Congrats on starting your podcast! You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating valuable content, and now it’s time to share it with the world. Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for podcasters, but only if used effectively. Many podcasters make common mistakes that actually repel potential listeners. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for and actionable steps for you to take if you’ve made these mistakes already. Follow and transform your social media presence into a listener-attracting machine in no time.
Mistake #1: The “Me, Myself, and I” Syndrome (The All About Me Problem)
- The Problem: Your Instagram feed is a constant stream of self-promotion: episode announcements, behind-the-scenes selfies with no context, and constant calls to action to listen. While it’s important to promote your show, your audience wants more than just ads. They want connection, value, and entertainment.
- The Fix: Shift your focus from you to your audience. Ask yourself: “What value am I providing to my followers today?” Here are some content ideas:
- Share key takeaways from your episodes: Turn insightful points into visually appealing graphics or short video clips.
- Ask engaging questions related to your podcast topic: Start conversations and encourage interaction.
- Share listener stories or testimonials: Highlight how your podcast has impacted others.
- Create content related to your podcast’s niche, even if it’s not directly about your show: Become a valuable resource in your field.
- Go live and interact with your followers: Build a personal connection and answer their questions.
Mistake #2: The Content Graveyard (Inconsistent Posting)
- The Problem: You post sporadically, with long stretches of silence followed by a flurry of promotional posts. This makes it difficult for your audience to stay engaged and remember your podcast.
- The Fix: Develop a consistent posting schedule. Even a few high-quality posts per week are better than sporadic bursts of activity. Use a social media scheduler to plan and automate your content.
Mistake #3: The Echo Chamber (Ignoring Engagement)
- The Problem: You post great content but fail to interact with your audience. You don’t respond to comments, answer questions, or participate in relevant conversations.
- The Fix: Actively engage with your followers. Respond to comments and messages promptly. Ask questions and encourage discussion. Run polls and quizzes. Show your audience that you value their input.
Mistake #4: The Hashtag Hodgepodge (Irrelevant Hashtags)
- The Problem: You use a random assortment of hashtags, hoping to reach a wider audience. However, using irrelevant hashtags can actually hurt your reach and make your content look spammy.
- The Fix: Research relevant hashtags within your podcast’s niche. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags. Don’t just use hashtags related to “podcast”; get specific! #TrueCrimePodcast #IndiePodcast #PodcastTips are better examples.
Mistake #5: The Platform Mismatch (Using Every Platform Ineffectively)
- The Problem: You try to be everywhere at once, spreading your efforts thin and failing to make a real impact on any single platform.
- The Fix: Focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active. Do some research to determine where your ideal listeners hang out. It’s better to be highly engaged on one or two platforms than to be barely present on all of them.
Conclusion:
By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can transform your social media presence and attract a loyal following of listeners. Remember, social media is about building relationships and providing value. Focus on connecting with your audience, and your podcast will thrive.
Ready to take your podcast’s social media to the next level? Book a free consultation today to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you achieve your goals! [Link to your booking page]