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#720 What if your next favorite travel recommendation came from a 60-second voice note instead of a blog post? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel sits down with sibling co-founders Ramon and Lili Montes to unpack how they're building Limon — a social, short-form audio app that captures the “photo album storytelling” experience for travel, with a special focus on day trips. They share the origin story behind the name, the early mistake of trying to build an “all-in-one” travel platform, and the pivot that helped their vision finally click: quick, searchable audio stories paired with photos. Ramon and Lili also break down what it's like launching as non-technical founders, how they're growing through college campuses and community-building, and what's next — including monetization plans like ads and an AI storytelling companion to help users craft better travel narratives! What we discuss with Ramon and Lili: + Sibling co-founders building together + Origin story behind Limon + Pivot from all-in-one travel app + Short-form audio for travel + Focus on day trips + Trust-based travel recommendations + Gen Z & voice note behavior + Building an MVP + Community-first growth strategy + Monetization plans & AI tools Thank you, Ramon and Lili! Check out Limon. Check out Ramon Montes. Check out Lili Montes. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this fast-paced episode of the "We Don't PLAY!™️" podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike and business colleague, Pierre DeBois deliver a no-fluff, actionable guide to SEO for beginners and business owners. We cut through the noise and focus on two powerful, accessible strategies: decoding user intent and leveraging seasonal trends. Learn why long-tail keywords beat high-volume searches, how SEO is the essential engine for AI-powered search, and how to use free tools to plan content that converts.Mastering SEO Strategies for Beginners: Search Intent and Keyword Trends Guide with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is your playbook for making digital visibility simple, strategic, and effective.Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] IntroductionFavour opens the show with the podcast's mission to help you "listen, live, learn, and earn," framing this episode as a practical SEO starter kit.[00:01:30] Strategy 1: The Power of Intentional SearchesWhy longer, specific queries like "comfortable shoes for Christmas" signal a buyer ready to act, and how to create content that meets this precise need. We break down the user's journey through the three layers of the web.[00:06:10] How SEO Gets Your Content FoundDemystifying crawling, indexing, and visibility. We explain why SEO is your website's foundational engine and how it powers modern AI search tools, not the other way around. Includes tips on using LinkedIn for backlinks.[00:10:45] Strategy 2: Capitalizing on TrendsUsing the "fruit season" metaphor, we show how to use tools like Google Trends to identify keyword cycles. Learn how to plan content 2-3 months ahead to build authority and rank #1 when the trend peaks.[00:15:30] Guest Perspective: Pierre on Intent and the Rise of AEOPierre clarifies that Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is an evolution of SEO, not a replacement. He breaks down intent with an "apple pie" analogy and stresses the need to anticipate user questions in all content.[00:20:15] Practical Example: Searching for "Apple Pie" on an AI Engine (DeepSeek)A live demo using DeepSeek shows how AI responds to layered intent—from a general recipe search to "links please" for store locators—highlighting why your website needs specific, indexable pages.[00:24:00] Pierre's Advice: SEO is Not "Set and Forget"Why you must be ready to pivot. Pierre shares a personal story of how analytics revealed his true audience, forcing a complete strategy shift, and why the quiet season is perfect for planning.[00:26:45] Using Analytics to Refine Your StrategyA rundown of free tools (Google Search Console, Microsoft Clarity, etc.) and how to use data on user devices and browsers to craft hyper-relevant marketing that makes "sense" and "cents."[00:30:15] Final Actionable Advice & Wrap-UpYour clear next steps: Find your audience's questions, check them against trends, create content, and distribute it where your community lives. Favor encourages you to take the leap and start.Key Quotes:"SEO is not a set and forget it type activity. It's making adjustments over time because the technology behind it may be changing just enough to create new opportunities that you may want to take advantage of." - Pierre"You can speak without talking, but you can't think without words." - Myron Golden (quoted by Favor)Mentioned Tools & Resources: Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, SparkToro, DeepSeek, Google Search Console, LinkedIn, and more.Subscribe to "We Don't PLAY!™️" for more straight-talking marketing strategies to grow your business today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing: A Get More Listeners Podcast For Podcasters
Want to grow to 5-10k monthly downloads and monetize podcast without replying on social media, paid promotions or high profile guests? Click here.Are you focusing on the wrong things—and accidentally slowing down your podcast's growth heading into 2026?If you've been publishing consistently but still feel stuck, this episode breaks down the exact tactical growth and monetization lessons learned in 2025 that actually moved the needle for real podcasters. Not theories. Not trends. Proven shifts that led to faster growth, stronger retention, and listeners who chase you instead of the other way around.In this episode, you'll discover:How a single change to your episode titles can unlock faster, compounding podcast growthWhy most podcasters don't have an exposure problem—and what to fix insteadThe simplest way to increase retention and turn first-time listeners into binge listenersIf you want your podcast positioned to grow smarter, faster, and more sustainably in 2026, this episode will completely change how you think about growth and monetization—starting today.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail admin@getmorelisteners.com to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.
In this interview with Jeff Rose, Jared and Jeff dive deep into his journey of monetizing Facebook, where he's earned as much as $30,000 in a single month. Jeff shares his strategy for scaling his page to over 400,000 followers, including how he went from casual posting to a full-fledged content business. We also discuss the role of AI in his content creation, what type of posts drive the most engagement, and the challenges he's faced with Facebook's ever-changing rules. If you're looking to monetize Facebook or grow your social media presence, this is a must-listen! Sponsor: 201 Creative Get your FREE GEO Snapshot today! - https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/?utm_source=niche_pursuits_podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=geo_snapshot_launch&utm_content=show_notes Links & ResourcesLearn more about Jeff Rose and Good Financial Cents: https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/ Good Financial Cents Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodFinancialCents/ Jeff's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNgKCu9062P0CPyVoBI5sQ Get a Free 7-step Facebook Monetization Checklist - https://jeffandmandyrose.com/fb-7-step-checklist/ Join Jeff's course, Get Paid to Post - https://jeffandmandyrose.com/get-paid-to-post/ Check out a couple of platforms Jeff uses: Buffer and Post Planner - https://buffer.com/, https://www.postplanner.com/ Ready to join a niche publishing mastermind, and hear from industry experts each week? Join the Niche Pursuits Community here: https://community.nichepursuits.com Be sure to get more content like this in the Niche Pursuits Newsletter Right Here: https://www.nichepursuits.com/newsletter Want a Faster and Easier Way to Build Internal Links? Get $15 off Link Whisper with Discount Code "Podcast" on the Checkout Screen: https://www.nichepursuits.com/linkwhisper Get SEO Consulting from the Niche Pursuits Podcast Host, Jared Bauman: https://www.nichepursuits.com/201creative
Website Marketing vs. SEO Marketing: The Complete Business Essentials Guide with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This episode demystifies the relationship between website marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), clarifying the critical distinction between the two. The discussion frames website marketing as the broad, all-encompassing "ecosystem" of a brand's online presence, including email, social media, and advertising. In contrast, SEO is presented as the tactical, high-performance "engine" that powers a website's visibility and drives targeted traffic within that ecosystem. Through foundational principles, practical strategies, and live consultations with business owners, this guide provides a comprehensive framework for building a powerful and effective digital identity.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Key Takeaways• Website Marketing is the Ecosystem, SEO is the Engine: Website marketing is the entire universe of your online activities, from email campaigns to social media posts. SEO is the specific, technical practice of optimizing your website to be found by search engines, giving your marketing efforts direction and power.• Your Website is Your Digital Identity: A website is more than a link or a digital storefront; it is the central hub for establishing your brand's credibility, trustworthiness, and authority, creating a lasting experience for both new and returning visitors.• Messaging Precedes Marketing: The effectiveness of any marketing tactic hinges on compelling messaging that connects with customer psychology. As demonstrated with the "strawberry" example, great marketing shifts a customer's mindset from a simple "need" to an emotional "want."• Storytelling Sells, Facts Only Tell: To convert visitors into customers, product descriptions must go beyond listing features and instead create an emotional connection. As speaker Mo advises:• Technical Health is Non-Negotiable: A website's foundational health depends on more than just load speed and hosting. Consistently publishing fresh content is critical because every update creates a new "tokenized" copy for search engines to crawl. A dormant site gives search engines no reason to return, while an active site signals relevance and forces re-evaluation, directly impacting rankings.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Detailed Episode Notes1. Defining the Landscape: Website Marketing vs. SEOTo build a successful online presence, it is vital to distinguish between the overarching platform of website marketing and the specific tactics of SEO. Website marketing represents your brand's total visibility and communication channels online. SEO, a critical component within that framework, is the deliberate set of actions taken to ensure your website is discovered by the right audience at the right time. Understanding this difference is the first step toward a coherent and effective digital strategy.Contrasting Key ConceptsWebsite Marketing (The Ecosystem)The Truck and Engine AnalogyThe relationship between these two concepts can be understood through a simple yet powerful analogy presented during the episode:"Think of your website like a truck. Website marketing is the truck itself—it exists, it's present, and it's visible. SEO is the engine that actually moves the truck forward, giving it the power, speed, and direction it needs to reach its destination."With these foundational definitions established, it's clear that the website itself serves as the strategic center of all marketing efforts.2. The Strategic Hub: Your Website's Core FunctionYour website is your most critical digital asset. It is the definitive online destination where you control the narrative and build direct relationships with your audience. Far more than just a place for transactions, it is the central hub for establishing trust, demonstrating expertise, and solidifying a brand identity that resonates with visitors long after they leave.The Four Pillars of a Trustworthy WebsiteFor a website to be effective, it must embody four key qualities for every visitor:1. Credible: The information is accurate, professional, and demonstrates authority.2. Resourceful: It provides value and answers the questions your audience is asking.3. Trustworthy: The site is secure, transparent, and operates with integrity.4. Accessible: It is easy to navigate and available to all users.Analyzing Visitor BehaviorEvery website serves two primary types of visitors: new visitors and returning visitors. Understanding their distinct behaviors through analytics is crucial for optimization. With over 1.1 billion websites online, simply existing is not enough; your site must be engineered to effectively engage both audiences and guide them toward a desired action.Key Website ComponentsA modern website is a multimedia platform composed of various elements that search engines index and users engage with:• Text (including body copy, headlines, and policies)• Images (with descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO)• Audio (e.g., MP3 files for podcasts or sound clips)• Video (e.g., MP4 files for tutorials or product showcases)• Documents (e.g., PDFs for white papers or downloadable guides)A well-structured website, rich with these components, provides the perfect foundation for the tactical work of SEO to drive qualified traffic.3. Tactical Deep Dive: Activating Your SEOSEO is the disciplined practice of aligning your website's structure and content with the specific words and phrases your target audience uses in search engines like Google. It is not about tricking algorithms but about creating a valuable and relevant experience that naturally earns high visibility. This requires a consistent content engine, especially since blogs have a shelf life of 24 months. A single post can provide SEO value for up to two years, demonstrating the long-term ROI of a strategic content plan.The Content Creation EngineGenerating traffic starts with a simple question-and-answer flow. How do you generate traffic? By kickstarting the engine. How do you kickstart the engine? By creating content. How do you create effective content? By building links through publishing valuable posts like blogs, landing pages, and product pages.Uncovering SEO OpportunitiesA live demonstration in the episode revealed how to find high-intent keywords directly from Google's search suggestions—a reflection of real, frequent user queries.The strategic takeaway is clear: each of these suggestions represents a distinct user need. A single list of 10 terms can be transformed into 10 to 50 unique media assets, including blog posts, email newsletters, social media updates, and even podcast episodes. This moves SEO from theory to a practical, content-driven reality.4. Marketing in Action: Live Business ConsultationsApplying marketing theory to real-world businesses is the fastest path to clarity. This section analyzes the specific, actionable advice given to two entrepreneurs, providing a blueprint for any product-based business seeking to translate online presence into measurable results.5. Tools & Resources MentionedThe selection of a tool, particularly for email marketing, is not just a matter of features but also of technical performance. As discussed in the episode, platforms with strong server infrastructure (like Flodesk's partnership with Amazon SES) can significantly impact email deliverability, a key component of the overall marketing ecosystem.• AI Idea Generation: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, DeepSeek, Grok• Email Marketing Platforms: Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Flodesk (preferred), Aweber, Kit, Brevo• Website Hosting: GoDaddy, BlueHost, Hostinger, SiteGround• Website Builders: Webador• Social & Content Platforms: Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Clubhouse• E-commerce: AmazonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ready to make money with Facebook content monetization? In this episode, I share the absolute best way to monetize your content on Facebook and start earning revenue!Facebook is changing how creators get paid for their content. In this video, I show you exactly how Facebook rewards reels, stories, text posts, images, and even long-form videos with real payouts. You'll see live examples of earnings, learn how to set up professional mode for your profile, and understand why this opportunity is one of the most powerful ways to make money online right now. With the right mix of quality and consistency, your Facebook content can grow your audience and generate monthly income directly from the platform.#FacebookMonetization #MakeMoneyOnline #ContentCreation-------------------About Manuel Suarez:Manuel Suarez, known as the "Marketing Ninja" and a "Best Selling Author" of "Marketing Magic", leads Attention Grabbing Media (AGM), a marketing agency honored three times on the Inc 5000 list. With a team of over 120, AGM specializes in turning attention into profit for a wide array of brands. In 2023 alone, brands managed by AGM exceeded 250 million USD in revenue.Manuel is also the co-founder of NaturalSlim, a self-funded high 9-figure brand. He has elevated thousands of businesses across various sectors and has directed marketing campaigns for industry leaders like Dr. Eric Berg, Grant Cardone, and Daymond John.He is also responsible for two of the top 15 largest U.S. YouTube channels—Dr. Eric Berg and MetabolismoTV—which together have over 20 million subscribers. Over seven years, his strategies have amassed 8 billion views, generated 5 million leads, and earned over 500 million USD in revenue.Follow Manuel Suarez on Social Media:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theninjamarketer/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmanuelsuarez/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrmanuelsuarez- X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/MrManuelSuarez- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmanuelsuarez/Learn More About AGM:- Visit our website: https://www.agmagency.comNeed Help with Your Marketing?- Talk to a Ninja: https://www.talktoaninja.comCheck Out Manuel's Book, a #1 Seller on Amazon:- Marketing Magic by Manuel Suarez: https://a.co/d/gbwHKSf
