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How to Protect Intellectual Property Online

How to Protect Intellectual Property Online - Famous Ashley Grant

If you own a podcast, you owe it to yourself and your business partners to protect your intellectual property online.

Even if you’re not a podcaster, you probably still have some intellectual property to protect online – even if it’s just your posts on social media.

Podcasting has grown exponentially in recent years and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Podcasts range from comedy shows and news programs to talk shows about various topics relevant to today’s society.

Every day people are creating new podcasts or expanding current podcasts into commercial enterprises. These podcasters need to understand how to protect their intellectual property online.

This article will discuss the most common ways that intellectual property can be compromised online and avoid them. It will also discuss how to protect your intellectual property online if you are a podcaster.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is defined as any intangible asset created by human beings.

Some examples of intellectual property may include:

  • Trademarks, logos, and brand names
  • Commercial names and slogans
  • Copyrights for literary works (including music), artwork, films, television shows, podcasts, video games, etc.
  • Patents for inventions and devices

It is essential to protect intellectual property because it can provide economic value. The protection of intellectual property also encourages people to create new works and inventions by giving them an incentive (ownership) for their creations.

Types of Intellectual Property

There are several different types of intellectual property. For your purposes, the most important type is your podcast’s brand name and logo. However, you should still know what qualifies as intellectual property and how it all relates to your podcast.

Trademarks: A trademark is a word or phrase that distinguishes a business from its competitors.

For example, Nike is a trademark for athletic shoes, and Microsoft is for computer software.

Your podcast’s brand name and logo are both trademarks because they distinguish your podcast from other podcasts.

Copyrights: A copyright is a form of protection for original works such as songs, artwork, videos, and broadcasts.

For example, the song “We Will Rock You” by Queen was released in 1977, and it still enjoys copyright protection today. Copyright laws vary from country to country, so you should always be aware of any copyrights that pertain to your business.

Patents: These are defined as a form of legal protection for new inventions. Patents are costly to apply for, and you don’t need to have one to run your podcast business.

Intellectual property can also be used to protect how you operate your business. Email, customer lists, social media accounts, and podcasts are all assets that fall under intellectual property.

It is crucial to protect your online assets to ensure a healthy bottom line for your podcast enterprise. Even if you don’t have a large following yet, it’s good to establish these policies from the start so that you can avoid disputes in the future.

Why is Intellectual Property Important?

Intellectual property is protected for a reason. The internet has made it easier than ever to share information with people around the world; however, this also opens the door to widespread theft of intellectual property.

Protected intellectual property promotes innovation and can provide economic benefit to individuals or businesses who create or license them.

Intellectual property can also include trade secrets, which are confidential business ideas and concepts. These must be protected at all costs to prevent others from stealing your ideas.

Online Intellectual Property Theft

The internet may be the single most significant driver behind the popularity of intellectual property theft. Internet users worldwide use peer-to-peer sharing services to share illegally copied movies, music, and other copyrighted material.

Intellectual property theft is a massive problem on the internet, and it’s essential to take steps to protect your own from being stolen as well. This is particularly true for those who have monetized their podcast with an advertising or sponsorship model.

Some of the ways people may use peer-to-peer sharing services to steal your intellectual property include:

  • Download your copyrighted podcast episodes, share them online for free, and collect advertising revenue without paying you.
  • Uploading your podcast episodes onto another service or website and claiming the content as their own.
  • Claiming they are the original content provider by using your podcast’s brand name, logo, or even host’s image.

Accidental and Unintentional Violations

Sometimes people will mistake your podcast for something else because of a similar name or shared artwork. We’ve all heard of cases where an artist sued another musician over copyright infringement, but this could also happen to you.

For example, if your podcast is named “Podcast Hangouts,” it could be mistaken for the other similarly titled product called “Hangouts On Air.”

The risk of people accidentally using your intellectual property without proper authorization can increase even further if they’re doing something illegal in the first place.

If someone is illegally streaming copyrighted movies and music, then it can be challenging to prove that your product was not involved in any way. The same thing goes for podcasters who get into disputes over using other people’s images or artwork.

Avoiding such disagreements before they happen is a good strategy, especially if you’re working with other businesses or people who have a significant online presence.

How can Podcasters Protect their Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property can be protected by filing for copyrights and trademarks. However, there is no way to protect your business’s trade secrets or customer lists from theft unless you invest in some kind of intellectual property protection software.

You should also be aware that the moment you start using your podcast’s name, logo, or other information in any marketing materials, this will constitute public use. This means it can no longer be considered a trade secret and may not be protected by law.

You will want to file copyrights for the podcast itself and any promotional materials you use in your marketing efforts.

For example, you would want to register a copyright for your logo, website header images, and website banner images to prevent them from being used in a way where they don’t give proper credit. Additionally, you will want to protect all of the photos you use on your website from being used in any other context without your permission.

Trademarks are also important to protect because they place the public on notice of the intellectual property owner. You’ll want to file for a trademark if you use specific names, phrases, or slogans in connection with your business.

For example, the phrase “podcasting made easy” could be considered a part of your original branding if you use it frequently in your marketing efforts. This would give you exclusive rights to that slogan and prevent others from using it without permission or giving proper credit to you for its origin.

Protecting your intellectual property is extremely important if you plan on monetizing your podcast. It’s also essential if you want to own any domain names that might be similar to your product or service name.

With the proper intellectual property protection, you can avoid disputes with others using your business’s name and logo.

There are plenty of resources online that can help you learn how to protect your intellectual property. You should also consider hiring a lawyer who has experience in this area if you’re worried about people stealing your podcast’s information.

What Should You Do If Your Intellectual Property Is Stolen?

If you suspect your intellectual property has been stolen, then there are some steps you can take to resolve the situation.

