ADA.News Growth (Daily Podcast)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

ADA.News Ltd

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

The ADA.News Portal offers a handcrafted news indexer, providing high-quality information about the entire ecosystem w/ categorized news. We propose hosting a daily podcast to expand on this idea.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All content and respective sources will be available in the description of each episode.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The ADA.News Portal was recently launched, offering a handcrafted news indexer that provides high-quality information across the entire ecosystem. It categorizes news by key areas such as DeFi, AI, DePIN, RWA, governance, NFTs, memecoins, gaming, trading, regulation, Intersect, developers, scams, partner networks, events, Cardano's roadmap, and development updates. This portal stands as the best source of consolidated information on the Cardano ecosystem.

In addition to the portal, we propose launching a 366 daily podcast, with a duration of 20 minutes, on major audio streaming platforms. This podcast will act as a crucial marketing vector, promoting not only individual projects running on the network but also the Cardano network as a whole. The aim of this initiative is to attract new participants to the ecosystem and generate widespread excitement and engagement.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will serve as a significant marketing vector for both the individual projects operating on the Cardano network and the network itself. By creating engaging and informative podcast content, we aim to raise awareness about the diverse initiatives within the ecosystem, showcasing their unique features and benefits.

This initiative is designed to attract new participants, including developers, investors, and enthusiasts, thereby fostering a vibrant and active community. Additionally, by generating widespread excitement around the Cardano ecosystem, we can encourage collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among existing community members. Ultimately, our project will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Cardano network, reinforcing its position as a leader in the blockchain space.

We aim to reach at least 300 daily listeners, as our experience with X Spaces and Lives on YouTube shows that this is a challenging yet achievable number, as we manage to reach it weekly in our virtual meetings.

To ensure that the ADA.News Podcast continues to generate value after the initial 12 months, we have established several strategies focused on sustainability, audience expansion, and continuous content improvement. Here are the main approaches:

1. Content Diversification

• Expansion of Media Formats: In addition to the podcast, we plan to create videos, infographics, and written articles that can be shared across various platforms. This will allow us to reach different audiences and increase the portal's visibility.
• Collaborations with Experts: Bringing in guests and experts for episodes and content can diversify perspectives and enhance credibility, attracting a broader audience.

2. Monetization Model

• Sponsorships and Partnerships: We will seek sponsorships from projects and companies within the Cardano ecosystem, offering advertising opportunities within podcast episodes and on other platforms.
• Subscriptions and Exclusive Content: We may introduce a subscription model that offers exclusive content, such as in-depth analyses or interviews with thought leaders in the blockchain space.

3. Community Engagement

• Feedback and Involvement: Through polls, comments, and interactions on social media, we will collect feedback from the audience to understand their needs and preferences, adjusting our content accordingly.
• Live Events and Webinars: Organizing online events and webinars on relevant topics can increase interaction with the community and generate a sense of belonging, encouraging listener loyalty.

4. Continuous Skill Development

• Team Training: Investing in the professional development of the team to keep skills updated with the latest trends in podcasting, digital marketing, and blockchain technology.
• Data Analysis: Utilizing analytical tools to monitor content performance and better understand which topics generate the most interest, allowing for improved content curation.

5. Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborations with Other Cardano Projects: Forming partnerships with projects operating within the Cardano ecosystem can aid in mutual promotion and audience growth, as well as enrich the content presented.
• Engagement with the Cardano Foundation and Community: Maintaining a close relationship with the Cardano Foundation and other community entities for alignment on initiatives and resource sharing.

6. Adjustments and Innovation

• Periodic Project Evaluation: Conducting regular assessments to measure the impact and relevance of the project, allowing for quick adjustments to adapt to new trends and market needs.
• Continuous Innovation: Being open to new technologies and approaches in the podcasting and digital communication landscape to ensure that the project remains competitive and appealing.

With these strategies in place, the ADA.News Podcast will not only continue to generate ongoing value for the Cardano community but also establish itself as a reliable and innovative source of information in the blockchain ecosystem, even after the initial 12 months of operation.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

We are fully equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability due to our team's extensive technical expertise, which includes a skilled full-stack software developer, stake pool operator, community manager, and Cardano advocate. Our team is adept at creating and managing robust systems that ensure both quality and reliability.

Moreover, we have invested significant time in building a comprehensive database over the past several months. This resource not only demonstrates our capability to track and analyze quality information across all facets of the Cardano ecosystem but also serves as a foundation for disseminating accurate and timely content to our audience.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will implement a series of benchmarks and performance metrics throughout the project lifecycle. This will include regular assessments of our data accuracy, audience engagement levels, and feedback from the community. By employing these methods, we can ensure that our project remains aligned with our goals and continuously meets the needs of the Cardano community.

Our Community Manager has been conducting weekly X Spaces on DeFi and NFTs in Cardano for over a year, bringing accumulated experience in tracking news and engaging the community. These meetings lasted 1 hour, and there were always pending topics for discussion, so we will have plenty of news to discuss daily from this vibrant ecosystem, such as that of Cardano.

Our experience with X Spaces is more difficult and complicated than podcasts, so our background is greater than the challenge.

Here are some key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure the success of the ADA.News Podcast throughout the project:

1. Audience Growth

• Daily Listeners: Measure the total number of listeners tuning into the podcast daily, with an initial target of 300 daily listeners.
• Subscriber Count: Monitor the growth of subscribers on podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.) over time.
• Social Media Reach: Evaluate the number of followers and engagement on social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) associated with the portal.

2. Engagement

• Interaction Rate: Measure the number of comments, shares, and likes on posts related to the podcast on social media.
• Event Participation: Count the audience presence and engagement in live events, webinars, and Q&A sessions.
• Feedback and Responses: Analyze the quantity and quality of feedback received from listeners through polls, comments, and ratings on podcast platforms.

3. Content Quality

• Ratings and Reviews: Monitor the ratings and reviews of the podcast on platforms (such as average stars on Apple Podcasts).
• Download Numbers: Measure the total downloads of each episode, identifying which episodes perform best in terms of popularity.

4. Listener Retention

• Retention Rate: Analyze the percentage of listeners who continue to listen to the podcast after the first few episodes, indicating whether the content maintains interest.
• Average Listening Duration: Measure the average time listeners spend listening to each episode to understand engagement throughout the content duration.

5. Monetization and Revenue Growth

• Generated Revenue: Monitor the revenue generated through sponsorships, partnerships, and donations.
• Number of Sponsorships: Count how many sponsorship agreements have been closed throughout the project.

6. Marketing Performance

• Campaign Conversion Rate: Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns in terms of new listeners acquired, comparing the number of listeners before and after the campaigns.
• Website Traffic: Monitor the traffic generated and the most visited pages related in ADA.News Portal to the podcast.

7. Community Interaction

• Community Participation: Measure the number of participants in discussions, forums, and community events organized around the podcast and portal.
• Qualitative Feedback: Analyze community opinions and suggestions to improve content and future initiatives.

8. Benchmarking with Competitors

• Performance Comparison: Compare the growth and engagement of the podcast with benchmarks from competitors or similar podcasts within the Cardano ecosystem.

Conclusion

These KPIs will allow for ongoing monitoring of the performance of the ADA.News Podcast and will help adjust strategies as needed to ensure the project meets its goals and continues to generate value for the Cardano community. Regular data collection and analysis related to these indicators will provide valuable insights into the progress and impact of the project.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 1 to 61];
2. Partial Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 62 to 122].
2. Partial Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 123 to 183].
2. Partial Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 184 to 244].
2. Partial Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 245 to 305].
2. Partial Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

1. Complete the production of 61 daily podcast episodes [Episodes 306 to 366].
2. Final Project Impact Monitoring Report (KPIs), listing audience statistics, engagement, and community feedback.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

We have assembled a team of four highly skilled professionals, each contributing their unique expertise to ensure a well-rounded and impactful podcast about the Cardano ecosystem.

Although we cannot reveal our identities publicly due to legal reasons, we are fully committed to transparency and will conduct KYC with the Catalyst project management when appropriate.

Our team combines interdisciplinary and cross-cutting expertise, including:

1. Software Development Expert

• This professional ensures the technical infrastructure needed for the podcast runs smoothly, from managing the recording software to handling the post-production editing. They also ensure the podcast platform integrates seamlessly with the Cardano ecosystem, allowing for features like blockchain-based content verification and decentralized hosting. Additionally, they are responsible for curating the podcast content about technical topics.

1. Stake Pool Operator

• With a deep understanding of Cardano's stake pool operations, this team member offers insights into how the protocol works, helping listeners understand staking, delegation, and how pools contribute to the decentralization of the network. Their expertise also helps bridge technical discussions for a broader audience in the podcast episodes.

1. Community Manager

• This person brings essential skills in audience engagement and outreach. They manage the podcast’s social media presence, interact with listeners, and ensure the podcast stays connected to the wider Cardano community. Their role is vital for growing the podcast's listener base and fostering community-driven discussions on key Cardano developments. This same guy has been running weekly X Spaces about Cardano for over a year, with an average of over 30 people per meeting.

1. Cardano Advocate

• As an advocate for the Cardano ecosystem, this team member provides in-depth knowledge about the project's goals, mission, and overall impact. They are responsible for curating the podcast content, ensuring topics are aligned with Cardano’s values, and highlighting the latest news, partnerships, and governance updates. Their role is to educate the audience on how Cardano is shaping the future of blockchain technology.

