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Traci Long DeForge has launched a new online community for podcaters called PODHIVE. Why did she do it? We tracked her down and asked her all about it.
When did you launch this new online community? Traci DeForge: I launched PODHIVE at PM Evolutions in LA. It was exciting to see people’s first blush reaction to it. I was also able to get a lot of feedback that has helped continue to shape the focus of the community.
Why did you launch the community? Traci DeForge: The mission of PODHIVE is to educate, encourage and support podcasters to keep them podcasting. I talk to thousands of podcasters every week through my other business, Produce Your Podcast, social media and other platforms. In doing so, I realized there are lots of resources out there to help people launch podcasts but not enough resources out there to help you keep podcasting.
Why do you believe something like this is needed? Traci DeForge: I first had the idea after reading Stephen Goldstien’s article citing, Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry, stats on podfading where he indicated more than 50% of active podcasts over a two-year period were no longer releasing episodes. That statistic is astounding and preventable. I’m on a mission to change it.
What is your goal from the site? Traci DeForge: My goal for the community is to have a central place where podcasters can grow their podcast at their own pace with the audio, marketing and monetization tools needed to do it successfully. Podcasting is evolving every day. It’s important to have access to current information from industry experts and feel confident the information is credible. PODHIVE is delivering that info along with accountability, training and resources so you feel connected and motivated to keep podcasting and have fun doing it. I wanted to create a community to help podcasters get their voice out to the world without feeling discouraged, frustrated or overwhelmed.
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Traci Long DeForge[/caption]
Why is your community different from other podcast Facebook or online communities? Traci DeForge: PODHIVE brings together the community + learning piece and provides access to tactile tools and opportunities for real time 1:1 coaching with experts and “Power Seat” podcast audits. I’m bringing all the systems, templates and marketing tools I built for our full service production clients over the last four years into PODHIVE. Not everyone has the budget or the inclination to hire a consultant but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from the assets a relationship like that can create to shortcut their learning curve!
What have you found to be the number one way for podcasters to get their show heard by the masses? Traci DeForge: The number one way is to keep podcasting. First, take a look at the challenges keeping you from putting a good sounding show out on a regular basis and see how you can overcome those barriers. Then keep releasing episodes on a consistent basis, get scheduled as a guest on other podcasts with similar listening audiences and continue to promote the podcast through email marketing, social media, and digital marketing. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Can an indy podcaster really make any money? Traci DeForge: An indy podcaster can make money. If your goal is to monetize your podcast, It’s important to evaluate it like any other business. Decide how much money you want to earn in the short term and the long term. Calculate your costs to figure what it will take to meet those revenue goals. Get educated on how different podcasting revenue streams work and most importantly, get creative on how these streams can be integrated into your specific show. Is your podcast developing a loyal and engaged following? Will you generate money through support from your listeners? Can you create a specific segment within your show where a possible sponsor could reach your audience in a targeted way? It doesn’t always have to be about the number of downloads. There is a value when you are consistently reaching a niche audience that will take action based on content and messaging they hear on your show.
Visit PODHIVE.com or email Join@PodHive.com for more information.
Comments:
Hello, You left out something VERY important in this article- perhaps THE most important thing and it should be updates, It is $39 a month! or $429 a year….WHAT?! no trial, nothing of value to prove this company or person is worth even $1 a month…what do I get besides blog articles and questions answered for $429 a year? thanks