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Podcast outros - those things at the end of your episodes that statistically half of your listeners will skip or ignore. So if so many people are ignoring your outros, is there any point in including them? In this episode, we discuss why having a podcast outro is still important for your podcast episodes and what to include in your own outro. We will also answer the following questions: How Long Should Your Podcast Outro Be?Should I Use the Same Podcast Outro Everytime?Should I Include Music In My Podcast Outro? Whether you're just starting a podcast or have been in podcasting for sometime, there is something for you within this episode to help you create the best outro for your show. Read the Blog Post >> How to Write Your Podcast Outro (+ 3 Free Templates) Takeaways: Podcast outros are an important part of your show, even if many listeners tune out before they hear them.Keeping your outro concise is key; aim for a maximum of two minutes to avoid turning it into a snooze-fest. Sprinkling your call to action throughout the episode can boost listener engagement and remind them what to do at the end. Thanking your listeners at the end of each episode creates a connection and shows appreciation for their time. Episodes Mentioned in This Episode: Ep 5: How to Create Your Podcast Intro Other Links Mentioned in This Episode: Blog Post: How to Create a Podcast IntroPond5: Get music for your podcast 📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter >> https://veritysangan.com/newsletter 🔗 Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Today, we're diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster and worried that people have when they start and launch their podcast. The big questions we will cover are: What if my show is rubbish?What if people laugh at me?What if no one listens? The number one way of growing your podcast and getting new listeners is still through word-of-mouth recommendations, and so being able to talk about your show and share it with others is so important. So grab your blanket (I’m cosied up on my sofa as we speak), and let’s chat about how to shake off those fears and get your voice heard. Read the Blog Post: 9 Essential Things to Do Before Starting a Podcast in 2026 Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Ep 109: Why Unique Listeners Are More Important Than You Think Takeaways: Starting a podcast can feel scary, especially if you worry about it being rubbish, but remember that everyone starts somewhere and your early episodes are just part of the journey.If you’re nervous about what people will think when you launch your podcast, don’t fret too much. Most people are more impressed than critical, and if anyone laughs, they might just be jealous! (I said what I said.)The best way to get the word out about your podcast is still by word of mouth.Having a small number of engaged listeners is way more valuable than a huge audience that tunes out after 10 seconds; focus on creating content that resonates with even a few people.Don't stress about starting your podcast only to hear crickets; someone out there will listen.Podcasting is a craft that takes time to develop, so enjoy the process, build your skills, and give yourself the grace to grow along the way.

Ready to start a podcast in 2026? Well, buckle up, because we’re tackling the next lot of the top ten burning questions about starting your own show. In this episode, we will answer the following questions: How Do You Pick a Podcast Niche?Should You Script Your Podcast or Wing It?How Do You Get Listeners for a Podcast?What’s the Best podcast Hosting Platform?Do You Need a Launch Strategy for Starting a Podcast in 2026? We kick this episode off with the all-important question of how to pick a niche. I’ll share some tips on how to find a topic you’re passionate about without overthinking it; because who needs that kind of stress before hitting record? We also chat about whether you should script your episodes or just wing. Plus, I spill the beans on the best ways to snag listeners, the ins and outs of hosting platforms, and if you really need a launch strategy. Read the Blog Post: Your 10 Questions About Starting a Podcast in 2026 Answered (No Fluff, Just Honest Answers) Episodes Mentioned: Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting | How to Implement Your Own SEO Strategy Ep 116: Top 10 Questions About Starting a Podcast in 2026 (Part 1) — Questions 1-5 Takeaways: When starting your podcast, don't stress too much over your niche; just pick something you enjoy!Scripting your podcast can bring clarity, but winging it adds that spontaneous spark we all love.To get listeners, optimize your episode titles and don't hesitate to ask folks to share!Choosing a hosting platform is crucial; consider your needs before diving in headfirst into the options.A launch strategy is helpful, but don't let it paralyze you; sometimes messy beginnings are the best!Remember, most people discover new podcasts through recommendations, so spread the word, friends! Tools Mentioned: Captivate >> https://veritysangan.com/captivateRiverside >> https://veritysangan.com/riverside

