3 Easy and Ethical Ways to Get More Podcast Reviews
Episode 240 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer
0:54 - Why It Can Feel Like Pulling Teeth to Get Podcast Reviews
2:35 - Why Podcast Reviews Matter More Than You Think
6:05 - Two Powerful Reasons People Are Compelled to Leave Reviews
10:08 - The Biggest Mistake Hosts Make When Asking for Podcast Reviews
13:15 - How to Avoid Negative Podcast Reviews
17:46 - 3 Proven, Ethical Strategies to Get More Podcast Reviews
3 Proven Strategies to Get More Podcast Reviews
If you've ever wondered why getting people to leave podcast reviews can be as challenging as herding cats, you’re not alone. It can feel frustrating to give your best content away for free inside each episode, only to hear crickets when you ask for feedback.
But fear not — there are practical ways to turn this around and get the social proof your podcast deserves. Let’s dive into why getting reviews is so tough and how you can change that starting today.
But fear not — there are practical ways to turn this around and get the social proof your podcast deserves. Let’s dive into why getting reviews is so tough and how you can change that starting today.
Why Listeners Love Your Show But Don't Leave Reviews
As a podcast host, you‘ve probably heard things from your listeners like, “That episode was exactly what I needed” or “I love listening to your show!” Yet, when you ask listeners to leave a podcast review, you get nada. (erm, rude!) Especially because podcasting isn’t like throwing up a half-baked post on social media — it requires significant effort in planning, recording, and editing, and promoting every episode.
Which is why it’s totally normal to feel annoyed when listeners tell you they love the show but aren’t reciprocating with podcast reviews. The reality is, 9 out of 10 podcast hosts struggle to get podcast reviews — so if you only have a handful of podcast reviews no matter how much great content you share, you’re not alone.
Chances are you already know that to grow a podcast, you have to get outside of your warm audience. It's people who are cold to you, who don't know you, that we need to reach.
Which is why it’s totally normal to feel annoyed when listeners tell you they love the show but aren’t reciprocating with podcast reviews. The reality is, 9 out of 10 podcast hosts struggle to get podcast reviews — so if you only have a handful of podcast reviews no matter how much great content you share, you’re not alone.
Chances are you already know that to grow a podcast, you have to get outside of your warm audience. It's people who are cold to you, who don't know you, that we need to reach.
“The first thing those people are going to do when they find your show is they're going to look at the podcast reviews to see if it’s worth listening to.”
So, while it’s tempting to throw your hands up in frustration, understanding the psychology behind why people do (or don’t) leave podcast reviews can give you the insights you need to turn things around.The Psychology of Reviews: Why People Leave Them (Or Don't)
Understanding why people leave reviews can help you craft strategies to get more of them. Generally, reviews fall into two categories: proactive, or positive reviews, and reactive, or negative reviews.
- Proactive Reviews: These reviews happen when someone is so wowed that they feel compelled to share their positive experience. Proactive reviews are driven by extrinsic motivation, where listeners are pleasantly surprised and deeply impressed by your content, and they feel compelled to reciprocate when asked.
- Reactive Reviews: Reactive reviews are fueled by intrinsic motivation, often triggered by negative emotions. If someone feels that their time or money was wasted, they’ll often leave a negative review to warn others. Negative emotions are strong motivators, and this applies to podcasts as well. If a listener feels they’ve wasted time on a less-than-stellar episode, they might be compelled to voice their dissatisfaction.
So if you want more podcast reviews on your show (and you want those reviews to be positive), you first need to know how to create content that wows your audience and avoids wasting their time. But delivering top-notch content is only half the battle — asking for podcast reviews the right way is just as important.
Many hosts give up and stop asking when they don’t see instant results. The secret? Keep asking and keep improving. When you ask for a podcast review, be genuinely thankful and keep it short. Highlight what's in it for the listener. Try asking for specific feedback on individual episodes. It can spark more engagement and thoughtful responses.
Many hosts give up and stop asking when they don’t see instant results. The secret? Keep asking and keep improving. When you ask for a podcast review, be genuinely thankful and keep it short. Highlight what's in it for the listener. Try asking for specific feedback on individual episodes. It can spark more engagement and thoughtful responses.
How to Ask for Podcast Reviews Without Sounding Desperate or Pushy
So, how do you ethically encourage more positive reviews without resorting to gimmicks like buying them (and risk getting your podcast banned by players like Apple)?
Here are three actionable tips:
Here are three actionable tips:
- Ask for Reviews Strategically: Don’t just ask for podcast reviews when you feel like it. Make it a part of your content strategy. (And make it easy by providing clear instructions — you’d be surprised how many people don’t know where to go to leave a podcast review.)
- Deliver WOW-worthy Value: Continuously work on improving your craft as a podcast host. When listeners feel they’re getting something special that they can’t get anywhere else, they’re more likely to leave a review.
- Turn Praise into Reviews: When a listener tells you how much they enjoy your show, ask them if they’d be willing to write it in a podcast review. A simple and personal request can make a big difference, helping you build social proof that can attract new listeners. Plus, it’s an easy way to leverage the enthusiasm of your existing audience to build your show’s credibility and visibility.
What About Asking Guests for Reviews?
If you’re struggling to collect listener reviews, don’t forget about the power of guest reviews. After a fantastic conversation with a guest, consider asking them for a quick character reference about their experience with you as a host. It’s a simple and sincere way to build your show’s credibility.
Just be sure to make the request personal and do it immediately after the interview.
Just be sure to make the request personal and do it immediately after the interview.
“Never require a guest to leave a review just to be on your show, and don’t ask them to review episodes they haven't listened to. Keep it genuine and contextually relevant.”
Pro Tip: Another great way to build social proof for your show is inside of podcast communities like PodLottery. These places are gold mines for mutual support where hosts exchange honest reviews. By diving into these circles, you can expand your audience and make valuable connections with other podcast hosts, which could lead to other lucrative collaborations down the line.The Long Game: Building Social Proof with Podcast Reviews
Getting more podcast reviews and building social proof is an ongoing process that requires a combination of delivering exceptional content, mastering the art of asking, and leveraging various strategies to encourage listener engagement.
By understanding the psychology behind why people leave reviews, you can tailor your approach to create a more compelling and rewarding experience for your audience.
Remember, every review is a testament to the value you provide and the impact you make in your listeners' lives. So keep refining your craft, express gratitude, and watch your podcast grow as you build a loyal and engaged community around your show.
Want more tips on how to make your podcast stand out? Follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast on your favorite podcast app to learn how to turn your show into a top podcast listeners can’t get enough of.
And if you’re a coach, consultant, expert, or online business owner who wants to start a podcast that turns listeners into leads, we’d love to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and see if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.
By understanding the psychology behind why people leave reviews, you can tailor your approach to create a more compelling and rewarding experience for your audience.
Remember, every review is a testament to the value you provide and the impact you make in your listeners' lives. So keep refining your craft, express gratitude, and watch your podcast grow as you build a loyal and engaged community around your show.
Want more tips on how to make your podcast stand out? Follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast on your favorite podcast app to learn how to turn your show into a top podcast listeners can’t get enough of.
And if you’re a coach, consultant, expert, or online business owner who wants to start a podcast that turns listeners into leads, we’d love to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and see if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.
