September 20, 2024 • 5 mins
While it’s tempting to have multiple calls to action on your podcast, too many can confuse and therefore negate their effectiveness.
Ideally, keep it at one and emphasize that regularly.
By keeping your call to action simple and focused, listeners will be more likely to take that action which in turn will grow your show. So what call to action should you use? Let's dig in!
Mentioned in today's episode
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Be a Better Podcaster is a tips and growth podcast brought to you by Jamie and Jaayne. These are AI hosts - their voices are auto-generated, reading content created by Danny Brown, host of One Minute Podcast Tips and 5 Random Questions.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jaayne:
Ever feel like you're shouting into the void with your podcast? (00:00):
undefined
Jaayne: You put so much into each episode, but how do you get people to actually listen? (00:02):
undefined
Jamie: It's a question every podcaster asks themselves. (00:07):
undefined
Jaayne: Exactly. So today's deep dive is all about maximizing growth with the right call to action. (00:10):
undefined
Jamie: And we're talking about just one simple ask that can make all the difference. (00:16):
undefined
Jaayne: I love shortcuts. (00:22):
undefined
Jamie: Who doesn't? Look, you can spend hours agonizing over algorithms or chasing Apple podcast reviews. (00:23):
undefined
Jaayne: Oh yeah, I've been down that rabbit hole. (00:30):
undefined
Jamie: But building a loyal listener base often comes down to a surprisingly straightforward approach. (00:32):
undefined
Jaayne: Okay, before you say it, I know what you're thinking. Just tell people to share (00:37):
undefined
Jaayne: the show. Right. You read my mind. It sounds almost too easy. (00:40):
undefined
Jamie: I know it does. (00:43):
undefined
Jaayne: But the source we're diving into today makes a really interesting case for why (00:44):
undefined
Jaayne: this strategy is so powerful. (00:48):
undefined
Jamie: What I find fascinating is the psychology behind it. We see marketing messages (00:50):
undefined
Jamie: everywhere, constantly. (00:54):
undefined
Jamie: But when someone we trust recommends something. (00:56):
undefined
Jaayne: Like a friend can't stop raving about their new favorite podcast. (00:59):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. We're far more likely to actually listen. (01:02):
undefined
Jaayne: It's like word of mouth, but for the podcasting world, feels way more genuine. (01:05):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. And this organic growth, fueled by personal recommendations, (01:10):
undefined
Jamie: it can actually have a much bigger impact than, say, obsessing over Apple podcast reviews. (01:14):
undefined
Jaayne: Speaking of which, this deep dive busts some major myths about those reviews. (01:19):
undefined
Jaayne: I always thought they were the key to like climbing those podcast charts. (01:23):
undefined
Jamie: It's a common misconception. In reality, their impact isn't as direct as many people believe. (01:26):
undefined
Jamie: Apple themselves has actually clarified that ratings and reviews can help listeners (01:32):
undefined
Jamie: after they found a podcast to decide whether to listen. (01:37):
undefined
Jaayne: OK, so they matter for that initial should I listen decision. Right. (01:40):
undefined
Jamie: But they don't actually influence chart rankings or search results. (01:43):
undefined
Jaayne: Really? So how do we get those rankings up? (01:46):
undefined
Jamie: Well, that's where that simple ask comes in. (01:48):
undefined
Jaayne: So if those shiny reviews aren't the magic bullet, what is? This whole simple (01:50):
undefined
Jaayne: ask thing better be good. (01:54):
undefined
Jamie: Oh, it is. The source really zeroes in on this. They say we should ditch those (01:55):
undefined
Jamie: complicated calls to action and just ask one thing directly. (02:00):
undefined
Jamie: Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to share (02:05):
undefined
Jamie: it with others you feel would enjoy it too. (02:08):
undefined
Jaayne: Hmm. There is something powerful about keeping it simple. But wouldn't it be (02:10):
undefined
Jaayne: better to be more specific? (02:14):
undefined
Jaayne: Like leave a review on Apple Podcasts or tell your friends on social media. (02:16):
undefined
Jamie: I hear you. And while those actions definitely have their place, (02:21):
undefined
Jamie: we'll circle back to those. (02:24):
undefined
Jamie: But this particular ask, it taps into something much more powerful, genuine enthusiasm. (02:25):
undefined
Jaayne: Oh, I see what you mean. (02:31):
undefined
Jamie: Think about it. If you really connected with this episode, wouldn't you naturally (02:32):
undefined
Jamie: want to share it with someone you knew would feel the same? (02:37):
undefined
Jaayne: Totally. This is way more about genuine sharing and less about like checking off a box. (02:40):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. And get this. You can tailor the ask to your specific listeners. (02:44):
undefined
Jamie: Let's say your podcast is about, I don't know, underwater basket weaving. Okay. (02:51):
undefined
Jaayne: I like where this is going. (02:56):
