It’s safe to say that audio content is HOT right now. And it has continued to gain popularity over the past few years.
With more people jumping on the podcasting bandwagon, there’s a good chance the thought of launching one of your own has crossed your mind.
If so, you’re in luck! This #ContentWritingChat recap is packed with amazing tips for starting a podcast and making sure it’s a success.
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Launching & Running a Captivating Podcast in 2019 with Ross Brand
Welcome to #ContentWritingChat! 👋🏻
Today, we’re joined by our guest host, @iRossBrand! Ross is a broadcast consultant and talk show host. And he’s joining us today to share some of his tips on podcasting! 🎙 pic.twitter.com/VKc1Mg27FT
— Express Writers | Your Content Writing Team (@ExpWriters) July 2, 2019
Our guest host for this month’s chat was Ross Brand. Ross is a broadcast consultant and talk show host. He’s been a guest on #ContentWritingChat before and it’s always a delight to have him join us!
Q1: What makes podcasting a content format worth considering in 2019? Is it something that anyone should do?
Before you dive in and start recording your first episode, we need to determine if podcasting is the right move for you. Here’s what you need to know:
A1-a) #Podcasting is worth considering because it’s such a personal form of communication. It’s you talking to your listener in their ear buds, in their car, on their smart speaker. They can download your podcast and take it with them even when offline. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A1-b) Podcasting has the potential to hold the consumer longer. 1) There aren’t the distractions of watching a video or looking at social media. 2) People often listen while doing other things which means they are less likely to “flip through the channels.” #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A1-c) Studies have shown that, for the same piece of content, average listen times are far longer than average view times on video. People are more likely to listen to a podcast all the way through than they would with a video. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Ross feels podcasting is a personal form of communication that has the potential to hold a person’s interests longer. As he pointed out, podcasts are great for listening while doing other things. And with average listening times longer than viewing times on videos, that’s definitely a plus.
A1: Podcasts are the way to get in front of multi-taskers, that’s for sure. I know so many people who listen to them while they’re driving to work, doing Analytics reports, etc.
They can be VERY effective if you get in front of the right audience. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/dIKcl3KkHJ
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) July 2, 2019
Sarah also mentioned how podcasts are perfect for multitasking. You can easily tune in while working out, commuting, taking care of chores, etc.
A1-d) Not everyone needs to podcast. #Podcasting might not be for you if you don’t enjoy it, if your talents are better suited for other types of content creation, if your customers don’t listen to podcasts or if you aren’t getting any business from it. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Ross also said that not everyone needs to have a podcast. If you don’t enjoy podcasting, don’t force it! Consider your talents and where you really shine. That’s where you should direct your focus. You’ll also want to consider whether or not your target audience listens to podcasts. If they aren’t listening, it probably won’t be worth it.
A1) I wouldn’t say podcasting is something anyone *should* do, but it is a content format that anyone *can* do.
Just like the video boom 2 years ago, podcasting has exploded to the point there’s so many out there now, it’s getting harder to stand out.#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/NwuAiFodLZ
— Jason Schemmel – Speaker & Podcaster #GSDChat🎙️🤯 (@JasonSchemmel) July 2, 2019
Jason agrees that podcasting isn’t necessarily for everyone, but it is something anyone can do if it’s where your heart is. Getting started doesn’t have to be difficult and we’ll share more tips on that in a moment.
A1 51% people (approx. 165 million people) have listened to a podcast, and 32% listen to podcasts at least once a month (though many listen much more frequently than that). These are current stats (via Apple at WWDC 2018) proving that #podcasting is in. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/nn3Hm6JW8M
— The Content Hacker™ (@content_hackers) July 2, 2019
These stats are proving the growing popularity of podcasts! 32% of people listen to a podcast at least once per month, but many tune in more frequently. Wouldn’t you like to throw your podcast into the mix? If the answer is yes, keep reading!
Q2: You’re ready to get started with your very first podcast… What are the essentials that you need?
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to have tons of expensive equipment to launch a podcast. You can easily get started with just a few essentials.
A2-a) You need a mic, quiet place to record, software to capture & edit your voice & a media host for your MP3 files that also provides the feed (RSS) to #podcast directories. You also need a show title, cover art, show theme/topics. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A2-b) If you’re new to #podcasting and don’t have gear, I would recommend starting with the @samsontech Q2u USB mic & inexpensive boom arm from @neewerofficial. For free editing software, Audacity & Garage Band are popular. You can record into these programs. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
First, you’ll definitely need a microphone, a quiet space to record, and software to capture all of your audio. Ross shared some fo his favorites to help you get started, so definitely check those out.
A2-c) I record live using @streamyardapp, a video production software that makes it easy to bring in guests. Then I download the recording from Facebook or YouTube and detach the audio in my editing software. I also record audio locally for better quality. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A2-d) Your host for your media files should be different (in most cases) from your website host. I use @spreaker & @libsyn. @podbeancom & @Simplecast are also popular options. Send your RSS feed to @ApplePodcasts @GooglePlay @Spotify @Stitcher @iHeartRadio. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
And of course you’ll need a place to host your podcast. Recommendations from Ross include Spreaker, Libsyn, Podbean, and Simplecast. Then, you’ll need to send an RSS feed to Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeart Radio to reach your audience where they’re tuning in.
A2) The starter pack:
– A decent mic (note: expensive isn’t necessary)
– Laptop/PC
– Stable internet connectionThat’s all you need. Outside of that, there’s plenty of free tools to record, edit, and publish your podcast.#ContentWritingChat
— Jason Schemmel – Speaker & Podcaster #GSDChat🎙️🤯 (@JasonSchemmel) July 2, 2019
Jason’s podcasting essentials include a decent microphone (which doesn’t have to break the bank), a computer, and a stable internet connection. With plenty of free tools to record your audio, you’ll be ready to go in no time.
A2a: I started my podcast back in 2011 using my iPhone’s smartphone microphone…did that for years before leveling up to a mic + mixer + laptop setup. Don’t let tools be the barrier to #podcasting entry. #contentwritingchat
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) July 2, 2019
Ray actually started his podcast in 2011 by just using iPhone. Although he eventually upgraded to a fancier setup, it’s a reminder that you can get started with what you have right now. Don’t feel the pressure to have the best of the best in terms of equipment. You can always upgrade later.
A2: In addition to the appropriate software and hardware, it’s key to have a strategic content plan. What are you discussing? Why? Who will you talk to? What’s the takeaway message? The plan needs to be clear! #contentwritingchat https://t.co/RWpCHx1ZGI
— Caitlin Kinser (@caitlinmarie89) July 2, 2019
Besides all the tech, it’s also important that you have a strategic content plan. Caitlin knows this is essential to running a podcast because you want to make sure you’re providing value to your listeners and giving them what they want.
A2.
#1: On what subject or content your podcast is
#2: Format os podcast (Audio or Video)
#3: Frequency (Weekly, fortnight, monthly)
#4: Length and timing of your total podcast timings
#5: Quality, Authenticity, Creativity, and Interactiveness#ContentWritingChat
— ⚡ Vraj Shah 📸 (@vrajshahspeaks) July 2, 2019
It’s also wise to consider things such as: the topic of your podcast, whether you’ll add video as well, the frequency, and more. Plan it out!
Q3: No one wants their listeners to tune out, so how do you keep them intrigued all the way through your episode?
The last thing you want is for someone to fall asleep listening to your podcast. So, how can you hold their attention and prevent them from getting distracted? Check out these tips:
A3-a) #Podcasting has built-in advantages over radio and live broadcasts for retaining listeners: 1) Everyone starts at the beginning and listens sequentially to the episode 2) the way we listen to podcasts generally has fewer distractions than other media. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A3-b) Keep your intro brief. Avoid a long series of announcements, keep intro music short, save most of your calls to action to the end, when your most loyal listeners & people who are enjoying the episode are still engaged. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A3-c) Keep your energy and pacing up. Cut out any parts of the episode where you feel it lags or lacks interest. Tease what’s coming up and/or play a clip from the podcast in the first 30 seconds to grab listener interest #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Ross suggests keeping your intro brief, avoiding a long series of announcements, and keeping your intro music short to begin with. He also advises keeping most of the calls to action until the end of the podcast, which is when they’ll be more likely to follow-up anyway. Another tip he shared was to keep your energy throughout and ditch parts where the episode lags.
A3 Be creative, different, and specific. For example, a podcast interview can go the typical route, who the expert is/what they do/tips… unless you spice it up by adding some intriguing questions, or diving deep into a niche/hot topic. 🔥 #ContentWritingChat
— The Content Hacker™ (@content_hackers) July 2, 2019
Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix it up! You don’t have to do things exactly the same way that other podcasters do. You can experiment and see what works best for you and your listeners.
A3: Regardless of your topic, podcasting is storytelling. Make sure that you’ve got a clearly planned structure with a beginning, middle and end. You can even give your listeners a roadmap at the beginning of the episode to let them know what to expect. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/u8k7ACteIq
— Caitlin Kinser (@caitlinmarie89) July 2, 2019
Tell a story in your episodes and you’ll take your listeners on a journey with you. They’ll be so engaged that they won’t want to stop listening.
A3: The format I recommend is
a) Intro
b) Tease (what nugget of value are you going to share with them embedded in the episode?)
c) Give them value.
d) Tease (what nugget of value are you going to share with them in the next episode?)
e) Closing#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/hiYp1Ug57P— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) July 2, 2019
This format from Ray is worth trying out with an episode of your own! Adding a teaser to the beginning lets listeners know what to expect and intrigues them enough to keep listening.
A3: As with any type of content, there needs to be something that goads the listener/reader into some type of action (CTA).
I want to hear humor and lively conversation. If you have good guests/topics this should hold their attention in addition to that.#contentwritingchat https://t.co/X8ZyS89rDV
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) July 2, 2019
Sarah wants to hear a lively conversation between the host and the guest. Choosing the right guests and topics makes a huge difference. And don’t forget to lead listeners to a call to action.
Q4: Many podcast episodes feature interviews. Can you share some tips on being a great host when working with guests?
When running a podcast, you’re likely going to be doing interviews with guests. This can feel intimidating if you’ve never interviewed someone before, but it doesn’t have to be scary. These tips will ensure it’s a hit:
A4-a) For #podcast interviews, it’s of course important to know your guest and what you want to talk to that person about. You may need to do some research and think about what questions you want to and put them on paper before the interview. But… #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A4–b) The most important interviewing skill is listening. Don’t ask a question just because it’s on your list. You’ll find rich subjects to talk about in your guest’s answers & you won’t end up asking them about something they already addressed. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Always research your guest before the episode to come up with questions that are relevant. You’ll want to consider current projects that your guest is working on because that will always be great to discuss. And as Ross said, make sure you’re listening to your guests as they speak.
A4: Want to be a great host when working with guests:
1. Offer the questions ahead of time.
2. Let the guest talk.
3. Have a conversation instead of a question and answer session.
4. Make it fun for the guest.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/jkDz9g0cPn
— Kathryn Lang (@Kathrynclang) July 2, 2019
Kathryn suggests sending the questions to your guest ahead of time. This allows for any changes to be made, plus your guest can come prepared. Once you hop on the call, ask your questions, listen, and just let the conversation flow.
A4: Aside from chemistry, which is not something you can change, discussing the podcast in advance is a great idea, even if it’s just a brief overview of the workflow. #ContentWritingChat
— Michael Joseph (@LoneDigiMarketr) July 2, 2019
It also helps to discuss the podcast ahead of time. What’s your show all about? What is your audience most interested in? How will the process of recording the episode go? All of these things will prep your guest ahead of time.
Q5: As a podcast host, should you also create show notes for listeners to check out? What are the pros and cons?
Show notes are common for podcasters to create along with each episode. But are they really worth it? Let’s weigh the pros and cons…
A5-a) The only con I can see for doing show notes is the time involved. At the least, the show notes should introduce the topic of the episode, bio for the guests and a few links related to the show. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A5-b) Show notes have many benefits : CTAs w/ links that go out to podcast directories. Show notes can form the basis of a blog post about the episode, which is good for SEO and for putting content on your blog. You can link to related content or products. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Ross feels the only downside to creating show notes is that they can be time-consuming. However, they do provide benefits that you might want to take advantage of. You can add CTAs with links, links to related content or paid offerings, and it’s a bonus for SEO.
A5: Show notes can be really helpful, depending on your topic. If you’re citing research or talking about important resources, it’s 🔑 to have show notes with all of those links! #contentwritingchat https://t.co/pxanattoqr
— Caitlin Kinser (@caitlinmarie89) July 2, 2019
Caitlin feels show notes can be really helpful. It’s an opportunity to cite research, mention important resources, and more. This is your place to add any relevant links so they’re easier for listeners to access.
A5: Absolutely. I ALWAYS want the option of reading what a podcast is about before I commit to listening to it all the way through.
Pros: scannable content to grab attention, helps w/SEO
Cons: time-consuming#contentwritingchat https://t.co/r4Ygearmsd
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) July 2, 2019
For Sarah, she loves having the option to scan show notes before she commits to listening to a podcast episode. And as she mentioned, it helps with SEO too.
