Pat’s Tips

Tip #1: Interview or highlight group owners to get more downloads and listens

Facebook Groups and LinkedIn Groups come with incredible opportunities for podcasters. No, you don’t just want to go in there and start spamming your show. Instead, do this.

1. Find a group related to your topic, ideally one that’s active and seemingly full of people who would benefit from listening to your podcast.
2. Find the group owner. Typically, the owners are public in these groups under a “members” tab.
3. Reach out to the owner, whether on the platform itself, or by a different means such as as email, another social platform, an introduction from a connection, etc.
4. Send the following message:
   Hey [their name]! I’m [your name] and I’m the host of [your podcast], and I’d love to feature you and your [Facebook or LinkedIn] group in my upcoming podcast episode. Would love to get a super quick tip from you to include in the podcast and shed some light on what you’ve built for my audience.
5. Once they reply, use a tool like Google Voice or SpeakPipe.com to have them simply record their answer to the following question to then drop into your podcast:
   What’s the #1 tip you have for someone who is just getting started with (niche/goal)?

You can use that voice message in your podcast, and then respond and expand on it yourself in your episode. 

Collect 5–10 of these from 5–10 different group owners and compile a single episode that includes them all. The chances of each of those owners sharing that podcast episode inside their communities is very high because you’ve given the owner a platform to get recognition, one that makes them look good in front of their people. The group being mentioned helps too, and the fact that the owner of the group shares the episode encourages more people to visit and listen to the podcast compared to if you just went in there yourself and started sharing links. 

Some of my own students are using this strategy ALONE to get thousands of new listeners to their podcast a month. To follow up, if any owners provided really great tips and have a good vibe, you can invite them on again for a second full interview to uncover more of their story and highlight their group even more.

Tip #2: Use AI to help you create better show notes, faster

Editor’s Note: This section contains an affiliate link. If you purchase Descript using the link below, SPI Media will receive commission based on your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Creating show notes and resources for your podcast can be time-consuming. To make this process more efficient, use AI tools like Adobe Acrobat’s AI Assistant to upload a transcript and auto-generate a summary and resources mentioned in each episode. Descript [affiliate link] is another tool that offers similar functionality with just a click of a button. This approach saves a lot of time, especially since it can be challenging to track all the points and resources mentioned during the recording.

However, make sure to review everything before copying and pasting. Adobe Acrobat’s AI Assistant, for instance, cites its sources, indicating where specific points were made in the transcript, which is very helpful. Always publish in your own voice, but consider how AI can help you streamline your process.

Additionally, you can use AI to identify key themes and insights from your episodes, which can help in creating more targeted and engaging show notes. AI tools can also assist in generating social media posts and promotional content based on your transcripts, ensuring a consistent and efficient promotion strategy. Remember, while AI can significantly reduce the workload, maintaining a personal touch and authenticity in your content is crucial.

Tip #3: Be genuinely curious

Interviewing guests for your show can be challenging. It took me over 100 episodes to learn that the key to creating engaging interviews that not only get listened to but also get shared is to be genuinely curious.

Being genuinely curious helps you think of the next question to ask and puts you in the listener’s shoes. I often receive comments like, “You somehow ask the same questions I’m actually thinking during certain moments of the episodes” and that’s because I shift my focus from “what should I say next?” to “what am I wondering about right now?” It takes practice to get used to interviewing this way, but it’s how many of the best interviewers on television, podcasts, and YouTube do it. They remain genuinely curious about their guests, the story they’re telling, and the lessons they are sharing. If the host isn’t clear about something, they dig deeper, ask simple but powerful questions like “why,” and represent the audience in that way.

Another valuable insight, related to becoming curious, is to actively listen and avoid interrupting your guests. Give them space to express their thoughts fully, which often leads to unexpected and insightful revelations. Also, prepare by researching your guest thoroughly, but remain flexible during the interview to follow interesting threads as they arise. This combination of preparation and adaptability, fueled by genuine curiosity, creates a dynamic and engaging conversation.

Tip #4: Leverage audience engagement through interactive content

Creating interactive content can significantly boost your podcast’s engagement and build a stronger connection with your audience. Here are some ways to incorporate interactivity into your podcast:

First, consider incorporating live episodes or Q&A sessions. Platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, or even Instagram Live allow you to broadcast in real-time and interact directly with your listeners while recording episodes. It may take some practice, but it adds an incredible behind-the-scenes layer to your podcast, especially for your superfans. During these sessions, encourage your audience to ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. This real-time engagement can make your listeners feel more connected to you and your podcast, and generate even more superfans, too.

Second, create polls, quizzes, or surveys related to your podcast episodes. Use tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or social media polls to gather your audience’s opinions on various topics. Share the results in a future episode and discuss them, making your listeners feel like they are a part of the conversation.

Third, invite your listeners to contribute to your episodes. You can ask them to send in voice messages, stories, or questions that you can feature in your podcast. Tools like SpeakPipe or your podcast hosting platform often provide ways for listeners to submit audio clips. Featuring listener contributions not only diversifies your content but also strengthens your community by showcasing their voices.

Lastly, gamify your podcast experience. Create challenges, contests, or scavenger hunts related to your content. Offer rewards or shout-outs to winners, which can motivate your audience to engage more deeply with your podcast. For example, you could hide a keyword in each episode and ask listeners to find it for a chance to win a prize.

By leveraging interactive content, you not only increase engagement but also foster a sense of community and loyalty among your listeners. This unique approach can set your podcast apart and keep your audience coming back for more.