Have you ever listened to a podcast, felt deeply engaged, and suddenly heard the host say, “Hey, if you love this episode, consider signing up for our newsletter!” That’s a call to action (CTA), and when done correctly, it can make a world of difference in both your podcast’s success and its impact on your audience.
In a recent episode of “Oh My Pod,” our very own Justin Moore had an engaging conversation with Dylan Schmidt, a podcaster and digital marketer whose mission is to demystify how he reached an audience of over 460,000 people without paid ads or a big following. The focus of their conversation? The all-important subject of Call to Action (CTAs) in podcasts and marketing. If you’ve ever wondered about the secret sauce to getting your listeners to engage more actively with your content, this episode is a goldmine of insights!
Meet the Expert: Dylan Schmidt
Based in the sunny realms of Los Angeles, California, Dylan Schmidt has been aiding creatives since 2012. With a background rich in audio, digital marketing, and online business, Dylan is not just a marketer but also an entrepreneur in his own right. He’s been at the game long enough to know that effective CTAs can make or break your marketing strategy, and he’s here to share his wisdom.
The Value in CTAs: It’s More Than Just a Button
In the conversation, both Justin and Dylan emphasized the crucial importance of highlighting the value of your CTAs. Whether you’re urging your audience to sign up for a new program, subscribe to your newsletter, or just leave a review, the CTA should communicate clearly what the listener stands to gain from taking that action. It’s not just about the ‘click’; it’s about the promise that lies beyond it.
Context and Timing: Two Pillars of Effective CTAs
One of the first things to consider is when to introduce your CTA. A good rule of thumb is to set the stage by providing value upfront. Dylan recommends mentioning a CTA before diving into the meat of your episode. Why? Because this primes the listener on what’s to come and what action they could potentially take after listening.
Just throwing a CTA at the end of an episode is not enough; it has to be relevant. Justin emphasized that understanding the context of your listener is key. What are they doing while listening to your podcast? Are they driving, working out, or simply relaxing at home? Tailor your CTA to fit into their life seamlessly.
The Title Is Your First CTA
Interestingly, Dylan points out that your podcast title itself can be your very first CTA. A well-crafted title not only captures attention but also encourages the listener to invest time in your content. Make it snappy, make it intriguing, and most importantly, make it promise something that you intend to deliver.
Specificity Wins
Dylan brought up a significant point during their discussion: the need for specificity in CTAs. General phrases like “follow us for more” or “stay tuned” aren’t compelling enough. Dylan used the example of Alex Romo’s podcast, which focuses on spreading a specific message. Instead of a generic CTA, Alex urges his listeners to “Join our community to be part of the change.” This simple specificity can drive much higher engagement rates.
One CTA to Rule Them All
Both Dylan and Justin shared an essential tip: limit yourself to one clear CTA per episode. It makes it easier for the listener to grasp what you’re asking, why they should comply and also allows you to explain it in detail.
Human Touch vs. AI
The conversation wrapped up with a nod to the human aspect of digital marketing. Dylan is a firm believer in the power of personal touch and suggests that even in an era of AI and automation, a newsletter curated by a human has a unique value. His own newsletter, which is filled with current and relevant content, exemplifies this idea.
In Summary
So, does your podcast need a powerful call to action? YES. A CTA is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s an essential part of building a relationship with your audience. It helps to guide them on what steps to take after consuming your content. A well-crafted CTA can increase engagement, drive action, and ultimately, contribute to the success of your podcast.
If you’re a podcaster or marketer looking to optimize listener engagement, then understanding the mechanics of an effective CTA is imperative. From the timing to the context and even the wording, every element should be meticulously planned to motivate your listener to take action.
So next time you’re drafting a script for your podcast or planning your marketing strategy, remember these gems from Dylan Schmidt and watch your engagement rates soar!
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Happy Podcasting!
Watch the full episode here ⬇️
This blog post is based on episode 29 of “Oh My Pod.” To get the full experience and listen to the episode, click here!
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