S4 111. The Simplest End-of-Year Podcast Audit You’ll Ever Do (Just 3 Questions)
Reflecting on the annual impact of your podcast can often feel like never-ending numbers and charts, trends, and internet buzz. Downloads, comments, views - it's easy to get overwhelmed by the metrics that are supposed to define your success.
What if I told you that you could bypass this chaos by focusing on just three crucial questions to audit your podcast effectively and strategically?
In my 15+ years of working as a podcast marketer and content strategist, I've seen creators get analysis paralysis over podcast analytics, forgetting the core reasons they started in the first place. My goal with this episode is to help you reclaim clarity and purpose for your podcast with a simple, focused audit before the end of the year. Ready?
Just hit play.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Simplest Podcast Audit You'll Ever Make
00:12 The Importance of Strategic Podcast Audits
00:37 Equipping Yourself for Podcast Success
02:23 Understanding Podcast Metrics
06:16 Evaluating Podcast Impact on Goals
13:17 Tools and Processes for Podcast Efficiency
24:00 Final Thoughts and Invitation
Question 1: Podcast Impact Through Audience Growth
Begin by examining the audience growth this year. Forget about downloads; the key indicator is your unique listeners.
Why? Downloads don't always translate to listeners or plays - devices often auto-download episodes without action from listeners. I use platforms like Captivate (affiliate link) that separate plays from people, offering insight into whether listeners are genuinely hooked. If only a few people listened to many episodes, that's a potent signal of loyalty (bingeability).
Another relevant metric is the percentage change for plays or views that happened during that given year.
Question 2: Aligning Podcast Goals with Business Impact
Next, consider whether your podcast has supported your broader objectives.
Did the podcast make achieving your personal brand or business goals easier? If not, reflect on whether the podcast was a major player in your strategy or merely a bystander. The quality and impact of your network might have evolved through strategic guest appearances.
Did you host influential guests who could open doors to new opportunities?
Engaging Prospects Through Content
Beyond networking, ponder whether prospects cited your podcast as a reason for their engagement. This indicates the podcast’s role in nurturing leads towards business conversion. Ensure that avenues exist for feedback in your contact forms; this provides crucial insights into how potential clients connect with your brand narrative through your podcast.
Public Speaking and Personal Branding
The podcast might also have inadvertently honed your public speaking skills.
Reflect on whether your comfort and ease in professional settings improved. You've likely accumulated hours of solo speaking that fuel confidence and authenticity, making speaking at events an opportunity to showcase your expertise as a podcast host.
Question 3: Streamlining Content Creation with the Right Tools
Evaluate how technology aided your content creation process. Were there tools this year that made publishing effortless, or were you relying on outdated methods that consumed time?
Like many, I find myself scanning for tools that complement my workflow, enhancing efficiency rather than slowing me down.
Strategic Episode Structuring
If your podcast feeds your entire online content strategy, ensure each episode is strategically aligned with your promotional goals. Structure your script to effortlessly create social media hooks and newsletter copy, ensuring every episode works hard for your overarching strategy.
Consistency and Craft Commitment
Adopt a mindset where every episode isn't only content but an opportunity to solidify your thought leadership. If you're not showcasing client transformations or giving voice to case studies, you might be missing out on maximizing the podcast as a subtle marketing tool.
Periodic Process Check-Ins
Make a habit of quarterly check-ins to assess what's working or needs tweaking in your production line. Tools change, and your podcast process should evolve with them.
Do you currently have pain points you can address with new systems or assistance?
Dedicate Time for Growth and Learning
Don’t neglect personal growth. Setting aside time to explore creative and efficient approaches should be as routine as recording itself. This means investing time in learning new tools or considering specialist support to enhance content strategy.
📝 Reflect back on these three vital questions:
Did your audience grow meaningfully?
Did the podcast align with your larger business goals?
Were your processes conducive to effortless and effective content creation?
By keeping a pulse on these areas, you're equipped to go into the new year with a renewed focus and determination.
For more focused guidance, book a discovery call to plan a content strategy that suits your goals and minimizes the overwhelming noise.
Keep creating content that moves your brand forward, imperfect yet impactful.
Related episodes:
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
→Feeling stuck about your podcast’s growth? Do you have no idea where to start and want to partner up with a pro? Book a free discovery call or learn about what we do: https://thepodcastspace.com/grow-roi
💸 Affiliate links*:
Captivate.fm (Podcast Hosting platform)- https://bit.ly/3ZFbvjQ
Riverside.fm (Record high-quality interviews)- https://bit.ly/46C7A9E
Kit (Newsletter Provider) - https://partners.convertkit.com/thepodcastspace
Custom Neon (Neon sign) - 10% OFF https://bit.ly/48G5Aiq use code THEPODCASTSPACE10
*Understand that by clicking the links above, The Podcast Space may collect a small percentage of the total value. We only recommend products and services we believe in.
ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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