Mastering the Art of Podcasting in EdTech: Insights from Dustin Ramsdell

Learn from a Seasoned Podcaster's Journey and Tips for Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for edtech organizations to connect with their audience. In this episode of the Edtech Marketing Podcast, Mateo Elvira, a former tech sales rep turned digital marketer, delves into the world of podcasting with guest Dustin Ramsdell , the creator and host of the Higher Ed Geek Podcast , which has been running for close to five and a half years. In this insightful conversation, Dustin shares his journey into podcasting, the podcasting landscape in the edtech industry, valuable tips for beginners, and the nuances of creating and hosting a successful podcast.

The Power of Podcasting in EdTech:

Podcasting has proven to be a pivotal tool for edtech organizations to leverage in their digital marketing strategies. Dustin Ramsdell underscores the value of podcasting as a means to distinguish oneself, network, and provide professional development opportunities. As the education sector undergoes rapid changes, podcasts provide an accessible and consistent avenue to share insights, connect with industry professionals, and add value to the edtech community.

Dustin’s Journey into Podcasting:

Dustin shares his foray into podcasting, revealing that prior to the Higher Ed Geek Podcast, he had hosted a different show for over two years. He focused on personal branding, leveraging a blog and social media under the "Higher Ed Geek" moniker. The decision to start the podcast was informed by his experience, enjoyment in podcasting, and the perceived opportunity in the higher education podcasting landscape. His journey reflects the evolution of his show, from broad themes to a more focused exploration of higher ed tech and professionals. This evolution showcases the adaptability and responsiveness required to thrive in the podcasting arena.

The Podcast Format and Guest Selection:

Dustin Ramdsell embraced an interview format for his podcast, recognizing its ubiquity and effectiveness in facilitating genuine conversations and delving deep into various topics. The podcast's name, "Higher Ed Geek," was a deliberate infusion of Dustin’s traditional higher ed background and his lifelong geeky interests. His diverse pool of interviewees included a twitch streamer, geek fashion designer, author of graphic novels, and professionals in higher ed tech. Over time, the podcast evolved to resonate more with higher ed tech as the industry experienced significant growth, reflecting Dustin’s sensitivity to the audience's preferences and industry trends.

Tips for Podcast Consistency and Growth:

Consistency stands as the hallmark of a successful podcast. Dustin emphasizes that consistency is subjective and can be tailored to individual capabilities. Adapting to realistic schedules and learning from experiences, such as broadcasting rebroadcast episodes during breaks, illustrates the podcast's resilience and the importance of maintaining a continuous presence for the audience. Advice for new podcasters includes the significance of obtaining a quality microphone, providing clarity and investment in the podcasting endeavor.

Effective Podcasting Strategies and Content Creation:

Dustin highlights the essence of storytelling and genuine engagement in podcasting, discouraging excessive self-promotion and commercialized content. Additionally, he discusses the importance of audience consideration in content creation, mindful of the various platforms through which listeners consume podcasts. The advice extends to podcast hosts, encouraging them to hone their skills and bring authenticity and relevance to podcast conversations, ultimately creating engaging and impactful content.

Tools and Resources for Podcasting Success:

Dustin recommends several tools for podcasting, including Riverside and Zencaster for recording, Libsyn as a hosting service, and Audacity as a free audio editing software. He also dispels the notion that a high-end microphone is essential, advocating for practical and cost-effective options, emphasizing the importance of clear audio delivery over extravagant equipment.

Leveraging podcasting as a digital marketing tool empowers organizations to forge meaningful connections, share expertise, and engage with their audience. As podcasting continues to flourish, Dustin Ramsdell’s insights shine a light on the art of podcasting, imparting invaluable wisdom for podcasters aiming to make their mark in the edtech industry.

Watch the full episode here

"Consistency is definitely name of the game. People know that they can rely on the show........consistency is what you make it. So if you want to post once a month, every other week or do twelve episodes straight over the summer, just figure that out and you could also change that over time."