How are things with the podcast of your organization? Are you already giving yourself a 10+ or is there room for improvement? If you notice that attracting new listeners is a challenge, or that your existing listeners drop out over time, I'll give you 6 tips to optimize your podcast in this blog.
Let's start recruiting listeners. A crucial step. If no one knows you exist, no one is going to listen to you either. How to increase your online visibility? I have listed 3 tips that will help you with this.
Try with different podcasts to be invited as a guest. By attending other listening programs, you create credibility and the listeners get to know you and your organization. However, it's important to find podcasts that are popular in your industry, as they have the listeners you want to reach. Immediately ask if the creators want to include a link to your series in the episode description.
This works both ways, so invite guests yourself. Make sure these guests are relevant to the listener.
Use all your channels to promote your podcast. Share fun clips, photos and announcements on socials, promote them in the newsletter and pay attention to them on your website. This is how you inform people who are not yet listeners about your series.
Many podcasts go viral on TikTok and Instagram reels. By highlighting and subtitling excerpts for short-form platforms, you can plant seeds of interest. And you immediately have something to post on your socials, very efficient!
If you want to attract new listeners to your podcast, making your titles and descriptions search-engine friendly helps. This is how people looking for topics they can find in your listening program end up on your podcast. This way, you'll expand your reach and attract new relevant listeners.
Now that you know how to bring in new listeners, the trick is to retain them. Makes sense, right? Here I share 3 tips for retaining your listeners.
Make sure your podcast is relevant to your target group in terms of content. Not only for your organization's current customers, but also for your new customers. Provide valuable information, tips, insights, and advice. Claim your status as a thought leader in your field and gain the listener's trust.
As you share information, you can highlight your products and services. Do this subtly, and only if it is relevant. Avoid clear sales pitch. The focus of your podcast is on providing useful information to your listeners, promoting your product/service is just a bonus.
Make sure every episode of your podcast is of high and consistent quality. The content must be relevant, but production is also important. Do research and ensure good sound quality so that the listener does not experience irritation.
Publish your episodes according to a consistent planning. This way, your listeners know exactly when to expect new content from you. So you won't be forgotten.
By interacting, listeners feel engaged and create a bond with you and your podcast. Encourage them to provide feedback, ask questions, and suggest future episodes. Respond to their questions too — on social media and in the podcast itself, so you can build an engaged community.
After reading these tips, you're ready to optimize your podcast strategy. Remember, it's an ongoing process of experimenting, learning, and adapting. See what works for your target group. For more tips, feel free to read our other blogs about podcasting.
