Ashwini Dave’s Post

Woo-hoo! Last week, the Ahrefs Podcast crossed 10,000 views and listens! I want to celebrate this milestone by giving you 10 reasons why you *SHOULDN'T START* a podcast. 1/ It’s more work than you think - So many people launch podcasts because they think it’s “easy content” - get on a call, record, publish. Well… That results in pretty mediocre podcast. 2/ You’ll need a team - Ahrefs Podcast is an effort of at least 5 people, who help me with research, editing, design, animations, publishing, etc. 3/ Interviewing is hard - I probably did over 100 interviews as a guest and trust me, being a host is a lot harder. The pressure to make the interview interesting is entirely on you, not the guest. 4/ One hour is not enough - I tried doing shorter interviews, but if the guest likes to talk and digress - you’re screwed. But asking someone for 2 hours of their time is quite a big deal and many guests won’t agree. 5/ Piggybacking off your guests’ audience doesn’t work - Landing a “big name” doesn’t guarantee lots of views. And you SHOULD NOT outsource the promotion of the episode to your guest. It is your job to promote it, not theirs. 6/ You need some credibility as an interviewer - Any “big name” guest has likely done dozens of interviews in just the past month. Why would people bother to listen to yours? (Because they want to know how YOUR interview would go.) 7/ It’s a bad content format to sell your product - It’s very hard to squeeze the sales pitch of your product/service/business into a podcast interview. Podcasts are good for building a connection with your audience, but not for direct sales. 8/ The focus is on your guest, not yourself - If you want the episode to land, you need to make YOUR GUEST look good. The focus should be on them and their business. If your goal is to promote your own stuff, you should hustle to be a guest on other podcasts, not run your own. 9/ It has a very short shelf-life - I’m obviously comparing it to SEO. An article you published 10 years ago might still be bringing you traffic and sales. Meanwhile, the traffic to a podcast episode dies out in less than a week (unless it’s a big hit). 10/ It’s very hard to promote a podcast - This entire rant is based on our milestone of 10,000 views/listens. It took us 3 months, 10 episodes and a TON of promotion to get there. And that's considering Ahrefs already has a pretty big audience. If I were doing it from a blank slate I would barely reach 1,000 views/listens by now. - But Tim… If podcasting is so troublesome, why are you doing it then? Well... I’ll share my 10 reasons why YOU SHOULD start a podcast once we reach the 50k milestone. 😉 P.S. Yes, I actually DID blast champagne in my face! It's not Photoshopped. You can find the video proof on my Instagram. 😅

Have you been a guest on podcasts before? Here’s why you haven’t had the results you expected: If you felt that you did your best and added a ton of value… But somehow the only person who seems to have benefited from it was the podcast host… You’re not alone. I’ve been there! Last year I made a test, and in 4 months booked 67 podcasts as a guest. During that blitz, I made all the possible mistakes. I had no idea what I was doing, and was approaching it as just having a chat, talking about what I do, and hoping that people would contact me. Soon I realized that, without any strategy, I could go on hundreds of podcasts and nothing would come out of it. So I started testing different approaches, and talking to a lot of hosts to understand what actually makes the difference. Some coached me for free! Like one lady told me during a pre-interview chat “Tiago, can I give you some feedback?”. And then went on telling me about how to position myself and stand out from the pack. Here are the 3 things that I learned make all the difference: 1) You need to have compelling brand story You can’t just say a bunch of facts about your life, and expect people to care about it. You need to craft your story in a way that resonates with your audience, and that connects with them at an emotional level. And you need to do it in a way that bridges their current state to your offer. 2) You need a compelling call-to-action Most hosts will ask you at the end of the interview “how can people know more about you?”. This is your chance to bring the listeners to your world. It can’t be a bland “follow me on social media” or “book a free call with me” (that’s what I did for too long…). The best practice is to offer a compelling free give away, that is the next logical step after someone hears your interview. 3) Focus on nurturing the relationship with the host! This is probably the most underused strategy ever. You are networking with incredibly influential and connected people in your niche (the hosts). You are creating a relationship with them, and they are seeing you in action during the interview. This is an incredible opportunity to create referral partnerships with them… Or even to turn them into clients! All you have to do is be genuine, be interested, be prepared, and ask questions. Now tell me: Have you been featured on podcasts before? How was your experience? Cheers, Tiago “learned the hard way” Faria

*** 6 steps to nailing a podcast interview as a host! Hosting a podcast interview? Brilliant! You’ve got a fantastic opportunity to captivate your audience and shine a spotlight on your guest. Here’s how to absolutely nail it: 1. Prep Like a Pro: Before you even hit 'record', know who you're chatting with. Dive into their background, accomplishments, and recent activities. Prepare a mix of broad and specific questions that can guide the conversation but also leave room for spontaneous insights. 2. Set the Stage: Create a relaxed atmosphere for your guest. Whether it's a virtual setup or an in-studio session, make sure everything is comfortable and the tech is all tested. This ease will translate into a more natural conversation, which is always a hit with listeners. 3. Break the Ice: Kick off with something light to warm up the vibes. Maybe a funny anecdote, a compliment about their recent work, or a casual comment about something current. It helps both of you ease into the more substantial topics with a good energy flow. 4. Listen Actively: While it’s crucial to guide the conversation, it’s just as important to listen. This isn’t just nodding along; it's about engaging with what your guest is saying, asking follow-up questions that dig deeper, and reacting genuinely to their stories. 5. Keep the Pace: Keep an eye on the clock and the energy levels. You want to cover everything important without the chat dragging on or speeding through. If a topic’s catching fire, maybe linger a little longer, but always be mindful of not losing the overall rhythm of the interview. 6. Wrap It Up Smoothly: As you near the end, give your guest a chance to add anything else or plug their upcoming projects. Summarise key points or takeaways and thank them warmly for joining. After the recording, send a thank-you note or email; it's a nice touch that can help forge ongoing relationships. And there you go! With these steps, you're all set to host a podcast interview that’s both engaging and enjoyable. Who knows, your guest might just share the episode far and wide, bringing even more listeners your way! 🎙️ Ready to get behind the mic? 📹🎙️ WANT MORE? Here is your FREE Ultimate Podcast Guidebook! Topics include: Strategy, Production, Promotion, Tech, Monetisation, Live Streaming, Hosting, Guest Prep and LOTS more..👉 https://lnkd.in/gG-u9dXD  📹🎙️FREE WEBINAR: The 9 Great Ways to Monetise your Podcast! You CAN monetise anywhere on your podcast journey! Lessons learnt after 250+ episodes..Join me for a FUN and INTERACTIVE webinar with loads of Q&A! 👉https://lnkd.in/g9V6Zhip 

*** 6 steps to nailing a podcast interview as a host! Hosting a podcast interview? Brilliant! You’ve got a fantastic opportunity to captivate your audience and shine a spotlight on your guest. Here’s how to absolutely nail it: 1. Prep Like a Pro: Before you even hit 'record', know who you're chatting with. Dive into their background, accomplishments, and recent activities. Prepare a mix of broad and specific questions that can guide the conversation but also leave room for spontaneous insights. 2. Set the Stage: Create a relaxed atmosphere for your guest. Whether it's a virtual setup or an in-studio session, make sure everything is comfortable and the tech is all tested. This ease will translate into a more natural conversation, which is always a hit with listeners. 3. Break the Ice: Kick off with something light to warm up the vibes. Maybe a funny anecdote, a compliment about their recent work, or a casual comment about something current. It helps both of you ease into the more substantial topics with a good energy flow. 4. Listen Actively: While it’s crucial to guide the conversation, it’s just as important to listen. This isn’t just nodding along; it's about engaging with what your guest is saying, asking follow-up questions that dig deeper, and reacting genuinely to their stories. 5. Keep the Pace: Keep an eye on the clock and the energy levels. You want to cover everything important without the chat dragging on or speeding through. If a topic’s catching fire, maybe linger a little longer, but always be mindful of not losing the overall rhythm of the interview. 6. Wrap It Up Smoothly: As you near the end, give your guest a chance to add anything else or plug their upcoming projects. Summarise key points or takeaways and thank them warmly for joining. After the recording, send a thank-you note or email; it's a nice touch that can help forge ongoing relationships. And there you go! With these steps, you're all set to host a podcast interview that’s both engaging and enjoyable. Who knows, your guest might just share the episode far and wide, bringing even more listeners your way! 🎙️ Ready to get behind the mic? 📹🎙️ WANT MORE? Here is your FREE Ultimate Podcast Guidebook! Topics include: Strategy, Production, Promotion, Tech, Monetisation, Live Streaming, Hosting, Guest Prep and LOTS more..👉 https://lnkd.in/gG-u9dXD 📹🎙️FREE WEBINAR: The 9 Great Ways to Monetise your Podcast! You CAN monetise anywhere on your podcast journey! Lessons learnt after 250+ episodes..Join me for a FUN and INTERACTIVE webinar with loads of Q&A! 👉https://lnkd.in/g9V6Zhip

