What Taylor Swift Can Teach You About Podcasting
Taylor Swift is secretly a podcast “mastermind.”
(If you get that pun, you’re already winning.)
Seriously, even if you’re not a fan, you might be able to learn a lot about podcasting from Taylor Swift.
We sure did. Here are a few examples:
1. You need to take ownership over your creative work. Scream it to the world!
When Taylor felt like she was being taken advantage of by the powers that be (like He Who Must Not Be Named, or really the music industry as a whole), she fought back.
She re-recorded her previous albums and added the words "Taylor's Version" to the end of each album title.
That left a statement that led to even more album sales and fan loyalty than ever before.
As a podcaster, it's so easy to step back in the face of adversity and let others decide your fate.
The algorithm, a bad review, a guest ghosting you... It sucks, but you have more control over your response than you think.
When you feel like your show is hitting a wall, fight back. Pivot, then make it {{ subscriber.first_name }}'s Version.
Time is going to pass, no matter what. But you're a real tough kid, you can handle your shit. 🎵
What's one shift you can make today to take more ownership over your podcast, and make it clear to the world that it's YOURS?
2. Podcasters need to cultivate intentional community.
Even if you're not a fan, you're probably well aware of the massive mark the Era's Tour left on the world. (A golden tattoo?)
The concert tour itself has a culture built into it.
People made friendship bracelets and shared them with each other. Strangers hugged, couples got engaged, and concert goers screamed the lyrics to every song. Everyone dressed up in their favorite Era. People are still having Era's themed birthday parties!
None of that was unintentional-- Taylor's been cultivating her community strategically for many years.
She's held meet and greets, surprised fans in the community, left coded messages to her most loyal followers in her songs, and spoke up for what she and her community believes in.
And because of that intentional, values-driven community building, she has a fan base that deeply connects with each other despite all their personal differences.
As a podcast host, you can do the same and create a culture with raving fans.
How are you creating a culture for your community that's built around authentic connection and similar values? How are you showing up to serve them, even when a podcast host can feel so "Untouchable"?
3. You're allowed to reinvent yourself.
Taylor started her career as a cute, quiet, teenage country artist, writing country love songs.
Since then, she's journeyed from country to pop to indie folk and in between.
Every new album brings a new aesthetic, a new vibe. '
And that's what's led to Taylor being so relevant for 18+ years.
Stagnancy gets creatives nowhere-- and that includes podcasters.
Looking back at your show, you've probably had your own "eras" of being a creator. Change is a good thing!
Hosting a podcast is a game of constantly tweaking, shifting, and full-on pivoting in order to improve and keep growing your show.
Is your podcast's messaging working for you these days? Are your titles, descriptions, keywords, and even artwork making the maximum impact they can for your audience? If not, you might need to enter a new era.
If you’re struggling to embrace your upcoming new era, consider booking a 1:1 strategy session.
For one hour, we’ll meet as a team to work through whatever blocks or confusion you’re feeling in your podcast work right now.
It might set you on a course to your Wildest Dreams! ;)