Episode 40: Why Your Podcast’s “Why” Matters More Than Your Metrics
Why are you really starting a podcast? That question runs through this week’s Podcasters in Training, where host David, Head of Product, is joined by Sandra, Chatmosa’s Head of Tech, Nicole from Keipeki Publishing, and Auntie Derek from Auntie Derek's Daytime Tea.
The team opens with the new Chatmosa Customer Service Chat, and Sandra is clear about it: “This is human chat. This is not AI.” They test it live when Derek asks how to start a celebrity news podcast, which leads into a bigger conversation about enjoying the work instead of chasing numbers. As David puts it, once you start chasing metrics, burnout comes fast.
What you’ll learn:
- Why a mailing list is one of the strongest ways to keep your audience connected
- Why Nicole’s audio rule is wired headphones over wireless
- Where the “batch more episodes than you think” advice breaks down, especially for daily news shows
- Why your “why” and a profit-last mindset matter in the early days
- How to pick a unique, discoverable show name, and why descriptive episode titles can lift engagement
Next week, CEO Camille Alcasid returns from the road to share her journey.
#PodcastingforPassion, #Not Profit: #Burnout, #Mailing Lists, and the #Human Customer Service Behind Chatmosa
- #Careers
In this engaging episode of "Chatmosa: Podcasters in Training", our host David, Head of Product at Chatmosa, along with tech lead Sandra and Keipeki Publishing founder Nicole and Auntie Derek, Head of Growth and Host of Auntie Derek's Daytime Tea, delved into the latest developments at Chatmosa, innovative podcasting techniques, and valuable insights for aspiring podcasters. The session was filled with practical discussions, live product testing, and shared experiences that resonated well with both new and seasoned podcasters.
#### Key Highlights and Insights
1. New Customer Service Chat Feature: Sandra introduced the newly launched Chatmosa Customer Service chat, emphasizing its human touch in a world dominated by AI automated responses. “This is human chat. This is not AI,” she boldly stated, underlining the objective of keeping customer interactions personal and relatable. The group brainstormed potential placements for this feature on the platform, highlighting the importance of accessibility in customer communication.
2. Live Product Testing: The session turned interactive as the team engaged in live testing of the customer service chat. Auntie Derek called in with a tech question regarding starting a celebrity news podcast, showcasing real-time problem-solving. This live test not only revealed how the system functions but also reinforced the emphasis on human interaction in technical support.
3. Lessons Learned from the Podcasting Community: Auntie Derek shared actionable insights from a recent meetup with the Black Podcast Association, focusing on the necessity of maintaining a mailing list for audience engagement. "It is really important to connect with your audience," he remarked, reinforcing the significance of managing a loyal listener base.
4. Technical Improvements: Nicole shared her experience publishing her latest podcast episode, highlighting the importance of using quality audio equipment. "I have to use wired headphones...the wireless ones are not the move," she stated, serving as a reminder that technical quality can significantly impact listener experience.
5. Navigating Podcasting Expectations: A noteworthy segment of the discussion revolved around Adrian's ten tips for starting a podcast, which included avoiding financial motivation and focusing on creative passion instead. The team collectively agreed on vital points such as ensuring podcast topics are neither too broad nor too niche, emphasizing the need for thoughtful planning. "If you're starting a podcast to be rich, you're in the wrong business," David concluded, summarizing the reality that sustainable podcasting is a long-term commitment.
6. Effective Podcast Naming: The importance of selecting an engaging and unique podcast title was discussed, with tips to ensure it stands out in crowded spaces like Apple Podcasts. Auntie Derek noted the effectiveness of tailoring titles to include relevant keywords, as he has seen a positive trend in listener engagement with descriptive, eye-catching titles.
7. Community Building and Future Content: The group recognized that cultivating a community is crucial for sustaining listener interest. They discussed potential content strategies, suggesting that podcasters mix formats between solo episodes and guest interviews to keep their audience engaged without succumbing to burnout.
As the session wrapped up, a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was evident among the participants. The conversations sparked continued curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning in the podcasting journey. David concluded, “I thought it was, you know, I learned a lot,” which encapsulated the collaborative spirit of Chatmosa’s mission to support podcasters as they navigate the evolving landscape of audio storytelling.
### Actionable Takeaways
- Emphasize human interaction in customer service to enhance user experience.
- Use quality audio equipment for a professional-sounding podcast.
- Keep a mailing list to build and maintain a dedicated audience.
- Carefully consider your podcast's title and description for optimal discoverability.
- Focus on your passion for content creation rather than financial gain to avoid burnout.
With these insights and a community-oriented approach, Chatmosa is fostering a supportive environment where podcasters can thrive and connect. Join us next week for more discussions, as Camille Alcasid returns to bring her unique insights from the road!