Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

By: Seven Million Bikes Podcasts
  • Summary


  • Welcome to Smarter Podcasting, by Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

    Niall has years of experience in podcasting, producing, editing, and hosting podcasts in various fields. He’s now on a mission to help podcasters create, publish, and build their communities through podcasting by sharing the techniques and lessons he’s learned.

    The show is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for any podcaster, whether they are individuals or businesses. Niall shares his tried and tested techniques for creating, publishing, and building a show, along with success stories of his own and his clients’ podcasts.

    Whether you’re interested in starting a podcast or improving an existing one, Smarter Podcasting is a great free resource to help you.

    Join Niall on this podcasting journey by subscribing or following Smarter Podcasting today.

    © 2025 Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better
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Episodes
  • PodPast: 3 Experts Tips to Avoid Pod Fade and Reach 50+ Episodes and Mastering the Art of Podcast Planning
    Mar 5 2025

    "48% of podcasts on Apple Podcasts have fewer than 10 episodes. Podfade is real, but it doesn’t have to happen to you."

    If you’ve ever worried about running out of content or losing momentum, this episode is a must-listen.

    This episode is packed with insights every podcaster needs—especially if you want your show to last beyond the first few episodes. So many podcasts start strong but quickly fade away because of poor planning, lack of direction, or burnout. But with the right strategy, you can keep going and grow your podcast beyond 10, 50, or even 100 episodes.

    I loved talking about content buckets, a simple but powerful way to organize your podcast topics and ensure you always have something fresh to talk about. We also broke down why planning ahead is essential and how having at least 10 episode ideas mapped out can help you stay consistent.

    If you’re serious about podcasting, these expert tips will keep you on track and help you avoid the dreaded podfade.

    Key Takeaways

    • Nearly half of all podcasts never make it past 10 episodes—having a plan is crucial. [00:02:00]
    • Content buckets help organize your topics and prevent creative burnout. [00:12:00]
    • Knowing why you’re podcasting, who it’s for, and what value you bring keeps your show focused. [00:10:00]
    • AI and tools like ChatGPT and Trello can speed up your planning process. [00:22:00]
    • Avoid paralysis by analysis—don’t overthink, just start recording. [00:07:00]

    Chapters & Timestamps

    • 02:00 – The Importance of Mapping Out 10+ Episodes in Advance
    • 07:00 – Overcoming Paralysis by Analysis
    • 10:00 – The Power of Content Buckets & How to Use Them
    • 12:00 – Tools & AI to Help You Stay Consistent
    • 22:00 – Practical Tips to Keep Your Podcast Going Strong



    Send us a text

    Save Frustration. And time!
    Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
    Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

    Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
    Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
    I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    Book a call now!

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Why businesses need to be podcasting! With Nick Thomson
    Feb 24 2025

    This conversation with Nick Thomson was an absolute masterclass in why businesses need to start thinking about podcasting as a key marketing tool. Nick brought such a fresh and insightful perspective, particularly around the idea that podcasting isn't just about downloads—it's about brand awareness, networking, and positioning yourself as an authority in your field.

    One of the things I loved about this episode was how we tackled the common objections businesses have when it comes to starting a podcast. Whether it's concerns about ROI, finding a niche, or creating engaging content, Nick had practical and actionable advice for all of it. The way he reframed podcasting as a strategic business tool rather than just another content channel was incredibly eye-opening.

    This episode reaffirmed everything I believe about podcasting—it's not just for hobbyists or media companies, but for every business that wants to build trust and authority with their audience. If you’ve been on the fence about starting a podcast, this is the episode that will change your mind!

    • Niall Mackay

    Key Takeaways:


    "Podcasting is a Content Engine" - A single podcast episode can generate blog content, social media clips, and email newsletter material for months.

    "Niche Down to Stand Out" - When you try to speak to everyone, you speak to no one. The more specific your podcast, the better.

    "The ROI of Podcasting Goes Beyond Downloads" - Success isn’t just about listens; it’s about brand awareness, business networking, and building authority.

    "Podcasting as a Sales & Networking Tool" - Using a podcast to connect with key industry players is a brilliant way to build relationships and generate business.

    "Small Audience, Big Impact" - Even with a small number of listeners, the depth of engagement can drive significant business results.

    Chapters & Timestamps:


    03:00 - Nick’s Background & Love for Podcasting
    07:00 - How Podcasts Fuel Content Strategies
    12:00 - Overcoming the Biggest Barriers to Podcasting
    21:20 - The Power of Niche Podcasts
    24:10 - Measuring the ROI of a Podcast
    27:10 - Podcasting as a Business Networking Tool
    30:40 - Why Small Audiences Can Be More Valuable than Large Ones

    Send us a text

    Save Frustration. And time!
    Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
    Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

    Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
    Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
    I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    Book a call now!

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 5 Tips To The Top 5% Of Podcasts
    Feb 17 2025

    “Invest a little bit in a good microphone, know what you're doing, how to use it and make the best content and make the best quality content that you can. Trust me, it will make a massive difference.”

    I was absolutely blown away when I discovered A Vietnam Podcast had reached the top 5% of podcasts globally. It’s been a rollercoaster—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, learning to appreciate the process.

    So many podcasters, especially those just starting out, get caught up in comparing themselves to Joe Rogan or major network-backed shows.

    Podcasting is a long game, and with the right strategies anyone can carve out their own success story.

    • Niall Mackay


    Key Takeaways:

    1. Consistency is Key – The majority of podcasts fail because they don’t make it past 10 episodes. Keep publishing, take breaks if needed, but always come back.
    2. Build a Back Catalog – 30% of my downloads come from older episodes, proving that having a strong library keeps listeners engaged.
    3. Audio Quality Matters More Than Content – People will forgive a lot, but bad audio will make them tune out instantly. Invest in a good mic.
    4. Make Your Podcast Discoverable – SEO, YouTube, and having a website are crucial. Podcast directories alone won’t get you found.
    5. Double Down on Video & Shorts – YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have brought in thousands of views, helping my podcast reach new audiences.

    Chapters and Timestamps:
    01:00 - Understanding Podcast Download Numbers
    04:00 - Global Podcast Statistics
    09:00 - Tip #1: Consistency and Seasons
    11:00 - Tip #2: Building a Back Catalogue
    13:00 - Tip #3: Audio Quality Importance
    14:00 - Tip #4: Making Your Podcast Discoverable
    19:00 - Tip #5: Building a Website
    23:00 - Smarter Podcasting Journey
    27:00 - Taking Breaks and Coming Back Stronger
    31:00 - Content Strategy and Growth

    Send us a text

    Save Frustration. And time!
    Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
    Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

    Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
    Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
    I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    Book a call now!

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins

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