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In this episode I had the pleasure of spending some time with Shannon Martin, PodBean’s Director of Communications as we learned about this free to start podcast option offered by Podbean.

Don't worry I'm not turning the Social Strategy Podcast into show about podcasting,  but there are some really interesting platforms out there that fall under the online business category and this one is worth talking about.  Podbean offers a free option to get started in podcasting and of course a free option once you've decided to publish a show more often.

One of the more interesting topics we covered and it's a feature of Podbean's service is the ability to offer premium content to your users right in in the platform.  You can actually segment particular episodes based on the amount of value they offer behind a paywall.  Really interesting stuff!

Now it would be me if I didn't get background on the guest and how she ended up doing her thing in Shanghai which was my favorite part of this interview.

Here are the highlights of my conversation with Shannon:

• How Shannon ended up in Shanghai and how it is being location-independent.  We also talk about how she came to join PodBean while looking for an outlet to practice her communications skills while abroad.
• PodBean’s pricing tiers, the difference between regular and premium podcast, and how podcasters can go about moving from hosting their own feed to migrating from WordPress,
• What people can expect if they decide to switch to PodBean and host their shows through this platform including gaining promotions through their website and other social media channels,
• The built in feature of having patrons for you podcast.

Built in Patrons Who Can Contribute In-App

This feature had me really excited about podbean.  Think about it if you get people to download the podbean app or just listen to your show on the app the listener has the ability to click "become a patron" right in the app or on the site.  It's much better than going out to a different website that you have to setup another account then build out another platform to promote on.  With crowdfunding as a native feature of the app and site everything can be done in one place and it becomes seamless to contribute.

Most podcasters talk about and have issues monetizing shows and this is a real option to get your audience involved in the success of your podcast.

We also covered:

• Shannon’s thoughts about paid versus free content, and how podcasters should start digging in to what value they can offer before deciding to offer premium to listeners.
• Different models to promote and grow your podcast including crowdfunding and sponsorships, along with some of the pros and cons that come with each.
• The help Podbean extends to help podcasters in getting their shows found including providing tips in SEO, featuring them in the website and promoting them through social media.

Often after talking with vendors about a product or service that I'm excited about I'll get asked if I want to promote it.  I get offers actually all the time to promote products to you that don't apply to what i feel your interest are so for most the answer is no.  However we do have a friends of the podcast section for the collection of products I find that are very helpful and could benefit your business.

One of the reasons I was most excited about Podbean is one of my Mastermind Members is wanting to start a podcast but didn't want to over commit with equipment or services.  Podbean is perfect for her and getting her started for free with her short form podcast and then if she decides podcasting really fits with her business model (you can guess how I fell) then she can continue with a unlimited plan that's under $9 a month.  Yes that's right it's under $9 a month for unlimited audio storage and it's never metered down based on demand or bandwidth.

it does deserve an honorable mention that Pat Flynn host his SPI TV show on Podbean based on their unlimited video hosting that's only $18 a month

Links Mentioned:

A Link to my show on Podbean - Social Strategy Podcast - Podbean

Become a Patron - Just Like NPR's Spring Fund Drive => Can I get a $Buck a month? <=

Podbean - http://podbean.com Use Promo Code: VRPODBEANFREE for 30 days unlimited podcasting.

Featured Sponsor

The Social Strategy Academy is where you can take the podcast information you receive here to the next level with customized training and toolkits.  Not only do you get extended versions of the podcast but there are free templates that you can literally just put your name on and use.  I take you step by step through some of the most asked questions and skill needed to succeed online and in business.

Click the image below to visit our sponsor and download the free sponsorship toolkit while it's still available.

 

 

 

 

 

Friends of the Podcast

Podbean is the latest service to join as a friend of the show.  Check out Podbean for a free account which gives you a full 30 days of Unlimited podcast hosting for free.

Just use Promo Code: VRPODBEANFREE when you sign up.   At the end of the trial you still have the free option so it's a no brainer.  For more details and to check out our other "Friends of the Podcast" <= Click the Link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Music Artist in Episode:

Singleton Singleton was so generous to give me permission to use their music on this podcast so make sure to check them out. Also like them on Facebook: Like Singleton on Facebook