Deovrat Kajwadkar is the Director of Strategic Deal Pricing and Monetization at Google Cloud, where he sits at the center of some of the most complex commercial decisions in modern tech. With a background in management consulting at McKinsey and deep experience in cloud and AI monetization, Deovrat brings a rare inside view of how pricing actually works when products are platforms, costs are dynamic, and value is constantly evolving. In this conversation, Deovrat and Mark Stiving unpack why pricing is not just a "number-setting" function but the grade of how well everything else in the business is working. They explore the difference between platforms and solutions, why value-based pricing becomes harder as offerings become more flexible, and how AI is changing both how pricing is done and what pricing even means. Why You Have to Check Out Today's Podcast: Learn why pricing sits at the heart of cloud and AI economics, touching product, strategy, sales, and profitability all at once. Understand how platforms, solutions, and AI fundamentally change value-based pricing, and why cost, competition, and outcomes all matter—at different layers of the stack. Discover why "pulling the dollar lever" is the most expensive move, and what smarter pricing leaders focus on first. "Pulling the dollar lever is easy—but it's also very expensive. I'd rather pull every other lever first." — Deovrat Kajwadkar Topics Covered: 01:40 – Cloud Pricing as a Central Role. Deovrat explains why pricing sits at the center of Google Cloud's commercial decisions—connecting product strategy, growth, profitability, and customer value. 05:09 – Cloud Computing for Enterprises. A clear, non-technical explanation of cloud computing for enterprise customers, from infrastructure and platforms to software and AI—and why pricing each layer is different. 08:48 – Value-Based Pricing Challenges. Mark and Deovrat discuss why value-based pricing is especially difficult for platforms, where customers use the same products in very different ways. 13:04 – Value-Based Pricing Strategies. A practical framework for pricing across the cloud stack: cost- and competition-based pricing at the lower layers, and outcome-driven pricing as offerings move closer to customer solutions. 18:10 – AI's Impact on Pricing Strategies. How AI is changing pricing on multiple fronts—what gets priced, how costs behave, and how quickly products and value propositions evolve. 22:34 – AI in Pricing Strategies. Deovrat breaks down how AI can support pricing decisions, from customer analysis and renewals to analytics and decision support—while stressing the importance of clean data foundations. 24:12 – AI Value Delivery Challenges. Why delivering real AI value is harder than building the technology itself, and how change management and business adoption affect pricing and monetization. 27:30 – Pricing Advice for Business Impact. Deovrat's closing advice: great pricing leaders expand their skill set beyond pricing fundamentals—and pull every lever before resorting to raising prices. Key Takeaways: "Pricing touches almost everything—it's the heart of a company's economics." — Deovrat Kajwadkar "The more commoditized the offering, the more cost and competition matter." — Deovrat Kajwadkar "As you move closer to business outcomes, value-based pricing becomes possible—but harder." — Deovrat Kajwadkar "AI changes pricing, but it doesn't eliminate the fundamentals." — Deovrat Kajwadkar People / Resources Mentioned: Google Cloud – Cloud platform spanning infrastructure, AI models, developer tools, and industry solutions. McKinsey & Company – Deovrat's consulting background, shaping his strategic view of pricing and technology. AI Models & Agentic Workflows – Referenced in the context of pricing analytics, automation, and decision support. Connect with Deovrat Kajwadkar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deovrat-kajwadkar Connect with Mark Stiving: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stiving/ Email: mark@impactpricing.com
Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing: A Get More Listeners Podcast For Podcasters
Are you unknowingly sabotaging your podcast growth by doing too much?As a podcaster, it's tempting to tackle every growth and monetization strategy all at once. But spreading yourself too thin can leave you overwhelmed and stuck in a cycle of minimal progress. This episode shows you how to eliminate inefficiencies and focus on what truly moves the needle for your podcast.In this episode, you will:Learn how to break free from the “New Year's delusion” and focus on what really matters for podcast growth.Discover the three essential actions that will help you grow your podcast faster and more effectively.Find out how to identify and cut out the tasks and strategies that aren't serving your podcast goals.Listen now to unlock the secrets of doing less but achieving more with your podcast in 2025—because faster growth and monetization are closer than you think.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning.More From Get More Listeners:Grab your FREE personalized audit + a copy of our bestseller Podcast Marketing. Book a 30-minute discovery call for the Get More Listeners AcademyView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free here Email admin@getmorelisteners.com to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy. You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.
What does it take to build one of the most influential data and marketing engines in global sport in a market defined by exploding fan demand, new consumption behaviors, and an unprecedented wave of private capital?In this episode, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Gareth Balch, Co-Founder and CEO of Two Circles, the sports data and intelligence company working with more than 900 rights holders worldwide — including the NFL, NBA, Premier League, ICC, and World Rugby — and processing nearly two thirds of all global sports fan transactions. Over the last 14 years, Gareth has helped usher sport into its third age of monetization: a world where audience attention, audience affection, and sophisticated data engineering shape the winners.From why sport is the “world's largest religion,” to how fragmented fan behavior is redefining the attention economy, to what it really takes to build a tribe that compounds, Gareth breaks down the forces powering today's global sports boom. For rights holders, private equity investors, and anyone focused on commercial growth in sport, this conversation reveals the playbook behind audience-led value creation, the economics driving white-hot investment, and why knowing your fans best is now the ultimate competitive advantage.What You'll Learn:Why the future belongs to rights holders that grow audience attention + affection fastest.How the biggest leagues and the "innovating middle" are scaling by building tribes, not just selling rights.Why we're entering the third age of sports monetization and who's positioned to win in it.How to engineer real revenue from trillions of fan data points.Where leakage is happening, and how rights holders can recapture value from tech platforms, piracy, and real estate.Why institutional capital is pouring into the sector and where the smartest money is deploying next.Timecodes00:12 Guest Intro: Gareth Balch03:18 The 6B–4B–1.5B Fan Economy04:46 The Third Age of Sports Monetization05:16 The Attention–Affection Model for Valuing Sports IP06:04 Revenue Concentration: Top 20 Leagues Controlling 44%08:06 Sports IP Forecast: Path to $260B by 203309:28 Breakout Performers: SailGP, CFP, The Hundred10:04 Tribe Building: How Smaller Sports Create Outsized Value11:18 Shooting Stars: IPL, UFC, NWSL Growth Flywheel13:00 Women's Sports: Unlocking the Commercialization Gap16:32 Know Your Fans Best: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage22:12 Leakage: Piracy & Value Lost to Platforms24:00 Private Capital in Sports: Why the Category Is “White Hot”27:52 Where Capital Flows Next: IP vs. Tech vs. Adjacencies30:14 Predictive Analytics: Causation Over Correlation33:32 Building a High-Performance Culture36:36 Evolving the Ideal Hire: Attitude vs. Aptitude42:06 Managing the Doom Loop: “Don't Suffer Twice”49:22 Lightning Round: Personal ReflectionsResources:Gareth Balch: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethbalch/Linnea Jungnelius:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linneajungnelius X: https://x.com/itslinneaExplore the Podcast:Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/gareth-balch-spotify-podcastApple Podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/gareth-balch-apple-podcastBlog: https://rebrand.ly/gareth-balch-blogFound Value?
Pinterest Advertising Campaigns: Image, Video, Carousel, Shopping Catalog, Leads & Quiz Strategy with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Pinterest for business advertising, emphasizing its power as a visual search engine rather than a traditional social media platform. Favour highlights that Pinterest users exhibit a higher purchasing power and are in a planning mindset, making their minimal time spent on the platform highly intentional for conversions compared to engagement-focused sites like TikTok or Facebook. Practical advice is offered on running various ad types—including image, video, carousel, catalog, and lead/quiz ads—along with technical specifications and the importance of claiming a website to utilize Pinterest's tagging system for superior analytics and targeting, such as act-alike audiences and zip code campaigns.Ultimately, we position Pinterest advertising as a valuable, data-driven strategy for businesses seeking a high return on time and investment.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why 90 Minutes a Month on Pinterest Beats 35 Hours on TikTokIntroduction: The Hidden Power of the Internet's Digital Vision BoardWhen you think of Pinterest, what comes to mind? For many, it's a digital scrapbook for wedding ideas, home decor inspiration, and tonight's dinner recipe. But what if this familiar facade conceals one of the most misunderstood and powerful marketing engines online? Behind the vision boards and DIY projects lies a platform built not on fleeting attention, but on deliberate intention.This episode reveals five surprising truths about Pinterest that defy conventional social media wisdom and highlight its unique, untapped value for businesses and marketers.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. The 90-Minute Paradox: Why Less Time on Platform Means More for BusinessIt's a counter-intuitive finding that stops most marketers in their tracks: Pinterest users spend significantly less time on the platform than users of other major networks.According to recent data, the average user spends just 1 hour and 31 minutes per month on Pinterest. Compare that to the time sinks of other platforms:• TikTok: 35 hours per month• Facebook: 29 hours per month• Instagram: 15 hours per monthThis isn't a sign of low engagement; it's a signal of high-intent, purposeful activity. Breaking it down, 91 minutes a month averages to just about 3 minutes per day. Users aren't there to endlessly scroll. In those three minutes, a user is on a mission: they might spend 30 seconds looking for an idea, a minute to find the right one, and the next minute to affirm it, save it for later, or click through to act on it immediately. This focused, goal-oriented behavior means every minute is packed with commercial intent."So if you're planning on Pinterest and you're spending less than 2 hours to be on a platform that's going to give you maximum return on your time and investment, it's worth it than spend 35 hours to do the same thing..."2. The Audience Isn't Just Browsing—They're Planning and They Have Buying PowerThe fundamental difference between Pinterest and other platforms is user mindset. While other networks thrive on a culture of passive "swiping," Pinterest is the go-to destination for active "planning." Users are there with the specific intention of preparing for something—whether it's an event, a book, a wedding, a shoe, a color, or a tip—which makes them uniquely receptive to relevant brand content and advertising.This high-intent audience also has significant financial leverage:• Approximately 45% of Pinterest users have an annual household income of at least $150,000.• Their purchasing power is 5% to 38% higher than on other social platforms.This combination of forward-looking intent and disposable income creates an environment where ads are not an interruption but a welcome part of the discovery process."It tells you that Pinterest is not a place that people are going to swipe. They're going there to plan. So when they're going there to plan, they're searching with the intention of purchasing something or planning for something."3. Forget "Lookalikes," Pinterest Is About "Actalikes"Most digital advertisers are familiar with "lookalike audiences"—the targeting method used by platforms like Meta to find users who share demographic traits with an existing customer base. Pinterest offers a more powerful alternative: the "actalike audience."An actalike audience is a group of users targeted based on their active, intentional behaviors. These are users who are thinking, planning, processing, doing, and responding. Rather than targeting people who simply look like your customers, you target people who act like them.This is a critical distinction. An actalike audience is inherently composed of users with proven intent and behavioral patterns that align with conversion. It targets an active mindset, not just a passive profile, suggesting a much higher probability of a positive outcome for advertisers.4. Your Content's Lifespan: A Marathon, Not a SprintThe ephemeral nature of social media content is a constant challenge for marketers. A post that takes hours to create can disappear from feeds in a matter of hours. Pinterest operates on a completely different timeline.The lifespan of content on Pinterest presents a stark contrast to its social media counterparts:• Pinterest Pin: 3.5 to 5 months• Instagram Post: 19 to 72 hoursContent on Pinterest functions less like a fleeting post and more like a long-term asset. Each pin acts as a durable entry point to your brand, continuing to drive traffic, discovery, and conversions for months on end. This turns content creation from a short-term sprint into a sustainable, long-term investment with compounding returns, much like traditional SEO.5. The Surprising Truth About Media OwnershipOn platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you are a perpetual tenant. You build your presence on rented land, but you never truly own your content or the space it occupies. Pinterest offers a unique and powerful path to digital property ownership.When you claim your website on Pinterest, you establish 100% ownership of your media on the platform. This is made possible by the Pinterest Tag—a piece of code on your website that connects your property to the platform, tracks conversions, and solidifies your ownership. This transforms your Pinterest business account from a simple social profile into a claimed media asset.The platform even provides a powerful tool to leverage this ownership. You can connect your Instagram business account and pull the last 365 days of content directly onto Pinterest. Think about the implications: you didn't own your content on Instagram, but now you have Instagram's content building an owned asset on Pinterest, all because you've claimed your website as a digital property."You don't own 100% of your media on Instagram... with Pinterest it's a beautiful place because when you claim your Pinterest account and you claim your website on Pinterest. What you've technically done is that you've claimed a property on an asset that you don't own but now you own..."--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion: Rethinking Attention vs. IntentionFor years, the digital marketing world has been obsessed with the attention economy—a relentless race for more screen time, more views, and more hours spent scrolling. Pinterest proves that there is a more valuable currency: intention.Its true power lies not in capturing endless hours of passive attention, but in connecting with a high-value audience during their most decisive planning and purchasing moments. The platform's unique combination of high intent, powerful demographics, action-based targeting, and content longevity makes it an unparalleled tool for businesses.As you plan your next marketing strategy, ask yourself this: What could your business achieve if you focused less on the attention economy and more on the intention economy?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
AI Hustle: News on Open AI, ChatGPT, Midjourney, NVIDIA, Anthropic, Open Source LLMs
In this episode, Jamie and Jaeden dive into the recent buzz around potential ads in ChatGPT. They explore the implications of ads on AI credibility, discuss OpenAI's response, and speculate on future monetization strategies. Tune in to learn how these changes might affect users and businesses alike, and discover tips on ranking your business in AI models.Our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustleGet the top 40+ AI Models for $20 at AI Box: https://aibox.aiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi sit down with MoPub and MAX founder Jim Payne to unpack his new company CloudX, how “monetization as code” lets mobile publishers manage their entire ad stack in files that AI can edit, why he teamed up with Meta on a secure auction using trusted execution environments, and what all of this means for SDK complexity, mobile vs desktop, AppLovin, performance TV, retail media, and the next wave of ad tech. Takeaways CloudX lets mobile publishers manage their ad stack as code. Jim built CloudX with Meta to power a more secure mobile auction. Line items and targeting live in files instead of spreadsheets. Trusted execution environments keep bidder data locked down. AI agents can now traffic ads and tweak setups automatically. Jim looks back on Mopub, Max and big outcomes for early teams. The crew also breaks down Pinterest TV Scientific and other ad tech news. Chapters 00:00 Intro and why Jim finally joins. 02:10 Jim's path through Mopub, Max and Meta. 06:00 What monetization as code actually means. 11:30 How AI agents can traffic ads. 15:00 Secure auctions and why Meta cares. 20:30 Why messy mobile stacks need flexibility. 27:00 Jim on AppLovin and mobile versus desktop. 33:30 Jim Payne legends and big career bets. 44:00 Pinterest buys tvScientific news reaction. 52:00 DSP fees, CTV buying and meta layers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I'm not going back.” That mantra carried Yandy Smith-Harris from Harlem's Grant Projects to global stages, multimillion-dollar brands, and becoming one of the most influential women in entertainment and entrepreneurship.In this deeply raw and transformative episode of Inside the Vault with Ash Cash, Yandy opens up in a way the world has never heard. She breaks down the hustle, the heartbreak, the purpose, and the identity shift that pushed her to build an empire — even when the odds were stacked against her.Yandy shares: • How she rose from intern to managing icons like Missy Elliott & Jim Jones • The business blueprint behind turning Love & Hip Hop into a franchise • How betrayal became the season that elevated her the most • How she scaled YELL Skincare into Bloomingdale's—starting from her kitchen • Why “I can't go back” fuels every decision, every business, every move • The ownership, wealth, and leadership lessons she teaches her kids • Her journey through activism, motherhood, and protecting her peace in the spotlightThis isn't just an interview. This is a roadmap for resilience, leadership, evolution, and staying grounded while rising higher than you ever imagined.If you're building a brand, walking in purpose, or healing from your past, Yandy's story will shift your mindset and show you exactly what's possible.Inside the Vault with Ash Cash is the #1 money mindset show in the world.
