Episode 314 - Are Podcasters Ditching Social Media? Exploring Alternatives for Community Engagement in 2024

In 2024, there's indeed a growing trend of podcasters reassessing their relationship with social media platforms. This shift is driven by several factors, including concerns about return on investment (ROI) and a desire for more control over audience engagement. Declining ROI on Social Media

Podcasters are finding that the time and effort invested in social media platforms may not be yielding the expected returns. The ROI for social media efforts has become increasingly difficult to measure and justify:

• Organic reach on platforms like Facebook and Instagram has significantly decreased, with only a small fraction of content being shown to followers without paid promotion
• The constant need to create platform-specific content is time-consuming and often doesn't directly translate to podcast listenership growth.

Push for Community Building Off Social Platforms

Many podcasters are now focusing on building communities and fostering engagement outside of traditional social media:

• Email newsletters are seeing a resurgence as a way to directly communicate with listeners.
• Dedicated community platforms like Discord or Slack are being used to create more intimate and engaged listener groups.
• Podcasters are investing in their own websites and forums to host discussions and interact with their audience

Alternatives to Traditional Social Platforms

As podcasters seek alternatives, several options are gaining traction:

1. Podcast-specific platforms: Apps and websites designed specifically for podcast discovery and community building are emerging.
2. Niche social networks: Smaller, topic-focused social platforms that align closely with podcast themes are becoming popular.
3. Direct messaging apps: Platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram are being used to create more personal connections with listeners.
4. Live streaming: Platforms like Twitch or YouTube Live are being utilized for real-time interaction with audiences.

The Changing Landscape of Social Media in 2024

While social media hasn't lost all its attraction, its role in podcasters' strategies is evolving:

• There's a growing emphasis on quality over quantity in social media content.
• Podcasters are becoming more selective about which platforms they use, focusing on those that align best with their audience and goals.
• The "pay-to-play" model of social media is pushing some podcasters to explore organic growth strategies elsewhere

Impact on Podcast Marketing

This shift is changing how podcasters approach marketing:

• More focus is being placed on search engine optimization (SEO) for podcast discoverability.
• Collaborations and cross-promotions with other podcasters are becoming more common as an alternative to social media marketing.
• Podcasters are investing more in their own platforms and technologies to reduce dependence on third-party social networks.

While social media remains a part of many podcasters' strategies, there's a clear trend towards diversification and a renewed focus on owned platforms and direct audience relationships.

The landscape is evolving, with podcasters seeking more control over their audience engagement and looking for measurable, sustainable growth strategies beyond traditional social media platforms. ___ Meet with Dave for a free consult to help you with your podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/truemediasolutions/free-podcast-consult-for-how-to-podcast-listeners ___ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca