The Gratitude Practice
How thanking your audience enhances your podcasting experience
You put a lot of work into your show. And, podcasting can get lonely. Many podcasters go for months or years without getting any feedback from their audience. This is why it matters even more that you thank your audience.
Before you say, “Thank them for what? They’re just listening. I’m doing all the work,” think about what gratitude does.
Gratitude makes people feel welcome. It shows that your podcast is a pleasant experience.
Gratitude acknowledges the effort the other person put in. They could choose any show, yet they’re choosing yours. For people who get distracted easily, choosing one show out of an app screen loaded with options isn’t easy. And, your show might be their companion to a busy day, where it’s easier to stop listening than continue.
Gratitude invites further participation. It shows that their effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Starting from a place of gratitude can lead the audience to further engagement, such as signing up for a mailing list or making a donation to your show.
Saying, “Thank you for listening,” is good, at the base level. What are some more specific ways you can thank your audience? For example:
Noticed a bump in downloads in a particular place? You can say something on your show like, “I see that there are some new listeners in Hamilton, Ontario. Thank you! I’d love to learn more about what you think of the show.”
Got a good review? No matter how simple it may be, thank the reviewer in your next episode. “I read on Apple Podcasts that someone with the handle JSM1982 wrote us a review saying, ‘Good show, I like it.’ Thanks! I hope we continue making a podcast you enjoy.”
Did someone comment on your show’s social media? Thank them for the comment in the thread and on the show. You can say something like, “One of our Instagram followers, who goes by ‘MrSteve,’ told us, 'This show is too loud.” Thank you for the feedback, Mr. Steve! We’ll do our best to improve our audio mix.”
No comments, reviews, or feedback? Imagine your ideal audience, and thank them for their support. “I know that there are other demands on your time and attention, so thank you for choosing to spend some of your day with me.”
Acknowledging the audience with gratitude not only helps them feel included, but they’re more likely to recommend your show and share it with their friends. And, gratitude is empowering. Saying “Thank you” reinforces your positive feelings about the work you put into your show.
Grace begets grace, honesty begets honesty. It’s a large world out there you’re speaking to - use the opportunity to spread honesty and graciousness, regardless of your podcast topic.
If you feel the NEED for feedback, or salutations, or ‘thank you’s’ - you’re in the wrong field of endeavor. No one asked you to do a podcast - and perhaps if you’re feeling somewhat deflated, you should examine your reasons and motivation for continuing.
If you feel this is YOUR podcast, that’s going to be a problem in the long term. You only own the equipment and the words you script. Once you hit ‘submit’ - it’s everyone’s podcast. It’s a gift from you to the world, but don’t expect the world to need, want, or like your gift. You’ll no doubt collect ‘listeners’ and if you’re lucky ‘subscribers’ and you may discover people actually stream your entire episode. Look at your statistics - there’s the truth. Don’t let THAT go to your head.
Monetization comes from anyone that wants to make more money than they’re going to pay you to mention their name on your podcast - let that sink in. Economically, you’re a tool for someone else to make money - nothing more. Be professional - but don’t prostitute yourself.
Examine your true motives - but grace begets grace and thanks begets thanks. Be graceful, be thankful, keep your listeners close to your heart, the rest will come to you - if you’re good enough, graceful enough and thankful enough.