Keith Kirkpatrick believes Adobe (ADBE) is making the right moves to bolster its platform for A.I. He says the company just needs more ties between the evolving tech and profit generation. Keith points to a partnership with OpenAI's ChatGPT as a step in the right direction. Tom White offers an example options trade for the stock. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Hunter Biden, Chinese Spies, and the Monetization of Political Connections: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel reports that following his father's departure from the vice presidency, Hunter Biden faced financial pressure and sought lucrative foreign clients, leading to risky entanglements; one venture involved a corrupt Romanian real estate magnate who hired Hunter along with former FBI Director Louis Freeh and Rudy Giuliani to resolve his legal troubles, with the proposed solution involving selling land including the site of the U.S. Embassy in Romania to a Chinese state-linked fund, and Hunter Biden was aware of the nature of his associates, referring to one as the "spy chief of China." OCTOBER 1, 1949
SHOW 12-8-2025 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1895 KHYBER PASS THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OF GOVERNORS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 The DC Shooter, the Zero Units, and the Tragedy of the Afghan Withdrawal: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss recent violence in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan immigrant that has drawn attention back to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021; the shooter, Ramanula Lakanal, was a member of the elite "Zero Units" of the Afghan National Army, a force that demanded priority evacuation for their families in exchange for providing security at the Kabul airport during the U.S. retreat, and while these units were stalwart allies against enemies like al-Qaeda and ISIS, they fought a "dirty war" and were accused of human rights violations, highlighting the broader failure of the withdrawal which occurred because political will faded across multiple administrations. 915-930 The Vetting Failure and the Lack of an Exit Strategy in Afghanistan: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggioexplain that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was exacerbated by the lack of a methodical exit strategy, unlike the British who organized their departure and evacuation lists well in advance; critics argue that the U.S. imported significant security risks by rushing the evacuation, bringing in over 100,000 Afghans without adequate vetting, and while there was a moral obligation to help those who served, experts suggest that wholesale importation of citizens from a war-torn country was not the only solution and that better vetting or resettlement in third countries should have been considered. 930-945 Martial Law in South Korea and the Shadow of the North: Colleagues Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korea facing severe political turmoil following President Yoon's declaration of martial law, a move his supporters argue was a constitutional response to obstructionist anti-state forces; the opposition, led by figures previously sympathetic to North Korea, has been accused of attempting to paralyze the government, while accusations of "insurrection" against President Yoon are dismissed as nonsensical, with the political infighting fracturing the conservative party and leaving South Korea vulnerable to the North Korean regime in a way not seen since the Korean War. 945-1000 Japan Stands Up for Taiwan While Canada Demurs: Colleagues Charles Burton and Gordon Chang report that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi recently declared that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a "survival threatening situation" for Japan, authorizing the mobilization of self-defense forces; this statement has triggered a massive propaganda campaign from Beijing demanding a retraction, as a successful invasion of Taiwan would likely require violating Japanese sovereignty, while in contrast Canada remains reluctant to support Tokyo or criticize Beijing, hoping to secure trade benefits and diversify exports away from the U.S., leaving Japan isolated by its allies. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The Survival of UNRWA and the Flow of Terror Finance: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotterreport that despite investigations revealing corruption and ties to terrorism, the UN has renewed the mandate for UNRWA for another three years; the organization's facilities have been used by Hamas and its schools have been implicated in radicalizing children, yet international efforts to replace it have stalled, while Hamas leadership refuses to disarm or accept international oversight, demanding a Palestinian state as a precondition for any change, with financial support for terror groups continuing to flow through networks in Europe and the Middle East. 1015-1030 Greece's "Achilles Shield" and Israel's Iron Beam Laser Defense: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter report that Greece is undertaking a historic modernization of its armed forces, unveiling a new national defense strategy focused on long-range missiles and a modernized air defense system dubbed "Achilles Shield," allowing Greece to project power more flexibly in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter threats from Turkey; in Israel, a major defensive breakthrough is imminent with the deployment of the "Iron Beam," a laser defense system capable of intercepting threats at approximately $50 per shot, expected to rewrite the rules of air defense by effectively countering drone swarms and missiles. 1030-1045 Hezbollah's Quiet Regeneration Under Naim Qassem: Colleagues David Daoud and Bill Roggio report that since the ceasefire began, Hezbollah has received at least $2 billion from Iran and is actively rearming and regenerating its forces in Lebanon; the terror group is focusing on acquiring drone swarms and other asymmetrical weapons that are cheap to produce and difficult for Israel to counter, while Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem is leveraging his "bookish" and underestimated persona to lower the temperature and allow the group to rebuild without attracting the same level of scrutiny as his predecessor. 1045-1100 Fragmentation in Yemen: The Southern Transitional Council Advances: Colleagues Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio report that the civil war in Yemen is fracturing further as the Southern Transitional Council, which advocates for southern secession, advances into eastern governorates to secure territory and combat smuggling; this move has heightened tensions within the anti-Houthi coalition, as the STC is backed by the UAE while other government factions are supported by Saudi Arabia, weakening the collective effort against the Houthis who control the capital Sanaa and maintain ambitions to conquer the entire country. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Druze National Guard and Internal Strife in Southern Syria: Colleagues Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report that instability is growing in Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda province, where a newly formed "National Guard" militia has begun arresting and killing political opponents; the militia is spiritually guided by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who has consolidated power by sidelining other Druze leaders who were open to reconciliation with the Assad regime, with Turkey expressing support for the anti-Assad Druze factions against both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, while recent violence suggests a hardening of anti-regime sentiment. 1115-1130 The "Variable Geometry" of the Muslim Brotherhood and Its Global Affiliates: Colleagues Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio explain that the Muslim Brotherhood operates as a "mothership" for various Islamist movements, utilizing a strategy of "variable geometry" to adapt to local political environments while aiming for a global caliphate; Hamas functions as the Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood and despite being severely damaged by the war with Israel remains the dominant force in Gaza, with the Brotherhood finding state sponsorship primarily in Qatar, which provides funding and media support via Al Jazeera, and Turkey, where President Erdogan acts as a leader for the organization. 1130-1145 Ukraine Negotiations Hit a Cul-de-Sac Amidst Infiltration Tactics: Colleagues John Hardie and Bill Roggio report that peace talks regarding Ukraine are currently at a standstill, with the U.S. and Ukraine at odds over Russia's demands for territory in the Donbas versus Ukraine's need for meaningful security guarantees; while the U.S. has pressured Ukraine to concede territory, the security assurances offered are viewed skeptically by Kyiv, and Russia refuses to accept any Western military presence in Ukraine, while on the battlefield Russia employs infiltration tactics using small groups, sometimes single soldiers, to penetrate deep into Ukrainian positions. 1145-1200 The Trump Corollary: Reviving the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America: Colleague Ernesto Araújo discusses a new "Trump corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine reshaping U.S. policy in the Americas, signaling a more assertive stance against foreign influence and authoritarian regimes; this shift is evident in Venezuela, where President Maduro appears to be negotiating his exit in the face of U.S. pressure, while in Brazil the administration of Lula da Silva faces significant instability due to a massive banking scandal linking the government to money laundering and organized crime, with the new application of the Monroe Doctrine suggesting the U.S. will favor political figures aligned with its security strategy. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Devil's Advocates: Robert Stryk, Rudy Giuliani, and the Business of Influence: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel discusses how in the power vacuum created by Donald Trump's arrival in Washington, unconventional lobbyists like Robert Stryk rose to prominence by marketing access to the new administration; Stryk, described as an "anti-hero" with a checkered business past, hosted a lavish event at the Hay-Adams Hotel to legitimize the regime of Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, successfully delivering Rudy Giuliani as Trump's personal attorney, signaling a new informal channel for foreign diplomacy and highlighting how foreign regimes utilized large sums of money and unconventional intermediaries to seek favor. 1215-1230 The Accidental Diplomat: Robert Stryk and the New Zealand Connection: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that Robert Stryk's rise in the lobbying world was fueled by serendipity and bold bluffs, exemplified by a chance encounter with a New Zealand diplomat at a cafe; the diplomat revealed that New Zealand, having prepared for a Clinton victory, had no contacts within the incoming Trump team and could not arrange a congratulatory call between their Prime Minister and the President-elect, and Stryk, leveraging a connection to a former Trump campaign field director, provided a phone number that successfully connected the embassy to Trump's team, establishing his credibility and launching his career in high-stakes foreign lobbying. 1230-1245 Hunter Biden, Chinese Spies, and the Monetization of Political Connections: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel reports that following his father's departure from the vice presidency, Hunter Biden faced financial pressure and sought lucrative foreign clients, leading to risky entanglements; one venture involved a corrupt Romanian real estate magnate who hired Hunter along with former FBI Director Louis Freeh and Rudy Giuliani to resolve his legal troubles, with the proposed solution involving selling land including the site of the U.S. Embassy in Romania to a Chinese state-linked fund, and Hunter Biden was aware of the nature of his associates, referring to one as the "spy chief of China." 1245-100 AM FARA: From Fighting Nazi Propaganda to Modern Transparency: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that the Foreign Agents Registration Act was originally enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda in the United States before World War II; at the time, the Third Reich was paying well-connected American consultants to whitewash Hitler's image and keep the U.S. out of the war, operating without public knowledge, and Congress passed FARA to create transparency, requiring those paid by foreign principals to influence the U.S. government or media to register their activities, with the law remaining today the primary vehicle for accountability in foreign lobbying
