If you are planning to create a podcast, then you will want to make sure you have listeners. Or, maybe you have already put out your own podcast.
If the numbers are dwindling, then it might worry you. In order for your podcast to be successful, you will need people to listen to it.
However, it is often easier said than done.
Actually convincing a person to listen to it can be tricky. While even the most successful podcast once found it difficult to get listeners, despite the challenge it does happen.
One of the ways to find listeners for your podcast is to build a strategy.
Unless your podcast somehow goes viral, you will need to put in the hard work first – and anyway, things don’t go viral without a strategy in place.
For example, it appears on social media.
So, if you are looking to gain your first 100 listeners to your podcast – listen up – we have all you need to know right here.
So, read on to find out more.
Know Who Your Audience Are
Even before you record your first ever podcast, you should know who your target audience is. Without this information, you will have no idea who the demographic should be.
Once you have an audience in mind, you can aim the podcast and any marketing that goes with it towards them.
For example, if you were to accept paid partnerships, you will have a clear idea of which ones suit your audience and which ones do not.
To make your Podcast more popular you can also speak about certain things that relate to your audience.
If the podcast is for working mothers, then no doubt as a working mother yourself you will have some anecdotes or advice.
Again with music. If you are targeting an audience of 18 to 30 year olds, then your language may be different, or the culture you speak of may be influenced by that particular generation.
If your audience is too broad, then narrow it down. From there you will have a clear vision of who your target market is.
While it may change over time, be strict with it now.
See also: How To Start A Podcast With No Audience
Utilize Social Media
Social media is a tricky thing these days. Whether you love it or hate it, social media plays a key role for anyone who wants to get their podcast (or other media) heard.
Now that you know who your audience are, you can use social media to engage with them directly.
While you might not want to pay for social media ads just yet, you can still use online platforms to discover new listeners.
However, building up a social media profile takes time.
When you create your brand on these online platforms, avoid directly telling people to ‘LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST HERE AND LOOK AT MY BIO FOR LINKS’.
Instead, look at what other podcasters are doing. Find ways to create content that people can relate to.
Naturally they may begin to check out what you actually do. People are more likely to click on a link because they want to, not because they have been told to.
However, this does not mean you cannot promote the podcast at all. While it is fine to post about your latest episode, just remember to post other stuff too.
It is all about striking the perfect balance between promoting your new podcast episode and being a relatable person.
Give The Audience Content
Another thing to consider is using your social media platforms to dish out advice or tips.
If you are a professional in your field, then make the most of live question and answer sessions.
For example, if you do a skincare podcast, use the live streaming function to allow users to ask you questions to answer right there and then.
Your followers will love to hear from you, and may even tune into your podcast to see what it is all about.
While often anything on your social media will not directly link itself to the podcast, you will get new listeners.
You are drawing new people in by providing interesting content. This content will be stuff they enjoy and value.
If you appear to be someone they respect, then there is a good chance they will become a fan of your podcast too.
Word Of Mouth
We know, a little old-school. However, did you know it still works?
When was the last time you watched a show because it was recommended by a friend? Exactly.
Even though sharing content online is something you should definitely do to reach further afield – heck, even globally – you will want to talk about your podcast to those closer to home.
While you may not include your friends or family in your target demographic, there is still a good chance that they might recommend the podcast to someone who fits your audience.
Also, you never know, you might have friends or acquaintances who are interested in your podcast niche.
Talk about it to them, and they might even talk about it to people that they know as well.
While you may think that talking about it locally is not going to get you far, the news of your podcast may travel faster than you think.
Be Accessible
Make sure your podcast is available on the main apps. While an obscure site might be a good idea to you, people are less likely to visit it.
Also, adding your podcast to YouTube may help you to gain more followers, as well as make money using their in-house ads scheme.
Final Thoughts
If you are struggling to gain your first 100 listeners to your podcast, then fear not!
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your podcast will not gain 100 listeners that quickly either.
By following the simple tips above, you can build up your podcast listen count. Whats next, How Do I Get More Listeners On My Podcast?
Soon enough you will reach that magic number of 100, and then watch it disappear as it reaches a few hundred more.