To start, make sure it’s actually happening in the first place. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions if someone else’s website uses a similar phrase or slogan. They may be using it in an honest attempt at following your branding strategies.

If you’re confident that your intellectual property rights are being violated, then you will want to send a cease and desist letter as soon as possible. This gives the person or company you’re accusing of stealing a chance to stop doing so without getting authorities involved.

Once they agree to stop using your intellectual property, you’ll want them to send you a signed statement saying they understand why it was wrong for them to steal your information. This is a crucial step because not having this documentation could prevent you from taking legal action in the future.

If the party is unresponsive or uncooperative, you will want to talk to an attorney about filing a lawsuit against them. Intellectual property protection lawsuits can be quite expensive and time-consuming, so you will want to make sure you have a strong case before trying this approach.

If your intellectual property was stolen through contributory infringement, then you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. This type of claim is often associated with peer-to-peer sharing services, so you could lose a ton of revenue if the lawsuit gets decided in favor of the defendant.

It’s imperative to take action against contributory infringement lawsuits because there is no statute of limitations associated with them. This means you can always recover damages even after many years have passed since the incident occurred.

There are many benefits to protecting your intellectual property rights. Not only does it help you prevent losses, but it also gives you the power to pursue legal action against people who violate your copyrights.

If someone steals your podcast’s information or uses an unfair business practice related to your trademark, you can benefit by filing a lawsuit against them. You might need to hire an attorney to take this step, but it can prevent future disputes and help you increase your brand’s reputation.

Do What’s Best For Your Podcast

Protecting your intellectual property is relatively easy if you take the proper steps. It isn’t always cheap, but it’s usually worth it when you consider all of the benefits that come with strong intellectual property protection.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is stealing from you or infringing on your copyrights, then you should strongly consider filing a lawsuit against them.

You also have the option of contacting an intellectual property lawyer if you aren’t sure what your options are or don’t want to handle them on your own. The most important thing is that you protect yourself now so you can avoid problems in the future.

How to Get Famous on TikTok

How to Get Famous on TikTok

TikTok is one of the most rapidly expanding social media platforms out there. Since its launch in 2016, the app has gained more than a billion active users worldwide. If you’ve been wondering how to get famous on TikTok, keep reading.

Although TikTok is relatively new in the social media world, it operates much like Instagram and Facebook. Users post video content to a sharing platform where other people view it, then they’re able to leave hearts and comments. The more engagement a TikTok post receives, the higher it gets placed on the lists of featured content.

However, a few relevant differences make the approach for how to get TikTok famous somewhat unique. Since the platform mainly features short 15-second videos, you have to grab your viewer’s attention immediately.

So, exactly how do you get famous on TikTok? Here are some of the best tricks for going viral and getting recognized on the internet’s hottest video-sharing app.

How to Get Famous on TikTok

If you want to get famous online, you’ll need to put in consistent effort and know how to use social media trends to their full potential. On TikTok, that means posting videos at least once per day and coming up with creative, original content that entertains viewers in a short timeframe.

Although TikTok originally started as a lip-synching app, it has expanded to include comedy, dancing, tutorials, and more. Users can choose from a wide selection of songs and pre-recorded sounds or use original audio.

With so much content on the platform already, it’s essential to think outside the box when coming up with new videos in order to get noticed. Use these reliable strategies to take your TikTok account from a fun hobby to becoming the next big online sensation.

Choose a Niche

When considering how to get famous on social media apps like TikTok, it’s highly beneficial to establish a target audience from the start. Focus your TikToks on a specific area of interest where you’ll be able to showcase your unique talents and skills.

Consider who will be watching your videos. How can you provide something new and valuable through your content?

The majority of TikTok users are young people who appreciate the unrestrained and innovative nature of the platform. Don’t be afraid to take risks and get a little weird. That’s what gets you noticed.

Post New Videos Regularly

Unlike Facebook and Instagram, the TikTok algorithm doesn’t penalize users for posting too frequently. In fact, posting as much content as possible is one of the best tactics for how to get famous on TikTok. The more videos you post, the greater your chances are of them going viral.

Even though the creators of TikTok are fairly secretive about exactly how their algorithm works, it’s well-known that users appreciate regularly seeing new posts from their favorite accounts. In addition, your future followers will want access to plenty of your amazing content once you do achieve TikTok fame.

Participate in Viral Trends

While it’s important to be unique and creative with your content, participating in current trends is an excellent way to get famous online. The key is to adapt the trend to your own distinctive style.

Incorporate significant trends in your TikToks by using new songs from popular artists, taking part in hashtag challenges, and monitoring your “For You” page for the latest trends in your niche. It’s crucial to jump on new trends while they’re still exciting in order to get noticed and stay relevant.

Take Advantage of New Features

TikTok, like other social media apps, is constantly coming out with new effects, filters, and features for its users to enjoy. There are several excellent reasons to take full advantage of them right away.

People love seeing new things in action. If yours happens to be among the first videos they see with a new effect or filter, you’ll gain a reputation for being interesting and innovative.

In addition, TikTok’s algorithm rewards content creators for using the latest app additions. As such, trying out the new features as soon as they come out will work wonders for helping you get internet famous.

Engage with Other TikTokers

One of the many reasons people use social media is to be part of a community of people who share similar interests. Networking with other TikTokers by liking and commenting on their posts is an outstanding way to build relationships with potential followers and fellow creators alike.

It’s also helpful to collaborate with influencers who align with your image and personality. A great way to do this is by engaging with their posts on TikTok, as well as other social media platforms, and starting conversations with them through comments or messages. Once you form a connection, you can explore tagging them in your posts and reposting content with their permission or working together to create new TikToks.