Which Podcast Platform is Best? Podcast Hosting Platforms Vs Podcast Streaming Directories: Research Explained with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This podcast episode provides a comprehensive discussion on starting and growing a podcast, focusing heavily on the selection of the best podcasting platform. A key distinction is made between podcast hosting platforms (like Spotify for Creators, formerly Anchor.fm) and podcast listening platforms (such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), emphasizing that a host distributes content via an RSS feed to multiple directories.Our conversation underscores that podcasting should be conversation-first, not monetization-first, and advises beginners to start for free to minimize initial costs. Practical advice is offered on SEO for podcasts, including the importance of consistent episode releases, with statistics showing that many podcasters quit early, and also highlights the benefit of choosing an IAB-compliant host for future monetization opportunities through advertising networks.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 Surprising Podcasting Truths That Will Save You Time and MoneyThe appeal of starting a podcast has never been stronger. With just a microphone and an idea, it seems you can reach a global audience, build a community, and create a thriving brand. This allure draws thousands of aspiring creators to the medium, all asking the same questions: "How do I start? Which platform is best? How do I make money?"But the common wisdom surrounding podcasting is often a minefield of misleading advice and expensive pitfalls. The path to a successful, sustainable show is paved with counter-intuitive truths that most creators learn the hard way. The reality is that podcasting is less about instant fame and fortune and more about a long-term commitment to a very specific craft.This article will save you time, money, and frustration. We've distilled the most surprising and impactful lessons learned from podcasting experts into four foundational takeaways. Understanding these truths from day one will give you a realistic roadmap and a significant advantage over the thousands who quit before they ever find their voice.1. It's a Conversation, Not a Cash MachineThe most common mistake new podcasters make is focusing on monetization from day one. They get caught up in finding ad sponsors and driving transactions before they've even built an audience. The primary purpose of a podcast, especially in its early stages, must be conversation. When you have a conversation with someone, you don't expect a monetary transaction afterward; you expect an exchange of value.In podcasting, that value is trust, thought leadership, and a genuine relationship with your listeners—all earned over time. Trying to monetize too early feels transactional and inauthentic, pushing potential listeners away before they have a chance to connect. As one expert puts it, the focus must be on the relationship first."if you start a podcast to run ads or to monetize, you you're actually better off starting a business than starting a podcast to monetize."This "conversation first" approach is far more sustainable. It allows you to build a loyal community that values your perspective. Monetization can and will come later, but only after trust has been firmly established. That trust is ultimately a more valuable asset than any early ad revenue.2. Your First Episodes Will Suck (So Don't Buy That $400 Mic)Many aspiring podcasters fall hook, line, and sinker for spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on expensive equipment before they've produced a single minute of content. This is a costly mistake. I've seen seasoned creators get their best gear for dirt cheap simply by buying it from new podcasters who quit. They'll see someone selling a barely-used $400 SM7B mic for a fraction of the price because the owner never got past a few episodes.Your initial focus shouldn't be on perfect production quality but on practice. The average podcaster quits after just eight episodes. Why? Because that marks about two months of the relentless "record, edit, publish, distribute" cycle. It's the point where initial excitement fades and the reality of the grind sets in. A large upfront investment becomes a huge financial risk when the odds of sticking with it are so low."Good practice cuz your episodes in the beginning suck. It's it's just the way that it is. You know you learn the the quality of your voice. You start learning techniques."So here is the best advice you will get. Start today. Open the voice memo app on your phone, find a quiet place, and record. The goal isn't perfection; it's practice. Once you have a consistent workflow and are confident in your content, then you can consider upgrading your gear.3. A "Published" Podcast That Isn't Distributed Is Just a DraftThis is one of the most critical and misunderstood aspects of podcasting. New creators often believe that once they upload an episode to their podcast hosting platform, their job is done. This is wrong. A hosting platform is simply the "floppy disc" or "external hard drive" where your audio files are stored. It does not automatically put your show in front of listeners.To be heard, your podcast must be on listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. The key to this is your RSS feed. Think of it like a website's sitemap; it's the link that allows all the different directories to find and display your content. Submitting this feed to every possible listening platform is a non-negotiable step that many beginners miss.I see this scenario play out every day. Person A publishes 10 episodes but only makes them available on their hosting site. Person B publishes the same 10 episodes but distributes their RSS feed to 20 different listening platforms. Person B has a dramatically higher probability of being discovered because they are accessible where listeners actually are. Experts tell stories of being discovered on niche platforms by international listeners—a listener from the UK finding a show on Castbox while helping a client in Spain. That serendipity only happens with wide distribution."if you don't have a podcast that is accessible then you don't really have a podcast you have I don't know what to call it but it's I would call it a draft because it's not something that is accessible"4. The Sobering Reality: The 2-Year, 100-Episode GauntletPodcasting is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it is a marathon. The statistics on podcasting longevity from Pod Match are stark and should be a reality check for anyone looking for immediate results.On average, it takes 2 years and 100 released episodes for a podcaster to begin seeing real, tangible results, whether that's meaningful audience growth, genuine community engagement, or sustainable monetization opportunities. The commitment required to reach that point is immense, and the attrition rate is staggering. Consider this statistical funnel:• The chance of a new podcast reaching just eight episodes is 45%.• The chance of hitting 50 episodes drops to 12.6%.• The milestone of 100 episodes is achieved by a mere 6% of podcasters.What this data tells us is that success in podcasting is a game of consistency and long-term commitment. It's about showing up week after week, building your catalog, and earning listener trust one episode at a time. The real value you're building over those first 100 episodes is not currency, but trust—an asset that is far more durable and powerful in the long run.Are You Ready to Play the Long Game?Successful podcasting defies the conventional wisdom of quick wins and easy money. The path is paved with a different set of priorities: prioritize genuine conversation over premature monetization, start lean and focus on practice before buying expensive gear, ensure your show is widely distributed, and most importantly, commit to the long and consistent work required to build trust.These truths aren't meant to discourage you, but to empower you with a realistic framework for success. By understanding the real challenges from the outset, you can avoid the common pitfalls that cause so many others to give up. This isn't just about business strategy; it's about legacy. As one creator reflected, "I know one day, God willing, my grandkids, my kids will be able to listen to my voice."Knowing that the real prize is trust built over time—a legacy you can leave behind—what conversation are you willing to commit to for the next 100 episodes?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if your show had a format designed only for your super fans? Today, we look at what a private podcast actually is and how it works behind the scenes. We're joined by trusted podcasting expert Cliff Ravenscraft, who helps us understand the mechanics: how access is controlled, how episodes are delivered, and why a private feed functions differently from a public show. Cliff explains how creators use private podcasts for focused communication, training, or more personal updates, and why clarity on purpose matters more than fancy tools. We also explore the expectations you set for your audience, and how those choices help mold the value of your private podcast.Episode Highlights:[02:36] Upcoming Episodes and Announcements[05:31] Cliff Ravenscraft on Private Podcasts[08:00] Benefits and Use Cases of Private Podcasts[18:01] Monetization and Platforms for Private Podcasts[19:53] Hosting Private Podcasts on Your Own Website[24:41] Substack as a Private Podcast Platform[26:20] Legal Disclaimer and Privacy Concerns[30:49] Marketing Strategies for Private vs. Public Podcasts[45:05] Creating a Private Podcast for Courses and BusinessLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingCliff Ravenscraft:https://www.cliffravenscraft.comPodcast Answer Man: www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcasts/podcast-answer-manBC Babbles: https://bcbabbles.substack.comTo Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45UPreview of our Upcoming Evaluation Carefree Highway Revisited: https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-j6vtj-1961b14Rodecaster Pro 2: https://amzn.to/41h9yuNRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Send us a textIn this episode of Performance Marketing Spotlight, host Marshall Nyman sits down with Reid Webb, Director of Shopping Revenue Strategy at Apartment Therapy Media, to explore how publishers can adapt and grow in a rapidly changing performance landscape. Reid shares his journey from agency-side beginnings to building commerce revenue programs across major publishers including Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Cubby, and Dorm Therapy.We discuss:How AI and shifting search traffic are reshaping publisher monetizationWhy off-site and social commerce are becoming essential revenue channelsThe challenges and opportunities of managing affiliate programs across multiple brandsWhat metrics publishers should prioritize in an AI-driven environmentReid's upcoming panel at Affiliate Summit West 2026, featuring voices from Opinary and other industry leadersWhether you're a publisher, brand, or performance marketer, this episode delivers practical insights on how to future-proof your commerce strategy.
Noob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Talk with Shrek and Turbo
In this episode of the Noob Spearo Podcast, host Shrek interviews Jordan Hunter, founder of the Your Fish app. They discuss Jordan's background in spearfishing, the inspiration and development of the app, and its features such as social networking, buddy finding, and competition management. Jordan also shares insights into his personal spearfishing journey, the importance of meditation and relaxation in diving, and the potential of ice baths to improve diving performance. The conversation highlights the app's goal of building a global community of spearfishers and anglers, making it easier to connect and share their passion. Listeners are encouraged to download the app and join the community. Important Times 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:27 Meet Jordan Hunter: Founder of Your Fish App 03:35 The Inspiration Behind Your Fish App 06:07 Features and Future of Your Fish App 07:48 Community and Competitions 12:52 Monetization and Growth Strategies 15:26 User Experience and Tech Challenges 29:15 Personal Journey: Jordan's Spearfishing Story 34:03 Lessons from Free Diving 34:49 Wave Three Deep Week in Thailand 36:49 Spearfishing Retreats and Life Changes 37:58 Culinary Adventures with Surgeon Fish 48:08 The Importance of Meditation and Ice Baths 01:01:09 The Vision for YourFish App 01:04:05 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Links Mentioned, Partner Deals and Discounts + Froth
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
In this episode, we are joined by Michael Gants, founder and CEO of Encore, a new SDK helping subscription app developers turn churned users into paying subscribers.Michael is a Stanford grad, a Time Magazine “Leader of Tomorrow”, and a seasoned founder with a passion for building sustainable consumer businesses.He will also share what he's learned about monetizing consumer apps, understanding user psychology, and how Encore's technology is rethinking app revenue models.You will discover:✅ How developers can turn churned users into paying subscribers✅ The psychology of user retention and what triggers reactivation✅ Why traditional monetization models are broken for consumer apps✅ How Encore's SDK simplifies subscription monetizationLearn More:Explore Encorehttps://encorekit.com/You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/F_FYZUgGjNYWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won't upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla's modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio's pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: AppMasters.com/YouTubeInstagram: @App MastersTwitter: @App MastersTikTok: @stevepyoungFacebook: App Masters*********************************************
Power of Pinterest and Evergreen Content Marketing Masterclass for Businesses with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.
