In the ever-growing world of podcasting, building a strong community around your show is essential. But how exactly do you foster such engagement? Kendall, the Community Manager at Riverside FM joins me to talk all about it. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation, providing you with actionable tips on building and nurturing a vibrant podcast community. Building a community requires tailoring your efforts to meet the unique needs of your audience. Kendall highlighted that no two communities are the same, and the most successful ones are those that respond to their members' actual wants and needs. Essentially, your community should reflect the interests and desires of its members. To better serve your community, it’s crucial to understand their motivations. Kendall suggested that direct conversations with your audience are invaluable. Asking them questions about their goals, challenges, and preferences can provide insights that help you shape a community that resonates with them. Kendall advised treating negative feedback as an opportunity to demonstrate the human side of your brand. Instead of viewing it as an affront, see it as a chance to engage, listen, and explain your actions. Personal responses and transparency can turn a disgruntled member into a loyal advocate. When launching a new community or reviving a dormant one, take the lead in starting conversations. Kendall noted that it’s essential to post regularly and encourage interaction until the community gains momentum and members feel comfortable contributing on their own. Building a strong podcast community is about creating meaningful connections, responding to the needs of your audience, and fostering a space where members feel valued. For those looking to build or strengthen their podcast communities, these actionable tips from our conversation provide a valuable roadmap to success. Learn about: 00:00 Intro 01:59 Why Community Management? 03:40 Building a Community: Key Elements 05:17 Understanding Your Audience 07:25 Online and Offline Community Building 11:51 Handling Feedback and Negative Comments 13:56 Starting and Reviving a Community 15:03 Conclusion and Farewell   FREE RESOURCES: Podcast Recording Equipment Guide: https://www.voltproductions.co/tech-guide-freebie 7 Ways to Monetize Your Podcast: https://www.voltproductions.co/7-ways-to-monetize-your-podcast Podcast Launch Guide: https://www.voltproductions.co/launch-8-weeks-freebie Descript Freebie: https://www.voltproductions.co/descript-ai-freebie Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastsuccesscommunity MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault Podcast Launch Kit: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-kit   Connect with RiversideFM here: riverside.fm Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/riversideconversationcreators/    Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast