSpot, MailChimp, MailerLite.I use MailChimp for the House of EdTech podcast.
But something that I'm considering exploring is Substack.I know a lot of educators are growing an email list using Substack because that's where they are blogging and publishing some of their content.
So it's something I'm looking to learn more about.But back to the book.These companies offer a range of features and pricing options.And some also offer additional tools and services for managing and growing your email list.
It's important to research and compare the features and pricing of different email list building companies before choosing one that is right for your podcast.Building an email list is an important part of promoting and growing your podcast.
By collecting email addresses from your listeners, you can stay connected with them and keep them engaged with your podcast. The only thing that I really do with my email list is send out the podcast show notes.
So when I release an episode, if you're on my email list, a few days later, you're getting an email with the show notes and a link to subscribe in different places.
And I believe also right from the email, you can download the MP3 file for the podcast episode. So that's something I'm doing.
And again, when I say on my website that I'm not going to spam you, I'm not sending out an email every week or multiple times a week.Although maybe, maybe I should send out more emails.I don't know.Do you want to get more emails from me?
Let me know, send me an email feedback at chrisnessy.com and let me know if you want more emails from me.Okay.Let's wrap up this chapter.Here's the conclusion.
It almost doesn't need to be said, but hosting, promoting, and distributing your podcast are essential steps in creating a successful podcast.
By choosing a reliable and feature-rich media host and utilizing strategies such as social media marketing and email list building, you can increase the visibility and reach of your podcast and attract more listeners.
In addition, by building and engaging with an online community of fans and followers, you can foster a sense of community and keep your audience engaged with your content.
By following the advice in this chapter, you can take your podcast to the next level and reach a wider audience.And again, here are the key points.Number one, choose a reliable podcast media host.
Number two, submit your podcast to the popular directories.
And by the way, I didn't mention this earlier in the chapter, but when you submit to Apple podcasts alone, that puts you in the far majority of podcast listening apps that are out there because so many of them just pull and search from the Apple directory.
Really the only ones you need to submit to independently right now off the top of my head are Spotify for podcasters.
Unless you're using Spotify for podcasters to host your podcast, then it's automatically going to show up in Spotify and you would have to submit to Apple.Uh, you would also need to submit to tune in.I heart radio, uh,
what else is out there, Pandora, okay, Amazon, music you can submit to and make your podcast available.So again, you just need that RSS feed URL, which can be found on your podcast hosting platform.
And number three, you want to promote your podcast through social media marketing.So leverage those social media platforms the way they're meant to be leveraged and try to grow and connect with your audience.
All right, here are the action steps that I'd like you to consider taking if you are ready to start a podcast or you've been thinking about it.And some of these action steps might apply if you are already podcasting.Research your hosting platforms.
Compare hosting options to find the best one suited for your podcast goals and your budget.Now, if you're already podcasting, what hosting platform are you using?And what do you like or dislike about it? Number two, submit your show.
Ensure that your podcast is listed on the top directories for maximum reach.If there's someplace you can submit your RSS feed to, submit it.There's no harm in being everywhere you can possibly be, because if you're there, people can find you.
Number three, develop a social media plan.Begin sharing updates, using relevant hashtags, and engaging with your audience.I can't stress that enough.Try to engage with the people using the social media so you can connect with them.
And number four, start an email list.Consider email marketing platforms and start building a subscriber list to keep your audience engaged.Question, have you tried building an email list for your podcast?
What's been the most effective strategy for you? And my last question, how are you using social media to promote your podcast if you're already doing that?I would love to know.Maybe, well probably, you'll be able to teach me something.
Okay, before I close out this episode, I wanted to share a little bit of feedback that I got about the podcast.So we're going to play a voicemail, which I haven't done in a little bit of time.So here we go to the house of EdTech answering machine.
Hi, Chris, it's Martin Biveroo here from the UK.I just thought I'd share with you that I was editing one of my episodes of EdTech stuff today.
I recorded it earlier in the week and I got partway through editing it, not very far through, but partway through.
Actually, I'm going to pause that right there.So first, let me tell you about Martin.He started a podcast called the EdTechStuff podcast.You can find it at edtechstuff.co.uk.
And if you couldn't tell Martin is from across the pond, from my perspective, and his podcast is really, really good.And he's just starting out.He's got a couple of episodes out as we record this and. I'll read you right about it.
I'm going to read you right from his website.All right.Welcome to the home of the EdTechStuff podcast, the essential new series for network managers and IT technicians in the education sector.
dive into engaging discussions, expert insights, and practical advice tailored to the unique challenges of supporting IT and educational environments.
Each episode focuses on the most pressing topics from infrastructure innovation, ensuring you stay at the forefront of technology and education.Join us as we explore the digital landscape of learning one episode at a time. That's a great description.
It's a great podcast name.And let me keep his voice going.Here we go back to Martin.
Uh, and then I realized that it really wasn't very good at all.So I ditched it.I sacked it off and I said, no, it's not going to go.
