Just as we tidy up our physical spaces, it’s a really great idea to declutter and organize our digital spaces, too, from time to time. Many of us are living more and more of our lives in a digital world. And our digital lives can quickly become cluttered with outdated files, unused apps, and just general digital clutter. 

But there’s an easy fix! A digital spring clean! So, let’s dive into why and how to do a digital spring clean, and why NOW is the perfect time to do it.

BONUS!

Keep reading! We’ve included a bonus fun freebie to help you get that ball rolling on your digital spring clean! You don’t want to miss it!

Why Should You Do a Digital Spring Clean?

As we mentioned above, our digital spaces need the occasional spring clean, just as our physical spaces do. We spend so much time on our PCs, smartphones, and tablets – whether it’s work-related, or in our personal lives. And if we’re not meticulous in our day-to-day operations (a clue, I certainly am not! As much as I try or aspire to be!) our galleries, inboxes, desktops, and files become cluttered and disorganized. And I don’t know about you, but this is super frustrating at times, and can even go as far as to put me in a bad mood!

But that’s not the only reason why a digital spring clean is in order from time to time! 

1. Boost Productivity

A cluttered digital space can be overwhelming and distracting. And it can also mean you take way to long to find what you’re looking for! By decluttering your digital life, you’ll create a more focused and productive environment.

2. Streamline Workflow

Along with boosting your productivity, a decluttered and organized digital workspace makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. This is an underrated way to streamline your workflow and save you time.

Which is what we’re all after, right?

3. Free Up Storage Space

Digital clutter can also take up valuable storage space on all our devices. So periodically clearing out your old files, galleries, and apps can free up that much-needed space. And, of course, this can then also improve device performance. Another win!

4. Enhance Security

Doing a digital cleanup is also a great time to look at your security protocols and enhance your overall digital security. So take the time to back up and update your passwords and other cyber-security protocols.

So that’s the “why”, now let’s talk about the “how”! 

(And don’t forget that free checklist!)

How To Do a Digital Spring Clean

1. Cleanup 

Begin your digital spring clean with a general cleanup. You can start by organizing your files and Folders. Sort through your documents, photos, files, and your downloads folder, and organize these into logical folders. You can also use this time to delete duplicate files, archive old folders and files, or just delete anything you no longer need.

Next, turn your attention to your desktop! Clean up and re-organize your desktop files. This can help speed up your device, but it also can help streamline your process and minimize your frustration.

2. Declutter

Next, turn your attention to your inboxes and mailing lists. These also need a little digital spring clean from time to time. Start by creating folders or labels to organize emails into categories. And then start filing your emails or subscriptions under these.

You should also take some time to unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists and newsletters. Sometimes we sign up to these, thinking they’ll add value. But if you haven’t opened a single email from a certain sender in months, it’s probably best to declutter those inboxes and unsubscribe!

And don’t forget to clean out your trash and spam folders!

You can also extend your digital spring clean to your social media accounts. Unfollow social media accounts that no longer add value, that are no longer active, or those you’re simply no longer interested in seeing content from.

This frees you up to see all that stuff you’re actually interested in!

3. Back-Up

The next step in your digital spring clean is to back up. This is something we often neglect…and then seriously regret when things go wrong! But this is an easy fix if you add ‘backing up’ into your digital spring clean routine.

Systematically go through your devices and ensure that your important files and data are backed up securely. You can back up your files either to cloud storage or to external drives.

You could also consider going through your passwords and updating these, as well as any other security protocols. 

Finally, it’s always a good idea to periodically run security scans on the relevant devices to check for malware or viruses.

4. Update

Now, it’s time to update! Here, you can start by auditing your social accounts. And then update your banners, bios, relevant links, your contact info, or anything else that may have changed or needs something added.

Now is also a great time to do those software and app updates that have been accumulating!

5. Refresh

Finally, it’s time for a refresh. It’s always a great idea to spruce up and refresh your elements from time to time. Not only to help keep your audience and followers engaged but as they say, a change is often as good as a rest. And so a refresh can just give you some added inspiration and motivation.

You can use this time to refresh your marketing strategies, take new headshots for your profiles, or revamp your banners or other assets.

If you have a podcast, a digital spring clean could be the perfect time to podcast artwork, as well as some of your other episode elements. You could record a new intro, and outro, add new ads, or update your CTAs.

Bonus!

6. Detox

As part of your digital spring clean, it’s a great time to think about instituting a digital detox plan. We all know that there are great benefits to spending dedicated time away from our screens. But knowing and doing are two vastly different things!

A digital detox won’t happen unless you make a plan for it! So make it a goal to set boundaries for screen time and prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Free Digital Spring Clean Checklist

As promised! We’ve created a fun freebie just for you! To help you kickstart your digital spring cleaning journey, we’ve prepared a comprehensive checklist that you can download for free. This checklist will make it easy 

[Download your free Digital Spring Clean Checklist here!]

Conclusion on the Digital Spring Clean

By following these tips, you’ll not only declutter and organize your digital life but also create a more secure, productive, and streamlined digital life. Not to mention, a whole lot less frustration! And clean and tidy files just look so good! So, embrace a fresh start, whether you’re officially entering Spring or not, use our free checklist, and start that digital spring clean today!

Related read: The Best Self-Improvement Podcasts 

Why TED Talks?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to actually do the learning is challenging. Thankfully, TED Talks provide a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom delivered by experts and thought leaders from around the globe. From science and technology to personal growth and creativity, TED Talks cover a vast array of topics. Offering insights that can broaden our horizons on a whole range of topics. If you’ve got 20 minutes today, you can learn something new! 

So, without wasting any more time, here are my 10 top TED Talks that you should watch today!

The 10 TED Talks You Need to Watch Today!

1. “The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain

First up, one of my all-time favorite TED Talks is “The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. Susan Cain’s book, Quiet quite literally changed my life. It gave me validation that what I used to think of as “weaknesses” in my personality are actually my strengths! It’s a great read!

And her TED Talk is just as life-changing. In her talk, Susan Cain shows us how to celebrate the strengths of introverted individuals and challenges the societal bias favoring extroversion. Her talk encourages a deeper appreciation for introversion and highlights the valuable contributions introverts make to society. If you’re an introvert, or you want to understand your introverted family, friends, or colleagues a bit better, this is a fantastic TED Talk. 

2. “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

My next top TED Talks recommendation is from Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It’s titled “The Danger of a Single Story.” And it shares an incredibly powerful message. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular TED Talks of all time. In her talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the consequences of reducing complex human experiences to simplistic narratives – to only knowing a single story – emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to gain a balanced, more real understanding of the world.

This TED Talk unveils the dangers of reducing individuals and cultures to a singular narrative. Through her insightful, gentle, yet passionate delivery, Chimamanda shows the importance of embracing multiple perspectives when it comes to storytelling to foster empathy, understanding, and to prevent the stereotype from becoming the only story. 

3. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown

Next up, we have “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown. In this poignant TED Talk, Brené Brown explores the importance of vulnerability in building meaningful connections and living a fulfilling life. Her insights into embracing vulnerability as a source of strength is an incredibly powerful, thought-provoking message.

It’s a fascinating, and surprisingly funny, exploration into the transformative potential of embracing vulnerability as the key to meaningful connection, authenticity, and wholehearted living. One of my favorite aspects of this talk is how Brené dismantles the societal myths surrounding vulnerability and advocates for its essential role in cultivating meaningful relationships and resilience, and viewing vulnerability as a source of strength and authenticity in their lives.

4. “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek

Another one of my top TED Talks is “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek. In this talk, Simon Sinek delves into what sets great leaders apart and how they inspire action by focusing on the “why” rather than the “what” or “how.” This talk offers valuable lessons for anyone striving to make a positive impact in their personal or professional lives. It’s a world-class lesson in inspiring action by focusing on the right thing.

This is a great talk in general, but it’s also such an eye-opening talk to entrepreneurs, employers, business owners, and yes, even copywriters! All for this one phase, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it!” It’s such a simple phrase, but if you grasp it, it holds the keys to success, no matter what you’re doing. 

5. “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal

If there’s one thing we can all agree on is that stress levels are rising. And it seems like every month, there’s something new for us to potentially stress about. Now, I don’t know about you, but I am prone to stressing. That’s why this next TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal is another of my top TED Talks. 

In her talk, Kelly McGonigal reframes our perception of stress, arguing that it can be a positive force if we learn to embrace it. By adopting a healthier mindset towards stress, we can harness its energy to thrive in challenging situations. 

Kelly McGonigal also shares how our mindset towards stress profoundly influences its physiological effects on the body. My biggest takeaway from this top TED Talk is that by learning to embrace stress as a natural part of life, making it our “friend”, and learning to share our stress is key to it not ruling or ruining our lives.

6. “The Puzzle of Motivation” by Dan Pink

Next up in my list of the top TED Talks is “The Puzzle of Motivation” by Dan Pink. In this talk, Dan Pink challenges conventional wisdom about what motivates us and introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation. 

Pink explores the limitations of external rewards and incentives in driving performance, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation. It’s really a fascinating talk that seeks to ignite a paradigm shift in how we approach motivation in the workplace, ultimately paving the way for greater engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

7. “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy

This is such a fascinating talk! “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy really hit home for me. In this talk, Amy Buddy explores this fascinating link between body language and confidence, revealing how simple changes in posture can significantly impact our thoughts and behaviors. 

What I found super interesting was the concept of “power posing,” and how using expansive, confident postures can not only affect others’ perceptions but also significantly impact one’s own feelings of self-assurance and empowerment. From this TED Talk, you can harness the power of body language to enhance your confidence, performance, and overall well-being.

8. “The Surprising Science of Happiness” by Dan Gilbert

Next, you should watch “The Surprising Science of Happiness” by Dan Gilbert. In his TED Talk, Dan Gilbert delves into the science of happiness, challenging common misconceptions about what truly makes us happy. 

