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  • Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP

    “It’s really about customer experience,” says Nirosha Methananda, VP of Marketing at Bombora. “I think that is something fundamental to marketing. I feel like we have gone down this path of almost over automating and having to constantly pounce on people without necessarily being conscious and mindful of what their experience is on the other end. From my experience, it’s leading to me switching off and ignoring messages. I’m sure I’m not the only one. That’s basically why I’m passionate about creating a marketing strategy that’s not annoying.”

    Nirosha Methananda, Vice President of Marketing at Bombora, discusses the challenges of marketing without annoying your potential customers by bombarding them with marketing messages in an interview with Logan Lyles on the B2B Growth Podcast:

    Marketing Is Really About the Customer Experience

    As a B2B marketer, I get marketed to a lot. It’s something that I have increasingly noticed and I’m probably not the only one. That’s just becoming part of the experience in terms of being inundated with different messaging and different calls and this, that, and the other. Use this, do this, buy this, whatever it is. It’s really not a great experience. It doesn’t necessarily provide value. Marketers are so busy as it is, and I know that is applicable across the board with everyone we are marketing to. Being able to cut through the noise and having an understanding of all these different things is very challenging. 

    Having on top of it being inundated with this constant flow of messaging like meet me, meet me, meet me, is not very helpful. That’s one of the things that I’m passionate about. It’s really about customer experience. I think that is something fundamental to marketing. I feel like we have gone down this path of almost over automating and having to constantly pounce on people without necessarily being conscious and mindful of what their experience is on the other end. From my experience, it’s leading to me switching off and ignoring messages. I’m sure I’m not the only one. 

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying

    It also leads to this annoyance and irritation which leads to distrust of brands and that’s not great for this industry. From a customer perspective those bad experiences, unfortunately, more than good experiences, they stay with you for longer and you remember that. Another thing that we don’t necessarily think of is that it’s wasteful. It’s wasteful of time and it’s wasteful of money especially for marketing and sales where money is a precious resource. It’s not something to be wasted. That’s basically why I’m passionate about creating a marketing strategy that’s not annoying.

    As an example, our Intent Event was our first flagship event that we did last year. It was a closed event so we did have limited numbers and we were limited as to what we could do with promotion. What we did was try to have mindfulness around what we were sending out and ensuring that it was helpful. Making sure that the recipients, the people that we invited, were given all the relevant information, but there was brevity in the communication as well as encouraging them to participate without forcing them to be there. 

    There was certainly some urgency around some of our communication but it wasn’t you need to attend this and this is why you must attend this. It was more about being a bit more subtle in presenting them the idea and the concept of what it was, why it would help them, and exactly the information that they needed. What that meant was not sending out multiple emails, being very controlled around it, really thinking about what the experience was before the event, to during the event, to after the event. We were really focused on the customer and making sure that all of the content and communication was educational and helpful.

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP Nirosha Methananda
  • Conversational Marketing Closes the Gap Between B2C and B2B, Says Drift Marketing VP

    Conversational Marketing Closes the Gap Between B2C and B2B, Says Drift Marketing VP

    Conversational marketing is a whole new way of thinking about marketing and sales, says Dave Gerhardt, VP of Marketing at Drift. “We go to our jobs in B2B and none of the tools that we use match how we actually buy as real people,” he says. “That’s the most exciting thing to me about conversational marketing. It’s really closing the gap between B2C and B2B. We just call it B2P, marketing to people.”

    Dave Gerhardt, VP of Marketing at Drift, was recently interviewed on the B2B Growth podcast by John Rougeux who is VP of Marketing at Skyfii. Gerhardt discusses conversational marketing as a new B2B product category and how it is changing marketing from reaching out to you later to a conversation that is happening now:

    Conversational Marketing is About Connecting You Now

    Conversational marketing is a whole new way of thinking about marketing and sales. The traditional way of doing marketing and sales is all about later. Come to my website and fill out this form and somebody is going to reach out to you later, when it’s convenient for them. The big shift that is happening in marketing and business over the last five to ten years is customers have all the power today. You can’t make people wait. Information is free now.

    I can find anything I want to know about a company without ever having to go to your website. It’s crazy to think that you are going to force people to go to your website, fill out a form, wait three days to hear back from your sales team, and then get a demo. Conversational is all about connecting you now with the people who are ready to buy now while they are live on your website.

    B2P – Marketing to People

    It’s not about buyers. It’s not about sellers. It’s not about sales. It’s not about marketing. It’s about people. That’s how people all communicate online today. I pressed one button in my car and I got a list. I ordered something from Amazon while I was here this morning to send back to my house and it’s going to be there tomorrow when I get home. There are countless examples of that. That is how we all behave online in our real lives today.

    But then something happens weird happens. We go to our jobs in B2B and none of the tools that we use match how we actually buy as real people. That’s the most exciting thing to me about conversational marketing. It’s really closing the gap between B2C and B2B. We just call it B2P, marketing to people.

    What Ties Our Products Together is Conversation

    We have an email product and we have a landing page product. Black and white versions of those people would say everybody has email, everybody has landing pages. The thing that ties those together is conversation. That forces us to think about what is conversational email? What is conversational landing pages? What is conversational whatever? That one word forces our product team to think about how can we change this? If our fundamental stance as a company is that the internet should be one conversation, then how does that weave into everything that we build?

    Ultimately what we care about is that email becomes a conversation. Meaning, the way that marketers have had to use email the last decade is a one-way channel. Email is meant to be a two-way channel. Marketers have been using it as, “John come to my webinar.” What happens if you actually respond to that email? Most of the time you can’t because it’s donotreply@ or it just goes to some inbox where nobody is answering it. That is a terrible experience. Our belief is that if you reply, “Hey actually I can’t make it. Can you reregister my colleague?” That should get handled. We are thinking of that from an evolution standpoint.

