Clipped: Your Podcast Toolkit For Podcast Resources, Growth, and Monetization Eric Montgomery

In this episode of CLIPPED, Eric explores strategies to enhance your podcast's visibility within Apple Podcast Search. Learn why search rankings matter, the basics of podcast SEO, how Apple Podcast Search works, and debunk some common myths. Get actionable insights to optimize your show and attract more listeners.
Key Takeaways:
Why Apple Podcast Search Rankings Matter
Understand the Impact: Higher search rankings can lead to increased visibility and more organic listeners. Action Step: Focus on optimizing your podcast’s metadata and seo basics to improve rankings. Podcast SEO Basics
What is Podcast SEO? Like website SEO, podcast SEO involves optimizing your show to appear higher in search results. Action Steps: Name Your Podcast Wisely: Ensure your podcast name includes relevant keywords. E.g., "Eco Travel Adventure" versus "Clipped." Episode Titles: Use search-friendly titles like "How to Improve My Golf Swing" or "Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica." Show Description: Write a detailed description that includes keywords related to your podcast’s theme. E.g., "This show explores the world of vintage guitar collecting, offering insights from expert collectors." How Search Works
Apple's Criteria: Apple uses three main factors: Metadata, Popularity, and User Behavior. Action Steps: Optimize Metadata: Ensure your show title, description, author name, category, and language are accurate and keyword-rich. Increase Popularity: Promote your podcast through email lists, guest appearances on other podcasts, and targeted advertising to drive traffic to Apple Podcasts. Engage Users: Encourage followers to play and follow your podcast directly from search results to boost engagement metrics. Link to Apple's Documentation: Apple Podcast Search Explained Debunking Myths About Apple Podcast Search
Ratings and Reviews: Contrary to popular belief, ratings and reviews do not impact search rankings. Episode Consumption Rate: The percentage of an episode listened to by users does not affect your podcast’s search ranking. Resources Mentioned:
Apple Podcast Connect: Connect with Apple Podcasts Actionable Tips:
Revise Podcast and Episode Titles: Ensure they include relevant keywords for better search visibility. Optimize Show Descriptions: Incorporate specific terms that potential listeners might search for. Drive Traffic to Apple Podcasts: Use your existing audience and various promotional strategies to increase your podcast's popularity. Implementing these strategies can significantly improve your podcast's search visibility on Apple Podcasts. By optimizing your metadata, increasing popularity, and understanding user behavior, you can attract more listeners and grow your show. 

Today, Eric is dropping knowledge on a critical topic for any podcaster, the reality of making money through ads. He also gets into why trying to monetize through ads is TOUGH unless you have a huge show. Regardless, understanding ad-based monetization is important, especially if your show is still growing its audience. 
Sponsor Shout Out:  This episode is sponsored by Riverside. Riverside brings 4K video recording and high quality audio recording to your web browser. It’s simple to use and produces excellent results. If you’re a new customer, use promo code CLIPPED at checkout for 20% any individual plan.
Libsyn CPM Calculator:
https://advertising.libsyn.com/podcast-cpm-calculator
What is a CPM? When listening to this episode it’s important to understand the concept of CPM—Cost Per Mille, or cost per thousand downloads.
This metric is essential as it determines the amount you earn from ads per 1,000 episode downloads within 30 days. While host-read ads generally fetch a CPM between $15 and $25, programmatic ads typically offer less, under $10. 
Eric navigates through some real calculations to illustrate potential earnings based on your show's downloads and discusses the implications of dropping ads into your show if you only have a few hundred listeners. He also uncovers alternative monetization strategies that could be more lucrative than ads.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding CPM: CPM stands for Cost Per Mille, indicating the revenue per 1,000 downloads. Knowing this helps gauge potential ad earnings.
Calculations for Different Download Scenarios:
1,000 downloads: At a $20 CPM, you earn $20.
2,000 downloads: At a $20 CPM, this doubles your earnings to $40.
200 downloads: With the same CPM, the earnings drop to just $4.
Host-Read vs. Programmatic Ads: Host-read ads generally offer higher CPMs than programmatic ads, which are automated and may not align perfectly with your audience.
Alternative Monetization: If ad revenues are low, consider selling your own products or services directly to your audience for potentially higher returns.
The Best Way To Monetize Your Podcast One of the best approaches is selling your own products and services directly to your listeners. This could include anything from coaching services related to your podcast's theme to online courses and workshops.
By advertising these on your podcast, you directly control the content and keep all the revenue, bypassing any middlemen. 
Additionally, creating exclusive content for platforms like Patreon, offering Q&A sessions, or hosting meet-and-greets can significantly enhance listener engagement and open up new revenue streams. 
These methods not only provide financial benefits but also strengthen your connection with your audience, positioning you as an authority in your niche.
 

