Podcast Launch Pad
98 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingA weekly podcast for grown up business people. It's delivered in bite-sized episodes to help you launch straight into the business podcasting stratosphere. Hosted by former BBC radio reporter and international satellite TV journalist Serena Gay.
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Episodes
10 Ways to Sound More Enthusiastic!
August 16, 2021 23:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MBSound professional on your business podcast by making use of these 10 tips. It all starts in the mind. Doesn't everything?! But if you start off confident in the knowledge that you are delivering interesting and useful content that people want and need - you are more than half way there. This episode will help you inject that oomph into your voice that listeners love and find inspirational. And they are: 1. As above, be confident that you are delivering a useful service with yo...
Meet Christy - Small Business Owner and Kentucky Podcasting Queen!
August 09, 2021 23:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBFemale entrepreneur Christy Smallwood from Louisville, Kentucky launched a podcast in 2018 for a reason that aligns perfectly with her business needs. She runs her own business (Eagle Eyed Strategies) in sales, marketing, training and development and wanted to help make potential clients get to like and trust her more quickly than they would through occasional networking meetings. She hit on podcasting as the way to develop those relationships faster. She knows that if people can hear ...
No More Mind Blocks Over Picking Your Podcast Topic
August 02, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 5.57 MBSo, you've ordered the podcasting equipment, worked out which podcast host you will use (Buzzsprout, I hope!), identified where you will do your recordings and maybe even taught yourself how to audio edit. BUT, you can't identify the right podcast topic! All too often, business people with podcasting ambitions get hung on this issue. In this episode, you'll find plenty of advice to help you dig deep and find just the right theme to promote you and your organisation. Decide what you ne...
Podcast Music Your Listeners Will Love
July 26, 2021 23:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBDazzle your podcast listeners with bespoke music that reflects your standout production values. Or you could do what everyone else does and buy generic-sounding music off the shelf for a few dollars. Today's guest, Leo Saunders of tuneriver.com works with fellow musicians to compose music for special occasions - but they'll also work with podcasters too. It will cost you in the region of £150 or about 200 US dollars to buy the licence to use the music as you wish - and not just on you...
Podcast Music Your Listeners Will Love
July 26, 2021 23:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBDazzle your podcast listeners with bespoke music that reflects your standout production values. Or you could do what everyone else does and buy generic-sounding music off the shelf for a few dollars. Today's guest, Leo Saunders of tuneriver.com works with fellow musicians to compose music for special occasions - but they'll also work with podcasters too. It will cost you in the region of £150 or about 200 US dollars to buy the licence to use the music as you wish - and not just on you...
Trusted Podcast Stats - Still Going Up!
July 19, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MBThis episode is stuffed full of encouraging stats for those of us in the podcasting world - or who're thinking of entering it. If you're UK based you'll have heard of Ofcom - the official British communications regulator. Their Podcast Statistics report in 2021 was full of facts and figures collected from a survey of 1865 respondents. If you're just a little bit cross-eyed from listening to my podcast on all these numbers, never fear. I've repeated them all below. Happy reading. 25% ...
Trusted Podcast Stats - Still Going Up!
July 19, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MBThis episode is stuffed full of encouraging stats for those of us in the podcasting world - or who're thinking of entering it. If you're UK based you'll have heard of Ofcom - the official British communications regulator. Their Podcast Statistics report in 2021 was full of facts and figures collected from a survey of 1865 respondents. If you're just a little bit cross-eyed from listening to my podcast on all these numbers, never fear. I've repeated them all below. Happy reading. 25% ...
Yes, You Do Need a Podcast Intro and Outro!
July 12, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 5.81 MBIt's basic good manners, isn't it, to welcome your podcast guest with some introductory information and at the end, to bid them farewell? How you do it, is up to you but in my experience a decent intro and outro demonstrates your production values. It signposts to both potential and regular listeners that they're in the right place to find the information they're seeking. Should you have music in your intros and outros? I think so - but it's not obligatory. Should you worry about peo...
Preparing an Effective Home Recording Space
July 05, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 6.12 MBYou do not need to splash out a fortune on sound proofing as you start on your podcasting journey. You do not need to buy a special booth or reams of soundproofing material. You do not need to line your walls with egg cartons or install a red "recording" light. You DO NEED to find a quiet room with lots of soft furnishings. A walk-in clothes closet would work well too. As would recording inside a car parked in a quiet spot. I've recorded in expensively equipped, state of the art stud...
Preparing an Effective Home Recording Space
July 05, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 6.12 MBYou do not need to splash out a fortune on sound proofing as you start on your podcasting journey. You do not need to buy a special booth or reams of soundproofing material. You do not need to line your walls with egg cartons or install a red "recording" light. You DO NEED to find a quiet room with lots of soft furnishings. A walk-in clothes closet would work well too. As would recording inside a car parked in a quiet spot. I've recorded in expensively equipped, state of the art stud...
A Podcast Creation Journey - Across International Borders
June 28, 2021 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBDan Harris is a magnificent example of someone who had a great idea for a podcast and then just went for it! The result - a cleverly conceived podcast which is well-produced and entertaining. The theme literally crosses borders around the world comparing nations and discussing what we all think of each other. I was lucky enough to be in at the start when Dan was planning how best to enact his idea. We spent a number of sessions together discussing how he could bring together a panel ...
9 Interview Tips for Podcast Beginners
June 21, 2021 23:00 - 9 minutes - 6.47 MBPodcast listeners have high expectations of podcast interviews. So, it's not quite enough just to draw up a list of questions without doing a bit of research first! You want your listener to be captivated by the interview and maybe to even listen a second time if your guest is offering actionable advice. The 9 killer interview techniques in this episode include: how to research and prepare how to create the right interview ambience the importance of listening to your guest so as to ste...
The ideal mobile recording kit for podcasters post-lockdown
June 14, 2021 23:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBPost-lockdown we'll still have to keep our distance from other people for some time to come. So, does this mean we won't be able to interview face to face? Not long ago I discovered my mobile recording kit (the Rode SC6-L) allows you to record exactly two metres apart from your interviewee or co-host. The kit fits into the palm of your hand and is supremely portable. The audio isn't bad either! It only works with an iPhone though and at £130 or US $180 - it's not cheap. But it does t...
Learn to Love The Sound of Your Voice!
June 07, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 5.81 MBDo you wince when you hear a recording of your voice? There's a good scientific explanation for why you feel that way. And the truth is, just because you hate the sound of your own voice, it doesn't mean everyone else will too. Far from it. In this episode, Serena explains why you need not fear that the sound of your voice will turn people off. However, if you detect weaknesses in your vocal delivery, such as sounding: too high too airy too nasal too scratchy then there ar...
Do You Need a Blog For Your Podcast (Spoiler - Yes!)
May 31, 2021 23:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBPodcast Launch Pad brings you two blogging experts this week who show exactly why a blog will help you gain new listeners. You don't need to be the modern equivalent to William Shakespeare or Charles Dickens to write a good blog to accompany your podcast. But Emma Bradley and Louise Williams from Top Blog Coaching argue convincingly in this episode for why you need one. Above all, a well-written blog will help Google find and promote your work and, of course, it will add to your stat...
What Do Podcast Launch Consultants Actually Do?
May 24, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.41 MBAs the popularity of podcast listening grows, professionals are increasingly making their skills available to would-be podcasters. But what is it that they offer? And if you seek help with fulfilling your podcasting dreams, what should you look for? There's a long list of jobs they should be able to do for you including: Identifying your ideal listener Working out a podcasting format Planning interesting and varied content to fill episodes in the months ahead Explaining what re...
Podcast Editing: The Breath Issue
May 17, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.05 MBNoisy, phlegm-flecked breaths on a podcast are a menace and need to be dealt with! Frankly, they're an assault on your auditory nerve. That said, podcast editors do need to leave a gap where a noisy breath has been removed because not to do so will make the speaker sound inhuman. We all need to breathe and our listeners instinctively expect to hear at least something that passes for a breath between phrases, even if it is silence. So, this edition lays out how during the audio editing ...
Who's your ideal podcast listener?
May 10, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 5.9 MBFind out how to nail your ideal podcast listener and why it's so important. Your ideal podcast listener is the person you want your podcast to speak to. They may well differ from your ideal client – or they may not - but you do need to identify them. Why? Well, to launch an effective podcast you need to know who you are speaking to. It's exactly the same as needing to know all about your ideal client. This is so you can structure your podcast content to suit them. With increasing num...
How to write your podcast and sound conversational
May 03, 2021 23:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBTo find out more about Serena Gay and Made4U Podcasts – visit www.made4u-podcasts.co.uk or email [email protected] This week, our speaker of the month is a serial podcast guest who knows how to write for every genre under the sun! Copywriting expert and best-selling author Sarah Townsend helps us understand what makes your podcast script come alive. It's all to do with writing in as conversational a manner as possible because this is what makes you sound totally natural. Sa...
Too busy to make a podcast?
April 26, 2021 23:00 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MBTo listen to find out more about Serena Gay and Made4U Podcasts – visit www.made4u-podcasts.co.uk or email [email protected] Link to the FREE 3-Day Challenge April 28-30th 2021 https://www.made4u-podcasts.co.uk/challenge Contrary to what you might be thinking - podcasting need not take up more than 2-3 days of your working month. In this podcast episode I explain how I make it work for me and how advance planning means it all runs so smoothly. Links mentioned in this episo...
What Makes People Love A Podcast
April 19, 2021 23:00 - 9 minutes - 6.29 MBTo listen to find out more about Serena Gay and Made4U Podcasts – visit www.made4u-podcasts.co.uk or email [email protected] Link to the FREE 3-Day Challenge April 28-30th 2021 https://www.made4u-podcasts.co.uk/challenge A question any budding business podcaster should ask themselves is: why would anyone want to listen to my business podcast? It’s a great question because it forces you to think about what people want and what they enjoy. And what you should provide! ...
Podcast Mistakes That Really Disappoint
April 12, 2021 23:00 - 9 minutes - 6.4 MBIn this episode I’m passing on to you some of the lessons I’ve learned while judging the British Podcast Awards. The competition is still in the first round and the winners won’t be announced until the summer. It’s been fascinating to listen to the cream of British podcasts! In short, what marks out the really good ones is: Finding a novel twist to your theme Finding amazing interviewees (and it might be anyone from a supermarket cashier to someone experiencing bereavement; you just ...
To Script A Podcast Or Not To Script A Podcast
April 05, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.49 MBThere are definitely two schools of thought as to whether you should write out a podcast script word for word or wing it from bullet points. I'm firmly in the script it word for word camp. Too often, I've been turned off a production by a presenter who thinks they can talk for England without much time spent preparing. The art of reading your script naturally and sounding as if you've just had brilliant and lucid thoughts off the top of your head is what this episode is all about. ...
Find and use AMAZING podcast sound effects!
March 29, 2021 23:00 - 7 minutes - 5.46 MBYour can make your business podcast stand out with imaginative use of sound. This episode explains how easy it is to introduce voice or sound effects to jazz things up a bit! Here are some of the ideas discussed: Pay an actor to voice your intro Find an actor to impersonate a famous personality and voice a sentence or two Choose music that reflects the tone of your a podcast Play with the voice settings on your software to alter the sound of your voice (just a bit, not too much!) G...
Editing podcast audio - it's a cinch!
March 23, 2021 00:00 - 11 minutes - 8.01 MBEditing podcast audio is definitely one of those skills that fill podcasting newbies with trepidation! But there’s no need. All that’s required is to master a few basic steps. The whole key to making it easy for yourself, is to make sure you record in a nice quiet environment with good quality equipment in the first place. This podcast edition talks you through my podcast editing workflow. This includes: The editing equipment I use or recommend (Adobe Audition, Descript , OcenAudio a...
Editing podcast audio - it's a cinch!
March 23, 2021 00:00 - 11 minutes - 8.01 MBEditing podcast audio is definitely one of those skills that fill podcasting newbies with trepidation! But there’s no need. All that’s required is to master a few basic steps. The whole key to making it easy for yourself, is to make sure you record in a nice quiet environment with good quality equipment in the first place. This podcast edition talks you through my podcast editing workflow. This includes: The editing equipment I use or recommend (Adobe Audition, Descript , OcenAudio a...
Jump Start Your Podcast Launch with GREAT PR!
March 16, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBIn a step away from our usual episodes with their bite-sized formats, I'm joined on this edition by PR expert Kerryn Fields. Kerryn literally showers us with nuggets of PR gold helping you to understand: what sort of coverage you should aim for which platforms you should target how to find the right contacts to send out your press releases to how to formulate a press release how to make it catch a journalist's eye how far in advance to initiate your PR strategies why you don't ne...
7 Top Tips On How To Be a Killer Podcast Guest
March 09, 2021 00:00 - 9 minutes - 6.87 MBMake the most of your podcast guest appearances to put yourself in the best possible limelight. The main things to keep in mind are : Treat the opportunity like you would any friendly conversation Always listen to one of two editions of the podcast in advance Insist on a pre-interview call to find out what the podcaster wants from you and feel free to ask lots of questions Don't write down and read your answers (but you wouldn't would you?!) Use your podcasting mic if you've got one ...
