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In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rachel Hasson, Amazon expert and founder of Evolve Ad Agency, to break down what brands need to know to compete and convert on Amazon today.Rachel shares how she built her Amazon expertise from the ground up, starting with listing optimization work on Fiverr while managing Amazon accounts in a full-time marketing role. Today, she helps brands improve their Amazon presence through better listing strategy, conversion optimization, PPC campaigns, and channel growth.The conversation dives into why so many brands make the mistake of copying their website content directly onto Amazon — and why that rarely works. Rachel explains what she looks at first when evaluating a brand's Amazon presence, including main images, infographics, listing copy, backend attributes, A+ Content, and how well the listing is built to convert shoppers in a crowded marketplace.Rachel also shares timely insight into Amazon's AI shopping assistant, Rufus, and why sellers need to start optimizing not only for shoppers, but also for how AI understands and recommends products. From alt text in A+ Content to image copy and product attributes, she explains how Amazon's changing search experience is reshaping listing optimization.The episode also covers Amazon PPC, including why brands should fix conversion problems before spending more on ads, how video can help products stand out, and why sellers should be careful about trying to manage campaigns without fully understanding how quickly Amazon advertising changes.If you're selling on Amazon, launching a new product, or trying to improve an existing listing, this episode offers a practical look at what actually drives visibility, clicks, conversions, and long-term marketplace growth.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why your Amazon listing should not simply copy your websiteHow to optimize your main image to stand out in search resultsWhy infographics and listing images matter for both shoppers and AIWhat Amazon Rufus is and why sellers need to optimize for itHow A+ Content, alt text, FAQs, and product specs can improve visibilityWhy conversion issues should be fixed before scaling PPCHow video ads can help brands stand out on AmazonWhy founders should be cautious about managing PPC themselvesHow to handle Amazon support issues with persistence and the right framingWhy TikTok Shop and Walmart.com can complement Amazon growthWant to connect with Rachel?Visit EvolveAdAgency.com to learn more about Rachel Hasson and Evolve Ad Agency.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.
Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Milena Simsic made $300,000 in commissions in her first year as a realtor, without any prior real estate connections, using nothing but TikTok and Instagram. She had no social media presence before she got her license. She figured it out in public. Milena is the founder of WindSocial Realty in Windsor, Ontario, and the publisher of the Windsor Real Estate Insider, a newsletter and magazine that grew to 9,000 subscribers in under a year. She also runs Windsor REI Social, a 3,000-member community that fills events with 100 to 200 investors. She is currently switching brokerages from EXP to Real and building a community for realtors who want to learn AI-powered marketing. In this conversation, we cover: Why Windsor's single-family homes have held value while student rentals and investment properties have softened What the Gordy Howe Bridge delay and the EV plant mean for Windsor's growth trajectory How Milena made $300K her first year as a realtor off TikTok and Instagram alone Why she replaced her virtual assistant with Claude AI and built her CRM systems in an afternoon How the top agents implementing AI are going to absorb market share from those who are not Why she left EXP for Real, and what Real is getting right that most online brokerages are not The health crisis that doubled her business once she fixed it Why business owners are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and what she did about it How Windsor REI Social went from monthly to biannual events and why that made it bigger Milena's arc is the arc TAFI was rebranded to celebrate: a factory worker and ICU nurse who saw where the highest-leverage play was, went all in, and built a media brand and a business that works without grinding 60 hours a week. CONNECT WITH MILENA SIMSIC Windsor Real Estate Insider: https://www.windsorrealestateinsider.comInstagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / YouTube: search 'Milena Simsic' Chapters00:00: Introduction and Cold Open 01:20: Milena's background: factory worker, nursing, COVID, Windsor 03:00: Breaking news: brokerage switch from EXP to Real 04:00: Windsor Real Estate Insider magazine, 9,000 subscribers 05:30: Windsor market conditions: what is holding and what is not 07:00: The Gordy Howe Bridge delay 08:30: EV plant, population growth, downtown development 09:30: What investors are doing in Windsor right now 13:00: $300K first year off TikTok and Instagram 17:00: Building Windsor REI Social to 3,000 members 22:00: AI adoption gap: top agents vs. everyone else 28:00: Replacing a virtual assistant with Claude 31:00: How many hours per week to run the business 33:30: Teaching other realtors AI-powered marketing 38:00: The Windsor pageant: why she entered, first runner up 41:00: The autoimmune condition, the health pivot, business doubling 45:00: Salsa dancing as the one thing that started everything 48:00: Business owner loneliness and why dance helps 51:00: EXP vs. Real: why the switch and what Real is doing differently 58:00: AI tools, Fiverr comparison, what Claude does that nobody else can match 01:01:00: Advice for young people: build your skill set, buy a business, zero excuses 01:03:00: Wrap up and where to find Milena
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2078: Luke Smith highlights practical ways self-employed professionals can stay productive, focused, and in control by strengthening their routines, managing finances effectively, clarifying priorities, and leveraging technology. He also explains why strategic breaks, self-care, and time away from work can be essential for maintaining long-term motivation and avoiding burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.carlpullein.com/blog/how-self-employed-workers-can-stay-motivated-and-organised/2/7/2021 Quotes to ponder: "By creating structure, you can regain a sense of control over your time. This can serve as the perfect catalyst to reignite your passion and focus as you move through each day." "Your finances are key to self-employed confidence. Make sure they stay well-organised." "The ability to take breaks and unplug may seem counterintuitive when you're struggling to keep up. However, if you're feeling a lack of motivation, it can be just the thing to help you recenter and refocus on why you're self-employed in the first place." Episode references: Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/ Uber: https://www.uber.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oh Crap!!! The Grey Lady herself… Pandora… hope the team is ready because if they find her the showdown is sure to be a doozy!!! Game Master: Chad MatchetteRaúl Parera AKA Astor: Cesar AlacronSir Reginald Tippery AKA Falstaff: Morgan CollinsTerri Bliss AKA Dart: Natasha SukorokoffPat Roleman AKA Paramount: Robin “Coach” Sukorokoff“Legends” Co-Creators: Chad and Jack MatchettePodcast Editors: Matt Williamson, Em Matchette and Chad MatchetteBUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME” NOW: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000192338578Listen to “Legends: The Superhero Soundtrack” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mBxdCslTJ1u1aBHetIiem?si=lt4_4_RUSISSP4E1e_7HiwTweet about the show using #thelegendscast for the chance to have an NPC named after you!For our super fans who would like to help us make the show the best it can be, please consider becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thelegendscastCheck out our heroic merch here: https://thelegendscast.threadless.com/#Come hang out with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jYpYhN3fTVFor more information head over to our website: https://www.matchplaygames.ca/Theme music by Omar Chakor (https://www.instagram.com/theorce/) through Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r)Underscoring by Sayer Roberts (https://www.instagram.com/roberts.the.sayer/) - check him out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-135673977 and SideBiz Studio!: https://bit.ly/3kdunQJCLICK HERE TO BUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME”!Support the show
“Google does not scan Apple Podcasts. Google does not crawl Spotify. Google does not read your podcast show notes inside those platforms.”In this episode, I break down one of the biggest misunderstandings in podcasting: podcast SEO. A lot of people online tell you to optimise your episode titles, show notes, and descriptions so Google can find your podcast. But that is not really how Google works.What I want you to understand in this episode is the difference between Google SEO and podcast app discovery. They are both useful, but they are not the same thing. Google reads websites. Spotify and Apple Podcasts read what is inside their own platforms. So if you want Google to send people to your podcast, you need blog posts on your own website for every episode. 5 Key TakeawaysPodcast SEO advice is often incompleteGoogle needs web pagesEvery episode should become a blog postGoogle traffic is high-intent trafficPodcast app optimisation still mattersChapters00:00 – The podcast SEO myth03:00 – Why Google does not read podcast apps the way people think07:00 – The real SEO play: blog posts on your website14:00 – How to structure a podcast blog post18:00 – Podcast app optimisationSend us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
In this episode I'm ranking the best Sermon Clip Generators that I could find on the market, or, by googling. I'm going as far as they'll let me before hitting a paywall. I'll rank and score them on my custom rubrik, and tell you which one I like the best! Oh - And check out the Gear Guide which will help set you on the right path for recording your messages and sermons. Welcome to the Hybrid Ministry Show BEST CLIP GENERATOR | RANKED + GEAR GUIDE https://www.patreon.com/posts/best-sermon-clip-156670711?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link SHOW NOTES Shownotes & Transcripts https://www.hybridministry.xyz/204 ☀️Summer Seasonal Social Media Pack | New & Improved Strategy! https://www.patreon.com/posts/summer-seasonal-157209659?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link THE CAROUSEL ENGINE https://www.patreon.com/posts/carousel-engine-155124829?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Send us Fan MailLearn more / book a trip:Safari experiences: https://www.pamojasafaris.comWhat if you could build a life that combines travel, wildlife, and entrepreneurship… and actually make it work?In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with Scott to talk about how he turned a passion for adventure into a career—running safari experiences in Africa, food tours in Japan, and creative fundraising journeys around the world.From driving sneaker-shaped cars across continents to building a safari company from the ground up, Scott shares what it really takes to create a life outside the traditional path.We dive into:How he combined entrepreneurship, travel, and wildlife into one careerThe reality of building a business (and why it took years to work)Wild adventure stories—from cheetahs jumping on vehicles to crossing AfricaWhat it's actually like to go on an African safari (and how safe it is)The concept of forest bathing and why nature is essential for mental resetFollowing curiosity instead of conventionIf you've ever dreamed of traveling more, working for yourself, or reconnecting with the wild—this episode is your reminder that it's possible… just not always easy. Adventure doesn't just happen—you build it.
Rafael is the Founder and CEO of Share It Studio, a leading creative agency that helps Amazon and Walmart sellers turn data into powerful visual storytelling. Under his leadership, Share It Studio has worked with hundreds of top-performing e-commerce brands, blending creativity with analytics to craft product images, videos, and A+ content that actually convert.Before founding Share It Studio, Rafael built a career in film and marketing, becoming a 3-time Telly Award–winning entrepreneur. He's passionate about helping brands optimize their listings, understand their buyers, and stand out in competitive marketplaces. Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Ben Leonard's entrepreneurial journey with Beast Gear, from initial investment to seven-figure exit.Challenges faced after selling Beast Gear to Thrasio, including mismanagement and loss of brand identity.Importance of effective inventory management and the consequences of overleveraging.The significance of building a genuine consumer brand beyond basic Amazon tactics.The role of intellectual property protection and the impact of neglecting it.Insights on the operational difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on e-commerce.Strategies for diversifying sales channels and avoiding dependency on a single platform.The importance of quality in products and overall business operations.Marketing strategies for brand awareness, including the use of influencers and social media.Lessons learned from reacquiring and reviving a brand in a competitive market.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Rafael Veloz, founder of ShareIt Studio, about optimizing Amazon product listings through visual storytelling. Rafael discusses the nuanced impact of AI-generated images, emphasizing that authenticity often outperforms polished visuals — demonstrated by a shoe cleaner brand scaling from $400K to $12M monthly. He advocates for a full-funnel marketing approach beyond PPC, continuous image testing, and integrating AI tools strategically. Rafaell also highlights the importance of emotional connection in content creation and recommends building strong internal creative teams to drive sustainable e-commerce growth.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Prioritize authenticity over polish Test raw, real-looking visuals (UGC-style, iPhone shots)—they often convert better than high-end production. Systematize testing with data Validate images using tools and customer feedback before scaling; continuously test and iterate based on performance. Build a dedicated creative strategy team Don't rely on freelancers—invest in a creative lead and team to consistently produce, test, and optimize high-converting content.Timestamps:00:00:01 Authenticity vs. Professionalism in AdsOrganic, real-feeling content can perform twice as well as high-end professional videos, depending on the product's industry.00:00:50 Podcast and Guest IntroductionHost Josh Hadley introduces the topic of AI images on Amazon and welcomes guest Rafael Veloz from ShareIt Studio.00:02:27 Are AI Images Hurting Amazon Listings?AI images can hurt sales if used incorrectly, as they can lower the "perceived value" for emotionally-driven products.00:04:01 The Shoe Cleaner Case StudyA shoe cleaner brand grew from $400K to $1.2M a month by focusing on authentic, emotional content.00:06:26 How to Test and Update Main ImagesAnalyze competitor reviews for emotional triggers, create multiple main images, and test them both off and on Amazon regularly.00:12:01 Building a System for Creative ContentInstead of "hacks," build a system. Constantly track competitors' rankings, reviews, and image changes to stay ahead.00:14:33 Optimizing Creatives for PPC CampaignsCreate different ad creatives for different PPC campaigns and keywords to reduce wasted ad spend and improve conversions.00:16:55 Driving External Traffic to AmazonAmazon now rewards external traffic. Don't just focus on TikTok; create content that connects to specific buying intentions.00:19:34 Connecting Creative and Media Buying TeamsYour creative team and PPC (media buying) team must work together to create a cohesive and effective marketing strategy.00:22:28 Using AI to Build a CommunityCreate AI-generated personas and avatars on social media to build a community and drive traffic to your product listings.00:25:44 The Process for Creating Viral ContentA strategist analyzes the market, a script is developed, and a mix of organic and AI video is used.00:27:36 Final Advice: Embrace AIDon't fear AI. Hire team members dedicated to exploring and implementing new AI tools to stay competitive.00:28:40 Actionable Takeaway 1: Marketing Efficiency RatioStop focusing only on ACoS. Adopt the Marketing Efficiency Ratio (MER) to measure your total marketing spend against revenue.00:31:03 Actionable Takeaway 2: Systemize Image TestingCreate a consistent system for testing main images on Amazon, using real customer data to make decisions.00:31:45 Actionable Takeaway 3: Hire a Creative LeadInvest in a high-level creative team member to lead your marketing, as this is the most important aspect of your brand.00:33:56 Rafael's Favorite AI ToolRafael recommends Claude for its data gathering and Open-Claude's "Coworker" feature for automating executive assistant tasks.00:36:30 Connecting with RafaelFind Rafael at ShareIt Studio's website or email, and mention the podcast for a free 30-minute consultation.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comTools and Websites"Amazon Experiments": "00:08:54""Pixel": "00:08:54""Productpinion": "00:08:54""Fiverr": "00:08:06""Social Media Platforms (TikTok, In...
