One of the biggest peeves listeners have is when podcast host/s waffle on for too long before getting to the point of the episode. Your audience wants to know where you’re taking them, or they’re going to bail. In fact, the average podcast loses about a third of its audience in the first five minutes, according to NPR One. So how can you create an above average podcast? In this episode, I’ll talk about how to keep your podcast audience listening by hooking them with a great intro. Key takeaways: Hook your audience from the beginning. Let them know what they’ll get out of spending the next 30 or 60 or however many minutes with you. Teasers, stories, and questions are great ways to hook your audience. In addition to your hook, your intro should include your name and the name of your show. Music is a nice way to brand your show and get your listeners in the right mood to hear your message. Speak to one person. Use the word ‘you’ instead of ‘all of you.’ Consider including a call to action in your introduction. Visit sarahmikutel.com for more articles on how to podcast. Ready to start your own show? Download my free guide: “8 Mistakes New Podcasters Make and How to Fix Them.” Looking for a podcast media host? Use my Libsyn affiliate code POSTCARD to get the rest of this month for free and next month free. I’m your podcast launch consultant, Sarah Mikutel. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my other podcast, Postcard Academy travel podcast. This travel podcast is for the ‘experiences not things’ kind of person who believes travel goes deeper than a fantastic meal (though that is pretty great). Every week, I interview people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll learn how they did it and get their best insider food and culture tips. Thank you so much for listening to Podcasting Step by Step. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.