10 Ways To Encourage Engagement From Your Podcast Audience

Now, you know I've been involved in the busy world of content marketing, right? Over time, I've grown to like a lot of different ways to create content, and blogging is one of them. Podcasting! A simple and effective way to reach your audience and give them useful information. It's both an art and a science at the same time! So, get a cup of coffee, take a seat, and let's get started.

You might ask, "Why should I worry about getting my podcast listeners interested?" Hey, dude, that's a great idea! Getting people interested is like keeping a conversation going. You wouldn't want to be the person at a party who talks endlessly about themselves, right? Instead, you would try to have a lively, two-way talk where everyone feels heard and involved. And that's exactly what we want from the people who listen to our podcasts!

So, without further ado, let's get into the "10 Ways To Get Your Podcast Audience Involved" section.

1. Know who you're writing for.

Someone once said, "The customer is always right." Well, when it comes to making content, the viewer is always important. In fact, they are the main reason why we make content at all. Whether you're a podcaster, a writer, a filmmaker, or any other kind of content creator, you should always keep your audience in mind.

When we say, "Know who you're making it for," we don't just mean age, place, or job title. Even though these are important, there is a lot more to knowing your audience than just these. It means getting into the thoughts of your listeners or viewers and learning what drives them, what they want, what they struggle with, and what they want.

Think about what they care about. What kinds of things make them sit up and take notice? What are their interests? And, just as important, what don't they care about or even respond badly to? This will not only help you make content that is interesting and important to them, but it will also help you avoid talking about things that might not be interesting to them or might even turn them off.

Next, think about the problems your audience has. These problems could be big and life-changing, or they could be small and happen every day. In either case, learning about these problems can give you ideas for content that not only entertains your audience but also helps them. It makes your information more than just interesting; it makes it useful, which is a surefire way to get people more interested.

The next step is to figure out what answers they might be looking for. People read your material for a lot of different reasons. It could be to learn something new, find an answer to a problem, see something from a different point of view, or have fun. Understanding these goals can help you create content that gives your audience what they want, whether that's a thorough how-to guide, an in-depth analysis, a new and unique take on a topic, or just a good laugh.

When we say, "Know your audience," we're basically telling you to put yourself in their place. Try to look at the world through their eyes. It's about having empathy, understanding, and a link. 

Yes, you should learn about your customers. Send out surveys, ask for comments, and look at the results. But also take some time to listen. Do social listening on the sites where your community is. Have talks with them. Listen to the things they say and the questions they ask. The better your content will be, the more you know about your viewers.

It could take a bit more work. It might require some work and time. But when your content starts to connect with your audience, start conversations, and make a difference in their lives, you'll see that all your hard work was worth it. It's the great rule of making content, my friend, and if you follow it, you can have a lot of success.

2. Make sure your content is good.

Remember how we talked about the book you couldn't put down last time? You want that kind of response from your fans every time you put out a new episode. Make sure your material is useful, entertaining, and full of useful information. Consistently good content keeps people coming back for more and makes it easier for them to get involved. Think of it as your reliable fishing rod in this vast sea of possible listeners.

3. Be Consistent

You like that show that comes out on TV every Friday night, right? There's something to be said for how it builds up excitement, right? Podcasting is the same way. Pick a date for the release and stick to it. Your viewers will like the consistency and keep coming back. Consistency helps people trust you, and trust helps people get involved.

4. Talk to the people in the room.

You remember how in summer camp we used to write each other letters? Think of your podcast as a summer camp that goes on with your fans all year long. Ask what they think, answer their questions, and make them feel like they're being listened to. Ask viewers to send in their questions and ideas. Then, use a part of your show to talk about these things. They'll love taking part in the talk!

5. Use social media to your advantage

You're right, no doubt about it! Social media is definitely one of the most powerful tools for content creators in the 21st century. It would be a waste not to use its full potential. It would be like leaving money on the table. You might ask, "Why is that?" Let's dig deeper.

The world is more linked now than it has ever been. On sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more, people from all walks of life and parts of the world talk to each other every day. These sites give podcasters and other content creators the best way to reach their audience. And it's not just about how many conversations there are; it's also about how good those interactions are.

If you're on social media, your fans can see more of your life than what they hear on your show. It makes two-way contact possible, so they can talk to you and you can talk to them. It lets them see the person behind the voice and learn more about the person and the process behind the material they enjoy.

