With an estimated 4.57 billion people taking residence online, the digital space is busier than ever before. The Internet is brimming with podcasts, blogs, webinars, and eBooks, and they’re all fighting to brag the attention of consumers.

Many podcasters are under the illusion that distribution is the only way to grow a podcast audience and get more listeners. However, there is another highly effective way to establish a successful podcast – networking and events.

By building relationships with like-minded creators, and integrating yourself within the right communities, you can bolster your show's following and see a positive shift in your listener numbers.

Some of the best networking strategies are explained in more detail below.

✴ Being Interviewed by Other Creators

One of the most effective ways to grow a podcast is to tap into the audience of other creators. By featuring in similar podcasts to your own, you can expose yourself, and your content, to already active listeners.

The key is to appear on shows that appeal to your target audience. By appearing on shows with a similar followership to your own, you’ll be able to really maximize on any potential crossover of listeners.

When you're looking for podcasts that will have you on as a guest, you need to show the creators that you have a genuine interest in their content. Subscribing, reviewing, sharing, and generally engaging with their content regularly before you ever approach them for a collaboration are just a few of the ways you can catch their attention. It opens up the possibility for you to build lasting relationships with other voices in your community.

✴ Interviewing People on Your Show

Interviewing other creators is also a great way for you to network within your community. Even if your podcast isn't an interview-oriented show, you have the option to include one every now and then. As long as the person brings value that will benefit your listeners, it’s great to have another expert or popular host on your show.

By using this approach, you can not only get more listeners but also enhance the overall quality of your own podcast for your existing audience.

✴ Online Communities

Whatever your topic is and no matter how niche, there'll most likely be an online community of people who share the same interests.
While you shouldn't spam these communities with links to your podcast, it is important to integrate yourself with like-minded individuals. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing your own expertise, will all allow you to become a well known part of that community.

Not only can you grow your podcast audience through online communities, but you can also use those conversations to develop new ideas for your own podcast.

✴ Offline Events

Even though podcasts are an inherently online media, there are still plenty of opportunities for growth offline. Connecting with potential listeners on social media platforms is hugely convenient, but it's no substitute for meeting them face-to-face.

There's bound to be a selection of events, conferences, and meet-ups in your local area. Make appearances at a few and start getting your name out there. By having interesting conversations with people, you can plant seeds that will entice them to go and check out your show in their own time.

✴ Make Money Podcasting with a Larger Audience

Investing adequate time and energy into networking can deliver a range of benefits to your podcast. The most obvious advantage to having a good network of relationships and cross-platform partnerships is the opportunity to get more listeners.

The other obvious advantage of a successful networking strategy is the chance to make money podcasting. Advertising agencies and affiliate programs are always on the lookout for shows with a strong listener-base. If you represent a positive investment to these companies, you’ll put your podcast in a better position to be a part of their paid advertising programs.

✴ Successful Podcasting is a Group Effort

Implementing some of the tactics outlined above will enable you to effectively leverage networking to grow your podcast audience. One element alone will not sustain continued development, but a comprehensive end-to-end approach will allow you to increase your exposure, cultivate a larger following, and make money podcasting.

For more insight into growing a podcast audience through networking and events check out our free guide to growing and monetizing your podcast here.

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How to Grow a Podcast Audience Through Networking and Events