Show note“What if you only had to create one thing per week? Just one.”This time, I walk through the content system I call the content waterfall. The idea is simple: instead of creating separate content for LinkedIn, newsletters, reels, blogs, and your podcast, you start with one strong podcast recording and turn it into everything else.I think this episode is powerful because so many business owners are exhausted by content. They feel like every platform needs a fresh idea. But a podcast episode already contains stories, insights, frameworks, quotes, and clips. You do not need to start from scratch every time. You need a system that pulls more value from the work you have already done.5 Key TakeawaysA podcast episode is the best starting point for content One 25-minute episode can hold stories, ideas, examples, quotes, and practical advice.Stop creating from scratch for every platform The content waterfall helps you turn one recording into many useful pieces of content.One recording can become twelve or more assets From a full episode, you can create clips, quote graphics, a newsletter, a LinkedIn post, and a blog post.Every piece should point back to the full episode Clips, posts, newsletters, and graphics are doorways that lead people to a deeper conversation.The system works, but it takes time If you do it yourself, expect eight to twelve hours per week. You can also outsource the production and focus only on recording.Chapters00:00 – Why content creation feels exhausting03:00 – Why the podcast is the anchor piece07:00 – The content waterfall explained16:00 – The workflow, tools, and schedule21:00 – The honest time commitmentSend us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
The BEST Independent Music Artists & Singers from around the world: EDM, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Hip Hop, R & B, Rap, reggae, Jazz, Country, Folk, & more...Hosted by DTongAdvertising & Sponsorship: http://goo.gl/ioP6HwGuaranteed Song Play & Promotion: http://goo.gl/4aD98wBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Ella Podcasts w/ Ella Shermanhttps://bit.ly/4cCVe61Eleven Elements by Robby Joshihttps://bit.ly/438A4Z7Essante Organics by Sharron Kwww.essanteorganics.com/sharronkThe World of Ardamak Continenthttps://bit.ly/4urdsPnUnreal Web Serieshttps://bit.ly/4d1oBiChttps://jadedmayhem.comWhisper: UTC Roleplaying Gamehttps://bit.ly/4f5TrZQAlso New Music from:Jenson 'Bring It To Me'JKray 'midnight coffee'KliphtOn 'Confidant Beholden'Ryot 'Away'Trip the Monkey w/ a Back2backLevi Guy 'Run With The Stars'Joshua Mika 'rest of our lives'Vallahigh 'Trinity'BrightNEarly 'Sleeper Agent'Joseph Rutakangwa 'This Song Is for Us'The Black Rose 'Lightning in the dark'Defenz 'Dreamscape'IMURME 'Locked In'Saint Kon 'No Name'J Wood Capone 'Elevation'Ab5olootfaxtz 'We About 2 Blow'gretchen 'Care'Kormanec Sinkin' Hear Your Name'BeatForged 'hook in my veins'Kash Staxkz 'Weekend'Catch the show on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, TuneIn, Soundcloud, & www.DTongRadio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dtong-radio-indie-music-showcase--954466/support.
– The episode opens with a short introduction from Donald Trump praising “one of the most successful business leaders… Michael Dell” and his “really exciting announcement.” – Brett Butt follows with a nostalgic anecdote about growing up before the Internet and World Wide Web, and remembering early video games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Wizard of War, Scrambled, and Defender. He jokes about wishing for something people now have. – Mike Dell then introduces himself (“Like Dell's World… That's me”) and frames the episode as covering two major topics: technology (how tech works and is used) and personal updates. He notes customer service issues he'd complained about previously have not improved. – Personal updates: – He reports attending multiple recent funerals: mentions having been to “three funerals in the last six months, or two,” and that he's about to go to another in Detroit that weekend. – He names specific losses: Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, who passed “late summer, early fall”; his wife's best friend Mary in Grand Haven, who died of lung problems and was younger than them; and his uncle Bill Busby, who turned eighty-eight at a recent party, helped start Motorola Semiconductors, was a US Air Force veteran (crew chief on a B-57 or B-58), and then passed away Monday morning. He says he and his nearly 98–99-year-old grandmother will be traveling to Detroit for that funeral. – Health update: Mike had a torn retina in his right eye, underwent emergency surgery, had to be face-down post-op while a bubble/oil was placed in the eye. At his second post-op checkup the doctor said things are looking good; vision in that eye is blurred by the oil bubble while the other eye is 20/20. He expects the oil to be removed and vision to clear later. He says this grounds him for about six weeks. – He mentions a lingering low-level cold over the past month. – Recent events and work: – He attended Military Creator Con in Arlington, Texas (several hundred participants, veterans/active military/spouses), where he saw Jamie Jay, Christopher Lochhead, Gordon Firemark (podcast lawyer), and others. The event ran long days and was busy but enjoyable. – At Blubrry he's been promoted to VP of Operations, overseeing teams and day-to-day work; Barry (another cofounder) is now CEO. He encourages podcasters to contact him for help, states he uses Blubrry hosting and the PowerPress plugin, and plugs Blubrry's services. – Technology and AI: – He discusses AI-generated content broadly: YouTube's proliferation of AI-narrated slideshow-style or AI-generated videos; his guilty pleasure of “AI Karen stories” on YouTube (which he knows are AI and mostly fiction). – He references a MacRumors article reporting YouTube will automatically label AI videos even if creators don't, and applauds the move, predicting many viewers will prefer non-AI content when labeled. – He raises concerns about AI in podcasting: AI-voiced podcasts and companies generating massive amounts of AI podcast content. He names a company, Inception PointAI, that reportedly generated a lot of AI podcast content and moved from Spreaker to Megaphone/Spotify; he says such AI content can hallucinate and produce factually untrue information, and that some AI podcasts present content as true. – He describes his own measured use of AI: he uses AI for transcripts and some artwork that he then tweaks, and he tried a cloned AI voice for one episode a few years ago but it didn't sound right. He notes telltale patterns of AI-written scripts and advises never to ask AI for its opinion. – He touches on scams: modern scam emails are harder to spot because language models clean up grammar; he warns about requests for immediate payment, iTunes/gift cards, or crypto as signs of scams. – Advertising and social media observations: – Criticizes YouTube mid-roll ads that interrupt videos, and the perceived decline in value of TV ads—locally seeing many online gambling ads in Michigan. – Observes AI activity on Facebook: AI agents entering groups to start conversations (sometimes inane or provocative) and AI-generated video shorts (e.g., airplanes doing impossible things). He dislikes Facebook's prompts to read more on Threads and says he doesn't want more social media accounts. He mentions being on LinkedIn, using X a little, and participating on Reddit, and says he plans to use a flip phone when he retires. YouTube Will Now Automatically Label AI Videos Even When Creators Don’t – Podcasting industry and advice: – Clarifies his use of “podcast” to mean generally audio (though he acknowledges podcasts can be video) and emphasizes that podcasting is a distribution method open to anyone. – Contrasts highly produced, broadcast-style podcasts (teams of producers and sound designers) with indie, authentic podcasts (one person talking into a microphone from a shed). He values indie authenticity and accessibility. – References a report by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable noting people seek authentic-sounding podcast audio. He warns the industry is bifurcating between highly produced shows and indie creators. – Gives practical advice: podcasting is inexpensive and accessible (buy a microphone, record, compress to MP3, upload to hosting or WordPress to create an RSS feed). Suggests inexpensive cover art via Fiverr and mentions Blubrry hosting around fifteen dollars. Warns that podcasting generally won't replace a day job quickly—monetization takes time and consistency. – Lists three elements for podcast success: consistency, authenticity, and having content that is interesting/informative/compelling (he stumbles on phrasing but leaves the point authentic). He notes technology barriers are lower now; you don't have to be a geek. – Explains distribution parity: small indie shows can sit beside big shows like Joe Rogan in directories; one can succeed without becoming huge. His personal goal is to have a place to speak freely rather than chase large monetization. – Plans and format changes: – He says they will restart the Podcast Insider show with a revamped, more conversational format with two or three hosts discussing industry trends (e.g., trend toward video). – Discusses video: video has always been part of podcasting but is getting more prominent; video production is harder (lighting, appearance, editing). Blubrry is working on a video product to better support creators. – Mentions his short-form series “Cup of Traverse City” (daily, five minutes) which he took a month off from and tried to restart; he intends for it to be five days a week, five minutes, when resumed. – Reiterates he podcasts when it's fun and will take breaks when needed. – Closing: – He notes he has been talking for forty-five minutes, asks listeners if they're still subscribed and what they think about technology trends (is tech “going off the deep end” or is he being a curmudgeon?), invites feedback via email (mike at mike dell dot com), and signs off saying “Catch me later.”
– The episode opens with a short introduction from Donald Trump praising “one of the most successful business leaders… Michael Dell” and his “really exciting announcement.” – Brett Butt follows with a nostalgic anecdote about growing up before the Internet and World Wide Web, and remembering early video games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Wizard of War, Scrambled, and Defender. He jokes about wishing for something people now have. – Mike Dell then introduces himself (“Like Dell's World… That's me”) and frames the episode as covering two major topics: technology (how tech works and is used) and personal updates. He notes customer service issues he'd complained about previously have not improved. – Personal updates: – He reports attending multiple recent funerals: mentions having been to “three funerals in the last six months, or two,” and that he's about to go to another in Detroit that weekend. – He names specific losses: Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, who passed “late summer, early fall”; his wife's best friend Mary in Grand Haven, who died of lung problems and was younger than them; and his uncle Bill Busby, who turned eighty-eight at a recent party, helped start Motorola Semiconductors, was a US Air Force veteran (crew chief on a B-57 or B-58), and then passed away Monday morning. He says he and his nearly 98–99-year-old grandmother will be traveling to Detroit for that funeral. – Health update: Mike had a torn retina in his right eye, underwent emergency surgery, had to be face-down post-op while a bubble/oil was placed in the eye. At his second post-op checkup the doctor said things are looking good; vision in that eye is blurred by the oil bubble while the other eye is 20/20. He expects the oil to be removed and vision to clear later. He says this grounds him for about six weeks. – He mentions a lingering low-level cold over the past month. – Recent events and work: – He attended Military Creator Con in Arlington, Texas (several hundred participants, veterans/active military/spouses), where he saw Jamie Jay, Christopher Lochhead, Gordon Firemark (podcast lawyer), and others. The event ran long days and was busy but enjoyable. – At Blubrry he's been promoted to VP of Operations, overseeing teams and day-to-day work; Barry (another cofounder) is now CEO. He encourages podcasters to contact him for help, states he uses Blubrry hosting and the PowerPress plugin, and plugs Blubrry's services. – Technology and AI: – He discusses AI-generated content broadly: YouTube's proliferation of AI-narrated slideshow-style or AI-generated videos; his guilty pleasure of “AI Karen stories” on YouTube (which he knows are AI and mostly fiction). – He references a MacRumors article reporting YouTube will automatically label AI videos even if creators don't, and applauds the move, predicting many viewers will prefer non-AI content when labeled. – He raises concerns about AI in podcasting: AI-voiced podcasts and companies generating massive amounts of AI podcast content. He names a company, Inception PointAI, that reportedly generated a lot of AI podcast content and moved from Spreaker to Megaphone/Spotify; he says such AI content can hallucinate and produce factually untrue information, and that some AI podcasts present content as true. – He describes his own measured use of AI: he uses AI for transcripts and some artwork that he then tweaks, and he tried a cloned AI voice for one episode a few years ago but it didn't sound right. He notes telltale patterns of AI-written scripts and advises never to ask AI for its opinion. – He touches on scams: modern scam emails are harder to spot because language models clean up grammar; he warns about requests for immediate payment, iTunes/gift cards, or crypto as signs of scams. – Advertising and social media observations: – Criticizes YouTube mid-roll ads that interrupt videos, and the perceived decline in value of TV ads—locally seeing many online gambling ads in Michigan. – Observes AI activity on Facebook: AI agents entering groups to start conversations (sometimes inane or provocative) and AI-generated video shorts (e.g., airplanes doing impossible things). He dislikes Facebook's prompts to read more on Threads and says he doesn't want more social media accounts. He mentions being on LinkedIn, using X a little, and participating on Reddit, and says he plans to use a flip phone when he retires. YouTube Will Now Automatically Label AI Videos Even When Creators Don’t – Podcasting industry and advice: – Clarifies his use of “podcast” to mean generally audio (though he acknowledges podcasts can be video) and emphasizes that podcasting is a distribution method open to anyone. – Contrasts highly produced, broadcast-style podcasts (teams of producers and sound designers) with indie, authentic podcasts (one person talking into a microphone from a shed). He values indie authenticity and accessibility. – References a report by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable noting people seek authentic-sounding podcast audio. He warns the industry is bifurcating between highly produced shows and indie creators. – Gives practical advice: podcasting is inexpensive and accessible (buy a microphone, record, compress to MP3, upload to hosting or WordPress to create an RSS feed). Suggests inexpensive cover art via Fiverr and mentions Blubrry hosting around fifteen dollars. Warns that podcasting generally won't replace a day job quickly—monetization takes time and consistency. – Lists three elements for podcast success: consistency, authenticity, and having content that is interesting/informative/compelling (he stumbles on phrasing but leaves the point authentic). He notes technology barriers are lower now; you don't have to be a geek. – Explains distribution parity: small indie shows can sit beside big shows like Joe Rogan in directories; one can succeed without becoming huge. His personal goal is to have a place to speak freely rather than chase large monetization. – Plans and format changes: – He says they will restart the Podcast Insider show with a revamped, more conversational format with two or three hosts discussing industry trends (e.g., trend toward video). – Discusses video: video has always been part of podcasting but is getting more prominent; video production is harder (lighting, appearance, editing). Blubrry is working on a video product to better support creators. – Mentions his short-form series “Cup of Traverse City” (daily, five minutes) which he took a month off from and tried to restart; he intends for it to be five days a week, five minutes, when resumed. – Reiterates he podcasts when it's fun and will take breaks when needed. – Closing: – He notes he has been talking for forty-five minutes, asks listeners if they're still subscribed and what they think about technology trends (is tech “going off the deep end” or is he being a curmudgeon?), invites feedback via email (mike at mike dell dot com), and signs off saying “Catch me later.”
Send us Fan MailLink to Peter's Website- https://www.petersewell.com/photography.htmlWhat happens when life completely falls apart… and you choose to start over?In this episode of Wildly Unplugged, I sit down with Peter Sewell to talk about travel, photography, resilience, and how reconnecting with the world can help you reconnect with yourself.After a major life transition, Peter set out on a journey that would take him across continents, cultures, and ultimately into a new chapter of life—one filled with adventure, storytelling, and deep personal growth.We explore:The “Eat, Pray, Love” moment that changed everythingWhat traveling to lesser-known countries taught him about humanityNear-death experiences and navigating fear in unfamiliar placesThe power of gratitude journaling (and how it can change your perspective)How nature can ground you—even in the simplest momentsFrom climbing mountains to being chased by wildlife, to finding peace in silence and stillness, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons lead to the most meaningful transformations.You don't need to go far to reconnect—but sometimes, the journey changes everything.