7 Top Tips On How To Be a Killer Podcast Guest
March 09, 2021 00:00 - 9 minutes - 6.87 MBMake the most of your podcast guest appearances to put yourself in the best possible limelight. The main things to keep in mind are : Treat the opportunity like you would any friendly conversation Always listen to one of two editions of the podcast in advance Insist on a pre-interview call to find out what the podcaster wants from you and feel free to ask lots of questions Don't write down and read your answers (but you wouldn't would you?!) Use your podcasting mic if you've got one ...
Who Should Design Your Business Podcast Logo?
March 02, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 5.86 MBYour podcast artwork aka logo counts. It's the first impression most people have of your work and your production values. This episode answers the question - should you employ someone to design your logo for you, and if you do, how much should you pay? I used to insist on going down the graphic designer route - but I'm not so sure now this is always necessary. No matter how you set about it, you will need to bear some key points in mind. For more information around podcast logo des...
Who Should Design Your Business Podcast Logo?
March 02, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 5.86 MBYour podcast artwork aka logo counts. It's the first impression most people have of your work and your production values. This episode answers the question - should you employ someone to design your logo for you, and if you do, how much should you pay? I used to insist on going down the graphic designer route - but I'm not so sure now this is always necessary. No matter how you set about it, you will need to bear some key points in mind. For more information around podcast logo des...
Podcast names - don't do what I did!
February 23, 2021 00:00 - 11 minutes - 7.74 MBAargh - we all learn by our mistakes don't we? And now there's a whole culture around convincing ourselves that mistakes aren't mistakes. They're learning opportunities. Well, whatever, but some mistakes are more painful than others. In this episode, I talk about why the name I chose for my very first hosted podcast was a big fail. And I was so pleased with it at the time! The lesson I learnt has resonance for you. Don't be too clever. Don't be too witty. Don't be too abstract. It'...
Podcast names - don't do what I did!
February 23, 2021 00:00 - 11 minutes - 7.74 MBAargh - we all learn by our mistakes don't we? And now there's a whole culture around convincing ourselves that mistakes aren't mistakes. They're learning opportunities. Well, whatever, but some mistakes are more painful than others. In this episode, I talk about why the name I chose for my very first hosted podcast was a big fail. And I was so pleased with it at the time! The lesson I learnt has resonance for you. Don't be too clever. Don't be too witty. Don't be too abstract. It'...
A Podcast Success Story to Inspire Older Entrepreneurs
February 16, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 7.26 MBSome people think podcast production is for spring chickens. That you've got to be generation Z or, at the very least, a Millennial to understand the medium. This episode properly debunks that myth! I am Podcast Launch Pad's host and work professionally as a podcast producer. I'm - ehem - hardly a spring chicken. Let's just say, I'm elegantly aged and buzzing with enthusiasm and energy! I started up my own podcast production venture, Made4U Podcasts in my late 50s. As I say on ...
17 Fun and Sociable Ways to Promote Your Business Podcast
February 09, 2021 00:00 - 9 minutes - 6.66 MBSo, you’ve got an engaging business podcast – but what are the most effective ways to promote it? The 17 killer strategies in this podcast will help you: make new contacts network with like-minded people amaze your niche with your business acumen They include: Invite your listeners to be a guest on your show (then all their contacts will want to listen too!) Record a video of yourself explaining why people should listen to this episode Encourage existing listeners to give you thei...
How long should a business podcast last?
February 02, 2021 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.77 MBAsking how long should a business podcast last is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string. But there are some ways to help you decide the perfect length for your audience. This podcast explores what it is about your potential listeners that can help you decide the ideal amount of time. Because that is the deciding factor – not how long you can talk about your business know-how, no matter how engaging you or your guest can be. There’s also the matter of how much time you have...
What Mic Should You Use for Business Podcasting?
January 26, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.09 MBTake the strain out of what microphone to choose for your business podcast! The choice of mics on offer is overwhelming but follow my suggestions and you'll save yourself a ton of time and trouble. These are the mics I use myself day in, day out. They are tried and tested and have proved to be reliable and great value as well as providing consistently good audio. Samson Q2U (a dynamic mic) Shure SM 58 (a dynamic mic to use with an audio interface) Rode NT1A (a condenser mic) Rode SC6...
How to Publish Your Business Podcast
January 19, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.1 MBThis episode will show you how easy it is to get your business podcast out there. You need to register your podcast with a podcast host like Buzzsprout, Libsyn , Podbean or Spreaker (and there are plenty more to choose from). Sign up with one of these and they will send out each new episode of your show to every major podcast directory like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts etc. It will save you huge amounts of work and place your podcast exactly where you need it to be. And t...