Make Your Videos Shareable and Re-watchable

Another phenomenal way to get famous online is when people re-watch and share your videos. Other TikTokers can also tag you and remix your video, use the audio, or duet with it. These are all immensely helpful in gaining exposure and increasing your audience.

Individual TikTok videos have a maximum length of 15 seconds, but users can link the videos to create a 60-second story. Since they’re relatively short, it’s helpful to put a surprise moment or plot twist at the end of the video. Doing so keeps your viewers engaged and coming back for more.

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through videos, wondering, “How do you get TikTok famous?” The answer is that it takes a decent amount of effort and persistence. Getting internet famous isn’t an exact science. Research the current trends and influencers in your chosen niche, and go for it. You never know which video might go viral, and the more you post, the better the odds are. By using these tips on how to get famous on TikTok, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and build a community that supports your ideas and creativity.

How to Get Famous on Instagram

How to Get Famous on Instagram

Instagram boasts over one billion monthly users and one of the highest follower growth and interaction rates of any social media platform. It’s easy to see why many influencers rate Instagram as their preferred channel. Read on to discover how to get famous on Instagram using these expert tips and tricks.

When it comes to getting internet famous, overnight success isn’t usually how it goes. Just like any other new endeavor, it takes dedication and effort to get famous online. However, rest assured that there are numerous ways to make the process quicker and easier. Here are the best practices to adopt if you’d like to grow your following, increase your audience engagement, and achieve all of your Instagram goals.

How to Get Famous on Instagram

Before diving right into revamping your Instagram profile, take a few moments to reflect on your interests, passions, and goals. Examine who your target audience is and how to engage with them. What sort of story are you trying to tell?

Having a clear focus makes it considerably easier to hold your audience’s interest and make your personal brand recognizable. Once you’ve built this foundation for your future efforts, you’ll be ready to start telling your story and creating amazing Instagram content.

Find Your Niche

Many people use Instagram to find inspiration, keep up with trends, and learn about specific topics. As such, your content should provide value to your followers in some way.

Whatever your niche might be, you’ll have much more success by creating a consistent brand image for your Instagram account. That way, your content reflects your personality and aesthetic in a professional way.

Make It Personal

Most Instagram users want to get to know the face behind the brand. In general, photos and videos that feature people in them get significantly higher engagement levels.

Similarly, the influencers who stand out the most have figured out how to convey their authentic self in a relatable way. Share stories, ask your followers questions, and show them that you genuinely care about what you’re posting.

Using a profile photo of you instead of a logo is one of the easiest ways to make your Instagram profile charismatic and approachable. Your bio is another crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s often the first thing people see, so make sure it grabs visitors’ interest and communicates what you’re all about clearly and concisely. Remember to regularly refresh your bio with relevant information like new promos or updates.

How to Hashtag

Hashtags are one of the absolute best tools for increasing discoverability and reaching a broader audience on social media. However, when considering how to get famous on Instagram, there are various approaches for making the most of your hashtags.

Some influencers use as many popular and relevant hashtags as possible. In contrast, others only use a few in each of their posts. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. While researching your target audience and gaining inspiration from other accounts in your niche, take note of which hashtags are profitable and how your competition is using them.

Creating your own brand-specific hashtag is also helpful. Using a personalized hashtag an excellent way to distinguish your account from other influencers and build audience engagement.

Be sure to track the performance of the various hashtags you’re using. That way, you’ll be able to see which hashtags and posting styles are working for your account and audience and which ones aren’t.

Be Consistent About Posting

Another crucial element of how to get famous online is posting regularly. Once again, there’s no set formula for instant success. It’s helpful to research your target audience to find out when they tend to be online the most.

Generally speaking, Instagram accounts that post daily have considerably higher engagement levels than those posting just once or twice per week. Using all of the available media styles on Instagram also makes your content more engaging. In addition to posting photos and videos, take advantage of stories, reels, and IGTV to reach more followers.

Engage with Your Audience

Instagram’s algorithm is based on engagement levels. As such, it’s vital to actively build a relationship with your followers by replying to comments, fostering discussions in the comments section, and including a call to action in your posts.

Remember to keep your tone personable and authentic in your calls to action. Show your followers that they’re part of a community by asking and responding to questions or telling personal stories and inviting followers to share theirs.

Hosting occasional product giveaways is another effective tactic to boost your following. Choose a desirable, niche-related prize and have people enter to win by engaging with your account. Steps may include liking your post, following your account, and tagging others in the comments. Giveaways are also an outstanding opportunity to partner with other brands and influencers.

Collaborate with Other Brands and Influencers

Working with fellow influencers and commercial brands on Instagram is incredibly useful. Just remember to ensure that you’re maintaining your authentic voice and adhering to your goals so that your brand image remains consistent.

For beginning influencers, brand collaborations often begin with receiving free products in exchange for featuring them in your posts. As your Instagram following continues to grow, these often turn into paid partnerships.

Observe Your Competitors

Stay up-to-date on current trends in your niche by routinely checking your competitors’ accounts. By doing so, you’ll be able to learn what’s working for other people, find out more about your target audience, and gain inspiration from high-performing accounts. Make sure to stay true to your brand image while being flexible and adapting to an ever-changing online marketplace.

Have you recently been wondering how to get famous on Instagram? Remember that the keys to progress lie in keeping your content authentic, posting consistently, using hashtags strategically, and taking advantage of collaborations with other brands and fellow influencers when appropriate. Just like any other worthwhile goal, it takes commitment and focus to get famous online. By following these practical steps, your path to getting internet famous will be a whole lot smoother.

How to Create a Popular Podcast

How to Create a Popular Podcast

So you want to be podcast famous, do you?

If you’re ready to become a podcast sensation, it will take more than just being able to talk. Anyone can start a podcast, but not everyone has what it takes to make a popular one.

If you’re interested in creating a popular podcast, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Coming Up With an Idea For Launching

First, come up with an idea for your podcast. Everyone has an idea for a show, but not all good ideas are created equal.

A popular podcast must provide value to its listeners or viewers. If you can’t think of anything new or inspiring to talk about, find something interesting and ask questions on the topic instead. Your listeners will want to know the answers to your questions.


How Much Does It Cost To Start a Podcast?

Next, you’ll need to come up with some startup costs. Podcasting is becoming so popular that many people are entering the market with new shows every day.

Someone doesn’t need to spend a lot of money anymore to start their own podcast.

Many podcasters simply use an old computer or laptop connected to a small USB microphone to create their shows.

Equipment Costs

Anyone can go online and purchase a USB microphone for around $30-$60 that will work well enough to start a podcast with.

Although a basic mic will work, you might consider investing in something better if you want to be podcast famous.

You should expect to pay around $100-$400 for a decent mic.

Many people will suggest you purchase an XLR microphone and shock mount because they can help with audio quality; however, stick to the USB models if you want to start your podcast as cheap as possible.

You’ll also want to buy sound dampening foam panels that attach to your mic stand and help lessen the echo from your surroundings. This will set you back about $80-$120.

A boom will help you adjust your mic to any position you want. You can usually pick one up for around $30-$60.

Of course, you’ll need a computer to capture the audio from your microphone and convert it into an MP3 file that you will upload to your hosting service.

Any room can double as a studio space. Large foam panels attached to anything will help absorb echo and eliminate background noise from opening a door in the other room.

Taking your recording process to the next level isn’t very expensive these days if you use a professional recording studio.

You’ll need some type of recording/editing software if you don’t already own one. This doesn’t mean you need to purchase something costly like Logic Pro or Adobe Audition CS6.

Many podcasters have used Garage Band in the past, which comes free with every Apple computer. Several options are available, including Audacity, which is available for Mac or PC and costs about $50 bucks.

It’s also recommended to use an external hard drive to keep your recordings safe in the event of a computer crash. These are relatively inexpensive these days. You can find one with 1TB of space for $60 bucks online.

Choosing a Podcast Hosting Service

Now that you have a microphone and sound dampening panel, it’s time to find a professional podcast host.

Many podcasters will use the free version of a podcast hosting site to get their shows out there for people to listen to or watch. This is fine if you’re just starting out, but eventually, you’ll want something more.

A paid podcast hosting service will offer you advanced customization options, better storage space for media (graphics, audio clips, video clips), and more bandwidth. This means your listeners won’t deal with the dreaded buffering while listening to your show.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$20 per month, depending on the length of your show. I personally use RSS.com Podcasting because they allow unlimited episodes, and unlimited duration.

In fact, you can use code RSSFREEMONTH at checkout for a full free month of podcast hosting with RSS. Get started for free here.

In full disclosure, I’ve been on their content creation team for a while now, and I’m even hosting some of their podcast episodes for Podcasting 101 with RSS.com!!!

Picking a Podcast Name

Now it’s time to pick your podcast name. Keep in mind that if you want people to come back for more episodes, you’ll need a catchy title that describes what your show is about.

Also, think about how listeners will find your podcast in search engines like Google. Will someone be able to find it when they look up information about your topic?

When you search “podcast” or “gaming podcast,” there are hundreds of thousands of results that will make it hard for listeners to find you when they do this search.

A good podcast name should also let listeners know what type of content they’ll find on your show. Will it be a comedy podcast, news show, educational program, etc.?

The best way to figure this out is to list several ideas for names and ask friends and family which ones they think would attract more listeners.

Choosing Topics & Segments

Now that you have everything ready to go (hosting account, website domain name), it’s time to develop your show’s format.

Most shows will include multiple topics or segments which allow you to cover different things within your niche while still providing listeners with consistent content over time.

A podcast name should provide some insight into this, but it doesn’t hurt to add more detail about what each topic/segment is all about just in case someone looks at the title and doesn’t understand precisely what they’ll find on your show.

If you want to stand out, use terms like “The Best,” “#1,” etc., in the description of your podcast. If you don’t want to be as bold, you can use a word like “Informational” or “Reviews.”

Also, remember that people can be picky when picking out new shows for them to listen to, so keeping the segments simple will make it easier for them to follow along. If you get too complicated, they may give up before even starting to listen!

Searching Your Niche For Ideas

Now that you have a topic in mind, it’s time to search your niche for existing talking points and popular ideas.

This might be a “best of” list or a roundup where you highlight several different things within your niche.

In some cases, you can look at social media posts to find common questions people have about something, which is another excellent way to draw from the crowd when coming up with new segments.

Remember that talking about current events within your niche might lead to more exposure as well.

Newscasts are always looking for guests who can talk about breaking news stories, so don’t be afraid to reach out if something big happens in your area of expertise!…

Recording Your Podcast

Now that you have a solid idea for a show, found a mic and podcast host to work with, and recorded your feed’s intro and outro, it’s time to get started recording.

Most people use an audio interface rather than their computer’s built-in sound card to record their shows.

The best option is usually going with something that has XLR inputs since they will provide the best quality possible over USB microphones.

Be sure you get one with at least two preamps so you can plug in more than one microphone if need be.

Preamps are essential for getting the cleanest sound from your mics because it prevents noise from being introduced into the signal chain when they are plugged in.

For the best results, you should use a condenser mic for your podcast.

You’ll also need to get some boom arms and cables to connect everything.

If you’re not comfortable making all these connections, I would recommend getting a mixer that has everything pre-wired.

