You Got a Negative Podcast Review ... Now What?

I released my first book about 20 years ago and I still remember my first negative review:

"A joke – just like David Hooper himself."

Was it hurtful? Yes. But I've gotten a lot of use out of that review since then, which made it worth any moments of pain it caused.

It was also a great lesson for me, because it was somewhat true—I’d put together a book that was pretty sloppy.

How do you handle "bad" reviews?

Do you ignore them? Respond to them? Use them in an ad campaign?

Something I've seen a lot of podcasters do, especially with negative YouTube comments, is try to engage the comment/review authors. I've even seen some podcasters go so far as try to get people on the phone to win them over.

"I'm so sorry this video disappointed you. Could we set up a time to talk on the phone, so you can get to know me and I can explain why I'm not a scam?"

Stop it! You'll have a lot better luck talking to the people who "get" you rather than the ones who feel it's OK to unleash on you because they didn't like a free podcast episode or YouTube video. You don't want to deal with crybabies.

Negative reviews can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you've poured your heart and soul into your podcast. But they don't have to be the end of the world.

Instead of dwelling on any review, use them as a tool for growth. Listen to the feedback objectively—sometimes there's a grain of truth that can help you improve.

If criticism is constructive, take it to heart and adjust where necessary. If it's not, let it roll off your back. Remember, not everyone will resonate with your podcast (or you), and that's OK.

Engaging with a negative review can be tempting, but it's not always productive. Instead, focus on building relationships with listeners who appreciate and support your work. Ultimately, maintaining authenticity and focusing on your core message will help you grow and cultivate a community that values your voice.