Welcome to 2026! In this episode, we're kicking the year off by diving into the nitty-gritty of launching your podcast in 2026 with the first five burning questions that’ll set you on the right path. We're all about keeping it real, so I’ll share how I podcast on the cheap without sacrificing quality. Plus, we’ll chat about how long your episodes should be, whether you need video (hint: you totally don’t), and how often to hit that record button without turning your creative vibes into a stress fest. In this episode, we will answer the following questions: Do you Need Expensive Equipment to Start a Podcast?How Long Should Podcast Episodes Be in 2026?Do You Need Video for Your Podcast?How Often Should You Release Podcast Episodes?Do You Need Social Media to Grow a Podcast? Read the Blog Post: Your 10 Questions About Starting a Podcast in 2026 Answered (No Fluff, Just Honest Answers) Episodes Mentioned: Ep 12: What’s The Perfect Length For Your Podcast Season? Ep 63: Why I Quit Promoting My Podcast on TikTok Ep 103: How I Dropped My Podcasting Costs By 65% - How to Run Your Podcast for Less Ep 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump Ep 114: 7 Signs You're Taking Your Podcast Way Too Seriously (And How to Fix It) Takeaways: You definitely don't need to break the bank on fancy gear to start podcasting; a decent USB mic and headphones will do!Finding the perfect podcast episode length is all about what works for you and your audience; there's no one-size-fits-all answer.Video isn't a must for podcasts; if you want to keep it audio-only, embrace that freedom and do what feels right!Consistency in posting is key, but it should fit your life—don't force yourself into a schedule that stresses you out.Social media can be helpful but it's not mandatory; focus on platforms you enjoy instead of spreading yourself too thin.SEO is your best friend for growing your podcast; invest time in optimizing your content to attract more listeners.

The podcast has officially rebranded and been renamed to 'Podcasting for Indie Podcasters!' In this episode, I'll discuss exactly why I decided to ditch the old name of The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting and embrace something that's more inclusive and SEO-friendly: Podcasting for Indie Podcasters. When you start a podcast, one of the last things on your mind is rebranding. But as your show grows, evolves, and you as a podcaster develop, you start to think about how your current branding might actually be hindering how you can grow your podcast and reach a wider audience. And that's exactly where I was: hosting a podcast that I love, but unsure if the name was the right fit anymore. We dive deep into why I was feeling that the old name was right for the show anymore, including connotations with the word 'lazy,' VAWg micro-aggressions, and how the show seems to have evolved out of that name. Keeping the old name was also making me concerned that I was eliminating people from listening to the show and was stunting my podcast's growth by not being inclusive. I also discuss the new branding in terms of cover art and colours. Finally, we move onto discussing the revamp of the blog that goes with the podcast and I'll tell you all about what to expect from the podcast in 2026. Checklist for Rebranding Your Podcast: Why are you rebranding?Renaming your show - research, search intentColours/imagesUpdating your show's name everywhere (doesn't have to be done in one go)Sharing this change with your audience (email, social media, etc) Takeaways: Rebranding is a big deal, and it’s okay to rethink your podcast's identity as your audience grows and changes.Choose a podcast title that reflects your content and appeals to your target audience, ensuring it's searchable and relevant.Don't rush your rebranding process; take your time to ensure every detail feels just right before making it official.Make sure your rebranded podcast maintains cohesion across all platforms, from social media to your website, for a consistent listener experience.Engage with your audience about your rebrand; their feedback can help shape your podcast's future and build a community.Rebranding isn't just about looks; it's about capturing the essence of what your podcast is truly about and who it serves. Read the Blog Post: Podcasting for Indie Podcasters: Why I Rebranded My Podcast and 7 Tips to Rebrand Your Own Podcast >> https://veritysangan.com/podcasting-for-indie-podcasters-why-i-rebranded-my-podcast-and-7-tips-to-rebrand-your-own-podcast/ Links Mentioned: Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.comli...

Podcasting is a wild and amazing journey. One minute you’re excitedly recording your latest episode, and the next you’re drowning in editing and second-guessing every little detail. In this episode, we dive into the seven telltale signs that you might just be taking your podcasting journey a smidge too seriously...because taking your podcast too seriously is possible. We chat about how obsessing over minor editing mistakes can suck the joy out of your creative process. I mean, have you ever listened to a popular podcast that sounded like it was recorded underwater? Probably Yet, they still have tens of thousands of listeners. This just goes to show that your audience is more interested in the content that you can give them rather than a perfectly polished audio track. So, are you finding yourself giving up fun for perfection? If you’re stressing over a missed breath sound or an awkward pause, it might be time to reevaluate your approach. In the episode, we also tackle the pressure of posting schedules. Yes, consistency is key, but if that pressure is making you want to pull your hair out, it’s time to hit the brakes. Remember, podcasting should be a joy, not a chore. And comparing yourself to full-time creators with fancy studios? Let’s just say it’s a recipe for burnout. We’re all just trying to make magic happen from our dining tables, right? Plus, we discuss the dangers of over-planning. If you find yourself exhausted before even hitting record, that’s a sign you might be overthinking it. Let’s embrace spontaneity and authenticity instead. Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or a business strategy, it’s crucial to keep the fun alive. So, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘should I quit my podcast?’, or are wondering how to re-inject the fun back into your podcast, this episode is for you. Takeaways: Taking your podcast too seriously can drain the joy out of creating, so keep it light and enjoy the creative process.If you find yourself obsessing over every tiny editing mistake, it’s time to relax a bit. No-one is going to mind about the odd breath or 0.2 second pause.Remember, podcasting can be a fun hobby, not just a business strategy or stress-inducing chore.Comparing yourself to full-time creators may lead to burnout, so embrace your unique journey and what your individuality can bring to your show.Over-planning your episodes can kill spontaneity. Keep it real and authentic for you and your audience.If recording feels like a chore, it might be time to reevaluate why you started podcasting in the first place and fall in love with the podcasting process all over again. Read the Blog Post: 7 Signs You’re Taking Your Podcast Too Seriously (and How To Fix It) Podcast Episodes Mentioned: Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast? Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting Ep 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump

Ever felt the pressure to turn your podcasting passion into a money-making machine? In this episode, we’re diving into why you don’t actually have to monetize your podcast if you don’t want to! In this episode, we explore five solid reasons to keep your podcast a fun hobby instead of a pressure cooker of dollar signs. From the exhausting hustle of monetization culture to the pure joy of podcasting just for the love of it, we’re giving you the green light to focus on what really matters: your creativity and connection with your audience. So whether you're just starting out or already knee-deep in the podcasting world, we'll remind you that the joy of sharing your voice should come first. And hey, if you still want to know how to monetize your podcast later, no worries! We’ve got a whole playlist in the show notes to help you with that too. Takeaways: Monetization culture can zap the fun out of your podcasting hobby, leaving you stressed.It's totally okay to podcast just for joy; you don't need to make money from it.Your podcast should be a creative outlet for you, not just another job to stress over.Remember, you have full permission to enjoy podcasting without the pressure to monetize. Read the Blog Post: Podcasts Are Now Available on YouTube Music - What This Means for Podcasters Episodes Mentioned In the Show: Monetise Your Podcast - Full Playlist >>https://player.captivate.fm/collection/d3f05aaa-5298-483c-b542-bf9e37b02829/

Feeling stuck in a podcasting rut? We totally get it! In this episode, we're diving into seven super handy tips to help you shake off that creative slump and reignite your podcasting passion. Whether you're wondering "what to podcast about" or contemplating “should I quit my podcast?”, we’ve got your back with some fun and practical advice to get those creative juices flowing. From revisiting your most downloaded episodes to answering listener questions, we’ll explore ways to make your podcasting journey enjoyable again. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s figure out how to podcast like the pros (or at least like we know what we’re doing)! Takeaways: Revisiting your most downloaded episodes can spark new ideas and help you understand what your audience loves.If you're in a creative rut, just record a messy voice note when inspiration strikes, no matter how wild the idea!Audience interaction is key; asking for listener questions can turn into multiple episode ideas, so don’t be shy!Repurposing old content can breathe new life into your podcast; consider turning popular blog posts into episodes.List episodes are super easy to create and great for SEO, so why not make a top five or seven mistakes episode?Taking a break from podcasting doesn’t mean you have to explain yourself; prioritise your well-being and come back when you're ready. Read the Blog Post: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump >> https://veritysangan.com/7-tips-to-get-out-of-a-podcasting-creative-slump/ Podcast Episodes Mentioned: Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast? Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting

There's a lot of talk about cutting pauses out of podcast episodes, and a lot of tools, such as Riverside and Descript use the ability to remove pauses as a selling feature. But sometimes, pauses are needed. I've recently been listening to Paul C. Brunson's We Need to Talk (I'll link it below if you're not familiar with the show). This is about raw and honest conversations and there are times in the show when there are whole pauses, sometimes a few seconds long. And this is ok; it shows raw emotion and the moment and conjecture of what is being said by the guest would be lost or diminished if those pauses weren't left in. They're poignant and allow you as a listener to reflect. Sure, leaving pauses in won't work for all podcasts and all show or presenter styles, but depending on the content you're delivering, the interviews you're conducting, and the tone of the message that you're delivering, pauses may need to be left in. So, in a world of podcasting advice where you're constantly being told to trim the pauses and cut out 'dead space' in terms of there being no audio; I'm giving you the permission you need to consider if pauses are needed in your show, and also, permission to leave those pauses in if they work for you and your content. Read the Blog Post: Should You Leave Your Pauses in Your Podcast Episodes? >> https://veritysangan.com/should-you-leave-your-pauses-in-your-podcast-episodes/ Links referenced in this episode: We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson >> https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/we-need-to-talk-with-paul-c-brunson/id1765126946