This talk will give you great insight into the cognitive biases and misconceptions that often derail us in our quest for contentment. Gilbert challenges conventional notions of what truly brings happiness, highlighting the role of adaptation and perspective in shaping our subjective well-being. By revealing the inherent unpredictability of our desires and preferences, Gilbert’s talk encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about happiness and embrace a more flexible and nuanced approach to cultivating fulfillment in their lives.

9. “Your Elusive Genius” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Another fascinating TED Talk to add to your watch list is Elizabeth Gilbert’s, “Your Elusive Genius,”. It’s a wonderful deep dive into the creative process and the often-elusive nature of inspiration. I love how Elizabeth Gilbert challenges the conventional notion of the tortured artist and offers a refreshing perspective on creativity as a collaborative dance between the artist and the mysterious forces of inspiration. 

It’s an inspiring talk, challenging us to embrace curiosity, trust our creative impulses, and cultivate a relationship with our own elusive genius. 

10. “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” by Tim Urban

And finally, the last of the top TED Talks I think you should definitely check out is “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator,” by Tim Urban. I will be honest…I sometimes fall victim to procrastination. Not something I’m proud of, and definitely something I’m really paying attention to this year. And this TED Talk has been really useful! 

It’s a hilariously insightful exploration of the phenomenon of procrastination and its profound impact on our lives. Tim Urban takes us on a journey into the inner workings of a procrastinator’s mind, unraveling the complex interplay of instant gratification, fear of failure, and the allure of the “Panic Monster.” Key to the impact of his talk is how he illuminates the hidden costs of procrastination while offering practical strategies for overcoming it. 

Thank You for Coming to My Top TED Talks!

Learning is life. When we stop learning, we stop growing. And that’s possibly one of the worst things we can do! And that’s why I love TED Talks! You can learn so much in a relatively short amount of time. And it’s so incredibly wonderful to learn about so many topics from so many experts! And they just give you so much to think about!

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, knowledge, or a fresh perspective, these top TED Talks offer something for everyone. Take some time today to immerse yourself in the wisdom of these remarkable speakers and discover the power of ideas to transform lives.

Thank you for coming to my top TED Talks!

Related read: The Best Self-Improvement Podcasts 

It’s the time of year when we usually look at tying up loose ends, and the infamous, “let’s circle back in the New Year” crops up more and more frequently in our conversations. Which is all good and well. It’s been a long, hard year for many of us, and we’re all seriously looking forward to some serious R&R over the festive season.

But there’s no reason why we can’t plan for the upcoming Holidays while still being really productive in the upcoming weeks.

Let us show you how to be productive in Q4! 

You don’t have to wait until January 1st to pursue your goals, we’re here to show you the secrets of how to be productive, no matter where you’re at in your journey. Here at We Edit Podcast, we believe that personal growth and progress should not be limited to New Year’s resolutions, or “the right time.” 

We want to encourage you to embrace the concept of starting where you are.

So, are you ready to make the most of the final stretch of the year and accomplish your goals before the calendar flips to a new chapter?

Here are our top strategies showing you how to be productive in Q4!

1. Embrace the “Anti-Resolution” Mindset

One of the most significant barriers to achieving our goals in Q4 is the belief that we must wait until January 1st to start working on them. We are all well aware of the concept of New Year’s Resolutions, but if we’re honest, we all know that “New Year’s Resolutions” are a bit gimmick. In fact, based on research done by Insideout Mastery, only 9% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions successfully keep those resolutions. But that’s not the only stat! 23% of people quit by the end of the first week. But wait! There’s more! 64% of people quit after the first month! So, New Year’s Resolutions don’t really have all that much going for them! And yet, the concept is pretty engrained in corporate culture. 

But we’re on a bit of a mission to challenge this notion, with what we’re calling the “anti-resolution mindset.” Sounds intense, I know, but all we’re really getting at is cultivating an understanding that working towards your goals doesn’t need to start at “the perfect time”; it can begin whenever you want, wherever you are. By adopting the “anti-resolution” mindset, you empower yourself to take action and take strides towards your goals, without waiting for a special event or the “right time” before you start.

Key Takeaway! NOW is always going to be the right time to start.

2. Start at the End

Onto Strategy 2 for how to be productive in Q4, starting at the end. It may be the last quarter of the year, but there is still plenty of time to work on your goals. Remember that starting at the end is still starting.

Take a look at the goals you set for yourself this year. Maybe you didn’t learn French as you intended. So what? Sign up for a language learning app and take your first lesson…today. 

Haven’t started that email sign-up sequence you wanted for your business? Pick a platform and set that up…today!

Didn’t get around to launching your podcast? Hit this link, and take advantage of our free trial episode…today! 

Remember, starting at the end is still starting. And just starting is a win!

*If you are looking to launch your own podcast, hit this link to check out all our services, then schedule a free call with our team. They’ll help you find the package that’s right for you! Let us help you make that podcast dream a reality…today!

3. Leverage the Power of Reflection

Next up in our strategies for how to be productive in Q4 is to leverage the power of reflection. As the year comes to a close, it’s an ideal time for reflection. Reflecting on your experiences, both successes and failures is a powerful tool for growth. Use Q4 as a time to assess your journey this past year, identify mistakes, and learn from them. These insights can be invaluable in making informed decisions and adjustments as you move forward.

Specifically, take a look at the areas where you’ve missed achieving your goals. Identify the barriers or blocks that seemed to be in your way. And then rectify your strategies so that you can begin to take steps, no matter how small, towards your target.

Not only is this a great way to still check some items off your list in Q4, but using the power of reflection now will help set you up for success in the coming year.

4. Beat the New Year Rush

And speaking of the coming year, we have Strategy Number 4: Beat the New Year Rush! One of the distinct advantages of still pursuing your goals in Q4 is that you are actually getting a head start for the next year. 

By setting your goals in motion before January 1st, you’ll already be ahead of the game. This head start can give you the momentum and motivation needed to make progress while others are just beginning to set their resolutions.

So, instead of putting on the breaks and “circling back in the new year,” keep making strides towards your goals now. And you’ll be that much further ahead when the new year rolls around.

5. Remember Consistency Trumps Perfection

A key mindset shift that needs to take place if you’re looking to still be productive in Q4 is that consistency will always trump perfection. Perfection is a common roadblock that can prevent us from taking action. We often wait for the “right time” (like the New Year!) or for conditions to be perfect before we take that first step. 

But at We Edit Podcasts, we will always prioritize consistency over perfection. From our experience, it’s far better to make steady progress, even if it’s not flawless, than to delay your efforts. Remember, every small step is a step in the right direction.

Takeaway! It’s always better to do something than to do nothing! So aim to prioritize consistency over perfection. It’s better to make steady progress than to wait for the “right time” to start.

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Lastly, Strategy Number 6 for how to be productive in Q4: Remember to be kind to yourself. Too often, we only focus on what we “missed” or the things that didn’t go right, instead of looking at all the wins and triumphs of the past year. We’re too ready to beat ourselves up for the failures, and not nearly as ready to celebrate our successes. 

So, here’s our advice. Instead of being hard on yourself for not achieving your goals, learn to practice a little self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer a friend. I bet you’d tell them how amazing they are, and you’d remind them that it’s never too late to start. So, be kind to yourself. And then begin again! 

Closing Up Q4

In conclusion, as this year crawls sprints to a close, and we start to look to a new year, we believe that Q4 is the perfect time to take action and keep taking strides toward reaching your goals, no matter how small those strides may be. By following these strategies, you can still get plenty of tasks ticked off in Q4 and set yourself up for success in the coming year. Remember, consistency is key! So don’t wait for January 1st—start where you are. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to start!

FINAL TAKEAWAY! The best thing you can do for your goals is to consistently take steps towards achieving them! Don’t wait until “the right time.” NOW will always be the right time to take that first step!

But while the perks of being a remote worker are a big part of its sales pitch, remote work is not easy. It’s not all lounging in your pajamas and sipping coffee from the comfort of your home. It’s certainly a perk, don’t get me wrong. But remote work brings with it a unique set of challenges.

To be a successful remote worker requires a unique set of skills and strategies to navigate the digital nomad life effectively. 

And while we love the ability to work from home, or anywhere for that matter, as with most things in life, it’s not for everyone. At least, not without equipping yourself with some necessary skills and strategies.

Before we get into the heart of today’s post, we’ll help you decide if remote work is for you by drawing up a good ol’ pros and cons list…

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of being a remote worker:

Remember that the pros and cons of remote work can vary depending on individual preferences, job roles, company policies, and the level of support and infrastructure provided by employers. When all the players involved are committed to creating a healthy remote work culture, working remotely can be a great experience for all involved.

That being said, I know remote work isn’t for everyone. If you know that remote work is not something you’d ever be interested in, this post isn’t for you. Perhaps check out our previous post, The Best Celebrity-Hosted Rewatch Podcasts, we’re pretty sure that post is for everyone…

But for those who want to work remotely, but you’re facing some challenges in making remote work work for you, then this post is certainly for you. 

Our team has been in the remote work game for a good number of years, so we’re sharing our top tips to help you master the remote worker life.

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just embarking on a new adventure, join us as we uncover the secrets to conquering the remote work world and making it work for you. 

Tips For Being a Successful Remote Worker 

1. Set Up a Productive Workspace

Successful remote work starts with getting the basics right. And that starts with creating a productive workspace. You should set your desk up in a dedicated and comfortable workspace free from distractions. I know that one of the perks of remote work is that you can theoretically work anywhere. But there are definitely places where you should not work. And, I’m sorry to break it to you, but one of those places is your bed!

You naturally associate your bed with rest. And so working from there will seriously undermine your productivity.

If you want to find success in remote work, create a designated workspace! Have fun making your space your own. You want to be excited to “go to work” and an attractive space really helps.

As an additional tip. If you’re looking to “go remote” for the long term, then I would highly recommend really investing in your workspace. Look at investing in ergonomic furniture and other equipment to support your productivity and health.