undefined
Jamie: You could say something like, if you know a fellow basket weaver who needs some (02:57):
undefined
Jamie: underwater inspiration, share this episode with them. (03:01):
undefined
Jaayne: Now that's how you target an audience. And think about it, the more people share (03:04):
undefined
Jaayne: it, the further your reach goes, like a chain reaction, all from that one authentic request. (03:07):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. Imagine if every single person listening brought in even just one more person. (03:13):
undefined
Jaayne: Suddenly, you've doubled your listeners. Okay, I'm convinced. (03:18):
undefined
Jaayne: This symbol ask is powerful. (03:22):
undefined
Jaayne: But what about other calls to action? Should we completely ditch things like (03:24):
undefined
Jaayne: newsletter sign-ups or asking people to support us on Patreon? (03:28):
undefined
Jamie: Not at all. Those are still real. Precisely. It should feel like a natural part (03:32):
undefined
Jamie: of the listening experience, not an interruption. (03:36):
undefined
Jamie: We want these calls to action to feel like a friendly suggestion, (03:39):
undefined
Jamie: not like we're trying to sell them something. (03:42):
undefined
Jaayne: It's funny, right? We make things so complicated when we're trying to grow, (03:45):
undefined
Jaayne: but sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. (03:48):
undefined
Jamie: It's true. (03:51):
undefined
Jaayne: And this whole deep dive really proves it. (03:51):
undefined
Jamie: It reminds us that success in podcasting, it's not about reinventing the wheel. (03:54):
undefined
Jamie: It's about connecting with people authentically. And who better to get the word (03:58):
undefined
Jamie: out than the people who already love what you do, your listeners. (04:03):
undefined
Jaayne: I love that. This conversation has really opened my eyes. I have a whole new (04:07):
undefined
Jaayne: perspective on calls to action. And I know our listeners are going to feel that too. (04:11):
undefined
Jaayne: That one simple ask can really make all the difference. (04:15):
undefined
Jamie: 100%. Don't forget, you've created something really special. (04:19):
undefined
Jamie: Something that resonates with people. (04:23):
undefined
Jamie: Trust that your listeners will be excited to share that with others. (04:25):
undefined
Jaayne: So if you're out there making a podcast, here's something to think about. (04:28):
undefined
Jaayne: We've heard it straight from the source that even the most established podcasts (04:31):
undefined
Jaayne: with huge audiences, they still believe in the power of a simple ask. (04:35):
undefined
Jaayne: What if you tried phrasing that ask in your own way, with your own personal touch? (04:40):
undefined
Jamie: I think you'll be amazed by the difference it can make. (04:45):
undefined
Jaayne: You might just be surprised. And on that note, happy podcasting, (04:48):
undefined
Jaayne: everyone. We'll see you on the next deep dive. (04:51):
undefined
undefined
Jaayne: You put so much into each episode, but how do you get people to actually listen? (00:02):
undefined
Jamie: It's a question every podcaster asks themselves. (00:07):
undefined
Jaayne: Exactly. So today's deep dive is all about maximizing growth with the right call to action. (00:10):
undefined
Jamie: And we're talking about just one simple ask that can make all the difference. (00:16):
undefined
Jaayne: I love shortcuts. (00:22):
undefined
Jamie: Who doesn't? Look, you can spend hours agonizing over algorithms or chasing Apple podcast reviews. (00:23):
undefined
Jaayne: Oh yeah, I've been down that rabbit hole. (00:30):
undefined
Jamie: But building a loyal listener base often comes down to a surprisingly straightforward approach. (00:32):
undefined
Jaayne: Okay, before you say it, I know what you're thinking. Just tell people to share (00:37):
undefined
Jaayne: the show. Right. You read my mind. It sounds almost too easy. (00:40):
undefined
Jamie: I know it does. (00:43):
undefined
Jaayne: But the source we're diving into today makes a really interesting case for why (00:44):
undefined
Jaayne: this strategy is so powerful. (00:48):
undefined
Jamie: What I find fascinating is the psychology behind it. We see marketing messages (00:50):
undefined
Jamie: everywhere, constantly. (00:54):
undefined
Jamie: But when someone we trust recommends something. (00:56):
undefined
Jaayne: Like a friend can't stop raving about their new favorite podcast. (00:59):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. We're far more likely to actually listen. (01:02):
undefined
Jaayne: It's like word of mouth, but for the podcasting world, feels way more genuine. (01:05):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. And this organic growth, fueled by personal recommendations, (01:10):
undefined
Jamie: it can actually have a much bigger impact than, say, obsessing over Apple podcast reviews. (01:14):
undefined
Jaayne: Speaking of which, this deep dive busts some major myths about those reviews. (01:19):
undefined
Jaayne: I always thought they were the key to like climbing those podcast charts. (01:23):
undefined
Jamie: It's a common misconception. In reality, their impact isn't as direct as many people believe. (01:26):
