Podbean Live provides opportunities for podcasts of all sizes to build audience engagement and monetize
NEW YORK, NY (Oct 9) – Podbean announces the full release of Podbean Live, their new podcast Livestream platform. The live streaming service aims to help podcasters easily expand their podcast with live audio shows to further audience interaction and add a new form of monetization.
“Podbean Live addresses some of the primary needs podcasters have shared with us. First, it is a tool to enhance the connection with the audience. Along with that comes a new opportunity to earn revenue,” shares David Xu, CEO of Podbean LLC. “We envisioned it as a virtual version of live podcast shows, which have really taken off in recent years. With Podbean Live, podcasters can set up such a virtual show without any cost and easily offer something special to their fans.”
Podbean Livestreaming is a truly interactive experience, bringing podcast listeners an opportunity to engage with their favorite podcasts and deepen the sense of community. Listeners can call in and send real-time messages during the show. The livestream host can invite multiple co-hosts and guests to join them, creating a dynamic show with ease.
Podbean Live introduces a new way for podcasters to monetize their content by allowing listeners to donate to their favorite content creators. Listeners have the option to send virtual gifts to livestream hosts, purchased with the in-app currency called “Golden Beans.” Podcasters can cash out points earned from gifts and live show ticket sales, creating a new revenue stream.
Podbean Live is now available with no added fee to all Podbean podcasters with paid hosting accounts. Other podcasters can request approval for access. After the live show, the host can publish the recording as a podcast directly in Podbean or download it for editing and post-production. To learn more about how live streaming works, check out the how-to guide.
What do I need to do to update my categories for Apple Podcasts?
Go into your Podbean settings to review your channel category and the full list of options. Log into your Podbean account and go to Settings→”Channel Category”. To change your category, select your preferred category and click the “Update Options” button at the bottom. This will make the appropriate changes to your feed, which will be picked up by Apple and implemented as they do their roll out later.
Additional categories: You can also go to Settings–>Feed/iTunes and find iTunes: Categories to choose a 2nd and 3rd Apple Podcasts category. Please note as per Apple’s documentation: “Although you can specify more than one category and subcategory in your RSS feed, Apple Podcasts only recognizes the first category and subcategory.”
Since Spotify began including podcasts on their platform, podcast listening has booomed there. With changes to their app to highlight podcasts, you can expect they will continue to be an important player in podcasting. Podbean and most podcast hosting companies developed partnerships with them, meaning you can submit your podcast directly through your hosting company.
If you submitted via your podcast hosting company, you will typically get some Spotify stats in your hosting dashboard.
Podbean was selected to be part of Spotify’s passthrough program, which means your content is fed to them via your RSS feed much like most podcatchers. This offers a few benefits to podcasters, including Spotify statistics being measured and displayed in the same fashion as other downloads. Here’s more on viewing your Spotify Statistics in Podbean.
In Podbean stats, you can view sources of downloads, including Spotify, under “user agents”.
More Show Analytics in Spotify for Creators
Spotify also provides direct access to their specific performance statistics. You will need to open a Spotify account if you don’t already have one (can be created for free on www.spotify.com/us/signup/) and follow the steps below to verify your show(s).
Log into Spotify for Podcasters. This will be connected to a Spotify account, so please make sure you are logging in with the account you want to be associated with your podcast
Click on the “Add Your Podcast” link on the side bar.
Add the RSS feed for your podcast that is already on their platform.
Verify that you own the podcast. They will send a verification code to the email address in the RSS feed so check that email for your code.
Type in the verification code.
ID additional metadata associated with your podcast (country, language, categories).
Press Submit. You will then have access to their analytics for this podcast here, along with your download statistics in your hosting platform.
You will be able to gain access to multiple individual podcasts via this feature. Similarly, the rest of your podcast team can access the statistics for specific podcasts as well, as long as they have access to the email address in the RSS feed.
For questions about creator show verification or Spotify analytics, contact their support team at podcasters-support@spotify.com. You can also visit Podbean’s Help Center for tutorials, FAQs and to reach our Support team.
Podcasting is an ideal medium for showcasing your expertise and communicating to clients and potential clients. Here are a few things that make podcasting stand out:
A growing audience: Almost ½ the U.S. population had listened to a podcast. Podcast listening is booming and will continue to with connected cars, Google and Spotify getting into the podcasting game, and the rise of smart speakers. Because most podcast listening is done during daily activities and there are far fewer podcasts than blogs, it’s a medium with a lot of opportunity.
The right audience: Podcast listeners are loyal, educated and affluent. They have strong brand loyalty (in this case, the brand being you and your expertise).
Building trust and connection: There is a different kind of connection that comes with being in someone’s ears. Understanding increases 500% when using audio versus written communications.
Podcasting Smarter: Repurposing Your Expertise, Content and Resources
Even if you see the potential benefits, you might be thinking this is just another thing that will take up a lot of time. Of course, it can take up a huge amount of time, but there are smarter approaches and tools to make it easier.
First, consider your format and how you might repurpose content you already have or use your podcast to meet multiple practice goals. For example, you might take a look at your website statistics. Examine your most popular blog posts (or the ones readers spend the most time on or that create the most leads). Start by repurposing those topics into podcast material. You could simply read the blog posts. Ideally, though, you can use them as a guide while adding a bit of personality or discussion that may not be there in the post. As you practice, you’ll become more adept at what works for audio. As a lawyer, you likely already have a high level of verbal communication so you have what it takes!
Another ideal format some lawyers may want to consider is doing short, daily updates or “bites” of knowledge. This might be answering a quick FAQ in your area of expertise, giving a legal update or talking about legal cases or topics in the news. This way, that one blog post could make a week or more of podcasts and keep people coming back. The good part of this strategy is your podcast can easily be repurposed again as an Alexa Flash Briefing, reaching perhaps another audience.
Many popular podcasts take the format of an interview show or have multiple hosts. You may consider doing a podcast with other lawyers in your firm or network. Even attorneys from two specialties can create a nice dynamic. This can work especially well for different, but related areas. Similarly, interviewing other experts (legal or related professions) can make the podcast interesting and bring in more listeners. The interviewee will share the podcast with their network, so it’s an easy growth strategy. This can also be a good way to build relationships with other professionals who refer to you (or who could).
There are as many possibilities as you can think of with podcasting formats and styles. But, as you can see, you can strategize to simplify the process or use the podcast to meet other business needs and professional goals.
The Simplest Way to Make a Podcast
The other concern you may have about starting a podcast is getting special equipment and figuring out the technology. But, just like video has gotten as easy as sitting in front of your computer or phone, so too has podcasting.
You may want to invest in a good microphone, but you can actually start out just using your phone and earbuds (they’re surprisingly good with sound quality, especially if you’re in a quiet environment). Since the environment often has a bigger impact on sound, find a quiet, non-echoey room (closets are great; carpeting and some blankets or padding can help).
The Podbean app is one example of an audio recorder built right into an app on your phone…this one made specifically for podcasting. With the free Podbean app, you can record, add sound effects and music (a number of tracks provided, plus you can import your own), do basic editing and upload the podcast to Podbean to distribute (or export for other services).
For those who want to learn more about producing good quality audio or are ready to make some upgrades, here is a well-detailed list of Five Steps to Recording a Quality Podcast.
You will need a place to host your podcast files so they can be easily distributed via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, various podcast apps and online. Generally, website hosts are not equipped for this so you should investigate dedicated podcast hosting companies. Podbean podcast hosting, for example, starts for as little as $9/month (with a free starter plan also). All the podcast hosting companies offer the basic file hosting and distribution, but many also offer a suite of built-in tools to help you publish, promote and perhaps even make money from your podcast.
As you examine whether to start a podcast, think about why you want to do it. You don’t need to get too caught up in making it perfect to start or investing in a lot of expensive equipment. There are also numerous professional resources if you want to get expert help with any aspects of podcasting. The important part is to consider your goals and the most efficient way to accomplish them. Podcasting can be the perfect tool for many goals within your practice…and now’s the time to get started!
Join our Facebook community, Podcasting Smarter, to share tips, get resources and more–whether you have a podcast or are thinking about starting one.
You can now easily get a properly-configured feed for an Alexa Flash Briefing using your Podbean account. There’s no need to do anything special or go to any extra efforts, we’ve set it all up for you!
Simply go to “Settings”–>”Feed/iTunes”–>”Advanced” in your Podbean account. Scroll down and you will see “Last1 Feed”. This feed has been configured to only contain your last (most recent) episode, as required for Alexa Flash Briefings (or any other need you may find).
The Podbean Podcasting App’s Audio Recorder Function Offers a Range of New Effects and Post-Production Tools
Wilmington, DE – January 24, 2019– The Podbean app features an audio recorder function, allowing podcasters to record and publish audio podcasts right from their iPhone or Android devices. The newly-released version of the app provides a robust suite of recording and editing features for the podcaster to create even better audio.