2. Establish a Routine

The next fundamental for successful remote work is to establish a routine. Again, one of the many perks of working remotely is that, at least to a large extent, you don’t have to stick to a traditional schedule. However, for remote work to actually work for you, you do need your own daily schedule. A schedule is key to productivity.

So as much as possible, you need to schedule out set working hours. Not only for productivity’s sake but also to help you maintain a work-life balance. 

Because a con of remote work is that it can be hard to switch off for the day and “go home”. Because, obviously, you’re already home. So to prevent burning out, set that schedule!

Remember to include breaks in your schedule to recharge and help you stay focused!

3. Dress for Success

Next, you want to dress for success! In other words, if you want to be productive as you’re working remotely, you need to actually get dressed to help put you in a professional mindset.

When you’re working from home, it’s all too tempting to stay in your pajamas all day. I get it. And I’ve totally been there! So I can tell you with a good deal of certainty that, although it may feel good at the time, staying in your PJs all day is not going to help you get your work done. You need to dress for success…not sleep.

Now, dressing for success does not mean you’re donning a three-piece suit or pencil skirt. It’s about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets professionalism. 

By taking the time to dress up, you signal to yourself that it’s time to be productive. It’s a visual cue that helps shift your mindset from relaxation mode to work mode. Plus, when you look good, you often feel more confident, which can lead to a more productive day. 

4. Invest in Technology

Remote work is reliant on technology. There is no way around this. You need technology to complete your tasks and to communicate with your team. Remote work success is really only possible because of technology. So you need to invest in it.

You need reliable internet, the right equipment, and the necessary software, whether it’s office suites, design programs, or specialized tools for your role. You’ll also need access to messaging apps, and project management software. And of course, the hardware and software for video conferencing. These digital companions bridge the physical distance, enabling seamless communication, brainstorming sessions, and organized project coordination, enabling you to successfully complete tasks while you’re remote.

5. Communicate Effectively

My next tip is to always ensure that you’re communicating clearly and effectively. This is particularly important if you’re part of a remote team Clear communication helps bridge the physical gap, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and responsibilities.

This will help prevent misunderstandings that often occur when we’re not communicating face-to-face. Clear communication also builds trust between you and your colleagues. Trust, in turn, leads to better collaboration, increased productivity, and stronger working relationships.

In essence, clear and effective communication is the glue that holds remote teams together. It fosters a positive remote work environment, ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, and builds trust among team members.

If you remember nothing else I say today, remember this: Always communicate!

6. Stay Organized

Another essential tip when you work from home is just to stay organized. In the absence of a physical office and constant supervision, remote workers must take charge of their own productivity and master their time management.

If you don’t want to feel like you’re always being chased down by the latest deadline, stay organized. It is really easy to fall into bad procrastination habits when you’re working remotely. Especially when you’re first starting out. So take it from me. Rather than falling into those bad habits from the beginning, stay organized! Have a schedule, create team schedules, and use digital to-do lists or time-management apps. Just stay organized.

This level of organization not only enhances your individual efficiency but also contributes to a smoother workflow within remote teams. Ultimately, staying organized in the digital workspace is a strategy that empowers remote workers to take control of their responsibilities and achieve success in a flexible and often dynamic work environment.

7. Avoid Multitasking

Newsflash! Multitasking might be a myth! But whether it’s fact or fiction, I can tell you that multitasking is not going to take you to remote work success! Successful remote work requires structure and a schedule. Not jumping from uncompleted task to uncompleted task. 

The truth is, multitasking often leads to a downward spiral of decreased productivity and increased stress, couple that with the “freedom” of remote work, and you have all the ingredients of a recipe for disaster!

But by focusing on a single task at a time, you can give structure to your work, producing better outcomes and reducing the stress associated with trying to do it all at once. In the remote work arena, quality trumps quantity, and the path to success is paved with focused, single-tasking productivity.

8. Take Breaks and Move

Another important but often overlooked tip for successful remote work…taking breaks! When you’re working remotely, It’s easy to get wrapped up in tasks and forget to take regular breaks. But breaks are a vital part of maintaining productivity and well-being. 

If you want to enjoy your remote work experience, you need to make it sustainable. And working non-stop is definitely not sustainable. So you have to make a conscious effort to take breaks, refuel your body, and just move around throughout your workday.

You can incorporate short breaks into your workday to stretch and move around. Physical activity not only helps to prevent the physical strains associated with prolonged sitting but also serves as a mental reset. It re-energizes you and refocuses your mind, allowing you to return to your tasks with newfound clarity and vigor. 

9. Overcommunicate Progress

In the world of remote work, overcommunicating progress is a superpower. Yes, I’m bringing up overcommunicating again. But really, it is that important to finding the remote worker experience rewarding and effective. And communication is at the very center of that outcome.

And yes, you should communicate with your team in general. But overcommunicating the progress on your different tasks is also vital. Regularly updating your team on your progress and completed tasks provides transparency. It ensures that everyone is on the same page, fostering a sense of unity and accountability. 

When you get into the habit of overcommunicating your progress, you minimize the possibility of miscommunication taking place or mistrust building up between you and your team.

Find project management software that can be the channel for this type of communication and your remote team will function like a well-oiled machine.

10. Set Boundaries

This next tip when it comes to being a successful remote worker is to set boundaries. And this is often easier said than done! Setting clear boundaries is an art and one you need to master if you’re choosing remote work for the long haul. 

And this starts by communicating your work hours to family and friends. 

Remote work can blur the lines between professional and personal life, making it essential to establish distinct boundaries. By letting friends and family know your dedicated work hours, you minimize interruptions and create a structured routine that mirrors a traditional office environment. 

This not only enhances your focus during work hours but also ensures that you can fully disconnect and enjoy your personal life once the workday is over. 

11. Combat Loneliness

While remote work offers unmatched flexibility and freedom, it can sometimes be accompanied by a sense of isolation. And so you need to put things in place to actively combat this. 

Maintaining social connections is crucial for your overall well-being in the remote work environment. You can start by making a point of staying connected to colleagues and team members through virtual meetups, chats, or online communities. These digital avenues help you foster a sense of camaraderie and stay in the loop. 

You could even come up with fun ideas to connect. Like setting up virtual coffee breaks or creating channels for casual conversations with colleagues. These informal interactions not only combat loneliness but also contribute to a healthier work culture, making you feel more connected and supported.

12. Seek Professional Development

A massive plus of remote work is that you are the governor of your time. Use it wisely and strategically, and you’ll find you have way more time on your hands. In other words, remote work grants you a unique opportunity to invest your time wisely. And there’s no better investment than in your own skills and knowledge. 

So use those flexible hours to embark on a journey of continuous learning. Look for online courses and webinars that will help you build your skills. Whether you’re honing existing skills or exploring new ones, professional development ensures you stay at the forefront of your field. These are things we all want to do, but finding the time to put these goals into action is not always an option when you’re in your traditional 9-5 office job. 

Want to start a podcast as a side hustle? We have four free courses available on Udemy.

Did we mention they’re free?

13. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

Another underrated tip for remote work success is to be flexible and adaptable. The remote work arena is a dynamic one, constantly shifting with new technologies and work styles. Embracing change and being open to adapting to new ways of working is not just a tip; it’s a survival strategy. 

In remote work, your environment and tasks can change fairly rapidly. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to thriving in this environment. It allows you to pivot when needed, seamlessly integrating new tools and methodologies into your workflow. Being flexible not only helps you stay ahead of the curve but also ensures that you remain a valuable asset in the ever-changing world of remote work. 

14. Practice Self-Care

The next tip for successful remote work may seem out of place. But trust me, self-care is an essential component of successful remote work. The tricky part of remote work is that it can sometimes blur the boundaries between work and personal life. If you’re not vigilant, this could lead to burnout and stress. 

And so need to build self-care into your remote worker schedule. Make time for regular exercise, get up regularly from your desk, get some water, do a quick stretch, read, take a nap. You can do all this because you work remotely. But you also have to do it because you work remotely! (Read that again. I promise, it makes sense!)

Building self-care into your routine equips you with the physical and mental fortitude to thrive in a remote work environment, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and sustain long-term productivity and job satisfaction. As remote work continues to grow in popularity, the importance of self-care in ensuring its success cannot be overstated.

15. Evaluate and Adjust

Finally, Tip #15 for successful remote work, evaluate and adjust. Adaptation is key to long-term success in any venture. The same is true for your remote work endeavor. Your remote work setup and routine should never be set in stone. Periodically, take a step back and assess how things are going. 

Are you as productive as you’d like to be? Is your workspace still conducive to concentration and creativity? If the answers are “no”, then, make the necessary adjustments. This might mean reorganizing your workspace, fine-tuning your time management strategies, or exploring new tools and technologies to enhance your remote work efficiency. 

The ability to adapt and refine your remote work strategy is a valuable skill that will keep you at the top of your game and will keep remote work working for you. 

Ready to Join the Remote Worker Revolution?

For many (myself included!) being able to work remotely is amazing. But I get that it’s not for everyone. For remote work to really work for you, you do need to be equipped with a number of key strategies. Your experience of being a remote worker is also largely dependent on the team you work with. 

And I’m really lucky on that front. We have an amazing team and really supportive management who have put all the necessary structures in place to help their team thrive in a work from home environment. This really does make a huge difference! However, as a remote worker, these are factors you often have little to no control over.

But there are a whole bunch of things you do have control over as a remote worker. And by sharing these tips, we aim to help you do just that.

Incorporating these top tips for being a successful remote worker into your daily routine can help you thrive in your digital nomad environment. They will also help you make the most of your remote work experience.

My final takeaway is this: Embrace these strategies, adapt them to your needs, and you’ll find that remote work can really work for you!

We’d love to hear your own remote worker tips and challenges in the comments. Feel free to share your insights and experiences. 

That’s pretty impressive, right?!

Even with the dominance of all sorts of social media, content marketing, and influencer partnerships, email marketing continues to hold its own. And then some. 

In short, email is an incredible tool for your marketing arsenal that, when wielded correctly, has the power to drive engagement, build lasting customer relationships, and propel businesses towards success. 

But those impressive ROI stats are certainly not the only reason why you need to add email to your marketing strategies. 

Like, it’s really impressive. But perhaps you need a little more convincing? 

No, problem. I got you. 

In this blog post, we’re sharing 10 important reasons why email marketing is not just a cool thing to do, but is exceptionally effective when it comes to helping you achieve all types of goals in this digital age. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just beginning to explore its potential, we’re going to explore why email marketing continues to be a powerhouse in the world of digital marketing.

Related read: How to Use Email Newsletters for Podcast Promotion and Audience Growth

Here are some of the top reasons why email is an incredibly effective marketing tool:

1. Personal Connection

Emails offer a direct and personal way to connect with your audience.

A key part of why email marketing is so effective, and why it continues to be the real marketing MVP is because marketing through email allows you to establish a direct and personal connection with your audience. Unlike social media posts that can easily get lost in a user’s feed, (depending on how those algorithms are feeling on any given day – digital marketers and content creatives, I feel ya!) an email lands directly in the recipient’s inbox. 

This one-on-one communication fosters a sense of intimacy and trust between you and your subscribers, making it a valuable channel for building customer relationships. You can have tons of opportunities to personalize your messaging and tailor your content to specific members (we’ll cover this a little deeper in the next point) with ease! Essentially, email marketing gives you the ability to forge two-way conversations with all members of your audience. Which is obviously pretty cool, but this ability to form personal connections with your audience is one of the foundational reasons why email marketing is just so darn effective!

2. Targeted Messaging

The next reason why email marketing is so effective was hinted at above…through email marketing, you can tailor content to specific segments of your audience, ensuring all members of your audience are getting content from you that is relevant and valuable.

Email marketing has a unique capability to deliver precisely targeted, personalized messages to the right audience at the right time. Unlike other marketing channels, email empowers businesses to segment their subscriber lists based on a variety of factors such as demographics, past behavior, purchase history, and engagement levels. 

This segmentation ensures that the content recipients receive is highly relevant to their interests and needs, significantly increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion. Whether it’s sending personalized product recommendations to frequent shoppers or re-engaging dormant subscribers with tailored incentives, and personalizing those messages, the ability to finely tune your messaging creates a deeper connection and resonates with the recipient. This precision not only enhances the overall customer experience but also maximizes the impact of your email campaigns, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions, making email marketing an indispensable tool for achieving your marketing objectives.

3. Higher Engagement

Email marketing consistently boasts higher engagement rates compared to other forms of content for several reasons. Firstly, as I’ve already mentioned in the first two points, emails are a direct and personalized communication channel, which enables you to tailor your messages to individual subscribers’ preferences and behaviors. This personalized approach has been proven to help capture the recipient’s attention and makes them more likely to engage with the content. 

Secondly, email marketing is permission-based, meaning that subscribers have willingly opted in to receive emails from your brand, and this is usually a very good indication of a genuine interest in the type of content you are offering. This predisposition to engage then sets the stage for higher interaction rates. 

But that’s not all when it comes to email marketing and engagement!

Emails also allow you to craft compelling subject lines, add enticing visuals, and strategically place calls-to-action throughout your content, making it easier for recipients to take desired actions like clicking through to your website or making a purchase. 

And finally, email marketing is super versatile. You can create all types of emails that serve all types of purposes for your brand, business, or podcast. From product promotions to informative newsletters, you can create all types of offers and all types of headlines, keeping your emails feeling fresh and enticing. This helps ensure that there’s always relevant content to engage different segments of your audience. All these factors combined make email marketing a standout performer when it comes to driving engagement.

4. Conversion Boost

The next reason why email marketing is so effective is its remarkable ability to generate action from recipients. Emails tend to prompt action, whether that action is signing up to a new offer, making a purchase, or engaging with your content.

Unlike other forms of digital marketing where engagement might be passive, emails offer direct calls to action to its recipient, whilst engaging that recipient’s attention. Whether it’s clicking on a link to explore a new product, redeeming a time-limited discount code, or signing up for an event of any kind, emails grab the attention of the reader, then provide a clear path for recipients to take the next step. 

And all of this means that by adding email to your marketing strategies, and if you craft your emails to meet the needs and wants of your audience, you’re more than likely going to see a boost in your conversions, whatever those may be.

Take it a step further!

Additionally, you can further boost those conversions by crafting your emails in a way that creates a sense of urgency or exclusivity, encouraging subscribers to act promptly. The combination of compelling content, strategically placed calls to action, and the convenience of having it all delivered to their inbox makes email marketing a dynamic tool for driving immediate and measurable results. It’s the digital nudge that inspires your audience to not just engage but to actively participate in your brand’s journey.

5. Relationship Building

Not only do emails enable you to form personal connections with your audience, but they also enable you to build these relationships. In all relationships, when IRL or virtual, consistent communication is the foundation of strong relationships.

And when it comes to email marketing, it is a powerful tool for building and nurturing relationships with your audience because it offers a direct and personal line of communication. When done effectively, it allows you to engage with your subscribers on a one-to-one level. By consistently delivering valuable and relevant content, you demonstrate your commitment to meeting their needs and interests. The foundation of any strong relationship.

Bonus tip!

The segmentation and personalization we shared about above further enhance this connection. Because you can tailor messages to specific groups within your audience, you can create a sense that you’re communicating with each subscriber as an individual, rather than just another recipient. Additionally, email marketing enables you to tell your brand’s story, share updates, provide exclusive offers, and address customer concerns promptly. Over time, this regular and personalized interaction fosters trust, loyalty, and a sense of community, ultimately strengthening the bond between your brand and your audience. 

6. Analytics Insights

Another reason why email marketing is so effective is because it offers really interesting data.

Email marketing platforms offer detailed analytics that allow you to track the performance of your campaigns in real-time. You can see open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and more. These can give you a great baseline for what’s working…and what’s not! But more than that, these insights enable you to refine your strategies, test different approaches, and continually improve your email marketing efforts.

In short, these detailed metrics can then help you refine your strategy based on that real-time data.

7. Automation Ease

Email marketing is so effective because email platforms really make it so easy to automate your email process. You can automate all your email campaigns for timely, relevant messages without constant manual effort.

Automation really is a game-changer in email marketing. You can plan out all your content days, or weeks in advance, and still be able to connect with your audience “in real-time” and make all those connections feel authentic and personal. You can also set up all types of email campaigns simultaneously, but schedule them to go out at the perfect time for each type. You can also set up automated email sequences that nurture leads, onboard new subscribers, or re-engage dormant customers. Automation not only saves you time but also ensures that your subscribers receive timely, relevant content, enhancing their overall experience.

8. Cost-Effective

Did I mention that email marketing is really cost-effective? No? Well, then I’m doing it now! Email marketing offers a high ROI (I know I already mentioned that one!) but the best news is that this return requires very little investment.

Email marketing is remarkably cost-effective for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it eliminates any costs accumulated for printing and mailing your marketing materials. Email is paperless and we (and the planet!) love it! 

But more than that, most email marketing platforms will offer a range of pricing tiers, making these accessible to businesses or brands of all sizes. 

Another reason why email marketing is so cost-effective is because of those analytics your email platform offers. The data that your platform provides you enables you to not only maximizes the impact of your campaigns, because you’re targeting the right segments of your audience for specific campaigns, but it also helps you minimizes the risk of alienating potential customers. 

Additionally, because those automation tools allow you to set up and schedule email sequences in advance, marketing through email saves you time. And you know that wise ol’ saying…Time is money!

But the real cost-effectiveness of email marketing, however, lies in that impressive return on investment (ROI) I keep mentioning. And I keep mentioning if for good reason! Studies consistently show that email marketing gives the most bang for your buck.

The average ROI through email marketing is $36 for every $1 spent. In other words, for every dollar you invest, you typically receive 36 times that in return. This makes email marketing one of the most lucrative tools in your marketing toolkit.

9. Brand Reinforcement

Email marketing is also a powerful catalyst for enhancing brand recognition. Through consistent and well-crafted email campaigns, businesses, brands, podcasters, or entrepreneuers can establish a strong and memorable presence in the minds of their subscribers. Each email that lands in a recipient’s inbox serves as a reminder of your brand’s identity, values, and offerings. Whether it’s your logo, color scheme, or a catchy subject line, these elements become familiar and associated with your business over time. 

Email marketing also allows you to share your brand’s story, achievements, and unique selling propositions, reinforcing your mission and vision in the minds of your audience. The more frequently subscribers engage with your emails, the more likely they are to recognize and trust your brand. 

Bottom line, consistent and valuable email communication helps build brand loyalty. When subscribers receive helpful information, exclusive offers, and content that resonates with them, they are more likely to stay engaged and become repeat customers. And through email marketing, you’re able to stay at the forefront of their minds, enhancing your connection with your audience.

10. Versatility

And finally, reason number 10 for why email marketing is so effective, versatilitiy. From newsletters to promotions, emails can serve a wide range of communication purposes really effectively. Your email can be any and do almost anything! (Honestly, that’s part of why I love creating We Edit Podcasts newsletter, The Podcast Playbook, with Carli every week. We can adapt it to really meet your needs, and share content in a way that is authentic to us! So much fun!)

(If you haven’t subscribed to the Podcast Playbook yet, hit this link. And we’ll be sliding into your inbox every Thursday!)

Email is also a really accessible tool, which is also what makes it so versatile. Almost everyone has an email address, and people check their inboxes regularly. This wide reach ensures that your messages have a high probability of being seen. 

And email marketing can fulfill various functions, from promoting products and services to sharing blog posts, news, special offers, or just simple connections between you and your audience. If you have something you want to communicate now – you can. If you want to build out a fun email sequence to go out next month – you can! And that ease only adds to email’s versatility, which only adds to the effectiveness of email marketing!

To Conclude

In conclusion, email marketing remains a potent tool for businesses, brands, podcasters, you name it, of all sizes and in all industries. Its ability to establish direct connections, deliver personalized content, offer a high ROI, and provide valuable insights makes it an essential component of any digital marketing strategy. So, if you haven’t already embraced the power of email marketing, now is the time to start, and set up that mailing list, and make those connections!