undefined
Jamie: Apple themselves has actually clarified that ratings and reviews can help listeners (01:32):
undefined
Jamie: after they found a podcast to decide whether to listen. (01:37):
undefined
Jaayne: OK, so they matter for that initial should I listen decision. Right. (01:40):
undefined
Jamie: But they don't actually influence chart rankings or search results. (01:43):
undefined
Jaayne: Really? So how do we get those rankings up? (01:46):
undefined
Jamie: Well, that's where that simple ask comes in. (01:48):
undefined
Jaayne: So if those shiny reviews aren't the magic bullet, what is? This whole simple (01:50):
undefined
Jaayne: ask thing better be good. (01:54):
undefined
Jamie: Oh, it is. The source really zeroes in on this. They say we should ditch those (01:55):
undefined
Jamie: complicated calls to action and just ask one thing directly. (02:00):
undefined
Jamie: Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to share (02:05):
undefined
Jamie: it with others you feel would enjoy it too. (02:08):
undefined
Jaayne: Hmm. There is something powerful about keeping it simple. But wouldn't it be (02:10):
undefined
Jaayne: better to be more specific? (02:14):
undefined
Jaayne: Like leave a review on Apple Podcasts or tell your friends on social media. (02:16):
undefined
Jamie: I hear you. And while those actions definitely have their place, (02:21):
undefined
Jamie: we'll circle back to those. (02:24):
undefined
Jamie: But this particular ask, it taps into something much more powerful, genuine enthusiasm. (02:25):
undefined
Jaayne: Oh, I see what you mean. (02:31):
undefined
Jamie: Think about it. If you really connected with this episode, wouldn't you naturally (02:32):
undefined
Jamie: want to share it with someone you knew would feel the same? (02:37):
undefined
Jaayne: Totally. This is way more about genuine sharing and less about like checking off a box. (02:40):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. And get this. You can tailor the ask to your specific listeners. (02:44):
undefined
Jamie: Let's say your podcast is about, I don't know, underwater basket weaving. Okay. (02:51):
undefined
Jaayne: I like where this is going. (02:56):
undefined
Jamie: You could say something like, if you know a fellow basket weaver who needs some (02:57):
undefined
Jamie: underwater inspiration, share this episode with them. (03:01):
undefined
Jaayne: Now that's how you target an audience. And think about it, the more people share (03:04):
undefined
Jaayne: it, the further your reach goes, like a chain reaction, all from that one authentic request. (03:07):
undefined
Jamie: Exactly. Imagine if every single person listening brought in even just one more person. (03:13):
undefined
Jaayne: Suddenly, you've doubled your listeners. Okay, I'm convinced. (03:18):
undefined
Jaayne: This symbol ask is powerful. (03:22):
undefined
Jaayne: But what about other calls to action? Should we completely ditch things like (03:24):
undefined
Jaayne: newsletter sign-ups or asking people to support us on Patreon? (03:28):
undefined
Jamie: Not at all. Those are still real. Precisely. It should feel like a natural part (03:32):
undefined
Jamie: of the listening experience, not an interruption. (03:36):
undefined
Jamie: We want these calls to action to feel like a friendly suggestion, (03:39):
undefined
Jamie: not like we're trying to sell them something. (03:42):
undefined
Jaayne: It's funny, right? We make things so complicated when we're trying to grow, (03:45):
undefined
Jaayne: but sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. (03:48):
undefined
Jamie: It's true. (03:51):
undefined
Jaayne: And this whole deep dive really proves it. (03:51):
undefined
Jamie: It reminds us that success in podcasting, it's not about reinventing the wheel. (03:54):
undefined
Jamie: It's about connecting with people authentically. And who better to get the word (03:58):
undefined
Jamie: out than the people who already love what you do, your listeners. (04:03):
undefined
Jaayne: I love that. This conversation has really opened my eyes. I have a whole new (04:07):
undefined
Jaayne: perspective on calls to action. And I know our listeners are going to feel that too. (04:11):
undefined
Jaayne: That one simple ask can really make all the difference. (04:15):
undefined
Jamie: 100%. Don't forget, you've created something really special. (04:19):
undefined
Jamie: Something that resonates with people. (04:23):
undefined
Jamie: Trust that your listeners will be excited to share that with others. (04:25):
undefined
Jaayne: So if you're out there making a podcast, here's something to think about. (04:28):
undefined
Jaayne: We've heard it straight from the source that even the most established podcasts (04:31):
undefined
Jaayne: with huge audiences, they still believe in the power of a simple ask. (04:35):
undefined
Jaayne: What if you tried phrasing that ask in your own way, with your own personal touch? (04:40):
undefined
Jamie: I think you'll be amazed by the difference it can make. (04:45):
undefined
Jaayne: You might just be surprised. And on that note, happy podcasting, (04:48):
undefined
Jaayne: everyone. We'll see you on the next deep dive. (04:51):
undefined
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