How to stand out and grow your audience as a live audio or podcast creator

Right now is an exciting time for podcast and live audio content creators.

Because demand for audio content is growing fast. Over 15 million people in the UK listened to podcasts last year. And that figure is expected to hit 20 million by 2024.

New platforms and technologies are also making it easier to share your voice and get discovered online.
Just last week, Twitter announced its Spaces Spark Program. It will provide around 150 lucky live audio creators with ‘technical, financial, and marketing support’.

And Facebook revealed its Live Audio Rooms – a Clubhouse-alternative that was rolled out to select US influencers in June – will soon be available to creators globally. This is in addition to the launch of new Facebook Soundbites (think Instagram Reels, but for short audio – rather than video – clips).

But as sharing audio content becomes easier and more popular, it will no doubt become more competitive. You’ll have to work harder to stand out from the crowd, grow your audience, and keep your followers listening.

So make sure you follow these 4 top tips.

1. Invest in the right equipment

One of the great things about being an audio creator is that you don’t need an expensive recording studio to get started. You just need somewhere quiet to record your content, whether that’s your lounge or your bedroom.

But if you want to keep your audience listening for longer, it is important you sound good. So don’t settle for the built-in mic or your phone or laptop. Invest in a decent microphone.

You should also consider soundproofing materials. Acoustic foam wall panelling or folding shields are relatively cheap and easy to buy online. But you’ll be surprised by how much they can improve your audio quality.

2. Bring on guest speakers

Your audience listens to your content because they value you and what you have to say. But inviting a guest speaker to join you – such as a public figure or an expert in your niche – can bring new perspectives and an extra layer of excitement to your show.

And not only can it help keep your existing listeners engaged. It can also help you grow your audience, too. Because that guest speaker is likely to attract their own followers.

But it’s important you choose the right guest. So when considering a potential speaker, ask yourself: will your target audience know who they are/be interested in what they have to say?

Are they a clear, confident speaker (this is particularly important if you’re recording live audio content, as you can’t edit out awkward pauses)? And will they be willing to share their expertise or answer your questions?

Lastly, how engaged is their own online audience? And are they willing to promote the audio content to their followers, too, to increase your reach?

3. Listen to what your followers say

Sometimes, it’s hard to think of fresh audio content ideas. But your audience can be a great source of inspiration.

So ask your listeners what they’d like you to talk about next. Encourage them to send their suggestions or feedback in comments on your social media channels.

It’s a great way to make them feel more valued and directly involved in what you create.

4. Monetise your audio content

Creating regular, high-quality audio content requires time and money.

So it’s important that you find effective ways to monetise your content. Otherwise, how are you going to afford to keep on creating, grow your audience, and make a success of it?

SoSpoilt already helps hundreds of podcasters fund their passion with:

  • Monthly fan subscriptions
  • Paid fan interactions (like messaging and video calls)
  • Tips
  • Brand sponsorship

It’s free to use SoSpoilt. And you decide your rates. We just take a small percentage of whatever you make (known as a platform fee). And this covers things like 24/7 creator support and total payment security.

You can learn more about our earning tools here.

Ready to create your best audio content?

For more support creating great audio content, growing your audience, and getting paid for what you do, join SoSpoilt for free today.