A lot of people think the goal is to get likes and engagement, but when it comes to using social media in business, conversations and conversions are the metrics that matter. That’s what results in sales. The rest are vanity metrics. Those who think it’s all about views and clicks might be missing the point. David: Hi, and welcome to the podcast. In today’s episode, co-host Jay McFarland and I will be discussing the best use of social media in business. Welcome back, Jay. Jay: Hey, thank you so much, David I feel like this is one of those areas where I don’t feel confident in myself, but I’m not in a position yet where I’m going to hire somebody to do it. And so, it’s hard to get motivated every day, because I know it’s an important part, especially in my business. Most of our leads come from the internet and social media, so it’s like I don’t know that this is something I should be handling myself. David: I think a lot of people feel that way, and for many of us, social media can be a huge distraction. And in some cases, like, well, the best use of social media is to keep it turned off if you have to actually get things done. But there are benefits to it when it’s used properly, and part of our Total Market Domination course involves working with our clients to help them through the best forms of first contact with a new prospect. And one of those methods is social media. I mean, you can be doing it via cold calls, you can be doing it via networking events, direct mail, lots of different ways to initiate first contact with a new prospect. But many people like the idea of using social media, particularly because it is a one-to-many method of reaching people. You can post something on social media one time, and hundreds of people could see it, or thousands of people could see it. And so it allows you a great deal of leverage much more than if you’re making one phone call at a time or meeting one person at a time. So there are definitely benefits to utilizing it. Of course, with the benefits come the flip side, the detriments that go along with it in some cases. One of the things that a lot of people seem to struggle with is that they go onto social media with one purpose and they end up doing 10 other things that they didn’t plan on doing when they got in there. They don’t end up doing the thing that they actually wanted to do. And so a lot of it, I think, boils down to the fact that we’re not sure what to do. In a lot of cases. We’re not sure, well, what should I post? What should I say? What should it be designed to do? And there’s so much talk among so many people about creating content, and I’ve done classes on this. The fact that content is kind of a misunderstood word. If you think about what is content? Well, content is whatever’s in something, right? If you’ve got a bag, whatever’s in that bag is the content. Could be something good, could be something very bad, right? But whatever’s in the bag. So if you think of it like that and you say, okay, I have to create content. Well, yeah, but you need to do more than just content. You want to make sure that whatever it is that you’re dispersing to the masses has enough value for people that they say, wow, that was actually worthwhile. That was worth my time. So a lot of what we focus on in the communication aspects of what we do with our clients is related to how do we do that? How do we create value in our communications? And I know I’m sort of rattling off all kinds of different things that could be entirely different podcast subjects. But coming back to the idea of the best use of social media, if you think about what it is, I mean, I’ve got an idea of what I believe it is. Do you have any thoughts on that before I spill the beans on what I think here? Jay: Well, I think it’s going to be different for everybody and what type of clientele you have. I’m guessing a key part of this and we’ve spent a lot of money on my end doing this. Is identifying who our end user is, what, what type of client are we trying to attack? When we first started it, we were and I’ve told you this story before, we were attacking so many leads. It was blowing us out of the water. But the leads were not closing, and so we had to narrow that field, finally to a point where we could just get potential leads. In order to do that, we spent a lot of time around a table figuring out who that potential client is and what are the keywords that are going to be interesting to them? And when you talk about posting content, if you’re just shooting in the dark and you haven’t identified who your target is, then you’re going to spend a lot of time on social media spinning your wheels, and you may be chasing people away or just making them disinterested because you haven’t put in the time ahead of time to really have an impact. David: Yeah. When I think about having an impact on social media. And I want to be really transparent here too. I have not used social media nearly to the extent that other people have to get clients. We have other methods of first contact that are extremely effective that work really well. And so don’t look to me as the expert on this, but what I can tell you is that to the extent that we have done this effectively, the way that we’ve done that is using social media for the primary purpose of initiating conversations. So when I think in terms of the best use of social media, For me, but I also believe for most other businesses, the best use of it is to be able to initiate a conversation with someone else. So if I’m able to post something that’s interesting enough to get someone to comment back, and then I can reply to that comment and then they reply to that, now we’re actually in a conversation. And of course, conversations is exactly where sales happen. You don’t have sales generally, if you’re a salesperson without having a conversation. Now that could take place via text. It could take place via Messenger. Maybe it takes place in comments. It could take place on the phone, in person. Lots of different ways to do it. “When it comes to social media in business, most people focus on likes and clicks. And while that might feed the algorithm, I still believe the metrics that matter are conversations and conversions. Conversations and conversions result in sales. The rest are vanity metrics.” — David Blaise But if we think about it from that standpoint, it makes things a little easier, because when we’re on social media, we are programmed to think in terms of likes and think in terms of shares and things like that. And likes and shares are fine. Shares are probably better than likes in my view, because it gets it in front of more people. And if the content is good, then it expands your horizons a bit. But if a bunch of people like your stuff and it doesn’t lead to conversations, then what really happened? Their likes might get it in front of more people, because I think that’s how the algorithm works. But, if people are not actually engaging with it and initiating conversations with you, then I believe there’s a lot of opportunity that is lost. And when you talk about delegating this kind of thing, hiring other people to create social media for you. If they don’t know what the goal is, then the stuff they create is not likely to produce the result. When they think the goal is to get likes, then they’re going to create content that is designed to get likes. If the goal is to interact with people, initiate conversations with people who could potentially buy from you, then what we’re doing on social media has to be completely different. Jay: Yeah, such a great point. I also think you know, you talked about conversations. It actually has become a very important part of the algorithm that you get comments and more importantly, that you reply to those comments, whether or not they’re important or not. If you could reply in such a way that they respond back then that’s going to increase the algorithm. So that’s an important part just to get it seen by more people. But then if they’re actually interacting with you, you’re now building the relationship. And I think oftentimes we forget relationships are the most important part of our business. Anytime I close a sale, when I’m done, I almost feel like I’ve gained a new friend. And in a lot of ways, I have. Somebody that I’m providing a service for, they appreciate that service. And it all starts with a conversation somewhere, like you said, on the phone, in the comments, that’s where it’s all going to begin. David: Yeah. I think also tracking what’s going on is important, and a lot of people don’t do that. They have a vague idea of, oh, this got a lot of likes. I got a bunch of comments here or there. People seem to like this one or that one. But none of that is really tangible enough to be able to justify, in some cases, the amount of time that goes into it. So if you track how much time you’re putting into it and you’re able to track how many leads you get as a result of it, and by leads, it may just be something as simple as having a conversation with someone, whether it is in the comments or whether it is through DMing, that type of thing. Then you’ve got some metrics. You’ve got some basic metrics to look at, to say, “okay, I put an hour and a half into this and I had two people enter into conversations with me.” Is that worthwhile? Well, let’s keep track of those two people. What happened? Were they even prospects? Did you get them qualified as quickly as possible? Were you able to sell to anybody who might have actually been interested in buying? Was it worthwhile? Because if you can make a decent volume sale with an hour and a half involvement on social media, then you can say, all right, that was worthwhile. If you put in an hour and a half on it and you have no conversations with anyone, then you keep track of it and you say, okay, well how much have I been putting in? Have I put in 10 hours, 15 hours, a hundred hours? And if so, how many conversations have I engaged in? How many of them led to actual sales conversations and did it generate a single dollar? And if it didn’t, then you either need to look at, is it the marketing vehicle itself? Is it the social media? Is that the problem? Am I not connected with the right people? Or am I not saying the right things? Goes back to what we talked about in a lot of these episodes, the MVPs of marketing and sales. Is my messaging right? Am I using the right combination of marketing vehicles and who are the people or prospects that I need to reach. If things aren’t working, it is always at least one of those things, sometimes more than one. Jay: Yeah. Such a great point. Tracking is, and, and measuring such an important part about social media. We started doing this a while ago and it never fails. The posts that I thought were not going to go anywhere, they blow up. And the ones where I was so proud of them and they just went nowhere. I have hashtags in my database and anytime something breaks like a thousand views, that to me is something. And I don’t know why, you know, I’ll do three posts, they average 300, and then the next one will have 12,000. And I don’t claim to know what the difference was. But I can see as I go along that there are trends in the description, you know, in the headline? Sometimes your content is great, but there’s a skillset in just knowing what to title your videos and your posts. That’s why I’ve also become a big fan of focusing on what your skillsets are. And so I do want to point out, it’s so easy nowadays to find people who are talented and skilled in this area on sites like Fiverr or Upwork. And so it may just be that you need to hire some help to do this for you, and then you focus on the conversations and on the closing. David: Yes, and if you are hiring someone, you need to let them know what your priorities are. Because a lot of people who do that sort of work, they think the goal is to get likes and engagement, and to some extent it is engagement, but the engagement needs to lead to the conversations that are going to result in sales. If they think that you’re going to be happy with just getting views and clicks, then they may be missing the point. Jay: Yeah. And you know, this happened to me. I ran for public office a couple of times and brought in an advertising firm, and they don’t really take the time to get to know me. And so every time we’d sit down and they’d show me what they’re going to post and stuff like this I’m having to repeat myself. Like they’re locked into this specific thing. And I’m like, that doesn’t match who I am and who I’m trying to attract. So that’s such an important first step in the process. Who are those customers? What is the message they want to hear? Can we provide valuable content? And how do we get them to get their fingers on that keyboard? David: Yeah, exactly. So just thinking those things through, recognizing that there should be a goal, there should be some tangible measure measurement. And if you just focus on that, you will probably create better results with your social media. Jay: Yeah, fantastic discussion, David. How do people find out more? David: Well, you can go to TopSecrets.com/call, schedule a call with myself or my team if you’re struggling with this. If you need to be able to get more clients, more quickly, whether it’s on social media or outside of social media, we’d love to have the conversation to see if we can help. So it’s TopSecrets.com/call. Jay: As always, David, such a pleasure talking to you. David: Thank you, Jay. Are You Ready to Start Getting More Sales from Your Social Media? If so, check out a few ways we can help you grow your sales & profits: Just Getting Started? If you (or someone on your team) is just getting started in promotional product sales, learn how we can help. Ready to Grow & Scale Your Business Fast? If you're an established distributor serious about growing your sales and profits now, check out this case study and schedule a call with our team. Need EQP/Preferential Pricing? If you're an established distributor doing a decent volume of sales, click here to get End Quantity Pricing from many of the top supplier lines in the promo industry.
Today I do some number swapping, some late night metal detecting, and I talk to an entire family of psycho bitches. This show is all thanks to Billio Dillio and the billions of others who support my shows on Patreon and Spotify and Tim Apple. The opening song is by BarberShopJon on Fiverr. The background music is Black Mages by Emergency Pizza Party. The end song is Wheels by Ghost Rappy. You know, I just watched a trailer for La Brea and it looks kind of cool. I doubt I'll ever watch it, but I would probably like it if I did.LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW: To find out more about the music you hear on this show, visit our page of artists. For a bit of history and a studio tour, this is a good starting page. Request a prank call and find links related to shows at snowplowshow.com. If you're searching for a specific thing said in a show, shitbradsays.com is a great resource for that.SUPPORT THE PLA: For extra weekly shows, subscribe on Patreon, Spotify, or Apple. Get our t-shirts and stickers at our TeePublic store. Get coins, vinyl records, CDs, and more on our Bandcamp page. We also have thing in our Zazzle store in our Spreadshirt store. Buy important things for us at PLA's wishlist or Brad's wishlist, but most importantly, please tell your friends, family, and strangers about all about us.JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Add PLA on Prankcast for live shows, add PLA on Facebook, add Snow Plow Show on Facebook, add PLA on X, add PLA on Tik Tok, add PLA on Bluesky, add PLA on Tumblr, add PLA on YouTube, add Snow Plow Show on YouTube, PLA on Twitch, PLA on Instagram, join a Prank Call Discord, the PLA Reddit, add RBCP on Instagram, add RBCP on X, add RBCP on YouTube, and leave a voice message for the show at 814-422-5309.PLA FRIENDS AND STAFF: Nik Caesar from scary-art.com is the unofficial PLA artist. Buy PLA designs from Nik's Spreadshirt store. You might also like the cactus and PLA designs in Laugh Track Matt's store. Clownsec does a lot of cool things for PLA so go honk the PLAnet. Watch JIAD's Calls of Mass Confusion and listen to a few of the prank call shows over at World of Prank Calls. Joe DiVita and Vista Blue do lots of music for us, but so do lots of other people, so visit the SPS music page for a very incomplete list.GAME WITH PLA Join us Animal Crossing addicts by becoming our friends on Switch. If you're into GTA5, join the PLA Radio crew.
Just when the team thinks they have things sorted out, Obi crashes in and drops an absolute bomb… something terrible is going on… lets hope they can handle whatever it is!!! Game Master: Chad MatchetteRaúl Parera AKA Astor: Cesar AlacronSir Reginald Tippery AKA Falstaff: Morgan CollinsTerri Bliss AKA Dart: Natasha SukorokoffPat Roleman AKA Paramount: Robin “Coach” Sukorokoff“Legends” Co-Creators: Chad and Jack MatchettePodcast Editors: Matt Williamson, Em Matchette and Chad MatchetteBUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME” NOW: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000192338578Listen to “Legends: The Superhero Soundtrack” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mBxdCslTJ1u1aBHetIiem?si=lt4_4_RUSISSP4E1e_7HiwTweet about the show using #thelegendscast for the chance to have an NPC named after you!For our super fans who would like to help us make the show the best it can be, please consider becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thelegendscastCheck out our heroic merch here: https://thelegendscast.threadless.com/#Come hang out with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jYpYhN3fTVFor more information head over to our website: https://www.matchplaygames.ca/Theme music by Omar Chakor (https://www.instagram.com/theorce/) through Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r)Underscoring by Sayer Roberts (https://www.instagram.com/roberts.the.sayer/) - check him out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-135673977 and SideBiz Studio!: https://bit.ly/3kdunQJCLICK HERE TO BUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME”!Support the show
“Your first ten episodes are your audition. They're the portfolio. They're the handshake.”I see too many podcasters treat those early episodes like practice rounds, but new listeners often go back to the beginning to decide if your show is worth their time.I think this episode is important because your first ten episodes are not just content. They are your foundation. They show people what your podcast is about, why they should trust you, and whether they want to keep listening. If you plan them well, they can prove your expertise, build a real connection, and give your audience value straight away.5 Key TakeawaysYour first ten episodes shape the listener's first impressionDo not treat early episodes like warm-upsUse three types of episodesTrust comes from three thingsYour first ten episodes should do specific jobsChapters00:00 – Why your first ten episodes matter03:00 – The mistake most podcasters make07:00 – The three-type framework15:00 – How to plan your first ten episodes20:00 – Your homework for the weekendSend us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
In this episode, I provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the best podcast microphone for any budget. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster, this episode covers various microphone options, explains the differences between dynamic and condenser mics, and compares USB and XLR connectivity. I also shares recommendations for budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end microphones, highlighting their features and performance. You'll gain insights into microphone types, connectivity options, and factors to consider for optimal sound quality in their podcast recordings.Key Takeaways and the time:- Different microphone types: Condenser and dynamic microphones [00:09:00]- Pros and cons of condenser and dynamic microphones [00:10:00]- USB microphones offer easy setup and portability, while XLR microphones provide professional quality but require additional equipment [00:11:00]- Budget-friendly microphones: Shure SM57, Audio Technica ATR2100X USB, Samsung Q2U [00:13:00]- Mid-range microphone options: Audio Technica AT2020, Rode NT1 [00:17:00]- High-end microphone recommendations: Shure SM7B, Neumann U87Ei [00:19:00]- Factors to consider for optimal sound quality: Accessories, microphone technique, audio editing software [00:22:00]Resources Mentioned:- Descript (audio editing software) [00:24:00]- SpeakPipe (platform for leaving voice messages) [00:26:00]- sevenmillionbikes.com (host's website for resources, courses, and services)Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
The second Black Books Matter Festival is inaugurated by Ramunda Young, co-owner of MahoganyBooks, whose opening remarks resonate with a deep appreciation for the significance of community spaces that embrace and celebrate Black narratives without the constraints of code-switching. Young's reflections set the tone for the festival, which features a panel of independent authors—Charlotte Avery, Brian Heat, and Cerece Rennie Murphy—who share their journeys in self-publishing, emphasizing how this choice has enabled them to maintain their creative integrity.They discuss the internal battles of self-doubt and the motivational factors that drive them to persist in their writing endeavors, focusing on the importance of serving their readers and cultivating their characters with love and dedication. During the panel, the authors delve into the complexities of balancing the artistic and commercial aspects of writing. They highlight the necessity of assembling support teams and utilizing cost-effective resources, such as Fiverr, to manage various facets of the publishing process. The discussion also covers valuable tools and strategies, including IngramSpark for print-on-demand services, and the Amazon KDP platform for effective keyword optimization to enhance discoverability. Young underscores the critical nature of owning intellectual property, which can pave the way for future adaptations and opportunities. She also champions Black Classic Press for its commitment to high-quality printing services, reinforcing the festival's mission to uplift Black-owned enterprises.This episode encapsulates a rich tapestry of experiences, offering practical advice and inspiring stories that illuminate the path of independent authors navigating the publishing landscape. The panelists' insights serve not only as a guide for aspiring writers but also as a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering community and cultural identity within the Black literary tradition.Takeaways:Ramunda Young emphasizes the necessity for Black community spaces to celebrate and share stories.The panelists discuss the importance of self-publishing to maintain creative control and protect their voices.Key strategies for balancing writing with the business aspects include building teams and using affordable services like Fiverr.IngramSpark is recommended as an essential resource for print-on-demand services and distribution among independent authors.Authors are advised to ensure their books have appropriate ISBNs, barcodes, and returnable terms for bookstore acceptance.Mentorship is highlighted as a critical asset for aspiring authors to navigate the publishing landscape effectively.Links referenced in this episode:blackclassicpress.commahonagonybooks.com
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Are you spinning your wheels on social media, wondering if there's a more direct path to attracting clients without the constant content grind? What if the algorithm was never the only answer and some of the fastest routes to clients have been hiding in plain sight all along?In this episode, Kathryn challenges the tunnel vision that keeps so many founders locked into social media as their sole visibility strategy, unpacking why it's often the longest and most exhausting path to cash flow. She shares her own recent experience landing a high-level client through Upwork in under 15 minutes, alongside real client stories involving complementary partnerships, wellness directories, and offline grassroots strategies that quietly kept founders fully booked without launching, ads, or cracking the algorithm.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:● How Kathryn landed a high-level, highly aligned client in under 15 minutes by spending just $1.67 on Upwork, following an intuitive nudge she almost talked herself out of and why this kind of direct, relationship-first approach often outpaces months of content creation and live launching.● Why platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and expert directories such as EveryExpert represent a fundamentally different category of visibility, one that puts your offer in front of people who are actively searching, rather than hoping an algorithm delivers it to the right audience at the right time.● How real clients have built fully booked practices through complementary partnerships, yoga studio brochures, and certification-based directories, none of which required a social media presence, funnel, or single paid ad.● Why social media's "never enough" environment can quietly wreck your business mindset and creative energy, and how stepping off that track – even temporarily – can open you to more sophisticated, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling ways of building your reputation and client base.And while you're here, follow us on Instagram @creativelyowned for more daily inspiration on effortlessly attracting the most aligned clients without spending hours marketing your business or chasing clients. Also, make sure to tag me in your stories @creativelyowned.https://www.instagram.com/creativelyowned/Start using Wispr Flow, the crazy handy voice-to-text AI that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. Click here.https://ref.wisprflow.ai/kathryn-thompsonGet Blotato, the content engine I use that combines 8-apps-in-1 to streamline content creation across multiple platforms. Click here.https://blotato.com/?ref=kathrynGet n8n, a workflow automation platform that uniquely combines AI capabilities with business process automation.Find out how to own your unique edge, amplify who you truly are and get paid for it, take your business to cosmic proportions, and have fun doing it, grab it here!!https://www.creativelyowned.com/quizBuild your own quiz using Interact Quizzes, click here.https://get.tryinteract.com/n6e4h5axrophJoin The Selling the Invisible AI Lab, a curated membership for founders who want to discover how to use AI in their business.https://creativelyowned.com/ai-lab
“Podcasting is not just about reaching the right type of person. It is about making someone feel understood.” I have seen this happen a lot. Someone says their podcast is for business owners, founders, coaches, or professionals who want to grow. That sounds useful at first, but it is usually too broad to guide real content decisions.What I have learned is that defining your podcast audience is not just about demographics. It is about understanding one real person. What are they worried about? What have they already tried? What are they searching for when they feel stuck?Once I started thinking this way, my episode planning became much clearer. The topics were sharper, the titles were stronger, and the calls to action felt more natural.5 Key TakeawaysDemographics are not enough: Age, job title, industry, and income can help, but they do not tell you what your listener is really dealing with.Broad audiences create broad content: When your show is for “small business owners” or “professionals,” your episodes can easily become too general to feel personal.A listener persona gives your content focus: Building one clear listener helps you choose better topics, write better titles, and make each episode more useful.The best content comes from real worries: Ask what your listener is worried about on a Sunday night, what they have already tried, and what they would Google at 11pm.Audience clarity makes the whole show stronger: Better gear and more promotion will not fix unclear content. Knowing who the show is for makes everything easier.Chapters00:00 - Why most podcasters misunderstand their audience02:00 - Why demographics are not enough06:00 - How broad audiences lead to weak content10:00 - Creating one clear listener persona13:00 - The three questions that reveal what your listener really needsSend us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
In the third in our series on finance business partnering we are joined by David Manela, who has had the role of CRO and CMO at Fiverr, Ideei, and Vivre. As managing partner and co-founder of Violet Growth he is in high-demand at some of the hottest scaling companies, designing a growth operating system that “speaks the CFO's language from day one”. It is tailored to companies spending more than $10m annually on marketing and sales - with digital as the main growth channel. “Spending a dollar in marketing is no different than spending a dollar in infrastructure, on say a forklift that you might need for your warehouse. You need a return on a specific schedule, and you need a percentage of returns on that schedule. Don't start with a campaign, start with a financial goal.” In this episode on the highlights and lowlights of the FP&A relationship with marketing, David talks: His background from audit to marketing and P&L responsibility at companies Marketing as an “investment” not a “cost” The power of getting a marketing forecast based on cohort behavior Payback period and capital constraints at Fiverr Disconnected and expensive mistakes in business partnering The power of AI in marketing and finance
The BEST Independent Music Artists & Singers from around the world: EDM, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Hip Hop, R & B, Rap, reggae, Jazz, Country, Folk, & more...Hosted by DTongAdvertising & Sponsorship: http://goo.gl/ioP6HwGuaranteed Song Play & Promotion: http://goo.gl/4aD98wBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Ella Podcasts w/ Ella Shermanhttps://bit.ly/4cCVe61Unreal Web Serieshttps://bit.ly/4d1oBiChttps://jadedmayhem.comWhisper: UTC Roleplaying Gamehttps://bit.ly/4f5TrZQLive Like Abbey by Luciana Hillhttps://a.co/d/02keoy6WWho Is The Most Important Person In Your Life?https://bit.ly/3Ra56Nxhttps://drink-zero.comAmelia: The Accidental Herohttps://bit.ly/4m1nAuTAlso New Music from:Jenson 'Bring It To Me'JKray 'midnight coffee'Norfolk South 'Southbound'Trip the Monkey w/ a Back2backLevi Guy 'Run With The Stars'Joshua Mika 'rest of our lives'Vallahigh 'Trinity'BrightNEarly 'Sleeper Agent'Joseph Rutakangwa 'This Song Is for Us'The Black Rose 'Lightning in the dark'Pablo Emanuel 'Renew Me'Defenz 'Dreamscape'IMURME 'Locked In'Saint Kon 'No Name'J Wood Capone 'Elevation'Ab5olootfaxtz 'We About 2 Blow'gretchen 'Care'Faty Crespo 'No Puedo Mas'Kormanec Sinkin' Hear Your Name'BeatForged 'hook in my veins'Kash Staxkz 'Weekend'Will Percs 'Second Time Around'Catch the show on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, TuneIn, Soundcloud, & www.DTongRadio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dtong-radio-indie-music-showcase--954466/support.
Dreaming of starting your own podcast but unsure where to begin with equipment and setup? Or looking to elevate your existing show? You've come to the right place! Join me in this episode of Smarter Podcasting as share everything you need to setup your own podcast studio, including podcasting equipment, and software.My practical tips, expert advice will hopefully ignite or reignite your passion. I share budget-friendly options, video podcasting, and essential items needed for your podcasting venture.Key Takeaways:Essential Equipment for Podcasters: Discover the must-have gear for setting up a podcast studio, including microphones, headphones, and recording interfaces.Budget-Friendly Options: Learn about cost-effective equipment and software that deliver professional results without breaking the bank.Optimizing Your Recording Space: Tips for creating a quiet and acoustically sound recording environment to enhance audio quality.Video Podcasting Integration: Explore how to incorporate video into your podcast setup and the benefits it can bring to your show.Recommended Software and Tools: Insights into useful podcasting software for recording, editing, and managing your podcast, including Descript and other editing tools.Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
The team is heading home with their tail tucked between their legs… but chin up… I'm sure everyone will understand why you didn't succeed… I mean… I hope they do… Game Master: Chad MatchetteRaúl Parera AKA Astor: Cesar AlacronSir Reginald Tippery AKA Falstaff: Morgan CollinsTerri Bliss AKA Dart: Natasha SukorokoffPat Roleman AKA Paramount: Robin “Coach” Sukorokoff“Legends” Co-Creators: Chad and Jack MatchettePodcast Editors: Matt Williamson, Em Matchette and Chad MatchetteBUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME” NOW: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000192338578Listen to “Legends: The Superhero Soundtrack” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mBxdCslTJ1u1aBHetIiem?si=lt4_4_RUSISSP4E1e_7HiwTweet about the show using #thelegendscast for the chance to have an NPC named after you!For our super fans who would like to help us make the show the best it can be, please consider becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thelegendscastCheck out our heroic merch here: https://thelegendscast.threadless.com/#Come hang out with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jYpYhN3fTVFor more information head over to our website: https://www.matchplaygames.ca/Theme music by Omar Chakor (https://www.instagram.com/theorce/) through Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r)Underscoring by Sayer Roberts (https://www.instagram.com/roberts.the.sayer/) - check him out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-135673977 and SideBiz Studio!: https://bit.ly/3kdunQJCLICK HERE TO BUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME”!Support the show
“Most business podcasts fail because they were never built with a clear purpose in the first place.” In this episode, I talk about why so many business podcasts start with energy, excitement, and good intentions, but slowly lose momentum.From what I have seen, the problem is usually not the host, the microphone, or the editing. The real problem is that the show was never built with a clear strategy.I think a business podcast should do more than just exist. It should attract the right people, build trust, and help move the business toward a real outcome. When the niche is clear, the goal is measurable, and the format is sustainable, the podcast becomes much more than content. It becomes part of the business system.5 Key TakeawaysA vague podcast will struggle to grow: Saying you want to “build awareness” or “grow an audience” sounds good, but it is too broad to guide a real strategy.Your niche needs to be clear: The right listener should hear your podcast description and instantly think, “This is for me.”One measurable goal changes everything: A strong business podcast needs one clear outcome, such as discovery calls, new clients, speaking invitations, or qualified leads.Consistency builds trust: A simple format you can keep producing is better than a big, polished format that burns out after a few episodes.A podcast should be part of your business system: When the show has a clear purpose, every episode, guest, topic, and call to action becomes easier to plan.Chapters00:00 - Why most business podcasts fail03:00 - The problem with vague podcast goals06:00 - Element 1: Choosing a clear niche10:00 - Element 2: Setting one measurable business goal14:00 - Element 3: Building a format you can sustainSend us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross breaks down findings from the B2B Backlink Intelligence Report, an analysis of 12,154 pages across 24 B2B brands and 11 verticals, to reveal why 44.8 percent of thought leadership content fails to earn meaningful backlinks. He exposes the 9.5-point performance gap hiding inside most B2B content strategies and shares the three underutilized formats that consistently generate authority, links, and compounding growth. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The 44.8% Failure Rate of Thought Leadership - Thought leadership accounts for 37 percent of B2B content but earns only 27 percent of backlinks. A 9.5-point performance gap signals massive resource misallocation across the industry. - Most teams never audit whether their executive POV content actually earns links. The data exposes a problem most marketing leaders are actively ignoring. 2. Inside the B2B Backlink Intelligence Report - The study analyzed 12,154 pages across 24 B2B brands and 11 verticals using two core questions: what format is it and how many referring domains does it earn? - The most published format turned out to be the worst performer on a per-page basis. Data replaces opinion. The receipts are in. 3. Why Thought Leadership Underperforms - Thought leadership sounds strategic but internal applause, Slack praise, and LinkedIn likes create a false sense of traction. Teams rarely check backlinks, citations, or amplification metrics. - Most brands overestimate how much the market cares about executive opinions. Journalists and analysts want citable data, clear definitions, and practical insights. Not hot takes. 4. When Thought Leadership Actually Works - It performs best when the brand is already famous. Authority compounds authority and mid-market brands rarely break through on opinion alone. - Unique data paired with a strong perspective outperforms pure POV every time. The question is not whether thought leadership works. It is whether it will work for you. 5. The Link Magnet Trifecta - Three formats consistently outperform thought leadership with higher efficiency rates, lower fail rates, and compounding backlink growth over time. - Most B2B teams are dramatically under-allocating to these formats while continuing to invest in the one with the worst returns. 6. Stats and Data Roundups: 4.25x Efficiency - Stats pages carry a fail rate of just 5.3 percent and a breakout rate of 42 percent to 1,000-plus referring domains. Journalists constantly search for consolidated, up-to-date statistics. - One well-maintained stats page can outperform a year of blog posts. Keep it fresh. Rankings and relevance drive long-term link velocity. 7. Glossary and Definition Pages - Writers link to the clearest definition available. Definitions age better than predictions or trend pieces, making these pages durable link assets. - Own the terminology in your category and you own the citations. This format remains powerful for links even as organic traffic patterns shift. 8. How-To Content Independent of Your Product - The highest-performing how-to content solves tasks even if your product did not exist. Avoid product documentation disguised as SEO content. - Utility-driven tutorials earn links because they help the broader ecosystem. Top performers covered tools and topics like Google Drive, HTML, Fiverr, and Alibaba. 9. Backlinks Still Matter in the AI Era - Google still runs on links even in AI mode. Authority signals matter more now, not less. Backlinks are infrastructure for search visibility across both traditional and generative engines. - The compounding effect rewards long-term operators. Every link earned today is a signal that shapes AI visibility tomorrow. 10. Think Like an Investor, Not an Artist - Backlinks compound after publication. Audit your content strategy before publishing another thought leadership piece and reallocate toward formats with asymmetric upside. - Invest more. Guess less. The brands that treat content like a portfolio will outperform the ones treating it like a creative outlet. Resources & Tools:
