Smart Passive Income Podcast Survey Results and Some Quick Analysis
A week ago, I had asked you to spend a couple of minutes filling out a survey regarding the upcoming Smart Passive Income Podcast. A huge thank you to those of you who did, because the survey ended up grabbing over 300 responses, which is really amazing. It’s amazing not just because that’s a lot of responses (and I know just how precious your time is these days), but it’s also amazing because I now have some awesome data to help shape the podcast, to make it a better and more enjoyable experience for you.
It just goes to show that when you want to figure out the best way to do something, sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Because I’m apparently known for being a super transparent dude (that’s just who I am!), I’m happy to share the results of the survey with you. I figured you might be interested in knowing how the podcast will be and also how other people responded too.
Before I share the results, let me first say that however I end up doing my podcast, I know that I won’t be able to please everyone. That’s impossible, and no one should ever try to please everyone.
“When you try to please everyone, you will please no one.”
That phrase can easily be expanded into an entire blog post, but I’ll save that for a future date.
These survey results will shape how I do my podcast, but in the end what matters is that I’m happy and comfortable with what I’m doing. If I am happy, the show will be better and more people will enjoy it.
Here are the questions and results:
Question 1: What kind of content and/or information would you like to listen to on The Smart Passive Income Podcast? Please take into consideration that the content is delivered in an audio format. (Check all that apply)
- Specific Online Business Strategies (61.3%)
- Real Life Case Studies (60.7%)
- Interviews with Successful Entrepreneurs (58.4%)
- Advanced Blogging and Online Business Techniques (51.1%)
- Blogging and Online Business for Beginners (50.2%)
- Interviews with Newbies and their Questions (43.3%)
- Productivity Tactics (38.4%)
- Latest News / Findings with My Own Businesses (37.0%)
- Mindset / Goal Achievement (31.8%)
- Latest News / Trends in Online Business (28.5%)
- Income Reports (27.9%)
- Balancing Working From Home & Family (21.3%)
- Website Traffic Report (16.1%)
- Non-Business / Other Stuff I Do (12.5%)
- Other (6.2%)
Here’s a graph of the same results for you more visual people out there:
Quick Analysis:
The first thing that comes to mind is that most people want solid content and none of the “fluff” that comes along with it. As a result, I’m not going to spend any time talking about stuff that’s not immediately useful to you. No casual chat. We’ll just dive right into the content.
Secondly, I think that the top three results (specific online business strategies, real life case studies, and interviews with successful entrepreneurs) will make up the bulk of the podcast. What’s nice is that each of those can tie in harmoniously with each of the other topics if applicable at the time.
Question 2: What is the perfect length for a podcast episode for you?
- 5-15 Minutes (29.2%)
- 15-30 Minutes (43.0%)
- 30-45 Minutes (18.4%)
- 45-60 Minutes (9.5%)
Quick Analysis:
The truth is, almost everyone has a different preference for how long a podcast episode should be. On one hand, many people are used to the “Quick and Dirty Tips” type podcasts, which average about 4-8 minutes in length. On the other hand, some people are used to listening to NPR and other shows that are nearly an hour long.
Primarily based on the results, a typical podcast episode I record will probably be about 20 minutes in length. I think this is enough time to allow me to get detailed with some of the strategies and things I plan on talking about without giving me too much time to just dilly-dally around and waste your time.
Also, I think most people have an attention span that lasts the length of your basic half-hour tv show, so I think 20-24 minutes (one half-hour minus commercials) would feel “just right” for people. At least that’s my own podcast Goldilocks theory. I guess we’ll see how it goes.
Really though, I know that as long as I provide good content, the length of the show really won’t matter.
Mind Hack
Question 1 and Question 2 are really all of the questions I needed to understand what my audience would be looking for in my Podcast.
However, I threw in a third question that I already knew the answer to solely as a mind trick to really make sure I get this podcast going.
The question was: Will You Listen to My Podcast? Yes or No?
This survey was publicized on my blog and on my Facebook page, places where people were already following me and interested in what I do. Also, the people who were interested in taking the survey in the first place were most likely the people who would want to listen to it. It was obvious what the majority answer to this question would be:
- Yes (96.1%)
- No (3.9%)
Even though the answer had been obvious to me, I now have proof, a graph that shows that there are people out there WAITING for me to get this done.
I’ve already printed this graph and thumb tacked it to the corkboard that is mounted adjacent to my computer for inspiration.
And as for the people who answered NO, I respect your honesty. Some of you even explained in the optional “additional comments” question why you wouldn’t be able to. There is no need to justify your answer, but I appreciate it.
