Podcast Planning Processes

Most B2B podcast intros suck. Mine did too, until… I started scripting them. If you want a strong hook for the opening moments of your podcast, you need to script it. But, how can you do that without looking like you’re reading? I’d tried reading off notes, and then just adding jump cuts, but it wasn’t as smooth. I tried reading off a script in Google Docs, but it was awkward as my eye contact went back and forth, plus scrolling with my mouse was distracting while I tried to focus on my delivery. Then I started using an online teleprompter tool called Speakflow. Here’s my workflow now: 1) When I finish recording with my guest, I write my intro script in a simple Google Doc. PRO TIP: I find this is easiest when I actually remember to block time for this scriptwriting *right after* recording the interview–when the conversation is fresh in my mind. 2) I copy my script into Speakflow. 3) I hit RECORD & start delivering my intro, and this is my absolute favorite part of Speakflow… Unlike other teleprompter options, it has this scrolling mode called Flow where I don’t have to struggle to get just the right speed–and get all outta sorts if I speed up or slow down during my delivery. Speakflow’s AI listens for the words you speak, matches them to the words in your script, and scrolls at the exact pace you’re speaking–in real-time. 🤯 🤯 🤯 So, if you host a podcast, I highly recommend you check out Speakflow. They’ve got a solid free plan you can use for this exact same workflow. Also, on the content of my intros (that hopefully suck a little less now 😅)… You can see ( or hear) how I structure these new intros on recent episodes of Agency Life by Teamwork.com, but here’s the typical template: - Opening hook meant to open a curiosity loop, often an intriguing question - Context for the conversation & the credentials of the guest (what they share & why you should listen) - 3-4 key takeaways to sign post to important points in the episode - And finally I cut from my intro right to the guest’s first answer to give it that “joining a conversation already in progress” sorta feel. What’s 1 podcast you follow that does a fantastic job with their episode intros? #B2B #marketing #video #podcasting #howtopodcast

Up to 50% of your listeners lose interest in the first five minutes. This is why your hook is fundamental. You have to make the first 30s so irresistible that listeners stay for the next 30. And then the next. Once you get them to the 5 minute mark, retention rates go way up. Here are 3 ideas to keep your audience glued: 1. The teaser: Grab clips that pique their curiosity, are controversial, or surprising, and open with them. These create open loops - promises that you’ll deliver on later in the episode. Don’t be afraid to use your very best material here, people will stick around for the detail. 2. Cold open: Drop the listener right into the middle of the story. With the teaser, you’re playing a quote in isolation, and then moving into a more traditional intro. With the cold open, there’s no intro, you get immediately immersed in the story. This works particularly well with narrative shows where you can use actuality to place the story in a time and space. 3. Start with a story Even the most banal of scenarios, if told in the right way (“this happened then this happened then this”) can be incredibly gripping. You can’t help but want to know what comes next. We’re hardwired to sit around campfires listening to stories. So embrace that. If your show is interview-based, tell part of your guest’s story for them in this way instead of asking the dreaded “so tell us a bit about yourself” as a way to introduce them. Go and take a look at the retention data in your Apple Podcast Connect account. What % of your audience make it through the first 5 minutes? What could you do to improve that number?

