So you’re struggling to build momentum and continued interest around your podcast. The most difficult thing for many people is that it takes time to grow an audience. Podcasters want "instant gratification," and get frustrated and lose interest when their show isn't an immediate success.
Let’s review 7 basic ways to build momentum and continued interest around your podcast after your initial launch.
7 Simple Basics To Build Momentum Around Your Podcast
1) Understand your niche. You did your research, and you know this is the lane you want to be in. Use these 5 Steps to continue to define and understand your podcast niche.
- Identify your interests and passions.
- Identify problems you can solve.
- Research your competition.
- Determine if this niche can continue to build an audience.
- Evolve and test your niche idea.
2) What is the message behind your podcast?
What makes your show different from the other shows? What is your unique take on the subject? And why should people listen to you in particular? If you can't think of a reason why people should or will want to listen to your show, there's not much point in you publishing it.
The message and purpose behind your show is so important. You want people to buy into your show, not your episodes. As in sales, it’s easier to retain listeners than to gain new ones. Your message and purpose are what captures them. This is going to lead to long-term success.
3) Knowing your target audience and how and when they will listen to your podcast will help you decide on the length. Make sure the podcast length fits into their listening day. Start with a small commitment, then when you have the following increase the time if and only if it adds value for the listeners. Make sure your content is on point. Being clear about the message of your show should help with this. If your message is clear people will be attracted to what you have to say.
4. Find out which social media platform your audience is most engaged on. If you have a travel show, maybe it's Instagram. If you have an education podcast about language, maybe it's a Facebook group. This is going to be unique to you and your show. So find out by doing simple research and pinpointing where the largest community is for your niche.
5) Be consistent on ONE social media platform. Understand that you aren't a marketing guru or a social media agency. You don't have all the time in the world or all the content in the world to engage on all major social media platforms to ensure growth through engagement.
Your attention will be divided. You'll feel overwhelmed, overworked and the worst part, you WILL most likely not get the results you are expecting.
Figure out the algorithm of that one social media platform. Do your research on what works, and what doesn't. And then start using the platform using best practices. This takes concentration and time.
Now create your own community on this platform. This community is going to be another way to share value with your listeners. It’s a place where you can build connections and relationships with your audience. It's a place where you can produce engaging content using your podcast content and additional content. It's a place for you to brand awareness of your podcast and content.
6) Create a positive and safe social media ecosystem. Have a dialogue with your followers. Ask your audience what they think of each episode. What would they like to hear more of? Doing this will build interest amongst those who haven't heard a recent episode, but are part of your community.
And then you want to do the same in your show. Before you get into the main segment or at the end of the show, talk about something going on with your online community. It will increase your listener's curiosity. They will feel like they are missing out and will want to be part of what you're building. Have a very simple yet specific call to action for your audience to join.
7) Like everything in life. THIS. WILL. TAKE. TIME.
But the good news is the more time you put in the better. Stay consistent and focused. Amazing results will follow.
Podcasting is a MARATHON, not a sprint. Be patient, take action and apply yourself.
Let’s talk about what podcasting can do for your business in the next 12-months. Whether you’re B2C or B2B, we can create a content marketing strategy that will work for you.
Connect with me if you would like to talk more about this. My calendar is available on my Circle270Media Podcast Consultants business website at circle270media.com
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Recorded in conjunction with Channel 511, in the Brewery District, downtown Columbus, OH.
Brett Johnson is the owner and lead consultant at Circle270Media Podcast Consultants. With over 35+ years of experience in Marketing, Content Creation, Audio Production/Recording and Broadcasting, the podcast consultants at Circle270Media strategically bring these strengths together for their business Podcast clients.
Email us at podcasts@circle270media.com to set up time to talk more about your new or established business podcast.
