In businesses based on user-generated content, it's vital to give users a sense of autonomy. This also applies to podcasting - while you gain skills as a host regardless of listenership, for real impact and income generation, you need an audience.
The "Reddit Blackout" and exodus from Twitter once it was taken over by Elon Musk serve as cautionary tales. Engaging your listeners and letting them know they're important to you is crucial.
One way podcasters can do this is via PodInbox or a similar "voicemail" service. This will allow listeners to easily send audio messages to you.
Three simple segment ideas using these tools:
Q&A: Listeners ask questions and get answers from you via your podcast.
A&Q: This format reverses a standard Q&A with you asking questions and listeners submitting answers. For example, trivia or questions, where listeners share their knowledge or experiences.
"Man on the street" check-ins: In these segments, content is provided by a "local" with something related to that person's location. For example, somebody reporting from a certain city or specific event.
Strategies like these foster community involvement, which is essential for growth.
Remember, without community we are nothing.
Need more episode ideas? Check out my book, 101 Podcast Episode Templates, available on Amazon.com.