A5 Yes! As a podcast listener, show notes are so helpful. As an SEO, show notes (or, better, full transcripts) are so valuable! #contentwritingchat pic.twitter.com/QVTSu6MTZK
— Alexis Katherine (@estherproject) July 2, 2019
Alexis agrees show notes are great for SEO, but she feels providing a full transcript is even better. In those cases, it makes your podcast more accessible. If someone is hearing-impaired, they can read the show notes instead.
A5 I ALWAYS create show notes for @writepodcast. My team @ExpWriters writes them for me. We’ve definitely gotten more shares, mentions, and links because of that. More formats to digest is usually better, if you have the capacity. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy (@JuliaEMcCoy) July 2, 2019
Julia always has show notes for The Write Podcast. The team here at Express Writers puts them together and they’ve helped increase shares, mentions, and links.
Q6: Now that you’re steadily pumping out new podcast episodes, what action steps can you take to get new listeners?
Once you have content ready to go, you need to start earning listeners. They won’t always just come to you, so it’s better to be proactive! These tips will help you attract more people:
A6-a) Promote on social media, via email, on live video. Share brief clips on social media in video form. Remember when promoting a guest to tell people why you are having that guest on and the value they will bring. Same concept with a show topic. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A6-b) Find ways to interact with your audience. Live videos are great ways for podcast audiences to connect with you & ask you questions in real time. It doesn’t have to be recording the episode live. Jump on FB or IG and just chat with your community. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Make sure you’re sharing your podcast episodes on your social media channels and with your email list. Ross suggests sharing clips of the episodes to leave your audience wanting more. You can also go live to connect with listeners and dive deeper into episodes while answering their questions.
A6-c) It’s not enough just to link to Apple Podcasts (iTunes). Android has a huge share of international market and @spotify is rising fast as a podcast listening app. Have multiple buttons with links on your website #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Also, don’t just submit your podcast to Apple. There are other platforms, like Spotify, to consider as well!
A6: Make sure to get listed in all the major podcast directories and app listings. It’s a bit like the DMOZ days for podcasts, where you need to manually register your RSS 2.0 feed with them in order to be found. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/VZQF3eHsAg
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) July 2, 2019
Ray suggests taking action to get your podcast listed on various directories. This can help you gain exposure to so many more people.
A6: I’m writing a piece now that covers how to repurpose your podcast into other pieces of content that you can then plug into your marketing efforts & share-helps draw more listeners, too. Exs: blog posts, pull quotes to turn into social media posts, etc. #contentwritingchat
— Michelle Garrett (@PRisUs) July 2, 2019
Michelle suggests repurposing your podcast episodes into other pieces of content. You can create blog posts from them, pull quotes to create social media posts, and so much more.
A6 Ask for reviews! Real, honest podcast reviews work to pull in the attention of podcast fans browsing for new shows. Create social profiles just for the show for people to follow. Ask your guests to share their episodes on their networks. #ContentWritingChat
— The Content Hacker™ (@content_hackers) July 2, 2019
Don’t forget to ask for reviews! This will help draw people in who come across your podcast for the first time since they can see what other listeners have to say about it.
Q7: How do you know if podcasting is working for you? What kind of feedback or metrics should you be watching for?
When it comes to your podcast, you likely want it to be a success. But what exactly does a successful podcast look like? Which metrics are important to track? Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
A7-a) If #podcasting is a hobby, it’s working for you if you’re enjoying it. No other metric should matter. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
If you’re podcasting as a hobby, the metrics likely won’t matter as much to you. You won’t necessarily be worried about subscriber growth and conversions, which is totally okay.
A7-b) If you are #podcasting on behalf of a business, then the ultimate metric is net income. Can you identify clients and customers gained as a result of your podcast? A leading indicator could be calls booked or email sign-ups resulting from the podcast. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A7-c) Unless your business model is based around podcast advertising and sponsorship, I’d be wary of placing too much importance on downloads & listens. A 10-download episode that leads to 3 client calls is better than a 10k download episode w/ no calls. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
However, if you’re podcasting for business… You’ll want to see the value in all the work you’re putting in. Are you generating income from the podcast? You’ll want to make sure you can identify which clients and customers came from your podcast. It’s important to see your audience taking action.
A7-d) Whether #podcasting for fun or business, listen to the listeners. You learn what aspects of your show resonate with them & why they listen. This guides you on how to shape future episodes. It’s also rewarding to hear your podcast has a positive impact. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Another great piece of advice from Ross is that you should always listen to your audience. It doesn’t matter if your podcast is a hobby or for business. Learn about their interests and consider this when creating future episodes.
A7) There’s a few things:
1) Guests are interested in coming on your show
2) Number of listens/downloads
3) Average time of each listen (how far do they listen? Are your episodes too short or long?)Those are solid stats to get you started.#ContentWritingChat
— Jason Schemmel – Speaker & Podcaster #GSDChat🎙️🤯 (@JasonSchemmel) July 2, 2019
If you see that guests are interested in coming soon your show, you’re getting a good amount of listens/downloads, and the average listen time is great… Then you’re on the right track!
A7.
1. Through active listeners on your podcast
2. Consistency of subscribers and new listeners
3. #SocialMedia engagements & shoutouts
4. Reviews and thoughts about the podcasts#ContentWritingChat
— ⚡ Vraj Shah 📸 (@vrajshahspeaks) July 2, 2019
Another thing to watch out for is engagement on social media. Is your podcast generating conversations? And if so, what are people saying?
A7 I look for conversations and episode mentions from listeners. Sometimes that’s an email sent to me, sometimes a social share. The more convos around a particular episode, the more it seems to resonate and also perform well in listens/downloads. #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy (@JuliaEMcCoy) July 2, 2019
Julia also agrees that conversations are important. There’s nothing more satisfying that seeing conversations taking place around the work you’ve created.
A7: I look to the reviews on Apple Podcasts, listener feedback from our contact form on the podcast website, all the stats (from your media hosting service (@blubrry does a great job of this!) and directories (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, etc.). #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/mSouF1O6Rt
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) July 2, 2019
Ray suggests looking at the reviews listeners leave. This will give you a good idea of what’s working and what’s not.
Q8: What’s one thing all podcast hosts can do moving forward to ensure their episodes are captivating and their show is successful?
To end the chat, we asked everyone to share a final piece of advice for all podcast hosts. Here are a few of the responses we received:
A8-a) There’s no easy button for podcasting. It takes time to find your sweet spot where what you enjoy creating, what types of content your talents are suited for, and what an audience resonates with all intersect. Confidence builds w/ time & practice. #contentwritingchat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
A8-b) Not sure anything can guarantee a successful show. If I had to pick that which most captivating & successful shows have — it’s hosts who are passionate about the subject matter & bring good energy to each episode. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Brand #SMWL19 (@iRossBrand) July 2, 2019
Ross said to find the sweet spot of what you enjoy creating, what your talents are suited for, and what resonates with your audience. When you can do this, you stand a better chance at creating a captivating podcast. When you’re passionate and can bring the energy, it shows.
A8: As with any online/marketing content — KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.
Don’t just do podcasts “because we should.” Do them because there’s a need and a point. #contentwritingchat https://t.co/DXfm76Cl87
— ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) July 2, 2019
Know your audience! Create a podcast because you know your audience is interested in this format and record episodes with them in mind.
Q8: Hosts should know what people want to talk/hear about. Also, understand your current audience before trying to grow your audience. Determine what is currently resonating with them & tweak what’s not so you can plan next steps. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/X4bc2s7IrH
— AC Tweets (@ACoplin) July 2, 2019
When you know what resonates with your current readers, you can plan your next steps and create the content they’re interested in tuning into.
A8 Speak to your audience, their interests, and allow your guest ample room for their voice and opinions. Avoid controversy (bringing up touchy topics, debating) just for the sake of it. End with a CTA to a relevant freebie or your website! #ContentWritingChat
— Julia McCoy (@JuliaEMcCoy) July 2, 2019
Julia’s advice is to consider the interests of your audience, allow your guest room to voice their thoughts, avoid controversy, and end with a CTA.
A8: Listen to others’ good/great podcasts! The podcasters I see fail to build an audience are not on the pulse of what’s working for others, because they’re not listeners themselves. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/XEiZtEyouJ
— Ray Sidney-Smith (@w3consulting) July 2, 2019
Listen to other podcasts! You can learn a lot from other creators, whether they’re in your field or not. Don’t be afraid to branch out.
A8) Keep it interesting…for you, for any guests you have, and for your audience.
Over time, when people see the consistency of your episodes and keep getting value out of it, they’ll keep coming back and recommend it to other people, too!#ContentWritingChat
— Jason Schemmel – Speaker & Podcaster #GSDChat🎙️🤯 (@JasonSchemmel) July 2, 2019
And finally, Jason said to keep it interesting for you, your guests, and your audience.
Want to join us for the next #ContentWritingChat? It happens on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central! Follow @ExpWriters and @writingchat to stay updated.