This episode marks a significant milestone for the podcast — Episode 100! As I near my two-year anniversary, I want to thank you all for tuning in and joining me on this auditory journey. 
Today, I’m getting a little whacky and getting into the world of immersive audio. I’m stoked to share this episode with you and it’s a little different from the traditional catalog. I’m exploring the landscape of ambisonic and 3D audio experiences.
Sponsor Shoutout: Riverside.fm Riverside.fm makes it easy to record high-fidelity audio and 4K video right from your browser, helping podcasters produce professional-quality content effortlessly. Use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off at checkout.
What is Immersive Audio? Immersive audio, or ambisonic audio, is akin to surround sound in a theater but designed for headphone listeners. 
It allows you to experience sound from various directions, enhancing the auditory landscape of podcasts. This technology can transport listeners directly into the environment of the narrative, making it feel as if you're right there in the scene — be it a bustling city diner or a serene park.
Featured Gear: The Zoom H3 VR Ambisonic Microphone Today, I'm using the Zoom H3 VR Ambisonic microphone, which captures sound from every direction, enriching the listener's experience with a vivid 3D sound sphere. 
This technology is perfect for podcasters looking to elevate their audio storytelling with realistic soundscapes.
Why Use Immersive Audio? It adds a layer of depth to your podcast, allowing listeners to feel more connected to the content. 
Whether you're producing a narrative podcast or a more traditional interview-based show, immersive audio can bring your stories to life in a uniquely compelling way.
Challenges of Immersive Audio Venturing into immersive audio comes with its challenges, from selecting the right equipment to mastering the mix in post-production. 
I’ll discuss the hurdles podcasters might face, such as the learning curve associated with new technologies and the investment in high-quality gear needed to achieve the best results.
Call to Action Have you experimented with immersive audio in your podcasting? I'd love to hear about your experiences and challenges. 
Connect with me on Instagram at Podcast Haven, or join our mailing list at PodcastHaven.com to get more insights and a free copy of my ebook, "The Four Pillars of Podcasting.

I'm your host, Eric, and today I’m diving back into the world of podcast SEO. If you're looking to increase your show's visibility across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google, you're in the right place. 
In this episode, I'm adding two fresh SEO tips to the original five discussed in Episode 54. 
Sponsor Alert: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Riverside.fm. Remember to use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off their amazing podcast recording and production services.
Podcast SEO Is Key For Organic Discoverability I’m exploring how SEO strategies can significantly enhance your podcast's discoverability. I’m covering everything from the basics of SEO to more nuanced tactics that can help you dominate search results. 
These tips are designed to help you craft a more visible and engaging podcast.
SEO Tips Breakdown: Transform Your Podcast Into Blog Posts Turn episode transcriptions into detailed blog posts. This not only makes your content accessible to those who prefer reading but also enhances your visibility on search engines.
Google prioritizes text-based content, so integrating blog posts on your podcast's site can lead to higher search result placements.
Master the Art of Episode Titling Craft episode titles that are engaging and keyword-rich. This simple change can drastically improve your podcast's discoverability both on search engines and podcast platforms.
Effective titling attracts potential listeners at first glance, increasing the likelihood they'll tune in.
Leverage Keyword Research Tools Use tools like Google Trends and Ahrefs to identify trending keywords related to your podcast topics. Incorporating these keywords can help your episodes rank better in search queries.
Understanding what your audience is searching for allows you to align your content more closely with listener interests.
Optimize Show Notes Write comprehensive show notes that exceed 300 words to improve SEO. These notes help listeners recall important points and find your podcast through related search terms.
Show notes act as a condensed version of your episode, providing a quick reference while boosting your site’s SEO.
Expand Into YouTube Post your podcast episodes on YouTube, even if only audio with a static image. YouTube is the second largest search engine and can significantly increase your reach.
Utilize the video description to include show notes and relevant links, enhancing discoverability across platforms.
Boost Visibility Through Guest Networking Appear as a guest on other podcasts to gain backlinks to your site, which are vital for SEO. These collaborations show search engines that your content is valued across the podcast community.
Guest appearances can introduce you to new audiences and strengthen your credibility within the industry.
Encourage User Engagement Motivate listeners to leave reviews and interact with your content on social media. High engagement levels can boost your rankings in podcast discovery algorithms and social media feeds.
Building a community around your podcast not only fosters loyalty but also improves your content’s visibility online.
Podcast SEO Final Thoughts Embracing these SEO strategies requires patience and persistence, but the payoff is well worth the effort. By enhancing your podcast’s SEO, you can attract more listeners and grow your audience organically. 
For more tips and resources, visit our blog. Stay tuned for more insights, and until next time, keep creating and keep connecting!

In this episode, Eric is exploring the innovative use of AI voices through the platform Speechify to enhance your podcasts, YouTube videos, and more.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode
Understanding Speechify: Discover what Speechify is all about and why it's becoming a go-to for AI voice integration in content creation.
Practical Applications: How AI voices can be used to diversify and scale your content production.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks of using AI voices.
Content Creation Tips: Integrating AI voices into your workflow to enhance content variety without compromising quality.
Sponsor Shoutout: 
Riverside -  Use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off any individual plan.
Deep Dive:
Why Use AI Voices?: From adding variety to overcoming the limitations of your natural voice, AI voices offer a range of creative possibilities.
Character Voices by Speechify: Examples include "Oliver" for a sophisticated tone, "Jenny" for a seductive flair, and a laid-back Southern California accent to match your content’s vibe.
Adapting AI Voices: Tips on customizing speed, intensity, and pronunciation to fit your content needs.
Potential Downsides:
Authenticity Challenges: AI voices may lack the emotional depth and nuanced expressions of human narration.
Audience Perception: Considerations on how frequent use of AI could affect listener engagement and content authenticity.
Closing Thoughts:
In wrapping up, not all content requires deep emotional ties; straightforward, informational pieces might benefit just as well from AI narration. Experiment with AI, but keep it as one part of your broader content strategy. Balance is key to integrating these tools effectively as we move forward.
Call to Action: 
Explore the possibilities with Speechify and integrate AI voices into your content strategy. Visit speechify.com to get started. Share your experiences or feedback on AI in content by sliding into my DMs on Instagram @thepodcasthaven.

In this episode of CLIPPED, we explore a simple yet effective productivity hack for podcast editors—listening to classical music while editing. Discover how the soothing yet complex structures of classical compositions can help you focus better and edit your podcasts more efficiently.
What You'll Learn:
The benefits of listening to classical music during creative tasks. Insights into the "Mozart Effect" and how classical music can enhance cognitive function. Practical tips for integrating classical music into your editing workflow to improve concentration and efficiency. Key Points:
The Power of Classical Music:
Classical music's complex patterns can stimulate your brain's processing centers, enhancing your ability to focus without the distractions typical of lyrical music. Implementing the Hack:
Suggestions for incorporating classical music into your editing sessions, including choosing the right compositions and maintaining an optimal volume. Pro Tips:
Aim for instrumental compositions that are uplifting yet not overpowering.  
Listener Challenge: Try editing your next podcast episode while listening to classical music. Share your experiences with us—did it change your editing speed or focus?
Engage with Us: We want to hear from you! Did this productivity hack enhance your editing process? Reach out via our social media channels or email us your stories.
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