“How to Become the Center of Influence Through Honest Podcasting” with Rhea Freeman of the Small & Supercharged Podcast

 

 

As part of my series of interviews about “How podcasters can become a center of influence,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Rhea Freeman of Small & Supercharged Podcast.

She is a social media and PR expert who works with small businesses, predominantly in the equestrian and rural sector. She’s also given two TEDx talks on social media, has free and paid for groups to support small businesses, and is the host of the Small & Supercharged Podcast.

 

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Can you tell us the “backstory” about why or how you got started as a podcaster?

It was one of those things that I kept thinking about and kept putting off! I love podcasts and audiobooks and realized that there wasn’t anything for the industry I’m in that covered small business support and promotion, bloggers and influencers, and social media. So I decided to launch my own, somewhat spurred on by the success of my free ‘Small & Supercharged’ Facebook group with the same name.

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

I’ve been able to chat with some of my heroes outside my industry for the podcast. I’ve spoken to Carrie Green founder of the Female Entrepreneur Association and Denise Duffield Thomas, author of Lucky Bitch, Get Rich Lucky Bitch and Chillpreneur. I’ve spoken to lots of other incredible people too, but these two were incredibly exciting for me as I’ve read their books a number of times and recommend them to so many people. Being able to introduce my listeners to the people I have found so helpful and so useful is really lovely.

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

I think generally I’ve been quite lucky with this! There was an issue with the numbers a little while ago, which caused me to have to re-record an intro four times and get very confused, but beyond that, I’ve generally been very lucky.

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

I’ve been recording for just over a year and release one episode a week. At the time of writing this, I’m doing ‘podmas’ where I’m releasing an episode a day from 1–24th December, so the number of shows I’ve aired has climbed quite steeply in the last month. As I write this I’m on number 73.

What are the main takeaways or lessons you want your listeners to walk away with?

That what they want for their business or personal brand is entirely possible and to get there is a series of logical steps. I want to share the ups and downs of other businesses to inspire, to give tips people can use to achieve what they want, show social media and marketing isn’t a dark art, and even though marketing and PR and social media can seem really overwhelming, it’s all doable on your own if you want it to be.

Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Rhea Freeman!

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Podcaster Influencer, Rhea Freeman of the Small & Supercharged Podcast shares the best ways to:

1) Book Great Guests. Don’t be worried about getting a no. With two of my guests this year, I was told no at first, then I sent a DM connected to something else and both people came on the podcast. Having a true interest in the people you want on the podcast will definitely help — especially when you’re trying to get big guests.

2) Increase Listeners. Share, share, share. Encourage people to share, encourage listeners to share, keep sharing! I also repurpose the podcast and extract a couple of quotes from the podcast each week to share on social, to help promote the podcast again. I also write show notes for each episode and transcribe a few to help SEO.

3) Produce in a Professional Way. Mine’s done with an external microphone and MacBook Air. I do pay to get my podcasts edited too because they need the intro, music, etc and it also takes the pressure off if I make a mistake.

4) Encourage Engagement. Encourage shares, and ask people to screenshot, share and tag when they tune in.

5) Monetize Your Show. I use my podcast to promote my own products and services, and that definitely helps drive customers to my business.

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 the content itself?

Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Rhea Freeman!