Mixers will come with additional features such as EQ knobs and effects units, so they cost more than an audio interface; however, they will still be cheaper than purchasing individual pieces of equipment separately.

Recording software can also help clean up your sound if it starts to get too noisy during the recording process. Sounds from different sources can be plugged into one input on your computer and end up in one track when you listen back.

Recording software will help make these types of issues easier to manage post-production. You can usually find a free recording program or download Audition from Adobe, their audio editing suite.

Editing Your Podcast Made Easy

Once you have your show recorded, it’s time to edit out any mistakes or unwanted sounds.

Depending on the software used for recording, some minor cleanup may be needed before you can import your audio into an editor.

If nothing else, always use noise reduction on your tracks to remove any background noise that might have been picked up while speaking into a microphone.

Sounds from your computer fan whirring away in the background can probably be picked up during a recording session. Using background noise reduction is a great way to get rid of annoying hums and buzzes that would distract from the actual content of the episode.

Noise reduction should leave your voice sounding clear and let you focus more on what you’re saying rather than anything else.

Be sure to cut out all dead air, too, because there is nothing worse than going back and listening to an awkward pause for several seconds.

Mixing Your Podcast

Once your podcast is ready for release, you may need to mix it down at a much lower volume level so listeners won’t blow their speakers when they play it back.

Some people like to boost their podcasts’ overall sound, which can be helpful if you want them to seem more high-end; however, most prefer not to boost or distort vocals unless absolutely necessary.

A compressor can help level off dynamics, so everything sounds consistent no matter what the volume is.

Most podcast hosts will have a maximum file size that they can upload, so be sure to keep it under the limit, or you may lose listeners if their connection gets cut-off before your show is done uploading.

You’ll also want to know what type of audio codecs are being used on your host. Most hosts generally support mp3 format without any additional necessary conversion.

AAC formats tend to provide better quality, but some podcasting services are not compatible with them…

It’s best to check with your host first and see what they recommend before deciding which one works best for what you’re trying to accomplish.

Be sure to save all your files as uncompressed waveforms (.wav) if you need to go back and make changes later down the road.

Mixing music into your podcast can be a tricky process and will require someone who has experience doing these types of edits before.

If you don’t want to pay for pro mixing services, several sites will help match musicians with podcasters for little to no charge.

Some Creative Commons-licensed songs that fit within your target audience can also come in handy when trying to add spice to an episode without spending any cash.

Creating Artwork

Now that you’ve got your audio recorded and edited, it’s time to make some artwork.

People like pretty things, so make sure your podcast’s cover is something that captures attention.

If nothing else, show off a nice headshot of yourself with a decent-looking microphone in the background. Keep the focus on you and what you do best!

Check out this post on RSS.com on how to create your podcast artwork.

How to Market a Podcast

Once your podcast is finished, you’ll need to get the word out there, so everyone will know it’s available.

Your website is the perfect way for you and your podcast to grow. You can use it as an extension of yourself, showcasing what you have in store for listeners and building excitement with key details about new episodes!

Remember that every time you guest on another show or mention what you’re working on in some capacity, that’s an opportunity for more people to discover what you do.

You want to make sure that you are building others up and supporting them before asking for support from them yourself!

An excellent place to start promoting your podcast would be podcast directories, such as iTunes.com. If people can find your podcast on their site, you will receive a substantial amount of traffic at little-to-no cost. Here are some awesome posts on how to upload your podcast to a few of them:

Utilize some smaller social media sites that you can create an account on and post about your show regularly.

Posting your podcast on related forums is another wonderful way to get more people interested in what you have to say because most of them are very active. You’ll likely get plenty of new listeners this way if the forum’s moderators don’t mind having links posted within their threads too.

Writing guest posts for other people’s websites can also help bring attention to your podcast, so it may be something worth looking into if you’re willing to trade promotion with others.

If you still haven’t landed any big-name guest appearances, then don’t worry because you can always create a mini-resource page with a list of related topics that your listeners might be interested in.

You can also try reaching out on social media platforms such as Facebook group pages (which tend to grow more relevant over time).

Lastly, creating a mini-resource page with links to related episodes is the perfect way to let your listeners know what they’re missing out on while providing them helpful information.

Be sure to add lots of links and social media buttons to this page for anyone interested enough to check it out after reading about something interesting they stumbled across while browsing through your site.

How To Become A Guest On Other Podcasts

Making a guest appearance on another podcast is a great way to get your name out there and create more exposure.

Reaching out to other hosts is relatively easy, thanks to the abundance of contact forms available on many sites.

There’s no reason why you can’t be on a whole bunch of shows, even if you’re just starting out.

If you want to become a regular guest on multiple podcasts, it will take some effort on your part.

Here are some tips for getting more exposure from your guest appearances.

  1. Know The Type Of Show You Want To Be On

Podcasts vary in topic and tone, so make sure you research the show and make sure your episode will not only fit in but add to the conversation.

Not only should the topic of discussion be something you’re comfortable talking about, but it should also come naturally to you.

If you feel forced or uncomfortable to participate in such discussions, it will likely come off as such for listeners.

  1. Prepare Ahead Of Time

You don’t want to send your appearance to the bottom of someone’s to-do list.

If you have some notes or ideas ahead of time, it will make your appearance on a show feel more special for both hosts and listeners.

For example, you could plan out some of your talking points or come up with some questions to ask the host and their guests.

  1. Be Prepared To Bring Your Best Game

If you’re going to be on a show, make sure you’re bringing your A-game.

That means you should practice talking about the topic beforehand and be able to handle any curveballs that come your way with ease.

  1. Make Sure To Follow Up

After you’ve had your appearance, follow up with the host and let them know how it went.

They will be more likely to have you on again in the future.

