How To Grow A Podcast Audience Organically
Launching a new podcast is certainly difficult, but then there’s the task of building and growing your show’s audience — which may pose as even more of a challenge!
However, although it may test your patience, growing a podcast audience organically [and without relying on paid advertisement], is not an impossible feat.
It’s simply about finding the right strategies and maintaining consistent effort, and in this blog post, we will guide you through our top 6 tactics to help you reach all your podcast audience growth goals!
Submit Your Podcast To More Than Just One Platform
While Apple Podcasts is a major player in the world of podcasting, there are several other podcast apps and directories where you can submit your podcast to reach a wider audience. Examples include: Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts.
For those quite new to podcasting, a podcast directory is a listening app that allows users to discover, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts based on subjects of interest.
These apps/directories will use your show’s RSS feed to update automatically whenever a new episode is launched.
By submitting your show’s RSS feed to as many platforms as possible, you can help tremendously in your podcast’s momentum and growth. And it is fairly easy to do!
Optimize Your Podcast For Search
Optimizing your podcast for search engines is crucial for increasing its discoverability and attracting a larger audience. Here are a few ways you can implement this —
Keyword Research — Identify relevant keywords related to your podcast’s topics, theme and target audience.
Optimize Podcast Title And Description — Incorporate relevant keywords into your podcast copy, episodes show notes included, but without overstuffing!
Submit To Podcast Directories — Submit your podcast to popular podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and optimize your show profile with relevant keywords and tags to boost discoverability within these platforms.
Don’t forget to similarly optimize your podcast website and social media posts too!
Create A Website For Your Podcast
Yes, listeners will be able to track down and experience your podcast through their favourite listening app, but a podcast website or landing page is also a significant discovery tool.
A podcast website will ultimately serve as a home base for your marketing, and it is fully your own, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected platform changes or shutdowns. This is key!
On your website, you can provide podcast listeners with sample new episodes, as well as a newsletter to stay up to date with your endeavours.
By crafting a dedicated website for your podcast, you can effectively grow your audience, allow for more engagement, and establish a strong and genuine online presence for your listener base.
Have Guests/Interviewees On Your Podcast
Inviting guests onto your podcast, such as experts in your niche or other show hosts, is one of the best ways to increase your organic reach. Why? It means you get access to a wider and more diverse range of listeners!
People find joy in sharing their story and what they are currently working on, and your interviewees are highly likely to share the episode on their own platforms. This introduces their fanbase to your show, helping you gain new listeners and followers.
The magic of cross-promotion! :)
Use Social Media To Network
Having your own social media account for your podcast is definitely important, but your online presence should be more than simply sharing podcast episodes and updates.
To truly grow your podcast audience organically, we recommend focusing on the power of networking and online communities. After all, this is the very essence of The Social Snippet!
Social media can be overwhelming, so we advise you to choose one social app when starting out your podcasting journey (especially if you are a solo content creator!)
Once you have chosen a social media platform that works best for you, take the time to follow and interact with related accounts — you might follow podcasters in your subject area, or join a Facebook community group that connects you to fellow new show hosts.
Whatever it may be, use social media to make connections, collaborate, encourage others, gain insight and knowledge, etc.
All of this will bring you one step closer to establishing authority in your niche, and of course, growing your podcast audience organically!
Include A Call-To-Action In Your Episodes
We are strong believers in the power of a good CTA in regards to podcast audience growth!
Every podcast episode is a chance to prompt your audience to take specific actions that help boost engagement, retention, and ultimately, your reach. In other words, take advantage of this quick tactic. :)
Here are a few examples of CTAs you can use in your episodes, show notes, or general podcast content creation:
Ask your target audience to subscribe, rate and review your channel on whatever podcast app they use — this is an easy way to get discovered by other users of that particular app!
Encourage your listeners to engage with your podcast by leaving comments and questions, as well as sending feedback and participating in discussions.
Offer your followers additional content, such as resources or bonus episodes, that is exclusive only to them — i.e. "As a thank you for being a dedicated listener, we're offering a free downloadable guide on [related topic]. Head to our website to download your copy!”
Promote upcoming events or webinars related to your podcast, which will also guide listeners to your website/socials.
By implementing these 6 tactics and staying committed to consistency and quality content, you can gradually grow your podcast audience organically over time.
Remember, building a loyal audience takes both patience and persistence, so stay focused on providing value and engaging with potential listeners!
Want to start your own podcast? E-mail us at hello@thesocialsnippet.com