I’m a huge fan of podcasts because they are an easy way to consume a tremendous amount of new information even if you’re super busy and always on the go. Simply subscribe, and then listen from your phone, tablet, or laptop from anywhere, whenever it’s convenient for you. And unlike some random website, you can quickly determine whether the hosts of a podcast know what they’re talking about because the major aggregators, such as iTunes and Stictcher, provide listener reviews.
I subscribe to about three dozen podcasts and I’m always on the lookout for more, so I know finding a good podcast is a bit like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. That’s why I’ve taken the time to curate a list of some of the best podcast episodes I’ve heard throughout 2016.
You can listen to all of these episodes without even leaving this page, and if you like what you hear, there are links right below each player to the page for that episode, as well as the podcast’s website, Twitter profile, and Facebook page. (If applicable.) I recommend subscribing to each of these podcasts because they regularly share valuable information that will help your business become more successful.
I’d also like to ask you to link to and share this page so that others can benefit from the information shared in these podcasts too. And if there’s a particular episode missing that you think should be listed here, let us know so we can consider adding it.
And now, on to Spartan Media’s list of the best marketing podcast episodes of 2016…
Webcology
On-Page SEO Tips and Tricks with Jon Henshaw
Webcology is the ultimate podcast to dig into the science behind search engine optimization, and in this episode, co-hosts Jim Hedger and Dave Davies interview Raven Tools co-founder, Jon Henshaw, about on-page SEO techniques. Whether you’re brand new to search engine optimization or have been in the trenches since before Google existed, you’re guaranteed to learn something new and useful here.
Amy Porterfield
Facebook Ad Targeting 101
Facebook is easily the most powerful marketing platform available today, and in this episode, Amy Porterfield, the undisputed expert in Facebook marketing, breaks down Facebook ad targeting in a way that makes it easy for beginners to understand while going deep enough for even the most experienced marketers to learn from.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
The Tim Ferris Show
How Creatives Should Negotiate
Negotiation is critical for all entrepreneurs, and when armed with the powerful advice from Ramit Sethi, you too can become a master of this skill. In this episode, Tim Ferris, the Jason Bourne of the business world, shares several courses that Ramit taught on the topic that are each loaded with actionable information that will improve the negotiating skills of even seasoned entrepreneurs.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Copyblogger FM
Content Marketing Shout-Out: Orbit Media and Andy Crestodina
Producing new content on a regular basis is no longer optional. Today, if you aren’t utilizing content marketing to stay in front of potential customers, you’re going to be drowned out by your competitors who are. Most content on the web is simply uninspiring, regurgitated trash, but Andy Crestodina shares his experience in strategically producing remarkable content that gets shared, linked to, and earns attention from your audience.
Building a Story Brand
How to Be the Guide and Attract More Customers
Positioning yourself as a guide to your customers is a proven way to build their trust, because instead of a traditional customer/vendor relationship, they see a mutual journey that you’re taking together. Few people are better at this than Dave Ramsey, and the guys at at Story Brand masterfully dissect how he consistently nails it and outline how you can do the same.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
The Art of Likability
A Strategy on How to Get in With VIPs
Arel Moodie, the host of The Art of Likability, is the kind of person you just feel better after listening to because he’s so positive and authentic. He explains in this episode how to build rapport with VIPs, which is invaluable because it’s a skill that’s essential in any profession, yet most people do it poorly.
Ask Pat
How Can I Get Facebook Influencers to Share My Content?
You can create the best content in the world, but if no one sees it, it’s useless. In this episode of Ask Pat, Pat Flynn breaks down exactly how to get your best content seen, and more importantly, shared by the influencers in your industry to create exposure and help you demonstrate the expertise, authority, and trust needed to convert visitors into buyers.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Smart Passive Income
How to Automate Your Business to Save Time and Make More Money with Dana Malstaff
We all know that we should work smarter, not just harder, and Dana Malstaff from Boss Mom shows you how to leverage technology to do exactly that for a more efficient, productive, and profitable business. Regardless of your industry or the size of your business, you’ll find dozens of ways to automate your business so you can focus on your most important tasks in this episode of Smart Passive Income.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
The Art of Charm
Advanced Selling with Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale
Selling is essential in every business, and quite frankly, most people suck at it, but Bill Caskey and Bryan Neale are the guys who can help you change that. They were interviewed by Jordan Harbinger on one of my favorite podcasts, The Art of Charm, and I was thoroughly impressed with their knowledge, skills, and communication style. If you want to improve your sales skills—and let’s be honest, we all have room to improve in this area, then consider this episode required listening.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Beginner Internet Podcast
LinkedIn Marketing—How to Get More Qualified Clients with This Business Network
LinkedIn is a powerful, yet underutilized social network, and in this episode, Jonathan Taylor interviews Cheryl Spangler to learn how she made $17 million in just 12 months from it. The strategies you’ll learn here will help you use LinkedIn to quickly and efficiently prospect for the new leads you need to grow your business.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Copy Chief
Authority Robbing Words
Every word we use, whether verbal, digital, or in print, has a direct impact on how people perceive us. Kevin Rogers discusses exactly which words to use and which to avoid to craft more powerful and trustworthy communications.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Edge of the Web
Combining SEO & PR – Learning From Failed Pitches w/Cosette Jarrett
Both public relations and search engine optimization depend on effective pitching to earn media coverage and links. You can either learn from trial and error, or you can save yourself a lot of time by learning from someone else’s mistakes, and in this episode, Cosette Jarrett’s shares insight gained both from her own failed pitches as well as failed pitches she’s seen from others in this enlightening interview.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Being Boss
Discounts Are Bullshit
A lot of people are too eager to offer discounts in an attempt to land new customers, but often, that can backfire by damaging your perceived value. Emily Thompson & Kathleen Shannon explain why discounts are bullshit and how they can damage your brand, revenue, and the health of your business.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Content Warefare Podcast
Creating Authentic Speaking Performances with Michael Port
Public speaking can be a powerful tool in creating exposure and building authority, but it’s also something that most people avoid because it terrifies them. Fortunately, that fear comes mostly from being unprepared, and Michael Port shares his advice to eliminate that problem and help you craft a compelling presentation.
SEO 101
Should Google’s RankBrain Matter to You? With Special Guest David Harry
Search engine optimization is constantly evolving to keep up with the algorithms that determine where a page ranks, and Google’s RankBrain is easily the most significant update we’ve seen yet. SEO 101 co-hosts John Carcut and Ross Dunn interview David Harry to explain what RankBrain is, how Google is using AI to rank websites, and what marketers need to do for successful SEO going forward.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Marketing Nerds
How to Build a Bigger Brand Online with Christina Baldassarre
Your brand shows potential customers why they should do business with you, so it’s important to make a powerful impression. Christina Baldassarre packs in a ton of great advice on exactly how to build the kind of brand that people will trust, engage with, and buy from in this information-packed interview.
Episode | Website | Twitter | Facebook
Webcology
Mistakes Smart Web Designers Make that Can Kill SEO
Despite being great at designing beautiful websites, even many of the best web designers often make mistakes that can kill your SEO efforts, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, co-hosts Jim Hedger and Dave Davies interview Spartan Media’s founder, Jeremy Knauff, about these common mistakes and how to avoid them.