From Bait-and-Switch to Quality Content: What Podcasters Can Learn from the Movies
Let's start with a big one: the dreaded bait-and-switch. I recently had an experience with this at the movies that left me feeling, well, let's just say less than thrilled. I went to see the new Joker movie, expecting a dark and gritty drama based on the trailer. Instead, I got… a musical. Yeah, you read that right. A musical.
Now, I'm not here to critique the filmmakers' artistic choices. But as content creators, we can learn a valuable lesson from this: always deliver on your promises.
When you're crafting your podcast episodes, make sure your titles, descriptions, and teasers accurately represent what listeners will find in the content. If you promise an in-depth interview with an industry expert, don't spend half the episode discussing your weekend plans. Your audience tunes in with certain expectations, and it's our job to meet (or exceed) them.
Quality Over Quantity
Another interesting trend in the movie industry is the decrease in the number of films produced. From 1995 to 2009, major studios released an average of 112 movies a year. Fast-forward to 2010-2023, and that number has dropped to 83.
What does this mean for us podcasters? It's a reminder that quality trumps quantity. Instead of churning out episode after episode just to stick to a rigid schedule, focus on creating content that truly resonates with your audience.
The Power of Storytelling
One thing the movie industry excels at is storytelling. Even when I'm not completely sold on a film, I find myself analyzing how it structures its narratives, builds tension, and keeps the audience engaged.
As podcasters, we can apply these same principles to our episodes. Here's a great example of a compelling intro from the Darknet Diaries podcast:
“We're 150 episodes into this podcast. That's 134 hours of me yapping. I've gotten a lot of feedback over the years. Most of it is positive. But today, today I've got to correct something I got wrong, really wrong.” How could you not stick around to find out what went wrong?
Making It Easy for Your Audience
One frustrating aspect of my recent movie experiences was how difficult they made simple tasks, like getting a drink. It reminded me of the importance of making our content easily accessible to listeners.
As podcasters, we need to ensure that:
- Our show is easy to find and subscribe to
- Our website is user-friendly
- Any calls-to-action (like signing up for a newsletter or buying a product) are straightforward
Remember, every extra click or confusing step allows your audience to give up and move on.
Letting People Get Between Them and Their Audience
China is the #2 movie audience. Consequently, stories have been adjusted to make them more “China friendly.” The move back to the future (with the time travel) was banned. So was the movie Ghostbusters (Ghosts are bad), Deadpool is too violent and naked. SO I guess we could say movies have to be “China Safe.”
Meanwhile, we are still focusing on podcasts being “brand safe,” which has been a failure. Rosanne Bar was heavily degraded on YouTube for making anti-Semitic comments (which is just stupid as Rosanne is Jewish). While we all don't have to be R-Rated outrageous content when we let outside sources dictate what is and isn't acceptable, that is censorship.
Connan Obrien has been on TV for 20 years and yet still has to undergo all the testing to see how safe he is. He was flagged for all sorts of stuff that made no sense.
Thinking Outside the Box
Finally, I was impressed by how some theaters are getting creative with their revenue streams. They're renting out their spaces for business meetings and events, showing there's always room for innovation.
For us podcasters, this is a reminder to explore different monetization strategies. Don't just rely on traditional sponsorships. Consider:
- Creating premium content for subscribers
- Offering consulting services related to your podcast topic
- Developing courses or workshops
- Selling merchandise
The key is finding ways to provide value to your audience while supporting your podcast.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. From avoiding the bait-and-switch to focusing on quality storytelling, we can learn a lot from the movie industry's successes (and struggles).
Remember, at the end of the day, it's all about creating content that resonates with your audience and keeps them returning for more. So, apply these lessons to your podcast, and watch your show grow.
I'm curious – have you noticed any parallels between other industries and podcasting? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to subscribe for more podcasting insights!
Key take Aways
- 1. Deliver on Your Promises
Ensure your podcast titles, descriptions, and teasers accurately represent the content. - 2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Create content that resonates with your audience rather than churning out episodes. - 3. Leverage the Power of Storytelling
Structure your episodes with compelling narratives to keep listeners engaged. - 4. Make It Easy for Your Audience
Ensure your podcast is easily accessible and your website is user-friendly. - 5. Think Outside the Box
Explore innovative monetization strategies beyond traditional sponsorships.