Together, these professionals collaborate to produce a high-quality podcast that not only informs but also educates and engages the Cardano community.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

We estimate an average cost of 273.23 ADA (or $97.32 USD with ADA at $0.36) to produce each of the 366 episodes. This cost includes the hourly rate for four professionals, software licenses, and other necessary technical resources.

Human Cost

Representing approximately $23.64 USD as the cost per episode for each of the four professionals.

Thus, the total labor cost per episode is:

23.64 USD /professional × 4 professionals = 94.56 USD

Other Resources Detail

In addition to the $94.56 USD per episode for labor, there is a total of $1000 USD in equipment and work-related costs.

To host a podcast, it's important to consider several essential resources for both recording and distribution. Below are the necessary items, including estimated costs in dollars:

1. Recording Equipment

• USB Microphone (such as the Audio-Technica ATR2100x): $100.
• Headphones (such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x): $150.
• Boom Arm: To hold the microphone in a practical way: $100.
• Pop Filter: To improve audio quality: $10 to $20.

1. Recording and Editing Software

• There are free options, like Audacity, or paid ones, like Adobe Audition ($20/month).

1. Podcast Hosting

• Anchor: Free.
• Buzzsprout: Plans starting at $12/month.
• Libsyn: Plans starting at $5/month.
• Podbean: Plans starting at $9/month.

1. Distribution and Marketing Services

• Podcast Website: $3 to $10/month, plus domain cost ($10 to $15/year).
• Podcast Cover Design: $100.

Cost Summary

With these values, the total investment in initial setup and monthly costs, can range from $900 to $1000, depending on equipment choices, hosting, and services.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents strong value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by providing an indexed, high-quality source of information that enhances awareness and engagement across the community. With a handcrafted news indexer and daily podcast, we offer reliable insights into key areas like DeFi, AI, DePIN, RWA, governance, NFTs, memecoins, gaming, trading, regulation, Intersect, developers, scams, partner networks, events, Cardano's roadmap, and development updates.

Our multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive coverage while saving users time and effort in finding accurate information.

Moreover, the project serves as a marketing tool, promoting the Cardano network and its projects, attracting new participants, and encouraging growth within the ecosystem. The investment in skilled professionals and technical resources guarantees quality content, making the project a cost-effective way to support Cardano's expansion and development.

To justify the request for 100,000 ADA and demonstrate that it is an appropriate investment, we can use industry benchmarks that analyze costs related to content production in podcast format and the creation of news portals. Below, we present a comparative analysis that shows how our project aligns with industry standards:

1. Podcast Production Costs

• Cost per Episode:
• Industry Benchmark: Producing a podcast can range from $150 to $500 per episode, depending on the complexity, production quality, and team involved.
• Our Estimated Cost: We estimate a cost of approximately 273.23 ADA (or $97.32 USD) per episode. This value is below the industry average, reflecting efficiency and careful resource management.

2. Equipment and Licensing Costs

• Industry Benchmark: Recording and editing equipment, along with hosting software, can cost between $1,000 to $3,000 for a quality initial setup.
• Our Estimated Cost: With an initial investment of around $1,000 for equipment and software, we are within the lower range of the industry standard, ensuring quality without compromising the budget.

3. Marketing and Promotion Costs

• Industry Benchmark: Media and content companies typically spend about 10-20% of their total budget on marketing and promotion.
• Our Estimated Cost: We plan to allocate a portion of the budget for digital marketing and promotions that are essential to achieving our goal of 300 daily listeners. The proposed marketing strategy is economical and maximizes reach.

4. Labor Costs

• Industry Benchmark: The average cost of content production ranges from $25 to $75 per hour for media and communication professionals.
• Our Estimated Cost: With an average cost of $23.64 USD per professional per episode, we are below the industry average, reflecting an effective use of human resources.

5. Return on Investment (ROI)

• Industry Benchmark: A good podcast can quickly reach a significant audience, and monetization opportunities (such as sponsorships) often arise after establishing a solid listener base.
• Our Goal: We aim to achieve at least 300 daily listeners, which can generate revenue through sponsorships and partnerships, justifying the initial investment.

Conclusion

The request for 100,000 ADA for the ADA.News Podcast is justified when compared to industry benchmarks. The estimated production cost is aligned with quality and efficiency standards, and the cost structure is competitive with industry practices.

Furthermore, by ensuring that we are utilizing resources effectively, our project is positioned to deliver significant returns on investment, not only for our listeners but also for the Cardano community as a whole. This investment is, therefore, appropriate given the potential impact and growth of the project within the ecosystem.

Industry Benchmark Source:

• Edison Research. (2023). The Infinite Dial Report.
• Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). (2023). Podcast Advertising Revenue Report.
• Content Marketing Institute. (2023). B2B Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets, and Trends.