{"id":23597,"date":"2020-07-10T16:04:13","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T14:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radioking.com\/blog\/?p=23597"},"modified":"2023-05-17T16:41:24","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T14:41:24","slug":"online-radio-10-tips-engage-retain-listeners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.radioking.com\/blog\/online-radio-10-tips-engage-retain-listeners\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Radio: 10 tips to engage and retain your listeners"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most important things when creating your own online radio station<\/a><\/strong> is gathering listeners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But creating a listener-base isn’t enough. You have to make sure that your radio station makes your listeners want to come back for more<\/strong>! This week we’re here to help you\u00a0engage<\/strong>\u00a0and, above all, retain<\/strong>\u00a0your<\/strong> listeners<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

1. Talk over the music<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Talking over the music is a great way for your listeners to feel as if they are not alone. Obviously you shouldn’t speak over the entire song, as many music fans could get easily frustrated, however there are a few golden moments<\/strong> where you can chime in!<\/p>\n

At the beginning of a song: <\/strong>Announce the artist and title of the song<\/p>\n

At the end of a song: <\/strong>Tell your listeners how much you love the song that has just been broadcast! You can also give fun facts about the artist, or any news about their upcoming music releases.<\/p>\n

2. Invite guests on your radio station\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Inviting guests on your radio station has proven to be an effective way to increase engagement. However, don’t invite someone on your radio station just because you feel like you need a guest.\u00a0It’s important for you to invite someone who has a link to the theme or values of your radio station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For example, if you have a Jazz radio station, your listeners are probably huge jazz fans! Invite a jazz musicien to speak live on your radio station, you can\u00a0interview your guest<\/a> and even have your listeners call in<\/a> to ask questions!<\/p>\n

Top Tip:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Don’t forget to let your listeners know beforehand<\/strong> that your guest will be live on your radio station!<\/p>\n

3. Use sound effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Using sound effects on your radio station is a simple way of creating a specific mood<\/strong>\u00a0whilst you’re on air.<\/p>\n

This can vary from spooky sound effects<\/strong> if you’re telling a scary story, to laughter<\/strong> and applause<\/strong> if you’re telling a joke or making an important announcement!<\/p>\n

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It’s a simple and effective way to get your listeners in the right mood and hype them up for the rest of your broadcast.<\/p>\n

4. Record and reuse your radio shows as Podcasts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Record your live broadcasts in order to make them available for all listeners, at all times. Add your past broadcasts to your website<\/a> or mobile application<\/a> as a podcast! This can help you attract new listeners<\/strong> as they may stumble across an old broadcast that’s of interest to them. It’s also the perfect way to make sure your content is available<\/strong> for those who were unable to tune in live.<\/p>\n

Top Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Other broadcasting software such as Mixxx<\/a> and Audio Hijack<\/a> also allow you to easily record your live shows.<\/p>\n

5. Talk to your listeners<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

You may be alone in your radio studio<\/a>, but don’t forget that you have a number of people listening to you worldwide! Remember to use inclusive vocabulary such as: we, us <\/strong>and our.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your listeners need to feel as if they are part of the conversation, and as if you are speaking to and with them. It’s the perfect way to seem more relatable<\/strong> and create a direct link<\/strong> with your audience.<\/p>\n

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6. Share unusual facts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Get your radio station to stand out by sharing unusual facts! Giving your listeners surprising new information<\/strong> is a great way to stay in the back of their minds. Your facts can be funny or downright bizarre, whatever makes your audience come back for more!<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong><\/span> Websites such as \u00ab\u00a0Days of the year<\/a>\u00a0\u00bb give you funny worldwide events that you probably didn’t know about!\u00a0<\/span>You could also share unusual facts about the music genres<\/strong> of your radio station, or specific<\/strong> artists<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Give your listeners something to think about and share with their friends<\/p>\n

7. Tell a story<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Every time you go on air, try and have a couple of stories prepared. They can be personal<\/strong> anecdotes<\/strong> or stories you’ve stumbled across<\/strong> that you think your listeners may enjoy!<\/p>\n

The important things to remember are:<\/p>\n