    The same thing with landing pages. Most landing pages today are static. You go to the landing page, put a bunch of info in and you are gone. What if that was a real-time conversation on the page? That one topic has to weave itself into everything we do from a product perspective.

    >> Listen to the complete interview with Drift Marketing VP Dave Gerhardt on the B2B Growth podcast.

  • How HubSpot is Using Surround Sound Marketing Strategy to Drive Sales

    How HubSpot is Using Surround Sound Marketing Strategy to Drive Sales

    “There is a very smart individual at HubSpot named Alex Birkett based out of Austin, Texas,” says Scott Tousley of HubSpot. “He is working on this concept that is really starting to take off called Surround Sound Strategy. Essentially what that means is that it runs with the notion that marketers are selfish. All we care about is how do we drive more traffic to our website.”

    Scott Tousley, Senior Team Lead of User Acquisition for all products at HubSpot, was recently interviewed on the B2B Growth Podcast by David Kelly, General Manager at Sumo Dojo. Tousley discusses how HubSpot is using Surround Sound Marketing Strategy to drive leads and sales:

    Surround Sound Marketing Strategy Starting to Take Off

    There is a very smart individual at HubSpot named Alex Birkett based out of Austin, Texas. He is working on this concept that is really starting to take off called Surround Sound Strategy. Essentially what that means is that it runs with the notion that marketers are selfish. All we care about is how do we drive more traffic to our website. I don’t care where it comes from. Whether it comes from search or social or referral traffic or email, it doesn’t matter. You’re always looking at how do I get more traffic to my website? The reality is that when we are trying to buy something you don’t go to one website. You go to multiple different websites when you are trying to make a purchasing decision.

    For example, I’m in South Lake Tahoe right now. One search I just did recently was “best bars in South Lake Tahoe.” I wanted to see a list and I wanted to see some reviews from a couple of different websites. I also like to surf, so let’s say I’m in the market for a new shortboard. So I search for “best shortboards 2019.” First, I’ll read a listicle, then I will go back to Google and I will click on the next list. Then I will go back again and click on the next list. Then I will start to narrow my decision based on seeing the same thing over and over. Once I narrow it down I will do a versus search such as “lost puddle jumper” vs. “channel islands average joe.” I’ve narrowed my decision at that point.

    We Want To Be At All Stages of the Purchasing Decision

    What we are trying to do at HubSpot right now is figure out how to be everywhere. We want to be at all stages of that purchasing decision when people are searching for “what is the best blank that exists today.” Well, there are a ton of lists that are out there and a ton of review sites and HubSpot’s B2B software (has to be there). There are a lot of review sites just dominating search engines right now like Capterra, G2 Crowd, and Software Advice. A lot of those are pay to play. You have got to pay to get listed on what appears when you land via search. Most of them are.

    But listicles are free. Not only are they free to get added to, but they are free to create. That’s one of the biggest things we are working on right now. How do we change our mindset from being so obsessed at driving traffic to our website? How do we make sure that HubSpot’s brand is everywhere when you are doing your product research and you are on many different websites? We actually sometimes prefer that we drive traffic to multiple different websites where we are listed versus just to our own. It’s good for social grouping.

    Listen to the full interview with HubSpot’s Scott Tousley.

  • Podcast Revenue in the US Set to Surpass $4 Billion in 2024

    Podcast Revenue in the US Set to Surpass $4 Billion in 2024

    Podcasting is enjoying a major growth spurt, with the industry expected to surpass $4 billion in revenue in the US alone by 2024.

    Companies large and small are getting on the podcasting bandwagon, striking deals with podcasters and vying for customers. According to a new study by IAB Media Center, via TechCrunch, the US industry hit $1.4 billion in 2021, is slated for $2 billion in 2022, and should surpass $4 billion in 2024.

    “The report indicates significant growth ahead, with advertisers buying podcast impressions at scale while tracking delivery, effectiveness, recall, and results,” said Eric John, vice president, IAB Media Center. “Buyers will expect advanced brand safety solutions, audience targeting, and measurement, and we look forward to working across the ecosystem to create standards that serve creators, listeners, publishers, and brands.”

    The findings will likely continue to spur investment in the industry, as companies fight for a piece of the profits.

  • Facebook Killing Off Its Podcast Business

    Facebook Killing Off Its Podcast Business

    Facebook has announced it is killing off its podcast service, barely a year after getting into the business.

    The podcast market has become an increasingly competitive industry, with Apple, Spotify, and Google all competing for market share, in addition to countless smaller rivals. Facebook first announced its service in April 2021, but is now killing off Soundbites and its central audio hub as part of an effort to better focus on core business interests.

    “We’re constantly evaluating the features we offer so we can focus on the most meaningful experiences,” a Meta spokesperson told Bloomberg in an email.

    The move is not entirely surprising, given Mark Zuckerberg’s obsession with the metaverse and his company’s place in it.

  • YouTube Offering Top Podcasters $50K to Make the Jump to Video

    YouTube Offering Top Podcasters $50K to Make the Jump to Video

    YouTube is working to entice its top podcasters to make the jump to video, offering $50,000 to sweeten the deal.

    YouTube has been building its base of content subscribers, paying out $30 billion over the last three years. The company even shut down its YouTube Originals, thanks in no small part to having more than two million creators in the YouTube Partner Program.

    In its latest push, Ars Technica is reporting YouTube is offering some of its most popular podcasters $50,000 to switch to video. The money is aimed at helping these creators invest in the equipment they need to produce high-quality videos.

    While the company is offering $50,000 to individuals, some podcasting networks are receiving $200,000 to $300,000.

