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2492 - What It Takes to Build a Podcast That Grows and Generates Revenue with BackBeat Media's Dave Hamilton
Description
Dave Hamilton, founder and CEO of BackBeat Media, joins Josh Elledge on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur to talk about building a podcast that lasts. BackBeat Media's Dave Hamilton says releasing on a schedule is a podcast's prime directive, and his firm looks for 3,000 to 4,000 downloads per episode.
In this episode
- Play the fill. Dave's name for owning the moment when imposter syndrome makes you want to hold back.
- Release consistently. Dave calls it the prime directive, ahead of audio quality and content quality.
- Be the guest hosts want. Pitch for the host's audience, skip one-word answers and have an arc for each story.
- Does your audience contact you? That's the question BackBeat Media asks every podcaster before it sells sponsorships for the show.
Questions this episode answers
What does it take to start a podcast today? Dave's answer: first, start recording. Second, don't stop.
How do you get booked as a guest on a podcast? Dave says the pitches that work show the guest understands the show and explain why they would be good for the host's audience, not why the audience would be good for them. He can still tell when someone is faking being a fan, even with AI.
How do you become a great podcast guest? Never give one-word answers, Dave says, and never answer a yes or no question with only yes or no unless that's clearly what the host wants. Have an arc in mind when you start a story so it lands somewhere.
A standout quote
“Play the fill. Just own it. You won't regret it. Yes, sometimes you will fall on your face.” Dave Hamilton
About Dave Hamilton
Dave started podcasting in June 2005 with Mac Geek Gab, which he co-hosts and which is now more than 21 years old. He also hosts Gig Gab, a show for musicians, and is part of the podcast Business Brain.
Links
About The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
The Thoughtful Entrepreneur is a daily podcast where Josh Elledge talks with founders and business leaders about what is working right now. Want to be a guest? Apply at podverified.com/podcast. Curious how podcast hosts see you as a guest? Get your free PodVerified Score.