Today, we break down an indie podcaster's episode structure, branding clarity, pacing, and storytelling opportunities as we evaluate Wander World School. This episode is packed with great discussion from the team about how creators can simplify, strengthen, and improve the listener experience. We talk pacing, cover art, segment transitions, call-to-action overload, monetization strategies, and where Suzy May (the host) shines with expertise and audience connection.Episode Highlights:[00:05] Introduction and what today's evaluation is about[01:21] Spotify for Creators Wrapped and how to access yours[05:17] First impressions of Wander World School and who the show serves[10:00] Pacing, scripting, and delivery challenges[17:18] Cover art, title clarity, and branding recommendations[22:35] Show notes, cold open, and intro structure[30:21] Balancing personal updates with storytelling[35:16] Where the episode delivers strong value and how to move it earlier[38:38] Listener engagement elements that work well[43:37] Monetization opportunities for this niche[47:06] Audio leveling and production adjustments[48:49] Final takeaways for strengthening the showLinks & Resources:
In this special episode, we sit down with Supersonic to break down Unravel Master - the puzzle/hybrid hit using streak mechanics, x-ray boosts, early difficulty personalization, and an innovative hybrid casual game. We cover design, monetization, UA, creatives, AI usage, and how Supersonic built a category-leading title with 1000+ creatives.What you'll learn• How the X-ray streak mechanic works (and why it converts so well)• Why Chinese puzzle design uses early difficulty spikes• How Supersonic balanced hybrid monetization toward IAP• Why revive screens were intentionally not ad-driven• How 1000 creatives → pig characters → ASMR → AI weaving boosted UA• Why interstitials are avoided early and tested later• How hybrid-casual studios build teams + workflows• The pressure of clones and how to stay ahead with theme timingKey takeawayUnravel Master succeeds because it blends the best of hypercasual CPI instincts with deep puzzle design, early monetization pressure points, and industrial-grade creative iteration.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricSpecial guests: Paz Shabtaihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paz-shabtai-59588b76/David Wanghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wang-38579a88/Contact Supersonic:https://supersonic.com/submit-your-game/Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 — Unravel Master overview & Supersonic intro04:20 — X-Ray Streak mechanic & difficulty personalization10:10 — Monetization strategy: IAP-first hybrid + boosters18:00 — UA & Creatives: pig magic, AI, ASMR & 1000 creatives26:10 — Global scaling, clones, meta debates & final insights---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
Imagine logging in next month to find your bill for the AI tool you use has doubled, or that you've run out of credits halfway through a critical project.The explosion of AI video tools has brought incredible capabilities to content creators, but alongside these innovations comes a new challenge: complex pricing models that make it difficult to budget, explain costs to your boss, or know if you're getting sustainable value from your tools.Joining us in this episode is Daniel Foster, Director of Monetization at TechSmith, who studies the evolution of software pricing and has been closely watching how AI tools are being packaged and priced.Daniel shares practical advice for evaluating AI tools beyond just their features, looking at the "whole product" including support, documentation, and pricing sustainability. He explains how to navigate credit-based systems, and why bundled solutions might save you both money and headaches.Learning points from the episode include:00:38 - 01:52 Introduction to Daniel01:52 - 03:06 Daniel's tip for using images and video in work03:06 - 05:05 Why pricing decisions matter as much as features05:05 - 07:51 Current AI pricing models emerging in the market07:51 - 10:56 The complexity of credit-based systems10:56 - 13:47 Alternatives and features to look for in pricing13:47 - 19:54 Evaluating all-in-one vs. specialized tools19:54 - 22:29 Support and documentation considerations22:29 - 23:23 The most popular AI feature: Voice generation23:23 - 27:56 Speed round questions27:56 - 28:53 Daniel's final take28:53 - 30:14 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfoster/Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
This episode is a break from the usual dirt-business guest… and that's the point. The Unhinged Rancher runs a ranch with 1,100–1,200 cows and somehow turned yelling at cows, turtles, and skid-steer projects into a real income stream. The best part: he lays out simple content rules that contractors can copy—how to hook people fast, deal with hate comments, and pivot platforms when the algorithm changes.Takeaways:✅ Humor is a tool, not a gimmick: he uses it to keep people watching, then keeps them with consistency and real-life work.✅ Balance is a battle: ranch work doesn't pause for “content day,” so he built a system to film while working—not instead of working.✅ Monetization isn't magic: the money came after attention—merch, platform payouts, partnerships—built off repeatable posting habits.✅ Your circle matters: he's intentional about being around people who are doing more, thinking bigger, and pushing forward.✅ Ignore the comment section when a video pops: bigger reach brings more random hate—don't let people who don't pay your bills steer the wheel.Why it Matters:If you're an operator or contractor trying to get leads, hires, or attention online, Kyle's approach shows how to turn everyday work into content that actually moves the needle.Links:➡️ Subscribe to The Unhinged Rancher's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUnhingedRancher➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. https://www.skidsteernation.com➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. https://getthrottledup.com/
In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas interviews Ashish Aggarwal, Co-Founder of AppBroda—a no-code ad network empowering mobile app and game developers to scale revenue without writing a single line of code. Drawing on his experience at Google working with thousands of developers, Ashish explains the industry's biggest friction point: developers don't want additional SDKs or code that slow apps, risk crashes, or violate privacy rules.Ashish shares how AppBroda solves that challenge with automated, data-driven monetization tools now used by over 2,000 studios, contributing to more than $2B in annual recurring revenue. He breaks down what separates consistently successful studios—data-driven systems, adaptability, and access to capital—and how privacy shifts and platform policies have reshaped mobile ad economics.Looking ahead, Ashish predicts a new era where AI enables anyone to become an app or game creator. He explains how no-code platforms like AppBroda will power this next wave of digital entrepreneurs by simplifying monetization for non-technical builders. This conversation is a must-listen for developers, creators, and anyone following the future of mobile apps.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Show DescriptionWhy do we turkey when there's so many (better) options for meals, how many hobbies do we really need and why can't we do all of them, Clues by Sam difficulties and doing the puzzle game circuit, does Dave like D&D or does Dave like systems, the ongoing web monetization attempts, and Brecht on range group. Listen on WebsiteLinks Alton Brown Cooks Food | Episode 1: The Big Bird Big Green Egg Tobi Workwear Clues By Sam Stars – Daily Puzzle | Inkwell Games Fields – Daily Puzzle | Inkwell Games Tiled Words 646: Hard Code & Soft Skills – ShopTalk Lasers & Feelings by John Harper Greetings, Scoundrel | Blades in the Dark RPG Monster of the Week – Evil Hat Mothership RPG – Tuesday Knight Games Pathfinder Roleplaying Game | Paizo Baldur's Gate 3 on Steam 633: Thomas Steiner on AI in Chrome and the Web – ShopTalk Web Monetization is Still Inching Along – Frontend Masters Blog Open Letter Interledger Foundation Web Monetization – Chrome Web Store GateHub Grid Paper utilitybend Blog SponsorstldrawHave you ever wanted to build an app that works kinda like Miro or Figma, that has a zoomable infinite canvas, that's multiplayer, and really good, but you also want to build it in React with normal React components on the canvas? Good news! tldraw is the world's first, best, and only SDK for building infinite canvas apps in React. tldraw takes care of all the canvas complexities — things like the camera, selection logic, and undo redo — so that you can focus on building the features that matter to your users. It's easy to use with plenty of examples and starter kits, including a kit where you can use AI to create things on the canvas. Get started for free at tldraw.dev/shoptalk, or run npm create tldraw to spin up a starter kit.
On the podcast we talk with Ravi about subscriptions as a force multiplier for consumables, why narratives matter more than metrics in goal-setting, and why you might want to try a longer onboarding, or a shorter one.
I dive deep with Alex Grendi into the realities of performance anxiety, premature ejaculation, and the pressure men carry in the bedroom. We unpack how self-worth, porn, and emotional tension affect arousal and sexual confidence. Alex breaks down the psychology behind performance issues and shares practical solutions men can start using immediately. This conversation is honest, raw, and a must listen for any man who wants a healthier relationship with sex.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction00:35 How self-worth affects sex01:17 Emotional roots of performance issues02:03 Porn and male conditioning03:19 Nervous system and arousal04:34 Porn induced dysfunction05:37 Unrealistic expectations07:22 Shame and performance pressure07:45 Women influenced by porn08:20 Monetization joke break10:01 What men really want12:49 Why men feel pressure13:12 Saying no to sex15:18 Handling anxiety during sex16:53 Belief and awareness17:36 Pressure when sex is infrequent18:29 Communication with partners19:59 Reducing pressure22:14 In the moment anxiety tools24:03 Breath control in sex25:30 Parasympathetic vs sympathetic states27:38 Arousal pacing and control29:50 Hyper stimulation from porn31:44 Self worth and performance links33:15 Where low self worth comes from34:45 Perfectionism and pressure35:16 Support and standards37:37 Using sex for validation38:56 Understanding different dysfunctions41:33 What causes ED in healthy men43:54 Forcing erections vs allowing44:30 Emotional litmus test45:35 Nervous system signals46:50 Emotional suppression47:46 Performance with highly attractive partners48:45 Self-sabotage49:39 Building sexual confidence49:58 Rituals and daily practice53:57 Letting go of control56:05 Reconnecting to the body57:48 Sex as meditation58:29 Romance novels conversation01:00:20 Where to find Alex***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don't know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the
5 Lessons from 5 Years on Clubhouse App with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This episode primarily discusses five key lessons learned from my 5 years on Clubhouse: intentionality, priority, patience, consistency, and tenacity (or resilience).Throughout the session, Favour interacts with the audience, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, providing value, and adapting to the evolving nature of the app for both personal and business growth, including mentions of his successful We Don't PLAY™️ podcast. The conversation also touches on other topics such as marketing strategy, the app's history, and making connections that lead to real-world opportunities.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Introduction: The Long Game in a Short-Attention WorldIn a digital world defined by fleeting trends and constant app-hopping, we rarely stick with a single platform long enough to draw deep conclusions. We download, explore, get bored, and move on. But what happens when you treat a social network less like a fleeting distraction and more like a consistent practice?On November 24, 2025, I opened a room on Clubhouse to mark a personal milestone: five years to the day since I first joined the audio-only platform. Back in 2020, it was an exclusive, invite-only space, and stepping into it felt like starting at a new school where you don't have any friends. You had to make them from scratch. Everyone was new, everyone was building, and that shared experience created a unique digital culture. As I celebrated that anniversary live on the app, I reflected on the journey.That long-term commitment revealed five essential, and sometimes surprising, principles for connection and growth in any digital space. These aren't just tips for social media; they are foundational lessons for navigating our increasingly online lives with purpose and impact.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Intentionality: The Opposite of DoomscrollingIn a sea of infinite feeds and endless distractions, the first lesson is to choose to be present with a purpose. Intentionality means reframing your use of an app from a passive consumption habit to an active, goal-oriented practice. It requires asking why you are opening the app at that moment. Is it to learn something new? To support a peer? To connect with one specific person or engage with a larger community?This is a crucial shift because it puts you in control. Instead of letting an algorithm dictate your experience, you actively decide how to spend your time and energy. Whether you're speaking to a room of one or one thousand, being intentional ensures that every session has a purpose, which in turn fosters more meaningful interactions."having intentionality has increased my chances of connecting people at a deeper level."2. Priority: You Actualize What You PrioritizeBeyond simply managing your time, the second lesson is to consciously prioritize your attention. On an audio platform, this means prioritizing the rooms you join, the topics you engage with, and even what you choose to listen to—in essence, "prioritizing your ear." You can't be everywhere at once, so you must decide what conversations and connections are most aligned with your goals.For me, prioritizing Clubhouse as a platform for my podcast, "We Don't Play," was a game-changer. By consistently making it a key part of my content strategy, I generated new ideas and engaged with my audience in real-time. This focus was instrumental in a monumental achievement: releasing 131 podcast episodes just this year alone, out of a six-year journey. When you make something a priority, you dedicate the focus and resources necessary to bring it to life."When you prioritize, you actualize because what you're prioritizing, you're looking at. You're paying attention to it."3. Patience: The Lost Art of Digital ConnectionThe third lesson is perhaps the most counter-cultural in our fast-paced digital world: patience. Building genuine relationships takes time. On Clubhouse, I've seen simple connections evolve into friendships, business partnerships, and client referrals, but none of it happened overnight. Patience is the virtue required to navigate diverse conversations, but it's not always a passive act. Sometimes, people will test your patience, wanting to tell you off or challenge your perspective. It's in those moments that true patience is forged.A key practice of patience in an audio-only format is the discipline of letting people finish their thoughts completely. Resisting the urge to interrupt creates a space where people feel heard and respected, a stark contrast to the rapid-fire exchanges on other platforms. This practice of active, silent listening is fundamental to understanding, which is the bedrock of any real connection."listen and silent are the same. It's just scrabble differently. So I believe when you're silent and you're listening and you're patient with the person, you're taking time to respond as opposed to reacting based on what you're feeling."4. Consistency: Showing Up When No One is WatchingThe fourth lesson is about the quiet power of consistency. Building a presence, a community, or a reputation in any space depends on showing up regularly—especially when it feels like no one is paying attention. "Whether there's one person in this room or 5,000 or zero," the act of being there is what matters.This principle was baked into the very DNA of early Clubhouse. To earn the ability to start your own "club," you first had to prove your consistency by hosting open rooms for about a week. You had to put in the work before the platform's gamified system unlocked the keys. The reward followed the commitment. Years of this consistent presence produced connections that have become part of my daily lifestyle, but one story stands out. A woman once booked a call with me just to apologize. "For what?" I asked. She confessed that because I delivered valuable information so quickly, she couldn't take notes fast enough and had started secretly recording my audio. That was a profound, tangible testament to the impact of just showing up.5. Tenacity: The Engine for Everything ElseThe final and most powerful lesson is tenacity—the resilience that underpins the other four. Platforms evolve. Features change, communities shift, and the initial hype fades. Tenacity is the commitment to adapt and "move with the times" rather than abandoning the space when it's no longer what it once was. It's the decision to stay, even if the "app turns into Titanic."This isn't about stubbornness. It's about conviction. It's a deep belief in the value of the community you've helped build and a willingness to evolve with it. As the platform changes, tenacity reminds you that it's not about what you're sticking to, but what you believe in. It's about staying true to yourself and the people you serve, allowing you to see beyond temporary turmoil and continue building something of lasting value.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion: What Is Your Digital Platform Teaching You?After five years on a single app, the lessons are clear. The people I've met are life-changing, and true growth isn't found in chasing the next shiny object. It is forged through Intentionality, Priority, Patience, Consistency, and Tenacity. These five principles are more than just a strategy for Clubhouse; they are a blueprint for navigating any professional or personal endeavor in our digital world. They remind us that platforms are just tools; it is how we choose to use them that defines our impact, leaving us with one essential question to consider:When was the last time you did something for the first time?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode SummaryForget the old ways of game development. The Roblox platform isn't a sandbox—it's a brutal, high-frequency, algorithmic battleground.In this deep dive, we break down why traditional "AAA" development strategies are being crushed by low-fidelity, quick-to-market viral hits. We analyze the metrics that Roblox's discovery algorithm actually cares about (it's not just downloads), the new pressure on developers, and the commercial gold rush driving this new age of digital product. If you're building software, an app, or a game, this is a masterclass in platform leverage and virality.Key Takeaways for the Tech Professional The Algorithm as a Gatekeeper: Understand the core metrics that determine success on Roblox (Retention, Monetization, and Engagement) and how they reflect the priorities of any major platform (Apple App Store, Google Play, YouTube). The Two-Tiered Development Strategy: Contrasting the high-budget, polished approach with the fast, data-driven methodology of viral developers—and why the latter often wins. Minimal Viable Fun (MVF) > Minimum Viable Product (MVP): How the "low-poly, high-concept" trend proves that speed and novelty often beat engineering polish when facing a discovery-focused algorithm. Monetization as a Discovery Signal: Why high-ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) games are disproportionately rewarded by the algorithm and what that means for your product's design.Chapter Markers (Jump to the insights you need) 01:30 The 'Gold Rush' Archetype: Why Roblox is the Wild West of modern game dev. 05:45 The Core Algorithm: What Roblox's discovery engine actually measures. (Hint: It's all about the money flow). 12:10 Case Study: Viral Low-Fi vs. AAA Polish—The data behind the death of the polished demo. 18:05 Designing for the Metrics: The blueprint for building a game that the algorithm will push. 24:45 Takeaways for SaaS/App Developers: Applying the Roblox virality playbook to enterprise and consumer products.
