Success; my podcast has been listed on 9 of 11 of podcast directories in Buzzsprout; 4 of them pending approval. @AppleMusic is PITA; required account; created one, then it ran me around in listing my podcast; unsuccessful. Easier to list on the smaller sites than Apple. uggg.

I notified the dozen people who had shown interest in my show; emailed them the podcast link; it will take a while (7-14 days) before it shows in the directories. But, Episode 1 under my belt. Will begin working on Episode 2 this week.

My goal, and entrepreneurial revolution; we as black people must stop depending on a system that has never worked for us, never intended to work for us. We gain major influence by owning our own business. This is my charge. I'm doing it and encouraging / showing blacks how to.

When you own your own shit, you don't have to beg; I don't need to beg for a seat at the table; I'm capable of building my own fucking table. #RiseUp. And I want an army of motivated aspiring entrepreneurs who want to go on the same journey.

When I go to networking events, I'm under represented. I want to change that.

As soon as mom is done watching service on my laptop, I'll get on with Apple about getting my podcast in their directory. Apple is the #1 audio (podcast, music) streaming network. Already live on:

Awaiting review and approval on iHeartRadio, TuneIn / Alexa, Pandora, Stitcher. Not sure why some streaming service take longer. The ones above listed me immediately. Up to 14 business days for some. 4-6 weeks for iHeartRadio.

Alas, success. Submitted to iTunes. Turns out I needed to be signed into iTunes program, not just the website, accept terms of service and input my name & address, then I'm prompted to 'validate' my episode; it passed, then submitted URL from my RSS. Done. Apple a PITA.

Didn't expect Apple iTunes approval to come this quickly; they said up to 14 days; it took less than 24 hours. So excited. And so, my Podcast Life begins - iTunes, the #1 music / audio streaming platform in the World.

Podcasting is fun. It takes some effort, but it's rewarding.

Audio Editing is another beast; new to me, but fascinating what you can do with audio editing software. When I watch award shows, I pay attention to the technical nominations; new respect for audio techs & engineers.

Submitted episode 2 of my podcast 11:00ish Wednesday morning; it was late. Should've been submitted 2am ish; per an article I read, analytics says that's the highest download time. I ended up working 24 hours from Tuesday to get it done. I procrastinated. Won't do that again.

My method in first two episode - record, edit in Audacity, transcribe, re-record, edit in audacity, add intro and outro track, listen, then post. Episode 2 was rushed; I didn't like that; my fault.

Spent hours transcribing, then editing the written text so I can record. The flow is different when speaking extemporaneously versus reading from script; I don't like reading, so next episode I need to change how the production occurs.

Episode 2 was 29 minutes compared to 12 minutes in episode 1; therefore, more to transcribe. I searched high and low for open source (free) transcription software, confusing it with speech to text. The speech to text program I found was paid or free with a catch...

Maybe you couldn't convert entire file, or some B.S. Transcription is an audio player with text editor built into player which saves you from switching between two applications, audio and text editor when transcribing; but you still had to type yourself. Not what I wanted.

Text to speech would automatically type out what I was saying, as I was speaking; only thing is, I had already done the recording; couldn't find anything that would take existing audio and type up automatically; least nothing I didn't have to pay for.

Because I procrastinated, I was under crunch to get it done and uploaded. And, I already had one follower communicating to me that they can't wait until episode 2. So there was that. But, taking advantage of peek download time I wanted to do, but failed.

I'll still use the text to speech program simultaneously with recording. So, will have to set up the transcription, going to the website and set it to listen to mic, while recording into Audacity. That will save me from transcribing manually.

I like having transcript; I'll post transcript on my website. Makes 4 content for a separate audience. Some people prefer audio (listening), while others prefer reading; also great for hearing impaired? We'll see about that audience, but want to make transcript for each episode.

Episode 2, which was almost 2.4 times longer wasn't planned out; I had a topic and ad-libbed, rambled a bit; gave good information, but because I didn't sketch beforehand, it lacked cohesiveness. I failed to stitch everything back together....

Instead, it felt like I jump from one thing to another, which I did trying to explain each item I brought up. I need to do a better job of that in episode 2.

Episode 1 was easy because it was intro to the show and myself as host. Episode 2 needed stitching...

Plus, because I procrastinated and only had 24-hours to pull the show together, the anxiety exacerbated my voice issue, so my voice sounded rushed; tempo was too fast. And, again, not as fluid because I was reading my transcribed audio.