About these “mind hacks”, it’s a tactic I use all of the time to help me stay on track stay focused on what I really need to do. Hmm, this sounds like another great blog post idea. Anyways…
Thank you all for your time, once again, and helping me to shape the future of The Smart Passive Income Blog (and soon to be Podcast).
Cheers everyone!
Posted on : May 19th, 2010
Related posts:
- The Best of the Smart Passive Income Blog
- The Smart Passive Income Brand and Plans for the Future
- The Latest Going-Ons and What’s Ahead for The Smart Passive Income Blog
- The Smart Passive Income Blog Makeover and eBook!
- New eHow Page on The Smart Passive Income Blog
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58 Comments (Click Here to Leave a Comment Below)
Awesome Pat. I’m definitely looking forward to your new content! Thanks for everything you have given already, too!
No problem, PA!
That’s really awesome to hear. Great Results Pat !! Can’t wait to see your podcast episodes
!!
Thansk,
Dev
Thanks Dev!
I was wondering, Pat….would you ever have the means or ability (or plans), to integrate a forum into SPI? That kind of response to your poll was great, and could maybe even be stronger with your own forum….
When writing my course, I didn’t really conduct a formal poll, but the use of forums proved to be seriously invaluable…for guaging user’s sentiment, and general problems and questions that appeared to show up repeatedly. I simply caught onto those trends and created each section of my course as a result of that feedback. Having your own forum, if ever possible, would definitely be a great way to provide a platform for your readers to interact while also staying attuned of their wants and needs. Just some thoughts….
I’ve thought about it, but just slightly because I don’t I’m quite “there” yet. A lot of bloggers, like Yaro, Darren and even JD from GetRichSlowly.org started forums on their sites, and it’s definitely a great idea and a great way to quickly have the community help each other out, but for now I don’t think there was be enough activity on it to be worth the while. Not yet. Just my opinion, though, what do you think?
This really tells you about who your core audience is, people who are actually in business online right now and working hard at improving and growing their business; as opposed to people who are thinking about starting up or want to get motivated to start up.
Also, I think you’re right that if the podcast is on and the topic is one people can relate to then they will listen no matter how long it may be.
Yep exactly. Thanks Tyler!
….and….that’s really interesting about the apparent demand for “real life case studies” and “interviews with successful entrepreneurs”….
It just goes to show the kind of inspiration people “appear” to derive from seeing others who have “been there and done that”….
Without this data, I actually would have probably ‘ass-u-med’ that people would have been more interested in some of the lesser demanded items. Very interesting, to say the least….
Yep, and that’s why we do surveys such as these. Yay!
Random devil’s advocate musings:
I, for one, will not listen to the podcast. (I really like your blog, but I never listen to podcasts due to moderate hearing problems.)
Of course, I didn’t answer the survey. (Given that I have no intention of listening, why would I bother providing input as to the nature of the podcast?)
Out of your total followers (facebook, rss, etc), how many did not respond? What percentage of those are the result of having no interest in a podcast?
What you know right now is that, yes, there’s a market for your podcast (At least 96.1% of the number of people who answered the survey). You also know, however, that there’s a market for more written content (the existence of your rss, twitter, and email followers tells you this).
I’d suspect that your already-existing market for written information is larger, probably by a significant degree.
Now, if you want to do a podcast simply because you want to do it or because you feel that it’s a way you can do things you cannot do via written word, by all means, go for it.
But doing it simply because “there are people out there WAITING for you to get this done” seems questionable given that there are also people waiting to devour more written content.
Can’t Pat just do both and cater to both audience preferences?
….some may like reading text, while others may prefer videos….while others may like both just because it’s from Pat.
If we were talking in terms of extremely limited resources (time, etc.) where Pat could only do ONE form of content provision medium, then it may hold more weight to argue one (text) or the other (audio podcast). I don’t really see that as being the case though….what is to stop him from doing BOTH? In fact, a delicate combination of both would probably be the most thoughtful consideration for his audience.
On another note….expanding one’s presence into different forms of media has been proven to help reinforce the power and impact of brands (“SPI with Pat Flynn”) time and time again. Tons of big name bloggers do it….and, they do it because it works. I’m not saying that Pat should do it because “everyone else is doing it”….but, rather, because it works….
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your devil’s advocate standpoint! Here’s what I can say to respond:
The purpose of the podcast is to:
1) Become another means by which I can produce content, and cater to those who like to listen, rather than read.
2) Reach people that I wouldn’t have been able to reach before. iTunes and other podcast directories are search engines that can drive a ton of traffic to my blog or where ever else I mention on the show.
3) It gives me even more authority and trust as an expert. Not everyone is doing a podcast, especially in this crowded niche, so it’s another way for me to stand out of the crowd.
4) I can show a lot more of my personality behind my voice, as opposed to the written word. To those people who choose to listen, I’ll be that much more a part of their lives as Pat, not just a guy who just writes on this blog.
5) I’m doing it to help myself become a better speaker / presenter.
You make it seem like I’m switching from writing on the blog to podcasting, when really I’m using it to enhance the blog and the SPI brand, much like my YouTube videos do.
All of the podcasts will be transcribed. This is done not only to help people with hearing problems, but it’s also for those who would rather read the content than listen to it, and for SEO purposes as well.
And yes, there are people out there who didn’t respond, but that doesn’t mean they won’t listen. I feel very fortunate to KNOW that at least almost 300 people are willing to spend time with me listening to the show, which is many more than a lot of people can say when they start up their own podcasts, or even blogs or videos.
I’m using this as motivation not to get things, not as an excuse to have to do it.
People will still get their written content.
Perhaps my comment was misunderstood. While I was saying that I don’t/won’t listen to podcasts, I wasn’t arguing against doing one.
As I mentioned in my original comment, and as you provided point-by-point here, there are plenty of reasons to create a podcast.
All I was attempting to point out was that for any given piece of content, or for any given period of time that you have available to create content, it’s worth at least taking into consideration the difference in confirmed audience size. (As Lauren mentioned below, there’s probably a great deal of overlap. That said, I’d argue that the confirmed audience is still a meaningful number.)
Is existing audience size the only consideration? Of course not. But it should at least be on the list.
I like the podcast idea, so long as the content isn’t all delivered with that method. People respond differently to media, but they also like to experience a bit of a change to something new.
I’m sure you’ve got it figured out already, but your current written posts should come with the same frequency, but introducing a video post possibly once a month and a podcast once or twice a month would definitely be sufficient.
Looking forward to what you have in store for SPI.
Thanks Drezz!
Podcast need not be all audio and video. There is a very beneficial compromise – Podcast transcription.
Providing transcripts for podcasts is the next trend in blogging (see problogger’s lastest video post?).
There should not be any difference/divergence from written content in podcasting. Its one and same – if provided with transcripts! Its winwin for all!
Looking forward to it, Pat… I’m sure you will deliver, no pressure
Hehe – no pressure! Thanks James!
Very cool. This will not only help your podcasts, but posts as well. You defined us! I can’t wait for the first one to come out. I’m all ears.
I think the demand for interviews and case studies stems from two needs. One, as Howie states, is the desire to be motivated. However, I think some people want to understand the nuts and bolts of the practical application of business strategy. You can read all the instruction you want, but if you can’t see where it’s been successful, or understand how the instructions function in the real world, it’s hard to have confidence in them. I feel like the incorporation of these components into your podcasts will lend even more credibility to your strategy tips. Not that you aren’t already credible, but diversifying and expanding the range of proof for your arguments can only make them stronger. Looking forward to it!
In response to Mike Piper, I think it’s important to consider the glass half full perspective- that people may not have participated in the poll, but would still be interested. I know some people that just don’t have time for polls and surveys, but still have their morning reading rituals. Some of these individuals are the same people who would download a podcast to listen to off of their iPod on the morning commute or during their workout. You’re right, there’s a possibility it won’t be WILDLY successful, but I feel like the odds are probably more even than you’d think.
Best of Luck, Pat!
I wasn’t arguing that it wouldn’t be successful. I was simply pointing out that even if several hundred people said that they would listen to it, that’s still a smaller number than the 6k+ people who have already self-selected as text readers.
Fair enough. I’m just saying that the two categories are not mutually exclusive.
Why limit myself to just text? Do successful brands advertise on ONLY television? I know I would be holding myself back if I said that I already have 6000k+ readers, I think I’ll just stop there.
As I said before, content on the blog will not stop as a result, and I can only reach more people and cater to more people’s “content intake preferences” as a result.
That being said, even if NO ONE were to listen, I would still do it because it’s important for me and my growth as a speaker, to try and reach the level that I want to achieve.
Cheers Mike! Thanks again!
Your audience will grow with you as long as you keep growing. They’ll definitely have no problem leaving when you start doing the same thing over and over, though.
Keep on moving forward Pat, it’s a great direction!
Well put, Lauren! I think you’re absolutely right – that’s exactly why people like to listen to success stories and these strategies actually being used.
All the best, and thanks for your responses!
Awww I didn’t get to take the survey. I been really busy lately. Pat some of us loves your content no matter what is written, podcast, or video. Personally I like all 3. Can’t wait to listen to the podcast though.
It’s all good Deneil. I can tell you’ve been busy since I haven’t seen you over here in a while. Hope all is well! Keep crushing it! Thanks!
Yeah, first time I have planned out a large website. Sadly I didn’t count for the cost. So i’m doing what I can. I come by and read your blog but to save time I haven’t been posting comments. Trying to get back into the habit of commenting. So you will see me around here more often.
These are some powerful reader stats that you came up with, almost a perfect outline for a new product. I think that you really touched on something here that needs mentioning:
People like specific how-to, step-by-step stuff. They don’t want theory. They don’t want wishful thinking or ways to research things themselves. They want the golden recipe, the magic pill. If you can package your product that way, then you win. Period.
-Joshua Black
The Underdog Millionaire
I don’t think we can say that not everyone likes theory and stuff like that. I often write posts that are specifically theory because some people actually enjoy/prefer those types of posts, which I mentioned in this post HERE.
I like to diversify my content, however on a podcast I think more of the how to, step by step type stuff works better.
Thanks Joshua!
Pat,
A lot of people want to hear your podcasts. It’s time for you to take SPI to another level. Try it without hesitation
I’m on my way. Thanks Moon! And yeah, there are a few earthquakes out here, but I think Earthquakes like the ones we’ve been having are good. Wait too long and it might build up to be a big one. That’s my theory at least.
Pat,
I have been reading here for some time, but first time commenting here. I just wanted to share that I like your sharing posts and like the fact that you still answer each comments despite getting large amount of comments. I and I am sure others sure appreciate that a lot. Thank you providing lot of value and being helpful.
Thanks for your first comment, ZenGirl! (I looked on your blog for your real name, but I couldn’t find it).
I like to respond as much as I can because I know how I feel when people respond to my own comments on other blogs. It’s nice!
Cheers! Hope to hear from you again soon!
Pat,
Thanks for dropping by at my blog, although we are in different niche, I still like to learn about many topics such as here.
Right now, I am blogging anonymously for personal reason so that is why you could not find the name. Maybe some day…
Certianly looking forward to the podcast Pat.
I notice you also use the a process similar to IBMA “product launch” stuff:
Getting everyones buy in so they are invested in the project and thus more likely to listen, as we have had input. Also spreading the release out to get people super excited and and cant wait for it to be released.
I love it, and its certianly worked on me
. Was this intentional or just happened this way?
I guess you could say it’s a similar strategy, but really I wasn’t even intentionally making it this way. Here on SPI, I always talk about what I’m up to no matter what it is, and I guess it just creates buzz for what’s next as a nice bonus.
I think because it’s happening “naturally” it makes it “work” on people better. I don’t know. What are your feelings about that?
Pat, I’m really looking forward to a post from you describing your whole podcast equipment set up and process. I’m hoping you can save me from having to research it all myself! I’m working on my first product and I’d like to record some podcast as part of that package. Any plans for a post like that, or maybe a video tutorial? I hope so, and soon!
Can’t wait to listen to your podcasts!
Tom – thanks for the comments.
It’s been a long, long journey, and I’m definitely getting some help from some podcasting courses, so I’m not so sure I’d feel good about giving away all of the fine details, but I wouldn’t mind sharing the basic process! It would be tough to do a video, because there’s so much to it. It might take a number of videos to really get the point across. I’m only halfway there to having the whole thing setup, but once I finish, I think you’re right – it would make a good case study / blog post. I’ll keep track of how much time and $ I spend as well.
Thanks Tom!
Pat, Now I don’t feel so bad about feeling confused by my limited efforts to read up on podcasting…hadn’t realized it was going to be so complicated! Sigh
Part of what I really like about you and your site is that you offer really concrete, step by step, practical, hands-on stuff. My copy of eBooks the Smart Way is beloved and dog eared!
So whatever and whenever you are able to offer about podcasting I will be happy and grateful…you are my preferred source for this kind of information.
Keep up the good work!
So much for no more fluff
What exactly do you mean, David?
Looking forward to your podcast. With all these preparations you’ve done for it, I know it will be juicy with information that we can really learn from. Keep up the good work and more power!
Thanks Andrew! I’ll do my best!
Hi Pat,
I am glad to hear the result of your survey, I will be more than happy to listen to your podcasts.
Thanks a lot,
-Onibalusi
I appreciate that Onibalusi!! Cheers!
hi Pat,
I am waiting for your first podcast. for sure I will listen to it. To me be it pod cast, articles or videos, as long as the producer take effort and time to make it, I am sure its worth listening to. I will not say no to extra knowledge.
