Want more feedback from your podcast audience? Start by making it easy for listeners to share their thoughts. Here's how:
- Ask directly during episodes: Use specific and timely verbal prompts. For example, ask questions tied to your episode's content or highlight listener contributions to inspire others.
- Offer incentives: Small rewards like shoutouts, stickers, or bonus content can motivate participation.
- Use tools for feedback collection: Platforms like Google Forms, SpeakPipe, and Podgagement simplify gathering written and audio feedback.
- Promote feedback opportunities elsewhere: Share links in show notes, newsletters, and on social media. Use polls or engaging questions to spark interaction.
With clear requests, the right tools, and thoughtful engagement, you can turn listeners into active contributors and grow a stronger connection with your audience.
How to get Feedback From Your Listeners
How to Ask for Feedback During Episodes
Podcast episodes are a golden opportunity to connect directly with your audience and gather their feedback. The trick lies in asking in ways that feel natural and specific, rather than vague or generic.
How to Use Verbal Call-to-Actions
Timing is everything. There are three key moments to include your call-to-action (CTA): the beginning (pre-roll), the middle (mid-roll), or the end (post-roll). Each has its pros and cons. Pre-roll ensures all listeners hear it, but it comes before you’ve delivered any content. Mid-roll engages active listeners but risks interrupting the flow. Post-roll avoids disruptions but might miss listeners who drop off early [7].
Listeners tend to remember the highlights and endings of episodes, so placing your CTA at these moments can leave a stronger impression [7]. If you’re wrapping up a powerful discussion or delivering a standout point, that’s the perfect time to make your ask.
Be specific, not generic. Instead of a broad request like "leave a review", tie your ask directly to the episode’s content. For example, a cheesemaking podcast might ask, "Do you prefer paper or plastic packaging for curds?" [6][2]. Questions like these are more engaging and easier to answer than open-ended prompts like "Tell me what you think" [2].
Make your CTA stick by using memorable formats. For instance, Jim Kwik uses the "FAST" acronym – Facebook, Apply, Subscribe, and Teach – to help his audience recall his call-to-action [6][7]. This avoids the generic laundry list of requests that listeners often tune out.
If you’re not getting much feedback yet, prime your audience by referencing questions or comments you’ve already received – whether from listeners or even yourself [2]. This shows you value input and encourages others to join the conversation.
Clear, targeted CTAs like these lay the groundwork for deeper engagement strategies, including incentivizing participation.
How to Incentivize Listener Participation
Incentives can turn passive listeners into active participants. Recognizing contributors – whether by featuring their voice messages, offering bonus content, or sending physical rewards like stickers – can significantly boost engagement [1][2][3][6][7]. As Brennan Tapp puts it:
"Hearing one's own voice message on a podcast is a thrill, whether it's a question for the host, a response to a prompt, or just a comment" [3].
Content-based incentives work well because they offer something valuable in return. For example, you could release a bonus episode after hitting a certain number of reviews or provide behind-the-scenes access to those who share feedback [1]. Some podcasters even give away free books, audiobooks, or event tickets to listeners who send in questions [2].
Physical rewards like stickers, badges, or pins featuring your podcast’s logo are another great motivator [1]. Adding a sense of urgency can amplify the response: "The first ten people to take our survey get a free sticker" encourages quick action [7]. You can also hold giveaways for prizes or downloadable resources like PDFs [1][6].
When making requests, focus on the benefit first. Instead of saying, "Buy our merch", you might say, "I can’t get over how soft these shirts are…" [7]. Highlighting the value upfront makes the request more appealing.
Finally, always acknowledge contributors by name when possible. Giving shoutouts to new supporters or listeners who send in questions fosters a sense of community and inspires others to participate [6].
Tools for Collecting Feedback
Once you've asked for feedback, the next step is to make sharing thoughts as easy as possible. The right tools can simplify the process, helping listeners provide input through text surveys or voice messages. This way, you can turn their engagement into actionable insights.
Using Google Forms for Surveys
Google Forms is a straightforward and free option for gathering text-based feedback. You can whip up a survey in minutes, tailor the questions to your needs, and share the link via show notes, newsletters, or your website. For example, a short 6-question survey after each episode can be highly effective. Questions like "What’s one thing that would improve this podcast for you?" or "How many stars would you rate this episode?" keep responses focused and easy to analyze [1]. This approach avoids overwhelming your audience with overly broad or open-ended questions. As podcast producer Juleyka Lantigua puts it:
"Know everything you can know about your audience and not just the downloads." [4]
For listeners who prefer to speak rather than type, audio feedback tools are a great alternative.
