Each podcast channel starts with zero downloads and zero listeners. This is why it’s a challenge to grow one, especially if you don’t know where to start. Basically, a podcast doesn’t only revolve around creating content and posting it. There are various things involved such as getting guests on board, having sponsorships, engaging with listeners, distributing content, and others.
In fact, even if you have the best possible content to impress your target audience, it’s still crucial to get your podcast channel out there. A successful podcast channel means you have a fanbase, excellent downloads, and a presence on different social media sites.
Although accomplishing such things sounds tricky, there are some ways to maximize your podcast channel’s potential. For instance, you can buy Spotify listeners to increase your audience. To get the best results, here are the other ways to grow your podcast channel effectively:
Get Listeners To Act
Getting your target audience to listen to your podcast isn’t enough. They may listen once, but they might never return. When it happens, you won’t be able to build a solid audience or fan base. To avoid this, you need to get good ratings, subscribers, and reviews.
When your potential listeners subscribe, rate, or give you a review, it may help your podcast channel grow. Subscribing means somebody will see your podcast channel whenever you post a new series or episode. On the other hand, reviews and ratings may help convince anyone considering your channel to give it a try.
If you’re wondering how to get people to do those things, you can keep it classy by asking them to subscribe, review, or rate your podcast. You may even use platforms that can help you grow your account by providing genuine likes. But make sure to read reviews first to know how you can make the most of the platform.
If people appreciate your channel, they’ll do more than subscribe or rate your podcast. They may even share it with other people they know.
Embrace Evergreen Content
If you’re thinking of growing your podcast channel successfully, one of the ways to do it is to embrace evergreen content. It’s an effective marketing strategy that helps you expand your reach.
One of the best examples of evergreen content is transcripts. If you plan to invest in transcripts, start by choosing your most popular podcast episode and turn it into a blog post like a how-to guide.
In doing so, you’ll be able to improve your podcast channel’s exposure to your other audience, allowing you to gain more attention. Increased traffic to your podcast channel means the higher the chances of growing it.
Check Your Stats And Metrics
When growing your podcast channel, you have to measure your stats and determine what success means to you. Remember that your podcast metrics can be qualitative and quantitative, depending on your subscriber count, high rating, total episode plays, and engaged listeners.
Regardless of what platforms you’re using for podcasting, you can get insights into your podcast channel through the analytics dashboard. They’re useful to know what episodes are most effective, where you’re losing listeners, and what segments are being skipped.
Depending on the analytics, use the information to improve your podcast strategies. For example, if you think you’re losing more listeners, you can level up your podcast episodes by providing better quality content.
Network With Many Podcasters
The good thing about the podcasting community is that it’s friendly. If you want to be recognized, you have to be nice and never think of other podcasters as your competitor. Try to think of them as some of your peers.
You can network with podcasters online or at offline events. These days, many podcasting groups are present on various social media platforms where they share advice and tips. Then, when you find a podcast channel you like, consider sharing it with your audience because they might enjoy it as well. This won’t only create goodwill with another podcaster, but you’ll also make your network of support.
Take Advantage Of Word-Of-Mouth Advertising
Word-of-mouth is a proven and effective way to grow a podcast channel. To be successful with this strategy, you have to work on recording the best episodes possible.
Your podcast channel must produce valuable and interesting content. Your recording must be professional in every technical aspect and opt for an optimal tone of voice. For this reason, you need to invest in good-quality podcast equipment and tools.
To get started, you can purchase professional microphones, audio editing software, and recording tools. If you’re not a sound technician, you might want to hire one to get guidance. Then, choose topics or guests who’d best represent your podcast channel.
Make It Simple For Your Guests To Share
If you plan to invite guests to your podcast channel, make it easy for them to share the episode. For example, you can tag them on your social media account, so they can quickly repost and attract potential listeners.
It may also be helpful to create beautiful images for every social media platform so your guests can promote your podcast channel effectively. Besides images, you can share a short video clip of your episode on your social media. Your potential listeners will know what they should look forward to from your podcast channel. Plus, this may encourage them to share with other people who might be interested in your podcast, which may benefit your podcast channel’s growth.
Release Regular Content
Although you can post podcast content anytime, nothing beats having a regular content schedule. It’ll help your listeners know when to expect your new episode. However, you have to bear in mind that high quality is more essential than quantity, so you don’t have to release new episodes daily just to stick to your schedule.
If possible, ensure that your posting schedule makes sense for what you’re discussing. For instance, an easily digestible and short podcast makes more sense to be released daily while episodes that focus on monthly industry updates are best released monthly.
Moreover, if your podcast channel is new, it’s wise to record your first three episodes and post them simultaneously. This may provide your new listeners with a better idea of what your podcast channel is about and whether or not they’ll want to listen to your episodes again.
Consider Social Media Advertising
As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, you have to do something extra to get noticed in the podcasting industry. One of the ways to do it is through social media advertising. Choose a platform where your target audience hangs out for your ads or those relevant to your channel.
To make the most out of social media advertising, you have to be specific about how you’re targeting your audience. If you have a blog, you can retarget your previous visitors. You may also make lookalike audiences based on your current website traffic, email list, or followers. This tactic is best if you want to keep growing and you already have an audience.
If you’re new in the industry, you may start by targeting based on certain keywords or interests related to your podcast channel. For example, if your podcast channel is about digital marketing, your target audience can be marketers.
Right Timing Matters
Aside from having a consistent release schedule, you also need to pay attention to the right timing. It’s crucial to publish at the right time when your potential and current listeners are likely to be online.
If you’re a newbie, check similar podcasts to know the best time to release content. If there’s a pattern, consider following it. Besides, there’s a reason why your competitors post content during those specific times. After that, change your posting time based on your analytics and engagement rate.
Appear As A Guest And Invite Guests
Inviting guests is another way to produce more engaging shows and reach a wider audience. Guests can give a new perspective to their listeners and may provide more detailed knowledge on certain subjects. They may also share your podcast with their followers, increasing your possibility of getting your channel exposed.
Other than inviting guests to your podcast channel, you may also appear as a guest on some podcasts. This will help you introduce your channel to more people.
Whether you decide to have guests or appear as a guest, consider producing a press kit. It provides all the information about your channel and makes it easier for your guests to share your podcast. So, an effective press kit can make a difference in reaching more people, contributing to your channel’s growth.
Never Stop Improving Your Quality
Quality may mean many things. It can be the lineup of your guests, or it could be your expertise in interviews. This can even be background music or the microphone you’re using.
An excellent way to know what you should improve is to ask your listeners. Your loyal fans will provide you with information about the necessary changes you should make. If your audience isn’t that big yet, you can ask your friends or other podcasters you know to check out your podcast channel and get feedback.
Create A Website For Your Podcast Channel
You can grow your podcast channel by creating a website. It’s another way your target audience can get to know more about your podcast channel, listen to your episodes, and discover your creative process.
Adding blogs to your website may also add more value. Your blog may dig deeper into the background information on guests and check your other episode topics. In addition, blog content may give your audience an inside look into your process and how you interview subjects and choose topics.
Having a website for your podcast channel can also help your listeners find you online once they look for terms related to your channel. Moreover, a blog may extend your value since the more content you have with your channel’s name, the better your search engine ranking will be. Once it happens, it may drive more traffic to your website and increase your reach.
If you have a business or personal website, you may include your podcast channel by adding a dedicated section. Then, post related content and your episodes regularly.
Encourage Listener Interaction
Podcasting allows your listeners to feel like they know you. This makes a podcast perfect for fostering engagement with your loyal audience. So, if you want to grow your podcast channel, be sure to encourage engagement by allowing your listeners to ask questions on your social media accounts or by taking the time to answer them directly.
It’s also a good idea to create a Q&A section on your episode. This won’t only strengthen the bond between you and your audience but also help you better understand what your listeners need, want, and expect from your podcast channel. This way, you’ll get feedback on how you can improve your podcast channel in the future.
Another way to encourage engagement is by setting up a community online for your podcast channel. It provides a place for your listeners to come together, explore topics in greater depth, and discuss episodes. It’s also a way to be connected with your listeners.
Don’t Forget To Use A Call-to-Action (CTA)
CTAs at the end of every episode are an excellent way to encourage your listeners to take action. Your CTA could be to share your podcast channel, review it, or follow your account on social media. Having a strong and simple CTA may help encourage people to subscribe to your podcast channel. Depending on your genre, write something motivating, clever, or funny to ensure they’ll listen to all of your episodes.
However, make sure to use only one CTA so your listeners won’t be confused about what to do next. For example, you can ask your listeners to leave a review first and, on another episode, ask them to share your podcast channel on social media.
Bottom Line
The competition gets tougher for new podcast channels as the podcasting community grows. Nowadays, it’s never enough to produce good content to be recognized or get noticed. To ensure your podcast channel’s growth, you must focus on marketing. By using the above strategies, you’ll have a chance to achieve success and grow your podcast channel effectively.