Do you know how crucial YouTube thumbnails are to the success of a video? Andrew Armstrong reveals strategies to craft video thumbnails that grab attention and make people click Play!

Discover how the first impression provided by thumbnails can make or break your client's video's success, functioning as a gateway to garner viewers’ interest. Andrew shares how to leverage YouTube's built-in A/B testing tool to identify the most effective designs that keep audiences engaged.

The conversation also touches on how YouTube’s algorithm emphasizes search results based on watch time and audience behavior, shifting the focus from views to meaningful engagement.

• The fundamental role of thumbnails in stopping viewers’ scroll and encouraging video clicks
• How A/B testing tools on YouTube can optimize a video’s performance through effective thumbnail design
• The importance of analyzing watch time and audience behavior to refine thumbnail strategies for increased engagement

(00:00) "YouTube Thumbnails: What you need to know"

(03:18) Algorithm Reflects Audience Behavior

(07:28) Optimal Logo Placement Strategy

(10:07) Video Strategy: Success Elements

(14:14) Thumbnail Testing Strategy

(19:11) Assessing YouTube Channel Legitimacy

(22:57) Maximizing YouTube's Evergreen Potential

Andrew is a content creator, consultant, and storyteller passionate about helping individuals and businesses craft social media and digital content strategies.

He leverages his many years as a full-time YouTuber, and as an industry Social Media Strategist, to help content creators and companies better understand the platforms they work on, the best practices that lead to success, and the behaviors of their audiences.

His wife best describes him as "dangerously competent." For consultations, reach out to dawnforgedmedia@gmail.com

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*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!

This episode has been brought to you by Podcast Editor Academy. We help individuals like you start and grow a business editing and producing podcasts. Find out more at

Apple recently changed the way they display artwork in their Podcasts app.

This is important to note because there can be some negative consequences if you're not following a consistent process or even unaware, as Steve was, about adding artwork to each upload to your clients' media host.

Mathew Passy shares the benefits of having good Show artwork (for the entire podcast), and if there is any value in having Episodic artwork (for each episode).

Key Takeaways:

• The Benefits of a good thumbnail
• Using the headshots in Show artwork
• What NOT to include in Show artwork
• Are there benefits for using EPISODE artwork?
• Getting into Apple's Featured section
• How Apple displays Episode artwork (or not)
• Uploaded Episode artwork doesn't change if rebranding a show
• What about artwork for other reasons (chapters/sponsors)
• Changing Show artwork periodically to highlight events, themes, etc.

BTW: We will also be releasing an episode soon about VIDEO thumbnails. Be sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss that one: https://www.PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

__________________________

About Mathew Passy:

Mathew has 15+ years of podcasting experience, starting with his first show at a NJ radio station. He spent 8 years as a podcast producer for The Wall Street Journal Radio Network and later founded ThePodcastConsultant.com, a successful podcast production and consulting agency, which he sold after 8 years.

Currently, Mathew runs Custom Podcast Solutions, focusing on comprehensive podcast support.

He also hosts Podcasting Tech and serves as a LibsynPro Customer Care Specialist at Libsyn.

Find him, and the cool NFT/beacons at https://conntap.com

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!

*Captivate.fm for media hosting

We use Captivate to host the audio episodes. Captivate offers amazing features for a low monthly price, including full control of dynamic insertion, embedded chapters, and Blocks/Shortcodes to quickly add content to show notes (either static or dynamically!)

*Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to

support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Editors Club Newsletter

Stay in touch with events, live streams, and news that YOU want. Join the Podcast Editors Club Newsletter https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

They say "The💰💰💰is in the list." Are you maximizing the potential of email lists and newsletters for your clients?

The importance of capturing listeners' email addresses can't be underestimated! Personalized welcome sequences ensure engagement and retention that eventually turns into a super-fan who will participate in whatever your client is offering.

Paul Gowder has been harnessing the power of newsletters for years - and comes on the show to share strategies for converting listeners into email subscribers.

Learn how to repurpose past podcast episodes into valuable content that can drive traffic and increase engagement rates. Plus, explore how effective email lists can boost a podcast's reach and complement other marketing efforts, like social media and live streams.

• Why an email list is crucial for growth and how to effectively capture subscriber emails
• The role of personalized welcome sequences and consistent content delivery to build and retain audience engagement
• Repurposing podcast content in newsletters to continually drive traffic (and provide it as a service to your clients)!

(00:00) Paul’s 25+ Years of Growing a List

(06:11) Improving Email Welcome Sequences

(07:24) Converting Podcast Listeners to Subscribers

(10:22) Maximize Podcast Reach with Newsletters

(13:11) Engaging Personally via Newsletters

(19:18) Maximizing Newsletter Value

(26:10) Automated Subscriber Management Solutions

For over 25 years, Paul has been the driving force behind PowWows.com, the largest online community celebrating Native American culture, arts, and traditions. What started as a passion project has grown into a thriving hub, connecting millions of people with the beauty and spirit of Pow Wows.

Paul knows the power of community—because he built one of the most engaged online spaces in the world. His expertise in website development, content creation, social media, and email marketing has not only fueled the success of PowWows.com but also helped countless entrepreneurs grow their own online businesses.

A pioneer in live streaming, blogging, and podcasting, Paul brings the energy of Pow Wows directly to millions of viewers through his website and YouTube channel. With hundreds of Pow Wows visited across North America, he captures and shares the sights, sounds, and stories that make these gatherings so special.

But Paul isn’t just about building communities—he’s about empowering others to do the same. Through public speaking and consulting, he shares his hard-earned insights on navigating the highs and lows of running an online business.

Learn more from Paul at paulgowder.com/podcast

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!

What makes a podcast episode truly engaging - and keeps listeners coming back? The importance of maintaining a structured yet flexible format can’t be stressed enough by our guest, Wendy Wawrzyniak.

Our discussion, no matter which way we turned, ended up landing on one form of consistency or another. Consistency not only enhances a listener’s enjoyment but can also promote sustainability and growth.

Guess what: Consistency also benefits Podcast Editors like you too!

• Why predictability in podcast formats keeps audiences engaged and builds community
• The role of podcast editors as managers and consultants to improve show structure and format
• Tips to streamline production and make better podcasts

(00:00) "Podcast Consistency Over Structure"

(06:07) Keeping listeners engaged mid-episode

(07:20) Consistency: The way to earn Trust with an audience

(10:38) When a podcast changes their episode format

(12:37) Using a compelling clip as a “cold open”

(14:55) How consistency during recording benefits the Podcast Editor

(18:31) Insight on Directing a Podcast

Wendy is an experienced educator, speaker, and consultant, specializing in AP History instruction and content creation strategies. As the founder of AP History Help, she provides online courses, tutoring, and resources to help students excel in AP History courses.

With a background in virtual teaching and curriculum development, Wendy has also created The World is Your Classroom, where she has expanded her expertise to the podcasting world, speaking twice at Podfest and serving as an education consultant for conferences.

She is now leveraging her experience to help podcasters improve their show structure, audience engagement, and presentation skills.

Find her at https://TheWorldisYourClassroom.net

• Connect with Wendy on Instagram
• Connect with Wendy on Facebook
• Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn

• Can you find the content edit points? Send Steve an email with the timestamp(s)
• Want to watch the entire 32 minute, unedited video recording? Email Steve

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. Of course, we removed the phrases “Join us as we dive into”, “Uncover the secret behind” and “elevate your podcasting game” - because we also edit our copy!

What are the consequences of hiring the wrong client? What if you need to make money but don't have any good clients yet? Do you start with UpWork or Fiverr?

Ashley Dickerson-Ellison shares some great stories about leaving her teaching job when they moved overseas for a couple years. She starting her podcast editing business and did what many of us do: Offered services on UpWork.

Make sure you stay to the end for the story about the guy who interrupted her trip, then came back and asked if she had references. It's a horrible, but funny story I think we can all relate to.

• The cost of lower-value clients on commodity job websites
• The mental shift from an employee to self-employed mindset
• Building a personal brand with a podcast and website
• The importance of getting help

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/the-mental-health-of-hiring-the-wrong-client

Ashley Dickson-Ellison has been in the podcasting world since 2018 with the launch of Unabridged, a podcast about books.

She has 17 years of working in education before transitioning to full time podcast work in 2021.

Ashley founded and runs Unabridged Digital Media Solutions, LLC, where she supports podcast launches, offers podcast consultations and strategy support, and provides ongoing podcast management with a full suite of services for several partners.

