Anna Parker-Naples of ‘Entrepreneurs Get Visible’: Tap into Your Listener’s Needs and Wants to Create Podcast Bingeability
By: Tracy Hazzard
Tags: Podcasting, Podcasting Tips, Influencers, Business, Women Podcasters

Can you tell us a bit of your “personal backstory? What is your background and what eventually brought you to this particular career path?

I’ve worked in audio since 2010, when as an actor I was told I may never walk again after a complication in pregnancy. Audio gave me a chance to be a voice actor. I built a successful international business, and recovered fully. Six years later I was walking the red carpets in Hollywood at the top of my field. I wanted others to learn about how they can change their lives by changing their outlook, and realised I could amplify this message by podcasting.

I now run The Podcast Membership for those who want to DIY their podcast and The Podcast Agency who want full consultancy and support. Writing Podcast with Impact felt like an obvious next step- it contains all the intricate details of audio and podcast work that I learned the hard way,

Can you share a story about the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started podcasting?

I have made wonderful, deep friendships with entrepreneurs and purpose-driven people across the globe, in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. There is nothing like podcasting to create rapport and to intensify networking opportunities. Many of these lead to collaborations or joint ventures.

Can you share a story about the biggest or funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or takeaways you learned from that?

When I was first starting in podcasting, I didn’t have a clue about the business side of it. I just wanted to bring together inspirational ‘normal’ people. I hadn’t even listened to a single podcast when I started, and I really wish I had done proper research, as it would have catapulted my first show. When I launched my second, Entrepreneurs Get Visible, I made sure I put everything I’d missed first time around into practice. I’m now in the Top 1% of all podcasts globally, so must be on the right track!

How long have you been podcasting and how many shows have you aired?

I’ve been podcasting for over 3.5 years now, and my second show is 15 months old. In total I have released almost 200 episodes.

What are the main takeaways, lessons or messages that you want your listeners to walk away with after listening to your show?

I want my show to be like a jolt of caffeine — short, to the point and actionable. I want people to know that they can create the success they want, it isn’t that far away. I also want them to realize that the path isn’t always straight, that real-life obstacles and challenges present themselves for everyone. My main message is that ‘Anything is possible when you get visible’.

In your opinion what makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or your content?

A podcast is binge-worthy when it understands exactly why the listeners tune in — what they struggle with, what they secretly want, what they profess outwardly to desire. A podcast host with personality who delivers value and relatable personal stories makes for an entertaining session. The right balance between professional expertise and down-to-earth approachability is something I hope I bring to Entrepreneurs Get Visible.

Doing something on a consistent basis is not easy. Podcasting every work-day, or even every week can be monotonous. What would you recommend to others about how to maintain discipline and consistency? What would you recommend to others about how to avoid burnout?

I recommend that you plan ahead, and store up a bank of content so that if family dramas arise or you become unwell, you are ahead of the game. I also believe that finding ways to repurpose other content such as Facebook or LinkedIn Lives makes a big difference.

What resources do you get your inspiration for materials from?

I’m an avid reader of motivational and business books, and I’m a participant in numerous high-level masterminds. I keep track of the issues people face and the way they overcome them. These often become the topic for a podcast episode.

Is there someone in the podcasting world who you think is a great model for how to run a really fantastic podcast?

I’m a fan of Jon Lee Dumas’ Entrepreneurs On Fire. You know that with every episode you will learn something and leave feeling motivated. The output of his initial daily episodes is inspiring and has positioned him powerfully.

What are the ingredients that make that podcast so successful? If you could break that down into a blueprint, what would that blueprint look like?

Each episode brings energy and enthusiasm, you can’t help but be engaged and switched on. Each title makes it clear what you will learn, and what you do. You feel you can trust further content and won’t be wasting your time, because he delivers on his promise over and again. When you do that for your podcast listeners, you have a winning show.

Can you share with our readers the five things you need to know to create an extremely successful podcast?

You must plan your podcast in detail before you launch. With my first podcast I missed this vital step and didn’t know what I was doing or why. The whole process is much easier to stick to when you know who you are speaking to and WHY they should listen. Execute a proper launch plan. At launch, you have a unique window of opportunity to position yourself in the charts and reach organic ears. Don’t miss this out. Treat the podcast launch like you would a product launch. Bring on quality guests. It is easy to get ANY guest. You want to make sure you bring on only people who can give real value to your audience. Consider the title of each episode. It is one of the key reasons people tune in. A big mistake I used to make was just listing the interviewee's name. If a listener didn’t know them, then why would they listen? Make each episode title compelling. Get on other people’s podcasts. It is one of the most crucial steps to growing your fanbase.

Anna Parker-Naples of Entrepreneurs Get Visible podcast shares the best way to:

1) Book Great Guests. You have to build a relationship before you pitch them. Go to the conferences they speak at, get involved in their social media. Be a part of their conversation before the ask. You’ll be more likely to get a YES! 2) Increase Listeners. Make sure you promote your show, and not just once per episode. Use your older episodes in your social media content, and create pins on Pinterest to send traffic to your previous work. 3) Produce in a Professional Way. Use a professional team. We work with many entrepreneurs and coaches who focus on delivery, leaving us to take care of making the content sound amazing. If you’re serious about standing out from the crowd, you don’t want subpar audio quality. 4) Encourage Engagement. Using occasional listener Call-ins work well. We often run competitions and use SpeakPipe for listeners to leave a 30–60 second clip which we feature on the show. They feel much more a part of things when they get a mention and their voice is on the podcast too. 5) Monetize. Monetize your show by having a clear call to action on every episode. Consider where you want people to go next — your community, your email list? The more opportunities you give for them to join you outside of your show, the better results you will get.

For someone looking to start their own podcast, which equipment would you recommend that they start with?

If you aren’t a tech lover, start simply with a USB mic and a good pair of closed-back headphones — crucial if you plan to edit yourself. When you know you love podcasting and it works as a marketing tool for you, then you can upgrade.

If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I want to encourage leaders (emerging, arising, and established) to amplify their message, and I believe that podcasting is the mechanism through which we can change the world, one listener at a time. If you want to change lives, this medium is the best way on the planet right now to touch people.

How can our readers follow you online?

Instagram: @annaparkernaples

Website: www.AnnaParkerNaples.com