You’ve got that podcast idea but not known where to start. Here's my complete beginner's guide --- My Podcast Launch Process 1. Define your concept Who is it for? What problem does it solve? Why you? One sentence. If you can't write it, keep thinking. 2. Pick your format Solo, interview, or co-hosted. Most business owners start with solo or interview. Pick one and commit for 20 episodes. Then test new ideas and formats. Podcasting is all about experimentation. 3. Plan 10 episodes before recording 1 If you can't plan 10, your concept isn't ready. If you get to 30 easily, you're onto something. 4. Get the setup → USB microphone (Shure MV7+ is excellent) → Headphones → A decent webcam (Osbot/Insta 360 or use your phone) → A quiet room → Remote recording software (Riverside) Audio quality beats video quality for first impressions. Always. 5. Choose a podcast host Podbean, or Buzzsprout for most beginners. They distribute to Spotify, Apple, and everywhere else automatically. Distribute to YouTube separately for best results 6. Record your trailer episode 2–3 minutes. What's the show? Who's it for? How often? New listeners find this first. Make it strong. Film in landscape for optimal repurposing. It’s also used as a headline video on YouTube. 7. Launch with 3 episodes, not 1 Gives new listeners something to binge. Signals commitment to the platforms. Improves your early discoverability. Help the algorithm & stagger the releases on YouTube . 8. Choose your publishing schedule Weekly is the standard. Fortnightly works too. Inconsistent is the only wrong answer. Don’t lose the love always do what is manageable for you. --- We've launched a lot of podcasts in nearly 10 years. The clients who succeed aren't the ones with the best ideas; they're the ones who stop planning and start recording. Then release episodes consistently over time. Thinking about starting a podcast? Drop a comment or send me a message we’re happy to help. Oh! And we’ll plant a tree for every episode you release! 🌳

I was reflecting this weekend on the journey of creating Season 1 of our Community Unlocked podcast. Here are my insights that could help you avoid some mistakes if you're starting a similar venture. Here's what I've learned: = Embrace Your Smile: Remember, a smile is universal. Even though it might feel odd at first, especially in a more formal podcast setup, smiling naturally can transform the energy of the conversation. It makes you and your listeners feel more at ease. = Look at the Screen: In the early episodes, you'll see me looking up, lost in thought, or with my hands together. These movements are distracting. Try to look straight at the screen to keep the focus. = Ask Once: I had a tendency to ask a question and then rephrase it, which can dilute the impact. The strength lies in simplicity; ask once, clearly and concisely. = Mirror to Connect: Echoing or mirroring what your guest has just said is a fantastic way to foster a warm, engaging conversation. It not only shows you're listening but also builds rapport and keeps the dialogue flowing naturally. It feels friendly and makes the talk flow better. = The Power of Pause: After asking a question or sharing a thought, take a short break for 2-3 seconds. It helps in editing later and makes the conversation clearer. = Background Matters: Don't use a plain wall as your background like we did in the first episode. A background with some elements of your real life makes it more alive. I hope these tips help you make your first podcast episode even better than ours. Good luck! Cheers!

🛑 Stop asking your podcast guests to introduce themselves. That's a fast track to losing listeners. Here’s a better way to HOOK your audience from the start: After the interview is done, record the intro for the episode. In less than one minute: ⚡️ HIGHLIGHT a common problem your audience faces. ⚡️ SHARE how your guest has tackled the same issue. ⚡️ INTRODUCE your guest and their accomplishments. ⚡️ TEASE what your audience will learn from the episode. Then as soon as the interview begins, skip the small talk and start with a banger question. That's it. ---- ⚡️ ---- Nobody wants to hear 5 minutes of how your guest graduated, went through the corporate hamster wheel, and created a successful lifestyle. Your intro and your questions should take care of that. Otherwise, your retention rates go from 100% to 33% (or worse) before the real content starts.📉 "BuT DeNnIs I WaNt tO bE PoliTe." If you must ask them to introduce themselves, you can always cut it out in the edit. 😉 --- Hola 👋 I'm Dennis. I help business owners unlock their video podcast potential without losing their minds, so they can grow their business, save more time, and change more lives.

A client was publishing podcast episodes every week. Solid conversations. Good guests. But his intro? BORING. A reused boilerplate that played before every episode. So I asked: “What if you recorded a quick intro after each conversation?” You’d be able to: - Frame the guest’s value with precision - Connect the topic to your audience’s pain - Hook the listener from second one He said, “Yeah... that would totally change the energy.” It also changes the results. Your audience doesn’t want to be dumped into a conversation. They don't want to listen to the same theme music every week (this aint Game of Thrones...) They want to be welcomed in. A great intro answers 3 things fast: Who is this person? Why should I care? What will I learn? Try this, and notice how your show becomes easier to grow.