ver feel like you’re running out of new podcast topic ideas?
Maybe you feel like you’ve covered everything and your struggling to talk about something new. Well, let’s talk about why repetition isn’t just okay, but absolutely essential for your podcast’s success.
Repetition is Consistency
Today’s tip is simple:
Repetition is consistency, and consistency is the only way your message gets across.
UM, TIM, you already talked about this LAST WEEK!
This is a second episode about repetition but from a different (and equally important) perspective.
In the last episode, I shared that repetition can be a powerful tool in making your content or ideas more sticky. Go back and listen to episode 213 to grab that persuasive tip. In this episode, I want to talk about how important it is to repeat your topics on your show, especially as you get past your first year of podcasting.
The Ego Trap
I talk to so many podcasters struggling to come up with fresh episode topics. They feel like they are running out of new ideas. This is (there’s no way to sugarcoat this) arrogant. Yep, it’s your ego that is making you think that your audience needs fresh topics constantly.
You see, somewhere in your brain, you’ve convinced yourself that your listener started with episode #1, religiously listened to every episode since then, and 100% remembers every single thing you’ve ever said.
I hate to break it to you, but it’s just not true. Most of your listeners have not heard every episode, they may not have started at the beginning, and they certainly don’t remember everything you said. And, even if they are super-fans with absolute dedication and possess total recall—they will not mind at all if you repeat a topic. In fact, they might just thank you!
The Benefits of Repetition
Repeating topics isn’t just in case some listeners may have missed it the first time; there are several other reasons you should be repeating topics.
- Consistency of Message: When listeners hear your message consistently, they are far more likely to retain that message or idea.
- Comprehension: You can explain the same idea three times before someone really understands what you’re talking about. By changing up the way you share an idea, creating a fresh take or analogy to explain the idea, or using a case study to strengthen an idea—you can help your listener fully buy into what you’re sharing.
- Authority: Your podcast is all about building your authority as a subject matter expert—as the go-to person on a certain topic. If you don’t repeat that topic (or core topics), then how is anyone supposed to see you as the expert? The Dalai Lama doesn’t say, “Oh, I’ve already talked once about compassion, I can’t talk about that again.” If you want to be known for something, you need to cover it six ways to Sunday!
- More Authority: Have you ever Googled the solution to a problem? Of course, you have. Do you read one person’s blog, watch one video, or listen to one podcast and think, “Well then… now I know everything. Done. End of research.” No. You gather up a few resources. You look at a few solutions and make your mind up about what your approach is going to be. Your listeners and potential customers are doing the same thing. So, now, would you rather be the person who came up once during that Google search or someone who came up multiple times? Of course, it’s multiple times—it positions you as the expert. But, you won’t come up multiple times if you only cover each topic once.
- Stay in Your Lane: If you’re in business, you’re likely solving a problem your ideal customer has. It’s not necessarily your job to solve their next problem. You don’t have to grow with your clients or customers by coming up with the next solution to another problem they may face. You can stay right there in your lane, where you are consistently solving that one problem you solve so well over and over again. When you strive for new, fresh, never-been-covered-before topics, you are likely going to be reaching beyond your sweet spot. You’re going to be swerving all over the place. Repeating topics will help you stay in your lane and serve your niche.
More Reasons to Repeat Topics
Often when podcasters think they’ve talked about everything there is to say, they call their show done or exhausted. Not the case. Start again, and I’ll bet you could recycle every topic you’ve already covered with a new approach or a different perspective or by going a lot deeper. So, the next time your ego brain tells you that you already covered that topic or that you have to dazzle your audience with fresh new topics every time, give it 5 minutes in the time-out corner. Then, think about what your listener actually needs: a clear understanding of the topics that truly make you the go-to authority in your space.
Examples of Repetition in My Episodes
Want to see what I mean? I do this all the time and I bet you’ve never noticed. Check out episodes 24, 56, 122, 154, and 193—yep, they all touch on this exact same topic—the importance of being consistent by repeating your topics.
24 5 Ways to Generate Podcast Topic Ideas
56 How to Brainstorm your Podcast Ideas
122 What are Podcast Themes and Do You Really Need Them?
154 Are You Ignoring The Best Podcast Episode Topic Ideas?
193 5 Content Hacks So You Never Run Out of Podcast Episode Topics
Walking my talk, baby.
Make Your Podcast Sticky
It’s these types of strategies that make your podcast sticky. This is one of the things we do when working with our clients: dial in your content so that your listener knows what they’re going to get each time they press play. Is it clear what your listener is going to get when they press play on your show? If you can’t answer that, maybe we should get some clarity around that.
Book Your Free Podcast Coaching Call
I’d love to help you find the answers so I’m offering up a free private coaching call. Just you, me, and your podcast. Book your free private podcast coaching call: https://calendly.com/timwohlberg