As they say “every little drop make an ocean”
cheers
Thanks Daniel, and that’s an excellent quote! However, we gotta make sure we take action and swim in that ocean, instead of just taking it all in and drowning!
I am excited and looking forward to your podcast!
Thanks Austin!
I appreciate that you shared with us in detail the results of the survey. This also gives us a clear idea of what readers want from this specific niche.
I think it was awesome the way you presented the results of the survey. An extra side-note though is that, at least for me, I don’t really see any fluff here. We get to see who you are and what you do through your voice, that’s what keeps me coming back. As far as the podcasts go I can’t wait to see what the interview line-ups look like
Great analysis!!
Hi Pat, I got this tip from David Sethman Garland. If you are looking for guest to interview try HARO (HelpAReporterOut). I tried it just early this week and the response I got was great! I have already interview 3 small business owners and working on editing the content for my blog. I just thought you should know incase you are looking for guests with insight on the topic you might be covering (also I owe you a lot for being so helpful to me so far).
Hi Pat,
I look forward to your podcast. I enjoy listening to podcasts and also spend a good amount of time hearing them. Just a few suggestions on the things that I have appreciated in podcasts. This is not a definitive list, and it’s possible other people may have different preferences…
1. Good sound quality matters (at least 64 bit encoding)
2. A dialogue sounds better than a “monologue only” podcast (have guests often)
3. Provide links in the show notes to important stuff you discuss in the podcast
4. Take listener questions (not live… maybe email and/or voice recording)
5. A bit of humor adds tremendously to the fun factor of listening to the podcast
Hope this helps… and good luck.
Great statistics Pat! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the podcast. I’m a fan of audio mostly because I like to listen to some great stuff on the road.
Hello Pat, Those graphs were just the ticket, I surf your blog on a semi regular basis and they really drew my mind into the content! Which is fortunate because it is going to change the way I approach my latest blog, totally. Thank You.
Pat: First time posting here. Thanks for sharing the results of your survey. you’re doing an outstanding job! love the transparency/integrity. And greatly appreciate that you are accessible to folks and respond. I know how much time this takes and you could be charging for it
Have a couple of questions:
1) I received your recent email saying you will keep responding to your readers/viewers unlike some others in the blog world when they get really big. It’s a great differentiator that fits with your brand. However, you are growing and at some point individual responses will be hard to balance with lifestyle design due to how time consuming they are. What is your strategy? Only grow to a certain amount – or?? would love to hear your thoughts and see a discussion on this topic. I just listened to the interview with Christiane Holbrook on Purposeful Product and figure this decision to continue to “be there” for your readers is totally in line with her idea of building a sustainable/purposeful online business. http://www.inspiredbusinessresources.com. here’s the link for the mp3 download: http://purposefulproduct.com/christiane-holbrook
2) Question: Now you are blogging on SmartPassiveIncome.com as a way to “give back” by sharing how to build an online info. product biz. At some point do you plan to start selling courses on “how to build on online info. product biz?” It seems like that’s a logical next step. Again – ties into the recent Christiane Holbrook discussion
3) i don’t have an online info. biz — yet. However, I’ve been studying many biz models and seem to see a pattern: most folks have an underlying online info. product that provides their core revenue BEFORE they start selling products that TEACH how to make money online. You have your green architecture test ebook (saw the Purposeful Products video interview). Eben Pagan has his dating products – only now is he branching into teaching how to make money online.
Question: Is this the route you recommend – having a money-making product under your belt first? In my case, I’m a traditionally trained business journalist, former head of large women’s organizations, and most recently have a marketing consulting business (but not online marketing). For years I was on staff with big name magazines interviewing big name entrepreneurs about their success and how they run their businesses. So I created info. products — for others.
Now I want to inspire BUSY WOMEN to create online info. products – for the same reasons you do – feed my/their family, have time for my/their family, have time to care for my community/world.
Do I need to create my own product first to have credibility to teach it?
Do you think I need to have a super narrow niche? I’ve heard arguments both ways.
If I niche super tight I could focus on women coaches/therapists first. Less tight would be Busy Women wanting to create info. products online. For this strategy, I could gain a following by writing transparently about my journey of starting this online info. biz targeted at women and at the same time using my journalism skills to interview and inspire? At what point then can I start selling a product? This seems more like what Yaro did but seems it would take much longer. And yes, time is of the essence – I have a family to feed
thanks again for your generosity of thoughts and time!
Marie-Jeanne