There are times when you discover a podcast and organization that almost completely encapsulates the thematic premise for your activity / passion. That's the case with Creators by TrueFans. The show is co-hosted by two pros -- Claire Waite Brown and Sam Sethi. Since they're from England, here's my analogy. That's like having Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer on the same EPL team (That's soccer or football).
At Ear Worthy, one of our prime directives (Star Trek reference!) is to help independent podcasts with discoverability and create more visibility for them, so monetization becomes an easier lift.
Creators by TrueFans is a podcast from TrueFans.fm that spotlights
independent podcast creators and music artists, offering them increased
visibility and a platform to connect with their fans. Hosted
by Sam Sethi and Claire Waite Brown, the weekly show features a new creator, discusses
platform updates for monetization and discovery, and explores trends in
the podcasting and music industries. Listeners
can support the podcast through micropayments called SATs, leave
feedback via SuperComments, and engage with hosts on social media.
Each episode highlights a different independent podcast or music artist. (NOTE: We are a major supporter of indie music artists, also) It provides information on new features within TrueFans.fm, focusing on discovery, interactivity, and monetization opportunities for creators. The hosts discuss broader trends in the "podosphere" and the future of creator monetization.
TrueFans.fm aims to solve the discoverability challenge for independent creators, and the podcast serves as a mechanism for this. Episodes are available on the truefans.fm website and potentially other podcast platforms. Listeners use the "SuperComments" feature or leave comments directly on episode pages to suggest creators to feature.
The show, which began in late April, has been a breakthrough for indie podcasters by offering tools to raise visibility, create a community, and adopt strategies for monetization.
On the August 25th episode, Sam and Claire welcomed me, Frank Racioppi, on the show for a discussion about independent podcasting.
On the show, I shared my journey from longtime podcast listener to passionate advocate, explaining why I made the deliberate choice to focus on independent creators rather than network shows.
"It's at the independent podcasting level that there's the greatest creative energy within the industry," I explained on the show, contrasting the formulaic approach of network podcasts with the genre-defying innovation of independent creators.
In the episode, I noted that removing all paywalls from my content led to a 200% increase in readership – a decision that aligned perfectly with his mission to connect listeners with exceptional indie shows they might otherwise never discover.
More importantly, Sam Sethi explained more about TrueFans' new promotional features designed specifically for independent creators. With a pay-per-action model, podcasters can purchase visibility on the home page header and in category carousels, and pay only for actual engagement – views, clicks, and plays. We also unveil plans for a creator-to-creator promotion system that will enable podcasters to host promotions on their own show pages, creating revenue opportunities while helping fellow indies gain visibility.
Here's some more of what you'll hear in this episode:
- Discoverability remains a significant challenge for independent podcasters, highlighting the importance of platforms dedicated to showcasing their work.
- Engagement with audiences through listener support and monetization options can positively impact independent creators' sustainability in the podcasting landscape.
- Networking with other independent creators can lead to innovative collaborations and new ideas that benefit everyone involved in the podcasting community.
- How to start a promotion on TrueFans.
- How TrueFans promotions reporting will work.
- Sam and Claire's plan for a new carousel on the TrueFans home page.
- Research shows that most podcast listeners only make room for three shows in their weekly routine, emphasizing the importance of consistent publishing.
- Nearly half of listeners are unwilling to give podcasts a second chance after a disappointing first impression.
- What puts Claire and Sam off show.
I encourage aspirational and experienced indie podcasters to check out Podcasting 2.0 In Practice. Claire has designed easy-to-follow coursework that will be invaluable to an indie podcaster.
Sam Sethi just won an Ear Worthy Award, partnering with James Cridland, to win an Ear Worthy Award for Podnews Weekly Review. Sam is CEO @TrueFansFM, a Radio Presenter, a Podcaster @PodNews Weekly, Krav Maga (Martial Arts) Instructor, Liverpool FC Fan & Dad!
This episode, and the entire show concept, act as a valuable tool for indie podcasters. The headwinds blowing against indie podcasters are strong indeed, but Creators by TrueFans can calm the storms, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable show. If the show can be successful even with me as a guest, it is truly an ear-worthy podcast.
This is recommended listening /viewing for all independent podcasters.
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