  • It’s “Game On” for Buffalo Wild Wings New Brand Architecture, Says CMO

    It’s “Game On” for Buffalo Wild Wings New Brand Architecture, Says CMO

    “When I think of brand architecture it really gets to the essence of the brand,” says Buffalo Wild Wings CMO Seth Freeman. “The essence of the brand is around this idea of camaraderie and ritual and something that we like to call “game on.” It’s our ability to make sure that when folks come in to experience Buffalo Wild Wings that we have a game on mentality and that we bring them the very best of who we are.”

    Seth Freeman, Chief Marketing Officer of Buffalo Wild Wings, was recently interviewed on Adweek’s CMO Moves podcast with Nadine Dietz. Freeman discussed their new “game on” brand architecture that defines not just their new marketing strategy but really the heart of the business. “The purpose ultimately is really about inspiring legendary experiences between friends,” noted Freeman:

    Turning Good Times With Friends Into Great Times With Brothers

    When I think of brand architecture it really gets to the essence of the brand. There are three components to it in the way we framed it up.  They are the promise, the essence, and the purpose. We identified an insight out there that guys want to turn good times with friends into great times with brothers. More accurately, legendary experiences with brothers. That was the cultural insight that really framed our brand architecture.

    When we think about our purpose we defined our promise as the great American sports bar that turned game time into stories worth telling. It wasn’t just about inviting folks to watch a game. It was about translating that into an experience worth telling. That’s what folks are really looking for. That’s the promise that we deliver on every single day. That’s why we get up. That’s why folks are going out there and doing the job that they do and delivering a great experience.

    It’s “Game On” for Buffalo Wild Wings

    Our purpose ultimately is really about inspiring legendary experiences between friends. The essence of the brand is around this idea of camaraderie and ritual and something that we like to call “game on.” It’s our ability to make sure that when folks come in to experience Buffalo Wild Wings that we have a game on mentality and that we bring them the very best of who we are. We have 80,000 folks out there working across Buffalo Wild Wings and they bring it every single day.

    https://youtu.be/AkGZHYM-D90
    It’s Game Time at Buffalo Wild Wings!

    As we were talking to consumers, one of the things we learned was that some of the most impactful experiences that they talked about was with the bartenders and servers. They are influencing whether or not those folks come back. For instance, one of the most memorable experiences they talked about was the bartender remembering them when they came back.

    That is our brand architecture, but it also lends itself to things we have done in rolling out this purpose to the broader community through our Brand Champ Initiative. That really is a cultural movement that we are employing across our franchises and corporate stores. We have over 1,200 locations where folks are trained to make sure that the brand architecture is translating to a way that is meaningful to the consumers and also meaningful to the folks that are on the front lines every single day.

    It’s “Game On” for Buffalo Wild Wings New Brand Architecture


  • The Future of Google and SEO is AI

    The Future of Google and SEO is AI

    The future of Google and of SEO is AI says world-renowned SEO expert Stephan Spencer. “If you’re relying just on backlinks, then you aren’t recognizing that the future of Google and of SEO is AI, it’s artificial intelligence,” noted Spencer in another informative interview by James Schramko of SuperFastBusiness.

    Stephan Spencer, SEO expert, speaker, and author recently discussed the impact of AI on Google Search and SEO with James Schramko of SuperFastBusiness: (Listen to the full podcast below)

    The Future of Google and SEO is AI

    If you’re relying just on backlinks, then you aren’t recognizing that the future of Google and of SEO is AI, it’s artificial intelligence. What’s the best way, or the really the only way, to outsmart an AI? I would challenge that the only way to outsmart an AI is with another AI. So really, AI is the future.

    AI and nanotechnology and all the cool technologies that are advancing, like VR, AR, etc., they’re happening faster and faster. And we need to be more nimble than we’ve ever been in order to keep up. So that’s kind of the game that we have to play.

    SEO is Not Just About Machine Learning and AI

    But right now, SEO is not just about having machine learning on your side to try and outsmart Google. It’s about having a search-engine-friendly website. It’s about identifying keywords that are relevant and popular and that are attainable for you in the Google search results. And it’s about achieving buzz and link equity by having people mention you and link to you. So those things still work, they’re still important to the Google algorithm. But on top of that, you’ve got to be willing to explore machine learning and be nimble about the future.

    I’m personally excited about the future. I think it’s an amazing time to be alive. The kinds of advances that we’re about to experience in our lifetimes are going to be mind-blowing.

  • Clubhouse Leaves Beta and Is Open to Everyone

    Clubhouse Leaves Beta and Is Open to Everyone

    Clubhouse, the popular audio-only social media platform, announced it is out of beta and no longer invitation-only.

    Clubhouse has gained popularity as a platform for audio chatrooms and conversation, but has been invite-only for the last year. The company used those 12 months to fine-tune the experience, figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

    “Twelve never-boring months later, we’re thrilled to share that Clubhouse is now out of beta, open to everyone, and ready to begin its next chapter,” reads the company’s blog. “This means we have removed our waitlist system so that anyone can join. If you have a club, you can post your link far and wide. If you are a creator with an audience, you can bring them all on. If you’re hosting a public event, anyone can attend. You can bring close friends, classmates, family members, coworkers, and anyone else you like — on iOS or Android.”

    The news follows the company’s announcement it was adding a direct-message feature called Backchannel.

  • Spotify Raising Prices for Some Users

    Spotify Raising Prices for Some Users

    On the heals of its announcement about podcast subscriptions, Spotify is notifying some users they will have to pay more.

    Spotify has Apple squarely in its sights with its announcement it would offer podcast subscriptions to compete with Apple’s Podcast announcements at its Spring Loaded event. Unlike Apple’s subscription service, Spotify will not take a cut from the subscription fee, giving the entire amount to the podcaster.

