Here's how you can discover your strengths and weaknesses as a podcaster through feedback.

Discover your podcasting strengths and weaknesses with feedback: treat it like a gym mirror—reflect on it, flex your skills, and remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started somewhere!

Discovering your strengths and weaknesses as a podcaster is key to leveling up your game. Feedback is your best friend here. Encourage your audience to share their thoughts through social media, emails, or voicemail. Engage with them regularly to understand what they love and what needs improvement. Also, tap into podcasting communities where fellow creators can offer valuable insights. Remember, the more diverse the feedback, the better. It's like polishing a gem – you need different angles to see its true shine. So, embrace feedback with open arms, and watch your podcast soar to new heights!

to take it a step further, consider organizing this feedback into actionable categories such as content, delivery, audio quality, and guest interaction. This structured approach makes it easier to identify specific areas for improvement and strengths to capitalize on. Additionally, you might want to regularly schedule review sessions where you reflect on this feedback and plan adjustments. Incorporating feedback not only in your content but also in your technical setup and presentation style can lead to continuous improvement, making your podcast increasingly engaging and professional over time.

Understanding feedback is pivotal for podcast growth. When you gather feedback, don't just skim through it—dive in. Look for patterns. Are listeners consistently praising your storytelling but critiquing sound quality? That's a cue. Also, not all feedback is equal. Some are personal preferences, others actionable advice. Recognize the difference. And don't forget the positives—they reveal your strengths. Analyzing feedback isn't just about spotting flaws; it's about discovering what makes your podcast shine. So, embrace the process—it's your compass to refining your craft and connecting deeper with your audience.

Besides feedback, the best way to learn your weaknesses is to listen to your show after publication. Listen not as a podcaster or editor but as a member of your audience. You'll be amazed at what you hear and pick up that will help you improve as a podcaster.

beyond just refining these strengths, think about how you can use them to innovate or expand your podcast. For instance, if your audience loves the depth of your interviews, consider creating special extended episodes or a series that dives even deeper into topics with experts. If your strength is in delivering engaging narratives, you might experiment with storytelling formats or thematic seasons that draw listeners in. Using your established strengths as a foundation for experimentation not only keeps your content fresh but also strengthens your brand, making your podcast even more distinctive and appealing to your audience.

I've found that implementing changes wisely is crucial for podcast success. Start small, focusing on one area at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself and your audience. Monitor the effects of these changes through feedback, listener engagement, and content quality. This iterative process ensures lasting improvements and a better listening experience.

I would add that you need to be your own “Chief Listening Officer” and by that I mean not only listening to your own work, but also the work of as many other podcasters as you can. You can always learn by listening. A wonderful show that I have just found is “Trailer Park” that simply critiques different trailers from podcasts. It just makes you think! Also try using different speeds to see how it sounds. Many people in your audience listen at accelerated speeds and you may want to know how you sound that way. I do not mean to suggest that you change, just be sure and sample this way. You may be surprised what thoughts come to mind when you test it out.

If you have a teenager in your life, be it a child, grandchild, other relative, neighbor, etc., send them a couple of episodes of your podcast and get feedback from them. Why? Because at that age they will be direct with you about your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps the podcast doesn't resonate with their age group, but they can offer objective critique on what's good and what could be changed. This may not make sense initially, but if you want to get better at podcasting, a teenager has insights that you may not have even considered.

Honest feedback through engagement is hard to get and what every host, guest and producer really wants. I do feel that if you are posting your show on LinkedIn that is a great place to get results. Test and experiment. Create polls, use carousels, try a promotion!

Gather feedback from a diverse range of sources, including listeners, fellow podcasters, industry experts, and trusted mentors. Different perspectives can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses from various angles.

Build a community around your podcast to foster loyalty and encourage more detailed feedback. Also, while it's important to improve, ensure that changes align with your unique voice and vision for the podcast.