The latest version of the Podbean audio recorder provides a rich library of free background music in various styles and moods that podcasters can use in their recordings. It also offers special effect sounds, tone adjustment, and echo effects to mimic different surroundings. After recording, podcasters can use the editing features to cut the audio, merge two recordings or split recordings. Podcasters can also import background music and other audio files, as well as export their recorded audio to easily use other professional editing tools or repurpose content.
“As we all do more on our mobile phones, we’re encountering more podcasters who want to be able to record and publish on the go,” said David Xu, Podbean’s CEO. “We released the audio recorder in the app in 2016 and have continued working to make it more functional for podcasters producing mobile audio. This is the first in a series of upgrades to the recording and post-production features in the Podbean app.”
For an overview of features, visit Podbean’s audio recorder page. You can download the Podbean app free from the App Store or Google Play. Podbean is seeking feedback to continue improving and enhancing the audio recorder for podcasters. Contact Podbean Support to provide feedback or get help.
There are a million ways to promote your podcast. Some are effective, while others might be a waste of time (and money). Join us as we give you eight ways on how you can promote your podcast.
1. Submit your podcast to various platforms (directories and apps).
The more places your show can be heard, the better, as you want to make it as easy as possible for listeners to find your podcast wherever they go. Start with Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Google Play and Spotify. From there, you can check out numerous other directories and apps, though many podcast apps pull from Apple Podcasts.
2. Create a website for your podcast.
You should have a podcast website, whether one provided by your podcast host or one you create on your own. This serves as the hub for your podcast and you can provide additional information and ways to connect with listeners. By building content here, you can practice search engine optimization to be found easily to promote your podcast If you decide to create a website from scratch, make sure your web host is the best in the market and ensures the highest quality.
3. Make good episode descriptions.
Focus on making good episode descriptions with keywords that will help potential listeners find you. Think about podcast/episode titles as well (Apple podcasts are monitoring for the keyword “stuffing” so don’t artificially do this, but make titles clear and appropriate for what they’re about/what people might search).
4. Promote/share on social media.
Create social media accounts (if you haven’t already) and build your social media community. Focus on creating community and sharing, not just posting your own things/self-promoting. Find like-minded people/communities on social media, follow them and engage. Share your episodes on social media.
Instead of just recording the audio version, record a video or turn it into an “audiogram”. This could attract new attention from people who prefer videos or primarily use sites like YouTube. You can make this even easier by choosing a podcast hosting platform that already has an auto-share to YouTube function (such as Podbean).
6. Leverage the influence of guests.
Inviting guests on your podcast can help broaden your audience since the fans of the guest will often listen to the podcast and may turn into regular listeners. Influential guests help build awareness for your podcast. Seek out guests and create a solid pitch for why they should come on the show. Also, make it convenient for them, treat them with respect and make it easy for them to share the show.
You can also be a guest on other podcasts. It’s a great way for new listeners to get to know you and to build a network with other podcasters.
7. Advertise on popular podcast apps.
Podcast apps can help you grow your podcast audience by reaching passionate podcast listeners right in their favorite podcast app so that they can subscribe/download your show right away. Podbean app has banner ad spots so that people see your ads on front and center right after opening the app.
8. Cross-promote.
Cross-promotion within other podcasts is effective. You’ll likely hear such promo spots in most of your favorite podcasts including the big ones like NPR. However, it takes a lot of time to find and contact podcasts and set this up. A more efficient method might be using one of the podcast advertising platforms such as PodAds. You’ll need to spend some money but you’ll save valuable time. You can also reach a broader range of listeners than via personal connections.
Podbean releases new PodAds affiliate program, with commissions for referring podcast advertisers and up to $100 credit to referred advertisers.
Wilmington, DE – December 10, 2018– Podbean has released a new affiliate program for their PodAds podcast advertising program. Affiliates can now earn commissions for referring potential advertisers to the PodAds program. And, Podbean will provide up to $100 of ad credit for the referred advertisers to spend on podcast advertising.
Current Podbean affiliates automatically qualify for the program. They can visit their affiliate page to get a referral link and promotional resources. New affiliates can sign up at https://www.podbean.com/affiliate. Potential advertisers should sign up via an affiliate’s link to get started with podcast advertising and receive ad credits.
PodAds is Podbean’s smart podcast advertising platform, using sophisticated technology to automatically match podcasts with advertising campaigns per the advertiser’s specifications. Campaigns can be targeted to interests and geographies (down to the city level). The ads will be dynamically served to listeners who meet the targeting criteria.
