Hey Mama, today’s your day because we’re diving headfirst into the magical world of podcast reviews. Yep, those ever-so-desirable, and sometimes elusive, testimonials that let’s face it, we’re all hungry for. Who doesn’t want to see their hard work acknowledged with a hearty, glowing, five-star review?

But, as we all know, coaxing these golden affirmations out of listeners can feel more challenging than convincing a toddler to eat their greens. I’m about to serve up tried-and-tested strategies that you can weave into your podcasting routine faster than you can say “subscribe.”

Now, let’s shift our focus onto the titan of the podcast world: Apple. When we’re talking about piling up those precious podcast reviews, remember we’re specifically looking at our loyal friend, Apple Podcasts. I can’t hammer this point home enough: Apple is the colossal, powerhouse, the reigning monarch of the podcast universe. Spotify might be nipping at its heels, but Apple? Apple is the battle-hardened veteran, the undisputed OG. So, strap in, mamas, it’s time to learn how to charm those Apple reviews right into our laps!

So why do we care about podcast reviews in the first place?

Here’s the reality: when you run a podcast, it’s like working behind a curtain. You’re not privy to the download numbers or any backend data. So, you might wonder, how does anyone gauge the quality of your podcast? How do they decide if it’s credible or not? Well, that’s where reviews come into play. They are the litmus test, the only tangible measure we have to assess a podcast’s standing. Hence, accumulating reviews on your podcast is essential.

I have six strategies that you can like literally implement right now, to get your podcast reviews:

Review Swap for a Podcast Review

As podcasters, we understand the challenge of garnering reviews. One simple strategy to overcome this is by connecting with other podcasters and spending around ten minutes reviewing each other’s podcasts. This method can significantly enhance your podcast’s visibility and ratings. 

That being said, in my Facebook group – Organic Marketing Simplified – I promote the idea of podcast review swaps. I’m always willing to review other podcasts because I understand the difficulties of gaining visibility in this field. You can also extend this concept beyond my group. Feel free to explore other Facebook groups and propose review swaps. It’s a well-liked strategy, as all of us podcasters know just how challenging it is to accumulate reviews.

Be open about your podcast and let your neighbors, family, and friends know

Being open about your podcast is essential. Make sure to tell everyone you know – your family, friends, neighbors, and even your hairdresser. Request them to leave a review. This idea may seem awkward to some, but remember, those closest to you are your cheerleaders. They are willing to support you. Don’t hesitate to kick off a grassroots movement asking for their reviews. 

People who aren’t part of the online world often struggle to understand what we’re doing and the significance of reviews. To help them, just ask if they own an Apple product like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook – which is required to leave a review on Apple. Explain that it’ll take less than 30 seconds to leave a review. There’s no harm in asking someone you know to support your podcast in this way.

Ask for it as a gift

On every occasion – be it Christmas, birthdays, or Mother’s Day – don’t hesitate to ask for a podcast review. Post it on your Facebook page or timeline saying something like, “for my birthday, all I want is a podcast review.” Remember, asking is the key to receiving. So don’t be shy about requesting those reviews. It’s simple, and more importantly, many people aren’t aware of how vital reviews can be. If you’re in the design space or trying to build an online business, reviews are indispensable. So, ask and keep asking. It’s that straightforward.

Host a giveaway

Another strategy to get reviews from your audience is hosting a giveaway. It’s pretty much up to you what to give away. Maybe a coaching call or a part of a new course you’re about to launch. Anything goes, really. Just go for it. People love free stuff and will be like, “Heck, why not?” It’s a surefire way to get your listeners to drop some reviews. Remember, it’s cool to offer perks to get folks to leave reviews. So don’t be shy about it. A good giveaway can really get people buzzing and leaving those much-needed reviews.

Offer a discount

The next strategy you might consider is offering a discount. Let’s say someone wants to schedule a coaching call with you, for example. You could provide them with a discount in return for leaving a review. This concept can also be applied to upcoming group coaching programs or courses you may be offering. The key here is to think outside the box and engage in a mutually beneficial exchange. Offering a discount in return for a review is not only completely acceptable but also an effective way to encourage feedback.

Join PodLottery to Get More Podcast Reviews

The next strategy I’m going to share with you is something I recently discovered and am thrilled about joining a PodLottery If you use my link, which is technically an affiliate link even though it’s free, you’ll get an extra entry to secure more reviews. 

Join PodLottery here: https://www.podlottery.com/join/juliana

The system operates daily, assigning you podcasts to review. As you review these podcasts, you earn tickets that get entered into a lottery-type arrangement, giving you the chance to win even more reviews. I’m genuinely excited about this strategy because it offers a fun, engaging, and beneficial way to increase podcast reviews.

YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE WHOLE EPISODE HERE:

Those are six strategies to garner more reviews for your podcast. Don’t underestimate the power of reviews – they significantly enhance your podcast’s visibility. While Apple may suggest that reviews don’t substantially affect your ranking, my experience as a podcast management agency owner tells a different story. Having analyzed data from various podcasts, I can confidently say that podcasts with more reviews tend to rank higher, which is undoubtedly beneficial. So don’t hesitate – get out there and start collecting those all-important reviews.