"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change."

Podcasting expert and host of Smarter Podcasting Niall Mackay is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT.

Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry.

Niall's wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for aspiring and experienced podcasters alike.

Niall delves into the transition from hobby to profession, emphasizing how money changes the dynamics of podcasting. He also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and community-building in establishing a dedicated following.

Additionally, Niall shares his thoughts on the impact of video integration and offers monetization strategies for podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Appreciate the time commitment required for podcasting, and consider outsourcing tasks like editing to save time.
- Consistency and being true to yourself are crucial for building a dedicated audience.
- Engage with your audience where they are, and provide value beyond just promoting your episodes.
- Sponsorships and Patreon are viable monetization strategies, but don't expect quick riches from podcasting.
- Video integration is the future of podcasting, but audio should remain the primary focus.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

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“If I’d turned this on, even if I was interested in the topic, I would’ve turned it off immediately.” – Niall Mackay

That’s what I said during this podcast audit, and I meant it. It wasn’t about the content, Arin’s show, Rock and Metal Faith, has a passionate host, a unique niche, and great energy. But the audio quality was so rough that it distracted from everything else.

This episode is a perfect example of why good content isn’t enough if the sound quality turns people away. Arin’s doing so many things right, he’s found a clear niche, he’s consistent, and he’s genuinely having fun, but like most podcasters, he’s also hit some technical and creative hurdles along the way.

This episode is full of practical tips, real examples, and honest conversations that will help you make your own podcast sound and look better.

5 Key Talking Points

Niche Smart – How Arin carved out a unique space in the Christian metal community by blending faith, rock, and SEO strategy.

The Mic Matters – What went wrong with his microphone setup and how to avoid the same mistakes.

Editing Smarter – How Riverside’s transcript editing tools can save hours in post-production.

Artwork & Branding – Why consistency and small design tweaks can make your show look instantly more professional.

AI Show Notes Done Right – How to use AI tools without sounding robotic, and why a great hook line makes all the difference.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 02:00 – Meet Arin Hickman: How he started Rock and Metal Faith and found his podcasting niche.
• 06:00 – Tech Talk: His mic setup, computer upgrade, and the pros and cons of using Riverside.
• 13:00 – SEO, Titles & Artwork: How Arin improved discoverability and what I’d tweak in his design.
• 23:00 – Show Notes, Consistency & Audio Quality: My honest feedback on AI-written notes and audio issues.

35:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice: Tips for engagement, intros/outros, and improving listener experience.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

Thank you to Anii Hoang from The Aspiring CMO podcast for letting me share this episode with you!

In my journey with Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, a pivotal moment emerged when a talented marketing graduate posted on Facebook, expressing her eagerness to contribute blogs for her portfolio.

Our initial conversation left me astounded by her vigor, expertise, and most significantly, her knowledge, particularly in domains like SEO, domain authority, and content crafting.

As the world gradually reopened after the lockdown, a face-to-face meeting over coffee deepened her advice to focus my efforts onto a singular endeavor for bolstered domain authority and SEO impact.

Despite this counsel, I found myself clinging to Seven Million Bikes' multi-dimensional identity, encompassing podcasts, comedy, and events.

The alliance sparked by the aforementioned graduate not only endured but blossomed into an inspiring narrative of growth.

Anii, the graduate, has since carved her own path of accomplishment, establishing her podcast and YouTube channel, aptly named The Aspiring CMO (Chief Marketing Officer).

This platform serves as a repository for insights drawn from genuine experiences, narratives, and individuals within the realms of marketing and entrepreneurship. My admiration for Anii's content is palpable, culminating in a symbiotic exchange.

She graciously invited me to her show as a guest, symbolizing the intersection of our journeys and the transformation of our individual pursuits into shared triumphs.

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

Sign up for Descript now!

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!