How to Grow Your Podcast Through Easy & Engaging Social Media Content
For many podcasters just starting out, it’s crucial to leverage social media to connect with your audience and get more eyes and ears on the incredible content you’re creating. While a lot of content is focused around video, that can certainly be a more advanced step in the podcasting journey. However, we know that video content on social media performs the best. In fact, according to a study by Wyzowl, 87% of marketers say video content gives them a positive ROI. This means that incorporating engaging visual content into your social media strategy is crucial for growing your podcast. So here are some ideas to create engaging content, even if you're not quite ready to record your podcast interviews and episodes. These strategies will help you boost visibility, attract new listeners, and foster a loyal community around your show.
1. Pull a Powerful Quote from the Episode and Put it Over a Nature Video Reel
Find a standout quote from your latest episode—something that resonates deeply or offers valuable insight. Pair this quote with a serene nature video reel. The calming visuals combined with impactful words create a shareable piece of content that not only promotes your episode but also adds value to your followers’ feeds.
Tip: Use free stock video platforms like Pexels or Unsplash to find nature clips, or take 10-15 second clips when you travel to beautiful locations! I love taking beach and sunset videos to always have on hand (ahhh the benefit of living in San Diego!)
2. Create a Graphic with a Controversial Topic Discussed in the Episode and Ask for the Audience’s POV
Identify a hot topic or a controversial discussion point from your episode. Design a visually appealing graphic highlighting this topic and pose a question to your audience, inviting them to share their point of view. This encourages engagement and fosters a community of listeners who feel their opinions are valued. You can use a photo of yourself, or a meme!
Tip: Tools like Canva make it easy to create professional graphics without needing design skills. You can also use apps like Tezza or Capcut to add unique text features.
3. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) of Setting Up/Recording Your Podcast
Give your audience a peek behind the curtain by sharing behind-the-scenes footage of your podcast setup and recording process. Show them what you do to set yourself up for success on recording days. This humanizes your brand, makes your content more relatable, and can be both informative and entertaining.
Tip: Short BTS clips can be recorded on your smartphone and shared directly to your social media stories.
4. Selfie Asking What Their Favorite Recent Episode Was
Post a selfie and ask your audience what their favorite recent episode was. This personal touch not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable feedback on what content resonates most with your listeners. Plus, it’s a great way to show your face and connect on a more personal level. Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy does this for her celeb guests every week and the engagement goes crazy!
Tip: Use interactive features like Instagram Stories' question stickers to collect responses easily.
5. Share Something You’re Considering Talking About and Ask for Feedback
Have an idea for a future episode but aren’t sure if it’s a hit? Share your idea with your audience and ask for their feedback. This not only helps you gauge interest but also makes your listeners feel involved in the content creation process. They’re more likely to tune in if they feel they’ve had a say in what you discuss.
Tip: Running polls on Twitter or Instagram can quickly give you a sense of your audience’s interest.
6. Tease Upcoming Guests with a Clue for People to Guess Who It Is
Building anticipation for upcoming episodes is a surefire way to keep your audience hooked. Tease an upcoming guest by sharing a clue and inviting your followers to guess who it is. This not only generates buzz but also engages your audience in a fun and interactive way.
Tip: Offer a small reward, like a shoutout on the next episode, for the first correct guess to encourage participation.
Additional Tips for Engaging Content
Use Audiograms: Even without video, you can create engaging audiograms using tools like Headliner. Audiograms combine audio snippets from your podcast with waveform animations and captions, making your content more visually appealing.
Consistent Branding: Ensure that your graphics, colors, and fonts are consistent across all your content to build brand recognition.
Engage in Comments: Respond to comments and engage with your audience to build a community and encourage more interaction. This is especially important in the beginning, as your first listeners can be your biggest drivers of recommendations and long-term community members!
Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags! Around 4-6 highlighting the topics discussed is perfect. You can search the topic in your app’s search bar to see what popular words or phrases pop up.
By incorporating these strategies into your content plan, you’ll keep your podcast’s social media presence dynamic and engaging. Not only will these ideas help you promote your episodes effectively, but they’ll also strengthen your connection with your audience and foster a loyal listener community.
Download my free Podcast Growth Guide for more tips and guidance!
