Worldbuilding 101 for Podcast Marketing

One of the most common podcast marketing methods is to come up with an "avatar" for your audience, where you create an "average listener" (just one person) and make every marketing decision based around this person.

That's a nice start, but if you want to get really deep into connecting with your listeners, you need to think about worldbuilding—that's the next step.

This will help you grow your podcast audience. It's worth thinking about and the sooner you take action on it, the sooner you'll have more people listening to you.

Here are three tips you can use for worldbuilding to enhance your podcast marketing:

1. Develop a Rich Backstory for Your Podcast

Creating a captivating backstory can give your podcast depth and make it more engaging for listeners. 

This involves:

• Origin Story: Share how and why your podcast was created. Was there a specific event or moment that inspired it? What challenges did you face in getting started?
  
  

• Core Themes: Identify the central themes or topics your podcast covers. Are there recurring ideas or messages you want to convey?
  
  

• Characters: If your podcast includes interviews or guest appearances, create a narrative around these characters. Who are they? What unique perspectives do they bring to the table?

2. Create a Unique Podcast Universe

Think of your podcast as its own unique universe. This can help listeners feel like they’re part of something special and keep them coming back for more.

• Setting: Define the setting of your podcast. Is it a fictional world, a particular city, or a specific community? Describe it vividly to give listeners a mental image.
  
  

• Culture and Language: Develop unique cultural elements or jargon that are specific to your podcast. This could be catchphrases, inside jokes, or specific terms related to your podcast’s theme.
  
  

• Lore and History: Build a lore or history that adds layers to your podcast world. This might include past episodes' events, memorable moments, or significant milestones.

3. Engage Your Audience in Worldbuilding

Involve your audience in the worldbuilding process to create a sense of community and ownership.

• Listener Contributions: Encourage listeners to contribute their ideas or stories that fit within the podcast’s universe. This could be through social media, emails, or live events.
  
  

• Interactive Elements: Introduce interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or listener-submitted questions and stories. This makes listeners feel like active participants in the podcast.
  
  

• Community Building: Foster a community around your podcast by creating online forums, social media groups, or even live meet-ups. This helps listeners connect with each other and become more invested in the podcast’s world.

By incorporating these worldbuilding elements into your podcast marketing strategy, you can create a richer, more immersive experience for your listeners and build a loyal audience.