How I’m Changing My Podcast Strategy in 2024

TL;DR

Exploring new podcast strategies and audience engagement for 2024.

Transcript

Hello. Hello. I got my Spotify podcasters wrapped alert in, and I love this time of year. I love looking at those because one, they're just really fun and kind of like, Remind me that people are on the other side of the screen or the phone, however you listen to the show. But I also love them from a data perspective. You can learn a lot from analyz... Read More

Key Insights

• The podcast saw significant growth in 2023, with 84% of listeners joining for the first time, indicating that it's never too late to start podcasting.
• Featuring listeners on the show is a new strategy to bring diverse perspectives and stories, enhancing audience engagement.
• Dark social plays a significant role in podcast sharing, with 50% of shares via direct link and 23% through text, highlighting untrackable audience engagement.
• Exploring SMS marketing and push notifications could enhance podcast sharing and audience interaction.
• Trying new content formats, like short episodes and guest segments, can attract new listeners and keep content fresh.
• 9% of new listeners came from a single episode, showing the power of trending and search-friendly topics.
• Increasing podcast upload frequency to three times a week is being considered to boost visibility and engagement.
• Audio-only episodes offer a more intimate storytelling experience, potentially increasing listener connection and engagement.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the podcast perform in 2023?

The podcast saw a significant increase in listenership, with 84% of the audience being new listeners in 2023. This growth indicates a strong interest in podcasting and suggests that it's never too late to start a podcast, as new audiences are continuously emerging.

Q: What strategies are being introduced in 2024?

In 2024, the podcast will feature listener stories and questions to bring diverse perspectives. Additionally, there are plans to increase the frequency of uploads to three times a week, exploring both short and long-form content to enhance listener engagement and visibility.

Q: What is the significance of dark social in podcasting?

Dark social refers to untrackable sharing methods, such as direct links and text messages, which account for a significant portion of podcast shares. This highlights the importance of considering these channels in audience engagement strategies, despite their lack of measurable data.

Q: How will SMS marketing be utilized?

SMS marketing is being considered as a way to enhance podcast sharing and engagement. Given the high percentage of shares via text, integrating SMS marketing could effectively reach audiences directly on their mobile devices, encouraging further interaction and growth.

Q: What role does trying new content play?

Experimenting with new content formats, such as short episodes and guest segments, can attract new listeners and keep the podcast content fresh. This approach allows for exploring trending topics and tangentially related subjects, broadening the audience base and maintaining interest.

Q: Why consider increasing podcast upload frequency?

Increasing the podcast's upload frequency to three times a week is being considered to boost visibility and engagement. Regular uploads ensure the podcast remains at the top of listeners' feeds, increasing the likelihood of being played during daily routines, such as morning commutes.

Q: What is the impact of audio-only episodes?

Audio-only episodes offer a more intimate storytelling experience, potentially increasing listener connection and engagement. Without the visual component, these episodes allow for a deeper focus on narrative and can convey a more personal and soulful message to the audience.

Q: What opportunities does Spotify offer for podcasters?

Spotify provides various features for podcasters, such as Q&A and comment sections on episodes, enhancing interaction and discovery. As a growing platform for podcasts, Spotify offers significant opportunities for reaching new audiences and engaging with listeners in innovative ways.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast experienced a surge in new listeners in 2023, showing that podcasting remains a viable and growing medium. Plans for 2024 include featuring listeners and increasing engagement through diverse storytelling.

• Dark social and untrackable sharing methods play a crucial role in audience growth, prompting exploration of SMS marketing and push notifications to enhance sharing and interaction.

• Innovative content strategies, including experimenting with new topics and increasing upload frequency, are planned to attract new listeners and maintain interest while leveraging the intimacy of audio storytelling.