Do you use email marketing as part of your growth strategy? What has been your experiences? Comment and share them with us!

Because I’m going to unpack some of my foundational beliefs that podcasting is alive and kicking.

And I’m also going to address a very important question along the way…is it too late to start a podcast at this stage in 2023?

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

So let me get back to that initial question…Is podcasting dead? If you hate spoilers, then look away now…

Because, SPOILER ALERT!

No. Podcasting is certainly not dead.

So, why the question in the first place? Well, because of a recent conversation. I’ll spare you all the details, but a key takeaway was a statement made by one of the participants in which they stated that they think podcasting is on the way out…

Gasp.

I think I was successful in keeping my personal feelings from showing on my face. It wasn’t the time or the place to launch into a rebuttal. The topic quickly moved to the next topic. (Namely, had anyone booked tickets yet to see the Barbie movie, Oppenheimer, or both?)

(And, if the answer was, “both!” did they have a game plan for their viewing schedule?)

(Also have you Googled the Barbie movie yet? Do it. I’ll wait.)

Cool, right?!

It doesn’t work with Oppenheimer. I checked.

But I digress. So while I didn’t immediately launch into a very moving monologue as to why podcasting is certainly not on the “way out”, I did do that thing when you replay a conversation in your head after the fact, and go over all the things you would have said if you had the chance.

Hence, this blog post. But in all honesty, it’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a while. Because it is a question that crops up from time to time in the podcasting space.

And this happens for several reasons.

The first being that the podcasting industry is not as mature as other media channels, which means it’s still evolving. Yes, podcasting has been around for around two decades, but as far as communication and entertainment mediums go, it’s still in its infancy. And this, naturally, leaves room for people to wonder and ponder about its future.

Because, as with anything, you just don’t know how things will turn out.

But another reason why this question gets asked is because podcasting has been around for twenty or so years. (I know, talk about double standards!) But in this case, it’s a matter of being around for a substantial amount of time without actually becoming all that mainstream…yet.

Because while podcasts’ popularity has certainly grown in leaps and bounds, it hasn’t transcended all generations.

How do I know this? Well, firstly because that’s what the data* says. But secondly, because I still need to explain (very kindly and patiently) exactly what it is I do, usually followed by exactly what a podcast is to certain family members and acquaintances.

*Statistics shown are for the United States. Check out this article for global stats.

But that being said, podcasting’s star is still on the rise…

In fact, going back to all those previous statistics, it’s clear to see that podcasting has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and shows no signs of slowing down.

And I’m not just saying that. There is plenty of data to support this claim…

Is Podcasting Dead? – What Do the Statistics Say?

Podcasting has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the early 2000s. Fun Fact! Podcasting celebrates its 20th birthday this year! (Cue the confetti!) 

According to recent statistics, there are currently over four million podcasts* worldwide. That’s a massive number! Although it should be stated that the number of active podcasts (shows that have actually published new episodes within a 90-day period) is closer to 480,000.* 

But, however you slice the pie chart, more and more podcasts are launched every year.

But that’s not the only stat to take note of. 

In 2019, it was stated that there were 274.8 million podcast listeners globally. Flash forward to 2023, and the stats show that there are currently 464.7 million listeners. 

That’s pretty impressive growth!

But what is the force driving this growth? Well, I think there are two. One, a large part of this growth can be attributed to the low barrier of entry podcasting offers. With fairly relative ease, anyone can launch and sustain a successful show. This means that individuals with expertise to share, businesses who want to grow their brand, or creatives who want to share their stories can do so without too much of a learning curve or huge costs. And then have their content available worldwide.

Two, podcasts provide a way for people to consume content in times and places where other forms of media are limited. Want to up your skills on your daily commute? Podcasts! Looking for an exciting tale to regale you as you prepare dinner? Podcasts! Need a laugh while you handle the laundry? Podcasts! 

And as soon as you find the shows and hosts you love, it’s our experience that you, too, will be hooked on podcasts! And contribute to the continual growth of the industry.

These are just part of the reasons why we believe right now is such an exciting time for creators, businesses and brands, and listeners alike.

*Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis.

But my rebuttal to the “podcasting is fading out” statement is not based on stats alone.

My next point would have been…

Podcast Ad Spend

One of the indicators many use to judge the health of podcasting, or I suppose any of the current mediums available, is the ad spend. This has been a hotly discussed topic around many a podcasting table. Mainly because in 2021, U.S. podcast advertising revenues surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time.

And according to this report from IAB, this helped cement the fact that podcasting continues to be one of the fastest-growing channels in digital media.

And here was the big takeaway from that report…revenues are forecasted to almost triple to $4.2B over the next 3 years.This article forecasts that podcasting will be a $4 billion industry by 2024.

Incredible, right? And yes, while this data is certainly a great indicator of the growth of the industry, I also believe that these types of numbers show the strength and legitimacy of podcasting as a medium.

Money talks, as they say, of course. But while these numbers are undeniably compelling, (and I’m pretty sure I’m changing the mind of my opponent!) again, my argument doesn’t end there…

Podcasting in Pop Culture

Another sign, at least in my calculations, that the podcasting industry is continuing to gain momentum and not fading out is that more and more, we’re seeing ‘podcasts’ and ‘podcasting’ feature in mainstream entertainment.

And let me tell ya, I’m here for it all! I love nothing more than seeing podcasting showing up as a “main character” in all types of pop culture mediums.

Take Only Murders in the Building, (Anyone else counting down the days to Season 3? One word! Meryl!) or Vengeance, as examples. Podcasting and podcasts played a significant role in both of these projects. Podcasting and podcasts as a whole were, in a sense, characters in both of these super popular, unique shows. Again, the fact that podcasting is able to almost transcend its realm and feature significantly in mainstream media is another clear sign of its strength and staying power.

The Continual Rise of Celebrity Podcasts

The next point in my hypothetical argument conversation is the continual rise of celebrity podcasts. It seems like every other week, some star or another is launching a show. Yes, I know that celebrity endorsement is not a definitive measure that something will last. But it is something worth noting. 

And in this day and age, there can be no illusions about the fact that ‘celebrity’ equals influence.

As such, the fact that there are continually new celebrities and famous figures jumping on the podcasting bandwagon is at least a good indication that podcasting is not going anywhere but up anytime soon.

Related read: You can check some of our favorite celebrity-hosted podcasts here.

But the point of this piece is not merely to affirm the fact that podcasting is not dead. I also want to bring it to a practical place, which brings me to that ‘important question’ I alluded to earlier…

Is It Too Late to Start a Podcast?

This is another question that is often toted around when podcasting is on the table for discussion. Someone will, invariably ask, “Is it too late to start a podcast.”

And the answer to this one is easy, too. No. Definitely not. Sure, there are tons of podcasts out there. But they haven’t stopped making movies or writing books because “there are too many.” The same applies to podcasts.

So, it’s definitely not too late to find success in this industry. If you have a great idea for a show, you know you’ve got a great niche, or you want to start a podcast to grow your brand or promote your business, do it! The market is not saturated, and there is definitely ‘space’ for you and your show.

Yes, there are some key points to consider. And things we strongly believe one has to do in order to find success in this space.

But that’s a discussion for another day…

Looking for guidance for starting a podcast? our blog, the Podcast Digest has tons of resources! For starters, check out this post, How To Start a Podcast in 2023. 

To Bring It To a Close…

So, to bring all of this to a close…Podcasting, at least by my calculations, is definitely not dead. It’s a growing, thriving, amazing industry! It’s incredible, certainly, for listeners, as there are tons of incredible shows to discover and talented hosts to connect with.

But podcasting is just as exciting for us in the industry. Because while there is a sense of establishment, having been an industry for two decades, there is also always this element of excitement in the air, because we’re still innovating, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be in the podcasting space. 

And let me tell you, from where we’re standing, the best is yet to come. 

But why do we love podcast events so much? So many reasons! But for the sake of brevity (and to get to the actual reason for checking out this blog post today), we’ll just highlight some of our top reasons. Podcast events offer incredible opportunities for podcasters and others in the podcasting space to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, learn from industry experts, and discover new voices. At podcast events, you can network, meet your podcasting heroes, build relationships, and stay up-to-date with all that’s going on in the realm of podcasts.

So if these all sound like things you’d love to do, then keep reading! In this blog post, we present Part 2 of our list featuring the most anticipated and exciting podcast events still to take place in 2023.

July

PODTHON ’23: Bootcamp. Community. Retreat.

Date: July 22-23, 2023

Cost: $60 – $200

For the past couple of years, Danielle Desir and Lee Uehara have hosted PODTHON as a virtual event. This year is a little different. This year, PODTHON will be run as a Podcasters’ Working Retreat.

Instead of hosting a summit with 30+ speakers, Danielle and Lee will be leading a small group monetization coaching program for hobby podcasters looking to leverage their expertise to create financial freedom in their lives.

By joining this year’s coaching program, you can expect two days of in-depth learning, individualized attention, and feedback on your work. You’ll also be able to join a supportive community of podcasters who are enthusiastic about growing their brands and creating additional income streams.

If you enroll before July 1st, you’ll secure tickets at the early-bird discount of $497 USD per person. After that, all tickets are $597 USD per person. 

You can find out more about the retreat and the topics on offer here.

Next up, in August…

August

Podcast Movement

Date: August 21-24, 2023

Place: Denver, Colorado

Event type: In Person 

Cost: $369 – $669

Podcast Movement is the world’s larget podcast conference. And each year, this event brings together thousands of passionate podcasters and industry professionals from around the world under one roof to learn, grow professionally, and most importantly, to evolve their skills and hone their talents. In the past, over 3,000 podcasters have come together to share their knowledge and their passion for podcasting!

This year, the event takes place in Denver, and will comprise of over three core days of keynotes, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats. Just prior to those core days, there’ll be a fun-filled pre-event day full of optional add-on workshops, as well as the annual check-in event and big kickoff party.