How to Publish Your Business Podcast
January 19, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.1 MBThis episode will show you how easy it is to get your business podcast out there. You need to register your podcast with a podcast host like Buzzsprout, Libsyn , Podbean or Spreaker (and there are plenty more to choose from). Sign up with one of these and they will send out each new episode of your show to every major podcast directory like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts etc. It will save you huge amounts of work and place your podcast exactly where you need it to be. And t...
7 Ways to Sound Good on Your Business Podcasts
January 12, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 6.08 MBListen to this episode for a whole slew of tips to help you avoid making a ton of rookie mistakes Summary: What are the best ways to sound good on a podcast? 1. Pretend to be cool, collected and confident. It’s what all the professionals do! 2. Follow my suggested practical tips to avoid beginner’s mistakes 3. Adopt the right mindset and tell yourself you simply can’t fail to be engaging 4. Use your imagination to help your vocal presentation strike a really per...
How to Launch a Podcast in 2021
January 05, 2021 00:00 - 6 minutes - 4.62 MB2020 was such a disaster of a year but surely, anything is possible in 2021 once we're all vaccinated? Launching your own business podcast has to be right up there. This podcast episode explains the 8 essential decision you have to make to turn your business podcasting ambitions into reality. 1. What’s your podcast going to be about – your business? Your story? Your clients? 2. The equipment you need to get. You’ll need a decent mic, a pair of headphones, and software allo...
How to Choose Content to Fill Your Podcast
December 29, 2020 00:00 - 6 minutes - 4.24 MBHello and welcome to the fifth episode of a podcast series all about how to launch a business podcast. Finding content to fill your podcast has to be the number one issue on people's minds when they consider launching a business one of their own. Start by deciding what subjects you want to talk about and then find a framework to sort them into categories. When I was planning three months worth of content for these podcasting podcasts I divided up the areas that I knew needed to be di...
What business podcast format is right for you?
December 22, 2020 00:00 - 8 minutes - 6.03 MBHello and welcome to this fourth episode of a podcast series all about how to launch a business podcast. What kind of business podcast format you choose is fundamental to getting your production right. The easiest kind of podcast for a beginner is a straight commentary – it is easy to plan and requires very little editing. But maybe you don’t want to be a solo presenter and would prefer to present with a colleague in a double header, as it’s called. Or maybe one to one interview s...
Why podcasting is NOT a technical challenge!
December 15, 2020 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.55 MBWelcome to this third episode in how to launch your business podcast. This week's theme tackles people's understandable fears that business podcast-making is too technically difficult to be considered. Well, actually, it's really not! There are many business people successfully recording and running their own podcast - and you can be one of those people too. In fact, I know you can. Listen to the podcast for how you can become a business-podcaster! If you decide to follow my recommend...
How to Vanquish Your Fears About Launching Your Own Podcast
December 08, 2020 08:00 - 9 minutes - 6.35 MBWelcome to this second episode in how to launch your business podcast. Today I’m talking about overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there. What is it that worries you? Are you concerned no one will want to listen to you? Or that your business podcast theme is too niche or that everyone you know will just laugh at you for launching in the first place? Or maybe you hate the sound of your own voice and think everyone else will too. It's that nasty imposter syndrome striking ag...
Why You Need a Business Podcast to Light Up Your Niche
November 28, 2020 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.48 MBWelcome to this new podcast showing you exactly how to make an impact with a podcast that takes you rocketing into the podcasting stratosphere! I'm your host, Serena Gay. I'm a former BBC journalist with years of experience in the broadcasting world and in podcasting and I am so excited to be helping you on your podcasting journey. The fact is, listening to podcasts is growing significantly in popularity and to have your own podcast will really help you stand out from your competitors....
Podcast Launch Pad Trailer
November 12, 2020 15:00 - 53 seconds - 671 KBA trailer introducing a podcast for grown-up businesspeople who fear the techy side of podcasting but who'd love to podcast for their business.... because they know it's a great marketing tool. Hosted by BBC trained broadcasting journalist Serena Gay, these bite-sized episodes are packed full of hints and tips to help overcome any uncertainties. Serena's founded and runs Made4U Podcasts which produces podcasts for clients and teaches podcasting skills. New episodes are published every...
Podcast Launch Pad Trailer
November 12, 2020 15:00 - 53 seconds - 671 KBA trailer introducing a podcast for grown-up businesspeople who fear the techy side of podcasting but who'd love to podcast for their business.... because they know it's a great marketing tool. Hosted by BBC trained broadcasting journalist Serena Gay, these bite-sized episodes are packed full of hints and tips to help overcome any uncertainties. Serena's founded and runs Made4U Podcasts which produces podcasts for clients and teaches podcasting skills. New episodes are published every...