Welcome back to the blog, where we dive into the essentials of podcasting success, minus the fluff. I'm Gordon Firemark, and today we're talking about the "8 Things I Never Do In Podcasts." These are crucial tips to keep your podcast professional, engaging, and legally sound. Let’s get started!

1. Copyright Music (or Other Stuff)

This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s astonishing how many podcasters overlook this. Using copyrighted music without proper licensing can land you in hot water faster than you can say "cease and desist." Always opt for royalty-free music or get the appropriate licenses for the tunes you want to feature. Trust me, a legal battle over a catchy intro jingle is not worth it. I once had a client who ignored this advice and ended up with a hefty fine and a lot of stress. Protect your podcast and your peace of mind by playing it safe.

Let me share an example: A podcaster I knew used a popular song for their intro. They thought it was harmless since they were just starting out and didn't have a large audience. But as their podcast grew, it caught the attention of the song's rights holders. They received a cease and desist letter, followed by a lawsuit. The cost of settling the case was significant, both financially and emotionally. Lesson learned: always respect copyright laws.

2. Talk Trash About People (without proof)

Gossip can be juicy, but in podcasting, it's a recipe for disaster. Slandering someone without solid evidence can lead to defamation claims. Always stick to verified facts and maintain a respectful tone, even when discussing controversial topics. It’s about keeping your integrity intact and avoiding unnecessary legal battles. Remember the story of the famous podcaster who got sued for defamation because they made unverified claims about a celebrity? They ended up settling for millions. Don’t let that be you.

For instance, a well-known podcast host once speculated about a celebrity's personal life without any concrete evidence. The statements were deemed defamatory, and the celebrity sued. The host faced a costly lawsuit and had to issue a public apology. This incident not only hurt their wallet but also their reputation. Always ensure your statements are backed by facts to avoid such pitfalls.

3. Waste Time on a Long Intro

Listeners tune in for content, not a novel-length introduction. Keep your intros brief and to the point. Get to the meat of your episode quickly to keep your audience engaged. A short, snappy intro sets the right pace and keeps your listeners hooked from the get-go. For example, compare a podcast that spends five minutes talking about their day versus one that dives into the topic within the first thirty seconds. Which one would you stick with?

Consider this: Two podcasts on similar topics start their episodes. The first one spends the first five minutes with the host rambling about their morning coffee, while the second jumps straight into the main discussion. Which one do you think retains more listeners? The answer is obvious. Time is precious, and your audience will appreciate you getting straight to the point.

4. Worry Too Much About Filler Words

"Um," "uh," "like" – we all use them. While it's good to minimize filler words, don’t stress too much over them. Authenticity often includes a few "ums" and "ahs." Focus more on the value of your content rather than achieving perfect speech. Your audience is here for your insights, not a polished speech. I’ve heard from numerous listeners that they actually appreciate the natural flow of conversation, filler words and all, because it feels more genuine.

A colleague of mine once spent hours editing out every single filler word from their podcast. The end result sounded robotic and unnatural. Meanwhile, another podcaster embraced their natural speech patterns, and their audience found it relatable and authentic. Don't let perfectionism get in the way of connecting with your listeners.

5. Refer to Visuals

Podcasts are an auditory medium. Referring to visuals can leave your audience confused and disengaged. If you must mention something visual, describe it in detail or provide links in your show notes. This ensures everyone can follow along without missing a beat. I once listened to a podcast where the host kept saying "look at this" without any description. It was frustrating and made me tune out. Avoid that pitfall by being descriptive and inclusive.

For example, if you're discussing a chart or image, paint a picture with your words. Describe the key elements and what they represent. You can also direct listeners to your website or show notes for additional context. This approach keeps everyone in the loop and enhances the overall experience.

6. Dwell on Analytics

While it's important to keep an eye on your podcast’s performance, obsessing over analytics can be counterproductive. Focus on creating great content and connecting with your audience. The numbers will follow. Use analytics as a tool, not as a stress point. I had a friend who spent more time analyzing their stats than producing episodes. They lost sight of their content quality and their listenership dropped. Keep your priorities straight.

One podcaster I know became so fixated on their download numbers that they started tweaking their content solely to boost metrics. This shift in focus alienated their core audience, and engagement plummeted. On the other hand, another podcaster maintained their passion and authenticity, resulting in steady growth and loyal listeners. Remember, quality content drives numbers, not the other way around.

7. Rely on Independent Contractors Without a Written Agreement

This is a big one, folks. Always, and I mean always, have a written agreement when working with independent contractors. It protects both parties and ensures clarity on expectations, deliverables, and payments. Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings and potential legal issues. I remember a case where a podcaster didn’t have a written contract with their editor. When disputes arose, it was a nightmare to resolve. A simple contract would have saved them a lot of grief.

For instance, a podcaster hired a graphic designer to create their cover art without a written agreement. The designer delivered subpar work, and when the podcaster requested revisions, the designer demanded additional payment. Without a contract to refer to, resolving the conflict was messy and stressful. A clear, written agreement upfront would have prevented this headache.

8. Name the Podcast Without Running a Search

Before you get too attached to a podcast name, do your homework. Run a thorough search to ensure the name isn’t already in use. This avoids potential trademark disputes and helps you establish a unique brand identity from the start. I know a podcaster who fell in love with a name only to receive a cease and desist letter a few months in. They had to rebrand entirely, losing precious momentum. Don’t let this happen to you.

Imagine launching your podcast with a name you adore, only to discover that it's already trademarked. This happened to a friend of mine, and the rebranding process was time-consuming and costly. Not only did they lose listeners who couldn't find the new name, but they also had to rebuild their brand from scratch. A quick search in the beginning can save you from this scenario.

And there you have it – the eight things I never do in podcasts. Keeping these tips in mind will help you maintain a professional, engaging, and legally sound podcast. Thanks for tuning in to the Legit Podcast Pro blog. If you found this post helpful, please subscribe, share, and leave a comment. And remember, if you need more in-depth guidance, check out my comprehensive course, Easy Legal for Podcasters, where we dive deep into these topics and more. Until next time, happy podcasting!