Your podcast episode is ending, you’ve shared incredible value with your listeners, and now… what? Do you just say “thanks for listening” and call it a day?
If you’re not including a strategic call to action (CTA) in your podcast episodes, you’re missing out on one of the biggest opportunities to convert your listeners into engaged community members, email subscribers, and paying clients.
A strong CTA is the bridge between someone enjoying your content and actually taking the next step with you. It’s how you turn passive listeners into active participants–and convince them to engage with your show.
Let’s break down why CTAs matter so much (and a few CTAs you can try in your next episode):
Why Your Podcast Needs a Strong Call to Action
Your listeners have just spent 20, 30, maybe even 60 minutes with you. They’ve gotten to know your voice, your expertise, and your perspective. They’re in the perfect mindset to take action—but only if you guide them there.
Without a clear CTA, most listeners will simply move on to the next episode in their queue. They might love what you shared, but if you don’t tell them what to do next, they won’t do anything at all.
A well-crafted CTA serves multiple purposes. It helps you build your email list, drive traffic to your website, increase engagement on social media, and ultimately convert listeners into clients. It also gives your audience a clear next step, which many people actually appreciate—they want to know how to get more of what you’re offering.
The key is making your CTA feel natural and valuable, not pushy or sales-y (at least, not too much—sales-y is okay in moderation, you ARE running a business).
Before your CTA, you’ll want to ensure that you are priming your audience throughout the podcast so that it doesn’t feel like a hard sale at the end, but rather a solution to their problem.
Podcast CTAs to Try in Your Next Episode
Part of finding the right call-to-action for your podcast is testing to see what connects with your audience the MOST. It’ll change based on your offer, on your episode, and when you’re saying your CTA in your recording.
You can also use these CTAs in dynamic ads, pre-roll ads, or post-roll ads. They’re good for anytime you want your audience to take action!
CTAs for When You Want to Build Your Email List on Your Podcast
These are perfect for when you’re building your email list and promoting your free resource or freebie. Some mention a specific type (like a checklist), but you can replace it with whatever you’ve created!
- “If you loved today’s episode, I have a free [resource name] that dives even deeper into this topic. Head to [website] to download it and get weekly tips delivered straight to your inbox.”
- “Want the action steps from today’s episode in a handy checklist? I’ve created a free download that breaks everything down. Grab it at [your website].”
- “I mentioned [specific tool/resource] during today’s episode. I’ve put together a free guide with my top [number] recommendations for [topic]. Get it at [website].”
- “Ready to implement what we talked about today? Join my email list at [website] and I’ll send you a weekly dose of motivation and actionable tips to keep you moving forward.”
P.S. Shorten your URLs or create shortened redirects for your freebies and offers to make it easier for listeners to remember them and type them in correctly to find your offer! Tool like Bit.ly are perfect for this!
CTAs When You Need to Drive Social Media Engagement
Trying to get your listeners to join you over on another platform between launches? These CTAs are examples of what to say when you’re trying to drive social media engagement from your podcast:
- “I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode! Share it on Instagram and tag me @[handle]—I read every single message and love connecting with listeners.”
- “If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot and share it in your stories. Tag me so I can reshare and connect with more amazing listeners like you!”
- “Head over to Instagram @[handle] and let me know: which tip from today’s episode are you going to implement first? I’ll personally respond to every comment.”
- “What questions do you have about [today’s topic]? Drop them in the comments on my latest Instagram post—I might just answer them in a future episode!”
Another great way to bridge the gap between your social media audience and podcast listeners is repurposing your episodes! You can turn your podcast into Instagram reels or post podcast snippets!
CTAs to Invite Listeners Into Your Community
If it’s not an offer or social media platform that you’re trying to welcome your listeners into, you can invite them into your community using these simple CTAs:
- “Want to continue this conversation? Join our free [Facebook group/Discord server/community name] where [ideal audience] gather to [specific benefit]. Search [community name] or find the link in my bio.”
- “If you’re ready to surround yourself with other [ideal audience] who are [specific goal], our community is the perfect place. Join us at [link] for daily support and accountability.”
CTAs to Drive Direct Engagement
If you’re looking for more direct interaction with your listeners or feedback, choose a CTA like this:
- “I love hearing from my listeners! Send me a voice message at [platform] or email me at [email] with your thoughts on today’s episode. I might even feature your message on a future show!”
- “What topic would you love me to cover in a future episode? Send your suggestions to [email] or DM me on Instagram @[handle].”
CTAs to Ask for Reviews and Ratings
One of the most important things to getting your show “top-ranked” is to get positive feedback, reviews, and ratings on podcasting platforms—and to do that, you need to ASK your audience to leave it.
Here are some of the best CTAs to ask for reviews and ratings:
- “If today’s episode added value to your life, would you mind leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts? It takes just 30 seconds and helps other [ideal audience] discover the show. I read every single review and am so grateful for your support!”
- “Loving the show? The best way to support the podcast is by leaving a rating and review. It helps us reach more [ideal audience] who need to hear these messages.”
Podcast CTAs for Your Offers
Now for the final set of call-to-actions you can use on your podcast: CTAs for your offers! You should be sending people to check out your offers, programs, masterclasses, courses, and everything in between on your podcast:
- “Ready to take what we discussed today to the next level? I have a free [masterclass/workshop/training] happening on [date] where I’ll be diving deeper into [specific topic]. Save your spot at [website].”
- “If you’re thinking ‘I need help with this,’ I have [number] spots open in my [program/service name]. We’ll work together to [specific outcome]. Learn more and apply at [website].”
- “Want to see these strategies in action? I’ve created a behind-the-scenes case study showing exactly how I [achieved a specific result]. Download it free at [website].”
How to Make Your CTAs Work to Meet Your Podcast (and Business) Goals
Every call to action you have in your episode needs to align with your business and podcast goals. For example, if you’re launching a new program, your CTAs should focus on getting people to learn more about it or get into the funnel.
The same goes for when you’re building your email list, prioritize lead magnets and newsletter sign-ups.
But the most important thing is to always include SOME form of CTA. Even a simple “connect with me on Instagram” is better than no call to action at all.
Your podcast is already building trust and providing value to your listeners—you just need a strategic CTA to turn your listeners into loyal buyers, subscribers, and referrals. Start testing these CTAs in your next episode and watch how they help you build a strong connection with your audience and grow your business.
If you want support with planning, editing, and strategizing your podcast CTAs, get in touch and let’s see how we can help you turn more listeners into engaged community members and clients!
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