    Unfortunately, it appears Spotify will be raising prices, according to The Verge. In the US, Spotify Family will increase from $14.99 to $15.99 a month, while Duo, Premium and Student plans will remain the same price.

    In the UK, however, the price hike is more dramatic. Spotify Student will go from £4.99 to £5.99 a month, while Duo will go from £12.99 to £13.99. Spotify Family will go from £14.99 to £16.99 a month.

    “We offer a variety of subscription plans tailored to our users’ needs, and we occasionally update our prices to reflect local macroeconomic factors and meet market demands while offering an unparalleled service,” a Spotify spokesperson told The Verge.

  • Spotify to Introduce Podcast Subscriptions With No Podcaster Cut

    Spotify to Introduce Podcast Subscriptions With No Podcaster Cut

    Spotify is ramping up its competition with Apple, with plans to introduce podcast subscriptions with no cut taken from the podcaster.

    Apple announced some major changes to Podcasts at its Spring Loaded event. One of the biggest was paid subscriptions that would give individuals the ability to unlock ad-free listening, gain early access to new episodes and support their favorite podcasts.

    Podcasters pay $19.99 a year to enable subscriptions, followed by 30% of any subscription revenue to Apple for the first year. The cut drops to 15% after the first year.

    According to The Wall Street Journal, Spotify is preparing to unveil its own subscriptions — with one major difference: no cut taken from the content creator. Instead, 100% of the earnings will go to the creator.

    Spotify has been working hard, and spending big, to dominate the podcasting space. If the WSJ’s sources are correct, the company may have a major competitive advantage versus Apple.

  • Apple ‘Spring Loaded’ Event: Apple Card, Podcasts, iPhone, AirTag and Apple TV

    Apple ‘Spring Loaded’ Event: Apple Card, Podcasts, iPhone, AirTag and Apple TV

    Apple unveiled its “Spring Loaded” event, unveiling the much-anticipated AirTags, as well as changes to Apple Card, Podcasts and the Apple TV.

    Tim Cook kicked off the latest event touting the company’s environmental progress, with the goal of being carbon neutral from end-to-end, including its supply chain, by 2030. Cook also highlighted its recent Restore Fund launch, in partnership with Goldman Sachs and Conservation International.

    Apple Card

    Apple Card will target financial equity, by allowing couples to merge their account and credit lines so both benefit from improvements to their credit score.

    Podcasts

    Apple Podcasts - Credit Apple
    Apple Podcasts – Credit Apple

    Biggest change to Podcasts since its debut, including a complete redesign of the app, making it easier to discover new content. Apple Podcast Subscriptions will unlock early access, ad-free listening and more, all while supporting content creators.

    iPhone

    Not much changed for the iPhone, other than a new color: purple.

    AirTag

    Apple AirTag - Credit Apple
    Apple AirTag – Credit Apple

    Carolyn Wolfman-Estrada took over to discuss Apple’s changes to Find My. The service is used on nearly a billion Apple devices. The company recently opened Find My to third-party companies.

    The real news, however, was the introduction of AirTag. With a clever commercial highlighting the great mysterious chasm that is the living room couch, a man uses AirTag to find his keys.

    A small, round device that can be encased in a keychain accessory, AirTag uses Precision Finding, in combination with Find My, to give very precise distance and directional information.

    Wolfman-Estrada also emphasized Apple’s focus on privacy, reiterating the company’s AirTags are designed to track devices, not people.

    The devices are available for $29 for a single one, or $99 for a four-pack.

    Apple TV 4K

    New Apple TV - Credit Apple
    New Apple TV – Credit Apple

    Cook handed the reins to Cindy Lin to show off the company’s plans for Apple TV. New version is built with the A12 Bionic, giving it the ability to play HDR in high frame rate. This will be a big boost to sports and fast-action programming. AirPlay is also being updated to support high frame rate HDR.

    Apple TV will also work with the iPhone to adjust the color and picture settings to compensate for any inaccuracy issues with the TV.

    Apple also redesigned the Siri Remote, with an all-aluminum design, improved click buttons, circular control for fast-forward and rewind, and a power button that can turn the TV on and off.

  • Apple May Let Users Set Default Music and Podcast Apps

    Apple May Let Users Set Default Music and Podcast Apps

    Apple may be preparing to allow users to select their default music and podcast apps, according to reports on the iOS 14.5 beta.

    Apple has been loosening some of its control over iOS, giving users the ability to choose default applications. It began with allowing users to select their email client and web browser, instead of Mail and Safari. It appears Apple is taking it a step further, opening the door for users to select their default music and podcast apps.

    According to users on Reddit, via MacWorld, once iOS 14.5 beta is installed, asking Siri to play a song prompts the user to select from a list of available services. Siri will then prompt the user to allow access to the app’s data. Once permission is given, Siri will use that app for future requests.

    The results are still somewhat spotty, likely indicating the feature is still early in its development. Even so, if the feature makes it into the final version of iOS 14.5, it will give users significantly more choice and help Apple address concerns that its apps have an unfair advantage over third-party options.

  • Andreessen Horowitz Hires Maggie Leung As It Doubles Down On Media Strategy

    Andreessen Horowitz Hires Maggie Leung As It Doubles Down On Media Strategy

    Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has hired Maggie Leung, a well-known journalist, as executive editor as the company doubles down on its media efforts.

    Venture capitalists are increasingly looking to handle more of their own media, rather than relying on the press. Andreessen Horowitz has been on the leading edge of that, with a strong focus on speaking directly to its audience from day one. Blog posts, thought pieces, podcasts, op-eds, videos and more have all been an important part of a16z.

