Every time you hit that blessed Record button, do you have a list of measurable outcomes for that production in mind?
Have you figured out the three things you want your listeners to know by the time you’ve finished?
Or do you go into the show thinking only about the ticking clock and getting it done?
It doesn’t matter what kind of show we produce, whether it’s music-all-the-way or a hard-hitting business edition – there are things you’ll want to have achieved by the time the outro begins.
It’s a maze out there!
A-Maze-In! But you have to help your audience find their way...
Too true. There’s a reason why radio stations (used to) employ so many people. Getting the knack of engaging your audience while keeping one eye on the clock is a pretty pressing matter. But with the passing of time and the acclimatising to this exciting way of communication, it’s going to be the most fun you’ve ever had – so stick at it.
If you’re driving a music show, you’ll want to be focusing on changes of pace, right? You want to hit people at the start with a familiar track or beat so they know you. That’s your ident. Then you’ll be taking them on an epic voyage through musical bliss. What makes a great DJ is his ability to sense the mood of his audience and respond accordingly. Damn sight easier when you can see them on the dance floor, but I bet even sat there in your studio you know which days of the week produce your greatest number of listeners, and that folks prefer blues on a Thursday to a Monday, and so on. Analytics needn’t be dull – you simply need to get out there and talk to your incredible audience. Then you can craft easily your outcomes for each and every show. It’ll make it so much more enjoyable for everyone as a result, I promise you.
In the hot seat for a talk show? Get the most info you can on your guests, and think like a listener:
- What’s in it for me?
- Why should I listen?
- How will I have changed by the end of the show?
Sure it sounds easier to have measurable outcomes when you’re merchandising information, but the truth is the challenge is greater. Music jocks know the rhythm won’t deviate, but you can’t predict what your guests and co-hosts have to say.
That’s where planning is everything in execution, and why you should read their book/stalk their social media profiles/live on their websites for at least a couple of hours before every show, so you have the best possible chance of understanding where the talkers’ subject and your listeners’ expectations meet.
And relax!
With everything you have to remember, it’s important not to forget your modus operandi is all about having fun, and pouring your passion into a show your community will adore.
But doubtless they’ll love you better and keep coming back for more if you got that plan. So before those faders start crawling up the board, get a clear plan of action together starting with those three key outcomes you can tick off mentally or physically along the way.
Here’s a fun game to help
Imagine you’re going on a really enjoyable journey. To the coast, say, or to a paradise island. What things do you want to do to make that trip a blast? I’ll be buying a book, grabbing a calorie-laden meal at the airport because I really want to spoil myself stupider, and watching a film on the plane.
Got that list? You’re set to do all you can to give that holiday the best possible start.
Creating your next audio marketing production is just like that. Pepper it with wow and a-ha moments along the way and you’ve got listeners for life.
Of course, you could start all this by checking out the podcasting success checklist – but that’s just the beginning!
What lucky charms do you use to make your shows go with a swing?
