Creating a Podcast From Scratch w/ Alex Sanfilippo (LST #103)

Today, we’re excited to have Alex Sanfilippo back on the show. Alex is an entrepreneur and the founder of PodPros, a software company focused on the podcasting industry. He is also a podcast host of the top-rated podcast called Podcasting Made Simple and a lead podcast educator. In this episode, Alex provides an in-depth guide for anyone looking to start their own podcast. He covers everything from using Google Trends to uncover popular topics to selecting an ideal podcast name that helps your target audience find you organically. As the discussion unfolds, he offers practical tips for crafting a compelling podcast description and designing captivating cover art. Additionally, discover creative ideas for your first episode and gain insights into the ideal podcast episode length to keep your audience engaged. Lastly, Alex shares his expert advice on publishing and promoting your podcast. He emphasizes the importance of joining niche communities on social media, where you can establish yourself as a key figure and drive your podcast’s success. Tune in for more invaluable insights on how to make your podcasting journey a success! During this episode, you will learn about: [02:02] What is PodScore.io? [03:41] What’s the first step in starting a podcast? [04:36] How to leverage Google Trends to identify trending topics for your podcast [08:58] Can you base an entire podcast on the Cybertruck, or should it be just a single episode? [12:45] Tips for choosing a great podcast name or title  [15:13] Ubersuggest: https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/ [20:55] How to write a podcast description [22:57] Designing a captivating podcast cover art [24:00] OnlyPod: https://onlypod.com/podcast-cover-preview [25:16] Should you use your photo on podcast cover art? [26:24] The Model Health Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-model-health-show/id640246578 [28:03] Ideas for your first podcast episode [31:08] How many episodes should you have in your backlog before launching your podcast? [33:35] What is the ideal length for a podcast episode? [37:15] How to Publish a Podcast  [37:32] Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/ [40:08] What are the effects of changing your podcast name? [41:35] How to promote a podcast [44:04] mowPod Boost: https://boost.mowpod.com/ [45:49] Additional tools and tips for creating a podcast [46:44] Get free access to the podcasting tools that Alex uses PodScore.io: https://start.podscore.io/ [48:03] Listen to Increase Social Proof Using Podcast Testimonials Episode: https://podmatch.com/ep/280 Key Takeaways:   • When starting a podcast, begin by defining your “why” and then create an avatar that represents that purpose. [03:41] • Podcasts are most commonly discovered through search. [15:59] • The titles, descriptions, and covers of your podcast and episodes are key because, if positioned correctly, they can significantly boost your success. [16:25]  • AI is not removing creativity; it’s taking away the excuse of ‘I can’t do that.’ ~Alex Sanfilippo [21:27] • Producing weekly podcasts helps your listeners stay engaged and remember to tune in, compared to biweekly or monthly episodes.[32:14] • “Do hard things early in the week, and then you’ve got a great week in front of you.” ~Ben Albert [32:22] • To promote your podcast, join as many niche social media communities related to your topic as possible. Establish yourself as an authority in these communities and become the icon that drives your podcast’s success.[42:29] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. PodScore.io 2. Ubersuggest  3. OnlyPod 4. Shawn Stevenson 5. Buzzsprout 6. Podetize 7. mowPod Boost Keep In Touch with Alex Sanfilippo: Personal Website: https://alexsanfilippo.com/ PodMatch Website: https://podmatch.com/ PodPros Website: https://podpros.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsanfilippo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajsanfilippo/