This natural ebb-and-flow of downloads that occurs during the summer months can catch a lot of newer podcasters by surprise. Summer is a season of interrupted routines – listeners are on vacations, on breaks from schools or normal working days, and are spending more time outside. All these changes to their routines can mean a dip in downloads for you.
But there’s no need to fret! Loyal listeners always return when their days fall back into a reliable routine. This summer slump can be predicted and taken advantage of with a few tips!
Understand Your Audience
A crucial way to possibly predict and prepare for a summer slump is to deeply understand your audience. Understanding who you’re audience is can help you map out their possible routines. Compare demographic information like:
- Age
- Geolocation Performance
- Downloads by Time of Day
Reviewing these metrics can help you determine why you might be seeing a decrease in downloads during the summer. If a large percentage of your audience is 18-24 years old, then they may listen to your podcast when commuting to class. Checking the downloads by time of day can help you figure out when people are tuning in to your show. Comparing these two stats together can give you a fuller picture of your audience!
Another excellent way to understand your audience is to understand your own content. What demographic is most drawn to your content? Understanding why they tune in can help you to better understand your listeners.
Let’s say that a majority of your audience are college students. It’s natural that you see a lower amount of downloads in summer and a steady increase in downloads when school is back in session. Understanding your audience is a key way to understanding these summer slumps, and help you prepare for them.
Quality Over Quantity
A summer slump for listeners doesn’t mean it needs to slow down for you! Take advantage of this quiet period by focusing on more difficult tasks that you may have been putting off.
A good way to spend these slower months is to plan, develop, and record a backlog of episodes to help you stay ahead of production. Take the time to create quality content rather than trying to post as frequently as you can for fewer listeners. Your listeners will be back when their routines return to normal!
These slower months are also a great opportunity to focus on more in-depth projects that you may have been wanting to complete. You can keep it in your pocket until the right time, too!
Create Your Own Spikes
If you’re more interested in beating the summer slump, then leaning into summer and crafting your own spike in downloads might be the way to go.
Focus your content more on summer activities and events, especially if your podcast is more centered on pop culture and current events. Create content specifically for activities that are more popular in summer like outdoor adventures!
If your content is less flexible, or you have a set plan for your content, then shift your focus to how binge-able your content is instead. Post on social media, newsletter, etc. about how your show is a perfect companion on long road trips, plane travels, and more. Market the incredible amount of content that listeners can tune in to while they’re waiting for their next plane or driving along the lonely roads of middle America.
Leaning into summer can help soften the blow of low downloads during these months!
Whether you lean into the slowness of summer or take advantage of this unique season, you can still make progress on your podcast even if downloads are a bit lower!
If you’re looking to launch your podcast to new heights, then why not give RedCircle a try? Sign up for a totally free 7-day trial for any of our plans. Check out all our platform offers without fully committing!