Do you really need a podcast coach or course? That’s the million-dollar question we’re diving into today! We’re peeling back the layers on the podcasting coaching scene, where it seems like everyone and their grandma has a “how-to” course to sell. I might even be eating my own words from past episodes because, let’s be real, it’s totally okay to change your mind. We’ll explore whether a coach can actually help you level up, or if maybe, just maybe, you could save your cash and find what you need in free online communities instead. Spoiler alert: not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes the best stuff is lurking behind the free curtain. So, grab a cuppa of your favourite drink and let’s get into it! Takeaways: In this episode, we dive into whether you really need a podcast coach or course. Changing your mind about podcasting advice shows growth and adaptability in the industry. Many people call themselves coaches, but some are more like mentors—know the difference! Before spending big bucks on a course, assess what specific outcomes you truly want. Free resources abound for aspiring podcasters, so do your homework before hiring a coach. Shiny object syndrome is real; just because someone succeeded doesn't mean they can help you. Links referenced in this episode: Free Podcasting Course from Captivate.fm >> https://www.captivate.fm/launch-podcast-courseMy blog >> veritysangan.com

After a seven-month radio silence, I’m back to share some juicy insights about what it means to take a break and why it can be super important for our creative sanity. I kick things off by admitting that while consistency is the name of the game, sometimes life just gets in the way. Whether it’s personal stuff or just plain old burnout, stepping back can be a game changer. I share my experience of logging into Captivate.fm after my break, expecting crickets, only to find thousands of downloads. Mind-blowing, right? It’s proof that building a solid foundation with good SEO and quality content pays off, even when you’re MIA. Plus, I dive into the importance of unique listeners; this is the golden nugget of podcast analytics that show us who’s really listening to your content. This episode is a reminder that podcasting isn’t just about the hustle; it’s also about nurturing our creativity and audience. I promise not to leave you hanging for so long again, because the next episode is going to stir the pot: are podcast coaches worth the cash? Stay tuned! Takeaways: After a seven-month hiatus, I realised that taking breaks is crucial for creativity.Even when I ghosted my podcast for months, thousands of downloads kept rolling in. What helped? Good SEO. Check out the recommended episodes below to help you up your podcasting SEO game.Unique listeners matter way more than just download counts; it’s about engagement and loyalty, not just numbers.Strong SEO in titles and show notes helped new listeners find my podcast while I was away.Engaging with a smaller audience can be more effective than chasing after new listeners; let's focus on quality over quantity!Consistency is key, but so is knowing when to step back and recharge—don't be afraid to take a breather. Read the Blog Post: Why Unique Listeners for Your Podcast Are More Important Than You Think Listen to Episode About Taking a Break from Podcasting: 🎧 Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting Listen to Episodes About SEO: 🎧 Ep 108: How Can Fearne Cotton Get Away with This?? - Why SEO-Rich Titles Matter More for Indie Podcasters 🎧 Ep 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google Ranking 🎧 Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting | How to Implement Your Own SEO Strategy 🎧 Ep 26: How to Repurpose a Podcast Episode Into a Blog Post That’s Optimised for SEO 🌟 Get a free 30-day trial with Captivate ➡️ https://veritysangan.com/captivate

