This series is all about libsyn’s podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Danielle from Get Your Life Together, Girl
When did you start podcasting?
The idea to start a podcast truly began a few years ago. Admittedly, I brushed it off and told myself to do it later.
Earlier this year, I finally put my head down, began to strategize, took courses to be in the know, designed my concept, and launched in early August.
It’s been an excellent, highly creative, and energizing process. While it is a ton of work, I am passionate about writing and providing shows that move people into finding better for themselves.
Why did you start podcasting?
I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Life Coach to women.
I spend a great deal of time in session and on social media, specifically Instagram, handing over the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained over the years. However, it became apparent that there was a larger audience that was untapped.
I do this work because I love to show women that there is more to their lives, their daily experiences, and themselves than the labels, the hardships, and the expectations set by others.
As I say in the intro of the Get Your Life Together, Girl podcast, my passion and goal is to help women shift their mindsets and create a life-long revolution to help them reach their greatest potential.
What’s the name of your show and what is it about?
The Get Your Life Together Girl podcast is a hybrid of solo and guest shows that are fundamentally rooted in teaching mindfulness, life skills that are connected to emotional intelligence and the thought process, and teaching women that others have walked similar paths and have come out the other side with inspiring life changes.
What’s your podcasting set-up?
Admittedly, I went all-in when I purchased my podcast equipment. However, I spent the early part of my career as a news anchor, before shifting into behavioral therapy. I feel as though this experience taught me that hardware, equipment, and set-up are just as crucial as the podcast concept and delivery. So, let me break it down:
The first step for me was the location! I cleared a storage closet under the stairs of my home and created my studio.
We call it the Harry Potter Room—partially because it’s a closet under the stairs and because I can find myself locked in there for hours. (Ha!) As a mom of three, ages 16, 14, and 9, I knew I would have to soundproof the studio if I ever had hopes of recording while my crew was at home.
So, I did what I do best and researched my options. Armed with the research, I went to my local guitar store, Guitar Center, and purchased soundproofing foam squares. With the help of my husband, we attached them to the slanted ceiling and walls. It works like a charm. I can hear people coming down the stairs, but the mic has never picked up the noise.
As far as equipment:
I use the SM7B Shure microphone. It’s easy to set up and has fantastic quality. But, it is a bit on the pricey end. However, I wanted to purchase my equipment once, not upgrade over time. I often feel like we do this, but it can cost more money in the end—especially in frustration when we are always trying to chase sound quality. So, I went for it!
Plus, I know myself. When I commit to a project or something I am doing, I absolutely commit. I wasn’t worried about doing the podcast short term and giving up. If the financial means are there to invest in stellar equipment, I would encourage anyone to do the same.
The mic is mounted to a Gator Frameworks Pro Desktop Boom Stand. I got creative and purchased a small desk and anchored the Gator to the desk. The Gator allows me to move the mic out of the way when I’m not recording.
The Shure mic is plugged into a Cloudlifter, CL–1 Microphone Activator, which is then plugged into a dual-channel Focusrite Scarlett 2/2. While I only use one mic currently, this does allow me to bring guests in and hook up a secondary mic.
I use Sennheiser HD 300 Pro Headphones, which are also connected to the Focusrite Scarlett 2/2. All of the equipment is routed through a Dell XPS Desktop computer specifically and solely used for The Get Your Life Together, Girl Podcast.
I record interviews two ways: one is through Zoom, the other is through Anchor. For me, Zoom is the best option as I find the quality to be better. But, that is my personal opinion and what I’ve found with my recordings.
If I’m recording my solo podcast or the mini resets, which are short affirmations and meditations that come out bi-monthly, I use Audacity. I can save my recordings, work within them as I see fit, create MP3’s and send them directly to my editor.
This system has worked brilliantly for us. I can also edit in a pinch if I need to. While I have the skillset to do so, I find that having an outside person listen to the podcast, have creative control as well, gives the podcast a feeling that one person wouldn’t likely create on their own.
And, of course, I would be nowhere without the fantastic support and team at Libsyn who adds so much value. I use Libsyn Pro because I want to make sure that the show has the best.
To ensure a greater audience sees my podcast, I make certain my hashtags for all social media platforms are on point, current, and not overused. For this, I use a service called shesocial.com.
How have you promoted your podcast?
I have a growing audience on Instagram with nearly 15,000 followers. I tap into my following and promote each week through various methods.
- Headliner: it’s so essential and simple to use. I create a graphic on Canva for the show blog that I host on my Squarespace site www.danielleavann.com or www.getyourlifetogethergirl.com, both lead to the same location, and I use that graphic for my headliner video. Then, when I’m working with my editor, I listen for soundbites and clips and note the time. This simple step saves so much time when creating a video/audio clip. I type when the soundbite should start, replace the graphic, turn on captions, create and download. It’s a game-changer. I can even post directly to Twitter and other platforms, if I so decide. However, with Libsyn Pro, I have it sent up to automatically update social media at the time the episode launches. This too is a HUGE timesaver. Whatever can save me time and be effective, I’m all about!
- IG/IG Stories: When a new episode airs on Tuesday morning, I upload the main Headliner to my feed at noon. I’m constant with my posting time. I’m a firm believer that you must train your audience into showing up at certain times to see your content. This also helps with downloads and engagement. Back to posting: I post the show information and constantly update my LinkTr.ee Bio Link with two podcast sources: Spotify because you can play a preview directly from the bio link and Apple Podcast.
With IG stories, I post in two formats. I use Headliner to create a secondary quote video. (Seriously, don’t be lazy. Two videos takes a very short amount of time. Give your audience two bites that are going to make them go and commit to listening. This work is just as important as the podcast itself!)
When posting in the story, I use the link sticker to link to iHeartRadio or Pandora. The next thing I do is go directly into Spotify, as this is my most listened-to platform according to my Libsyn analytics, and directly share to my story. This allows you to play from a specific location if you click the button in Spotify before sharing.
When the story comes up, I often replace my podcast artwork with the Canva design. I simply place it on top and hit publish. When the story goes live, viewers can click directly into Spotify and listen without going into the bio. It’s always important to do the work for your audience.
If they have to leave the platform, they may not do so. Give it to them. Test it out. Post stories without direct clicks and see if your analytics change verses doing the work for the audience. No work, little change. Work, engagement spikes.
- I also post on Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, Reason, and if time allows, I will upload the audio to Clubhouse. This is simply done by adding your MP3 to the platform – if it is too long, I use part of the podcast. Additionally, I use my mini resets as programs for Insight Timer. Everything I do is circulated to the next platform. One podcast has about ten different lifeforms and purposes, including a longer blog and upcoming articles on Medium.com.
- At the end of each week, I post the most popular content for the week in my stories, a weekly recap, if you will. I always post that week’s most listened-to podcast and mini reset. This helps for listenership over the weekend.
- I use my monthly newsletter to share my podcast as well.
- I’m also in the process of creating a Community number/network for my followers. The podcast will be a part of that, too.
- I am also currently looking into Affiliate programs and advertising.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
To not overthink it. Just start! It’s not rocket science, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Your audience wants to hear what you have to say. So practice over perfection one hundred percent of the time.
Danielle created this incredibly insightful podcast to show women that they can reach beyond labels and turmoil to live better lives…you can listen to Get Your Life Together, Girl on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Danielle A. Vann is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Life Coach to women, she knew she had a message that could be shared more widely to help more women. She did her research about formats, hosts and equipment and started her podcast Get Your Life Together, Girl.
Do you feel like you need to get your message out to help others and don’t know where to start? No problem, we can help with our Start Your Podcast blog series. If you are ready, we have the best podcast hosting plans around!