    The company is expanding its efforts with the hiring of Maggie Leung. Leung previously spent some 20 years as a journalist with The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and CNN. Most recently, she built NerdWallet’s content operation from the ground up.

    “Simply put, when you find someone like Maggie, you have to work with them,” writes Margit Wennmachers.

    “And of course Maggie is joining our outstanding editorial team, led by our wonderful managing editor Amelia Salyers, who hired many of the editors, and of course, the super-talented and incomparable Sonal Chokshi, who continues to guide our voice and editorial vision as our editor in chief. Every piece of content you see or hear has been shaped and edited by the editorial team.”

  • Bad News For Spotify As Citi Says Podcast Bet Not Paying Off

    Bad News For Spotify As Citi Says Podcast Bet Not Paying Off

    Citi analysts don’t believe Spotify’s big podcasting bet is paying off, according to a note they sent to investors.

    Spotify has invested heavily in the podcast market, acquiring companies Anchor, Gimlet Media and Parcast. The company has also inked high profile, exclusive deals, such as for The Joe Rogan Experience. Spotify obviously is concerned with diversifying its business from its core streaming music service, especially given the pressure it is facing from Apple, Pandora and others.

    The only problem? Citi analysts don’t believe Spotify’s efforts are paying off, according to CNBC.

    “The cadence of Premium gross additions (through 3Q20) and app download data (through 4Q20) do not show any material benefit from recent podcast investments (that began in 2019),” the analysts wrote.

    Citi has downgraded Spotify from neutral to sell, leading to a drop of 6.5% of the company’s stock.

  • Twitter Buys Breaker, the Social Podcasting App

    Twitter Buys Breaker, the Social Podcasting App

    Twitter has bought Breaker, bringing the social podcasting app in-house at a time when podcasting is more popular than ever.

    Breaker helped change the podcasting industry by making it a more social experience. Rather than simply listening to a podcast, Breaker allowed its users to connect with other users to discover new podcasts, as well as provide feedback on episodes.

    CTO Leah Culver said the company was purchased to help work on Twitter Spaces.

    The company’s apps and services will shut down on January 15. Until then, users can transfer their subscriptions by exporting to an “OPML file from Breaker and open that file in another app.”

    Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

  • Amazon to Acquire Podcast Startup Wondery

    Amazon to Acquire Podcast Startup Wondery

    Amazon has announced it is acquiring podcast startup Wondery, with plans to add it to Amazon Music.

    Amazon launched podcasts on its music platform in September 2020 and, like many digital companies, has benefited from the pandemic as people’s habits change. The company is planning on using Wondery to accelerate the growth of its podcast business.

    Amazon Music launched podcasts in September 2020, and together with Wondery, we hope to accelerate the growth and evolution of podcasts by bringing creators, hosts, and immersive experiences to even more listeners across the globe, just as we do with music. This is a pivotal moment to expand the Amazon Music offering beyond music as listener habits evolve.

    Wondery is already known for “Dirty John,” “Dr. Death,” “Business Wars,” and “The Shrink Next Door.” Amazon has assured users that all of Wondery’s podcasts will continue to be available on their platforms of choice.

    When the deal closes, nothing will change for listeners, and they’ll continue to be able to access Wondery podcasts through a variety of providers. With Amazon Music, Wondery will be able to provide even more high-quality, innovative content and continue their mission of bringing a world of entertainment and knowledge to their audiences, wherever they listen.

    Details of the deal were not disclosed, but reports in early December placed the value somewhere between $300 and $400 million. Amazon’s investment in the startup is further evidence of the importance of the podcast industry.

  • SiriusXM Moves Deeper Into Podcasting – Completes Stitcher Deal

    SiriusXM Moves Deeper Into Podcasting – Completes Stitcher Deal

    SiriusXM announced that it has completed its acquisition of Stitcher, moving the company deeper into the fast-growing podcasting world.

    The company says that this acquisition of podcasting pioneer Stitcher strengthens SiriusXM’s position in this fast-growing area. “By combining Stitcher’s leading programming and advertising networks with SiriusXM’s existing suite of hosting and ad technology tools, the Company expands its pre-eminent position in digital audio advertising while generating new ways for creators to find and connect with a broader audience,” says a company spokesperson.

    “We are deepening our position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in digital audio, and with completion of this transaction, our vision is taking shape,” said SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer. “With Stitcher and its varied assets, we are now a one-stop-shop able to meet the needs of podcast creators, publishers, and advertisers, while also providing listeners with access to great shows, series, and programming.”

    Meyer added, “On behalf of everyone at SiriusXM, we are thrilled to welcome Erik, Sarah, and all of the other talented Stitcher employees to our team. We look forward to working with them as we continue delivering the best listening experiences in audio entertainment and enhancing stockholder value.”

    With the transaction now closed, SiriusXM says it is positioned to continue driving growth by:

    • Reaching more than 150 million listeners across its combined properties, the largest addressable audience in North America across all categories of digital audio – music, sports, talk, and podcasts;
    • Further extending the reach of SiriusXM in digital audio advertising through the SiriusXM and Pandora owned-and-operated digital platforms, combined with the company’s exclusive ad sales arrangement with SoundCloud for the U.S., and the Stitcher and Midroll networks;
    • Helping solve some of the critical challenges in podcast advertising through precision targeting, ad efficiency, and improved measurement capabilities via a streamlined ad marketplace;
    • Combining the largest digital audio salesforce with a leading podcast ad network; and
    • Attracting more creators to its podcasting platform with enhanced production, marketing, and distribution capabilities that drive further listening, engagement, and monetization.
  • Amazon Announces ‘Holiday Dash’ Prime Day Every Day

    Amazon Announces ‘Holiday Dash’ Prime Day Every Day

    Amazon wants to emulate the success of Prime Day every day with ‘Holiday Dash,’ a new section on Amazon with daily deals that “equal Black Friday.”

    Amazon says that “with new deals dropping every day starting October 16, customers can shop early and with confidence that they are getting Black Friday-worthy deals and incredible savings on a huge selection of products.”

    Here are the announced details on Amazon’s Holiday Dash deals:

    Amazon Brands

    • Save up to 30% on select kid’s clothing and more from our brands including Amazon Essentials, Spotted Zebra, and Simple Joys by Carter’s
    • Save up to 30% on select men’s and women’s clothing and more from our brands including Amazon Essentials, Daily Ritual and Goodthreads
    • Save up to 20% on AmazonBasics
    • Save 40% on Wag dog food, and treats
    • Save 20% on household and personal care products from Solimo
    • Save 20% on Presto! Refillable Cleaners
    • Save 20% on baby care products from Mama Bear and Solimo
    • Save 20% on Belei skincare
    • Save 20% on nutrition and wellness products from Amazon Elements and Revly
    • Save 20% on coffee, snacks, and other grocery essentials from Solimo, Happy Belly, and Amazon Fresh

    Toys & Games

    • Save up to 40% on Star Wars toys
    • Save up to 40% on Collectible toys from L.O.L. Surprise!, Calico Critters, Fingerlings, and more
    • Save up to 30% on Hot Wheels toys
    • Save up to 30% on Building Sets from LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and PlayMonster
    • Save up to 30% on Marvel toys
    • Save up to 30% on Fortnite, Pokemon, Roblox and more
    • Save up to 40% on Tegu Building Blocks
    • Save up to 30% on Funko POPs!
    • Save up to 30% on Arts & Crafts sets
    • Save 30% on Evenflo Pivot Explore Wagon
    • Save up to 30% on preschool toys from Jazwares, Spin Master, Hape, and more
    • Save on AmScope 52-piece kids beginner microscope STEM kit

    Fashion

    • Save up to 40% on select apparel from Calvin Klein
    • Save up to 40% on select Levi’s apparel for the whole family
    • Save up to 40% on Star Wars apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select New Balance footwear and apparel
    • Save up to 40% on select Tommy Hilfiger apparel
    • Save up to 40% on select kids’ clothing from Gerber, Hudson Baby, and more
    • Save up to 50% on select watches from Citizen, Bulova, Anne Klein, and more
    • Save up to 30% on select Lacoste apparel, shoes, and accessories
    • Save up to 30% on Marvel apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select seasonal fashion trends
    • Save up to 25% on select Nautica men’s and women’s apparel
    • Save up to 48% on select Hanna Anderson pajama sets and underwear styles
    • Save up to 30% on select styles from The Drop
    • Save up to 40% on select women’s shoes from Shopbop
    • Save up to 15% on select women’s accessories from Shopbop

    Household, Kitchen, Home Improvement & Smart Home

    • Save on Le Creuset Cast Iron and Stoneware, including up to 48% on select Le Creuset 3.5Qt Oval Dutch Ovens
    • Save up to 50% on select Bissell Vacuums
    • Save up to 40% on SharkNinja Shark Navigator Lift-Away
    • Save up to 35% on Eufy by Anker RoboVac
    • Save up to 30% on Eureka Stick Vacuum
    • Save on iRobot Robotic vacuums and mops
    • Save up to 30% on iLife Robotic vacuum cleaner
    • Save up to 25% or more on Samsung vacuums
    • Save up to 36% on select Blueair air purifiers
    • Save up to 20% on select Molekule air purifiers
    • Save up to 40% on KitchenAid tools
    • Save up to 20% on the Instant Pot Duo Mini Plus
    • Save up to 30% on Hallmark gift wrap, ornaments, and cards
    • Save up to 20% on select Breville Smart Ovens
    • Save up to 20% on OXO BREW coffee makers
    • Save up to 30% on Tineco floorcare products
    • Save on Ninja AF161 Air Fryer and Ninja FG551 Foodi Indoor Smart Grill
    • Save on select SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundles
    • Save on the Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
    • Save up to 20% on OXO Good Grips Smart Seal and bakeware
    • Save up to 35% on Ayesha Curry Cookware
    • Save 30% on Linenspa 10″ hybrid mattresses
    • Save up to 30% on Zinus furniture and mattresses
    • Save 30% on Sweetnight mattresses
    • Save up to 30% on Moen bathroom fixtures and up to 20% off on Moen kitchen products
    • Save up to 25% on select Hansgrohe products
    • Save 15% on GE Profile Ice Maker
    • Save 20% on select Broan appliances
    • Save up to 15% on select Delta Faucet products
    • Save up to 15% on Whirlpool softeners
    • Save 15% or more on gaming, home education and home office furniture
    • Save on select August Smart Locks
    • Save on select Kwikset Smart and Mechanical Locks
    • Save on Smart Home products from Emerson, Kasa TP-Link, and more

    Beauty, Health & Personal Care

    • Save up to 50% on your favorite Premium Beauty brands from Elemis, Mario Badescu, Redken, and more
    • Save up to 40% on Premium Beauty appliances from T3, Foreo and more
    • Save up to 40% on Waterpik and Colgate oral care appliances
    • Save up to 45% on skin care from NIVEA, Aquaphor, and Eucerin
    • Save up to 30% on hair dryers and products from Revlon, Bed Head, and more
    • Save up to 35% on razors from Braun, Gillette, and more
    • Save 33% on Panasonic and Norelco shavers
    • Save up to 20% on Fitbit Activity and Fitness Trackers

