Story Studio Network

Great insights from Scott Clancy - Leader, Author, Speaker, Mentor, Coach as we draw on his leadership experience as the former Director of Operations at NORAD. The RCAF Maj. Gen. (retired) says Trump’s presidency will threaten the stability of NORAD and likely put a (bad) end to the war in Ukraine. https://lnkd.in/g2P6DBXv

Love seeing this incredible reflection from Lauren Goldstein on her podcast journey. It's all about showing up authentically and trusting the process! Thank you, Lauren, for being so real and sharing these insights! We're honored to be part of your podcast story with The Biz Doctor.

We were in a meeting about an upcoming project for the SSN team, and a team member mentioned the A-word. It’s not the A-word you’re thinking. Our team was in a proposal meeting with a large not-for-profit client, and these conversations can go in one of two ways: One -The foundation wants to use new media to amplify their accountability marketing (not the A-word). They want a bigger vessel to tell deeper stories that aren’t being told through their social media or newsletter. We love these projects and have done quite a few of them. Two - the A-word. In this case, the foundation decides it’s doing accountability marketing really well already and now wants to build a base of content that builds *Advocacy. That’s the A-word we’re talking about. Advocacy. It’s a huge part of where new media is going and a massive opportunity for not-for-profits and corporations to consider when assessing gaps in communications. Where is your accountability marketing falling flat? Do you have a lane established where your brand can truly OWN a narrative and use your new media content to push towards a goal that is greater than sales or donations? We laughed that morning because as soon as the client used that word, we knew this was a project perfectly designed for our team to tackle. We’re chomping at the bit! Can’t wait.

Measuring the Impact of ‘Unquantifiable’ Marketing Have you ever communicated something new today that hasn’t been said before? Did this new message generate any response? If so, that’s impact. Here’s how to measure obvious results: - Sentiment analysis - Reader/Writer/Audience requests - Depth of response - literally how long and deep the responses are - Referral rates (tracked over the long term) Now, consider this: What if there was a place to express these unsaid thoughts more often? What if it happened weekly or twice a month? Just saying the thing. Asking the question. Exploring that territory. What is the best outcome that could happen? What is the ultimate goal? At Story Studio Network, we work with our partners and clients on new media plans and storyboards to create spaces where essential messages can be conveyed, bypassing typical marketing channels. The impact measurements extend far beyond sentiment analysis and response rates. They contribute to creating an environment for change, whether at the policy level, ground level, or government level. Where are you expressing the things that typically go unsaid? If you find that these essential messages are not being communicated, let's talk.

We crave active engagement with our media. But who has the time to rush home from work just to catch the latest headlines or invest in a pricey cable package that dictates our viewing schedule? We want media that involves us, that resonates with our interests and values. That's why News Podcasts are gaining traction, especially among Millennials. At Story Studio Network, we've noticed this shift firsthand with the popularity of our shows like Now & Next and On The Ledge. They offer news in a fresh, engaging format. But it's not just news that's capturing attention. Niche shows addressing cultural and innovative topics like Climate Change, Food Security, and Health Span are thriving. Our network is filled with such content, crafted for organizations looking to connect authentically with their audience. In fact, many clients are reallocating their traditional media budgets to invest in targeted new media strategies. Why? Because it's proven to be more effective in the long run. If your brand is ready to embrace this new era of media and needs help shaping your message, let's chat. Story Studio Network is here to help you leverage the power of new media to your advantage.

When examining the new Meta social app, Threads, and its content about podcasts, the inevitable question arises: "How do we get more downloads on our podcast?" Asking this question is akin to querying: "How do we get more followers on Instagram?" "How do we increase views on our display ad?" "How can we drive more traffic to our website or blog?" We're not dismissing the question. It's a valid inquiry that warrants consideration. However, it lacks context and intention. We all understand that the answer to such questions can vary greatly. We could join an engagement pod, purchase traffic through bots and paid clicks, leverage earned media and PR, tap into our existing network, or even adopt specific social engagement strategies like the 10-30-10 rule. The list goes on. Essentially, getting more downloads requires a tailored, adaptable strategy. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one podcast may not yield the same results for another. The question for increased downloads often aligns with the ambition to attract celebrity-level guests to their show. Chasing downloads and celebrity guests can be fruitful, but it's essential to have a clear strategy behind these pursuits. Are celebrity fans aligned with our target audience? Do we aspire to become celebrities ourselves? Most importantly, what unique value can these guests bring to our show, and how will we, as the hosts, draw that out from them? Podcast marketing is multifaceted and dynamic. It's an arena ripe for exploration and experimentation, blending elements of publicity, networking, SEO, audience research, and paid promotion. Yet, each podcast's marketing plan is unique, crafted to suit its distinct goals and audience. So, let's embrace the journey of podcast marketing, embracing its challenges and opportunities as we navigate this dynamic landscape.

