Events are back in a big way. Today on the show, I want to discuss why you should host a live event for your podcast - and I’ll even share some resources to help you get started!
We recently helped a client host a live show here at Adode Media. It was a great experience and it reminded me just how invigorating a live show can be for your brand.
We’re meant to connect in person as a community. Live shows bring independent Creators and their audiences together in unique ways, building bonds for years to come. Plus, they’re just fun.
However, I’ve discovered that many podcasters feel intimidated by the prospect of hosting a live show. It doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Here’s how to make it happen!
First Things First: Is Your Show Ready for a Live Event?
I have been asked many times whether a client should host a live show. There’s one way to tell: Is your audience engaging with you?
It’s pretty simple. You don’t need thousands of listeners to host a live show; 20-50 attendees is a great size for a first event. When you’re considering the possibility of hosting your guests, do you see plenty of engagement with your content? Do you believe in your team’s ability to fill a room with 20-50 people?
Check out how many people are consistently interacting with your content. Are people liking, commenting on and sharing your posts? Are your videos being saved? Do you receive emails with questions and press queries? And are your outgoing emails being opened? If you’re answering yes, it’s time to host. This is your shining moment!
Your Live Event Checklist is Right Here.
Venue
Don’t get overwhelmed. Choose a venue that fits your 20-50 guests and focus on filling it up! My recommendation is that you shop around for cost-effective venues to help you get started. You don’t need to book a concert hall to begin with; Your first event can have humble beginnings and still be an incredible experience.
Call local theaters in your area to ask whether they allow private events. Even most movie theaters offer an affordable booking option, making them an excellent option for a podcasting event! You might also consider a commercial office building. Many office spaces are underutilized since the pandemic and will consider booking an event to pay their bills. Remember, many offices were built with meeting rooms, collaborative spaces and large open rooms for projects. Don’t sleep on some of the more nontraditional methods of hosting a memorable event! My last suggestion is the mall. Yes, I’ve seen it before! I was in Dallas once and witnessed a live podcast show held at the mall. Not only was the audience engaged and excited - the show had new people walking by and hearing about it for the first time. Just by hosting the event in a public space, the podcasters were able to use the show as a marketing tool and reach a larger audience.
Decor
I encourage you to keep your decor simple. Make your space welcoming and fun with some balloons or a merch table, but don’t blow your budget on over-the-top decor. It’s not necessary and your guests will still have a great time.
Entertainment
Of course, your show will be the primary entertainment! But I also suggest that you add a little spice to your show by hiring a DJ to open and close the event. You may even consider having a bartender to sell mixed drinks or snacks to your audience to keep them happy.
When it comes to the entertainment, consider the entire experience of your attendees. What will make the event stand out even more? What affordable little extras will boost your show’s reputation in their minds? A great example is a series of giveaways during the event. You can do this by giving away your show merch, and you could also give away freebies provided by sponsors of your event to boost their brand too. Give away t-shirts, pens, water bottles, or keychains - these do not have to be expensive.
Audio and Video Production
This is major. As someone who recently hosted a live show, I strongly recommend that you have full audio and video captured during your event so that you can use it as your actual podcast episode.
We’re a big fan of repurposing content here at Adode Media. (If you’re doing your show here in Atlanta, you can hire us to do it all for you! Shameless plug).
Use the photos, video and audio of your live event as your podcast episode, on your Instagram feed and stories, on your website, and beyond. Don’t forget to shoot plenty of behind-the-scenes content to show your audience how it all went down.
Run of Show
This is where I see many Creators drop the ball. Don’t forget this! Your team put forth effort to make this show happen, so make sure to do a quick rehearsal first. This doesn’t have to be complicated; Just make sure everybody is on the same page.
Prior to the event, make sure to create a run of show document that details staff arrival times and phone numbers. What time is each staff member expected to show up? What time are they required to stay until? Set expectations for everybody so that the day-of operations can be stress-free. Discuss these expectations with your team so that you can relax and be your best self during the live show.
Ticket Sales
I frequently get asked how Hosts should price their tickets for live events. This varies widely by size of audience and event location! For example, hosting an event here in Atlanta Georgia is probably going to cost much less that hosting an event in, say, Los Angeles, California.
My recommendation here is to poll your audience. What can they afford? What are they willing to pay for attendance? Don’t be afraid to be radically honest with them and ask them via an Instagram poll or via email.
My other suggestion is to consider adding Sponsors. An event Sponsor is a business from a relevant industry that wants to be seen by your show’s audience. For example, if your show is all about real estate like our live show was, you could consider having mortgage loan officers, home stagers, interior designers, furniture companies, and movers. Ask yourself, what does your audience need? What would provide important resources for them? Who would be a great connection for them? Reach out to potential Sponsors and have them pay a fee to be present at your event. It will help you offset the cost of the live show and support your audience at the same time.
Another frequently asked question in regards to events is ticket sales platforms. There are many systems for selling tickets, but my experience has mostly been with Squarespace and Eventbrite.
While it can be tempting to sell tickets directly on your Squarespace website, you might want to use Eventbrite if you’re hosting anything of size. Eventbrite was built for this exact purpose in mind. The platform makes ticket sales and refunds simple and intuitive. They also provide waivers and forms that allow you to receive consent to film and record your event - which, of course, you will be doing.
Audience Engagement
Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a few methods of engaging your audience. Do not just sit at a desk and talk at your guests…this is supposed to be fun!
For your live show, do something unique and different. Discuss something extra special or invite a VIP guest on the show. In your marketing materials, be sure to mention how exciting and engaging the event will be and encourage them to bring their friends!
I Hope this Helps You Host!
Get out there and get hosting. I love live events - they are an excellent way to promote your show to new people, show your love for your supportive audience, and connect with new people.
That’s all for today’s episode!
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