In her free time, you'll find Ashley exploring the world and spending time outside with her life partner and two daughters. Find her at https://www.ashleydicksonellison.com

Connect with Ashley:

• https://www.ashleydicksonellison.com

Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy Opens April 16th!

The PODCAST EDITOR ACADEMY is re-opening its doors on April 16th. The "PEA" is the only membership resource made solely for Podcast Editors. It offers audio & video editing tutorials, sales scripts to make it easier (for you to send that scary client email about raising rates 😰), and some new courses containing EXCLUSIVE BONUS material from guests on the Podcast Editors Mastermind Show. The PEA is THE "How to edit podcasts for a living” resource, and you get an hour of one-on-one coaching with Steve Stewart when signing up for either a Quarterly or Annual recurring membership. Let us help you improve your skills AND your income.

Podcast Editor Academy

Podcast Editors Club Newsletter

Stay in touch with events, live streams, and news that YOU want. Join the Podcast Editors Club Newsletter https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

The word for 2024 in podcasting was "CHANGE". We had the rise of AI, the increasing importance of video, and key industry leaders leaving their roles.

Podcast Editors Club members emphasized the need to sound natural and not scripted, navigate the complications of offering video editing, and the significance of knowing how to use dynamic ad insertion.

We particularly highlight the importance of staying adaptable and diversifying income streams to maintain staying power. Podcast Editors like you can enhance your value by offering SEO services, collateral for social media, and media host management. Most importantly, Podcast Editors need to effectively communicate the value of these services to their clients to ensure continued growth and success in the evolving podcasting landscape.

• Rise of AI tools and the significance of sounding natural
• Importance of video components and challenges in video editing
• Dynamic ad insertion as a valuable skill for editors
• Staying adaptable and diversifying income streams
• Effective communication of the value of additional services

Note: Ai was used to generate the basis of this episode summary.

Special thanks to Podcast Editors Club community members:

• Joshua Liston
• Roy Garcia
• Sarah Decker
• Matthew Bliss
• Dave Jackson
• Mike Wilkerson

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/whats-critical-for-a-podcast-in-2025

Join the Podcast Editors Club newsletter for free:

https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Editors Club Newsletter

Stay in touch with events, live streams, and news that YOU want. Join the Podcast Editors Club Newsletter https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

The Podcast Editor Academy Opens April 16th!

The PODCAST EDITOR ACADEMY is re-opening its doors on April 16th. The "PEA" is the only membership resource made solely for Podcast Editors. It offers audio & video editing tutorials, sales scripts to make it easier (for you to send that scary client email about raising rates 😰), and some new courses containing EXCLUSIVE BONUS material from guests on the Podcast Editors Mastermind Show. The PEA is THE "How to edit podcasts for a living” resource, and you get an hour of one-on-one coaching with Steve Stewart when signing up for either a Quarterly or Annual recurring membership. Let us help you improve your skills AND your income.

Podcast Editor Academy

You are a podcast editor, otherwise why are you listening to this show?

You wanna know how to make it as a podcast editor, whether professionally, or as a serious side hustle, or if you just want to get better at editing your own podcast.

If you're a Podcast Editor, Manager, or Producer...this is the show for you!

And since you're a Podcast Editor/Manager/Producer, I don't need to tell you how to follow this show in your favorite podcast app 😉.

However, to stay in touch with other information that can help Podcast Editors like you, subscribe for free to the https://www.PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter.

We will see YOU on the other side of the mic!

Are you charging enough?

Do you charge more or less than your peers?

What can you do to earn more for your podcast editing efforts?

Find out as we reveal the rates and effective hourly rates being charged by indie podcasters just like you!

Episode Notes: https://podcasteditorsmastermind.com/episode/the-2024-podcast-editor-industry-survey-reveal-

• Editors charged $199 USD for an average hour-long episode
• They spent less time to complete the task, making their effective hourly average rate higher!
• We also discuss which additional services seem to impact what editors charge for their audio editing projects

• Get the survey slides by signing up for the free Podcast Editor Academy newsletter
• Receive special access and benefits by joining The Mastermind

This episode of the Podcast Editors Mastermind was edited by Alejandro Ramirez. You can find him on LinkedIn if you're interested in talking with him about editing your show.