    Electronics

    • Save up to 33% on select Nintendo Switch games
    • Save up to 35% on Nixplay Digital Frames
    • Save up to 30% on Kodak Instant Cameras and Printers
    • Save 25% on Adobe Creative Cloud Entire Collection
    • Save up to 20% on Samsung TVs
    • Save up to 20% on Sony TVs
    • Save up to 50% on JBL Speakers
    • Save up to 33% on Sony Headphones
    • Save up to 33% on Bose Headphones
    • Save up to 40% on select Mynt 3D printing pens and accessories
    • Save 30% on Mynt 3D PRO Pen with OLED Display
    • Save up to 30% on VAVA 4K Projectors
    • Save up to 30% on TaoTronics Headphones

    Small Businesses on Amazon Launchpad

    • Save up to 50% on Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Families
    • Save up to 30% on the SOLIOM S600 Outdoor Security Camera
    • Save up to 25% on the Zen Laboratory DIY Jumbo Slime Kit for Kids
    • From October 26 to November 19, Prime members can save 10% or more on select unique products from small brands on Amazon Launchpad like: Mobile Pixels Duex Portable Monitor for Laptops and Scentered Travel Essentials Aromatherapy Balm gift set

    Entertainment: Amazon Music, Audible, Books & Prime Video

    • Amazon Music: Beginning October 23, new Amazon Music Unlimited customers can get three months of the premium streaming tier free, to enjoy unlimited access to more than 60 million songs, ad-free and a wide selection of popular podcasts.
    • Amazon Music: Beginning October 29, current Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can upgrade to the Family Plan free for three months, with access for up to six accounts.
    • Audible: Between November 1 and December 31, new members save nearly 40% on the first six months of an Audible Plus membership at just $4.95 per month. Membership includes unlimited access to more than 10 thousand Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts.
    • Books: Deals on select multi-genre books and ebooks throughout the season
    • Prime Video: This holiday season, Prime Video will offer up to 50% off select popular Halloween, family and holiday movies to rent or buy. Deals will roll out over the next few months, so be sure to check www.amazon.com/pmd for updates.

    Amazon Gift Cards

    • Starting today, customers using Amazon Reload to replenish their Amazon Gift Card balance for the first time will receive a $10 bonus with their reload of $100 or more. Offer available through December 31.
    • Starting October 26, first-time Amazon Gift Card shoppers will receive a $15 promotional credit with the purchase of $50 or more in Amazon Gift Cards. Offer available through December 20. The promotional credit expires on February 6, 2021. Other restrictions apply.

    Amazon Credit Cards:

    • Now through December 22, with an eligible Prime membership, customers who apply and are approved for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card will instantly receive a $100 Gift Card. Prime Cardmembers earn 5% back at Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com. Additionally, starting November 1 through December 22, customers without a Prime membership can apply for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card and receive a $60 Gift Card upon approval, in addition to earning 3% back at Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com as a cardmember. Restrictions apply. Visit amazon.com/visa for details.

    Automotive, Tools and Lawn & Garden

    • Save 50% on tire installation
    • Save up to 25% on Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro concentrated planting mix
    • Save 25% on Castrol GTX Conventional motor oil
    • Save 20% on Select Tonno Pro Tonneau covers
    • Save up to 20% on select Streamlight flashlights
    • Save on select DEWALT cordless drills and tools
    • Save up to 30% on select SKIL tools
    • Save up to 15% off on select ZGrills Pellet Grills & Smokers
    • Save up to 15% on Shintenchi 4 piece wicker rattan outdoor patio furniture set
    • Save on select Renogy monocrystalline solar panels

    Sports & Outdoors

    • Save up to 20% on Select Coleman Tents & Gear
    • Save up to 20% on select CamelBak kids water bottles
    • Save up to 25% on select Sawyer Products water filters
    • Save up to 30% on select Stanley drinkware
    • Save up to 28% on select Segway scooters and kids bikes
    • Save up to 30% on select Stiga table tennis rackets and Zume badminton set
    • Save up to 30% on select Legendary Whitetails apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select Osprey Outdoor Packs

    Pets

    • Save 20% on Catit Creamy cat treats
    • Save on Petsafe electronic dog toys
    • Save on The Honest Kitchen human grade pet treats
    • Save on Friends Forever donut pet beds

    Whole Foods Market:

    • Both in-store and online, Prime members can receive discounts on customer favorites including 35% off Bare Bones broths and 35% off all packaged teas, available now through October 27.
    • Available now through October 20, customers can get 20% off pumpkins and gourds – excluding squash.
  • Elon Musk: We Must Become A Multi-Planet Species

    Elon Musk: We Must Become A Multi-Planet Species

    Space pioneer Elon Musk said on a podcast today with Kara Swisher that becoming a multi-planet species is fundamentally important to ensuring the long-term survival of life as we know it:

    Being A Multi-Planet Species Is Important To Our Survival

    We are able to lower the cost of access to space so we are certainly saving taxpayers a lot of money. We’re advancing the technology of launch by having reusable rockets. Reusability is very important for improving access to space. It’s really just kind of insane to have a rocket be expendable. You build this incredibly exquisite machine and then it comes down and smashes in the ocean. Then there is like debris at the bottom of the ocean. This is crazy.

    Ultimately, you want many companies competing (in space) to serve the greater good or serve the customer essentially. You want multiple companies to advance the future of space flight so that we can ultimately become a multi-planet species and a spacefaring civilization. This is fundamentally important to ensuring the long-term survival of life as we know it. We must become a multi-planet species.

    I am not trying to be doom and gloom here but the fossil record does show that there have been many extinction events over the millenia. These are from meteors, super volcanoes, and just from natural planet variation. It does become very severe but at a pace that would seem slow to us. Then eventually the sun is going to expand and engulf and incinerate Earth. This is for sure going to happen but not anytime soon.