Fearne Cotton has managed to attract a massive audience for her Happy Place Podcast, even with episode titles that primarily feature just the name of her guests. This raises the intriguing question of how she gets away with this, especially when indie podcasters are often advised to use SEO-rich titles to attract listeners. In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind Fearne's success, highlighting her established brand and the loyal following she's built over the years. Unlike indie podcasters, who may struggle to gain visibility, Fearne's fame and the broader Happy Place movement provide her listeners with a clear understanding of what to expect. I also share essential tips for indie podcasters on crafting compelling episode titles that can help them attract their ideal audience and stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape. Takeaways: Celebrity podcasts can thrive with simple episode titles due to their established brand.Indie podcasters, however, need to utilise SEO-rich titles to attract new listeners effectively.Fearne Cotton's podcast success illustrates the importance of building a loyal audience over time.Episode titles should highlight the benefits of the content to engage potential listeners.Creating specific and descriptive titles helps clarify what listeners can expect from each episode.Trial and error with title formats can improve visibility and listener engagement for indie podcasts. Read the Blog Post: 5 Ways to Make Your Podcast Episode Titles SEO-Friendly Episodes Mentioned: Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting Ep 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google Ranking Links Mentioned: ListenNotes - https://www.listennotes.com/Happy Place Podcast - https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/podcast/ This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Are you struggling to get your podcast episodes noticed on Google? Today, I’m sharing some essential tips on how to rank your podcast content higher in search results. We’ll dive into the importance of using SEO-rich keywords, which are specific phrases that can attract more traffic to your content. I’ll guide you through practical strategies for researching these keywords, utilising free tools, and optimising your metadata to improve visibility. Plus, I’ll explain why having a blog post to accompany your podcast episode can significantly boost your chances of being found online. Highlights: Publish a blog post based on your podcast episode and embed your episode into the blog post - ensure that you use SEO-rich keywords in your blog postPublish your episodes on YouTube either as videos or link your RSS feedUse good quality metadata in your podcast episodes Recommended Episodes: Ep 26: How to Repurpose a Podcast Episode Into a Blog Post That’s Optimised for SEOEp 104: Why SEO is So Important in Podcasting | How to Implement Your Own SEO Strategy Takeaways: Using SEO rich keywords is essential for helping your podcast episodes rank higher in search engines.Researching keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner can significantly improve your SEO efforts.Focusing on long-tail keywords can help your content stand out with less competition.Incorporating keywords naturally into your metadata avoids keyword stuffing and improves readability.Creating engaging titles and descriptions with keywords increases click-through rates from search results.Regularly revisiting and updating your metadata ensures that your content remains relevant and discoverable. Links Referenced in this Episode: Google:www.google.comAnswer to Public:www.answerthepublic.comUbersuggest:www.ubersuggest.com This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

In this episode I’m sharing the 11 things I won’t be spending money on for this year. From avoiding costly podcast managers and editors to steering clear of unsustainable promotion tactics, I’ll explain my reasoning behind each decision. It’s easy to get caught up in shiny object syndrome, but I’m determined to focus on what truly enhances the listener experience and streamlines my workflow. Additionally, I’ll reveal the four key areas where I will invest, including website hosting and my trusted podcast platform, Captivate FM. Join me as I delve into smart budgeting strategies that prioritise quality content and effective SEO for the Lazy Girls Guide to Podcasting. Takeaways: In 2025, I'm prioritising spending on tools that enhance the listener's experience and streamline my workflow.I've identified 11 podcast-related expenses I won't incur in 2025 to maintain my budget.Rather than using expensive podcast promotion strategies, I focus on organic growth through SEO.I'm sticking with my Blue Yeti microphone in 2025, as it meets my podcasting needs perfectly.Investing in my website hosting is essential because it boosts my podcast's visibility online.I believe that customised intro or outro music is unnecessary and I won't be investing in it. Read the Blog Post: Podcast on a Budget: 11 Things I’m Not Spending Money on in 2025 for the Podcast and 4 That I Am Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01:58 Not Spending on the Podcast in 202514:20 What I Am Spending Money On19:08 Financial Strategies for Podcasting Links referenced in this episode: Visit the blog:https://veritysangan.com/blogTry Captivate.FM free for 30 days:https://veritysangan.com/captivateTry Riverside:https://veritysangan.com/riversideTry Descript:https://veritysangan.com/descript

Today, I'm diving into the exciting new AI features from Captivate Assistant (formerly Captivate Spark) designed to streamline your podcasting process and enhance your content creation. I’ll walk you through how these tools can help you generate episode ideas, create talking points, and even transcribe your episodes, saving you valuable time. As a podcaster, I know how crucial it is to keep our content fresh and engaging, and Captivate Spark offers some fantastic solutions for that. Whether you’re looking to suggest new episodes or create detailed outlines in just a few clicks, these features can greatly enhance your workflow. Takeaways: Captivate Spark offers innovative AI tools that streamline podcast episode planning and creation.Using AI can significantly reduce the time spent on post-production tasks for podcasters.The Suggest New Episodes feature analyses trends to generate relevant new content ideas.AI-generated transcripts and show notes can enhance SEO and listener accessibility for podcasts.Captivate Spark's feature for generating episode details saves time and improves content quality.Integrating AI into podcasting can help creators focus more on content and creativity. Read the Blog Post: AI in Podcasting: Captivate Spark Full Review Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Introducing Captivate Spark: A New AI Feature for Podcasters 05:35 Using AI for Podcast Episode Generation 08:24 Organising Episode Assets 10:49 SEO and Content Formatting 13:14 Exploring the Benefits of Captivate Spark Links referenced in this episode: Try Captivate.FM free for 30 days - https://veritysangan.com/captivate