SaaS monetization in 2026 is being reshaped by smarter tiering strategies, flexible usage-based models, AI-powered add-ons, and bold pricing experiments that help companies grow revenue while meeting evolving customer expectations. In this episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS podcast, host Joran speaks with Krzysztof “Chris” Szyszkiewicz, the co-founder of ValueShips, a boutique pricing consultancy that works primarily with technology companies, particularly within SaaS and AI. The conversation, recorded live at the SaaS Summit in Benelux, explores where SaaS pricing is heading in 2026 and how companies can gain an advantage by rethinking monetization, packaging, and expansion strategy.Chris offers practical insights on output and success-based pricing, the rise of AI add-ons, the importance of structuring tiers based on willingness to pay, and the need to view pricing as a continuous process. He also explains how to run pricing experiments, avoid common traps, and use straightforward frameworks to protect margins, especially in AI-driven products where usage costs can escalate quickly. For any SaaS company preparing for growth in 2026, this discussion provides a grounded and actionable blueprint for building a pricing system that supports scale.Key Timestamps(0:00) – SaaS Pricing in 2026 Is Gonna Get Wild(0:53) – Live From SaaS Summit Benelux(0:57) – Meet the Pricing Guy Behind ValueShips(1:11) – What Will SaaS Pricing Look Like in 2026?(1:19) – Expansion Revenue Is the New Growth Hack(2:32) – Scale Smarter With Usage Metrics(3:45) – Stop Guessing: Do Real WTP Research(4:10) – Switching to Hybrid Pricing Without Chaos(4:23) – Test AI Add-Ons Before Going All-In(5:43) – The New AI-Native SaaS Models(5:58) – Freemium Isn't Free(7:08) – Booking.com-Style Pricing Comes to SaaS(8:04) – Pricing Is a Process(9:44) – Ad Break: Reditus(9:57) – A/B Test Your Pricing Like a Pro(10:30) – How to Test Pricing on Existing Customers(11:38) – The Churn Math You Must Know(12:41) – The Most Expensive Pricing Mistakes(13:45) – Don't Blow Up Your Pricing Model for AI(14:47) – When Credits Pricing Works(15:01) – Keep AI Costs From Killing Margins(16:10) – Utility-Style Billing 101(16:48) – Early-Stage Pricing to Hit 10K MRR(18:15) – Scale to $10M ARR Without Revenue Leaks(19:24) – Final Takeaways(19:27) – Connect With Chris(19:40) – Outro & Subscribe
This conversation covers:-Why M&A activity has accelerated in 2025 - and why 2026 may be even bigger.-The growing appeal of dual monetization for advisors who want flexibility.-Why partial sales can limit control and create long-term complications.-How technology, data quality, and operational readiness drive your valuation.-The emotional side of selling - and why so many deals stall late in the process.-Why larger platforms often offer deeper buyer pools and stronger financing options.-What advisors should start updating now to strengthen a future exit.Whether you're planning to sell soon, exploring a transition, or simply trying to position your practice for the next phase, this episode delivers clear guidance, real-world examples, and forward-looking insights to help you make informed decisions.Tune in and prepare your practice for what's ahead in 2026 and beyond.Elite Consulting Partners | Financial Advisor Transitions: https://eliteconsultingpartners.comElite Marketing Concepts | Marketing Services for Financial Advisors: https://elitemarketingconcepts.comElite Advisor Successions | Advisor Mergers and Acquisitions: https://eliteadvisorssuccessions.comJEDI Database Solutions | Data Intelligence for Advisors: https://jedidatabasesolutions.comListen to more Advisor Talk episodes: https://eliteconsultingpartners.com/podcasts/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/eliteconsultingpartners
This SEO 101, Podcast 101, and Pinterest Business 101: Digital Marketing Masterclass with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights episode outlines how a podcast acts as the central content piece ("the meat of the sandwich"), supported by Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the long-term visibility offered by Pinterest for distribution and content longevity.The discussion explores practical aspects of content creation, such as keyword research, the importance of authenticity and storytelling, and the value of having a consistent digital presence across multiple platforms to build trust and authority. The conversation also features audience participation, with tips exchanged regarding tools like SEMrush and LLMRefs, and an emphasis on how a personal voice acts as a business's currency and brand identity.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you're in business, you've felt the pressure. The digital marketing world is a constant barrage of advice: "You have to be on TikTok," "Run more ads," "Post on Instagram three times a day." It's overwhelming, noisy, and often leads to a scattered strategy that feels more like throwing spaghetti at a wall than building a sustainable business.But what if there was a simpler, more powerful formula? After a deep dive into an expert discussion on modern content strategy, a surprisingly clear framework emerged: SEO + Podcasting + Pinterest. Think of it as a "digital marketing sandwich." SEO and Pinterest are the buns, providing structure and long-term discoverability. The meat in the middle is your podcast—the core of your message, the engine for trust, and the source of all your content. This approach brings clarity, structure, and a self-reinforcing system to your marketing efforts.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Your Content's Lifespan: The 5-Month Rule of PinterestDifferent platforms treat your content in vastly different ways. A post on most social feeds might have a relevant lifespan of 72 hours before it's lost in the algorithm. This is the most surprising truth revealed: Pinterest is in a league of its own, with an average content lifespan of five months.This isn't just a minor difference; it's a game-changer. It reframes your content from a fleeting post into an evergreen asset. Imagine you had two storage units, both costing the same price. Storage A expires in 72 hours, while Storage B gives you five months. Which would you choose for your valuable assets? Content on Pinterest works for you for months, continually driving traffic and awareness long after you've published it."If you do that for your content on Pinterest, that's what you'll be creating because Pinterest has a a span of 5 months. So let's say you have a podcast you've done that's 5 minutes long. 5 minutes podcast episode that turns into a fivemon timeline."In essence, the speaker illustrates how a small, five-minute piece of content gains a five-month lifespan, creating an outsized return on the initial time investment.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. The Podcast as a Secret SEO EngineMany people think of a podcast as just an audio file. In reality, it's a powerful, multi-faceted tool for search engine optimization. Each episode offers seven distinct slots where you can submit strategic "intel" to platforms like Apple and Spotify, telling their algorithms precisely what your content is about.These seven SEO opportunities within a single episode are:• Podcast Cover Art• Episode Cover Art• Episode Title• Episode Description• Podcast Title• Podcast Description• The Author NameThis is incredibly impactful because it gives you numerous chances to signal your relevance. The title fields offer around 40-60 characters for your primary keywords, while the description fields give you a massive canvas of up to 4,000 characters to elaborate. By consistently embedding keywords across these seven slots, you create a clear, algorithm-friendly footprint that dramatically boosts your visibility and helps your target audience find you when they're searching for solutions.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. The Myth of "No Time": The Surprising Math of ConsistencyOne of the biggest hurdles for creators is the belief that producing consistent content, like a podcast, takes too much time. However, the math tells a different, far less intimidating story. Producing 75 podcast episodes in a single year might sound daunting. But let's break it down.Assuming one hour per episode, that's just 75 hours out of the 8,760 hours available in a year. This means you would spend less than 1% of your total time to build an entire library of valuable content. This simple calculation reframes the commitment from an overwhelming burden to a manageable, high-leverage activity."If you do 75 five episodes in a span of 365 days... That is less than 1% of your time in a year that you've spent on a podcast that has a lifespan of anywhere from 24 hours to 24 months."The true power lies in that contrast: a sub-1% time investment creates a powerful asset with a lifespan of up to two years. The return on investment is immense, turning small, consistent efforts into a long-term marketing engine.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. The 5% Rule of Listening: Why Your Message Isn't StickingHere is a counter-intuitive psychological truth that every marketer must understand: when someone listens to new information for the first time, they typically only acquire 5% of it.For a listener to reach 90% acquisition—the point where they truly understand a concept and could teach it back to someone else—they need repeated exposure. This has a massive implication for content creators. Your message will not stick after a single episode or post. This is why repetition, multi-format content (repurposing your podcast into blogs, social media posts, and pins), and clear, simple messaging are not just good ideas; they are essential. The real value is in reinforcing your core message over time and across platforms, moving your audience from 5% awareness to 90% understanding.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------5. Your Voice Builds the Bridge of TrustUltimately, a podcast's most profound power lies in the raw, human element of your voice. It serves as the cornerstone and anchor for your message. Text and images can inform, but your voice builds a relationship. Over time, as people listen to you consistently, they develop a "listen score," which directly translates into a "trust score."This is the bedrock of all effective marketing, because as any strategist knows, before you can earn dollars, you must earn trust. A podcast creates that bridge between you and your audience that static content cannot replicate. When people trust your voice, they are more likely to click your link, visit your website, and engage with your content. This trust makes every other part of your marketing machine—your SEO, your Pinterest strategy, your email campaigns—exponentially more effective."When you create a podcast, it creates that bridge of trust because now you can listen to me, you can call me out, you can say whatever you want... because of what you hear."--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion: Building Your Digital Marketing SandwichThe path to effective digital marketing doesn't have to be a chaotic scramble. By combining the foundational elements of SEO (capturing search intent), Podcasting (building trust and creating the core message), and Pinterest (creating a long-term, searchable content library), you build a robust, self-reinforcing system. It's a strategy that turns one piece of core content into a marketing engine that works for you for months, even years.This isn't about doing more work; it's about making the work you do more intelligent and interconnected. It's about building a system where each part strengthens the others, creating sustainable growth and a genuine connection with your audience.Now that you've seen the recipe, what part of your own digital marketing 'sandwich' have you been neglecting—the search-friendly buns or the trust-building meat in the middle?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We open by tracking our video money and mocking the chef who quit Elon's "epic" bacon diner, before diving into the IN THE NEWS segment where plummeting crypto and Nvidia stocks confirm everything is a sham; we cover Bezos's new $6.2 billion AI flop, a sleeping Tesla Robotaxi driver, and why OpenAI's new school tools are a Recipe for Idiocracy with students who can't read; in MEDIA CANDY, we tear apart Disney's lazy Moana remake; THE DARK SIDE WITH DAVE we discuss Zork going open source and why movies just don't feel real anymore before CLOSING SHOUT-OUTS where we are mourning Mani from the Stone Roses, and wishing Bjork a very metal 60th.We start with a FOLLOW UP on our channel's performance, wading through the garbage pile of Monetization questions and Stats, including the scourge of Shorts—because apparently, that's what we do now. Speaking of people running from trouble, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is ditching his OpenAI board seat after a fresh batch of cringey Jeffrey Epstein emails surfaced. Meanwhile, the financial world is having a meltdown: Nvidia's Stock is Falling Again after its earnings report, exposing the fact that almost Yet Another Study Shows That Most Companies Aren't Making Any Money Off AI, and Bitcoin is Getting Absolutely Crushed Right Now, which we happily remind you will Trigger the Next Financial Crisis. Don't worry, Jeff Bezos will head a new engineering-focused AI startup because the world clearly needs more tech billionaires throwing money at things they don't understand, while Apple is reportedly getting ready to replace Tim Cook.The tech-bro corruption parade continues as a former DOJ official points out that Trump's Crypto Pardon of the Binance co-founder is exactly what it looks like, and Elon's pet AI, Grok Insists That Elon Musk Is More Physically Fit Than LeBron James and better at everything else, proving the bot has been sampling its boss's Adderall. Even though ChatGPT Achieves a New Level of Intelligence by finally letting you disable its em-dash addiction, companies like Intuit are integrating its tax and accounting products with ChatGPT—because who doesn't want an AI-powered tax audit? This all dovetails nicely with the news that OpenAI is launching ChatGPT for Teachers' right as students' math skills hit a low, leading to a literal Recipe for Idiocracy where elite college students Can't Read Books. The whole thing is broken, including Tesla's so-called Robotaxi, where a Passenger Alarmed When Tesla Robotaxi “Safety” Driver Falls Completely Asleep at the Wheel. On a lighter note, we check out the new trailers for The Witcher S4, Frankenstein, and Project Hail Mary in MEDIA CANDY, and tear apart the absolutely unnecessary live-action Moana teaser, before mentioning the biggest drama launch on Apple TV, Pluribus.Next up is THE DARK SIDE WITH DAVE, where our tireless security guru Dave Bittner throws in some random facts, like Microsoft making Zork I, II, and III open source and videos on why the iOS Keyboard is Broken and Why Movies Just Don't Feel "Real” Anymore, and we discuss Thanksgiving plans. Finally, in CLOSING SHOUT-OUTS, we end with a shout-out to our generous PATREON supporters and PAYPAL/STRIPE donors, mourn the passing of Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Mani, and wish the incomparable Bjork a milestone 60th birthday.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tWM83ra7Qp8Sponsors:Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/723FOLLOW UPTesla Diner Chef and Co-Operator Quits to Open a Jewish DeliLarry Summers leaves OpenAI board, Harvard instructor role as scrutiny over Epstein emails intensifiesIN THE NEWSOops! Nvidia's Stock Is Falling Again After Its “Blowout” Earnings ReportBitcoin Is Getting Absolutely Crushed Right NowHow Crypto Could Trigger the Next Financial CrisisJeff Bezos will head a new engineering-focused AI startup called Project PrometheusYet Another Study Shows That Most Companies Aren't Making Any Money Off AIPassenger Alarmed When Tesla Robotaxi “Safety” Driver Falls Completely Asleep at the WheelMeta wins antitrust trial as judge denies that it's a monopolyApple is reportedly getting ready to replace Tim Cook as early as next yearFormer DOJ Official: Trump's Crypto Pardon Is Unprecedented CorruptionChatGPT Achieves a New Level of Intelligence: Not Using the Em DashGrok Insists That Elon Musk Is More Physically Fit Than LeBron James11 Things Grok Says Elon Musk Does Better Than AnyoneIntuit is integrating its tax and accounting products with ChatGPTOpenAI Introduces ‘ChatGPT for Teachers' to Further Destroy the Minds of Our Youth‘A Recipe for Idiocracy'The Elite College Students Who Can't Read BooksPornhub Begs Tech Giants to Verify User Ages on Their Device: ReportLondon thieves gave stolen phones back when they weren't iPhonesMEDIA CANDYThe Witcher S4FrankensteinPluribus is Apple TV's biggest drama series launch everSquid Game: The Challenge Season 2Mr. ScorseseThe American RevolutionMoana | Official TeaserProject Hail Mary | Official Trailer 2Goo Goo Dolls: NPR Tiny Desk ConcertTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingRIHC: Disney's Legacy, with Bob IgerMicrosoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT LicenseIt's Not Just You - The iOS Keyboard is BrokenWhy Movies Just Don't Feel "Real" AnymoreThe greatest space battle in Cinema history, and my personal favorite VFX shot. @ 7:07CLOSING SHOUT-OUTSStone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Mani dies at 63See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textMonetizing your podcast doesn't have to mean chasing sponsors or hitting massive download numbers. We break down what podcast monetization actually looks like for indie podcasters and how to choose the strategies that genuinely fit your show.We cover:When you're truly ready to monetizeHow sponsorships actually workAffiliate marketing as a simple testing groundSubscriptions options: listen to the full Buzzcast episodeListener support and why it works for every podcasterHow to talk about money without feeling awkwardWhy the future of podcast monetization is all about value and communityRead the monetization blog: How I Make Money Podcasting (What Still Works In 2025)Contact Buzzcast Send us a text message Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Google Search Console (GSC) New! Branded and Non-Branded Queries + Annotation Filters | Marketing Talk with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This episode focuses on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the new features within Google Search Console (GSC).Favour discuss the recently introduced brand queries and annotations features in GSC, highlighting their importance for understanding both branded and non-branded search behavior.The conversation also emphasizes the broader strategic use of GSC data, comparing it to a car's dashboard for website performance, and explores how this data can be leveraged to create valuable content, such as FAQ-based blog posts and multimedia assets, often with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. A key theme is the shift from traditional keyword ranking to ranking for user experience and the interconnectedness of various digital tools in modern marketing strategy.