Maneuvering Your Podcast Criticism and Feedback into Podcast Growth It’s a new year and time for a new outlook on your podcast feedback. If you’ve ever run into criticism and what you’d consider negative feedback about your podcast, we’re here to help you not only manage that feedback but how you can boost your podcast brand with a PR strategy. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett, Cathy Beuten, Cyndee Harrison, Erika Brooks and Rachael Amato 1. How to Handle Negative Feedback: Understanding the difference between constructive criticism and unhelpful negativity. Steps to take when receiving critical feedback: Stay calm and avoid a defensive reaction. Evaluate the validity of the criticism. Turn feedback into actionable steps for improvement. Stories of podcasters who successfully turned negative feedback into positive outcomes. 2. Common Feedback Podcasters Face: Issues with audio quality, content structure, or engagement style. Listener preferences versus staying true to your creative vision. How to balance competing opinions while staying authentic. 3. When Feedback Becomes Something More: Criticism is an opportunity to grow and refine your podcast. Crises are moments where a response is essential to protect your brand and relationships. 4. Using PR to Boost Your Brand: How public relations can shape your podcast’s narrative. Building your brand image through consistent messaging and strategic partnerships. Tips for handling public relations crises or controversies gracefully. 5. Engaging Your Audience: Strategies to encourage constructive feedback and dialogue with listeners. Creating a feedback loop that involves your audience in your podcast’s growth journey. Using polls, surveys, and social media to crowdsource ideas and gauge listener sentiment. 6. Crafting a Positive Public Persona: Building a reputation as a responsive, audience-first podcaster. Turning your challenges into relatable stories that humanize your brand. Leveraging guest appearances and collaborations to bolster your credibility. 7. Success Stories & Lessons Learned: Examples of podcasts that overcame early criticism and became stronger. “The Rest Is History”: Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this podcast faced initial skepticism for its irreverent take on historical events. However, their unique approach resonated with younger audiences, leading to 11 million monthly downloads and significant YouTube views. Case studies of how smart PR moves propelled a podcast into the spotlight. Wondery’s “Over My Dead Body”: Wondery utilized a comprehensive PR strategy, including organizing a listening premiere in New York City and engaging with local press. This approach led to extensive media coverage and high download numbers, surpassing previous hits like “Dr. Death” and “Dirty John.” Read this Wondery case study. Lessons learned from your own experience or that of your guests. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Thursday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.