Podcast Coach Tim Wohlberg
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If you listen to only one tip in the entire history of this podcast filled with tips for podcasts, let it be this one.

Drum roll, please.

Be listener-centric.

Oh wow, I could almost hear the disappointment from here. But wait, you may know that this is the most important thing in podcasting (if you don’t go and listen to pretty much any of my past episodes).

If you’ve been listening, you know all about how listener-centric podcasts can make your podcast easier to produce, easier to promote, and have a bigger impact on your audience.  But, do you know how to make your podcast MORE listener-centric?

Ah-ha! See, this is a good episode because I’m going to share three ways to make you sure that you are super listener-centric.

I lay it all out in this episode so hit play and fill your earballs with pure podcaster gold.

Or, keep reading if you’ve got something against podcasts.

Huh, still here, eh?

Okay so the three ways to make your podcast even more listener-centric.

1. Engage Your Audience

We all know that the name of the game is getting your audience to engage with you but what about swinging things around the other way. Sure, you share your message with them but are you using your podcast as a way to start a conversation with them? What about the other ways you communicate with them like an email list? Are you just pushing information out without giving them the opportunity (or encouragement) to answer back? There are so many ways to make podcasting a two way conversation. These conversations can help you better understand your audience and then, better serve them with your podcast. This might mean going to where they are and engaging with them there. Yes, you may have to step out of your podcast sandbox and go play nice on someone else’s turf. It’ll be fine. Your listeners (and potential listeners) are awesome. Go hang out with them!

2. Check the Data 

There are a lot of ways to figure out who is listening and what they want to hear besides having a conversation with them. You have access to analytics through your social media platforms, you can check your Google analytics to find out who is coming to your website, and your email marketing platform may offer demographic details. Get to know who your talking to better by looking at who is actually listening. You may discover that your avatar is not who you thought! Data can also help you better understand what your listeners want to hear. Look at the most popular shows and see if there’s a trend in the topics or content. These are all clues that will help you better serve your listener.

3. Picture Your Listener

I have this trick that I like to use and I suggest to all of my clients. It’s simple. Create a visual reminder of your avatar. Most podcasters have a loose description of their avatar or ideal listener. You know: age, gender, occupation, etc. But, knowing who you’re talking to  is only the beginning of really committing to being listener-centric. You have to feel like you know them so that you can talk directly to them on your show. The best way to do this is to put a picture that represents that avatar right behind your microphone. It could be a picture of a real client who was your ideal client or it could be selected from an image search. It doesn’t matter – just get their mug up behind your mic and it will make a huge difference. In fact, I challenge you to do this for the next 3 months and then report back to me about whether you felt more connected (and your audience engagement went up).

Check in with your avatar before you hit record (it should be part of your pre-record checklist). Ask yourself, ‘Is this episode’s topic something that matters to my listener? Will my listener  get a win out of today’s episode?’ If the answer is yes, then move on. If the answer is no, it’s time to get back to the drawing board and make a better episode!

So, to recap, remember the 3 Rs.

  1. Reach-out and engage more with your audience
  2. Research the analytics for more deets on who you’re talking to and what they want.
  3. Remember who your listener is by posting a picture of them

If you do that, you’ll have a much more listener-centric podcast and you’ll reap all of the rewards. And, I’ll be proud of you.

Now, go on and get out of here before I get all choked up. Listen to the damn podcast.

And, if you need help getting more listener-centric or starting a listener-centric podcast, I’d be happy to lend a hand. It all starts with a free 15-minute coaching call.

 

Podcast Coach Tim Wohlberg
Podcast Coach Tim Wohlberg
Podcast Coach Tim Wohlberg

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You'll also get access to all my free resources including my PRE-RECORD CHECKLIST. Plus my weekly tipsletter with even more tools to improve your pordcast performance.

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Pre-Record Checklist for Podcasting

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You'll also get access to a few other resources my clients use. Including my PERFORMANCE POSTERS. Plus my tipsletter with even more tools to improve your podcast performance. 

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sharing is caring

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You'll also get access to all my free resources including my PRE-RECORD CHECKLIST. Plus my weekly tipsletter with even more tools to improve your pordcast performance.

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You'll also get my tipsletter with even more tools to make your podcast engaging.

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