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------As a content strategist, you live with a fundamental uncertainty. You create content you believe your audience needs, but a nagging question always remains: are you hitting the mark? It often feels like you're operating with a blind spot, focusing on concepts while, as the experts say, "you don't even know the intention behind why they're asking or searching."What if you could close that gap? What if your audience could tell you, explicitly, what they need you to create next?That's the paradigm shift happening right now inside Google Search Console (GSC). Long seen as a technical tool, recent updates are transforming GSC into a strategic command center. It's no longer just for SEO specialists; it's the dashboard for your entire content operation. These new developments are a game-changer, revealing direct intelligence from your audience that will change how you plan, create, and deliver content.Here are the five truths these new GSC features reveal—and how they give you a powerful competitive edge.1. Stop Driving Your Website Blind: The Dashboard AnalogyManaging a website without GSC is like driving a car without a dashboard. You're moving, but you have no idea how fast you're going or if you're about to run out of fuel. GSC is that free, indispensable dashboard providing direct intelligence straight from Google. But the analogy runs deeper. As one strategist put it, driving isn't passive: "when you're driving, you got to hit the gas, you got to... hit the brakes... when do you stop, when do you go, what do you tweak? Do you go to a pit stop?"You wouldn't drive your car without looking at the dashboard. So you shouldn't have a website and drive traffic and do all the things we do without looking at GSC, right?Your content strategy requires the same active management—knowing when to accelerate, when to pivot, and when to optimize. The new features make this "dashboard" more intuitive than ever, giving you the controls you need to navigate with precision.2. The Goldmine in Your Search Queries: Branded vs. Non-BrandedThe first game-changing update is the new "brand queries" filter. For the first time, GSC allows you to easily separate searches for your specific brand name (branded) from searches for the topics and solutions you offer (non-branded). This is the first step in a powerful new workflow: Discovery.Think of your non-branded queries as raw, unfiltered intelligence from your potential audience. These aren't just keywords; they're direct expressions of need. Instead of an abstract concept, you see tangible examples like:• “best practices for washing dishes”• “best pet shampoo”• “best Thanksgiving turkey meal”When you see more non-branded than branded queries, it's a powerful signal. It means you have access to a goldmine of raw material you can build content on to attract a wider audience that doesn't know your brand… yet. This isn't just data; it's a direct trigger for your next move.3. From Keyword to "Keynote": Creating Content with ContextOnce you've discovered this raw material, the next step is Development. This is where you transform an unstructured keyword into a strategic asset by adding structure and meaning. It's a progression: a raw keyword becomes a more defined keyphrase, which can be built into a keystone concept, and ultimately refined into a keynote.What's a keynote? Think about its real-world meaning: "when somebody sends you a note, it has context, right? It's supposed to mean something and it's supposed to say something specific." A keynote isn't just a search term; it's that term fully developed into a structured piece of content that delivers a specific, meaningful answer.This strategic asset can take many forms:• Blogs• Podcast episodes• Articles• Newsletters• Videos/Reels• eBooks4. The Most Underrated SEO Tactic: Your New Secret WeaponYou've discovered the query and developed it into a keynote. Now it's time for Execution. The single most effective format for executing on this strategy is one of the most powerful, yet underrated, SEO tactics in history: creating content around Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).The rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) has fundamentally changed search behavior. People are asking full, conversational questions, and search engines are prioritizing direct, authoritative answers. A "one blog per FAQ" strategy is the perfect response. It's a secret weapon that's almost shockingly effective.FAQ is the new awesome the most awesome ever. I I said that on purpose.How awesome? By creating a single, targeted blog post for the long-tail question, "full roof replacement cost [city]," one site ranked number one on Google for that exact phrase in just 30 minutes. That's the power of directly answering a question your audience is already asking.5. It's Not About New Features, It's About New ActionsThe real purpose of these GSC updates isn't to give you more charts to observe; it's to prompt decisive action. Every non-branded query is a signal for what content to create next, feeding a powerful strategic loop that builds your authority over time.This is where it all comes together in a professional content framework. As the source material notes, "That's why you have content pillars and you have content clusters." Your non-branded queries show you what clusters your audience needs, and your FAQ-style "keynotes" become the assets that build out those clusters around your core content pillars.This data-driven approach empowers you to:• Recreate outdated content with new, relevant insights.• Repurpose core ideas into different formats to reach wider audiences.• Re-evaluate which topics are truly resonating.• Reemphasize your most valuable messages with fresh content.Conclusion: What Does Your Dashboard Say?Google Search Console is no longer just a reporting tool. It has evolved into an essential strategic partner that closes the gap between the content you produce and the value your audience is searching for. It's your direct line to understanding intent, allowing you to move from guessing what people want to knowing what they need.Now that you know how to read your website's dashboard, what's the first turn you're going to make?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast
#902 I just earned $40,000 in four days selling t-shirts! That's bananas, but these are the kinds of things you can expect to happen if you focus on building true superfans. From day one, you can follow my system and start generating income from your passion. From ad revenue and affiliate marketing at the casual level to VIP experiences and five-figure consulting gigs at the top of the audience growth pyramid, I cover it all in today's session. This is not about chasing vanity numbers and buying fake subscribers, either. None of that stuff matters! The Superfans system is the key to building real connections online in the age of AI. One experience for a top follower can outweigh hundreds of small sales, so tune in for a look at the opportunities available to you right now. I know you haven't even considered some of these methods yet, so don't miss this episode! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session902.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
My guest today is Ari Emanuel. Ari runs one of the most influential portfolios in global sports, entertainment, and media. He oversees TKO, which includes the UFC and WWE, serves as the Executive Chairman of WME Group, and recently founded MARI, a new company focused on global events and live experiences. At the center of this conversation is Ari's anti-AI bet: as AI makes digital content cheaper and everyday work more automated, he believes the value will increasingly concentrate in live and physical experiences. He explains how he's building his portfolio around that belief, what defines a great live experience, and how he thinks about AI's impact on content and IP. Ari is best known as a dealmaker, and he shares the principles behind his success – relentless follow-up, over-communication, velocity, and an obsession with making things happen – and how those things become the operating system he uses today. If you're listening to this, I recommend watching the video of this interview. Ari's energy is constant and visceral, and gives a different dimension to this episode. Please enjoy my conversation with Ari Emanuel. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by Ramp. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to ramp.com/invest to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. – This episode is brought to you by AlphaSense. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at Alpha-Sense.com/Invest and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. –- This episode is brought to you by Ridgeline. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to ridgelineapps.com to learn more about the platform. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:04:20) – Meet Ari Emanuel (00:05:32) – The UFC Story (00:10:03) – Mindset, Relentlessness, and Emotional Endurance (00:13:52) – AI's Impact on Content and Distribution (00:18:44) – Value, Taste, and the Future of Content (00:19:43) – The Anti-AI Bet: Live Events and Experiences (00:22:39) – Monetization, User Experience, and the Premium Economy (00:26:21) – Building and Scaling Live Event Businesses (00:27:16) – Boxing and the Business of Live Entertainment (00:28:45) – Lessons from Dana White and Dealing with Dyslexia (00:31:32) – Getting a Job at CAA and How to Be a Successful Agent (00:35:50) – Ari's Operating System (00:38:04) – Lessons from Egon Durban (00:39:36) – Betting on Himself and Elon (00:43:16) – Who Wants to be Normal?! (00:44:23) – The Art of Dealmaking (00:48:58) – Money, Family, and Learning from Mistakes (00:52:45) – The Future of Tech, Media and Content (00:57:32) – Concerns and Excitement about the Future (01:00:16) – Art (01:01:01) – The Kindest Thing
⚠️ Cloudflare Internet Outage; Adobe x Semrush Deal: Tech Dependency vs Business Website Strategy with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This is Marketing Club Clubhouse discussion, primarily focusing on the widespread impact of a recent Cloudflare outage that affected numerous popular platforms like ChatGPT, Spotify, Uber, and Zoom. Favour Obasi-ike uses this event to emphasize the importance of business continuity and operational redundancy, urging listeners to research and select robust platforms for their own enterprises to mitigate the risks of future outages. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the rapidly changing tech industry landscape, including the significant Adobe acquisition of Semrush and the competitive moves of companies like Canva, prompting audience commentary on the potential implications of these corporate shifts on product quality and market strategy. Favour also suggests alternative hosting solutions like SiteGround and Hostinger as more resilient options for business websites.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Day the Internet Stumbled: 3 Surprising Lessons from a Single Tech OutageIntroduction: More Than Just a GlitchA single infrastructure failure on a Tuesday morning did more to reveal the precarious nature of our digital world than a dozen industry white papers. When the internet infrastructure company Cloudflare experienced a major outage, it was far more than a momentary glitch.Its scale was staggering. Suddenly, a diverse range of major companies—including Canva, ChatGPT, Spotify, Uber, and Zoom—were all experiencing issues simultaneously. The event wasn't just a technical problem; it was a revealing moment that offered a rare peek behind the curtain of the digital world. It exposed hidden vulnerabilities and surprising dynamics within the tech ecosystem we all depend on. This article distills the three most impactful lessons learned from that single event.1. The Internet Isn't a Cloud, It's a Jenga TowerThe Centralization SurpriseThe core lesson from the Cloudflare outage was the shocking revelation of just how centralized our decentralized-seeming internet truly is. The popular image of the internet is a resilient, distributed network, but the reality is that a small number of foundational companies form the base of a massive Jenga tower. When a key block like Cloudflare was jostled, users quickly discovered that dozens of different services were all pointing "towards one direction," revealing a hidden single point of failure. Seemingly stable pieces higher up—from your design software to your ride-share app—began to wobble.This one incident impacted a staggering list of applications, highlighting the sheer diversity of services reliant on a single piece of infrastructure: Canva, Archive of Our Own, Canvas, Character AI, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Dayforce, Google Store, Grinder, IKEA, Indeed, League of Legends, Letterboxed, OpenAI, Quizlet, Rover, Spotify, Square, Truth Social, Uber, and Zoom. For the average user, this means the digital services that feel distinct and independent are, in fact, far more fragile and codependent than they appear.2. While You Were Offline, Big Tech Made Some Bizarre MovesA Bizarre Acquisition Amidst the ChaosWhile the digital world was grappling with the outage, news broke that Adobe was acquiring SEO tool Semrush for $1.9 billion. This development, happening alongside the infrastructure chaos, sparked widespread confusion and skepticism. As many in the tech community noted, Semrush "has nothing to do with creative" software, which is Adobe's core domain.The concern was palpable, with one community member expressing a common fear:"I really hope this Semrush acquisition doesn't affect quality and support. Big corporation buyouts [rarely succeed]."The analysis behind this seemingly strange move points to the disruptive force of artificial intelligence. The theory is that as AI reshapes search and content creation, traditional SEO tools are finding it harder to maintain their dominance. This acquisition could be Adobe's strategic, if unconventional, response to that industry pressure. This trend of unexpected competition is visible elsewhere, with platforms like Canva making aggressive moves into video editing, putting them in direct competition with Adobe. The outage served as a backdrop to a tech landscape that is shifting in unpredictable ways.3. Your Business is More Vulnerable Than You Think (But Outages Can Make You Stronger)The Resilience ImperativeFor businesses and professionals, the outage was not an abstract problem. The impact was immediate: one professional reported their AI-powered Fathom note-taker for Zoom failed to load, even while the Zoom call itself was active—a perfect example of a hidden dependency crippling a critical workflow. The sudden inability to access essential tools forces a critical business question to the surface:"...if ChatGPT is down and that's what I use and now I can't use it for the first four hours of my day... How can I use 50% of my time to maximize 100% of my opportunity?"The core advice is to reframe these events not as mere problems to be weathered but as invaluable opportunities for strategic review. Business owners should use these moments to ask what platforms they truly rely on, research the stability of those systems, and begin building more resilient workflows.This is the "bow and arrow" principle applied to business strategy. An outage forces you to pull back, assess your tools, and re-aim. This forced pause, while painful, is precisely what allows you to launch forward with a more resilient, deliberate, and ultimately stronger operational foundation, turning a negative event into a catalyst for positive change.Conclusion: A New Lens for a Digital WorldThis single outage taught us more than just who owns the internet's plumbing. It revealed the hidden fragility of our digital infrastructure, highlighted the unpredictable strategies of tech giants under pressure, and underscored the personal and professional imperative for building resilience. It showed that the platforms we use every day are interconnected in ways we rarely see until something breaks.The next time your favorite app goes down, will you just see an inconvenience, or will you see a chance to re-evaluate the digital foundation your work and life are built on?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week Rewarded Video Ads rolled out to everyone, developers got better tools to reimport meshes, content sharing APIs were released to make our own versions of Roblox Moments, Today's Picks in the avatar marketplace is going festive, Studio Script Sync is in beta, game page videos got an upgrade and Roblox have opened up the ability to opt-in game passes for Robux purchases.Chapters:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Monetisation - Rewarded Video Ads(07:57) Studio - Reimport Beta(14:42) Moments - Content Sharing API(19:41) Marketplace - Evolving Today's Picks(22:58) Roblox Trivia(28:30) Studio - Script Sync Beta(34:52) Game Page - Video Previews(40:37) Monetisation - Robux and Gamepass Bundles(44:43) OutroSeason 3 Episode 8Sources:- Rewarded Video Ads— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/rewarded-video-ads-are-now-available-to-all-ads-eligible-creators/4063278- Studio Reimport (beta)— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/studio-beta-reimport-one-click-updates-for-imported-3d-content/4068650- Content Sharing APIs (beta)— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/beta-content-sharing-apis-use-upload-api-and-recommendations-api-to-drive-discovery-and-engagement/4065417- Marketplace Today's Picks— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/evolving-today%E2%80%99s-picks-in-marketplace/4063692— Submit nominations: https://survey.roblox.com/jfe/form/SV_8cZb94oj9OvQm9g- Studio Script Sync (beta)— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/studio-script-sync-now-in-beta/4065468- Video Previews— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/video-previews-for-your-games-page/4068103- “Buy Robux” Pass Bundles— https://devforum.roblox.com/t/opt-in-your-passes-for-the-buy-robux-page/4065622Hosts:- Adam (BanTech): https://lastlevel.co.uk/adam- Fedor (LoadingL0n3ly): https://x.com/LoadingL0n3ly----------------------------Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Visit https://lastlevel.co.uk/podcast for more.Join the Discord: https://discord.lastlevel.co.ukBeyond The Blox is produced by Seb Jensen for Last Level Studios.