With PodAds, business owners, brands and media buyers can effortlessly start a podcast advertising campaign targeted to their ideal audience. The platform brings greater efficiency to podcast advertising as advertisers can purchase programmatically, obtaining slots in multiple podcasts to meet their goals and fit their budgets. PodAds provides detailed delivery statistics to help advertisers analyze their campaigns’ success.
Audio Dice Network awards Podbean.com for its unconditional support of the LatinX / Hispanic community with the Latin Podcast “Global Diversity” Award. This Award is a podcasting industry award recognizing ambassadors of diversity in podcasting.
Audio Dice Network (ADN) bestowed the first Latin Podcast “Global Diversity” Award to the audio industry giant Podbean, for its tireless and disinterested support of the LatinX | Hispanic podcasting community.
Podbean, the world leader in podcasts hosting, has teamed up with ADN (an independent podcast network) and Bitextuales.com (a provider of editorial and translation services) to honor and recognize Hispanic-LatinX podcasts of all the world and the United States.
The Latin Podcast Awards (LPA) are the only podcast awards in the world that honor Ibero-American podcasts (Spanish and English). These podcasts are originated in the United States and around the world. the LPA is the first and only podcast competition in the bilingual world.
In this new edition, the LPAs will recognize podcast nominees from the United States, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Switzerland and Puerto Rico.
About this accolade David Xu, CEO of Podbean said, “I am proud Podbean supports the Latin Podcast Awards. Once again, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate content creators and highlight the diversity of voices that the world of podcasting has to offer.”
About Podbean:
As an industry leader for more than ten years, Podbean has been providing innovative podcasting services. This platform offers an easy-to-use interface that integrates publishing tools, administration, distribution, monetization and user friendly analysis. Currently, the podbean community is composed of a base of more than 140 thousand podcasters. Podbean apps for Android and iOS have reached more than 1 million downloads, and have more than 300 thousand active monthly users. For more information, visit https://www.podbean.com .
For more information on the Latin Podcast Awards visit latinpodcastawards.com.
Local media can play an important role in promoting small, local businesses. It can be a great way to target a narrow market with relevant messages. Many small businesses put advertising dollars toward local radio and newspapers. They may try billboards, flyers, local community boards or websites.
Small business owners need to be smart about their marketing and advertising efforts. Typically, they’ll be looking for effective, low-cost solutions but it can be hard to find that perfect combination. Sometimes local media exceeds the budget of a new or growing business. And, many businesses are finding that what’s worked in the past is no longer so effective. In recent years, many have turned to online advertising that allows targeting and provides delivery analytics. Another benefit is the simplicity and ease of getting campaigns running quickly.
Few local business owners will have considered podcast advertising. But now, some platforms are offering programmatic podcast advertising that targets only listeners in certain areas. So, podcasts can be a new form of local media for your small business to tap into. Fortunately, podcast advertising also has the potential to deliver more for less cost too. A small company can “sound big” without spending a lot. It’s a lot like what websites have done for small businesses in leveling the playing field.
Your Potential Customers Are Listening to Podcasts
According to a report from Edison Research, 21 percent of Americans (age 12+) will have listened to a podcast in the last month. To put that into perspective, that’s the same number of Americans who use Twitter and 8% more than use Spotify.
Podcasts tend to have affluent, educated audiences. 85% of podcast listeners have a college education and 36% make more than $75K/year.
Podcast Advertising Effectiveness
Research shows 62% of podcast listeners report making a purchase as a result of an ad they heard on a podcast. A study on NPR podcasts showed even higher results, with 75% of listeners taking action on a sponsored message. Podcast listeners are highly engaged, with 88% of them subscribing and listening to most or all episodes. Because podcasts are not heavily saturated with ads, listeners have high brand recall (over 70%).
New Technologies Increase Targeting and Ease
Programmatic ad buying now makes the process of purchasing podcast advertising much easier. A small business can buy ads directly, without a lengthy process or large ad budget necessary to work with an agency. The process is similar to setting up Google or Facebook ads (maybe even easier).
And, the technology now supports more targeting. So, for example, you can run ads to be served up only to listeners in your state or metro area. This effectively makes podcast advertising a new form of local media, but available on a smaller budget. For example, one recent campaign run via Podbean’s Ads system resulted in 100,000 targeted impressions for the business for $300.
To learn more about podcast advertising for your local business, read more. You can set up a campaign in minutes and give it a try! You set budget caps, and can modify or stop a campaign any time so it’s low risk with potential for high reward.
Get a high return on investment for your small business: get started with Ads today.