Collecting Voicemails with SpeakPipe and Podgagement
While text surveys are great for written responses, voice feedback adds a more personal dimension.
SpeakPipe makes it easy for listeners to leave voicemails. By installing the plugin on your website, you can add a "Leave a voicemail" button. Listeners simply click, enable microphone access, and record their message directly in their browser. The free plan allows up to 20 messages per month (with a 90-second limit), while the $7/month Gold plan expands capacity to 150 messages and 3-minute recordings [5]. Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host, highlights its value:
"SpeakPipe is the best tool for that, it encourages listeners give feedback, comment and actually be a part of the show by recording their voice quickly and easily." [5]
Podgagement, on the other hand, takes a centralized approach by combining feedback from multiple platforms into one dashboard. It pulls in written reviews and voice messages from sources like Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, and Castbox, checking for new reviews every few hours [8]. Podgagement also offers personalized landing pages, making it easier for listeners to leave feedback, whether written or spoken. Additionally, it includes tools for tracking rankings across 34,000 charts. Plans start at $9 per month for the Astro plan, making it a time-saver for podcasters juggling feedback from different platforms.
Whether you choose text surveys, voice tools, or a combination of both, these options can help you gather meaningful feedback without creating extra hurdles for your audience.
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How to Promote Feedback Opportunities on Other Channels
Gathering feedback isn't just something you do during your podcast episodes. It’s about connecting with your audience wherever they already spend their time – whether that’s on social media, in their email inboxes, or through your show notes. The trick is to make it as easy as possible for them to share their thoughts. By extending feedback opportunities beyond your episodes, you create more chances for your listeners to engage and share their input.
Using Social Media to Request Feedback
Focus your efforts on just one or two social media platforms where your audience is most active. For instance, if your listeners are mostly on Twitter, prioritize your feedback efforts there instead of spreading yourself too thin across every platform. Sharing screenshots of glowing reviews or positive mentions is a great way to show that you value listener input – and it might inspire others to chime in.
You can also use polls to spark engagement. For example, ask fun, low-stakes questions like, "Should the co-host sing in the next episode?" and then discuss the results in your show. When you’re looking for more in-depth feedback, avoid vague questions like "What do you think?" Instead, ask something more specific, like "Rank the best movies in this franchise" or "Who’s the greatest artist of this genre?" These types of questions invite discussion and are more likely to prompt responses. And don’t just post and disappear – make sure to interact with your audience before dropping your feedback link.
Adding Feedback Links to Show Notes and Newsletters
Your show notes and newsletters are perfect places to include feedback links. Keep the URLs simple and easy to remember, like yourpodcast.com/survey or yourpodcast.com/feedback, so listeners can participate without hassle. Short, six-question links work best – just avoid calling them "surveys", as that word might feel too formal. For listeners who prefer to share voice feedback, include links to tools that let them record their thoughts directly from their mobile browsers.
Personalized messaging can also make a big difference. For example, instead of a generic "Share your feedback", try something like, "Show me some love – take two minutes to leave a review!" in your email footer. And when someone does take the time to share feedback, acknowledge them by name in a future episode or newsletter. This small gesture can go a long way in building a sense of community and appreciation.
Offering Incentives for Feedback
Sometimes, a little extra encouragement can make all the difference. Offering tangible rewards – like physical merchandise, milestone bonuses, or gift cards – can motivate listeners to provide feedback promptly. For example, you could offer a gift card to listeners who agree to participate in a short (15-minute) interview about your show.
Tailoring rewards to your content can also be effective. If someone submits a particularly thoughtful question, you might send them a free book or audiobook related to the topic they brought up. For surveys, setting a deadline and offering a prize to a randomly selected participant can help you collect more structured, actionable feedback. These small incentives can turn your feedback system into a more dynamic and engaging process for your audience.
Feedback Tool Comparison
Podcast Feedback Tools Comparison: Podgagement vs SpeakPipe vs Fanlist
Podgagement vs SpeakPipe vs Fanlist
Selecting the right feedback tool depends on what you’re aiming to achieve. If your goal is to track reviews across various platforms, gather both written and audio feedback, and keep tabs on your podcast’s reputation, Podgagement® is tailored for that purpose. It scans for new reviews every few hours on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, and Castbox, sending notifications via Slack or email when fresh feedback is detected. Plus, it features an "Image Maker" to create social media graphics [8]. Pricing starts at $9 per month under the Astro plan, which includes ratings tracking, feedback collection, and promotional tools. Next, let’s dive into SpeakPipe to explore how it caters specifically to voice feedback.
