Using user-generated ideas to create content

Plus, introducing the new Ask Tink section

Happy first Friday in August! With the end of summer in sight, podcasters find themselves facing the age-old issue: how do I have a life while still creating content?

That’s why, today we’re sharing five user-generated ideas to keep that content flowing. You can use dip into these any time you feel content-fatigued, especially on those lazy hazy crazy days of summer.

But, first, say hello to our newest section of Podcast Marketing Magic!

🎤Ask Tink

We get a lot of podcast marketing and PR related questions so Lauren suggested why not start a section focusing solely on these! And, here we are ✨.

The Ask Tink section will address reader questions, one a week. Each week, a different Tink member will answer your question, so you get varied perspectives.

Got questions? Leave a comment or send them to me at shreya@tinkmedia.co. If we use your question, we’ll credit you and your podcast.

Question: Should my podcast have the word ‘podcast’ in it?

Arielle Nissenblatt: Having the world "podcast" in your podcast title is almost always unnecessary, and might even be a hindrance. When people google your show with the word "podcast" in it, you're competing with every other show that has the word "podcast" in its title. Think of a better way to describe your show. Can you do without with word "podcast," or even "show?" Probably. I know there is one. Your listeners know it's a podcast when they find it on a podcast listening app. However, if your website serves multiple purposes (i.e. you sell courses AND you have a page for your podcast, there it may make sense to indicate that it's a podcast. Also, if your podcast is a podcast about podcasts, of course, you'll want the word "podcast" there. How many times can we say "podcast?" Is this a record?

Alright, let’s get to those user-generated ideas now.

🟡 Five user-generated content ideas for your podcast

User-generated content is not only a great way to get some of the load off of your plate, it’s also an opportunity to engage with your listeners. Here are five ways to go about this:

✅ Welcome listener questions and host Q&A episodes

Invite your audience to submit questions related to your podcast's topic or industry. You can share these questions in a special segment at the end of your episode. You can also host dedicated Q&A episodes where you address these questions and engage with your listeners.

Bonus idea: you could even paywall these special episodes to make an extra buck or two on them. 

✅ Share listener stories and testimonials

Invite your audience to share their personal stories or experiences related to your podcast's topic. Especially if your podcast centers around themes that people have difficulty opening up about in normal life. You can keep these stories anonymous, if that suits your content. Consider featuring these stories in special episodes or your podcast’s newsletter.

A little lore: Nick van der Kolk’s Love and Radio invited listeners to send their secrets on a special secret hotline. This idea took off and The Secrets Hotline podcast was born.

✅ Invite listeners on as guests

You can extend opportunities for your listeners to contribute as guest speakers or collaborators on specific episodes. They can even co-host a segment with you! We’ll be the first to say that you will need to vet these listeners-as-guests before you commit to this. However, this could be a fun way to make your audience feel like part of your show.

✅ Receive and feature audio feedback

Request audio feedback from your listeners on specific episodes or topics. You can invite them to leave you a voicemail, to make it easier and fun for them! Incorporate these audio clips into your episodes to make your content relatable and engaging. 

✅ Host contests and challenges

Organize contests or challenges that invite listeners to create content related to your podcast. This could be anything from storytelling contests, creative interpretations of your episodes' themes, or even fan-made jingles for your show. Feature the winning entries in dedicated episodes or bonus content.

🦄 52 Weeks of Podcast Growth

This week’s tip is more of a reminder: Send pitch email for promo swaps or feed drops to two more podcasters.

Simple as that! If you’re new here, read the previous weeks’ tips to start implementing them at your own pace.

🔮 From the Desk of Tink

We’re currently starry-eyed about Psychic Scoop with Spirit Sis. The podcast is hosted by Steffi Hill, a psychic medium, intuitive energy healer, and astrologer. She approaches typically heavy topics such as spirituality and life and death in a relatable and even endearing way. Also, Steffi is also super into something called astro-cartography, which determines where someone should live based on the stars. Listen in to tune inward.

✨ More Magic

• Have you heard about XMTR (pronounced Transmitter)? It’s an audio storytelling platform that curates 21 pieces of audio, from podcasts to music, weekly. Interested podcasts can even pitch themselves to it.

• On Sounds Like Impact, Ayo shares audio and proactive action on Climate Change & Food + Unpacking Class.

• Going on a roadtrip with the family and want something everyone can engage with? Lauren curated a list: 10 Podcasts for Your Next Family Road Trip.

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Meanwhile, in Podcast Therapy

This week, we received a great Podcast Therapy testimonial from Muffy Drake: Fiction w/FRICTION which we’d love to share with you!

“Quick turnaround due to an inspiring Therapy Session with the best in the biz! Seriously, your team is dialed in and we cannot thank you enough. You all have such a positive vibe. If you had Descartes as a client, it wouldn’t be long before he’d opine: I’m TINK, therefore YOU can. Muffy Drake now has a navigable website, an Instagram account, and we’re on Facebook. All thanks to TINK!”

Thank you, Jim and Xavier!

During these sessions, we tackled questions about partnerships, pitching to other podcasts for interviews, pitching to apps, improving content, and more. If you’re interested in signing up for Podcast Therapy yourself, learn more here!

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PMM will always be free for readers but, we are also always looking for sponsors. Our sponsorship packages start at $50 (and are named after wizard classes.) Write to shreya@tinkmedia.co for more info!