How to Fix Your Podcast When Numbers Take a Nose Dive

Back in 1980, Robert Palmer was already trying to figure things out with his jam, "I'm Just Looking for Clues." Fast forward to today, and here we are, diving into the murky waters of podcasting where someone is asking why their downloads are nosediving. This isn't just a casual inquiry; it’s a cry for help amidst the chaos of the podcasting world! The Gut Punch of RealityI mean, who hasn’t felt that gut punch when you realize your audience is slipping through your fingers like sand? So what do we do? We go on a hunt for those elusive clues, just like Palmer did, except our clues are more about audience retention than romance. As we dig deeper, we realize that now is NOT the time to pump up promotions. Yeah, you heard me right. If your downloads are dropping like it’s hot, the last thing you wanna do is throw money at ads. It’s like trying to sell a broken car; nobody’s gonna bite. Why Is Your Leaving?Instead, let’s focus on the core issue: why are people bailing? It’s a classic case of ‘fix the holes in your ship before you set sail again.’ Let’s talk about asking your listeners directly: Are we still vibing? Did I lose you at minute 10? You’d be surprised what a simple survey can tell you about your audience’s listening habits. Look at Your Podcast Completion PercentageAnd trust me, if your retention is below 70%, that’s not just a warning sign; it's a full-blown emergency! We also touch on how the podcasting game is a lot like stand-up comedy. You don’t just jump on stage and hope for the best; you gotta test those jokes first! Just like comedians tweak their routines based on audience reactions, we need to refine our content based on listener feedback. If you’re not willing to do the groundwork, you’re basically setting yourself up for a flop. Get The Content Working Before Your PromoteSo, buckle up, because before we throw our next promotion, we need to ensure that what we’re offering is something that listeners actually wanna stick around for. Remember, the key to growth isn’t just about shouting louder; it’s about crafting something worth listening to.Takeaways:In podcasting, if your audience is dropping, it's not the time to promote.You should ask your listeners what they think about your show to get feedback.Tracking listener engagement is super important, and stats can help you understand why they leave.Promoting a podcast with declining numbers is like trying to sell a bad movie; it just doesn't work.Audience feedback is key; knowing where they tune out can help fix your show.You want your completion rate above 70%, but aiming for 80% is the golden ticket.Links referenced in this episode:podcastsconnect.apple.comcreators.spotify.comSchool of PodcastingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy