Episode 314

Is My Podcast Message Working? How to Know

Let’s talk about the journey we’re going on in today’s episode.

Here’s the biggest takeaway I’d love for you to have: 

I want you to walk away from this training today with a better understanding of how to make sure your message is resonating with your audience and it’s on the right track!

Our Journey Today:

1. Is My Message Working?

2. Understanding Analytics

3. Audience Feedback

4. How to Get Feedback

1. Is My Podcast Message Working?

Launching, when should you put it out there?

If you’re brand new to podcasting but know that you want to know more about messaging and content, watch today’s training with an open mind of “what if” or “how can this work for me in the future”.

If you currently have a podcast, explore some of today’s training with fresh eyes and a perspective that it’s all about trying new things and experimenting when it comes to your podcast message.

Grab the Presentation Slides

2. Why Understanding Your Analytics Are Super Important

Downloads and stats are important, but they ARE NOT the total measure of a podcast’s success.

Here are the different stats that are important to understand: 

• • Cumulative Downloads (Over Time)
  • 7-day downloads
  • 30-day downloads
  • 90-day downloads

All of these stats help you understand:

• Listener behavior
  • Do people listen as soon as the episode airs?
  • Do you have a jump on specific days of the week? And do you know why?
• Measure Marketing objectives
  • Social posts, guest spots, email marketing campaigns
  • Are they all working? Is one working more than the other?

They can also show you where your message may have fallen off!

2020 was a weird year – can we all agree? And 2021 hasn’t been a lot better other than more people now know how to use Zoom. I saw a drastic change in my listenership when the pandemic first started and I’ve seen peaks and valleys throughout my content since then. And it brings up more questions: Why are specific episodes more popular than others?

3. Why Audience Feedback is So Important

I could ask myself all of these questions behind closed doors, but it’s better for me to actually speak to my audience rather than make assumptions

Some listener feedback I received:

• “The past few episodes have been for beginners. I already know all that. I will come back for more advanced content.”
• “You were in the middle of a promotion. I came back when it was over.”
• “With the kids going back to school, I didn’t have time.”
• “I’m not commuting to work anymore.”
• “I prefer your interviews over solo episodes.”

 While some people may look at those comments and think, “Oh, I need to change this or do that in order to make all of these different people happy…”

I look at them and think, “I’m still on the right track creating the variety of content I enjoy creating and I know I won’t please everyone. So if you’re going to be open for feedback, you have to be prepared for the HONEST answers from your audience.

4. How to Get Audience feedback

Here are my favorite ways to interact with my audience and know how my podcast message is working:

Create an ongoing community for people to engage with you — even when you don’t need their feedback

• Facebook Group
• Monthly Zoom chats
• Or another platform where you talk to people on a regular basis

This helps you engage with your people AND it can help you make sure you’re content is on the right track AND maybe even give you new content ideas. Don’t create content in a vacuum!

Ways to get feedback:

Social Media Polls (IG Polls, FB Polls) & Surveys

Ask 5-simple questions:

• How did you find my podcast?
• What is your favorite episode?
• What are you doing while you’re listening to the podcast?
  • a) driving, b) walking the dog, c) folding laundry, d) working out, other
• Who is someone you’d like for me to interview on the podcast?
• What is a topic you want us to cover in future episodes?

Platforms to use: Typeform, Survey Monkey, Google Form

Live streams: Real-time conversation with your audience is everything! 

I do a weekly live stream that brings new people each week, some familiar faces, but it gives my audience a chance to engage with me, ask questions live, and they know I’ll hang out and keep answering questions as they keep coming