The Internet Writes in Ink

Today, let's dive into the world of podcasting and explore a common dilemma faced by many podcasters—whether or not to promote their shows within their circles. I stumbled upon an interesting perspective shared by Holly in a Facebook group, and it sparked a conversation about the balance between privacy and podcast growth.

Holly revealed that her podcast was only getting 50 downloads a week, and the reason behind it caught my attention. She and her co-host were hesitant to promote the podcast within their circles because they discussed real-life situations, work, and personal matters. The fear of mixing their private lives with their podcast content seemed to be holding them back.

Firstly, let's address the question: Do you want everyone to know about your podcast? The essence of podcasting lies in reaching a broader audience. Sure, there might be a few individuals you'd prefer not to listen to, but that's the nature of the internet—you can't control who discovers your content.

Sharing your podcast with family, friends, and coworkers can be a valuable strategy. Create business cards with your podcast details and distribute them. Networking opportunities are everywhere, and you never know when someone might need advice related to your podcast topic, becoming a potential listener and advocate.

Now, the concern of maintaining privacy is valid, especially when podcasting about personal experiences. Holly raises the point that if you're hesitant to share your podcast with certain people, you might be saying things on the podcast that you wouldn't say to their face. That's a red flag, and it's crucial to strike a balance between authenticity and respect for your relationships.

The advice extends to using pseudonyms or one-name identifiers, particularly for podcasters discussing intimate aspects of their lives. This adds a layer of protection against unwanted attention, especially considering the internet's sometimes unpredictable nature.

As someone who hosts the “Building a Better Dave” podcast, I can share a personal anecdote that highlights the importance of mindful content creation. Initially, I experimented with edgier content, only to find out that my choice of humor had unintended consequences when my teenage daughter googled my name and discovered some rather unconventional results.

It's crucial to remember that the internet doesn't forget. Even if you decide to pull down certain episodes, traces of your content may linger, potentially impacting your personal and professional life.

In conclusion, growing your podcast involves finding a delicate balance between visibility and authenticity. Don't be afraid to share your podcast with those around you, but be mindful of the content you create. Use the internet as a tool to expand your reach, but remember that what you say online can have lasting effects. So, go ahead, share your podcast with the world, but do so with a thoughtful and strategic approach.