The core content offered at Podcast Movement is spread across several different topic-based tracks to help attendees find sessions that are most applicable to them and their goals.

With all this and more, it’s easy to see why it is the biggest event of its kind and a favorite on the calendar of many in the podcasting industry.

Get your tickets here.

True Crime and Paranormal Festival

Date: August 25-27, 2023

Place: Austin, Texas

Event type: In-person

Cost: See ticket options here.  

Love true crime? Then you’ll definitely want to check out this year’s True Crime and Paranormal Festival. The purpose of the True Crime and Paranormal Festival is to give podcast listeners the opportunity to meet and interact with your favorite podcasters and content creators.

The festival features live recordings of podcast episodes, including many cross-over collaborations you won’t hear anywhere else. A true fan’s dream!

You can also enjoy a lively panel discussion, where podcasters pull back the curtain for a unique view into the creation of a show. Past topics have included how podcasters select their cases, the ethics of amateur investigations, and the importance of diversity and inclusivity. And this year, paranormal cases are being added to the panel and round table selections!

But perhaps the main draw of the festival is the large Podcast Gallery. Imagine a hall of tables representing the best in the true-crime & paranormal podcast genre! The podcasters get out from behind the microphones — and from behind their tables — to mix and mingle with podcast listeners. Conversations, selfies, and memories all happen on the floor of our Podcast Gallery.

Get your tickets here, and you’ll secure the chance to meet some of your favorite paranormal and true crime podcasters and content creators!

Find out more about the event here.

Next, in September, look out for…

September

London Podcast Festival

Date: September 7-17, 2023

Place: King’s Place

Cost: Find out more here.

In September, head on over to London for the London Podcast Festival. Produced by the UK’s home of live podcasting, Kings Place, the festival features live shows, workshops, meet and greets, panels and classes to celebrate the art of podcasting.

The London Podcast Festival celebrates the best in UK and international podcasting talent. Taking place in front of a live audience at Kings Place, the festival is a chance to celebrate the fast-growing popularity of podcasts whilst giving listeners the chance to meet their favorite podcast hosts.

The London Podcast Festival is a vibrant celebration of podcasts, showcasing a diverse array of genres and voices. The festival presents live recordings, panel discussions, and performances from some of the most popular podcasts across various genres. With its unique blend of entertainment and insights, the London Podcast Festival promises an unforgettable experience for podcast enthusiasts and creators alike.

Find out more about all that’s on in London here.

Indie Pod Con 8

Date: September 9, 2023

Place: Philadelphia, Pennyslvania

Cost: $299

If you’re an indie podcaster, then you’re going to want to add Indie Pod Con 8 to your calendar as a podcast event to attend in 2023. The Independent Podcast Conference (ICON) is an event by Indie Podcasters for Indie podcasters.

You’ll learn from others who’ve traveled the same path that you’re on in a really intimate, classroom style set-up, ensuring that you’re able to soak up all the value being dished up. 

And because there’s only one track, you get to rub shoulders with veterans of the podcast industry for the entirety of the event.

Indie Pod Con is a great place to build your podcast alongside other podcasters.

Get your ticket here!

International Podcast Day

Date: September 30, 2023

Event Type: Virtual 

Cost: Free

Every year on the 30th of September, podcasters and podcast enthusiasts from all over the world will come together to celebrate International Podcast Day! 

The first official International Podcast Day took place in 2015. And since then, it’s grown from strength to strength with every passing year! The core purpose of the day is to celebrate the power of podcasts, and ever since that inaugural event, hundreds of hours of audio have been broadcasted in celebration, by podcasters from nearly 70 countries, from every corner of the globe. 

The celebration is a great opportunity to connect with fellow podcasters, podcast listeners, podcast enthusiasts, and leaders in the podcasting industry. 

Check out the official website to see all that is planned for the 2023 celebration and how you can get involved.

Blk Pod Festival

Date: September 30 – October 1, 2023

Event type: In-Person

Cost: $75 – $200

Blk Pod Festival was birthed from a need to showcase and connect Black audio creatives. The creators’ goal is to educate all the attendees while also cultivating relationships and experiences.

This event is so much more than a podcast conference, but instead an experience that you can only describe as electric.

Blk Pod Festival’s main premise is to help aspiring podcasters bring their shows to life, reenergize existing podcasters, and guidance for podcast service providers; all while providing actionable resources and life long connections.

There is a focus on the full spectrum of podcasting for hosts, service providers and those working behind the scenes.

Find out more here.

Next up, in October…

October/November

The Cheerful Earful

Date: October 31 – November 5, 2023

Location: UK

Cost: Find out more about availble tickets here.

The Cheerful Earful, a festival of funny podcasts, big & small. Over 6 days, audiences can see their favourite podcasts live with all-star guests from the world of British comedy and beyond.

Cheerful Earful is the UK’s first comedy-podcast festival. It’s been created as a place to celebrate the podcasts that keep us entertained week-in, week-out. It’s a showcase of some of country’s most beloved pods as well as a platform for smaller shows to connect with a new audience and grow. 

The creators of this festival are dedicated to building and growing a legacy podcast festival that showcases funny shows, whether they’re listened to by legions of fans or a handful of loyal listeners. 

​

It’s a festival built by comedy podcast fans for comedy podcast fans. It’s a celebration of the UK’s biggest and most beloved comedy pods.

Find out more here.

Conclusion

As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, attending podcast events can provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a chance to be part of all that’s going on in the podcasting space.

And we’re so excited that there are a wide range of podcast events still to take place in 2023. Each event has something unique to offer, catering to different aspects of podcasting, be it for technical details, marketing strategies, networking, or just plain fun!

These podcasting events are not to be missed if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in podcasting, grow your networking opportunities, and so much more. So get out your calendar, book those tickets, and enjoy all the opportunities the world of podcasting has to offer!

Related read: The Most Effective Ways to Promote a Podcast

And sure, it might seem like everyone and their grandmother has a podcast these days. But we’ll say it again, podcasting is not easy! Podcasting isn’t all super cool mics and awesome merch. (Yes, there is some pretty cool podcast merch! But that’s beside the point.) We definitely don’t mean to rain on your podcast parade, but before you jump into starting your own podcast, here are some reasons why you should think twice about launching a podcast this year.

*Note: While this is intended to be a fun, tongue-in-cheek post, there are definitely some nuggets of truth underpinning all the jest.

Top Reasons to NOT Start a Podcast

1. You’re lazy – a successful podcast requires a lot of consistent effort

First up, don’t start a podcast if you’re lazy! Podcasting is becoming increasingly popular and more accessible to the average person. However, launching a successful podcast requires much more than picking a topic, purchasing some recording equipment, and hitting record. Starting a podcast in 2023 will require consistent effort and dedication if you want to reach any level of success.

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy path to success, podcasting isn’t it! A successful podcast requires hard work, dedication, and consistency. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to create quality episodes on a regular basis. This includes having good content ideas, staying up-to-date with your niche topic, and preparing your episodes. It also means taking the time to record great audio, editing that audio, publishing and promoting your episodes, as well as being committed to growing your podcast community.

We told you, creating and maintaining a successful podcast is not easy. So if you’re lazy, we’d suggest picking another venture that requires, well, less.

However…

If you are someone who identifies as ‘lazy’ but you still want to start a podcast, then let We Edit Podcasts pick up the slack! We can handle all of your podcast production needs! All you have to do is record that stellar content. And we can do the rest! Check out all our podcast production services here.

Now moving on to the next reason NOT to start a podcast…

2. You think you’ll get rich quick

News flash! Podcasting isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. So if this is the sole reason you’re looking to start a podcast in 2023, think again! Sure, podcasts can eventually become profitable — but it generally takes time, dedication, and perseverance for that to happen.

And yes, there are many ways you can monetize your podcast. You can monetize a podcast through affiliate links, sponsorships, live events, crowdfunding campaigns and donations, and merchandising (we’ll say it again, there is some super cool podcast merch out there!) — but nothing will happen overnight. So if you’re looking for an easy way to add to your bottom line, starting a podcast is not it!

However!

Our affiliate partner program might just fit that bill…

Related read: How Do Podcasts Generate Money?

3. You don’t have the time

What should be abundantly clear by now is that starting a podcast requires consistent hard work. And hard work requires time. It takes a lot of time to create high-quality podcast episodes. So if you don’t have that kind of time, it follows that you probably shouldn’t start a podcast right now!

But again, if you don’t have the time and still want to start a podcast, there are options. You can consider outsourcing audio editing or even the entire episode production tasks so that you can fit a podcast into your busy schedule. Again, check out all the services we offer! We’d love to partner with you to help your podcasting dreams become a reality. After all, the whole vision behind We Edit Podcasts was to give podcasters their time back. We can do that for you, too!

4. You don’t have a topic

On to the next reason not to start a podcast…you don’t have a clear topic. Another news flash! You can’t just talk about anything on your podcast, you have to have a focus. You need a topic that you are passionate about, knowledgeable on, and can talk about for days. But more than that, you have to have a specific angle on that topic. Something the podcasting space refers to as your niche.

Your niche is how you will stand out from all the other podcasts in your space. It’s what will draw listeners to your podcast and keep them coming back for more. If you don’t have a niche or know what topic you want to talk about on your podcast, it’s probably not time yet to start one. You need something unique and compelling that will grab people’s attention and help you stand out from the crowd. If you don’t have this, then our advice is simple (and perhaps a little harsh?), don’t start a podcast! (Yet!)

5. You think podcasting is easy

Next, don’t start a podcast if you think podcasting is easy! You know the answer by now. It’s not! You may have thought this was going to be a quick and easy process, but, oh no, my friend! It takes time and effort to be a podcast host!

Yes, anyone can record audio and upload that to the internet – but it takes more than that to be successful in the podcasting space. You have to invest time into researching topics, creating engaging content, recording audio, editing the audio files, promoting episodes across social media platforms, and engaging with your audience. Even learning how to use podcast equipment or editing software effectively is not easy. Sure, there are plenty of tutorials available. But you still need to put the effort into learning these new skills!

Then there’s the actual recording. If being behind a mic is not your natural habitat, just getting comfortable talking into your shiny new mic is a learning curve! Then there’s the editing, the show notes, and the publishing. And we haven’t even covered developing your podcast marketing and social media strategy yet!

And again, if these are not things you have knowledge about, there’s a lot to learn!

But that’s not all…

There are also other factors that make us say that successful podcasting is by no means easy. Most people are starting their podcasts as a hobby or side hustle. And this means juggling your new show with all your other responsibilities that come with all the roles you’re already playing.

Bottom line? Podcasting is not easy. It’s as simple as that.

Related read: How To Create a High-Productivity Schedule

6. You’re not committed to quality

Another key reason for not starting a podcast? You’re not committed to quality. Quality is key in podcasting. Honestly, quality is the key to success in literally anything. But especially in podcasting! Being just “okay” in this space is just not going to cut it. Your podcast would be competing with literally thousands of other shows falling under your chosen category (just one more reason why a well-defined niche is important!) and quality is one of the key ways to ensure your podcast stands out.

A successful podcast requires the podcast host to be committed to quality in every area of their show. Especially if you’re looking to (eventually) successfully monetize your show. Everything from your audio to your social media presence needs to be high-quality.

So if you’re not committed to creating high-quality content, then you probably shouldn’t start a podcast (at least right now). Quality is non-negotiable.

7. You’re not committed to consistency

Next, don’t start a podcast if you’re not committed to consistency! If you truly want to make it in podcasting, you have to keep showing up. You have to be consistent. Consistency is another key in podcasting. It’s what’s going to help you build a strong listener base and ultimately grow your podcast. And this consistency covers every area of your podcasting process! From consistently crafting high-quality content for every episode, to being committed to capturing the best raw audio every time you record. This need for consistency extends to your publishing schedule as well as your episode promotion and interacting with your listeners. As we said, you need consistency in every area if you want a successful podcast.

Sure, you can post an episode when and if you feel like it. No one is going to stop you from doing that. We’re not the podcast police. But we can give you a near 100% guarantee that that approach will not yield a successful podcast. No matter the metrics of measuring that success.

(Unless the metric you’re using is “occasionally posts a kinda okay episode”. Then yes, I suppose by that standard, a podcast “could” be considered “successful”.)

But back to being “somewhat serious”…

If you know that you won’t be able to commit the necessary time, energy, and resources to consistently producing high-quality content on a regular basis, then now might not be the right time for you to launch a show into the podcasting universe!

8. You want your podcast to be an overnight success

And finally, our last reason for NOT starting a podcast. Don’t start a podcast if you’re expecting your podcast to be an overnight success and have you rubbing virtual shoulders with the podcasting greats from the day you launch your show. You guessed it! That ain’t gonna happen! (Is it weird that every time I write that, I picture a 90’s style live audience shouting in unison, “That ain’t gonna happen!”?) (You probably won’t be able to unhear that.) (Sorry.)

But podcasting is a slow, steady, and (you guessed it) consistent game. You have to (consistently) put in the work and be patient. You have to try things, look at your metrics, and PIVOT! if they’re not working. Then you have to do that again, and possibly, again. But if you do that, you will eventually see podcasting success.

So don’t start a podcast if you expect overnight fame and glory. It won’t happen. But if you’re willing to commit to creating high-quality content on a consistent basis, then there’s no reason why your podcast won’t be set on the trajectory heading toward podcasting success!

In Conclusion

While we do believe anyone can start a podcast, we also know that podcasting is not for everyone. And the above are the most common reasons we have for someone not to start a podcast. In 2023, or any year, for that matter!

We’ll say it one more time…starting and maintaining a successful podcast is no easy task. It’s just not. Yes, we’d also say that the pros far outweigh the cons – of course, we are biased, but that goes without saying! – and there are certainly ways around any and all of the reasons on this list.

But if you checked “Yes” to any of our reasons for not starting a podcast, maybe starting a podcast just ain’t for you…

…yet.

We Edit Podcasts has helped many podcasters set their shows on the trajectory for success. We can do the same for you, too! Check out our (newly redesigned!) website, and schedule a call with one of our team members today. And let’s do some podcasting magic together!

Have I missed the boat? Is it too late to start a podcast?

The answer is a resounding, “No!” You have not missed the boat. And it certainly is not too late to start a podcast.

Currently, there are 464.7 million podcast listeners globally as of 2023. That’s a lot! But I don’t need to tell you that. You know that’s a lot! But what I can tell you is that that number is predicted to grow to around 504.9 million podcast listeners worldwide by the end of 2024. (There are a bunch of other interesting podcasting stats that you can find here.)

And while it really is an interesting read, I can tell you, *SPOILER ALERT* that what all those stats tell you is that there has never been a better time to start your own show. Whether you are a business owner, a creative professional, or just someone looking to share their thoughts and ideas with the world, starting a podcast in 2023 can be an excellent way to build your brand, connect with your audience, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of starting a podcast in 2023 and why it’s a smart move for anyone looking to create content in the digital age.

Starting a podcast can bring a plethora of new opportunities and innovative ways to reach audiences. With so many benefits that come from launching a successful podcast – let’s explore why now is an excellent time for aspiring podcasters to get involved. In this blog post, we’ll break down the top reasons why you should start your own podcast in 2023!

Our Top Reasons To Start a Podcast in 2023

1. Start a Podcast Because It’s Fun!

Very rarely will “Because it’s fun!” qualify as an answer to a question. But it’s a totally valid response in this case! Because a great reason to start a podcast is because it’s fun! But that’s not to say it’s easy. Another spoiler alert, it’s not. Creating a high-quality podcast does take consistent hard work. If you want to start a podcast that is successful, it is a pretty big commitment.

You have to craft quality content, keep to a consistent schedule, work to promote your podcast, to sum it up briefly. (And we’ve got all types of guides to help you nail every aspect of your podcast journey on our blog, The Podcast Digest.)

But just because it’s hard work, does not mean it’s not fun! And hosting your own podcast is fun! You get to talk about what you’re passionate about. You get to be creative and express yourself in a new way. And you get to meet all kinds of great people along the way.

See, we told you. Fun! But that’s certainly not the only reason you should start a podcast in 2023! We’ve got a couple of other compelling reasons.

2. Starting a Podcast is a Great Way to Establish Your Brand and Personal Authority

If you’re an entrepreneur, solopreneur, influencer, or brand ambassador, a key part of finding success on your journey, no matter your industry or sphere of influence, is to build brand authority and recognition. If you want to find success in a crowded and competitive market, it’s essential to separate yourself from the noise. And one of the most effective ways to do this is by firmly establishing your brand or building your personal authority.

Recognizable brand identity is vital. A strong brand communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what you can offer your target audience. It creates a sense of connection and it can foster trust between you and your potential clients. This then is what converts to sales, sign-ups, or whatever it is that you’re trying to get your target audience to do.

And if you’re someone looking to grow your personal authority in your field, start a podcast! Personal authority demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in your field, and what better way to do that than by sharing your expertise with the world? Your podcast can help show that you’re a thought leader and someone worth listening to. By starting your podcast and allowing your expertise to shine, you can establish yourself as a reputable figure in your industry and ultimately attract more clients and opportunities.

3. A Podcast Can Help You Reach a Wider Audience With Ease

With the growing reach of technology, it has never been easier for businesses to reach larger audiences. Whether it’s through social media, email marketing, or search engine optimization, the potential for connecting with a wider audience is limitless.

But, IOHP, a podcast can help you reach an audience in a really significant way. Dare I say, in a way far superior to the other channels. There I said it.

I genuinely could give you a whole post worth of reasons why I think a podcast is such a powerful marketing tool. (Hmmm, perhaps this should be the topic of a future post. *Quickly jumps to Trello to add to Content Schedule.) But for the purposes of the topic at hand today, I’ll say this. A podcast gives you a way to really connect with your audience. There’s something about listening to a podcast that really connects you to the host. And it’s been my experience that this connection happens far more quickly via podcasts than other forms of media.

And this connection is great for brands looking to expand! But it’s also great for those creative storytellers looking to connect with an audience.

4. Low Barrier of Entry

So, you love the reasons we’ve covered so far for starting a podcast. You want to grow your brand or connect with your audience, or you’re just looking for a fun side project. But perhaps it also sounds like it’s a bit complicated.

But that brings us to the next reason anyone should start a podcast. The podcasting space has a pretty low barrier to entry. Really, with some guidance, we believe anyone can start a podcast.

All you really need to start a podcast is a microphone and some editing software. Once your content is edited into an episode, it’s a simple upload to your podcast host of choice. And your podcast will be out in the world.

Note: There is a distinct difference between starting a podcast and maintaining a podcast. Maintaining a high-quality podcast takes effort, hard work, and commitment. That is the hard part. But actually starting a podcast and getting your episodes online is relatively easy.

5. Develop New Skills

The next reason for starting a podcast is it creates an incredible opportunity to develop new skills. By starting your podcast, not only will you hone your communication and interview skills in your role as host, but you’ll also learn about audio editing, publishing, and distribution. These skills can be incredibly valuable in your professional life, and can make you a more well-rounded marketer or communicator.

But besides all the new podcasting-related skills you’ll learn, by starting a podcast, you’ll also push your expertise in your passion subject. With each episode, as you research content, study deeper into your area of expertise, or prepare for interviews, you’ll push your knowledge. This will cement your reputation as an authority and thought leader in your field.

6. Start a Podcast to Reach a Global Audience

Podcasts are not limited by geographic location. This means that anyone can listen to your show, no matter where they are in the world. And that’s another reason to start a podcast. As a podcast gives you the opportunity to grow your audience far beyond your local area. This can help to create brand awareness and attract new customers or clients.

If you can get your show trending as top picks or recommendations on any of the available podcast directories, your show will be front and center for a global audience. And you’ll be able to build relationships with listeners from all over the world.

7. Start a Podcast for a Cost-Effective Marketing Channel

Another great reason for brands and businesses to start a podcast in 2023 is because a podcast can be a great way to create an inexpensive and effective marketing channel for your business or your brand.

Yes, there are the initial start-up costs of your podcast equipment, and then any fees incurred by the type of plan you choose with your preferred podcast host. But other than that, there are very few costs attached to putting out content. (Again, depending on how you choose to market, there may be costs involved, but we’re purely talking about the costs of publishing podcast episodes.)

Through your podcast, you can then share all the content your heart desires. Your episodes can be thought of as a strategic marketing campaign. One that you can control and that effectively communicates your brand’s desired message.

8. Establish Relationships With Listeners in a Personal Way

The next reason for starting a podcast is because through your podcast, you’re able to establish connections with your followers in a personal way. We’ve hinted at this already, but there is something special about the relationship that develops between a podcast host and their loyal listeners.

And as your followers get to know you better through the content you provide, they begin to trust you and form relationships with you. If you’re launching a podcast as a marketing or brand-building strategy, you’ll know that this kind of relationship with your target audience is worth its weight in gold! That connection and trust your listeners will form with you is the best foundation for brand building. And even more importantly, you’ll start to build brand trust.

But even if your podcast is just a personal passion project, the opportunity to establish that kind of relationship with your listeners is beneficial to you, too. Firstly, because of the cool people you’ll get to connect with and build relationships with. But that brand trust (your podcast is a brand, just FYI) that you’ll build with your podcast community will be vital when you start to explore podcast monetization opportunities.

This leads us to…

9. Monetization Opportunities

Podcasting also has the potential to be a lucrative endeavor. While it’s challenging to make significant amounts of money with podcasting alone, there are plenty of opportunities to monetize your show. From sponsorships to affiliate marketing, there are various ways to turn your podcast into a profitable business.

Again, this does not happen overnight. You have to work hard to create high-quality content. You have to build trust with your audience and foster a community around your show. But once you’ve laid a strong foundation, there are plenty of podcast monetization opportunities out there.

10. A Podcast is a Unique, Creative Outlet

Finally, starting a podcast allows you to tell your story and share your voice with the world. Yes, many of the reasons for starting a podcast are business or brand-focused. But the joy of podcasting is open to everyone. We all have passions. We all have stories to tell. And a podcast is the perfect medium through which we can channel these.

Whether it’s through interviews, storytelling, or sharing your thoughts and opinions, podcasts provide a platform for anyone to express themselves and connect with others who share their interests. More than that, however, is the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. There are podcasts on all types of topics, and it’s truly something special to find a show and a host that shares your passions.

To Conclude

And there you have it, our top reasons why you should start a podcast in 2023. Whether you’re a marketer, working professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking for a dynamic creative outlet, there’s never been a better time to start your own podcast With low startup costs, global reach, and the potential for monetization, podcasting is a powerful medium that can help you establish your personal brand, reach new audiences, and develop valuable skills.

So why not start planning your podcast today?

Want some help getting started? Partner with We Edit Podcasts! As a full podcast production agency, we can help you with any and every step of your podcasting journey. Whether that’s outsourcing your episode editing and show notes writing, or it’s helping you launch your podcast, we do it all. Check out our services, and see why so many podcasters trust us with their podcasts.

The end goal is to make it possible for everyone who wants to engage with your content to do so, regardless of any particular limitations they may have.

But podcast accessibility is far more than understanding and creating content for your audience by understanding their limitations. Focusing on accessibility also has major benefits for you as the podcast host and for your podcast overall. The steps you take toward podcast accessibility will help you broaden your reach, build community trust, and create more opportunities for engagement with your audience. These added benefits make the effort of taking the steps toward greater podcast accessibility well worth it! In this blog post, we’ve laid out how you can easily go from novice to expert in podcast accessibility.

But first, let’s dive a little deeper…

Why is Podcast Accessibility Important?

The short and sweet answer to the above question is that making your podcast as accessible as possible is simply the right thing to do. It can also be argued that it’s the right thing to do from a legal standpoint.

For example, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain types of businesses, including those providing online content, make their offerings accessible to individuals with disabilities. And in 2020, this Act was applied to the podcasting space when Gimlet Media faced a lawsuit for failing to make their podcasts accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing.

But from the perspective of your podcast, improving your podcast’s accessibility also just makes sense. Making your podcast more accessible ensures that more people can engage with your content. By making your podcast accessible, you are opening up your content to a wider audience that may otherwise be excluded. This benefits your podcast by increasing your reach and potential listenership.

By taking the steps to make your podcast more accessible, you are not only making your podcast more inclusive but also improving its searchability and discoverability for all listeners. Overall, making your podcast more accessible is about adding value to your content and ensuring that everyone can have a positive listening experience.

Now, let’s move on to the how…

How to Make Your Podcast Accessible

1. Transcript Your Episodes 

One major way to make your podcast more accessible to everyone is by transcribing your episodes. A transcript is an exact written record of the audio content in your podcast. Creating transcripts of your podcast audio is a major step towards making your podcast more accessible to all types of users. And that’s because providing these written forms of your podcast episodes makes it easier for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or even second-language speakers, to enjoy your content.

By providing transcripts for your episodes, you even open up your content to consumers who prefer reading over listening in general.

But again, while we believe that working towards making your podcast more accessible is the right move as you consider the needs of your audience, there are also definite benefits to your podcast by taking these extra steps towards accessibility. Providing transcripts, for example, will also improve your podcast’s discoverability as they will enable you to include specific keywords and SEO-friendly phrases.

2. Create Podcast Show Notes

Another way to make your podcast more accessible is to provide show notes for your episodes. As a quick definition, show notes serve as summaries of the topics discussed in the episode. Show notes provide context about where to find the items or subjects discussed. You can also add any links you mention, affiliate marketing links for any sponsors, as well as links related to that episode’s guest.

And yes, show notes are a step towards greater accessibility in terms of your podcast and its potential to reach a diverse audience.

But in our humble opinion, creating show notes is an essential step of your podcast production process.

Again, because they help to improve your podcast’s SEO and discoverability. But they also just give your listeners a better experience when it comes to your podcast. It is incredibly frustrating when listeners want to quickly find something the host mentioned in the episode, only to discover there are subpar, or worse, no show notes!

Don’t be that host! Rather spend some extra time creating great show notes. Or outsource the process if you don’t have the time or capacity. Just make sure you’re making show notes available for your audience!

3. Always Deliver High-Quality, Clear Audio

We’ve covered text-based ways you can make your podcast more accessible, but did you know that your audio can also play a part? Specifically, the quality of your audio. Making sure your audio quality is high is essential for the success of any podcast, this is certainly true. In general, listeners are probably not going to stick around for too long if your audio is tinny, scratchy, or even too echoey. But striving for the highest audio quality possible takes on a different meaning when it comes to accessibility.

And that’s because clear audio is just that, it’s clear. Making it pleasant to listen to for all your listeners, but it’s particularly helpful for those who have auditory or language barriers. For these listeners, your aim is to provide audio that’s easy to listen to. It’s important that your audio is clean, and there’s not too much cross-talk or constant interruptions between participants. (Another reason why we always recommend recording on separate tracks!) And that any music or sound effects add to the content, and don’t detract from it.

Always paying attention to your audio levels and audio quality during recording and then focusing on crisp, clear in post-production will not only serve the overall success of your podcast, but this will also ensure that you’re considerately serving all members of your audience.

4. Add A Visual Component

So text-based accessibility-focused improvements? Check! High-quality, clear audio? Check! You’re well on your way to making your podcast more accessible to more people. But there is another way you could improve the accessibility of your podcast. And that is by adding a visual component to your podcast content.

Adding a visual component to your podcast can improve its accessibility in several ways. First and foremost, it makes your content more inclusive and user-friendly by allowing people who may have hearing difficulties, language barriers, or other auditory barriers to engage with your content through the addition of content that can be engaged with through another ‘sense’.

Those who have auditory barriers or second-language speakers often rely on visual clues to help them gain meaning. So being able to see your face, read your lips, or even read your expressions can be of great benefit and will certainly help in making your content more accessible to more people.

And secondly, from a podcast success point of view, adding a visual component to your podcast can also enhance engagement and strengthen your connection with all your followers.

Video can also help make your content more shareable on social media platforms. And so can be a great way to grow your brand and expand your show’s reach.

Related read: How To Grow Your Podcast Via YouTube

Some pointers for adding video elements…

Adding video to your podcast offering does not mean you now have to launch a video podcast! There are many short-form video options available that you can try. These include things like videograms, Reels, or YouTube Shorts are short-form videos. And they don’t require the skill and technicality of a full-blown video episode. But they will still allow you to improve your show’s accessibility, and allow you to reap the benefits of video content.

5. Caption Any Video Elements

And our final strategy for making your podcast more accessible follows on from the above.

Adding a visual component to your podcast will certainly help make your show more accessible. But there is an additional step that you should take if you include any video elements in your content. Captioning the video.

By including captions or subtitles on any video clips in your podcast, you, again, are being inclusive of all types of consumers. It’s really just bringing our discussion on accessibility full circle. As you will now offer content with visual, auditory, and text-based options for consumption. But closed captions on all your video elements are also just a good way to offer your audience more. As they can then still engage with your content, no matter where they are.

Thankfully, many of the software you’d use to create your video elements offer the option of adding closed captions or subtitles. Often using technology to write these for you! So make use of this, no matter what type of video content you’re creating and sharing.

To Conclude

Creating accessible content is the right and necessary thing to do. Yes, it takes a little bit of extra work and forethought. But all of these additions pay off in the long term. By following the above-listed tips, you can make your podcast accessible to a much wider, more diverse, audience. This not only opens up the podcasting sphere as a more inclusive medium, but from a successful podcast perspective, these steps will also help your content reach a larger audience. With these tools, you can break down barriers and provide an environment of inclusivity for all types of consumers. And you’ll also take great steps toward strengthening your podcast’s authority and discoverability. A definite win for all!