How is the German market different to English speaking markets, and why might it be worth looking into translation? What are the best ways to translate, self-publish and market your books in German? With Skye MacKinnon. In the intro, thoughts on feeling empty after a book, and the benefits of SubStack for authors [Stark Reflections; Wish I'd Known Then]; AI-Assisted Artisan Author webinars 16 and 23 May. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Skye MacKinnon is the award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of over 70 books across romance and children's books under multiple pen names, most of which are also available in German, which is her bestselling market. Her latest book for authors is Self-Publishing in German: How to Translate, Publish and Market Your Books. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why the German-speaking market is much bigger than just Germany, and which genres sell best there Title protection laws, the Impressum, and translator copyright How to find and vet human translators, and what a quality translation actually costs The current state of AI translation for fiction, and why quality assurance passes are essential Distribution decisions: the Tolino Alliance, Skoobe, libraries, and why IngramSpark doesn't work in Germany Marketing in German: BookDeals, LovelyBooks, ads, BookTok, and why pre-orders matter even more You can find Skye SkyeMacKinnon.com and her children's books at IslaWynter.com. Transcript of the interview with Skye MacKinnon Jo: Skye MacKinnon is the award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of over 70 books across romance and children's books under multiple pen names, most of which are also available in German, which is her bestselling market. Her latest book for authors is Self-Publishing in German: How to Translate, Publish and Market Your Books. Welcome, Skye. Skye: Hi. Thank you so much for having me. Jo: This is such an interesting topic. But first up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing. Skye: I've always loved writing, but I was always told, “Well, you can't be an author. Get a proper job.” So I became a journalist and did that for a few years, but there was always that love of creative writing. At some point when I was getting more active on social media, I was following some other indie authors and realised they're just like me. They're not special people. I had always pictured authors as these mythical beings high up above the rest of us. That gave me the courage to put out my own book. I self-published from the start, never even looked into trad publishing, and that was in 2017. I was really lucky because my first series totally hit it off. I was able to quit my job a year later and I have been a full-time author ever since. I started with romance and then, by accident, got into children's books. Which has been great fun. I don't even have children myself, but it's just that palette cleanser in between. Writing about cute animals and unicorns and just bringing some fun into everything. Nowadays I have about five or six pen names, depending on how you count, across genres, although most of it is romance, and that's my bread and butter really. Jo: Yes, I'm certainly one of those people who wish I could write romance. It always just seems to be the most profitable market in any language, I guess. Let's get into the book. It's a fantastic book. I've been through it myself. It's really packed full of everything you need, so we can't cover everything. Let's start by considering the German language in general. Why is German a good language market to consider expanding into? And for anyone who might not realise, why is it more than Germany? Skye: Well, Germans love to read, and depending on the statistic that you look at, they're generally seen as the third largest book market in the world after English and Mandarin Chinese. So it's a huge market, even though you think of Germany as a small little country in Europe. As you said, it's much more than Germany. Yes, you've got about 83 million people in Germany, but then you've also got Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and even Italy. So if you look at the whole footprint on the map, it is much bigger than just the one country. A lot of young people there still read and go to bookshops. There's a huge bookshop culture. You will find, if you go to a high street there, way more bookshops than you do here in the UK, for example. There's demand for quality and for really gorgeous books. They have been way ahead of the curve when it comes to special editions and sprayed edges, and they also like translations. I found one statistic where about two thirds of all newly released titles in German are actual translations. Readers are used to translations, but until a few years ago it was all trad-published translations. So this transition is coming now. It's coming very, very fast, especially with AI. They generally are very open to translations as long as the quality is there. Jo: So what about specific genres then? Obviously we mentioned romance there, and romance is not just one genre anymore. Whatever they're writing— How can somebody tell if it's worth expanding into German? How do we do this? It takes time and effort and money, potentially. Skye: It can take a lot of money, so it is worth doing research. There's one easy way, which is just looking at your current sales and looking at how many books you're selling in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland at the moment in English. That can give you an indication of which of your books might be already quite popular there. Sometimes it's quite surprising. A lot of my books sell very differently in German than they do in English. I've got one series that did okay in English, and I almost didn't translate it. The German version is, I think, my second bestselling series in German and has completely surprised me. So sometimes it's worth just experimenting a bit. Otherwise, obviously as you said, romance is doing really well. There are a few surprises though. I had a chat with Draft2Digital and they gave me lots of information from their statistics, and they said about 40% of all the western title sales on Draft2Digital are actually in Germany, which is just a huge percentage. Jo: In English? Skye: Across languages. Jo: Mm-hmm. Skye: Germans, to be fair, they love their westerns. My dad in Germany, he has been watching westerns for I don't know how many decades. It is one of those things that is just really popular there. Another thing is anything that is set in other countries and really has the location as almost like a character. There's lots of Cornwall, Scotland, different islands, but also mountains and cities. So if your book is set in, even in New York City, if it has a clear setting—if it's not just that it could be any city—then that's a good one to think about translating. In general, most genres can do well. There's a few where you have to be a bit careful. Second World War books, for example. If you have a book that portrays every single German as a Nazi and as evil, it might not do as well in Germany. So some common sense when it comes to historical books. Otherwise, just look at German retailers, look at what is selling there—and not just Amazon. Places like Thalia, which is part of the Tolino Alliance, and they have about 40% of the market. So it's really important to look at them too, and not just at Amazon. Jo: We'll come back to the distribution in a minute. There are some important differences between the German market and the US/UK market. Obviously we're talking about a different language, but of course there are a few things that are different that some people might not think about. So give us a few of those things that people definitely need to think about. Skye: Okay, so even before you start publishing, you need to be aware that title protection is a thing in Germany. Your book can't have the same title as an already published book. That is a law that is basically there to avoid readers being confused. So if you had five books with the same title, readers might not realise which book is by which author. You have to do your research and check if anyone else is using your title. There are some exceptions—if it's a completely different category, so if there's a children's book with that title but you write spicy romance, then the chance that the reader gets confused is much lower. Quite often you can then contact either the author or the publisher and ask, “Can I get written permission to use that title?” I did that for one of my series and it was totally fine. Just be sure to get it in writing, because if your book suddenly becomes a huge bestseller, they might reconsider. So title protection is an important one. You need to research that before you publish. One thing that people sometimes get confused about is reusing their English title. That's totally fine because it's your own title. So if your English title hasn't been used and you want to keep that same title, that works. It's just about other people's books where you can't use those titles. Another important legal bit is the Impressum. It's the copyright page. To be fair, websites that are targeting German readers or a German audience have to have that Impressum. It's usually on page two of the book, and it has things like your legal name, your address, and then the usual things like the translator's name, cover design, and other things you would usually put on a copyright page. The problem is that technically you need to put your legal name in there unless you have a limited company, in which case you can also put the business name there, and your address. A lot of people obviously don't want to do that for privacy reasons, especially romance authors where it's sometimes a bit sketchy when it comes to some readers who get a bit too obsessed. There are services where you can pay a monthly or yearly fee and then use their address. It's a bit of a legal grey zone, but a lot of German authors are doing it because—especially as indie authors—we don't always want to put our legal address out there. Jo: Just for people listening, I use my accountant's address. That's quite common. I mean, you have to share your address on your email for anti-spam laws and all that kind of thing. As you say, there are ways to use other addresses. That just needs to happen. What else then do we need to think about? Skye: There are things about the translator. A lot of things that people are sometimes scared about is when they hear that there is a copyright issue with translators and they think, “Oh, my translator has the copyright. I can't do anything.” Actually, the translator is seen as an author—almost like a co-author of the translation in German law—because, to be fair, it's not just putting one word into another. Translation is quite a creative job, especially when it's fiction. It is a very creative job where the translator has to put a lot of their own creativity into it. So in German law, they're recognised as the creator of that translation and therefore have certain rights. But you as the author, as soon as you have a contract with your translator—which is why you always, always, always have to have a contract—you get the usage rights. This means it's exactly the same as with your English books. You can do with them what you want. You can get audiobooks, you can do print books, you can do whatever you want in different formats. It just needs to be clear in a contract that the translator is giving you the usage rights of that translation. That's something that people sometimes find a bit scary, but actually it's really simple. Translations have been done for so long. It's a normal thing. It's just called slightly different. It has to be set out in a contract. Jo: Just on that, that's when the translator themselves is in Germany, because if they are based somewhere else, still doing a German translation, that's not necessary. So that's something else for people to consider. Skye: Yes, definitely. To be fair— I would always try to get a translator based in the country. I mean, I'm a native German speaker, but I've been in Scotland for so long now that I am not confident enough to translate my own books anymore because I'm not surrounded by German 24/7 and my grammar is slightly off and I don't have that up-to-date, modern lingo. So if it's a translator who's only just moved somewhere else or a few years, that's fine. But if it's someone who's been in the US or UK or somewhere else for 20 years, I would be a bit more hesitant. That's just a personal perspective on that. One other thing that's different is Sie and du. There are two different kinds of “you” when you talk to someone. There's the formal Sie, which you use basically amongst adults, in business contexts. But even my German grandma—she had a friend and they used the formal Sie for about 10 years as friends because in German etiquette, the older person has to offer the younger person the informal du, and they never did that for some reason. We found it hilarious as kids that they were still using the formal Sie as really good friends. So there's an entire culture there that people who haven't been to Germany or haven't lived there for a while just find a bit difficult, because there are so many different unwritten rules about when you use Sie and when you use the informal du. It's weakened a bit over the years and nowadays even strangers would sometimes use the informal du depending on the context. It really depends. A good translator will usually handle that themselves. They will find a scene where, for example, especially in romance, you meet as strangers in the beginning, so you use the formal Sie, and then at some point that formality turns to informality. The translator will usually choose that moment and add a little extra scene or a sentence where they either offer it to each other or they just naturally switch into it. But then there might be an internal little monologue of, “Oh, he just used the informal du—I guess we're at that stage,” or, “I really appreciate that.” Just to make it more natural, because that's something I quite often see with AI translation where that doesn't happen, and readers get confused. Why did they just switch from Sie to du without any kind of acknowledgement of that? Jo: This is the same in Spanish and other languages, I imagine. Skye: Yes, French as well. Italian too, I think. A lot of European languages have this. Jo: I think that's something that English speakers just don't get. It is a really interesting moment. I guess that might not happen so much in other genres—that really is a thing in romance. I was just thinking about some of my thrillers. They may never have time to get to du. Skye: But then sometimes using du can also be a rude thing. So if you have an antagonist who really doesn't like your protagonist, they might just use du as a rude sort of address. Again, that's something that English speakers just wouldn't understand or even think of because we just have the one “you.” Jo: We just have the one. Jo: It's the tone. Of course, it's the tone. Skye: Exactly, yes. Jo: Okay, well let's get into the actual translation of the books themselves. Over the years I've worked with lots of humans. I've also licensed my rights. I've used different AI tools. I mean, there are tons, but as we record this— What are the options that are available for translations? Give us some tips on working with humans and finding humans. Because it can be super pricey. And of course most of us will never know about the quality until we publish it. Skye: Oh, yes, definitely a note on that. I found that quite often you will already have German people on your newsletter list or on your social media, and most of them will be super happy to give you some feedback on your translation. That's something I've used a lot. Not for German, because I speak the language, but when I did French and Italian translations. My French is—well, it used to be quite okay. It is passable at best now. So I would never feel confident enough to rate a translation. So I asked my newsletter list, “Are there any French people here who would be happy to read the book? I'll send you a free copy at the end, and some swag.” There were a surprising number of people who got back to me. The same applies to German and other languages, because if you don't speak the language, you sometimes lack the confidence of knowing if this is any good. Getting some reader feedback is super helpful. For finding human translators, the easiest of course is word of mouth, and I'm a big fan of that because you get instant feedback on whether someone is good or not and whether it's easy to work with them. Then there are freelancer platforms. Reedsy is one where everyone is vetted, so that's pretty good. But there are tons of other ones like Upwork and Fiverr, though there you have to do all the vetting yourself, so that takes a lot more time and effort. There are also more and more agencies—translator agencies who specialise in doing indie book translations. There's Literary Queens, there's Valentine Translations, there are tons of them. Then there's also, which I think a lot of authors ignore or don't know about, translation databases. There are two databases for German translators, for example, where you can search and you can usually narrow it down to whether you want literary translators, what kind of fiction or nonfiction you want. An important thing is that a literary translator is very different from a standard translator who translates birth certificates or formal documents. You want someone who has experience with fiction if you write fiction. Someone who knows about adding drama through language. Sometimes, for example, when you have an action scene, you might have shorter sentences. If you have someone who doesn't know about stuff like that, they might just think, “Oh, in German it sounds really nice to have this really long sentence.” Those little nuances are where having an experienced literary translator is a big bonus. There are some platforms that do royalty-split translations that have been quite popular in the past. Most of them I wouldn't really recommend because you just don't get those professional translators there. You usually get people who speak the language but don't really have much experience. So you might end up with a pretty bad translation, or people might just be using AI translations without telling you. If you use a human translator, always, always get a sample, because yes, they might have amazing credentials, but until they've actually translated one of your books or a scene from your book, you don't really know how good they are. I like to always use, if I write romance, a slightly sexy scene, because sex seems to show you if someone can translate or not. It's just what I've found, because if it sounds absolutely awkward or more like mechanical rather than an emotional, spicy thing, then that's a clear point for me to say, “No, thank you. I'll look for someone else.” Action scenes, sexy scenes, really emotional ones, dialogue that has a bit of colloquial language or humour—those are good scenes to choose as a sample because that really shows you if a translator can do their job or not. Then, again, have some German people from your list give you feedback on that. Also, if you work with human translators, always try to make sure that they will be available for your entire series. And not even just a series—if you have lots of books, try to grab that translator, lock them in your basement, and never let them go, because you want their style for all your books. Just like you have a style as an author, translators have a style and that will always shine through, as much as they try to be as close to your original. A bit of their style will always come through. It helps to have the same translator for at least the same series, preferably for as many of your books as possible. You really want to tell them in the beginning, “This series has nine books. I want you to do all of these, even if we only do a few of them at the beginning. Are you available to do the rest later?” Because you don't want to end up having to find a new translator in the middle of the series. That gives you a whole lot of extra work with trying to have a world bible that explains which words get translated and which get left as the original, and stuff like that. When it comes to non-human translation, it's very different because of course you don't need to do all that vetting. Tools have different capabilities and abilities, but in the end, if you put your book into a translation tool, you will always get a slightly different output. So it's not quite the same where you need an entire vetting process. Jo: Just on the human translation, I think I'd be right in saying that every single author in the world would love to have the best human translator translating their book, whatever genre it is. That would just be amazing for all of us. But let's face it, that's extremely expensive. So if I've got, let's say, a 70,000-word thriller, how much money are we talking about? An approximate number, so people know what that might be. Skye: Usually it goes by the word, but by the target language word count. Although it depends on the translator, traditional translators usually go by the target language because that's what they actually produce as their output. The average at the moment is anything from about seven to nine euro cents per word as the medium price. You will find cheaper people. You can go up as high as you want really. I have definitely seen translators who charge 15 cents and above per word, but those will usually be the ones who have worked with a lot of trad publishers who are used to being paid like that. Although even in trad publishing, the rates are going down. With more and more authors wanting translations, I think in general rates are going down. Good for us, not so good for the translators. You're definitely looking at thousands, even if you translate novellas. Then it depends—some translators have editing included, sometimes they don't. A lot of them will have arrangements with other translators where they give the translation to another translator for them to edit it. Sometimes that's included in the price, sometimes it's extra. Always make sure it gets edited, because just like when we write a book, it will never be exactly perfect. I say that as someone who writes very clean because I have a journalism background, so I'm used to writing really fast and clean for deadlines, but there will always be a few typos that just wriggle their way in. Typos are evil like that. It's the same with translations. Jo: So we are probably looking at 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, dollars, euros. We are talking about quite a lot, and this is the main reason I think that now, with AI becoming a lot better, people are looking at this. Originally—and I don't even know, probably eight years now since I did my first, might even be a decade or more—I did at some point do a version in DeepL, which was an early AI translation tool. This was nonfiction, and then paid an editor, a German editor, to then edit that in German. Those books still get good reviews. But now people are looking at options like GlobeScribe and ScribeShadow, or even just using Claude or ChatGPT. I'm actually working at the moment on a Claude Code pipeline through lots of different QA passes. That's been really interesting for me, because I can say, “Okay, now you are a reader who likes these kinds of books. Read it for that.” And because we can now put really big books in, I can actually get a lot of really interesting feedback. So I feel like there's a lot of potential with AI—potential for good stuff, potential for bad stuff too. So talk a bit about that and what to watch out for with AI. Skye: Okay, so I'm very much pro-AI and I use AI in lots of different things in my business, just to preface that. However, with translations, I'm still a bit wary, just because I have seen a lot of bad AI translations. To be fair, I've experimented with it myself for one of my other pen names. It was readable. It was definitely readable. It had sometimes beautiful, gorgeous prose. Really. But there were, occasionally—quite often even—bits where I stumbled as a native speaker. It's readable and, if I just need a little quick book in between, I would be mostly happy with that. I would read it. It's the same as some of the early KU days where you found a lot of bad quality writing, but you just wanted to read it because the story was pretty good or because you were reading it in KU and so it didn't really matter that much. There is that spectrum of quality where you have the, “Yes, it's good enough to read,” but, “Is it good enough to be up to your standards?” That's a decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If they want the same quality that they put into their English book, or if they're fine with just offering that book to a new audience because maybe you wouldn't be able to do it otherwise. I totally see that. Translation is so expensive. I don't even know how much I have spent on translations over the past few years. I'm lucky that most of my books make it back within the first weeks or months. I've never had a book that didn't make its money back, but I have heard a lot of people where that's not the case. It is a lot of investment and I would never tell someone to go into debt or anything to do translations. Do it when you're at a time where you can afford it, or where you can also afford the loss if it doesn't work out. Now, AI has changed that slightly because it now opens it up to almost anyone. Some of the AI translation tools are a few hundred pounds, but if you do it in Claude or ChatGPT or something where you already have a subscription, it can actually be quite cheap. You can do it for a few dollars or pounds. I love, by the way, having someone in the UK. I'm so used to automatically saying everything in dollars, but actually I should be using pounds. I think if you know what you're doing—and you clearly do, with your several passes, you know what you're doing with AI—but if someone just puts their book into Claude or ChatGPT or some random tool, it might just not be good enough. Jo: Let's say it won't be good enough if you just do that. We know that. You have to have QA passes—quality assurance. You have to have rules per genre. There are ways of doing it. It's kind of like you have to get to know how translation works. It's a process. It's not just a translation, like you put something in Google Translate or a menu or something, because we do care. I think that's really important. Skye: Yes. I think if you don't know how AI works—that you need detailed prompts, that you need a style guide, that you need all that extra material and not just your book, all those rules—then please don't do it. If you value your German readers—and I think sometimes when I see people just churn out those translations without doing any quality control, using exactly the same cover or even just putting a German flag on it or something—I really feel bad for German readers because they're not being valued as having the same sort of value to us as authors as our English-speaking readers. Maybe I'm a bit biased there because I read in multiple languages. I want to be able to get the same sort of quality in all languages. I want the author to think of me as being special because I'm their reader and I'm their customer. I think we are on the way where AI translation can be almost autonomous. I would personally always have a human look over it. I know what I'm doing, and I'm almost happy with my translation system that I've built now in AI, but it still needs that human touch for a few things. It still needs me to tell the AI, for example, “This is where we switch from Sie to du.” This is where I need to keep certain words in. For example, I write a lot of Scottish books, and so words like “glen” or “loch”—they are words I want to stay the same in my German translation. I don't want to translate it to the German equivalent of “lake” because that just misses that Scottish context. Things like that need instruction. A human translator will usually know that and chat to you about which words you want to keep and which ones you want translated. AI just needs our guidance, our helping hand, and if we don't know enough about the target language, we just miss knowing that. Now, a lot of tools do it all for you basically, and they set up all these rules. I think many of them are at a very advanced stage now. But AI isn't perfect and it likes to hallucinate, it likes to add random things. So I will always still have a human touch at the end, even if it's just a quick edit. A lot of people think that they just need a proofread after an AI translation, but AI doesn't really make typos—or not to an extent that humans do. So proofreading isn't really what's needed for an AI translation. It is actual editing where you go for the style, the phrasing, and sometimes the context. There's one example I always like to give. I have an alien romance where they go on a honeymoon, and because he's an alien and she's human, he misunderstands and thinks she wants to go to an actual moon. So it's a little pun in the book. It doesn't work in German at all because the word “honeymoon” has nothing to do with moons or planets in German. An AI would probably just try to translate that in a way that's quite close to the original. But my German translator, she had to come up with several different ways of fixing that issue, because humour is hard. It's hard even for humans to get the humour translated in a way that is still funny but also culturally appropriate. If you have a book that is full of puns, it gets harder with AI. I am not saying it's impossible, but it needs a lot of handholding. Jo: Yes, I think humour is hard to translate in general, isn't it? Let's move on to the distribution, because again, having done quite a lot of different languages over the years, I do use Amazon KU for my books in German and Italian and Spanish and some French. So I haven't gone wide in terms of ebook and print or audio, in fact, because I have a lot of books and it is hard to go wide in English, let alone in other languages. But you mentioned earlier that Thalia has 40% of the market or something, and that special editions and print books are important. So what are the decisions we have to make around the actual publishing? Skye: In Germany they did a really cool thing, and I wish they'd done that in other countries. When the bookshops saw that Amazon was growing and posing a threat to them—not just with print books but also with ebooks—a lot of the German bookstores got together and they formed the Tolino Alliance. They have big book chains like Thalia, but also I think it was over 1,500 indie bookshops that all got together. They all support this ecosystem for ebooks, which means they all share the same e-readers. They share the same sort of backend for the shops, which made it really easy for them because they didn't all have to develop an ebook system. It saved them a lot of money. It made it really easy to tell readers, “This is the Tolino system. You can get your books at our bookshops, but you can read them on your Tolino e-reader no matter where you get the books from.” The Tolino e-readers are actually the same as Kobo e-readers, just rebranded. They've got that big advantage there—these independent bookshops and book chains all got together. Now it's hard to find numbers because Amazon doesn't really like to share their numbers, but it's about 40% of the German ebook market, which means it rivals Amazon. They have about the same. Then the rest is split by Apple Books, Google Play, and some of the smaller players. So it is a huge chunk of the market. I'm wide with pretty much all my English books. So for me, I looked into KU, but when I saw that I was going to miss out on 60% of the market—even if Amazon has 45%, that's still a big chunk—I decided to go wide. To be fair, I haven't regretted it, because Tolino are amazing to work with. I like to compare them to Kobo because they have a really lovely human team where you can just email them and tell them, “I've got a new release coming up,” and they will put you into different promos and it's all free. Jo: Do you publish direct to Tolino, or do you use Draft2Digital? Skye: Yes, you can publish direct to Tolino and that's actually the best way of doing it. You don't have access to their marketing opportunities if you use a distributor. The Tolino dashboard is annoyingly all in German, but by now every browser has a translating plugin built in. I know lots of authors who don't speak a single word of German who navigate Tolino very successfully. They started with only ebooks in the beginning, and then about two weeks after the first edition of my book on German translations was published, they introduced print books, which meant my book was immediately out of date. I was fuming. But this time they introduced audiobooks a few weeks before my Kickstarter launch for the second edition, so this time the audiobook part is included. I was very happy about that, because it was a pain to just tell everyone, “Well, this book is out now but it's actually missing a big part of how to do print books in Germany.” So Tolino does print, ebooks, and audiobooks. And just because you're in KU with your ebooks doesn't mean you can't publish your print books via Tolino. I highly recommend that, because IngramSpark—which most of us indies use for distribution for print books—doesn't get you into the German bookstores. They used to. Then German stores have fixed price laws where books have to be the same price in all stores, and IngramSpark kept going against that. They kept sending them the wrong prices. So German bookstores at some point just said, “Nope, we've had enough of this. We no longer take books from IngramSpark.” So now Tolino, in my opinion, is the best way of getting your books listed in German online bookstores, but they can also help you get into brick-and-mortar stores. One of my books was featured by them, I think two years ago, and it was in about 300 of their shops all across Germany. It had its own little pedestal and it was amazing. Tolino love working with their indie authors. They also love romance, which is always a bonus because some stores are more prudish than others. It's really easy to work with them. They speak perfect English, so you can do all your communication outside of the dashboard in English. Their audiobooks feature is very new. Until they did that, it was much harder for German audiobook distribution because places like Findaway Voices and other distributors wouldn't get you into the Tolino Alliance stores for audio. That's a big chunk that we were missing out on. I was always looking for ways to get my German audiobooks into those stores, but the German distributors that I found were really difficult to upload to, to be honest. I'm a very technical person, but it challenged even me. I did not like that experience at all. At some point I really just gave up and wanted to throw my computer out of the window. So when Tolino introduced that, I was celebrating internally. The only problem with their distribution at the moment for audio, because it's so new, is that you can't exclude any shops. So it's all or nothing. They will get you into all the different places, including Audible, Spotify—you name it, lots of different streaming services and retailers—but you can't exclude any. So while they don't actually want exclusivity, if you published it yourself at the same time through ACX or Findaway Voices or something else, you would have duplicates, and of course, we try to avoid those. Jo: Is it human narration only, or do they also accept AI narration? Skye: They accept AI narration. The thing with Tolino is that they want everything made very clear. If you publish any books with them that have an AI production aspect, you need to put that into your Impressum. For audiobooks, there's a box to tick to make it clear. Jo: Hmm. Skye: So they are open to it all. You just need to declare it. Jo: Which I think should be true everywhere, to be fair. Skye: Oh, definitely. And a lot of German distributors—while I was researching for this book, one thing I always looked at is, “Do they need you to declare your AI use?” More and more German distributors and retailers now want you to do that. I think that's the way it's going. It's not a judgement thing. I think it's just making it clear to readers. In Germany, it's all about transparency. That's why there are all those laws with GDPR—everyone will have heard about that one by now. But there are lots of other laws where it's all about consumer rights and transparency, and that's one of them. Jo: Is there anything else on the distribution side we need to think about? Skye: One thing I like to highlight is libraries, because that's quite a big thing in Germany too. They love books and bookstores and they love libraries. Some of the ways we get our English books into libraries—like a distributor like Draft2Digital for OverDrive—OverDrive is growing in Germany. There are other systems like Onleihe, just to name one. You can't get into those through, for example, Draft2Digital or PublishDrive or StreetLib. Tolino gets you into those. There are also subscription platforms that are growing. I think it's the same as in the English-speaking market. People love a subscription, and I love them. I just don't like exclusivity. So I very much support any subscription platform that doesn't require me to be exclusive to them. Skoobe is one of them. They used to be an independent platform, and then the Tolino Alliance bought them. So now they're integrated into the Tolino stores. That means it's really prominent. Basically, any time you go to an ebook on, for example, Thalia, it will have a banner there saying, “You can also get this in our subscription.” So it's taken a while to grow, but actually in December I now made more with their subscription programme than I made in book sales. I think three of my books were in their top 10 in December. To be fair, that was a pretty good month. But it definitely shows that it can take a while to grow these subscription platforms, but when you do, it can be really successful and very much worth it. So I highly suggest looking into those sorts of platforms too, not just the standard retailers and the platforms that you're already used to. Jo: Fantastic. So we've now got translations, they're on the various stores, and then just like in English, one of our next challenges is actually marketing the books. Now this becomes another challenge, because one of the reasons I am in KU for foreign languages is because you get the five free days and you can do Amazon ads. I mean, you can do Amazon ads for wide books too, but it's easier to know that there are some options for marketing at all. I don't do email marketing. I don't do social media, so I'm pretty bad at marketing in foreign languages. So what are your suggestions for those who want to do more active marketing in German especially? Or even if we don't speak German, it can't be all the personal stuff. But are there also advertising things like BookBub? What are our options basically? Skye: There are quite a few things. It's not quite as easy as in English, of course, but I think sometimes you have to remember that you already have most of the material for marketing when you've released a book. You will have made graphics in English, you will have written a newsletter, you will have done some social media posts. All that material is already there, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. You can just translate that, and for that, AI translation is really good because it's very quick. You don't have to bother your translator. You can just get that done. That's what I had to remind myself, because in the beginning I did everything from scratch and it took me forever and I was hating it. Then I realised, well, I could just look at the newsletter I wrote three years ago when that book released in English and translate that. That's done within a minute and I can send that out. So remember that you have a lot of content already. There's no BookBub or nothing as big as BookBub. There is a site called BookDeals, which sends out newsletters for both reduced or free books and also for new releases. I use them for pretty much all my new releases, or at least always the first in series. They're nowhere near as big as BookBub, so don't expect miracles, but I generally always break even or a bit more. It's hard to tell, of course, especially if you do several things for a new release. But my instinctive look on this is that it's worth it. BookDeals is the big one. There are a few other promo sites, but to be honest, I've not really found any of them to give me a positive ROI. I experiment with them occasionally and I listed them all in my book just for completeness, but BookDeals is the big one. Then there is LovelyBooks, which is the German Goodreads. Some Germans also use Goodreads, so always make sure to have all your German books listed there. But LovelyBooks is the big one. I love that place because people are so much kinder than on Goodreads. I avoid Goodreads completely. If I need a review, I send my assistant there to look at reviews. I don't go there. It is scary. LovelyBooks—the name is kind of telling. It is a more lovely place. People are generally more friendly. They are probably a bit more critical when they write reviews than they are on retailers, but I have found it really nice to build a community there. You can do these book clubs where you give away a copy of your book, either as print books—or I always do ebooks because I don't want to send books to Germany. Then people discuss the book as a sort of book club and then they review it at the end. I have had great success with that. I've built up a community of readers who will now buy my books too, even if they don't get them for free. I found some beta readers through that. So I love LovelyBooks. The annoying thing again is it's in German. However, their support all speaks English and you can email them with questions. They're really good. Even if you don't plan to run any book clubs or anything like that because you don't speak the language, I would always advise just setting up an author profile there because it makes it easier for your books to be found. You can track reviews, you can track reads, and that just gives you an extra place to get more visibility for free. Ads—there's not much difference compared to what you do for your English-language books. The one thing is with Facebook ads, now because of EU data protection laws, it's much harder to target because people can opt out of ads and targeting. In general, cost-per-click ads are cheaper than in the US or the UK, so that's a bonus. BookTok is big and only growing there. I don't really do social media for my German books because I just don't have the bandwidth. I wish I could, and I know some people who outsource that. In an ideal world, I would have a social media account for every single language, but it's not an ideal world and I just have limited hours in the day. But even just creating an account so that people can tag you, so that people can find you, can already be a good start. One thing that's not maybe a marketing strategy as such, but something I like to highlight, is pre-orders. If you write in series, always, always make sure that the next books in your series are up for pre-order, because— German readers have been burned so many times by authors or even publishers who just translate book one in a series and then stop. They are quite hesitant sometimes to start a new series when they see it's book one of something and they don't see the next book up for pre-order. To be fair, it's similar in English. I always make sure to have a pre-order up for the next book. Because people would just not read the series until it's complete or until they know it will be complete at some point. So always set up a pre-order if you can. Don't set it up when you don't actually know when your translation is being done, or choose a date far in the future. Just make it very clear to your readers that you are intending to translate the entire series, that you're not going to disappoint them, that they're not just wasting their money on a book one only to never find out what happens next. Jo: Fantastic. Well, this is a big decision for people to make, I think, because there's no point in doing one book in German and then not doing anything else, in the same way as doing one book in English or any language. You have to think about investing in an audience. So lots for people to think about. The book is fantastic. It's called Self-Publishing in German. So where can people find you and your books online? Skye: For my author-facing things, just go to SkyeMacKinnon.com/authors, and there you find the book about German translations. You also find more information on what I do. You can book consultations with me. I love doing those one-to-ones, especially about translations, because you can really dive into someone's catalogue and look at what would be a good strategy for someone, rather than just in general. Otherwise, it's SkyeMacKinnon.com for all my romance. If you want adorable children's books, it's IslaWynter.com. That's Wynter with a Y. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Skye. That was great. Skye: Thank you so much for having me.The post Self-Publishing in German: How to Translate, Distribute, and Market Your Books with Skye MacKinnon first appeared on The Creative Penn.
The BEST Independent Music Artists & Singers from around the world: EDM, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Hip Hop, R & B, Rap, reggae, Jazz, Country, Folk, & more...Hosted by DTongAdvertising & Sponsorship: http://goo.gl/ioP6HwGuaranteed Song Play & Promotion: http://goo.gl/4aD98wBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Ella Podcasts w/ Ella Shermanhttps://bit.ly/4cCVe61Unreal Web Serieshttps://bit.ly/4d1oBiCLive Like Abbey by Luciana Hillhttps://a.co/d/02keoy6WShakerBot+https://bit.ly/4caP7FAhttps://drink-zero.comAmelia: The Accidental Herohttps://bit.ly/4m1nAuTRIVERKID - Volume 1 launchhttps://bit.ly/4skXLHMShareBike GO!https://bit.ly/41Mx7fTBuild It!https://bit.ly/4mzCb0RAlso New Music from:Jenson 'Bring It To Me'JKray 'midnight coffee'Norfolk South 'Southbound'Trip the Monkey w/ a Back2backLevi Guy 'Run With The Stars'Joshua Mika 'rest of our lives'Vallahigh 'Trinity'BrightNEarly 'Sleeper Agent'Joseph Rutakangwa 'This Song Is for Us'The Black Rose 'Lightning in the dark'Pablo Emanuel 'Renew Me'Defenz 'Dreamscape'IMURME 'Locked In'J Wood Capone 'Elevation'Ab5olootfaxtz 'We About 2 Blow'gretchen 'Care'Daddy Ross ft Palma 'The Bad Decisions'The Band Almighty 'Country Boy With A White Smile'Kormanec Sinkin' Hear Your Name'BeatForged 'hook in my veins'Kash Staxkz 'Weekend'Will Percs 'Second Time Around'Catch the show on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, TuneIn, Soundcloud, & www.DTongRadio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dtong-radio-indie-music-showcase--954466/support.
Episode Summary In Part Two of this Brand Retro "Lost Episode," Mike Brevik continues his conversation with Chris Bolton of Murmur Creative, diving deeper into the evolving relationship between branding, technology, and client expectations. The discussion tackles the growing hype around artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping perceptions of creativity, marketing value, and agency work. Mike and Chris break down why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human insight and why context, experience, and problem-solving still define great branding. They also explore how agencies can build stronger client relationships through transparency, retainers, and deeper collaboration. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces a core truth: while technology changes, the power of branding remains one of the most important drivers of business growth. Links & Resources murmurcreative.com Home - BRAND RETRO PODCAST Keywords branding strategy marketing agency AI in marketing client relationships creative agencies brand perception retainers transparency business growth digital marketing SEO branding value marketing misconceptions agency model Highlights 00:00–01:00 – The challenge of defining "marketing" and its evolving meaning 01:00–02:00 – Why agencies start with a trust deficit (1 good experience vs 10 bad ones) 02:00–03:00 – The Fiverr effect and commoditization of creative work 03:00–04:00 – Transparency as a tool to communicate value to clients 04:00–05:00 – The limits of hourly billing and the importance of perceived value 05:00–06:00 – "Home run hitter" analogy: why top-tier creative commands higher rates 06:00–07:00 – The subjectivity problem in design and branding 07:00–08:00 – 2024 market uncertainty and shifting client expectations 08:00–09:00 – Branding as the core driver of exponential business growth 09:00–10:00 – Branding vs tactics: why ads alone won't scale a business 10:00–11:00 – Branding is not surface-level—it's relationships and perception 11:00–12:00 – How consumers are unconsciously influenced by branding 12:00–13:00 – The shift from project-based work to long-term client relationships 13:00–14:30 – Retainers, transparency, and structured workflows (Kanban approach) 14:30–16:00 – Agencies as extensions of internal teams (augmentation model)
This week Brian with a B and Amferny watch the 2025 monster horror movie, Bambi: The Reckoning. Bambi: The Reckoning is the story of a young bambi who has watched too many of his friends and family die at the hands of hunters. Bambi is mutated into a large monster sized deer after drinking water from a polluted lake. He then goes on a rampage killing everyone in sight. This movie is directed by Dan Allen and stars Roxanne McKee, Samira Mighty, Nicola Wright, Tom Mulheron and Russell Geoffrey Banks. This movie is available on Peacock, Prime Video and Fandango at Home. Instagram Links: Follow Dan Allen @danallenfilms Follow Roxanne McKee @roxanne_mckee Follow Samira Mighty @samiramighty Follow Nicola Wright @nk_wright Follow Russel Geoffrey Banks @russellgeoffreybanks The podcast art is by @delasernaxtattoos on Instagram and has been revised by rodrick_booker on Fiverr. If you like what you're hearing subscribe and comment on our Instagram @berated_b_rated_movies, Facebook @Berated B RatedMovies and Tik Tok @berated_b_rated_movies. Check out our website at Beratedbratedmovies.com. If you have any comments or movie suggestions please send them to beratedbratedmovies@gmail.com RATED G®, RATED PG®, RATED PG-13®, RATED NC-17®, and RATED R® are certification marks owned by the Motion Picture Association, Inc. This podcast has not been rated or certified pursuant to the Motion Picture Association, Inc.'s film rating system nor is this podcast authorized by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Motion Picture Association, Inc.
Investing has been solved, but your brain is keeping you poor. Money Expert Ben Felix explains why most people make terrible financial decisions! Ben Felix is a Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer for PWL Capital, and evidence-based investing expert who translates academic finance research into practical decisions for everyday people. He is known for using data, behavioral science, and simple frameworks to help people build wealth without falling for the traps of the financial industry. He explains: ◼️Why investing has already been “solved” ◼️How your brain quietly ruins your long-term financial decisions ◼️Why checking your portfolio too often can make you poorer ◼️Why buying a home is not always the smart investment people think it is ◼️Why young people may not need to save as aggressively as they're told ◼️How to use money to build a better life, not just a bigger bank account ◼️The biggest financial mistakes that destroys your financial future 00:00 Intro 02:34 Why Most People Overcomplicate Finance 03:37 How Your Psychology Secretly Controls Your Investments 05:06 The Real Frameworks Behind Financial Freedom 06:54 Why You Don't Need Much Money To Start Investing 09:20 The 10 Money Mistakes That Quietly Keep You Broke 12:57 How Monetizing Your Skills Can 10x Your Income 19:46 Why Most People Never Set Financial Goals 20:50 Are You Spending Money In Ways That Actually Improve Your Life? 21:26 Why Taking Investment Risks Matters More Than You Think 25:28 Is Buying A House Actually A Smart Investment Today? 40:48 Why Common Advice About Home Ownership Falls Apart 42:17 Will House Prices Keep Rising? 44:17 How The Wealthy Legally Pay Less Tax 45:09 The Real Tax Strategies The Rich Don't Talk About 45:45 What Happens Next To Housing Prices? 47:15 Ads 49:18 The Hidden Problems With Financial Advisors 50:21 Why Ignoring Estate Planning Can Cost Your Family Everything 51:17 Do You Really Need A Will? 51:42 How Your Partner Choice Impacts Your Financial Future 52:58 Why Some Financial Advice May Be Working Against You 54:07 Should Everyone Get A Prenup? 56:21 What Your Spending Habits Reveal About Your Future Wealth 58:04 The Real Reason Prenups Matter More Than You Think 01:00:09 Why People Underestimate Catastrophic Financial Risks 01:00:59 Stocks Vs Bonds: Which Is Actually Safer Right Now? 01:07:20 The Financial Products You Should Avoid At All Costs 01:09:23 Why Cash Loses Value Faster Than You Realize 01:10:38 Ads 01:13:33 Do You Really Need A Retirement Plan? 01:15:05 Investments You Should Avoid 01:16:44 Should You Invest In AI? 01:19:36 Crypto: Opportunity Or Risk? 01:21:25 How War Changes Investing 01:24:16 Remortgage Or Invest: Which Move Builds More Wealth? 01:25:32 Will AI Replace Your Job? Follow Ben Felix: Instagram - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/3Mc4mML X - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/5XwRueU YouTube - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/5xRgQd4 Ben's Company - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/Dd3AJr Enjoyed the episode? Share this link and earn points for every referral - redeem them for exclusive prizes: https://doac-perks.com The Diary Of A CEO: ◼️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/ ◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook ◼️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt ◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb ◼️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt ◼️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: Stan - Visit https://coach.stan.store/?ref=stevenbartlett&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode4 Pipedrive - https://pipedrive.com/CEO Fiverr - https://fiverr.com/diary and get 10% off your first order when you use code DIARY Wispr - Get 14 days of Wispr Flow for free at https://wisprflow.ai/steven
Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring me, Niall Mackay, a stand-up comedian and teacher in Vietnam with Andrew Durning from That Mental Ginger Show.In this engaging conversation, Niall and host Andrew discuss the challenges of creating a successful podcast course, their experiences in content creation, the importance of finding one's niche, and much more. With insightful advice and inspiring personal stories, this episode offers both practical takeaways and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the podcasting world.Don't miss Andrew and Niall's reflections on the role of hard work vs. luck in their success and their exciting plans for the future!Topics Discussed1. Challenges in creating a successful podcast course2. Marketing strategies for online courses3. The importance of finding one's niche4. Equipment and editing software recommendations5. Social media and monetization strategies6. The role of consistency in podcasting7. Growing a podcast audienceAnd if you'd like to be featured on a future episode, be sure to follow the link below to leave me a message. So, if you're ready to take your podcast to the next level and give it the perfect name, be sure to tune in to Smarter Podcasting.Leave a message for me!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Discover how to break the mold of podcast monetization with Adam Schaeuble, host of Podcasting Business School, as he joins Niall Mackay for a transformative discussion.In this episode, Adam and Niall challenge traditional podcast monetization strategies and unveil innovative approaches to turning your podcast into a profitable venture. Learn how Adam revolutionized his own podcast's revenue potential and gain fresh insights to maximize your podcast's profitability.Key Listening Points:Building a Sellable Asset (00:18:13): Strategies for creating a podcast that becomes a valuable asset.Why Sponsorship Isn't Always Lucrative (00:24:00): Exploring why conventional sponsorship deals may not be the best revenue source.Most Effective Monetization Techniques (00:27:18): Discover alternative and impactful methods to monetize your podcast.Leveraging Expert Positioning (00:36:10): How positioning yourself as an expert enhances both confidence and sales.Adding Value and Networking (00:39:03): The importance of building relationships and adding value to your audience for successful monetization.Tune in to unlock new revenue streams and elevate your podcasting journey!And if you'd like to be featured on a future episode, be sure to follow the link below to leave me a message. So, if you're ready to take your podcast to the next level and give it the perfect name, be sure to tune in to Smarter Podcasting.Leave a message for me!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) ring in the new year with a reality check on modern voiceover career strategy. In an industry increasingly influenced by AI and market saturation, the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach is no longer viable. This episode is a deep dive into the power of focus—mastering one genre at a time, picking the right marketing portals, and closing the "relevance gap" by becoming a high-level human storyteller. Chapter Summaries: The Relevance Gap and AI (10:45) Tom introduces the "relevance gap"—the widening space between aspiring talent and working professionals. He argues that AI is rapidly consuming low-budget, entry-level work. To remain relevant, talent must move beyond simply "reading well" and invest in high-level storytelling skills (acting, improv, stand-up) that AI cannot yet replicate. The Danger of the Multi-Demo Rush (03:55) The hosts notice a troubling trend: new talent getting five demos produced before they've mastered a single genre. This lack of focus leads to "sucking at everything." Anne emphasizes that even 20 coaching sessions might not be enough to reach the competitive level required for a professional demo in today's saturated market. Passion vs. Pragmatism: Reconciling Your Goals (15:19) While many enter VO wanting to do anime or video games, the market for corporate, e-learning, and medical narration is significantly larger. Tom suggests a pragmatic voiceover career strategy: use "bread and butter" genres like corporate work (where there are over 33 million potential clients) to fund your passion projects in character and animation work. The Myth of Social Media ROI (24:34) Tom reveals startling statistics on social media ROI for voice actors: Facebook (0.77%) and Twitter (0.69%) pale in comparison to LinkedIn (2.74%). While still low, LinkedIn represents a business-minded audience. The hosts warn that "enpoopification"—the decline of social media quality due to algorithms—makes it harder than ever to find work through standard posting. The "New SEO": Getting Found by Chatbots (27:39) Anne shifts the focus to a forward-thinking strategy: SEO for AI. Companies are increasingly asking chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude for voice actor recommendations. To stay competitive, talent must populate their websites and blogs with high-quality, human-written content that these bots can index and recommend. The 2026 Focus Challenge (30:21) Tom issues a challenge to all VO Bosses: Pick one genre, one casting site, and one social media platform to focus on this year. By concentrating energy rather than scattering it, talent can build true momentum and authority in a specific corner of the market. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Close the Relevance Gap: Invest in professional acting and storytelling training to stay ahead of AI-generated voices. Focus on One Genre First: Master the nuances and audience of one genre before producing a demo or marketing yourself in another. Market Pragmatism: Target the corporate and e-learning markets for consistent cash flow while you build your "passion" skills in animation. Avoid "Demo Bundle" Traps: Be wary of packages offering multiple demos for a deal; quality training takes time and individual focus for each genre. Audit Your Marketing Portals: Don't join every pay-to-play site at once. Pick one that aligns with your primary genre and master its algorithm. Prioritize LinkedIn: For B2B genres like corporate narration, LinkedIn offers a significantly higher ROI than other social platforms. Optimize for AI Search: Ensure your website's FAQ and Home pages are rich with pertinent information so chatbots can find and recommend you. Use Low-Budget Sites as Proving Grounds: Use sites like Fiverr or Casting Call Club for practice and project management experience, not as a final career destination. Human Content Wins: Write blogs and website copy with a "human-first" approach to reclaim search authority from AI-generated spam. The Foundation is Acting: Foundational acting skills are transferable across all genres. Master the craft first, and the genre proficiency will follow.
