It's Dave Jackson Head of Podcasting here at Podpage, and I want to talk about something that’s crucial for podcasters looking to build an engaged audience: consistency.
Picture this: It’s the holiday season, and you’re flipping through the channels. You land on the Hallmark Channel and, before long, you know exactly what’s coming. Two attractive strangers who can’t stand each other are going to fall in love, a heartwarming miracle will happen, and by the end, everyone will be basking in that feel-good glow. Predictable? Yes. But that’s what makes it so powerful.
Here’s the lesson: The beauty of Hallmark movies isn’t just in their familiar storylines; it’s in how they consistently deliver exactly what their audience craves. And as a podcaster, you can draw an important parallel here. When you find that perfect mix—the right format, topics, and style that resonates with your listeners—stick with it. Your audience tunes in because they know what to expect. Just like Hallmark fans, they’re looking for that comforting consistency.
Now, you might be thinking, “But won’t sticking to the same formula make my podcast feel boring?” Let’s take a page from the playbooks of iconic musicians like AC/DC or Garth Brooks (before he went Chris Gaines). These artists found their niche and stuck to it. Their fans knew what they were getting, and that loyalty made them successful. When Garth Brooks tried to reinvent himself as Chris Gaines, it flopped because it strayed too far from what his audience loved.
As a podcaster, it’s easy to forget the effort it took to find that sweet spot—where your style aligns with what your audience wants. But once you’ve found your groove, it’s important to stay consistent. Sure, it can sometimes feel creatively limiting, but that consistency is what will keep your audience coming back for more.
Have you ever had the PERFECT gift for someone? Would that EVER get old? When you know what your audience wants, you're "this close" to delivering the perfect gift.
That said, consistency doesn’t mean you should never experiment. I love to shake things up every 100 episodes with something quirky or different. Some listeners enjoy the surprise, while others are more attached to the regular format. The key is that even in those moments of novelty, the core of your podcast—the essence of what makes your show uniquely yours—should remain intact.
So, what does this mean for you as a podcaster?
1. Identify Your Winning Formula
Figure out what your audience loves about your show. What’s the core element they keep coming back for? If you need help with that, use the Audience Survey built into Podpage.
2. Stay Consistent
Once you find that winning formula, lean into it. Your listeners rely on the consistency of your content.
3. Innovate Carefully
Feel free to try new things from time to time, but always stay grounded in what your audience expects from you.
If you're still figuring out what works for your show, or if you feel like it’s time for a little fine-tuning, I’d be happy to help. As someone who’s passionate about teaching podcasters, Podpage offers podcast coaching to those on our Elite plan. We can work together to make your podcast something your audience looks forward to, episode after episode.
Remember, success in podcasting is a lot like a Hallmark movie. Once you find your formula, stick with it, and give your listeners that feel-good experience every time they hit play.
