Curiosity Over Clicks
Elevating Your Podcast Beyond Numbers
Author: Monica Wisdom
We are entering a new era of media, and as podcasters, we have the power to transform the landscape. However, it seems we've lost sight of a simple yet profound focus: curiosity. In a world where downloads and clicks dominate the podcast sphere, we've entered a realm where bigger numbers are equated with better shows. This has become a selling proposition for many coaches and consultants.
Monetize, downloads, episodes, “oh my.” Are we drifting away from our creativity and the art of producing truly great shows? While there are various reasons to start a podcast, statistics show that many do not move past the seventh episode. Initially, we're so excited about our ideas that we pour our efforts into promotion and marketing. From my experience and mistakes, those first seven shows should be created from the perspective of beta testing your market. The real show begins at Episode 8. It's about learning and refining your process, getting into the flow, and building a great show without focusing on numbers, downloads, and clicks. This shift in focus can alleviate frustration and the feeling of failure.
You are not failing; you are building so that when people discover your show, you will have great binge-able episodes. Experts often advise knowing your avatar and audience, but I come from the Gen X school of thought: “build it and they will come.” Bob Dylan, the Beatles, or Public Enemy didn't enter the studio wondering what the audience would love. They opened their hearts, focused on their craft, and created great music, which is why they each have the legacy they enjoy today.
When I started my show, Black Women Amplified, it was about sharing my stories. I focused on building my brand, making it omnipresent, and ensuring that wherever it landed, it would be pleasing to hear and see. My game plan worked, and out of nowhere, I received an email from Harper Collins to interview an author for her second book. Now, on her fourth book, we just recorded my 100th episode.
It's crucial to stay curious about the subject you're focusing on and remember that bigger and louder do not always mean better. There are people with huge platforms who aren't getting the download numbers we'd expect. Companies are moving away from celebrities and are looking for voices like ours. The reality is podcasting can be frustrating, and of course, you want people to listen to all the hard work you've put into your show. But if you pay attention to the details, you’ll be surprised who is watching your work. I want to share with you some secrets, a few things I focused on in my first seven episodes that transformed my show.
My Focus:
My Voice: I never liked the sound of my voice. I worked on my diction, vocabulary, eliminating filler words, and adding texture.
My Sound: I sounded like Darth Vader in a tunnel, robotic and not appealing. That wouldn't work because the listener experience is paramount to me. I consulted sound experts to improve it.
My Schedule: Once I started interviewing, I had to recalibrate my schedule to accommodate the added elements of having guests.
My Communication Plan: It was important that everyone I communicated with had a great experience including the guests, agents, publicists, and vendors.
My Brand: With my background as a consultant and copywriter in the beauty, music, and publishing industries, I understand the power of a brand. Branding is how you play the big game. It's not just about colors and thumbnails but your voice, values, and vision.
Yes, aim for the big numbers, but develop big ideas and focus on the small details. A great show is powerful and will lead you down unexpected roads where dreams are made. Though I haven't yet had my dream guest, Michelle Obama, I feel it's getting closer. Until then, I will continue to focus on creating a spectacular show for the audience I am building.
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Monica Wisdom
Founder, Consultant, Writer and the Host of the Black Women Amplified Podcast
www.monicawisdomhq.com