I ended up scrapping my original episode 2 topic because I wasn't going to be able to ad-lib it; I needed to research a couple items, but didn't because I procrastinated.

The format / process I will adopt now, is outline (sketch) of each episode; category / section using bullet of key items to touch. Items that needs researched, I'll research in advance and have the info in front of me. I won't write out the show like a speech or paper....

That will allow me to organize my thoughts; create structure to the topic. Then, speak extemporaneously from the outline.

I absolutely love the sound (tone, tempo, enthusiasm) of my voice, quality of what I'm saying, when it's free-form, ad-lib; when I read, it may not sound like I'm reading, but it's not as fluid. Free-form is the way to go; I just need an outline, turn on mic, and go.

This is a learning experience. I wasn't as pleased w/ episode 2. I'd rate it a C. Episode 2 I'd rate a B. Of course, it could also be better, but it'll improve with each episode; as I gain experience podcasting, I'll gain more confidence the goal & direction I want for the show.

My Podcast Hosting company provides stats for each episode as well as cumulative stats (all episodes). I geek out over analytics. ;)

20 Listeners (unique downloads) for Ep1, released 12 days ago and 5 listeners for Ep2 released 36 hours ago.

It took me 48 hours in episode 1 to get the same listeners I got in 7 hours of episode 2; that's promising. Geeked out about where the listeners are from; 16 cities across 5 countries; US is predominant of course....

My first listener was from France; I published 11pm on a Friday; with time difference it France, I see why they might've picked it up first. New podcast appears in the "New & Noteworthy" section for the first 90 days? Forgot how many days, but it's a great opportunity...

to pick up new audiences. They say make the best of this time.

2 listener from Togo; had to Google where that was. Probably heard of it, but didn't recall where it was located...another 2 in Senegal; 4 total in Africa. I must say, I wasn't thinking outside the US.

Don't quite understand difference between 'listeners' and 'subscribers'. I think listeners measures download directly from your RSS Feed, provided by podcast host. While subscribers measures download request from all show's links (social media, apps, hosting site)

The Podcast Directories (12) I submitted to, Apple / iTunes, Spotify, etc, I had to list my RSS (feed) URL. I assumed that meant they pulled download request from the feed. Yet, not sure how / why Buzzsprout is not able to pull subscriber information since it's coming from feed.

Might just be artificial metric to create distinction between listener and subscriber; they can tell me what streaming app / service the download request came from. It tells me I have 19 listeners (unique downloads?) - for next show, which is Ep2.

I don't know who the hell is listening from Iceland (1), but thank you. ;)

25 downloads and 19 listeners (unique download); I guess that means a person or two might've downloaded the show more than once.

From the distinction podcast host is making between subscribers and listeners - feed download vs. other media (website, social, apps, etc) I don't know if I should be promoting my feed provided by my podcast host or URL (link) to the streaming services - iTunes, Spotify, etc.

I'll tweet or email them to find out. Will also research difference between listener / subscriber as it relates to podcast; I want to get the most bang for my promotional effort.

My first episode I directed everyone to my RSS Feed - family, friends, eventbrite, social media. Now I have links for each streaming service. I don't know if there's advantage / disadvantage to one over the other. Gotta learn more about that.

I figured I'd provide direct link to streaming location - 1 to get direct support from people I know, and 2. save them from searching for the show.

I also post randomly on social media, using hash tags. Need to drop mention in LinkedIn groups I'm in.

And of course, it doesn't take into consideration people who'll find the show on streaming service based on tags (keyword) I append to each episode. I suspect that's how my international listeners found me; or from "new & noteworthy" which is the streaming service's spotlight.

Got email reply from Stitcher; now listed. They have to give you an URL which you add to your account which then ads to list. Success. Still waiting for Pandora. They replied back, but I emailed them from a different email than what I submitted podcast under. Gave them that email

Still waiting for iHeartRadio and TuneIn / Alexa. Google Podcast isn't available for listing under the free hosting plan. Not ready to spend $12/month right now. Let's see what traction I get with their free plan. But, we're getting closer.

Not sure how @ApplePodcasts New and Noteworthy section works; are featured automatically on there or do you have to earn your way into this golden section?

I added other tags to my podcast to expand my reached; my listeners ticked up to 24 from 19. Not clear on distinction between listeners and subscribers. Former being activity that indicates they will download future shows. They don't share that 'activity' with the host. hmmmm

I did two episodes on Monday / Tuesday. Lost track because I was up 24 hours (Tues to Weds). Recorded first episode on Monday. Still missed my desired 'publish' time, 2-3am Wednesday because I was still editing. Creating new plan for Podcast production.

My first episode was easy to record - it was the introduction to the show. No research needed. And, it was 13 minutes. Episode 2 was 29:30 minutes; spent a lot of time transcribing and editing.

Episode 3 was 46 minutes. Whoa. Massive editing needed due to rambling, repetitive comments and fillers. Have to be mindful of this. Podcast was 59 minutes before editing. Not concerned with Podcast time, but need be concise; make the point then move on.

The plan for the outline worked well. I'll fine tune my outline as time goes if necessary. It's nice to have outline in front of me to guide the show midstream. So that was a plus.

Need to start producing the show earlier; cannot wait until Monday; editing takes longer that I realize it would. Big difference editing a 13 minute show versus a 60 minute show. I need to have show recorded by Sunday; Monday is editing day. Can't leave this until Tuesday.

Topic research has to begin Thursday; can give myself Thursday to Saturday. Saturday is for developing show outline and familiarizing myself with it. Sunday is for recording the show. Monday for editing. Tuesday finishing touch. Ad Intro / Outro, listen, final tweak if needed.

I did find a nice speech to text program (website) to work in conjunction with my recording of the show. I go the the website, hit the record button; it starts transcribing when I start speaking. It worked nicely. Save me time transcribing.

When I stop recording to gather my thoughts or to pause for break, it stops recording and wait. I like that. After I'm done recording, I click the copy button on the website and can paste it into Word document and save. Nice little program. https://speechnotes.co/ 

Outline, transcription, research went well. Next episode I'll focus on new production schedule. Did two episodes because I read that uploading multiple episodes to launch improves show's viability. I missed that during launch, but seeing if the multiples impacts show's analytics.

I say....

so
now then
and, and, and, and

a lot. You don't know you use these filler words until you hear yourself. lol. working on this.

Just loaded episode four to listen to what my other filler was; I think it's now then, but 8 minutes in, only one 'so'; I made a concerted effort after listening to the pre-edited mess that was episode 3. Episode 4, already more succinct.

Came across @AudioJungle, royalty-free audio. I'll check them out for audio for my Intro / Outro of my show. I like what I heard so far. There are other site's out there, but I found them first. ;)

That will take 'professional' feel up another level.

Need to learn how to make . @getaudacity template to include intro + show (track) + outro.

Had to split track; can I put together permanently or is split permanent?

Created Twitter account for my podcast; will register domain (website) as well; someone already have the site I want, so will have to add 'the' to the name.

All the big players in podcasting have separate website for their show. It's a great way to drive traffic to your site; when a new episode drops, I can direct people to the site. Also, I can put all the show's transcript on the site in the form of a blog.

Picked up a listener from Trinidad and Tobago, adding to my international audience. My french user is a listener; they downloaded the new episode immediately. I now feel responsible to nurture the show..

That was the plan, because it's my passion to share and encourage others. That's my form of activism - encouraging millennial & gen z to start their own business. It's my mission project. But, knowing that there's an audience, though small...

feels like I must produce. People are tuning in. Especially since these are outside people I'm promoting the show to, people that I know, others who vested an interest in the idea of the show.

Getting those international audience lets me know they're tuning in solely from finding the show on their own. I promote the show everywhere (on my formal Social Media channels).

If you look at some of the top marketers nationwide, overwhelming majority are white. There are tons of black influencers, marketer, PR, advertisers, but they're not the Vaynerchuk's of the world.

Part of my plan is to change the face and narritive. Create our own marketing conference. Pat Flynn has his own conference, FlynnCon.

Gary Vee gets 250K to keynote a conference. People flock to see him, globally; he does social media marketing - relating the platforms to life than anyone I've seen. He understand the technology; most marketers think they do; they don't. Gary does.

Malcolm X once said, you're only a minority if you view yourself relative to America. Black and Brown people are majority globally. That quote has stuck with me since I first read it in one of his books.

Why isn't the best marketers in the world people of color? I want marketing conferences filled with black and brown people. World wide. Hello Africa, Caribbean, Middle East.

Gary Vee and other white men, mostly men, are top dogs because America is the shit when it comes to everything; it's the world leader, good or bad. People want what we have. What imitate everything we do.

Africa the second largest continent in the world; it's a thriving, budding, emerging market. I'm excited by the fact that young Africans are using technology to reach the world, and branding themselves. Have a few connections on LinkedIn; excited about seeing them connect.

Imagine being able to partner with emerging markets? Pay close attention to China. They're going their for global domination; investing billions in infrastructure.

