How to Keep Listeners Engaged with Your Podcast in the Off-Season with "Bonus" Episodes

As a podcaster with a seasonal podcast, I understand the value of taking breaks, reflecting, and the importance of keeping your audience engaged during the off-season. Keeping your audience engaged and maintaining consistency is crucial to avoid negative impacts on your rankings. Implementing bonus episodes can accomplish both goals.

If you're running a seasonal podcast or considering having seasons, read this article to learn:

How to Keep Listeners Engaged with Your Podcast in the Off-Season by Releasing "Bonus" Episodes

  1. Guest Podcast Takeover: Introducing Another Show - One fantastic idea for bonus content during the off-season is to invite another podcast to take over your show for an episode. You can record a brief introduction and allow a guest podcast to share their episode on your feed. This approach benefits both parties, as you reach new audiences and create fresh content without having to create an entire episode from scratch. Additionally, consider doing a reciprocal swap where you share one of your episodes on their podcast. It's a win-win situation that keeps your podcast active and helps you expand your reach.

  2. Client Spotlight: Showcasing Your Successful Clients - Take advantage of the off-season to highlight your clients' success stories. A client spotlight episode offers a unique opportunity to promote your services while providing valuable content for your listeners. Share the achievements, experiences, and lessons learned by featuring a client who has benefited from your expertise. It reinforces the credibility of your services, keeps your audience engaged, and your services top of mind.

  3. Reading Reviews: Engaging with Your Audience - An off-season bonus episode is an ideal time to showcase and respond to some of your audience's reviews. Selecting a few positive reviews to read them aloud gives you the opportunity to share social proof, express gratitude, and provide additional insights or behind-the-scenes stories related to the episodes they mentioned. This approach adds a personal touch, fosters a sense of community, and offers listeners a glimpse into the making of your show.

Conclusion

This article explored three engaging ideas for bonus content: guest podcast takeovers, client spotlights, and reading reviews, but remember, these are just a few examples!

You can find even more ideas in the download link here: Download the FREE 10 “Bonus” Episode Ideas for Seasonal Podcasts + Calendar.

Now, think about what will resonate with your audience, get creative and have fun making “bonus” content for your audience!


*This blog post was originally a podcast episode. To listen to the full episode, click here.


KRISTIN QUIROZ BAYONA IS THE FOUNDER OF PODCAST & AMPLIFY A PODCAST COACHING & CONTENT STRATEGY BUSINESS ON A MISSION IS TO HELP FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS TO AMPLIFY THEIR LEADING VOICE, BRAND, & PROFITS THROUGH PODCASTING. SHE’S ALSO THE HOST OF THE PODCAST & AMPLIFY PODCAST WHERE SHE GIVES WEEKLY PODCASTING TIPS AND BRINGS ON BUSINESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS TO SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS HOLISTICALLY ON THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY. KRISTIN COMBINES HER 15 YEARS AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL, 3 YEARS AS A PODCAST HOST/COACH, AND HER PRODUCER'S BRAIN TO SIMPLIFY THE PODCASTING PROCESS FOR HER CLIENTS AND CO-CREATE, MARKET AND MANAGE A PODCAST THAT FITS THEIR UNIQUE BRAND AND BUSINESS GOALS.