Podcasters get all worked up over negative comments and reviews. Don’t let it get to you. One comment is not a true reflection of your podcast brand.

Podcasters are not alone. I fought this a lot in radio.

EVERYONE HATES IT

When I programmed radio stations, on-air talent would come into my office all the time with feedback from the request line. They would say things like, “People hate that song.”

When I would ask what would make them think that, they would say, “I’m getting a ton of calls from people complaining.” Of course I would ask how many. “I’ve had 3 in the past week.”

Well, 3 calls is not a great sample of the listening audience. They may be the most passionate, but not nearly representative. Studies show that 3% to 5% of the listening audience would ever call a radio station.

Radio stations typically do research to see what the audience likes. When the research tells you a song is strong, it is much easier to believe that sample than it is to believe 3 people hate it.

SMALL PERCENTAGE

Please remember, one listener is such a small percentage of your overall listenership. There will always be somebody critical of you and your point of view. If you have 100 listeners, that is only 1% of your audience.

I am always in favor of making people love your or hate you. At least they care.

If you have people commenting one way or the other, positively or negatively, at least you are making them care enough to pick a side. Trying to ride the fence is a lonely place. Nobody cares, and that is the worst place to be.

Stir some emotion.

Your firm dedication to your position is critical for your podcast brand identity. Stand for something. Politicians aren’t trusted, because they constantly change their mind. Pick a side and stick with it.

Be concrete in your beliefs. If you love something, shout it from the rooftops. If you really dislike something, be open about it. Either way, stand your ground for the health of your brand.

PROTECT YOUR PODCAST BRAND

There are 7 ways to protect the positioning of your podcast brand.

1. Talk about what you care about – Find topics that excite you

2. Show prep – Know your position

3. Have a goal for every episode – When listening to “Smart Passive Income” with Pat Flynn, Pat said podcasters and speakers should always ask, “What transformation do you hope to have happen for your audience?”

4. Make it interesting by being interested – Even with guests

5. Don’t take the first idea, work a topic

• • Various things to do with a topic
  • Doesn’t always have to be an interview
  • Parody song, skit, long form report with natural sound (experience), demonstration

6. Never be boring – Do something unexpected

7. Have a strategy – Not only what you hope to accomplish, but how to accomplish & how it affects the brand.

I’d love to help you with your podcast.

You can also find tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.