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Hey, Podcasters!

Starting a podcast is easy. Keeping it going is the hard part!

In this episode, the Buzzsprout team shares 10 practical lessons learned from decades of podcasting experience. These are the strategies that actually help shows grow, be sustainable, and remain enjoyable over time.

From keeping episodes short to building a workflow you love, these tips will help you create a podcast that lasts.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts , and text us what you think!

Industry Insights:

• For when staying off camera is the strategic choice: Signal Hill Insights' Podcast Download report found that audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption despite growing video options. Continuing to show that video is fun, but it's not necessary for success in podcasting.
• For when your next episode needs a spark (or 90): A great podcast interview feels effortless, but it rarely is. Interviewers spend a lot of time preparing to make an interview great. We know it's not always easy to think up unique questions on your own, so we made a master list of 90+ questions to help you prepare!

Get Connected:

Podcasting Made Simple Live is a premium podcasting virtual event focused on helping podcast guests and hosts improve their craft. The event is on Thursday, July 17th, from 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST. We're covering the cost of tickets for Buzzsprout podcasters to attend! RSVP to reserve your spot.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters!

How do you help listeners find their next favorite podcast without relying on an algorithm?

Pocket Casts just rolled out support for Podroll, giving podcasters a direct way to recommend shows inside the app.

Last week on ​Buzzcast​, the team talks about how this is a powerful shift in podcast discovery and how you can add recommendations in Buzzsprout.

Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think!

Industry Insight:

• ​For when indie creators quietly start leading the way:​ For the first time ever, user-generated content like videos, podcasts, and social media posts from indie creators will eclipse the ad revenue of traditional media produced by TV networks, movies, and news companies. This is a huge cultural shift for the media world, and can help podcasters attract more ad opportunities!

Ask Megan:

"I'm already using Fan Mail, any tips on how to make the most of it?"

Definitely! Once you have ​Fan Mail​ turned on, the next step is making it part of your show’s rhythm.

One of the best things you can do is actively invite feedback in your episodes. A quick mention like “Tell us what you think using the Fan Mail link in the show notes” makes a big difference.

It also helps to respond to Fan Mail on your show. That kind of acknowledgment encourages more listeners to reach out!

Some podcasters even use Fan Mail as a content tool, shaping future episodes around listener questions or suggestions. If you're not using Fan Mail yet, you can turn it on by going to your Home page and clicking on the Fan Mail tab in your Buzzsprout account!

And if you haven't received any Fan Mail, reply to this email and let us know! We want to send you your first message!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters!

Getting started with podcast gear can feel overwhelming, especially when every search turns up expensive recommendations and affiliate links.

So our Head of Marketing put together a no-nonsense guide he wishes he had when he started podcasting over a decade ago. After 500+ recordings, he breaks down exactly what equipment he recommends, from a $70 beginner setup to the pro gear he uses today.

You’ll also learn what actually matters when choosing gear and how to avoid common mistakes that derail great recordings.

Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your studio, this guide keeps things practical, affordable, and focused on what works!

Read Blog

Episode of the Week:

​How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Lessons from 20 Years​: After 20 years in marketing, Buzzsprout podcaster Krystal Proffitt is sharing exactly what she would do differently if she were starting over today in 2025. These three fundamental strategies will help you stand out in the digital marketing landscape and achieve sustainable success without burning out.

Question About Buzzsprout? Ask Megan!

"What podcast analytics should I actually care about?"

Podcast stats can feel overwhelming at first, but you really only need to focus on a few key numbers!

• Downloads in the first 7 days
• Podcasting apps people are using to listen
• Listener location

Those three together are usually the most helpful for independent podcasters.

We recently talked about this on​ Buzzcast​, where Tom Rossi broke down which stats matter and which you can probably ignore. Give it a listen if you want a deeper dive!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!