    It’s Sad That In 2020 We Can’t Even Go Back To The Moon

    Several years ago I had some private dinners with Jeff Bezos talking about space. He has a similar view that we need to be a spacefaring civilization and multi-planet species. I have some minor disagreements with him. I don’t think that we want to be living on a space station. I think we want to be living on a planet. But whatever, if you have advanced rockets you can decide whether you want to live on a space station or live on Mars.

    Right now, we have a long way to go because we can’t even get back to the Moon. I think it is sad that we were able to go to the Moon in 1969 and here we are in 2020 and can’t even go back to the Moon. We definitely want to make sure that civilization is improving over time.

  • Amazon Now Playing Podcasts

    Amazon Now Playing Podcasts

    Amazon has entered the super hot podcasting arena, adding podcasts to their Amazon Music platform. All podcasts will, of course, be able to be accessed via Alexa, through its voice-activated Echo speakers, and are free to Amazon Prime members. Check the podcasts out here: Amazon Podcasts

    “Our customers’ listening habits are constantly evolving, and we know they’re looking to us to provide them with a rich experience rooted in music and entertainment,” said Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music. “With this launch, we’re bringing customers even more forms of entertainment to enjoy, while enabling creators to reach new audiences globally, just as we’ve done with music streaming. Podcasts, paired with our recent partnership with Twitch to bring live streaming into the app, makes Amazon Music a premiere destination for creators.”

    Popular shows such as Crime Junkie, What A Day, Radiolab, Revisionist History, Planet Money, Ear Hustle, Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer, and Stuff You Should Know are available now, and millions of episodes from top shows, with more being added all the time. Amazon Music will also soon be the exclusive home of the music-meets-true-crime podcast, Disgraceland, a show exploring the criminal antics and connections of some of the world’s favorite musicians, from the Rolling Stones to Tupac. Disgraceland’s narrative storytelling highlights tales of getting away with murder and behaving badly, chronicling some of the craziest criminal stories surrounding some of the most interesting and infamous pop stars. Disgraceland will arrive exclusively on Amazon Music in February 2021.

    “Partnering with Amazon Music allows me to really give my listeners what they’ve always asked for: more Disgraceland content,” said Jake Brennan, host of Disgraceland and cofounder at Double Elvis Productions. “Through this partnership with Amazon Music, we’re enhancing the future of the show for fans, expanding our output of content by moving to an ‘always on’ weekly schedule, which will translate to more episodes for listeners on a more consistent basis.”

    Amazon Music has also partnered with creators to produce original, exclusive podcasts. Coming soon, customers will be able to listen to “The First One,” a new audio experience hosted by one of the most prolific hit makers of the 21st century, DJ Khaled. Developed by Amazon Music and the Springhill Company, in “The First One” the mogul and superstar will interview his all-time favorite artists about the hits that made them iconic and eventually legendary.

    “I’m recording my podcast with the greatest musicians of all time, and with some of my best friends who also happen to be the most iconic artists on the planet,” said DJ Khaled. “We’ll talk about fame, fortune, life, and success. These stories are here to motivate you because everybody starts from somewhere, from the ordinary to extraordinary. Before you get to another one, you got to get to ‘The First One,’ only on Amazon Music.”

    Also coming to Amazon Music is a brand-new multimedia podcast hosted and curated by superstar Becky G, featuring audio and corresponding video broadcast on Amazon Music’s Twitch Channel. Titled “En la Sala,” every week, you’re invited to join Becky G as she calls on some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, her familia and friends, to discuss Latinx pride, women empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, relationships, politics and sports, all while unpacking the most important issues facing the Latinx community today. Developed by Amazon Music and Gema Productions, Becky G has also dedicated each episode to a nonprofit organization related to the theme of the week. With a charitable donation attached to each episode to pay it forward to organizations directly impacting the Latinx community in a positive way, Becky sets the standard for her guests and listeners, since En La Sala, you can’t just talk about it – you have to be about it too.

    “To me, my voice has always been about more than just singing, it’s using it for the greater good and creating a destination for change,” said Becky G. “In quarantine, with so much time to consider the world around us, it felt like the perfect opportunity to open a new line of communication and pay it forward, and I’m so thankful that Amazon Music and Gema approached me with the opportunity to create this podcast. I’m excited to be joining forces with Amazon Music so we can start to have conversations about looking within to see how we can all be better.”

    Broadcasting legend Dan Patrick and IMDb will soon give movie fanatics exclusive interviews with top Hollywood stars in his new show, “That Scene with Dan Patrick.” Produced in collaboration with IMDb, this new podcast will dissect memorable scenes from some of the biggest films and television series. And coming soon to Amazon Music and Audible, is a project from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Audio, a co-production with Audible.

    With Amazon Music visual apps on mobile and web, customers will be able to discover new favorites through curated recommendations across top categories, popular podcasts charts, and access to trailers on show pages. Whether listening on mobile, web, or on Echo devices with Alexa, Amazon Music makes it easy for customers to find, start, and continue listening to their favorite podcasts throughout the day. Only with Amazon Music can customers ask for the latest episode of their favorite show on Echo Auto during their morning commute, resume playback on their phone while working out, and seamlessly move to their Echo device when getting home – just by asking Alexa, with no additional sign in or device linking needed.

    “We’re thrilled to offer customers a convenient podcast listening experience that fits their lifestyle,” said Kintan Brahmbhatt, Director of Podcasts for Amazon Music. “Never before has listening to podcasts on the move, in the car, or at home been so simple. Our customers will be able to utilize the voice functionality they know and love with music, to now enjoy a superior podcast experience and uncover a brand-new selection of favorites.”

    Podcasts are now available to stream on all tiers of Amazon Music at no additional cost, including free access on Echo, web, and in the Amazon Music mobile app.