So I've closed the laptop down and put it away for the day at a pure frustration lesson to myself is that the quality and the quantity, um,
The pace and the flow and the preparation really that i have to put into these is higher than i expected it to be really so.
The worst bit was i've now emailed my guest who gave me an hour and a half of their time to let them know it's not gonna be released explain to them that it's a failing on my behalf not their behalf and hopefully they'll.
find time to talk to me again, but, um, a lesson for anybody else that's listening to your podcast, really, if you do record something that's not up to the standards, then the quality that you set yourself, then don't let it go out.Don't release it.
If you wouldn't like to listen to it, then don't expect anybody else to.
Martins.That is a great point.He just got a little bit more in his voicemail, but yeah, I talked about that just in chapter four and editing and the fact that because you're recording it. You don't have to release everything you record.
And yeah, Martin had to send probably a difficult email to a guest who gave their time to him to have a conversation.And I'm sure that wasn't an easy email to send Martin, but you sent it.And I'm sure that the next time you chat with that individual.
you will have already learned some new things and you will make that interview and that conversation that much better.All right, back to Martin.
A personal note for you.Thank you for the episodes that you're putting out and the podcast you're putting out.Uh, I like to podcast and you will too.Uh, it's, I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to it.
Um, and it has given me the catalyst that I needed, the push that I needed to actually do this myself.So, You asked for voice notes.I have no idea whether anyone actually does it, but I thought I'd send you one anyway, just to see how it goes.
Great technology.I like the way that this works.So, um, I'm not going to pick up on it straight away, but at least I know that it is possible.So, uh, anyway, 15 seconds to go.So I'm going to close.Thank you very much for everything you're doing.
Keep it up.Uh, I, for one, I'm certainly enjoying listening and, uh, I look forward to recording my next episode soon.Thank you.Cheers.Take care.Bye bye.
Martin, thank you for the email.And for you who's listening, if you've never sent me a voicemail, that's how easy it is.Just go to chrisnessy.com or chrisnessy.com slash voicemail.And I can play your voicemails right here on the show.
If you've got a question, a comment, and that's kind of how the ed tech SmackDown goes, but Martin made some really great points in there.And Martin, my advice to you is just keep hitting record.
Every time you record a podcast episode, the learning curve gets a little bit closer to flat.I don't know that it's ever going to be flat.
I'm here in episode 252, getting ready to finish up my 10th year of the podcast, and I am still learning new things.I actually most recently tweaked how I'm post-processing the audio in these recordings.
So this episode might sound a little different if you're really, really paying attention. Or it might not.It depends on how closely you listen to how the episodes are edited.But maybe go back and forth.
Listen to a little of episode 251 and then come back in here to episode 252 and let me know if there is even a difference.I know I see a difference in the waveform, but
That's neither here nor there Make sure you check out the EdTechStuff podcast at edtechstuff.co.uk by Martin Byford Rue and I will have a link to that in the show notes which are a swipe or a tap away or you can head out to chrisnessy.com slash 252 and That's gonna do it for this episode.
Let's put a bow on it Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of EdTech podcast.Please subscribe or follow the show where you're listening to right now.Make this podcast a part of your anytime, anywhere professional development.
Again, links and resources for this episode can be found on my website, chrisnessy.com slash 252. I also want to hear from you, like I heard from Martin.I value your feedback, I value your perspective.
Do not hesitate to reach out if you have thoughts or if you've got questions about today's episode or any other EdTech related topic.
You can email me, feedback at chrisnessy.com or again, better yet, leave a voicemail at chrisnessy.com slash voicemail.I can't wait to connect with you. I'd also like to encourage you to share this podcast with another educator who would get value.
Spread the word because, well, it helps me reach as many educators as possible.And why should you keep me all to yourself?Please share me and thank you in advance.
Lastly, I invite you to become an awesome supporter if you're getting value from my content.I'm incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the following people.
Leo Kalbush, Brian Carpenter, Aaron Cummings, Jeff Herb, Peggy George, and Matt Miller.If you've gotten value from the podcast and would like to become an awesome supporter, go to chrisnessy.com slash awesome.
The next episode of the podcast is going to be episode number 253, and that's going to be chapter six, monetizing your podcast.And that is going to come your way on November 10th, 2024.Very excited to bring you that episode.
It's not something that maybe you've ever thought of, and it might give you a little more insight into how I monetize this podcast. Before I say goodbye, I do want to remind you again that the House of EdTech Smackdown is coming your way.
Again, it's going to be episode number 257, and it's going to come your way on December 22nd, 2024.
You can check out the previous submissions, and it's okay if those things are still awesome and you want to recommend something that's been recommended before.But if you'd like to get an idea, go to chrisnessy.com slash all time smackdown.
And that's going to come your way on December 20th, 2024. This has been another fun one.I'm looking forward to bringing you Chapter 6, and if you're listening to this, I did miss a week.
Yankees were in the World Series, wasn't a great time, got to go to Game 4, but that's a story for another day.Until next time, thanks for learning with me, and remember, using technology isn't difficult, just give it a try.
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