If you had a positive experience, let them know how much you enjoyed being a guest.

This will encourage them to have you back or invite you to other shows.


Pro Tips For Getting Famous Podcasting

Here are some of the top tips you will need to get famous podcasting.

Pro-Tip #1

Promote your podcast everywhere. This is the only way to ensure you’ll get more listeners.

Pro-Tip #2

Your podcasting topic should be interesting and informative enough for people to bother with it. If not, listeners will drop off very quickly.

Pro-Tip #3

Try to find a topic that hasn’t been covered yet online, then cover this topic on your show every week or whenever possible.

Pro-Tip #4

You need some social media followers if you are going to expand your listener base fast. It’s always better to have 100 true fans than 1000 who don’t engage with you.

Pro-Tip #5

Optimize your podcast for Google by including keywords in your show notes and episode descriptions. Keywords are essential to get high rankings on Google, YouTube, and other platforms. This will help you to get more listeners organically instead of spending a boatload of cash on ads for your podcast.

Check out this awesome post from Congruent Digital on exactly how you should be optimizing your show for search!

Pro-Tip #6

Never give up. Everyone gets discouraged from time to time, but if you keep going, listeners will appreciate whatever you can offer them.

Pro-Tip #7

Make sure your show is well documented. This will attract more listeners and also help you to communicate with your audience effectively.

Pro-Tip #8

Have a great email list for your listeners if you want to build a strong community and monetize at some point. If people can’t contact you, then what’s the point of podcasting?

How to Get Famous Podcasting?

The answer is to have patience and keep practicing.

Podcasting isn’t something that you learn overnight; everyone has to start somewhere.

If you are determined, it’s just a matter of time until you can create something extraordinary for yourself.

If you love something enough, people will listen. So make sure that your show stands out from the crowd by offering real value for listeners!

In Conclusion

Getting your podcast to climb the “top podcasts” lists is not an easy task. It will take some work, but with determination and genuine connection (to both topics AND audience), you’ll be sure to get there soon enough!

The best way to get famous podcasting is by staying on topic and engaging listeners as much as possible while also personalizing your show in a way that’s different from your competitors.

And most importantly – never stop learning! The more you know, the easier it will be to come up with something that people love.

Bitter Sweet Christmas – Dealing With Difficult Emotions

Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for many people. High expectations, memories and fatigue can bring problems for anyone’s inner child.

Christmas can be a very difficult time of year. Conscious of a media generated image of an “ideal family Christmas,” our aspirations are high, and if we fail to realise our hopes and expectations at this most highly pressured time of the year, the disappointment can be enormous.

Not everyone will have had a good year. Some people will have suffered loss and disappointment. Christmas seems to bring all our feelings into sharp focus, bad ones as well as good ones, and this can make for a very volatile emotional mix. Combine this with the pressures of organising Christmas, the shopping, the cooking and maintaining peace and goodwill within the immediate family, not to mention financial constraints, and it’s hardly surprising that Christmas can be a time of great stress, as well as one of great happiness.

Christmas Memories: Not Always Happy Ones

Christmas time is such a benchmark of each year that we cannot help but remember Christmases past as we prepare for the Christmas which is about to arrive.

Memories of loved ones who are no longer with us are bound to affect us as we prepare for the festivities. Somehow, feeling sad at Christmas time (when all around you are full of Christmas spirit) is worse than feeling sad when no one is expecting you to be particularly cheerful. Being emotionally out of tune with friends and family can be especially difficult, as you strive not to be a wet blanket and cast a gloom on the festivities of others.

If this is how you feel this Christmas, be kind to yourself. Take time out to grieve, to remember those who you may have lost recently. Give yourself permission to explore your feelings of love and loss without feeling guilty, because by taking time to acknowledge your feelings, even in the midst of all the Christmas turmoil, you will help yourself to move on.

Christmas can be a wonderful time for taking stock, for planning ahead, for rest, renewal and preparation for the new year ahead. Loss and sadness are part of life, just as happiness and celebration are also. Give yourself some leeway to feel whatever you’re feeling, even if it is Christmas.

Christmas and the Inner Child

Christmas is a time of year which is very child-driven, but whilst we are rushing around buying expensive presents and huge quantities of food, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that sometimes, perhaps a child would like a few minutes quiet time, rather than being bundled into the car for yet another awful shopping trip. Less rushing around in search of that perfect sheet of wrapping paper or the last punnet of cranberries in the Western world and a little more time spent reading a story, playing a game or even doing some Christmas cooking can be therapeutic for parents and children alike.

Christmas really only is one day in the year, and whilst adults can be driven by the spirit of their own inner child, seeking to make up for disappointments and things forgotten in Christmases long ago, children (especially little ones) can end up being bewildered by the disruption of their routine, the influx of people and an excess of new experiences.

Tend to your inner child as and when you can, as well as to the reality of little ones who may need boiled eggs and bath time on a regular basis at this time of year to keep them happy and grounded.

The Christmas Row

At Christmas, we tend to spend an awful lot of times with our families, undistracted by work, friends or any of the things that make up our normal comfort zones. Disrupted routines, extra pressures, difficult memories and unrealistic expectations can all conspire to add to the volatility of the Christmas mix.

Try to avoid the Christmas row by a little judicious time management. Make sure to incorporate a few healthy walks into the Christmas timetable. Don’t try to cram too many family festivities into too little time, but try to spread events out over the holiday so that everyone can pace themselves and no one ends up tired and emotional too often.

Peace and Goodwill to All Men

All the above is counsel of perfection. The reality is that we all have good Christmases and bad Christmases, and these seem to generate at random, no matter how much or how little effort we put into them.

