How to Promote your Podcast Without Social Media
Updated: Aug 17
Greetings, podcasters! It's your taco-loving podcast producer, Jamie Kennedy, here to sprinkle some podcast promotion magic on your journey.
Today, we're tackling a topic that hits a little too close to home for me—promoting your podcast without relying on social media. As a perpetual people-pleaser with an insatiable craving for validation (thanks for nothing, therapy!), social media is my kryptonite. Every like and comment is a rush, and every dip in follower count still feels like a punch to the gut. Can you relate?
Whether you're a social media enthusiast or more of an "Off-the-Grid" kind of podcaster, I've got you covered. Because I’m here to talk about how to get off of social media and other ways you can get more listeners outside of the social media realm. Yay!
So grab a notepad, a glass of wine (or a taco, if you're feeling ravenous), and let's dive right in!
1. Word-of-Mouth: The Ultimate Podcast Elixir
Picture this: your podcast, spreading like wildfire through the power of word-of-mouth! It's no secret that recommendations from friends and family hold unparalleled influence. According to Nielsen, a whopping 88% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over any other form of marketing.
So, encourage your existing listeners to share their favorite episodes with their tribe. Remind them during your episodes, and don't forget to add a little love note in your show notes too. You’ll create a ripple effect that ignites interest in your podcast far and wide!
2. Engage Like a Game Night Host
It’s no secret I love game nights. Give me Exploding Kittens, a glass (or two) of wine and my closest friends and I’m a happy camper. So, imagine your podcast listeners as your closest friends at a game night—laughter, fun, and connection all around!
Engage with your audience on a personal level by responding to their emails, reviews, and carrier pigeon messages (hey, why not?). Show them the love they deserve and make them feel like VIP members of your podcast family.
Let's be real; a little extra TLC goes a long way in building a supportive community around your show. And who knows? Your listeners might just bring the guacamole to your podcast fiesta!
3. Collaboration: Team Up and Conquer
Why embark on the podcasting journey alone when you can form epic alliances with fellow creators? Seek out like-minded podcast buddies with a similar vibe and audience. And if you’ve done your due diligence and chosen a really good niche for your podcast, there will always be collaboration over competition.
Remember, you're like superheroes joining forces for an epic crossover event!
Share special episodes, cross-promote each other's shows, and introduce your listeners to fresh, exciting content. It's like a powerful fusion move that leaves your listeners wanting more.
4. The Power of Email Marketing
Ah, emails—the unsung heroes of podcast promotion. Your email list is a precious gem that can weather any social media storm. Remember when Twitter almost had an apocalypse? Yeah, we're not letting that happen to your podcast empire.
Offer your audience valuable goodies in exchange for their email addresses. It could be a resource guide, cheat sheet, or even a virtual high-five (kidding! Sort of…). Once they're in, show them the love! Send weekly, biweekly or monthly emails packed with free tips, personalized updates, and, of course, links to your latest podcast episodes. Let's create an email community that's as loyal as a trusty sidekick.
5. Reviews: Podcasting's Love Language
Remember the phrase "sharing is caring"? Well, in the podcasting world, "reviewing is caring"! Encourage your listeners to leave heartfelt reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Positive reviews not only boost your podcast's visibility but also build trust and credibility.
And remember, even a single extra star can make a heroic difference in your podcast's success!
Alright, podcast adventurers, you're now armed with creative alternatives to the social media maze. Whether you're a social media maven or an off-the-grid champion, you've got the power to promote like a pro!
But before we part ways, I'm eager to hear your tales of podcast promotion bravery. Share your ingenious tactics and inspiring stories with me via email or—yes, I'm gonna say it—on Instagram (I promise, it's not all bad!).
If this article helped you discover new ways to boost your podcast, do your fellow podcasters a solid and share it with them. Spread the love like taco ingredients on nachos.
Until next time, keep on casting those pods, embrace the journey, and don't forget to laugh at yourself along the way. And remember, tacos and podcasts make for a powerful combo—try it, and thank me later!