VRS052 – How podcasting can benefit the vacation rental industry with Cliff Ravenscraft The Podcast Answer Man

I’ve been podcasting for around 2 years now and it’s been a blast. Not only has this grown my community online but it’s given me the opportunity to meet so many other podcasters and find out how it is benefiting them as well. I put a lot of this success down to the Podcasting A – Z Course run by Cliff Ravenscraft aka The Podcast Answerman, and in this episode I get to quiz Cliff on the ways this medium has grown over the past 8 years.

Cliff’s experience of podcasting is second to none having broadcast numerous shows since he first started in 2005. From a highly successful weekly show all about the TV series ‘Lost’, to his current shows that include Pursuing a Balanced Life (584 episodes) and Podcast Answer Man (381 episodes), Cliff continues to produce high quality content and is generally seen as one of the most prominent and sought-after experts in the podcasting field.

tweetAmazing #VacationRental Success Podcast from @cottageguru featuring @GSPN. Time to get my #podcast started

We talked about ways owners could use podcasting to promote their businesses both directly and indirectly and Cliff came up with a great idea for actually producing income from it as well, which is something I’ll be using next year with my new Cottage Insider show.

At the end of the episode we discuss free and paid courses and the value of both. You can go through the free (and very comprehensive) course Learn How to Podcast and it may be enough to get you off and running. Alternatively, the A – Z Course that I did in 2013 and that Cliff runs every couple of months is the gold standard in podcasting courses and I highly recommend it as that course got me started with ‘Vacation Rental Success’.

If you would like to know about my experience with the course, feel free to email me at heather@cottageblogger.com.

Take a listen to Cliff’s promo.

 

podcasting_atoz

If you decide to enroll, just enter the code ‘cottage’ in the Discount Code box.

It will give you $500 off!

 

In this episode we talk about:

  • The growth in podcasting over the last 10 years
  • How a podcast on making wooden boats achieved huge success
  • How anyone can launch a podcast even in a small niche or a ‘come-and-go’ market
  • Ideas for niche topics for VR and B & B Owners
  • Ways a podcast can generate additional income through advertising
  • The importance of consistency in maintaining listener interest
  • Basic equipment requirements (Cliff started in 2005 on a $35 investment)
  • How to practice with minimal outlay and no-one knowing who you are!

Sites mentioned in this episode

Learn How to Podcast – free course from Podcast Answerman

A – Z Course – 4-week course (use discount code ‘cottage’ to get $500 off)

Podomatic – great for practice but not advised for professional production

Podcast Answer Man Episode 314 Who Would Listen To A Podcast About Wooden Boots?

 

Where you can find Cliff:

PodcastAnswerMan.com

Website

@gspn

Twitter

cliffravenscraft

Facebook

+CliffRavenscraft

Google+

About the author

Heather Bayer

  • Wow. A lot to think about! I think I’m going to listen to this one again. Cliff definitely brought up some good points in regards to keeping a subscriber and teaming up with local businesses. I already have brochures or rack cards at some local hot spots. Ads would be a smart move and maybe you could offer specials geared for the guests who stay with you. Great podcast Heather! You got my creative juices flowing!

  • You are never without a new idea Amy! That’s what makes Wherewaterfalls such a great success. I’m glad you enjoyed the episode – it was great fun to talk to Cliff and get his wisdom on podcasting as another element of our marketing mix.

  • Madeline Yau

    Awesome episode, I like the ideas of a walking tours. I am seriously thinking of implementing this ideas before the year is over. Mattamy Orlando Homes have a new model grand opening and I might do this and test it out. Thank you for the ideas Cliff! Heather it was great to meet you this weekend at Podcast Florida. Talk to you soon 🙂
    Madeline

  • Great to meet you too Madeline – thanks for dropping by my podcast. We must connect soon.

  • Yes, I’m going to send you an email today so we can plan it shortly.