In this episode of Clover, I get to catch up with my longtime friend and powerhouse media executive, Tracy Kaplan, and her “hodgepodge” career that turned out to be a masterclass in building a bold, non-linear path in media, tech, and podcasts.Tracy walks us through her journey from WGBH and ABC News to CBS Interactive, SnappyTV, Twitter, TuneIn, Patreon, Tenderfoot TV, and now Courier Newsroom, all while launching her own company, Small But Mighty Media, and creating The 10 News, an award-winning news podcast for kids. Along the way, she shares how she spots the real inflection points in media (from mobile video to podcast subscriptions to now AI), builds durable partnerships with platforms like Apple and Spotify, and refuses to let imposter syndrome keep her from jumping into the next big thing.We also dig into the business side: subscription models, monetization beyond ads, what actually grows a podcast audience, and how to lead high-pressure teams through constant change without burning everyone out.In this episode, you'll learn:How to turn a “hodgepodge” career into a strategic advantage and deliberately collect the skills and experiences you're missing instead of chasing a straight line.How to spot the next wave in media and tech by staying curious, observing real people's behavior (hello, commuters watching video in Japan), and forcing yourself to experiment with new tools like AI before you feel “ready.”Practical ways to move into a new lane—before you're an expert, including how Tracy taps her network, asks smart questions, and leverages subject-matter experts to fill her own gaps.A clear breakdown of podcast monetization today—ads, Apple/Spotify subscription channels, Patreon-style membership, and even donations and fiscal sponsorship—and how to think about diversifying your revenue so you're not at the mercy of one market.How Tracy built and scaled The 10 News for kids, including the real origin story (NPR in the school pickup line + political ads on YouTube) and the tactics she used to secure high-caliber guests like Dr. Fauci.What makes a partnership last in a fickle industry, from being radically responsive and direct, to making every deal a “win-win” instead of a zero-sum transaction.Tracy's leadership philosophy in high-pressure environments—how she pushes her team to grow while still rolling up her sleeves, taking on grunt work when needed, and making sure no one is left to fail alone.Hard-won career advice for women in media and podcasting, including why allies inside and outside your company matter, how to recognize when it's time to leave a role you once loved, and why tearing other women down is a long-term losing strategy.Her big blue-sky vision for helping kids and families better understand the world—and why she dreams of a “domestic Peace Corps” style program that gets people outside their bubbles and into each other's communities.If you've ever worried that your career looks “messy” on paper, or felt behind on the latest shifts in media, this conversation will give you both a roadmap and a serious permission slip to build something beautifully non-traditional.
Monetization isn't a layer, it's the outcome of understanding player motivation. This episode covers segmentation, pricing, LTV curves, and early warning signs of monetization failure. A concise breakdown of how sustainable revenue systems are built.
Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing: A Get More Listeners Podcast For Podcasters
Want to grow to 5-10k monthly downloads and monetize podcast without replying on social media, paid promotions or high profile guests? Click here.What if the real reason your podcast isn't growing has nothing to do with your content—and everything to do with the strategy you think you have?If you've been publishing episodes, staying consistent, and still not seeing traction, this episode breaks down exactly why your podcast growth strategy actually work may be missing the parts that move the needle. We walk you through why most hosts stay stuck, how to finally diagnose your blind spots, and the specific actions that lead to real momentum and monetization.Here's what you'll walk away with:Clarity on what a real podcast growth strategy actually work looks like—and why yours may not be one yet.A step-by-step understanding of how to assess your current position using listener data, retention metrics, and SEO.A clear roadmap for choosing the right actions based on your actual constraints: time, money, or both.Ready to finally build a podcast growth strategy actually work that accelerates downloads and revenue? Press play and transform the way you grow your show.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail admin@getmorelisteners.com to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.
Free Vs Investment Trials: Why a $1 Trial Can Be More Powerful Than a Free Trial with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This Clubhouse audio session focused on marketing strategies, specifically comparing the efficacy of free trials versus investment trials for products and services. Favour discusses how an investment trial, even as low as one dollar, establishes a financial commitment from the customer, potentially leading to better conversion than a completely free offer, though both require nurturing efforts. The conversation also touches on upcoming holiday sales, various email marketing platformslike Flowdesk, and the importance of technical SEO and website development in business growth. Ultimately, Favour advises business owners to analyze and decide which trial method best suits their goals, emphasizing that the psychology of value is crucial for long-term customer engagement.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Introduction: The "Free Trial" FallacyOffering a "free trial" is a universal business strategy, especially during peak seasons like Black Friday or the holidays. It's the go-to method for attracting customers by lowering the barrier to entry. But have you ever considered that "free" might not be the most effective path to gaining truly committed customers?This article explores a few surprising truths about customer psychology and commitment by comparing the standard free trial with a powerful alternative: the "investment trial." We'll examine why asking for a small, initial investment can fundamentally change the customer relationship and lead to better results.The Surprising Takeaways from Free vs. Investment Trials1. The Power of a Single Dollar: Shifting from a "User" to an "Investor" MindsetThe core difference between a "free trial" and an "investment trial" is the financial commitment. A free trial has none, while an investment trial requires a small payment, even if it's just $1. This seemingly minor detail triggers a significant psychological shift.When a customer pays—even a nominal amount—their mindset changes. They are no longer a passive user getting something for free; they have become an active investor in a potential solution. This act pre-qualifies them and changes their relationship with the product from the very beginning. Because they have invested, they are more likely to perceive the engagement as a "better experience," reinforcing the value of their decision and anticipating an even greater return on a larger future investment....if you now say, okay, it's $99 or it's $1,000 or it's whatever amount of dollars, the person doesn't feel like they have to think twice about started because they've already financially committed to something that was an investment that they were interested in. That's the difference.This initial commitment dramatically shortens the time it takes to convert a trial user into a full-paying customer. The journey from a $1 investment to a $1,000 purchase is psychologically shorter than the journey from "free" to any paid plan. While a free trial may require 14 to 30 days of nurturing to achieve conversion, an investment trial can convert in as little as 10 minutes or one hour because the primary psychological barrier has already been crossed.2. The Real Cost of "Free" Isn't Zero—It's TimeNothing is truly free. In a free trial, the user isn't paying with money, but with an equally valuable currency: their time and attention.When someone engages with a free product, they are spending time processing information and making a decision. The business's goal is to make that time investment feel so valuable that it leads to a financial one. Think of the common B2B strategy of offering a free 30-45 minute consultation call. The prospect invests their time, and in exchange, the business must deliver enough tangible value in that short window to justify a larger investment. The "free" call becomes a sale because the value demonstrated makes the time spent feel worthwhile. The same principle applies to tasting a free food sample—if it delivers immediate value, it leads to a purchase.So if it's a free trial, yes, get it for free. Sign up for free... it's not really free because they're spending time. That's the exchange.The implication for businesses is clear: the product or information offered in a free trial must deliver immediate, tangible value. You must make the user's time investment feel so worthwhile that they are compelled to make a financial one.3. The $2,000 Anomaly: Why High-Ticket Sales Can Be Easier Than Low-Ticket OnesOne of the most surprising claims is that "it's harder for me to sell a $20 product than a $2,000 product." This paradox defies conventional business logic, but the reasoning behind it is sound.Customers often perceive small, recurring payments as nuisances or minor expenses they'd rather avoid. In contrast, they view large, one-time investments as significant projects with a high potential return. A high-ticket investment is tied to a bigger, more valuable outcome—such as achieving AI SEO, building websites, gaining domain authority, or becoming dominant in your area of expertise—that they can justify more easily as a strategic move.This connects directly back to the "investment trial" concept. A person willing to invest just $1 is already thinking about potential returns, which is the exact mindset needed to make a larger, high-value purchase. They have already crossed the mental barrier from being a passive consumer to an active investor.This should encourage you to reconsider your pricing and offer structure. Instead of focusing only on low-cost entry points, consider how to frame your offerings as high-value investments that solve significant problems for your ideal customers.Conclusion: Your Next MoveThe psychology behind a trial offer is often more critical than the price tag. The ultimate goal isn't just to get sign-ups; it's to cultivate an investor's mindset from the very first interaction. By asking for a small commitment, you attract a more serious audience and prime them for a long-term, high-value relationship.As you plan your next offer, ask yourself this: How can you shift the focus from a simple "free sample" to a meaningful "initial investment" to attract your most committed future customers?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hey everyone, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In today's episode, I sit down with Heidi Kay Begay from Red House Productions (website: redhouseproductions.net) to discuss how you don't need a massive audience to start monetizing your podcast. She reveals practical and inspiring strategies to pitch your value and land meaningful brand relationships, even when your show is still growing.Key Points & TakeawaysYou Don't Need Huge Download Numbers: Heidi Kay Begay shares how she started pitching to sponsors around episode 30 of her niche show, Flute360, and landed deals despite having a small audience.Mindset Shift: Treating your podcast like a business is crucial. I loved Heidi's “corn and wheat” metaphor—don't expect business results if you're just planting hobby seeds!Pitching Sponsors: Heidi describes reaching out directly to music-branded companies—flute makers, apparel, gadgets—and focusing on how to create a win/win relationship from day one. She didn't let her lack of experience or nerves stop her!Focus on Value Over Numbers: Rather than falling for CPM (cost per mille) models, Heidi looked at what brands spend for visibility in her industry—conference booths, event program ads, etc.—and built sponsorship packages (bronze, silver, gold) that reflected that value.Partnership, Not Just Ad Reads: Heidi emphasizes listening to a sponsor's specific goals and showing genuine interest in their needs, often including interview opportunities and co-promotions to make the partnership more meaningful.Negotiation is Key: Most deals aren't signed after one email. Expect lots of back and forth, and be ready to listen and adjust your offer. Don't feel you need everything perfect before you start the conversation.Pricing Sponsorships: Heidi recommends considering not only downloads but also your total digital presence—social media, mailing list, engagement rates, speaking appearances, etc. Sponsors look at much more than just podcast stats.Campaign Tracking & Follow-Up: Not all sponsors require detailed post-campaign stats. Some are satisfied knowing their brand was featured; others want custom URLs to track results. Being organized and professional goes a long way.Dealing with Rejection: Both Heidi and I agree—a “no” today could be a “yes” later. Don't burn bridges, rejection is often just “not now.”AI Music Tools: I shared my experience using Suno (suno.ai), an AI music creation platform, to generate podcast outro music. If you use paid tiers, you own the commercial rights (worth checking out, especially if you need affordable, legal music for your show).Check out Heidi's Course on Monetization.Websites Mentionedredhouseproductions.net – Heidi's podcast production/consulting hub.schoolofpodcasting.com – My site for podcast coaching, resources, and community.suno.ai – AI music creation platform.horseradionetwork.com – Referenced for creative sponsorship strategies.