EP 463: Successful podcasting from the audience’s perspective with Tom Webster
Aug 19, 2024
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Tom Webster, an expert in audience engagement and thought leadership in podcasting, dives deep into what makes a podcast truly resonate. He emphasizes that simply having a podcast isn't sufficient; engagement must be earned. Listeners will learn about the importance of understanding audience needs and how to craft compelling narratives. Tom discusses common pitfalls podcasters face, like poor editing and unclear roles, and offers strategies for gathering insightful feedback to foster loyalty and enhance the listener experience.
Understanding your audience's needs, fears, and desires is crucial for tailoring engaging podcast content that resonates deeply.
Respecting the time commitment of your audience is essential for building lasting connections and ensuring they continue to return.
Investing in high-quality editing and a coherent narrative is vital for creating a captivating podcast that maintains listener interest.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding Your Audience
Recognizing the audience is crucial for any agency or business, as it drives successful communication and connections. Engaging with listeners allows for the development of tailored content that resonates with their needs and preferences. The podcast emphasizes that agencies must respect and care for their audience, investing in their success rather than simply broadcasting messages. This understanding can lead to improved client and employee retention, ultimately fostering a profitable business environment.
Insights from Audience Research
The discussion centers on the wealth of experience brought by Tom Webster, known for his background in audience research and metrics in media. His latest book, 'The Audience is Listening', highlights the importance of comprehending audio audiences and how to effectively connect with them. Webster's focus extends beyond just podcasting; he advocates for understanding audiences in various contexts to foster better relationships. This approach can enable businesses to craft their communication strategies and tailor their offerings more effectively.
Earning Your Audience
The podcast explores the notion that one must earn the right to an audience rather than assume it is guaranteed. It is crucial to respect the time listeners invest in consuming content, acknowledging that their attention is a valuable commodity. Establishing rapport with the audience can be achieved by soliciting feedback, understanding their preferences, and adapting content accordingly. Such efforts not only enhance the audience's experience but also contribute to building a loyal following.
The Power of Editing in Podcasting
Editing is highlighted as an essential component of producing a quality podcast, significantly impacting listener experience. Webster suggests that many podcasters neglect the editing process, which can lead to subpar content that fails to engage audiences. A well-edited podcast should include a coherent narrative structure, drawing listeners in and keeping them engaged throughout the episode. By understanding and refining the flow of conversation, podcasters can effectively address listener questions and create a compelling narrative.
Engagement Through Conversation and Feedback
To cultivate a deeper connection with the audience, hosts are encouraged to foster engaging dialogues and seek their feedback regularly. This can be accomplished through casual conversations, surveys, or structured focus groups, ensuring that listeners feel valued and heard. Tom Webster emphasizes utilizing questions that prompt thoughtful responses, such as what listeners would miss if the podcast were canceled. By integrating audience insights into future episodes, podcasters can enhance the overall experience, creating content that resonates with their listeners' needs.
We’ve spoken before about how podcasting is a great tool for building an audience that sees you as a thought leader. That’s still true, but simply having a podcast is not enough.
To truly be successful in podcasting, you must know how to engage that audience and be worthy of their time. As our guest Tom Weber says, “You don’t have a right to have an audience.”
An audience must be earned.
Tom shared some insights about the importance of knowing who you’re really speaking to. It’s not just about demographics; it’s about understanding your audience’s needs, fears, and desires. We also explored how to build a captivating narrative that engages listeners and how to ask the tough questions that get you honest feedback.
If you want your podcast to engage your audience and make it past the first seven episodes, it’s worth investing the time and effort to make it truly exceptional. Your audience will thank you for it — and more importantly, they’ll keep coming back for more.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
What podcasters get wrong about marketing their shows
Respecting the audience’s time commitment that they’re making to you
The #1 way to promote a podcast
Why creating a compelling narrative is extremely important in podcasting
Making your show something people want to listen to
Getting on your audience’s level
Don’t put out any content you’re not proud of
Getting effective input and feedback from your audience
Starting a conversation with your listeners
Knowing what your audience wants to hear and learning from them
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