Every podcaster shares a common dream: to see their audience grow and their downloads soar. Imagine having a strategy that could be your secret weapon to boost exposure. What if you could use trending news to get noticed? Harness the YouTube algorithm to get a hundred thousand new views?!

Enter newsjacking—a technique that could transform your podcast’s visibility. Let’s explore this strategy further and understand how you can wield it effectively, drawing from my interview with marketing guru David Meerman Scott on episode 56 of Inspired Money.

Understanding Newsjacking

Newsjacking is the art of injecting your insights into a breaking news story, gaining the media spotlight in the process. Think of it as surfing the wave of public interest that news stories generate. By providing relevant angles or expertise, you capture attention when it matters the most.

Historical Roots

Newsjacking might sound like a modern buzzword, but its origin dates back to the 1970s in the United Kingdom. David Meerman Scott breathed new life into this concept, notably spotlighting how Donald Trump deftly navigated the 2016 Presidential election cycle, utilizing real-time marketing on Twitter. Scott’s predictions based on Trump’s tactics underscored newsjacking’s power.

Key Takeaways from David Meerman Scott

In my podcast interview, David generously shared key principles behind smart newsjacking:

1. Speed is Essential: The quicker you respond, the more likely you are to capitalize on the public’s interest. The hardest part about leveraging newsjacking is remembering that you need to be quick and agile. You need to have the bandwidth to act in real-time.
2. Create Relevant Content: Seamlessly tie your podcast’s themes or your expertise to the news narrative. With newsjacking, you need a legitimate ties to the story. Just responding to any old story doesn’t work so well.
3. Strategic Sensitivity: Handle negative news with care to avoid misjudged sentiments. It’s easy to get newsjack-happy, but the process is most effective when you’re selective. Leverage the stories that are most relevant to your target audience and industry.
4. Maximize Social Media: Leverage platforms for real-time engagement, ensuring your content surges in conversations.

My Practical Application: Jane’s Addiction Incident

My real-world test of newsjacking began a week prior to writing this, with an unexpected and shocking moment during Jane’s Addiction’s reunion tour — one that left fans stunned and wondering about the future of the band. Perry Farrell’s mid-performance physical altercation with Dave Navarro not only ended the band’s Boston show early, but it ultimately ended the tour.

I saw a perfect newsjacking opportunity.

What tied me to the recent event? I had interviewed Etty Lau Farrell, Perry’s wife, on the Inspired Money podcast two years ago. During the interview, Perry made a cameo appearance—greeting me by name! Although a video about Jane’s addiction did not fit my YouTube channel’s content, I decided that diving into the substantial weekend buzz just might win attention for npth my YouTube channel and the Etty Farrell episode.

Here’s how I did it:

• Planning: The news broke on Friday teh 13th, and by Sunday night, I had scripted a strategic video plan. This included finding concert footage of the “fight,” performance videos in New York and Boston, and reading fan comments on Reddit.
• Execution: On Monday, September 16, I recorded and published the video “Jane’s Addiction Fight Explained: Perry Farrell Attacks Dave Navarro in...

Recent headlines have been quick to proclaim the demise of podcasting, citing layoffs at major platforms like Spotify and Public Radio. Yet, amidst the tumult, there lies a different narrative – one of resilience and growth. Contrary to naysayers, podcasting is not dying; it’s evolving, adapting, and flourishing in unexpected ways. In this post, we’ll explore why podcasting remains a vibrant medium, despite challenges, and discuss strategies for monetization and success.

While it’s true that some major players in the podcasting industry have faced setbacks, independent podcasts have continued to thrive. These grassroots creators epitomize the essence of podcasting – a platform where anyone with a microphone and a story can find an audience. Unlike traditional media, where gatekeepers control access, podcasting offers a level playing field for creators of all backgrounds and interests.

Independent podcasts often have loyal and engaged audiences, built through authenticity, niche content, and community engagement. Unlike corporate giants, these creators are nimble, able to pivot quickly in response to audience feedback, and can produce content with little to no budget. Moreover, they’re not beholden to shareholders or advertisers, allowing them to maintain creative control and pursue their passions without compromise.

