Think Your Members Are Too Busy to Listen? Not If You Do This…
Your Biweekly Boost from Podcasting4Associations
Quick Note Before We Begin
I spent the weekend in Las Vegas with some old college friends and saw the Eagles perform at the Sphere an incredible venue with mind-blowing visuals. When we arrived, my friend Barry welcomed us with his famous guacamole.
Fittingly, today is National Guacamole Day so whether you're reading this at lunch or dinner, consider adding a little guac to the plate.
It’s a good reminder: timing makes everything better, whether it’s a snack or a podcast.
Let’s dig in.
Many associations think:
“Our members are just too busy to listen to a podcast.”
Here’s the truth:
They’re not too busy. They just don’t see your podcast as a valuable time-saver yet.
Here’s one tactic that’s helped our clients get more members actually to hit play and come back every month.
Help People Know When to Listen, Not Just What It's About
If you want more people to listen to your podcast, don’t just tell them what it’s about.
Tell them when it’s a good time to listen, like during a walk, while driving, or on a lunch break.
That makes it easier for them to hit play.
Why This Works
Most people don’t stop what they’re doing just to listen to a podcast.
Instead, they listen while they’re doing something else, like walking the dog or eating lunch.
That’s why it helps to tell people when your podcast is a good fit.
Try saying things like:
Great to listen to on your lunch break.
Perfect for your morning walk.
Catch up with your commute to work.
This helps your podcast become part of their routine, something they look forward to, not just another task. Building that important habit for your members to listen.
Quick Start: 3 Ways to Frame Your Show
Listening Cue Email
Start each email promotion of the newsletter with a phrase like:
“Here’s what to listen to today while walking your dog!”Episode Intro Prompt
Open your show with a quick:
“Whether you’re commuting or catching a quiet moment, today’s episode is packed with insights for busy association leaders.”In-App Episode Descriptions
Include “When to Tune In” right in the show notes. It sets an expectation and makes the episode feel more accessible. Pick a regular day and time to release them. Stick to it.
Real Impact
One of our clients made a small change.
Instead of only telling people what the podcast was about, they also said when to listen.
They gave ideas like, "Try this on your lunch break" or "Listen to this while driving to work."
They did not change the podcast itself.
They simply changed how they discussed it.
More people started listening and finished more episodes.
This shows how a small change can make a big difference.
Final Thought
Your podcast already has value.
The key is making that value visible and convenient.
By helping your members mentally schedule the episode into their lives, you create frictionless engagement—something every association wants.
For Your Team
At your next podcast team meeting, brainstorm this:
“What are three specific moments our members might be looking for inspiration, insight, or a quick win, and how can we position next week’s podcast to meet them there?”