Remember, when it comes to Christmas, the rules are, there are no rules – make merry in whatever way feels right for you. In a week’s time, it will be a whole new year and a whole new adventure to embark upon.

Affordable Thanksgiving Dinners

There are several ways not to break the budget on Thanksgiving Day but most of them take work and time. Yet if you have more of this than money, then decide to really celebrate the day the old fashioned day! At least this is the one way of saving money while enjoying the day. Your biggest expense is a turkey and it is reasonably priced.

The rest of the food will not break the bank, especially if you make your pies from scratch, bake your own rolls and buy canned vegetables instead of the frozen packages or fresh.

Another way is to use what you have. Decorate with whatever you have on hand without rushing out and purchasing table cloths and napkins and center pieces simply because you are the host for this year’s feast. If your family is large, and it is at your place, then ask them each to bring food.

You fill in with what they don’t bring and everyone should have a good day and no one will have to do without for the next week or so until the next payday. If you still have one. If you don’t then certainly all you need to donate is your time and your table. Have them bring the food, of the bulk of it.

If you are without work and have no money, don’t hesitate to sign up for a Thanksgiving basket. With the chicken or turkey, potatoes, apples, oranges, cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving items you should have no problem feeing your family well on Thanksgiving. This is a day to be grateful and no one is go hungry, or should go hungry at anytime, but especially at this time of year.

First, before you panic, look around you and see what you have that you can cook up into a delectable dinner table. If you live in the country and garden, your are the lucky ones. You probably have shelves of canned goods and a freezer stashed full of vegetables and corn on the cob and all kinds of food.

You don’t need my advice, but probably you could spare some of your stash for that family or two down the road that are out of work. Think about it. Yet, if you are the rural poor but have knowhow and can cook well then get to work planning a wonderful feast for your family.

If you have flour and jars of canned apples, but are not able to make pie dough from scratch, ask a friend to give you a hand. It’s not impossible. If that is out of the question, then settle for a casserole of stewed apples. It’s the apples that are so tasty and no one will mind that the crust is missing.

Use what you have, but use it in a delectable and tasty and creative way. If you nave kale or mustard greens and turnips growing in your garden, then you are in luck. Treat them as the finest vegetable, as indeed they are. Kale is about the healthiest antioxidant vegetable you can serve. I

Imagine this: A steaming dish of kale cooked with chopped onion and oil and a bit of that frozen Italian hot sausage from your freezer throw in for flavor, plus a dash of pepper and salt. To dress it up, boil a couple of eggs and slice them and arrange them around the bowl. Just innovate and your dinner will be the greatest ever.

Adopting A Pet For Your Small Child

Finding the right family pet for a small child can be a labor of love. Work with your child to find the ideal pet to adopt for your family and enjoy the results everyday.

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience for a child. Caring for an animal can teach a child responsibility, compassion, empathy and other life long important values. Walking a dog can inculcate healthy exercise habits. Teaching a parrot to speak can help a child learn patience. Picking out produce for a bunny rabbit can help a child develop healthy eating patterns.

Once you’ve decided a pet is a good idea, many questions arise. What kind of pet best suits your family? How old should your child be when she gets her first pet? What’s the best place to acquire an animal for adoption? Should you go to the local animal shelter? Or seek out a reputable breeder?

Current Living Conditions

The answer to these questions depends on many factors. As the child’s caregiver, you will ultimately be responsible for the animal in question. Before answering, think about your current living conditions. Do you live in a house? A condo? Do you have a backyard? Is someone home during the day? Do you want to breed the animal? Are you physically active? Or more sedentary?

Many experts do not recommend pets for children younger than six. Six is a very good age for a child to have his first pet. Six year olds can easily learn to take care of an animal. Most six year olds can quickly learn to follow simple pet care instructions. Children often love the feeling they get from being trusted with, “big girl” tasks.

Hamsters, Gerbils and Mice

A good pet for a younger child is a small rodent. Diminutive furry animals like hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats can provide your little girl with hours of entertainment and fun. Have your child come with you so you can pick out a pet together. Buying a petite rodent will not put much of a dent in your budget. Most pet stores will sell all you need to get started for under $25. Consider buying more than one so they can keep each other company. Make sure that the rodents are the same sex or they may fight when one animal goes into heat. Brother or sister pairs make very good pets.

The Selection Process

When you go to the pet store ask if you can handle the animal. A good pet store will let you hold the animal before you make that decision. Look for an animal that has no sign of sickness. A hamster’s eyes should be clear. A gerbil’s fur should be soft and shiny. Healthy animals are less likely to disappoint your child and more likely to make good pets.

Once you’ve settled on a choice make sure your child understands all that is involved in taking care of pet. Help the child feed the pet and make sure that the pet has the right water as well as an exercise wheel in good running order.

Work with your young child to introduce her to the joy’s of pet ownership and help her kindle a life long love of animals.

Christmas Gifts On A Budget

Make, buy or barter your way to a thrifty holiday season.

Homemade coupons

Give the gift of your time with some creative coupons that your friend or relative can “cash in” later. For kids to give to parents or grandparents:
One car wash, One hour of weeding in the garden, One afternoon organizing old photographs
For parents to give to kids:
One afternoon at the beach, One trip to the museum, One hour of board games
For adults to give to each other:
One backrub, One homemade dinner of your choice, One game of tennis
Cheap, Cool T-shirts
New printing technology and innovative T-shirt retailers combine to provide inexpensive, individualized tees for every niche imaginable.

Use kids’ artwork

Grandparents, uncles and aunts can’t get enough of charming gifts from children’s artwork. FamilyFun magazine has a wonderful selection of ideas. Creating a personalized notepad featuring a child’s drawing on every page is an easy and inexpensive gift that brings pleasure to the recipient throughout the year.

