[FAQ]

Cheers everyone,

I’ve been running my podcast for about 18 months now, and I’m quite happy with my download numbers—they’re steady and growing slowly. The thing is, it feels a bit like I’m just shouting into the void. I know people are listening, but I get very few emails or social media comments. It feels like I have an audience, but not a community.

I’d love to create a space where my listeners can talk to each other, discuss the topics from the episodes, and feel a real sense of belonging. I want that two-way interaction.

For those who have managed to do this, what worked for you? What are the first practical steps I should take to turn my passive listeners into an active community?

[Jeff Bullas]

That’s the shift from being a content creator to a community leader.

Short Answer: You build a community by creating opportunities for two-way conversations and shared experiences that extend beyond your primary podcast episodes.

An audience listens; a community participates, contributes, and feels a sense of ownership.

There are three main content formats you can use to foster this. The first is interactive content, which involves actively bringing your listeners into the show through Q&A episodes, reading out their feedback, or running polls and discussing the results. The second format is to establish a central gathering place, such as a dedicated social media group or online forum, giving your listeners a space to interact directly with you and, more importantly, with each other. The third format is providing exclusive content, like behind-the-scenes updates or bonus material, which rewards your most dedicated listeners and makes them feel like insiders. A common mistake is creating a ghost town—a forum or group that you don’t actively participate in or moderate, which feels abandoned and can quickly become toxic.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Author]

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