“Could you critique my podcast?”
It’s a question I’m often asked. And, something I’ve been happy to do from time to time.
Sadly, seconds in to the show – I’m already confused.
And, if I’m confused, I’m sure any new listener who happens to stumble upon the podcast episode, would be too.
To be honest, if I hadn’t promised to critique the podcast, I’d have pressed stop. Before I even got to the content of the show.
Because I’m busy.
Unless you’ve piqued my curiosity or validated the value of your podcast within your intro – you’ve lost my attention.
Which may sound a little harsh, however this is exactly what goes through the mind of a new listener to your podcast (or even a returning listener) when they press play.
And, if you haven’t confirmed the value, or a reason ‘why’ they should continue to listen, and ‘what’s in it for them’, you’ve probably lost their interest and attention, they’ve pressed stop, and moved on to the next podcast.
You see, a podcast WITHOUT purpose – is just noise.
A Podcast WITHOUT Purpose – is just NOISE! – Annemarie Cross, The Podcasting Queen
When I say ‘purpose’, I’m speaking about a number of different things, which I cover in my Podcasting With Purpose Free Mini-Training, however for the purpose of this article I’ll summarise into three main areas:
- Context
- Content
- Call To Action
Podcasting With Purpose: Context
Let’s have a look at some of the factors you’ll need to consider when looking at ‘Context’:
- Is your show relevant to your ideal client and what your ideal client is interested in learning more about?
- What authority do you (or your guest) have in your industry? Why should your ideal client listen to you/your guest?
- What information will you (or your guest) share that provides valuable insights specific to your ideal client’s needs and desires?
Podcasting With Purpose: Content
Let’s have a look at some of the factors to consider when looking at ‘Content’:
- What are you speaking about that’s different from everyone else in your industry?
- Is there something you’ve uncovered that no-one else is doing, which is generating better results for you and your clients
- Can you validate the information you’re sharing with case studies and examples? How to’s?
Podcasting With Purpose: Call To Action
Some of the factors to consider when looking at ‘Call To Action’:
- What action do you want listeners to take once they’ve finished listening to the episode?
- Are you providing such valuable content during the show that when you share your ‘Call to Action’ (such as a free report/checklist, or other relevant tool) listeners are rushing to give you their contact details so they can access it?
- Are you also providing context to your ‘Call to Action’ so it flows naturally as part of the conversation? Or, does it sound more like an infomercial?
Each of these three factors: Context, Content and Call To Action are important when you are planning your podcast and will ensure you not only grab the attention of YOUR ideal client, however maintain their attention throughout your podcast, and compel them to take advantage of the Call to Action you share at the end of your show.
When you get the formula right – THAT’S #PodcastingWithPurpose!
Want to learn how to Stand Out, Be Heard and become an Influential Voice in your Industry
with a podcast and/or podcast series? Access our free Podcasting With Purpose Minitraining
Want to learn how to Stand Out, Be Heard and become an Influential Voice in your Industry
with a podcast and/or podcast series? Access our free Podcasting With Purpose Minitraining
Related Tags: How to Start My Own Podcast | Podcast Producer