Happy to have a few listeners from two countries in Africa. Looking forward to continue to grow the show. The best part about this is I'm 100% dialed in; I see it as a mission. Encourage entrepreneurship in the generation behind me.

It's nice when you come at something not looking to profit from it, though that will come eventually, but instead giving (sharing, encouraging, teaching). That's why I'm so passionate about it.

Found this cool program that turns audio from my podcast into what's called audiogram - audio with waveform that's converted to video format so you can share on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube. You might've seen them on YT - video that's just an audio.

Testing this out; will see if there's uptick in podcast download from these post. On the internet, post hierarchy is (post with greater views):
1. Video
2. Audio
3. Graphic / Image
4. Text.

Instead of text w/ URL (link) to my podcast, snippet of audio with caption (text) + link.

I do see an increase in podcast downloads when I share to social media: LinkedIn, Twitter. 12 downloads yesterday alone from a few post. That was without audiogram. Couldn't get the effing program to install on my phone; don't know why; today it installs.

Twitter allows up 2 minutes of audio / video; Instagram, 59 seconds. Haven't yet uploaded to LinkedIn. I can also upload entire episode to YouTube; I don't yet have YT channel for my podcast; will have to get that going, too.

Some platforms are easier for getting shares and followers. In my experience, Instagram is much easier than Twitter to get followers and views. Might be because of the image aspect. Post with images does better; see the hierarchy above.

Not a big Facebook fan; couldn't try it if I wanted to as I'm locked out of my Facebook acct. Trying to get the phone number back that was associated with the account. Until then, I'm SOL. So it'll be Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is a great network to get views, with the right keywords and hashtags, I get 3+ times more views that number of connections I have, which means I'm reaching audience that isn't following / connected, which is where hashtags come in.

Plan now is to create a 59-second snippet from each podcast episode, upload to my audiogram program; from there I can share out to LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Plan to go heavy on these w/ audiogram from now on to test the results.

Created Facebook & LinkedIn group for my podcast.

Also created Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube account for the podcast.

Saw good results from Facebook post with audio snippet, making Episode 8 the #1 in downloads over first 7 days.

Picked up listener in Germany.

Podcast been streamed in 16 countries, 95 cities & 4 continent. Not bad as numbers continue to increase each episode.

Last episode now #1 in it's first 7 days; 9 episodes to date.

86% streaming from mobile devices.

Listed on every podcast directory, including Pandora, finally.

Picked up a listener in India. Don't recall if I mentioned picking up Ukraine listener, but got one there, too. Nice to see the global (audience) growth. I wasn't thinking this at all. Don't know why, but my focus was US, so this is amazing. Wasn't looking international.

Facebook is proving to be a great platform for promoting my podcast. I see greater downloads from Facebook post than Twitter and Instagram; but, will continue posting to all. Have to get more social media analytics to see long term efficacy.

Need to do a better job posting by creating schedule calendar to post 2-3 times per day, 7 days for better coverage. Not everyone is online at the same time and these platforms mess with the newsfeed (what they show and when, to whom).

Library reopened in limited phase. Not open to public, only pickup from reservation and returns. Had to return mobile hotspot, 2 weeks now, so no internet at home. Only on my phone. They fittin 2 eff up my joint. But, we gotta find a way. They now quarantining returns 7 days. FML

Whereas I could get WiFi again within 2-5 days of returning it, now I have no clue when I'll get it due to 7-10 quarantine of materials after its return and probably more people needing WiFi because they can't use the library.

I can understand quarantining books, magazines, not physical materials (Mobile Hotspot, CD, DVDs) that can be sanitized. No sense. So these things will sit for days on shelves while people need them.

Had three fruitful engagements about my podcast:

1. Someone from another country tweeted at me. Said he love the show. Then tweeted at a famous entrepreneur to listen to my show.

2. Author with best-seller on Amazon liked my reply. This person is skyrocketing right now.

3. Tech influencer with verified acct followed me (my real life account). Thanked him for following, then followed back. He said hell check out my podcast.

#GoodFriday

So cool. We'll see if any buzz come from that. Social Media is important for promo, marketing & branding.

Dropped another episode Thursday @ midnight. It's already new #1 in first 7 days metrics. Exciting to see the new episodes getting more traction without the promo, with a boost after the promo.

And picked up listener in UAE + 4 US cities.

The little engine that could keep trudging along.

Really important to engage with influencers / celebs by replying to their comments. That's one of my method to attract attention.