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3 Questions for Traci

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(By Traci Long DeForge) You’ve got podcasting questions, and _PBJ‘_s Traci Long DeForge is here to answer them. Traci is the founder of Produce Your Podcast.

Do you have any suggestions on how to find a co-host to start a podcast with? The process for finding someone to start a podcast with is like searching for a business partner. First, get clear on what you’re looking for in a co-host. Do you want them to take on an equal role or supporting role within the show. Will they offer an alternate perspective or be more of a sidekick? Are they an expert in your subject matter, do they have the personality and match your energy level? What will the co-host bring to the show that are important to you? Second, outline clear roles and responsibilities that go beyond the show. How will the work be divided? Will you handle the production, and they handle the admin responsibilities? An upfront conversation about sharing the workload is critical to the long term success of the relationship. Overall, look for a person who will bring quality content to your show and also be willing to share the burden of all that it takes to maintain a quality and consistent podcast.

I’m exhausted trying to keep up with all the details it takes to build my business and keep up a quality podcast. Do you have any suggestions on how to balance my business, all it takes to run it, and produce a podcast? Business Building Meets Self-Care. The struggle is real! Most business owners who also podcast know the importance of embracing the intersection between business development and self-care. While we’re working diligently to grow our audience, increase our revenues and sleep…the idea of practicing some semblance of wellness becomes an afterthought. Is there a solution? Yes…the key is to set up your processes and stick to your systems. Some suggestions for staying on track with your podcast include:

1) Create a streamlined podcast workflow process. Record the same day and time each week or record two episodes every other week. Write out a step by step checklist and follow it to create your show notes, graphics, social media posts. Set a deadline for all this to be finished at least 48 hours before your releases date so you’re not frazzled to get it out on time. If you need help seek out a podcast consultant to help lessen the overwhelm of creating these systems. Once you have them in place you’ll feel like a new person! 2) Run the Numbers. Outsource production editing and administrative services when your budget permits. Your first thought might be, “I can’t afford it” but can you afford not to do it? If the time you are spending on the podcast details are keeping you from doing business development outreach or meeting with clients…it may be costing you more than you calculated. 3) Create templates for recurring tasks. Take the time to write and save templates for your podcast development and distribution process. This is important when it comes to guest management. Integrate forms on your website, write outreach and follow up email templates and save them in a google doc folder for you or your eam to access, edit and send out. 4) Set aside time for self-care. The amount of T’s to cross and I’s to dot to sustain a quality podcast can be overwhelming and combine that with the day to day details of running a business and you have the perfect recipe for “pod fade”. Set aside some time for self- care so you can be successful in your business and with your podcast without exhausting yourself

Can I get paid from doing a podcast? If so, how does that work? Making money off of your podcast has a lot to do with the type of podcast you are making. Platforms like teespring.com give you a place where you can sell merchandise associated with your podcast and Patreon.com where you can ask people to support your podcast by making a contribution. These platforms work best when you already have a loyal listening base and/or an active social media following. If you’re using podcasting as a marketing tool for your business then develop a specific call to action so your listeners know how to do business with you beyond the show. Create a lead generation item such as an e-book or case study for them to download from your website. You can offer incentives or discounts for new customers using a code or dedicated URL directly associated with your podcast. This way you’ll know where the traffic is coming from and can reconcile the new revenue against it your podcast expenses.

_Traci Long DeForge is the founder of Produce Your Podcast, and a consultant, speaker, and strategist. She can be contacted at _traci@produceyourpodcast.com_ or 912.223.9525. Visit her websites at _TraciDeForge.com_ and _ProduceYourPodcast.com_. _
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