254 – How To Grow Your Audience And Market Your Podcast! Facebook Interest Lists And More!




The Cliff Ravenscraft Show - Mindset Answer Man show

Summary: So You Have A Podcast... Now What? One the questions that I am asked most often is "How Do I Grow My Audience?" Many times it's phrased something like, "I've been podcasting for (insert number) of months/years and I only have (insert number) of people who are consistently downloading each of my episodes." Those who have been listening to Podcast Answer Man for a long time know that I really don't like the mindset behind that question. I'm all for growing our audience. However, I'd prefer to say, I've been podcasting for (insert number) of months/years and I've been blessed to grow my audience to a point where (insert number) people are consistently downloading each of my episodes, and I'm ready to take the reach of my show to a whole new level. Remember that each of these "downloads" represents a person/human being. Do you know how many pastors would love to speak to 50, 100, or even 300 people, consistently, each and every week? I've often avoided going too deep into answering this question on Podcast Answer Man, in the past, due to the fact that I've always want to drive home the point that I feel strongly that the quality of the relationship you have with your audience/community is much more important than the quantity of people who download your show. In this episode, I share two pieces of audio feedback from our community where I was asked how we can effectively market our podcast and grow our audience. In response, I shared the following items. 1. There is power when your show has a narrow niche focus. 2. I suggest only podcasting about things for which you are passionate about. 3. Before you record your first episode, you should know why are you podcasting in the first place. I recommend having a having a mission/purpose for your show. 4. Become crystal clear on exactly who your target audience is! Imagine your occupation was that of a bounty hunter. How hard would your job be if you were not given any clear description of the person you are supposed to be looking for. Same principle applies when trying to go out and find new people to listen to your show! 5. Build it and they will come does not, often, work in podcasting! Creating an amazing show is about 30% of the equation. The other 70% is marketing and relationship building. 6. Obviously, you should submit your podcast to podcast directories like iTunes, Zune, Blackberry, and Stitcher Radio. 7. Content Is King! Create high value content that people can't live without! It's an added bonus if your content is so great that they are compelled to share it with others. 8. Entertainment goes a long way. Don't Be Boring!!! 9. Keep it positive! The world is seeking hope and encouragement! Give it to them! 10. Be ENTHUSIASTIC! Don't do it more than what is natural for you though! 11. Prepare ahead of time. I spent more than two hours preparing for this episode, thirty minutes in post production, and over an hour on these show notes. 12. Audio Quality Is Queen! Remember that there are times when the Queen will trump the King! Many people, including myself, will not listen to your GREAT CONTENT if your audio quality is not that great! 13) Build relationships with your audience! Learn the first name, last name, and a MINIMUM of at least one other personal fact about AS MANY of the people who download your show as possible. 14. Include the voice of your audience in your show. 15. Thank members of your community publicly, both in your show and in your online efforts. 16. Establish and build meaningful relationships with other content creators in your niche/industry. 17. Create keyword rich titles, show notes, etc for your podcast. And all that other SEO junk. :) 18. Make Yourself newsworthy! http://PodcastAnswerMan.com/newsworthy 19. Interview others in your show. 20. Accept requests for being interviewed on other people's podcasts and blogs. 21. Consider a press release. 22.