Let your fans help you gain new listeners. This is part ofa series of articles to help you make a great podcast website. Need a simple, beautiful, and affordable website designed just for your podcast?Start your Podsite free trial today.

There’s a warm fuzzy feeling that comes with someone relaying a compliment to you. That’s part of why podcasters like receiving show reviews so much: that little note of appreciation puts a spring in your step and makes your show look great at the same time. Testimonials—both from listeners and from the press—add another layer of legitimacy to your podcast website. Do people really listen to your show? Yes, they do! And they are ready to tell others why they should, too. For a curious visitor, fan testimonials describe things about the experience of listening to your show in a way that only a listener can, and assure that curious new listeners will also enjoy your podcast.

What makes a good testimonial?

• It’s descriptive. Their review should say WHY they like to listen.
• It’s from a listener’s point of view. A listener can share when they listen to your podcast and where you fit into their day or life. Also, a listener can say things about your show that you can’t. Even if you’re the funniest person in the world, having someone else say you’re hilarious goes even farther.
• It points out something unique. There may be other shows like yours out there in the world, but yours provides something special – and your listeners know that best, because they chose your show over others.

If your show hasn’t launched yet or is only a few episodes in, receiving reviews isn’t impossible—all it takes is being a little creative! Your pilot episode is a godsend here. Send it to a handful of close friends. Ask them to listen, then respond to the question, “What did you enjoy about what you heard?” in a few sentences. Not only will this feedback kickstart your podcast website, it helps you continue making more good episodes in the future.

When you request reviews directly for your website, it’s okay to give structure to your listeners to make their words work on your site. And before you think you’re leading your listeners to say canned good things, remember, it’s less about asking them to say something specific and more about asking them to say things that’ll help you (and more importantly, new listeners) the most. Outline the desired length, focus, and tone in your request. For example:

Hi! I’m seeking listener testimonials for my podcast and wanted to share an episode with you. Please listen, and when you’re ready, I’d be grateful for a sentence or two that:

• Describe your experience of listening to my show
• Mention something you learned from or appreciated about my show

Thank you in advance for your support.

Here are some examples of listener testimonials that give a feel for the experience of listening to these shows:

• “One part educational and one part entertaining with just a touch (or maybe more than a touch) of quirkiness… it’s everything I could want in a podcast.” – Patty, reviewing Iconography
• “I love how his car is featured as a “primary character” in a sense even though this is so much better than what I thought was going to be a podcast about car reviews. It’s entertaining and feels very conversational!” – lawrl, reviewing Car Thoughts with David
• “There is so much divisiveness in the media today. We don’t really need more stories and reporting to divide us. Neighbors Podcast stands out because, at its core, it connects us, bring us together. Jakob Lewis’ stories may be set in Nashville, but they could be anywhere. And we need them.” – Rob, reviewing Neighbors

You can also ask for testimonials audibly at the end of your episode or in the episode notes of your show, and be specific about how you like to receive them. Overwhelmed by the possibilities of receiving feedback for your podcast? We are here to help.

Press coverage as testimonial

Press coverage is another kind of testimonial that provides additional perspective on your podcast. Unlike a listener testimonial, press coverage has an additional benefit of spreading your show to possible new listeners, too. Having their kind words on your website helps acclimate these new visitors to make sure they’re in the right place.

Press coverage take a slightly different tone than a listener testimonial depending on the publication. Whether critics and writers compare to other media like TV or movies or interject some personal commentary, these quotes reframe and give dimension to people currently unfamiliar with your show.

• “I’m from the literal opposite of New England, but the fantastic analysis of each icon is accessible and absolutely brilliant. If you’re a fan of the film The VVitch, I can’t recommend their episode on it enough.” – Wil Williams Reviews, on Iconography
• “Move over, Radio 4. This ensemble scripted comedy about a pair of doomed undertakers is funnier than anything broadcast on the BBC.” – The New Statesman, on Wooden Overcoats
• “…yes, you’re going to have a lot of fun with this.” – Cosmopolitan, on Gay Future

To ready your podcast for press coverage:

• Prep your press kit. Your press kit includes a description of your podcast, your show’s creators, high-resolution images, and links to your website.
• Identify some places to send your podcast to. Podcast publications are a natural starting point, and you can go a few steps further by approaching local media or blogs that cover topics similar to your show.
• Pitch to some writers. Three quick tips here: Keep it simple, be relevant, and make it personal. Learn more about how to pitch your podcast.

Got your testimonials all ready to go? Add them to your Podsite to see them shine.