Behind the Microphone:
Lessons Learned at Podcast Movement & from the Listener Survey
Attending the Podcast Movement convention was an enriching experience that allowed me to connect with fellow podcasters and learn valuable strategies to enhance the Hey, Boomer show. Additionally, conducting a listener survey provided incredible insights into the preferences and interests of our audience. In this blog post, I will share the key lessons I took away from Podcast Movement and highlight the fascinating findings from our listener survey.
The Power of Networking
One of the biggest takeaways from the Podcast Movement convention was the significance of networking. There were over 3000 attendees at the convention in Denver. On the first day of the convention, I hosted an informal meetup of podcasters over fifty-five. We had about ten people show up. The next day, there was another meeting (called a Brain Date) and we added a few more people to our group.
By meeting other podcasters in my niche and building connections, I gained new friends. I learned about the types of shows others are doing. I gained valuable insights into various approaches and strategies. One of the significant takeaways was the agreement to continue to collaborate with fellow podcasters not only to provide opportunities to co-promote and grow our shows together but also fosters a sense of community within the Over 55 podcasting realm.
Through these connections, I discovered incredible shows like Hoyt Prisock’s Behind the Swipe dating podcast and Jill McCoslyn and Chris Brown’s show, Fit Strong Women Over 50. I also enjoyed meeting Denise Gliwa whose show is called Bite Your Tongue Podcast, about Relationships with our adult children, and Heike Yates show, Pursue your Spark.
Takeaways from the Podcast Movement Convention
Podcast Movement not only provided valuable insights into growing our listenership but also shed light on key podcasting trends. For example, the convention revealed that YouTube has emerged as the leading platform for listening to podcasts, surpassing Apple and Spotify. While I have been Streaming Hey, Boomer on YouTube for a few years, this information prompted me to start to explore ways to make our presence on the platform more impactful.
Another key trend that was front and center at Podcast Movement was the idea of memberships. In most cases this means offering exclusive content behind a paywall that is only available to members.
At Hey, Boomer, I offer a membership that entitles you to participate in The Boomer Banter. This is a small group engagement where we dig deep into a specific topic. We spend time in breakout rooms exploring our thoughts and ideas about the topic and then we come together in the big room to share what we learned. The time in the Banter is also building a sense of community with the members of the group. Our current Banter group is a perfect size for conversation, learning and connection. I will probably open a second Boomer Banter group after the first of the year. If you want to get on the list for this, drop me an email at wendy@heyboomer.biz
Takeaways from the Listener Survey
The listener survey revealed some interesting statistics. We found that 29% of our listeners discovered the show through social media, while 22% through podcast apps or YouTube channels. This highlights the efficacy of leveraging these platforms as a way to reach potential listeners. Additionally, 15% of the respondents found the show based on recommendations from friends or colleagues, emphasizing the importance of word-of-mouth marketing.
We asked our listeners about topics they were most interested in for in-depth discussions. Environmental issues, Technology (AI and Cybersecurity), cultural diversity and intercultural communication, family relationships, health and Lifestyle, and intergenerational communication and social justice concerns emerged as the top preferences. I am curious if you agree with these topics or if there are others you would like to hear discussed on Hey, Boomer.
Our listener survey also highlighted the significance of building a sense of community. Many respondents expressed their gratitude for the supportive nature of our show and community, emphasizing the positive impact it has on their lives. To further foster this sense of belonging, we have a private Facebook group called “Hey, Boomer – What’s Next.” We plan to expand this group by offering even more relevant content and encouraging deeper engagement among members.
Wrap-up
Attending the Podcast Movement convention and conducting the listener survey were transformative experiences for Hey, Boomer. It allowed me to connect with like-minded podcasters, gain insights into effective methods for growing our show, and understand the preferences of my cherished audience. I am grateful for the support of the Hey, Boomer community and I am committed to delivering engaging content that delves into topics you are interested in. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
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Originally Published on HeyBoomer.biz