Sharing material from behind the scenes is a great way to use this to your advantage. It could be a look at how you record, a picture of your studio, a sneak peek at an upcoming show, or even mistakes and outtakes. This raw, unpolished material makes you seem more real to your audience, which strengthens the connection between you and them. 

Polls are another good way to get people interested in what you're doing on social media. You could ask them to vote on what kind of coffee you should drink during your next recording session, for example. Or you can do something more serious, like ask them what they think about a topic that relates to your show. Polls make your audience feel important and heard, as if you really care about what they think.

Questions are a tried-and-true way to get people interested. You could ask them what they thought about a recent episode, how they felt about a certain part of your podcast, or what they would like to hear in the future. Remember, involvement is a two-way street. You shouldn't just talk to your audience; you should also listen to what they have to say.

And don't forget to thank your crowd for paying attention. A simple thank-you can go a long way toward making your fans feel like you care about them. Respond to their comments, like their posts, and share their material. Show them you see them and that you care about them.

Social media isn't just a way to send out messages; it's also a place to talk with other people. By giving your audience different ways to interact with you and your podcast, you make them feel more connected to you and your show. And when they feel like they belong, they stop being just listeners and become part of your podcast group. 

So, yes, in this day and age, having a social media profile is not just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for anyone who makes content. It opens up a whole world of ways to meet, grow, and get involved. So, go ahead and use social media to its full potential, and watch your show soar to new heights.

6. Invite Guests

Having guests on your show can be like having a party for your friend's friends. It's a chance to bring in new ideas and get in touch with more people. Besides that, it keeps your content fresh and interesting. The key is to ask guests who can help your audience learn something new.

7. Give out show notes

You know how we like to write in the side of books? Show notes can do the same thing for your show. They can have important points, citations, links to more information, and calls to action. This not only gives your viewers more value, but it also gives them another chance to get involved.

8. The "Call to Action" (CTA)

I know you've seen this before, pal! A call to action tells your viewers what to do with what you've said. Ask them to sign up for your newsletter, share it, write a review, or answer a question. A well-placed CTA can be a big help in getting people to pay attention.

9. Hold contests or give-aways.

Who doesn't like the thrill of a game or the chance to get something for free? Hosting gifts or games is a tried-and-true way to get people interested. Basically, it's a strategy that focuses on giving listeners something of value to get them to take part. 

Now, the "giveaway" doesn't have to be something you can hold in your hands. It could be anything that is helpful to your viewers. You could, for example, give them exclusive access to more material, a discount on a product or service, or the chance to be on your podcast.

Games come in many different shapes and sizes. Trivia about your show, scavenger hunts, and prediction games are just a few ideas. Adding games to parts of your show can give it a fun twist that makes it stand out.

Recognition on the Show

A shout-out on the show can be a great way to get people interested. When a listener's name comes up on a podcast they follow, it can be exciting and make them feel close to the show. This not only makes the person feel special and appreciated, but it also gets other people involved so they can get a shout-out, too.

How to talk to hosts or guests

This is yet another good reason. Giving people a chance to talk to you or your friends can be a big draw. This could be a live Q&A, a one-on-one chat, or even the chance to be in a show. By giving people this chance, you make your podcast a place for real connection, which is a great way to get more people interested.

Getting people to join in

When people are asked to listen, they are more likely to do so if they are given something of value in return. Listeners are more likely to get involved with your podcast if they have a chance to win a gift, be mentioned on the show, or talk to the hosts and guests.

How to Make Your Show Fun

The great thing about games and giveaways is that they make your show more fun. This can make your show stand out and help people remember it. If your podcast is fun and interesting, people are more likely to listen, take part, and even share it with others.

In a nutshell, using these strategies can turn your podcast from something that people just listen to into something that they can connect with. This will make your audience much more interested in your podcast.

10. Be true to yourself.

Last, do you remember how important honesty was to us in our friendship? Your audio audience values it too. Just be you. Let your own style come through in your show. Your honesty will hit home with your audience, drawing them in and making them more interested.

Phew, that was a long conversation! Remember, my friend, it takes time to get people interested in your show. It's a trip. But if you use these tactics, you are definitely putting yourself in a position to succeed. Have fun with your show, and I can't wait to hear all about how you're doing.