Here's a straightforward yet powerful technique for conducting interviews with multiple guests on your podcast: When addressing each guest, start your question with their name. For example: Host: "Wow. I never thought about it that way! So, [Guest 2 Name], now to you, because your experience with singing in the rain is that it’s horrible and ruins your hair… is that still the case?" Guest 2: "Well yes… that is precisely my take …and here’s why I disagree with [Guest 1 Name]…" Beginning your question with the person's name serves several purposes. It provides an auditory cue for the listener, particularly important during panel discussions or roundtables. While these formats are enjoyable, they can be disorienting for listeners without clear structure. This becomes even more critical when all participants share a similar gender, making it challenging for listeners to distinguish between speakers based solely on voice. By starting with the guest's name, you acknowledge the listener's need to follow the conversation and ensure clarity. Additionally, this approach guides your guests, indicating the direction of the discussion and reducing instances of talking over each other. While interruptions may still occur, this technique helps maintain smoother communication flow. We hope you find this tip helpful for enhancing the quality and clarity of your podcast interviews! #PodcastInterviews #PodcastTips #AudioQueue

Understanding how your podcast fits into your company's marketing strategy is crucial for its growth and sustainability. Here are three key questions to consider before determining if a podcast aligns with your brand: 1. Assess the Current Media Strategy: Take a step back and evaluate your current media strategy. While some may categorize podcasts as just another form of content alongside social media, they actually align more closely with earned and long-tail media. Before diving into podcast production, it's essential to understand how your existing media strategy contributes to your overall narrative and messaging. If you don't have an earned media strategy, analyze your entire marketing funnel. Identify what's working, where you feel stuck, and how you're leveraging long-lasting content like SEO, blogs, and affiliate partnerships. 2. Identify Gaps in Market Relationships: Be critical in assessing where there may be gaps in how your message is received and understood within your current media and marketing efforts. This could involve pinpointing leaks in your sales funnel or struggling to capture attention in the news cycle. Understanding these gaps is crucial for building deeper relationships with your audience and converting fans into brand advocates. 3.Define Your Desired Positioning and Values: Determine where you want your brand to be positioned and the values you want to uphold. Engage with your current audience, clients, and stakeholders to understand their perceptions of your brand. Additionally, seek input from individuals you aspire to include in your brand's story. This external perspective will help you shape your messaging and language to align with your desired positioning. By answering these questions, you'll gain clarity on how your media marketing strategy is structured and whether a podcast aligns with your brand's objectives. You'll be better equipped to assess how a podcast can enhance audience understanding, strengthen connections to your brand's narrative, and reflect your core values.

Why do we need listener feedback anyway? Many podcasters often mistake listener feedback for market research, but they serve distinct purposes. Market research aims to validate ideas, support marketing plans, and uncover revenue opportunities. It involves testing hypotheses to position oneself as a solution provider. You see, questions like "why do you listen?" don't spark active feedback from listeners. Unlike market research, listener feedback fosters dialogue, relationships, and growth. It's not about gathering testimonials but rather about genuinely improving your podcast. To effectively gather feedback, creators must set aside their egos and ask open-ended questions without influencing the responses. True listener feedback is invaluable for enhancing your podcast. So, here are some starter questions to consider when seeking active feedback from your network or listeners: -How did you first learn about me/my show? Describe the person who referred you. -If you were to refer me/my show to someone, how would you explain me/my show to them to get them to listen? -If my show was going to sink on the Titanic, what’s the one part that you’d want to save? -If my show was an animal/ice cream flavor/world city, what would it be and why? Sometimes you'll be amazed by the answers you get. Once, we had a client describe Story Studio Network as 'pistachio ice cream'. "At first you might be afraid to try it, but once you do, you’ll be blown away." Good feedback, right?