Most podcasters sit on a content library worth far more than any ad deal they will ever sign. J. Kevin Tumlinson launched the Wordslinger Podcast with a $25 Fiverr theme song and a soundproofed spare closet. Today that show reaches 80,000 listeners. He spent seven years as the public face of Draft2Digital, one of the leading indie publishing platforms, and has published more than 70 novels alongside it. J. Kevin Tumlinson is the author of more than 70 award-winning novels, host of the Wordslinger Podcast, and a leading voice in the indie publishing world. In this episode of Podcasting Secrets with host Nathan Gwilliam, Kevin reveals why a nonfiction book built from your existing podcast episodes outperforms any business card, how Amazon's search engine gives nonfiction podcasters a built-in discoverability advantage, the content repurposing approach he calls using the whole buffalo, a psychological trigger from the book Influence that gets more listeners to share your show, and how to simplify production so burnout never becomes a reason to quit. Want to turn your existing podcast content into revenue without waiting for a sponsor? Start treating your episodes as raw material. Subscribe and follow Podcasting Secrets on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for weekly strategies from creators building businesses through their shows. Follow, Like & Subscribe: Podcasting Secrets: Website: https://podcastingsecrets.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcasting-secretsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastingsecrets/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poduppodcasting/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-secrets/id1726056241 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0edA45tyPxFRfiUmDxYSUj Nathan Gwilliam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathangwilliam/ J. Kevin Tumlinson: Website: https://www.kevintumlinson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevintumlinson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KevinTumlinson Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/kevintumlinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevintumlinson/ Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com/
Only three words seem necessary this week… Slick is back... ok... two other words seem needed... Oh Shit!!! Game Master: Chad MatchetteRaúl Parera AKA Astor: Cesar AlacronSir Reginald Tippery AKA Falstaff: Morgan CollinsTerri Bliss AKA Dart: Natasha SukorokoffPat Roleman AKA Paramount: Robin “Coach” Sukorokoff“Legends” Co-Creators: Chad and Jack MatchettePodcast Editors: Matt Williamson, Em Matchette and Chad MatchetteBUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME” NOW: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000192338578Listen to “Legends: The Superhero Soundtrack” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mBxdCslTJ1u1aBHetIiem?si=lt4_4_RUSISSP4E1e_7HiwTweet about the show using #thelegendscast for the chance to have an NPC named after you!For our super fans who would like to help us make the show the best it can be, please consider becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thelegendscastCheck out our heroic merch here: https://thelegendscast.threadless.com/#Come hang out with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jYpYhN3fTVFor more information head over to our website: https://www.matchplaygames.ca/Theme music by Omar Chakor (https://www.instagram.com/theorce/) through Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r)Underscoring by Sayer Roberts (https://www.instagram.com/roberts.the.sayer/) - check him out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-135673977 and SideBiz Studio!: https://bit.ly/3kdunQJCLICK HERE TO BUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME”!Support the show
Why November 30, 2022 Created Winners and Losers (And How Parents Can Still Win Big) Episode Overview AI reshaped the side hustle landscape—but not equally. In this episode, we break down how online entrepreneurship split into two distinct paths: those leveraging AI to build sustainable, scalable income without burnout, and those caught in commodity hell. Discover which side you're on, what shifted for ai entrepreneurs, and the one strategic choice that determines your path forward. Essential listening for parents building flexible side hustles in 2025. Discover how ChatGPT's November 30, 2022 launch permanently divided the side hustle economy into winners and losers. Learn why traditional freelancers lost 5.2% of earnings overnight, while AI-savvy parents are building $5,000-$10,000 monthly income streams. Get the exact framework to transform from competing with AI to collaborating with it, plus the three new side hustle personas dominating the $214 billion AI market. https://DarkHorseEntrepreneur.com Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00 The invisible line splitting 1.57 billion freelancers 01:45 Three key takeaways preview 02:45 The uncomfortable truth about 2021 strategies 03:10 Kitchen table scenario - The freelancer's dilemma 06:45 The New AI Side Hustle Framework begins 08:15 The three AI-era side hustler personas 10:10 The parent advantage in AI economy 11:15 New high-value skills 12:45 Essential AI tools breakdown 14:25 4-week implementation strategy 17:15 Macro-level economic transformation 19:00 Whiskered Wisdom Key Topics Covered
This week Brian with a B and Amferny watch the 2024 horror movie, Killcast. Killcast is the story of a podcaster talking about a local serial killer who then is stalked by the killer themselves. This movie is directed by Josh Graves and stars Mouse Cravensworth, Eric Wesley, Matt Alive, Red Thrasher and Emmalee Maine. This movie is available on Tubi and Prime Video. Instagram Links: Follow Josh Graves @joshgraveshorror Follow Film Trash Productions @filmtrashproductions The podcast art is by @delasernaxtattoos on Instagram and has been revised by rodrick_booker on Fiverr. If you like what you're hearing subscribe and comment on our Instagram @berated_b_rated_movies, Facebook @Berated B RatedMovies and Tik Tok @berated_b_rated_movies. Check out our website at Beratedbratedmovies.com. If you have any comments or movie suggestions please send them to beratedbratedmovies@gmail.com RATED G®, RATED PG®, RATED PG-13®, RATED NC-17®, and RATED R® are certification marks owned by the Motion Picture Association, Inc. This podcast has not been rated or certified pursuant to the Motion Picture Association, Inc.'s film rating system nor is this podcast authorized by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Motion Picture Association, Inc.
Dreaming of quitting your job to podcast full-time? Discover how in the latest episode of Smarter Podcasting!Join Niall Mackay as he shares his journey and practical advice on growing and monetizing your podcast. This empowering episode delves into seven actionable strategies for turning your passion into profit.Key talking points:Top Monetization Strategies: Learn about the seven most effective ways to monetize your podcast, including advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services.Successful Monetization Examples: Discover Niall Mackay's personal success stories and strategies for generating revenue from his podcast.Partnering with Brands: Gain insights on how to approach and secure partnerships with brands for affiliate marketing and other collaborations.Leveraging Platforms: Explore how platforms like Patreon and Kofi.com can support your podcasting efforts through memberships and donations.Creating Compelling Content: Understand the importance of high-quality content and targeted promotion in attracting and retaining a loyal audience for successful monetization.Leave a message for me!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!Sign up for Descript now!Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Send us Fan MailEmail me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement! Sign up for Descript now! Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
The Song of Jigglypuff begins at 14:17Come (sort of) watch a Pokemon episode with us, everybody!The cast: Chartreuse (Charlie) Pine - played by Paul (also @AlakazamGanda) Liliana Shadowgarden - played by Lydia Professor Rudimentus Sneaze - played by Michael And our Game Master - Nick Eyeli - Eyeli Join our Facebook Group, where you can meet and chat with the cast and other fans! We'll approve everyone's request to join (unless you're a Rotom; we don't like Rotom). https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HczDR7FyA/Also, join us on Discord! https://discord.gg/9eV74ZnwCheck out Lydia's Fiverr for your Podcast/Radio Show editing needs!Donate to our Patreon, and earn sweet rewards by becoming a part of the Pokemon Rollout! family. MUSIC & SFX: Theme Music "Electric Donkey Muscles” by RoccoW. Used under an Attribution-ShareAlike License.
Private practice marketing doesn't have to cost a fortune to work. If I were launching my practice from scratch today with one goal, scaling to multiple six figures as fast as possible, here's exactly what I'd do.In today's episode, I'm walking you through the four-part marketing strategy I'd use right now to fill my caseload with premium fee clients. We're talking about where I'd invest, where I wouldn't waste a dime, and the one thing most therapists are completely overlooking that gives you a huge advantage in Google and AI search.I also share what I noticed when I recently searched for a therapist myself - and honestly, we need to do better. Potential clients are landing on your website every day and leaving because the most basic information is buried or missing altogether.And there's a fourth strategy I almost didn't include but it may be the thing that makes the biggest difference when someone visits your site and isn't ready to book just yet.Topics covered on Private Practice Marketing:Most therapist websites are losing premium fee clients before those clients even finish reading the homepageThe one offline move that gives your private practice marketing a massive edge on Google and in AI searches that most fully virtual therapists can't touchNetworking vs on-page SEO, which one actually fills your caseload faster and which one is quietly draining your energy for nothingTwo or three referral partners could change everything about the way your private practice growsThe fourth private practice marketing strategy I almost didn't mention, and why it might be the one that does the most work for youConnect with Felicia:Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic SheetsInstagram: @the_bad_therapistWebsite: www.thebadtherapist.coachResources from this episode:Liberated Business: www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusinessBuilding a StoryBrand by Donald MillerSquarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/Google Business Profile: https://business.google.com/en-all/business-profile/Place Digital: https://www.therapieseo.com/Hold Space CreativeRelated episodes:SEO Blogging for Therapists: How Long It Really Takes to Get More Traffic and Inquiries [Ep 153]Marketing for Therapists: How to Connect with Clients by Addressing Their Problems [Ep 58]Quote:"You really only need maybe two or three really solid referral partners to ensure that you're getting a steady stream of clients." - Felicia
Solo Jim: I have nothing left, except Spider-man and Jim. That's right no Mike or Jeff this week but Jim is your savior on this fine Adam Scott Nickelback Birthday Bash.Stand By Me In Theaters: Corey Feldman snuck into a screening of Stand By Me and couldn't stop filming the screen for his social media. Fine this dude for piracy.Crowd Controversy: EROK has launched an investigation into the crowd photos from Goonies and Stand By Me screenings that have been posted by Corey. He has an expert on hand and everything! Is this a thing?COREY FELDMAN!, SHOW STOPPER!, LET'S JUST TALK!, DON CHEADLE!, BOOGIE NIGHTS!, JIM AND THEM IS POP CULTURE!, CHRIS HANSEN!, HAVE A SEAT!, DATELINE!, TO CATCH A PREDATOR!, REAL ONES!, LVL UP EXPO!, HACKAMANIA!, LIVE!, SOLO SHOW!, NO JEFF!, NO MIKE!, ONLY JIM!, JUST JIM!, FAKE FRIENDS!, WHO'S LEFT!?, FRIDAY NIGHT!, 22 NECKLACE!, REAL ONES!, KISS EM IF YOU GOT EM!, AUDITIONS!, NICKELBACK BIRTHDAY BASH!, ADAM SCOTT!, NO MAS!, SIPPING ON SHOTS!, PO BOX!, HOOK!, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE!, CHRIS HANSEN CAMEO!, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!, GOBLIN GHOUL!, APRIL FOOLS!, ADAN GONZALEZ!, STAUNCH TV!, DRAFTED!, IRAN!, WAR!, PROTECT ME!, ICP!, MIRACLES!, THE BOY BLUE!, COREY FELDMAN!, STAND BY ME!, SNEAK INTO THEATER!, WEDNESDAY!, WATCHED STAND BY ME TOGETHER!, THEATRICAL RELEASE!, MILES APART!, CHOPPER SIC BALLS!, JIM AND THEM FINALE SPECIAL!, INTERVIEW!, PLAYING WITH YOUR FRIENDS!, AWKWARD!, ANNOYED!, RUDE!, YAWNING!, AARP!, WIL WHEATON!, ANNOYING!, PERFORMATIVE!, SUMMERTIME!, JERRY O'CONNELL!, BORED!, SHALLOW!, RIVER PHOENIX!, VEGETARIAN!, INTO MUSIC!, COPIED!, BREAKING BAD!, STOLE DEAD PEOPLE'S HABITS!, FENIX TX!, KRISTIN!, DENISE RICHARDS!, BRAVE BROWSER!, FAKE CROWD!, PHOTOSHOP!, AI!, EROK!, SATURATION!, CONTRAST!, DOCTORED PHOTOS!, INVESTIGATION!, FIVERR!,
Solo Jim: I have nothing left, except Spider-man and Jim. That's right no Mike or Jeff this week but Jim is your savior on this fine Adam Scott Nickelback Birthday Bash.Stand By Me In Theaters: Corey Feldman snuck into a screening of Stand By Me and couldn't stop filming the screen for his social media. Fine this dude for piracy.Crowd Controversy: EROK has launched an investigation into the crowd photos from Goonies and Stand By Me screenings that have been posted by Corey. He has an expert on hand and everything! Is this a thing?COREY FELDMAN!, SHOW STOPPER!, LET'S JUST TALK!, DON CHEADLE!, BOOGIE NIGHTS!, JIM AND THEM IS POP CULTURE!, CHRIS HANSEN!, HAVE A SEAT!, DATELINE!, TO CATCH A PREDATOR!, REAL ONES!, LVL UP EXPO!, HACKAMANIA!, LIVE!, SOLO SHOW!, NO JEFF!, NO MIKE!, ONLY JIM!, JUST JIM!, FAKE FRIENDS!, WHO'S LEFT!?, FRIDAY NIGHT!, 22 NECKLACE!, REAL ONES!, KISS EM IF YOU GOT EM!, AUDITIONS!, NICKELBACK BIRTHDAY BASH!, ADAM SCOTT!, NO MAS!, SIPPING ON SHOTS!, PO BOX!, HOOK!, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE!, CHRIS HANSEN CAMEO!, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!, GOBLIN GHOUL!, APRIL FOOLS!, ADAN GONZALEZ!, STAUNCH TV!, DRAFTED!, IRAN!, WAR!, PROTECT ME!, ICP!, MIRACLES!, THE BOY BLUE!, COREY FELDMAN!, STAND BY ME!, SNEAK INTO THEATER!, WEDNESDAY!, WATCHED STAND BY ME TOGETHER!, THEATRICAL RELEASE!, MILES APART!, CHOPPER SIC BALLS!, JIM AND THEM FINALE SPECIAL!, INTERVIEW!, PLAYING WITH YOUR FRIENDS!, AWKWARD!, ANNOYED!, RUDE!, YAWNING!, AARP!, WIL WHEATON!, ANNOYING!, PERFORMATIVE!, SUMMERTIME!, JERRY O'CONNELL!, BORED!, SHALLOW!, RIVER PHOENIX!, VEGETARIAN!, INTO MUSIC!, COPIED!, BREAKING BAD!, STOLE DEAD PEOPLE'S HABITS!, FENIX TX!, KRISTIN!, DENISE RICHARDS!, BRAVE BROWSER!, FAKE CROWD!, PHOTOSHOP!, AI!, EROK!, SATURATION!, CONTRAST!, DOCTORED PHOTOS!, INVESTIGATION!, FIVERR!,
Looks like it's time for a good old fashioned BOSS BATTLE…or at least HIGH LEVEL BADGUY BATTLE… any way you look at it the team is in for a challenge… here's hoping they rise to the occasion! Game Master: Chad MatchetteRaúl Parera AKA Astor: Cesar AlacronSir Reginald Tippery AKA Falstaff: Morgan CollinsTerri Bliss AKA Dart: Natasha SukorokoffPat Roleman AKA Paramount: Robin “Coach” Sukorokoff“Legends” Co-Creators: Chad and Jack MatchettePodcast Editors: Matt Williamson, Em Matchette and Chad MatchetteBUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME” NOW: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000192338578Listen to “Legends: The Superhero Soundtrack” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5mBxdCslTJ1u1aBHetIiem?si=lt4_4_RUSISSP4E1e_7HiwTweet about the show using #thelegendscast for the chance to have an NPC named after you!For our super fans who would like to help us make the show the best it can be, please consider becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/thelegendscastCheck out our heroic merch here: https://thelegendscast.threadless.com/#Come hang out with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jYpYhN3fTVFor more information head over to our website: https://www.matchplaygames.ca/Theme music by Omar Chakor (https://www.instagram.com/theorce/) through Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r)Underscoring by Sayer Roberts (https://www.instagram.com/roberts.the.sayer/) - check him out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-135673977 and SideBiz Studio!: https://bit.ly/3kdunQJCLICK HERE TO BUY “LEGENDS: THE SUPERHERO ROLE PLAYING GAME”!Support the show
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