SpeakPipe is all about audio voicemails, making it ideal for podcasters who want to incorporate listener voices into their episodes. The free plan supports up to 20 messages per month, with a maximum duration of 90 seconds per message. For $7 per month, the Gold Plan increases the limit to 150 messages and extends the duration to 3 minutes [5]. It also integrates with email platforms like MailChimp and Aweber, automatically adding listeners who leave voicemails to your mailing list [5].
On the other hand, Fanlist (formerly Podinbox) blends feedback collection with revenue opportunities. It allows listeners to submit written messages, audio recordings, and even tips or donations through a centralized fan page. This makes it a great choice for podcasters looking to turn audience engagement into a revenue stream while fostering a sense of community.
| Feature | Podgagement® | SpeakPipe | Fanlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Review tracking & feedback | Audio voicemails | Fan engagement & monetization |
| Feedback Format | Written and Audio | Audio only | Written, Audio, & Tips |
| Review Monitoring | Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Castbox | – | – |
| Starting Price | $9/month (Astro plan) | Free (upgradable to $7/month) | Varies |
| Key Integration | Zapier, IFTTT, WordPress, Slack | WordPress, MailChimp, Aweber | Show notes, website |
Each tool offers distinct advantages based on your podcast's needs. Choose SpeakPipe if you’re focused on featuring listener audio in your episodes. Opt for Podgagement® if you need robust review tracking and reputation management. If you’re interested in combining feedback collection with fan support and monetization, Fanlist is the way to go. These tools provide practical ways to connect with your audience and elevate your podcast’s reach.
Conclusion
Gathering feedback for your podcast doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The secret lies in keeping things simple and specific. Instead of asking broad questions like "Did you like it?", focus on targeted queries about particular segments or topics. This makes it easier for listeners to share their thoughts and provides you with actionable insights to improve your show [9].
"The only realistic way to improve your show is to start by getting feedback on your podcast." – Lindsay Harris Friel, Author, The Podcast Host [9]
Once you’ve decided on your approach, streamline your request within each episode. Stick to one clear call-to-action. Whether you’re asking for voicemails via SpeakPipe, written feedback through Google Forms, or reviews on Apple Podcasts, clarity is what encourages listeners to take action.
As your podcast grows, combine verbal requests with links in your show notes and social media posts. With a solid feedback strategy in place, it’s time to choose tools that align with your goals.
Consider tools like Podgagement®, SpeakPipe, or Fanlist, depending on your specific needs. Building a strong feedback loop transforms passive listeners into engaged contributors, helping your podcast thrive.
FAQs
When is the best time to ask for audience feedback during a podcast episode?
The best moments to ask for feedback during a podcast are when your audience is actively engaged and tuned in. For instance, slipping in a quick call-to-action (CTA) right after wrapping up a major segment or sharing an insightful tip works well. This approach keeps your request tied directly to the content they just heard, making it feel natural and relevant.
Another effective time is toward the end of the episode, just before the outro. A simple line like, "We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode – let us know what you think!" invites listeners to share their feedback while the episode is still fresh in their minds. To make it even easier, include links to surveys or voice-message tools in your show notes. This way, your audience can engage with you at their convenience.
If you’re new to podcasting, it’s smart to hold off on asking for feedback until you’ve released a few episodes and built a small, loyal audience. This ensures that the responses you receive are thoughtful and based on a fuller understanding of your show.
How can offering incentives encourage listeners to provide feedback?
Offering rewards gives your listeners a solid reason to share their feedback, transforming casual interest into meaningful engagement. Whether it’s $10–$20 gift cards, exclusive content, early access to episodes, or even a public shout-out, these gestures show that you genuinely value their time. And when people feel appreciated, they’re much more likely to participate – and provide thoughtful insights.
Customizing incentives to match your podcast’s theme can make them even more impactful. For instance, a cooking podcast could offer a handy kitchen gadget, while a tech-focused show might provide a free trial of a popular software. Even small, cost-effective perks like a personalized thank-you email or a chance to be featured in an episode can inspire listeners to join in. Combine these rewards with short, straightforward surveys (think 5–10 questions) or easy-to-use tools like SpeakPipe to ensure that sharing feedback is both simple and enjoyable.
What are the best tools to gather feedback from your audience?
Collecting feedback from your audience doesn't have to be complicated – especially with the right tools. Platforms like SpeakPipe, Telbee, and Fanlist (previously known as PodInbox) let your listeners leave voice messages, adding a personal and interactive touch to their feedback. Similarly, services like Podpage and podcast hosting platforms such as Anchor include features designed to gather input directly from your audience.
You can also turn to social media polls or embed widgets on your website for quick and easy feedback. These options help you connect with your listeners and encourage them to share ideas or suggestions that can make your content even better.