🔹 6 steps to nailing a podcast interview as a host! Hosting a podcast interview? Brilliant! You’ve got a fantastic opportunity to captivate your audience and shine a spotlight on your guest. Here’s how to absolutely nail it: 1. Prep Like a Pro: Before you even hit 'record', know who you're chatting with. Dive into their background, accomplishments, and recent activities. Prepare a mix of broad and specific questions that can guide the conversation but also leave room for spontaneous insights. 2. Set the Stage: Create a relaxed atmosphere for your guest. Whether it's a virtual setup or an in-studio session, make sure everything is comfortable and the tech is all tested. This ease will translate into a more natural conversation, which is always a hit with listeners. 3. Break the Ice: Kick off with something light to warm up the vibes. Maybe a funny anecdote, a compliment about their recent work, or a casual comment about something current. It helps both of you ease into the more substantial topics with a good energy flow. 4. Listen Actively: While it’s crucial to guide the conversation, it’s just as important to listen. This isn’t just nodding along; it's about engaging with what your guest is saying, asking follow-up questions that dig deeper, and reacting genuinely to their stories. 5. Keep the Pace: Keep an eye on the clock and the energy levels. You want to cover everything important without the chat dragging on or speeding through. If a topic’s catching fire, maybe linger a little longer, but always be mindful of not losing the overall rhythm of the interview. 6. Wrap It Up Smoothly: As you near the end, give your guest a chance to add anything else or plug their upcoming projects. Summarise key points or takeaways and thank them warmly for joining. After the recording, send a thank-you note or email; it's a nice touch that can help forge ongoing relationships. And there you go! With these steps, you're all set to host a podcast interview that’s both engaging and enjoyable. Who knows, your guest might just share the episode far and wide, bringing even more listeners your way! 🎙️ Ready to get behind the mic? 📹🎙️ WANT MORE? Here is your FREE Ultimate Podcast Guidebook! Topics include: Strategy, Production, Promotion, Tech, Monetisation, Live Streaming, Hosting, Guest Prep and LOTS more..👉 https://lnkd.in/gG-u9dXD

Interview Podcasts The Game-Changer You Can’t Overlook!!! You don’t always see it, but you definitely know when it’s missing. Interview podcasts are like salt – a small touch that makes all the difference. I’ve had the privilege of learning from 100s of the most knowledgeable minds out there because of my podcast platform. But here’s the thing – despite their incredible insights, many remain unheard of because they haven’t shared their stories widely. 📍 They may not need the spotlight, but imagine the impact they could make if more people heard their wisdom! As a digital entrepreneur, I believe in the power of interview podcasts, and here’s why: → 1. Credibility: Showcase your expertise and build trust with your audience. → 2. Adaptability: Stay relevant by discussing current trends and issues. → 3. Lead Generation: Attract new opportunities and connections consistently. → 4. Expanding Your Vision: Create something bigger than you ever thought possible. → 5. Collaborations: Open doors to bigger and better partnerships. If you’re ready to dive into the world of interview podcasts, here are the first 7 steps to get started today: 1. Choose Your Platform: Select a podcasting platform that aligns with your style and audience. 2. Optimize & Plan: Set up your podcast channel and create a 30-day content plan. 3. Execute & Connect: Start recording, publishing, and networking with your guests. 4. Track Your Progress: Review your episodes weekly to see what resonates with listeners. 5. Learn Daily: Listen to one podcast or watch a video daily to improve your podcasting skills. 6. Find Your X Factor: Discover what makes your podcast unique and emphasize it. 7. Repeat & Grow: Keep refining your content and strategy to grow your audience. Ready to start your podcast journey? If you are a coach, agency owner, or content creator and are ready and committed to launching a powerful interview podcast to establish authority and want to become the go-to expert in your industry, then follow me, NILESH JAIN for more tips on launching a successful podcast and growing your influence! 🌟 Drop a comment with the word "PODCAST" below, and I’ll personally help you get started.

I spent 10+ years podcasting with over 1,000 interviews. But starting was the hardest thing I ever did. Why? Podcasting is rewarding, but it almost drove me crazy. • Endless editing • Juggling guest schedules • Keeping up with promotion All for what? A successful show… but at what cost? The truth is, even with a well-produced podcast, I was burning out. I needed a way to make podcasting more manageable—so I could focus on the fun stuff: the conversations, the insights, and growing my audience. After months of trying to do everything myself, I made the best decision of my career: I created a Done-For-You podcast service to simplify the entire process. My family thought I was crazy, outsourcing and delegating something so personal. But after countless episodes, it became clear: This system worked. In just the first few months, I had more time, less stress, and my podcast was reaching new heights. The truth is, most podcasters don’t struggle because they lack skill. They struggle because they’re doing everything. Here’s the key to my success: 1. I stopped trying to be the editor, marketer, and host all at once. 2. I built a team that handles the technical stuff, so I could focus on what matters: recording. My service has grown rapidly because it’s not just about helping me anymore—it’s about helping other business owners grow through podcasting. Now I tell this story to say: Podcasting doesn’t have to be hard or technical. But if you try to do it all on your own, it will drain your time, your energy, and your passion. You have two options to make it work: 1. Keep juggling recording, editing, publishing, and promoting by yourself. 2. Let me and my team handle the heavy lifting so you can just show up and record. If you’re ready to stop burning out and start growing your podcast with ease, we’ve got a DFY Podcast service: • We edit, produce, and publish your episodes. • We create promotional materials like videos, quote graphics, and show notes. • We distribute your content across all major platforms. Want more details? Comment “DFY” and I’ll send you the info on how to get started. (must be connected)

Want to be a memorable podcast guest? Here’s how! Being a great podcast guest is about more than just sharing good content; it’s about making meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re a pro or new to interviews, here are some key tips: 💡Listen to Previous Episodes: Understand the podcast’s style and common questions. 💡Read Reviews: Know the audience’s expectations. 💡Prepare Stories: Have three engaging stories ready to share. 💡Research: Know the host and the show’s focus. 💡Audio Setup: Use a good-quality microphone and headphones. 💡Engage with the Host: Use their name and reference past episodes. Stay Positive: Keep answers concise and maintain an upbeat tone. Preparation, engagement, and authenticity are key. Follow these tips from Podcastle to make your next podcast appearance exciting and impactful! #Podcasting #PodcastGuestTips #PR #PersonalBranding #Speaking

I just released our newest resource, a Podcast Guest Planner. Unlock the potential of being a guest on more podcasts with our fun Podcast Guest Planner & Notebook. This notebook is a must-have tool designed specifically for podcast guests to help you organize, plan, and execute successful podcast interviews. How to Use Your Podcast Guest Planner & Notebook: Guest Information Section: Keep detailed records of your shows, including contact information, social media handles, bio, and key talking points. Blank Planning Pages: Plenty of blank lined pages to outline each episode, keep notes, answers to frequently asked questions and discussion prompts. Guided Prompts: Useful prompts and guides mixed in to inspire and help you get ready for your next guest interview. Scheduling & Logistics: Track your recording dates, times, and any logistical details to ensure smooth coordination with your guests. Post-Interview Notes: Jot down key takeaways, memorable quotes, and any follow-up actions needed after the interview. Reflection & Improvement: Reflect on each episode with prompts to assess what went well and areas for improvement, helping you grow as a host. Additional Resources: Pages for additional notes, ideas, and resources to inspire future episodes. Why You’ll Love It: Stay Organized: Keep all your podcast guest planning in one place, making it easy to reference and manage your interviews. Boost Productivity: Save time and reduce stress by having a clear plan for each interview, ensuring you cover all the important topics. Enhance Your Podcast: Deliver more engaging and professional interviews by being thoroughly prepared and organized. Track Your Progress: Monitor your podcast’s growth and improvement over time with structured reflection pages. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, the Podcast Guest Planner Notebook is your essential companion for creating captivating and successful interviews. Elevate your podcasting game and ensure every episode is a hit with this all-in-one planner & notebook. https://lnkd.in/ewWiTF6N

What Makes a Podcast good? 🤔 I have always been on the fence about starting a podcast (like many of you 😄), but it’s one of those ideas that never saw the light of day. During my research, I used to wonder what makes a podcast good apart from the guest. Here are some pointers that make a podcast stand out from the rest: 𝟭. 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Good podcasts often ask insightful and thought-provoking questions. This helps as the guests have to go deep to find the answers rather than give superficial first responses. 👉 For example, Guy Raz on "How I Built This" delves deep into the journeys of entrepreneurs, uncovering their struggles and successes. https://lnkd.in/gwxrbY7D 𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: A conversation is engaging and meaningful if you have context about the topic. Good research about the speaker, their work, and their life helps you have an engaging conversation. 👉 Lenny Rachitsky's "Lenny's Podcast" is a great example, where Lenny does deep research about his guests and their current and past work, along with company details. https://lnkd.in/gk9CchUm 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆: Although as a host, your primary job is to be a good listener, sharing real-life examples allows the guest to feel free and open up about their life stories. This paves the way for a free-flowing conversation that connects with the audience on a personal level (you know when this happens). 👉 Tim Ferriss's podcast exemplifies this, as he shares personal anecdotes and openly discusses his experiences. https://lnkd.in/g2Sx96Tb 𝟰. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽: Clear audio with minimal distractions helps the listener stay engaged. For video podcasts, it’s important to have a good video setup to capture the speaker’s expressions, as it helps in connecting with the audience. As a rule of thumb, always record a video and then decide if you want to publish it (with prior permission from the guest, of course). 👉 Nikhil Kamath's "WTF Podcast" stands out for its high-quality production and engaging interviews with a relaxed vibe. https://lnkd.in/gf5y4bdR 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗽: To discover new and interesting podcasts, platforms like Goodpods and Podchaser offer curated lists, reviews, and recommendations similar to how Goodreads functions for books. Let me know in the comments your favorite podcast and why you listen to it.