The internet is full of gripes. We scoured the web for the most common issues related to podcasting, and here's what we found:
Ad Issues: One of the most common complaints among podcast listeners is the placement of advertisements. Badly placed ads that interrupt the flow, especially mid-sentence, can be particularly jarring. The solution is to plan ad placements carefully to avoid disruption. Additionally, the sheer number of ads can be a turn-off. To address this, podcasters should limit the number of ads and keep them short and relevant.
Scheduling and Consistency: Inconsistent episode release times can frustrate listeners who rely on regular updates. Maintaining a consistent schedule is key to meeting listener expectations.
Structure: Podcasts that lack focus and structure can quickly lose their audience. Proper planning and preparation are crucial to keep content focused. Overly long episodes that lack structure can be a drag; aiming for concise, structured episodes around an hour in length is advisable. Additionally, a lack of preparation by hosts can be evident and unprofessional. Thoroughly researching topics and guests can make a significant difference. Podcasts that go off-topic for too long should strive to keep content focused and relevant.
Content Focus: Unfocused content is a major pitfall. Hosts should hold planning sessions to define the podcast’s purpose and create a series outline to guide content. Vague titles and descriptions can also be a problem; using clear, keyword-rich titles and descriptions is essential. A lack of a unique selling proposition can make a podcast blend into the crowd; defining what makes your podcast unique is crucial.
Guest Preparation: Insufficient preparation for guests can result in lackluster interviews. Conducting thorough research, creating an episode structure, and sending promotional materials to guests can enhance the quality of the interview.
Audio Quality: Poor audio quality is a major pet peeve. Inconsistent audio levels between hosts and guests can also be problematic; adjusting levels manually or with leveling tools can help. Mouth noises can be particularly distracting, so using audio editing tools to reduce these disruptive sounds is recommended. Choosing a good recording space, investing in quality equipment, and improving editing skills are essential steps. If editing skills are lacking, outsourcing the task can be a viable option.
Listener Engagement and Experience: Live episodes can sometimes lose the intimacy of a regular show due to audience interruptions. Treating live episodes as separate from the main feed can help maintain consistency. Discussing visual content without providing links can leave listeners in the dark; providing links or references at the beginning of episodes can solve this issue. Lastly, making listeners feel excluded through inside jokes can alienate the audience; engaging listeners directly and avoiding inside jokes can foster inclusivity.
Promotion and Engagement: Not cross-promoting with other podcasters is a missed opportunity. Collaborating for guest appearances and cross-promotion can expand reach. Forgetting to promote episodes on social media can limit exposure; promoting episodes through various channels is vital. Hosts not interacting with listeners can make the podcast feel one-sided; engaging with the audience through questions and social media can build a community.
Audience Understanding and SEO: Not understanding the target audience can result in content that doesn’t resonate. Tailoring content to specific audience demographics is crucial. Disregarding podcast SEO can limit discoverability; building a strong SEO presence and optimizing content is essential for growth.
Host Conduct: Hosts who frequently interrupt their guests can disrupt the flow of conversation. Preparing questions in advance and practicing active listening can mitigate this issue. The overuse of clichés can also be grating; developing unique content and avoiding common clichés can keep the podcast fresh.
Top Ten Listeners' Pet Peeves
1. Uneven audio levels
2. Too much rambling banter at the start
3. Poor audio quality
4. Interviewer interrupts their guest
5. Mouth noises
6. Host's lack of preparation
7. Going off-topic for too long
8. Inside jokes
9. Too many ads
10. Lack of mentioned resources in show notes
