Launch, growth and success tips for Podcasters and wider content creators. Read a set of quick points, from tool reviews to growth tactics, and much more, all aimed at helping you create the show of your dreams. If you're building a personal or a content brand, then get started with us!
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Why podcast launch hype is a distraction ⚠️ (Podcraft Pointers)
Published 27 days ago • 5 min read
🎙️ TUESDAY TOUCHPOINT
Hullo there!
Well, what do you think of our new look!?
We've been chatting for a while now about improving the newsletter and working harder to make it an essential resource for you each week.
The email (in its various iterations) has been a vital part of our content offerings these past 15+ years, but we've decided to make it our top priority in 2025. Whether you're new to Podcraft Pointers or have followed along for many years, we're delighted to have you as a subscriber, and we can’t wait to bring you even more valuable insights in the year ahead!
You'll notice many new recurring features (well, I guess you won't notice that they are "recurring" until they re-occur next week, but you get the point..), and I hope these make the newsletter easy to skim and pick out the resources, podcast episodes, and videos that resonate the most with you.
Our aim remains the same as it always has: to help you launch and build a growth-optimised podcast that aligns with your own personal definition of success. This re-design is all about making it even easier for you to get the maximum value from us each week, so let's get on with it...
📊 THIS WEEK’S QUICK POLL
Having a dedicated website for your podcast is still essential, even in the age of AI search and social media dominance.
The big launch isn’t everything. What matters most is long-term content quality and building strong audience connections. Forget the hype around a perfect debut — consistency and engagement will bring success.
The L.A.U.N.C.H. Framework:
L - Learn the Ropes 🎙️ Focus on improving your skills—mic technique, production, and episode structure.
A - Amplify Discoverability 📱 Use a catchy podcast name and episode titles that boost searchability.
U - Understand Your Audience 👥 Value your early listeners—engage with them and turn them into your biggest fans.
N - Next Episode First ⏳ Always prioritize making the next episode great to keep listeners coming back.
C - Catalogue Building 📚 Create a solid back catalogue of episodes to keep new listeners engaged for the long haul.
H - Harness Collaboration 🤝 Partner with other creators in your niche to expand your audience and grow together.
Discover why traditional SEO is failing and learn about the barbell strategy - a new approach focusing on either pure utility or authentic human content to succeed in the age of AI.
📈 DATA CORNER
Podcast Consumption Continues to Grow!
It's that time of year again as Edison Research presents The Infinite Dial 2025. Podcast listening grew again, but now we're also taking into account podcast consumption. This has more to do with watching video podcasts than it does with eating them, but "Have you ever eaten a podcast?" will surely make for a great poll next week.
The 5-Step Focus Reset - Techniques to quickly recenter during recording sessions
Sometimes, distractions, overexcitement, or digressions ambush your recording session. Whether the cause is fun with your co-host or your guest avoids interview questions, suddenly, your pulse elevates, and you wonder why you ever started podcasting to begin with. To quickly re-center during recording sessions, try these five strategies.
🚫 Avoid Negative Self-Talk
Avoid negative self-talk. Self-flagellation prompts the body to fight or flight mode, helping nobody. Instead, remind yourself that podcasting isn’t always easy.
💨 Try Box Breathing
Box breathing. Three or four cycles should be enough to help you re-center.
📜 Revisit Your Intentions
Revisit your original intentions for this recording session. Check your script or any notes, or re-read your podcast’s description to yourself.
🤝 Check In with Others
If you’re recording with others, check in with them. Again, don't blame. Instead, say something like, “Let’s go back to (the point in your podcast script or notes where the digression occurred),” or “Wow, we went off on a tangent there. Shall we try again?”
💧 Hydration Breaks
If all else fails, drink water slowly (this may prompt others to pause for a quick sip, too). Mention that it’s good to take hydration breaks to avoid mouth sounds and make sure your words are clear. This should help everyone refocus on their intentions for that recording session.
Don't stop recording. Simply pause and recover. Ultimately, your podcast is for an audience. They don’t want you to suffer. If you can't give it your best, relaxed effort, take a break, work on something else briefly, and return when you're ready.
Lindsay
🔧 TOOL OF THE WEEK
The Lizard Pro Boom Arm From IXTech
This reptilian rig is my new favourite mic mount. Did you know it's strong enough to hold three Blue Yetis or five Samson Q2Us? Colin couldn't even do that, and he goes to CrossFit (allegedly!).
As creators, we’re often guilty of hitting a big goal and immediately moving on to the next, not celebrating how far we’ve come.
This milestone tracker is designed to help you acknowledge your achievements (and a few inevitable downfalls - you’ve got to laugh 🤣) so that you can really appreciate how well you’ve done!
Meet Alitu, the podcast maker that does all the techie work so you can focus on what you do best.
Record, edit, schedule and publish with one tool
AI audio editing so you sound better with less work
Publish more consistently, love the process
Real human support that’ll always get you unstuck
"The platform really is that easy to use-- I am so grateful for the time and headache saved while being able to get my episodes out in a timely and regular way." - Amy
As a Podcraft Pointers subscriber, you're entitled to 50% off your first month when you sign up for Alitu. Use coupon code POINTERS50 at checkout!
Want to Sponsor This Newsletter?
We work with products and services that are a great fit for our readers, so if you offer something that's ideal for podcasters and creators, get in touch. Drop us a line at sponsor@thepodcasthost.com.
👋 LET US HELP YOU
Whatever you need, whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered
From launch coaching and growth mentorship to editing and production, courses, and podcast feedback, we can tailor something exactly to your own needs. We're waiting to hear from you, so give us a shout!
Matthew & Colin
Have questions? Hit reply to this email and we'll help out!
Launch, growth and success tips for Podcasters and wider content creators. Read a set of quick points, from tool reviews to growth tactics, and much more, all aimed at helping you create the show of your dreams. If you're building a personal or a content brand, then get started with us!
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