According to the Infinite Dial 2024 report by Edison Research, the podcast landscape is witnessing significant shifts, with nearly 100 million Americans engaging with podcasts weekly. Despite concerns over a decline in downloads due to alterations in Apple iOS 17, indicating a drop in figures for major podcasts like This American Life, Edison’s survey-based findings present a more nuanced perspective. Contrary to download metrics, Edison’s data reveals a positive trend, with 47 percent of Americans aged 12 and above tuning into podcasts monthly, marking a five-point increase from the previous year, the largest jump since 2019. Moreover, weekly listeners have increased from 31 to 34 percent, estimating around 98 million individuals. By relying on survey data rather than raw downloads, Edison’s report offers insight into the evolving podcast landscape, underscoring its integration into mainstream media consumption habits. Additionally, the report touches on various other trends such as social media usage, smart speaker ownership, and audiobook consumption, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving media landscape.

For those looking to monetize their podcasts, there are numerous avenues to explore:

1. Advertising and Sponsorships: While recent layoffs at major platforms might suggest a slowdown in advertising revenue, independent podcasters are still attracting sponsors. By cultivating a dedicated audience and producing high-quality content, podcasters can command competitive advertising rates or secure sponsorship deals with brands aligned with their niche.
2. Crowdfunding and Patronage: Platforms like Patreon have empowered podcasters to monetize directly from their audience. By offering exclusive content, merchandise, or behind-the-scenes access, creators can incentivize listeners to support them financially. This model not only provides a steady stream of income but also fosters a deeper connection with fans.
3. Merchandise Sales: From t-shirts to mugs to stickers, merchandise sales offer another revenue stream for podcasters. By leveraging their brand and creating unique, appealing products, creators can turn their listeners into loyal customers while generating supplementary income.
4. Live Events and Ticket Sales:...

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

– Coco Chanel

You’re a podcaster. You love creating your show. But sometimes marketing and promotion to stand out can feel like an insurmountable challenge. With so many podcasts (YouTube videos, television shows, radio stations, books, and blogs) vying for an audience’s attention, how can you make sure your podcast doesn’t get lost in the noise?

While traditional advice like “know your audience” and “invest in quality equipment” are important, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about unconventional approaches to help you make a mark.

Here are some out-of-the-box tips for podcasters looking to break the mold and find success in this competitive landscape:

Perfectionism can be the enemy of progress, especially in the world of podcasting. Instead of agonizing over every “um” and “uh,” embrace the raw and authentic nature of your content. Some of the most beloved podcasts are praised precisely because they feel like intimate conversations rather than scripted performances. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, flaws and all.

Who says a podcast has to follow a strict interview or storytelling format? Get creative and experiment with different structures and styles. Maybe you want to incorporate elements of improv comedy, or perhaps you’re interested in creating an audio collage of soundscapes and music. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what a podcast can be.

Six months ago, I transformed the Inspired Money podcast from a conventional pre-recorded one-on-one interview show to a livestream with three or four guest panelists. It’s been fun, challenging, and refreshing. I like to say having four guests is like a normal podcast on steroids. Embrace experimentation.

In a crowded market, finding your niche is crucial. But why stop there? Instead of simply focusing on a broad topic like “true crime” or “self-improvement,” dig deeper to carve out a niche within that niche. Maybe you’re passionate about true crime stories with a supernatural twist, or perhaps you have a unique perspective on mindfulness and meditation. By honing in on a specific angle or theme, you can attract a dedicated audience who shares your interests.

Instead of viewing other podcasters as competitors, see them as potential collaborators. Reach out to fellow creators in your niche and explore opportunities for cross-promotion, guest appearances, or even co-hosted episodes. Not only does this expand your reach and introduce your show to new audiences, but it also fosters a sense of community within the podcasting world.

It’s easy to get caught up in metrics like download numbers and subscriber counts, but true success in podcasting goes beyond mere statistics. Instead of fixating on quantity, prioritize quality engagement with your audience. Respond to listener feedback, foster meaningful conversations on social media, and create opportunities for your audience to participate in the content creation process. Building a loyal and engaged community around your podcast is far more valuable than chasing fleeting metrics.

Finally, remember that flexibility is key for any creator. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot and try something new. Your podcasting journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to course-correct along the way.

In a world where...