P - PROMOTING YOUR PODCAST
The creative process can be fraught with obstacles, from learning how to use new editing software, to how to submit your RSS feed and even choosing a podcast name that clearly summarizes your pod.
All of these skills are relatively easy to accomplish once we sit down and begin reading about and practicing them. However the one obstacle that continues to frustrate and confuse us is how to promote our pods and actually see results.
Why? Well this is simply because the algorithms that social media networks and apps are using are difficult if not impossible to understand let alone predict for those of us who are not involved in the apps or network creation.
Now, as we have researched and experimented with the promotion process for our own podcasts, we’ve noticed that there are still a few tried and true ways of promoting that continue to make a difference and continue to provide results, (in terms of reaching more listeners & receiving quality feed back from those audience members). Sure, some of these work well enough on their own, but when used in tandem with each other they prove to be a significant determining factor in our podcasts reach and impact on our listeners.
Consistency determines how dedicated your listeners are. Try to post on a schedule so that they know when to expect an episode. When they don't see one automatically downloaded on their podcast player of choice, they will check in on your socials and actively search out the newest episode. When we are less consistent, listeners end up forgetting to check in or assuming that there is no new episode, when the case might just be that your episode didn't automatically download.
Always share a post that announces that a new episode has been released and share it on your socials. This allows new listeners to find you & keeps current listeners aware of when new episodes are available just in case it didn't auto download. Reach out to other podcasters and schedule an interview with them on their pod or yours! We've found that this is a great way to connect and reach a new group of listeners that may be interested in your pod.
Use your Instagram or Snap Chat story to connect more with your followers. Post polls or ask questions to increase interactions and truly get to know your audience base. The best way to know what you can improve on, (whether it’s sound quality, or asking your guests certain questions), your listeners will be able to tell you easily and efficiently through your social media. You can tag individuals that provide feed back which will allow them to share it on their own stories.
Support other podcasters by sharing any content of theirs that inspires you, or taught you something. If you love a pod, head over to their Apple, Stitcher, Google Podcasts listing and leave a review. Supporting each other will help all of us grow, reach more individuals with our message and achieve our goals! There is always enough room for everyone to succeed & the world is much better when we help each other along the way.
Last of all, don’t be afraid to cross promote on others podcasts if you can't find the time to be a guest on other pods. Having others recommend your pod to their listeners has also been shown to be an amazing contributor to audience growth. You can scroll through all podcasters on CrossPods and select one, schedule & purchase your next ad quickly & easily. Not only will you be supporting other creatives, but you will also be investing in your own success. You never know, your next sponsor could be a podcast listener away.
Remember, podcasting is still a growing industry. Don’t be afraid to break rules, think outside the box, and maybe even define new rules. We are currently in the wild wild west of this industry, so be fearless in your pursuit of yourself, your art & the vision that you have for your life.