Get Listeners To Rate and Review Your Show
✴ Get Listeners To Rate and Review Your Show
This one is for the podcasters who have been in the game for a bit and are looking to see the proof in the podcast pudding that their hard work is making an impact on their audience. Because who doesn’t love the validation of a little social proof? And who doesn’t love pudding?
We read reviews before we try pretty much anything these days, am I right? From the sushi spot on the corner to the facial rollers that follow us around on Instagram...just me? Ratings and reviews are a powerful currency in the podcasting space as well. Not only are you able to harness useful feedback from your current listeners, but you’re also able to catch the eye of new listeners who are wondering if you’re worth the hype. Spoiler alert: you are.
Lucky for you, I’m here today with 4 of the best strategies to convert listeners to love notes. Get ready to start stockpiling reviews and spreading the word that your pod party is the place to be.
✴ About This Video
If you’re new here, I’m Lauren Popish, the founder of The Wave. The Wave helps women like you grow and monetize their podcasts. As a fellow podcaster, I get that maintaining a podcast can feel like a LOT...and as a fellow over-achiever, I go out of my way to learn all there is to know about podcasting, and then condense it down on this channel into delicious, snackable lessons so that YOU don’t have to. Welp, now I’m thinking about pudding again.
If learning about crafting, producing, growing, and monetizing your podcast sounds useful, be sure to subscribe to our channel by hitting the Subscribe button in the lower right, and be sure to hit the bell so you can get notified every time we have a new episode.
✴ How to Get Ratings and Reviews on Your Podcast
NOW, back to the quest for ratings and reviews. Let’s dive right in.
✴ Step 1: Give your audience a clear How-To
When asking for ratings and reviews on your podcast or website, be sure to give detail about how to do so. Not everyone’s as tech-savvy as you, ya little baby genius. Plus some directories like Apple Podcasts and Stitcher have ratings and reviews while Pandora and Spotify don’t. So make it clear for your listener how and where to review. We don’t want them getting lost on the internet...it’s scary in here!
✴ Step 2: Ask existing friends and fans directly
“Ask and you shall receive” isn’t just for genies and stuff...you’ve gotta tell the people what you want! Outright asking for ratings and reviews in a personal way will light a fire under those close to you who want to see you succeed! A direct message on social media or a personalized email can make way more of an impact than a mass asks on your Instagram story. Voice or video messages over social are even more effective. Make your ask in a kind and personal way, and don’t forget about Step 1...including directions on how they can get there.
✴ Step 3: Shout out listeners who leave reviews
Because who doesn’t LOVE the warm glow of the appreciation spotlight once in a while. Including a segment on your podcast where you read reviews and shout out your reviewers tells your listeners that you truly value their feedback and establishes a more personal connection. More listeners will be inspired to leave love notes knowing there’s a chance you’ll be thanking them on a future episode.
✴ Step 4: Hold a contest or giveaway
Ya know, the good ole fashioned way, BRIBERY! Everybody wins and as long as you’re doing your homework on the proper guidelines, it’s totally legal. Incentivize your listeners to leave ratings and reviews with a reward that’s tailored to them. Be sure it aligns with your podcast mission and perhaps loop in a brand your podcast can begin to partner with.
✴ Bonus Time!
Since there are multiple platforms that take reviews, it can be hard to get the full picture. MyPodcastReviews is a site that allows you to see all of your ratings and reviews across platforms in one place. I find this to be way more convenient, time-efficient, and a major mood booster.
Ratings and reviews aren't the only way to help new listeners find your show. If you want to learn the best ways to grow your podcast audience, download our free guide to growth and monetization here.
✴ Let’s go over those steps once more with feeling:
Step 1: Give your audience a clear how-to
Step 2: Ask existing friends and fans directly
Step 3: Shout out listeners who leave reviews
And Step 4: Hold a contest or giveaway
That’s it for this week, gals!
Be sure to subscribe to my channel and new podcast for more essential podcasting tips.
Thanks for watching. Keep podcasting, and enjoy the ride.
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