The step of every journey starts with a single step. You've gone to great lengths to make a good episode. Now you're ready to promote your show, and everyone says "find your audience," but how? Today I do a couple quick Google searches and show you what I came up with for a friend who has a podcast that is a book of fiction (super niche). We also talk about dealing with "trolls" who leave negative comments on your blog posts, etc.

If you are thinking about speaking at New Media Expo, you need to get your submission in BEFORE 10/24. I give some tips on what I'm looking for at my blog.

Interview With an Internet Troll [3:40]

There will be people who hate  everything you do. They have nothing nice to say, and in some cases will use very offensive words. But keep in mind:

1. They don't have the courage to do what you do (create content). They only tell you how bad your content is.

2. Many times they do it in an anonymous fashion (again, lack of courage).

3. They DID leave a comment. You MOVED someone to hate you. That's a plus. It doesn't seem like a plus, but it is.

Check out Daniel J Lewis's episode on handling complaints.

Check out Erik K. Johnson's Podast Talent Coach.

Ray Ortega's Podaster's Studio and Podcaster's Rountable (which often has myself and Daniel J Lewis)

Last 5 in 5 [10:50]

Todd from the conformity hazard podcast (recorded live at Podcast Movement) tells us the last 5 podcasts he listened to.

48 Days to the Work you love (Dan Miller)

School of Podcasting

Podcast Answer Man

Family From the Heart (audio journal of the host)

Smart Passive Income (Pat Flynn).

Podcast Rewind [12:38]

UK Podcasters are now New Media Europe. Thanks to Kevin Cox for the shout out.

I appeared on the Profitcast Podcast. This is a cool show that talks about growing your audience and monetizing your show. Brian is an awesome dude.

How Do I Grow My Audience When I'm Not Doing an Interview Show? [16:15]

I got an email from Caine Door who asked, "

"what kind of advice would you give to someone who's podcast was driven by fiction content (a bit like Scott Sigler but with no where near such an outgoing personality) and not interviews, or helping people, or a professional focus?
It seems that a lot of advice about podcasting is more geared toward all of those things that I mentioned above that I don't really do.  My latest episode has the most conversation I've done with the audience....ever and its only like seven minutes. "
 
My first bit of advice was to get his website address into his signature. Don't make it hard to find your show. I am the person who may not read all of your email, but I will click a link to help me determine if I should read all of your email. Then do the four steps of podcast promotion
 
1. Figure out who the audience is
2. Make content that will impact and move them.
3. GO to where they are and make friends with them. Bring value with every conversation.
4. Tell them about your podcast
 
So Caine's audience would be people looking for fiction. I typed in phrases like "Fiction Book Fans" and "Fiction Book Clubs" and I went to Google+ communities and Facebook Groups, and between a few(less than 5 searches) I had a list of places to investigate including.
 

http://themindofafictionbooklover.tumblr.com/me
is in the top 5 of Google for this search. Go read his blog, and leave comments. When somethng strikes you send him an email and start a conversation. Later ask him if he'd like to listen to your book. Be sure to have your signature with a link to your website so when you send him an email he will see your website.
 
http://www.thrall.org/booklovers/
Has all sorts of things about book clubs
 
http://www.booktalk.org/online-reading-group.html
This is a huge forum (be careful not to spam here and read the rules of posting)
 

Here is another search results for Google Groups
https://plus.google.com/s/fiction%20books/communities
 
Be Careful in the Forums

The reason you have to do step three (make friends with your potential audience) is if you just show up and go "LISTEN TO MY PODCAST" people who ask, "Who is this person?' Then they will flag your for spam. I know because in 2006 this happened to me. It takes time. It's hard to do (because you know THIS is MY AUDIENCE) but be patient.

Kevin Costner is the Anti-Christ

In the movie Field of Dreams Kevin Costner says that "If you build it they will come." This is a GIANT LIE. You need to GO and find your audience. Will having a podcast being people to your site? Yes, but if you want to grow your audience faster you have to go find your audience and lead them to your show.

How Do You Define Your Success

In my book More Podcast Money, I talk about how Jeremy and Jason from Internet Business Mastery had more influence than people with email lists that were huge. Jason and Jeremy had more influence. Your success may not be measured in numbers.

Get Your Podcast Reviewed

If you have a podcast and want some unbiased feedback check out getting a podcast review. You can appear live on the show and ask questions as we go over your content and website. We also have an option to have us review your show without you being present. To have your show reviewed, go to www.podcastreviewshow.com/reviewme

Become a Member of the School of Podcasting

If you're looking to start a podcast, the School of Podcasting has everything you need. I have tutorials that will walk you through every step of the process. I can help shape your content during the planning process. We can make sure you don't spend too much money on equipment you don't need. I can help you build your website with free tools, and get your show listed in iTunes (and all the other popular directories). Best of all, I offer a 30 day guarantee. If you're not happy with the School of Podasting I will refund your payment with no questions asked. You can join Risk Free.