58. Why You’re Not Getting Reviews—And How to Fix It

Listen to this week’s episode.

Listen to “55. Podcast Planning for Procastinators” on Spreaker.

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast App | Watch on YouTube

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Podcasting is not just about publishing content—it’s about building connection, credibility, and community.
And few things demonstrate that better than solid podcast reviews. They’re the social proof that tells a potential listener, “This show is worth your time.”

But what happens when you’ve been showing up consistently, sharing transformational content… and the reviews just aren’t coming in?

In this Soul Podcasting episode breakdown, we’re going straight into the reasons why many soulful podcasters aren’t seeing the feedback they deserve—and how to turn that around with intentional, strategic tweaks.

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On Thursdays, I drop quick solo episodes like this one—short-form insights to help you take action. And today’s topic hits home for so many of us in the podcasting game:

Why aren’t more people leaving podcast reviews?

Let’s break it down.

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The Truth About Podcast Reviews

You’re probably thinking:

• “My content is solid. Why aren’t people reviewing?”
• “Is it me?”
• “Do people even care?”

Here’s the truth: it’s not about your value—it’s about your strategy. And more often than not, the issue comes down to three things:

• You’re not making it easy
• You’re not giving them a reason
• You’re not repeating the ask consistently

Let’s dive into each.

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1. You Haven’t Made It Easy or Obvious

Most people aren’t thinking about leaving a review while listening to your show. They’re multi-tasking. They’re driving. They’re doing laundry. They’re moving through life.

So unless you give them clear, frictionless directions, they’re not going to stop what they’re doing and figure it out on their own.

Here’s what usually doesn’t work:

• “Please rate and review the show!”

Why? Because it’s vague. You didn’t tell them where, how, or why.

Instead, try something like this:

• “If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the show page, tap the stars, and drop a sentence or two. That’s it—it makes a huge difference!”

Or on Spotify:

• “You can tap the star rating at the top of the show page—it’s quick and helps new listeners find the show.”

This isn’t just being helpful. It’s smart. You’re removing friction and showing respect for their time.

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2. You’re Not Giving Them a Reason

People don’t leave podcast reviews just because you asked. They do it when they feel emotionally moved—seen, helped, heard.

That’s why your ask can’t be generic.

Here’s what works:

• Tie the review request to transformation
• Highlight what they gained
• Reflect their experience back to them

Example:

• “If today’s episode helped you simplify your content strategy or gave you clarity around your podcast goals, I’d love to hear your thoughts in a quick review.”

Even better? Share a real review you’ve received:

• “Huge thanks to Lexi for her review last week—she said this show helped her finally plan her first three podcast episodes. If this content is helping you too, I’d love for you to share your experience.”

When people see someone else being acknowledged, it signals community—and that encourages participation.

This isn’t a transaction. It’s a connection point.

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3. You’re Not Reminding People Enough

Let’s get honest. Many podcasters don’t like repeating themselves. Especially heart-led creators—you don’t want to be annoying, pushy, or salesy.

But guess what?

• Not everyone listens to every episode.
• Not everyone hears your one-time ask.
• Not everyone takes action the first time they hear it.

Which means: you have to keep repeating the ask.

Make it part of your regular rotation:

• Mid-roll message
• Outro segment
• Show notes section
• Guest interview CTA

Switch up your phrasing if you want. But don’t stop asking.

A few solid scripts you can rotate:

• “If this episode resonated, a quick review helps us reach more creators just like you.”
• “Loving the content? You can support the show by leaving a quick rating or review.”
• “Every rating helps the algorithm show this podcast to more people who need it—thanks for making a difference.”

Repetition builds trust. And trust builds action.

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Podcast Reviews Are Proof—Not Purpose

Let’s anchor this: reviews matter. But they are not the full measure of your podcast’s success.

Too many podcasters make the mistake of equating low review counts with low impact. But that’s just not true.

Here’s what reviews do:

• Increase discoverability on platforms like Apple Podcasts
• Offer credibility and social proof to new listeners
• Help secure sponsors or partnerships
• Boost algorithmic reach

But here’s what they don’t define:

• Your value as a creator
• The transformational power of your message
• The long-term legacy of your voice

So if you’ve been discouraged, pause and remember: your lack of reviews is likely a systems issue, not a value issue.

Now let’s change that system.

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Review Strategy Recap

Let’s make this tactical. Here’s what to start implementing this week:

• Make your ask specific
  Tell them exactly what to do and where to do it (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
• Connect it to impact
  Link your review request to how the episode helped them.
• Normalize repetition
  Add review reminders to multiple parts of your show flow and content strategy.
• Celebrate listener voices
  Share reviews during your episodes to spotlight your community.
• Audit your show CTA
  Review your standard outro and update the language to make it stronger.

You don’t need a flood of reviews overnight. You need a consistent system that invites people to participate—and over time, the momentum will build.

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Ready to Grow Your Show with Strategy?

If you’re ready to move past the guessing game and build a strategy that fuels growth, engagement, and aligned visibility—I’d love to support you.

Through Soul Podcasting, I offer:

• Done-for-you podcast launch and production services
• Repurposing strategies for Instagram, blogs, YouTube, and more
• SEO-optimized show notes and episode content
• 1:1 strategy sessions tailored to soulful, purpose-led podcasters

Whether you’re just starting or refining your show for growth, there’s a service tier that meets your needs.

Explore services or book a clarity call at:

• soulpodcasting.com

Because this journey doesn’t have to be DIY-only. You deserve strategic support.

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Final Thoughts

Podcast reviews are more than just vanity metrics—they’re indicators of community, impact, and resonance. And getting more of them doesn’t require begging. It requires clarity, consistency, and connection.

So ask with boldness.

Remind with purpose.

Lead with vision.

And remember—reviews are the fruit, not the root. Your impact runs deeper than numbers.

Keep podcasting with soul. Your voice is shifting atmospheres—even if the reviews haven’t caught up yet.

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Ready to lighten the load and podcast with more soul?

Let’s work together. Learn more about our services at Soul Podcasting Collective or book a discovery call to see how we can support you.