Scour thrift stores for books and small toys

Get gently used books for pennies on the dollar at thrift stores, garage sales and public libraries. Nothing beats watching the look of delight on a child’s face as they open a box teeming with new stories for her to read.

Likewise, stuff a container with knick knacks and small toys gathered throughout the year and wrap it in a festive paper. Don’t be surprised if the cheap plastic playthings gets more attention than the new Xbox.

Buy ornaments in January for next year’s gifts

Christmas ornaments are the perfect gifts for your PTA buddies or kids’ teachers. Wait until after the holidays and find them at least half off their original price. Don’t forget where you stashed them when next Christmas comes around!

Make sane sale purchases
Try to resist buying an item to give in the future just because it’s on sale. You may never find the perfect mate for that Spongebob tie.

Inexpensive art

The Internet offers great suppliers of affordable wall art for the new homeowner or college student.

Christmas Gifts From The Heart

It’s that time of year when most of us are racking our brains trying to think of ideas for Christmas presents. It’s just too easy to buy something quick and be done with it, but it will be remembered as just that. Truly memorable gifts that last for months or years are ones that come from the heart. And, for those people who truly matter in your life, isn’t that what you want, to be thought of fondly and to bring a smile to their face?

Here are several examples of heartfelt gifts:

For the elderly: The elderly would rather receive something that they could use, a handmade afghan or warm blanket, or perhaps some warm bedclothes, robe, or socks. Of course, a photo album with updated pictures of the family is always welcomed.

For women:

They always say that “a diamond is a woman’s best friend”. Jewelry is always a good bet with women. Forget the iron or skillet, the ramifications won’t be pretty. Think about the interests or hobbies that the individual is involved with. Is this perhaps a single parent? The gift of time may be just what she would treasure if she can take some time for herself away from her children or obligations.

For men:

When asked what they remembered and treasured most about previous Christmas gifts, it was the gifts such as their first gun as a youth, or a bicycle that they rode for years. What connection is there between you and the man to be gifted that is unique to only the two of you. Siblings can recreate a favorable memorable time from their childhood with memorabilia, or find objects that remind them of family traditions.

For children:

The list to Santa will most likely be the latest plastic toys from China. Some of those have value in relating to their friends. It’s also time to begin to build childhood memories that last a lifetime. A handmade baby blanket or quilt with their name embroidered on it, or perhaps a personalized picture book with the child as the main character will be forever cherished. Older children remember bicycles, trains, and musical instruments as well.

For teenagers:

Technological gifts usually head their Christmas list with the ultimate gift of independence with their first car. That may be too steep for most budgets; instead, give the gift of teaching them how to drive safely and responsibly. Of course, only if you have the ability to do so in a calm manner!

Christmas time is all about feeling. Finding the right gift that lasts for a long time in the hearts of others is about your connection to them.

Christmas Gifts For The Person Who Has Everything

Buying for that special someone who has everything is a very challenging task but it can be done! Add in a little creativity and you’ve got a special gift.

In today’s market, there isn’t anything you can’t buy. Be a little creative and keep in mind that person’s interests and you can give a great gift this holiday season.

Gifts for men

Sports related items are the first to come to mind with most men. Be a little imaginative when purchasing that sports item. In many stores you can find mini gift card stockings with his team logos on them. Instead of a gift card, purchase lottery tickets to stuff inside. For the fisherman buy an inexpensive tackle box and fill it full of candies and nuts. If he’s a hunter, a camo hat or insulated lunch box can be filled with little sausages and jerky to make sure he never gets hungry out in the woods. A golfer will always enjoy his favorite sports team on balls, tees, and covers for his golf clubs.

Don’t forget with almost any hobby or interest he almost always keeps that hand towel handy. So get some inexpensive towels and a small amount of fabric with his favorite team or other interest imprinted on it and add a border or top off the towels with a simple stitch to add a nice addition to a bland towel. Every guy loves to eat and grill out. Make a gift basket out of tongs, oven gloves, barbacue sauce, etc, in nice coordinating colors.

Gifts for women

Women are so much easier than men. There are so many perfumes, body lotion kits, scarves, slipper socks, and inexpensive jewelry out there. You can almost walk into any store and find something fairly quickly. You can hardly go wrong with any kitchen item. Most people who have it all also have old things that need replacing.

If you want to get a little more creative get them a scrapbook album and fill it with pages full of pictures you have of their family or friends. Handmade ornaments can be easy to make and become a very treasured gift that they will remember every holiday. A gift that keeps giving is a subscription to one of their favorite magazines. For a bingo player, buy a bag or basket and fill it with bingo daubers. Most gals love baskets so fill them with bath things, candies, wine, flower seed packets, or any assortment of their favorite things. Anything you can find that showcases their family will definitely be a winner, as a woman’s life is centered around that family.

Presents for kids

Children are easy, teens a little harder but they are the most fun to shop for during the holiday season. Hitting the thrift store early in the season is a great idea for kids who have everything. A small jewelry box with plenty of inexpensive jewelry will definitely be a hit for any tiny princess. For a little girl find a cute purse and fill it with small toys or different types of candy. For a little boy, do the same with a small toolbox. Matchbox cars put into an appealing container makes a “can’t go wrong” gift for any boy.

Every child likes to get tons of toys for the holidays. Interesting and funny books may not be the favorite now but they will come to appreciate them later. Add in a stuffed animal or doll and it’s a winner. Teenagers love to shop, so let them. Buy gift cards from their favorite stores and slip them into nice little fingernail kits or a packet of baseball cards. It’s a win-win for the teen in your life.

If you keep your eyes open and be a little creative you will find there are plenty of things out there that the hard to buy for person doesn’t have and will enjoy.