If you want to grow your podcast and attract podcast sponsors, it is time to get serious about metrics and audience engagement. Podcast success is not just about downloads, but it is about connection.
According to Riverside, audience engagement is the most important podcast statistic to track if you want to know how many people actually listened to each episode, not just downloaded or started it.
Before you can drive engagement, promoting a show is hard without a community. Whether you are a beginner podcaster or experienced, you need a community of fellow podcasters to provide support, answer your podcasting questions and understand your challenges. You also need a community of loyal podcast listeners who are invested in your topic.
Here is a breakdown of what to do and what to avoid when building a podcast community.
DO: Make Listener Engagement Effortless
If you want your audience to respond, you have to make it easy for them.
- Add simple contact links. Include your email, social media handles and a one-click form in your episode notes or podcast website.
- Ask specific questions. Spark listener interaction with fun or thought-provoking questions during your episodes.
- Use strong, clear CTAs like “Send us a voice note on Instagram!” or “Tag us in your answer on Twitter.” Tell the listeners exactly what to do and how.
For more on crafting effective introductions and calls to action, check out Welcome In: Effective Podcast Intros.
DON’T: Make Listeners Work to Reach You
Your community will not grow if your listeners feel like they are doing all the work.
- Don’t hide your contact info. Avoid burying it in long paragraphs or cluttered show notes.
- Don't use vague and generic CTAs. “Let us know your thoughts” does not work without a clear way to do it.
- Don’t overcomplicate feedback by forcing listeners to sign up, log in or fill out long forms to connect with you. Friction kills engagement.
DO: Ask Your Audience What They Want
If you want to create content your listeners love, you must ask them directly.
- Use polls and surveys. Keep them short and focused to learn what topics your audience enjoys.
- Show appreciation. Offer shoutouts, early access or giveaways to say thank you.
- Use feedback to shape future content. Your audience will notice when their input shapes your show.
For practical tips on collecting audience feedback, read 6 Powerful Ways Podcasters Can Use Audience Surveys.
DON’T: Assume You Know Best
Your instincts are no substitute for real listener feedback.
- Don’t rely on downloads alone. Numbers may tell part of the story, but they do not tell the whole thing.
- Don't confuse silence with satisfaction. Avoid thinking “no complaints” means everything is perfect, and ask the audience anyway.
- Don’t ignore the feedback you ask for. Follow through and let your audience see the impact.
DO: Spotlight and Celebrate Your Listeners
When listeners feel seen and valued, they become part of the story.
- Highlight listener stories and questions in your episodes.
- Let audience input inspire content. Crowd-sourced ideas help build community.
- Make listeners feel like collaborators. Involve them in creative decisions and give them a voice.
For strategies on retaining your audience, explore Keep Them Listening: Retaining the Audience.
DON’T: Treat Your Show Like a Monologue
Podcasting is powerful because it is personal. Do not treat your show like a soapbox.
- Don’t shut down interaction. Open the floor for replies and discussions, and keep the conversation going even after the episode ends.
- Don't ghost your audience. Reply to DMs, comments and emails.
- Don't avoid feedback loops. Encourage replies and follow up in later episodes.
Community Is Your Secret Weapon
In podcasting, connection beats clicks. Building meaningful connections with your audience is one of the most valuable things you can do as a content creator, especially in podcasting. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective ways to grow your show, and it starts with building a real community.
Ask questions, reply to comments and involve your audience. When listeners feel valued, they stick around, share your show and help it grow. The more you engage, the more your podcast will thrive.
Check out Mastering Podcast Metrics: Advanced Analytics Insights for a deeper look at how to track and grow your show.
