You've created amazing content and turned it into a private podcast. Now you need to get it into your listeners' ears. The key is making the subscription process as smooth as possible with clear instructions and helpful resources.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have:
✅ Ready-to-use messaging templates for different situations
✅ Clear instructions to share with your listeners
✅ Access to comprehensive troubleshooting resources
✅ A streamlined process that reduces support questions
Most creators see fewer "how do I subscribe?" emails after implementing these strategies.
Share Your Private Podcast with Context
The most important step is providing your private podcast sign up with clear, simple instructions.
Use Simple, Clear Language
Avoid technical jargon. Focus on what your listeners need to do, not how the technology works.
What to Say:
"Tap this link on your phone to add to your podcast app"
"Listen in your favorite podcast player"
"Works just like any other podcast"
What to Avoid:
Technical terms like "RSS feed" or "podcatcher"
Complicated explanations about private podcast technology
Best Practices to Increase Subscription Rates
If you have Hello Audio send the invite link...tell them to search for "Your Audio Access"
When people subscribe, they should search for "Your Audio Access" in their inbox to find the emails sent from Hello Audio with their unique access. This makes it easier to locate among their other emails.
Record Yourself Subscribing
Create a screen recording of yourself subscribing to your own private podcast on your phone. This visual guide helps listeners see exactly what to expect, including your show artwork and branding.
Add Instructions to Thank You Pages
If your private podcast includes a sign up page/sales page, add subscription instructions directly on the thank you page. People are most motivated to take action immediately after converting.
Turn On Subscription Reminders
Enable Hello Audio's reminder features to automatically follow up with people who haven't subscribed yet. This gentle nudge often converts hesitant listeners.
Create an Onboarding Email Sequence
Design a 5-7 email sequence that accompanies your private podcast:
Email 1: Welcome + subscription linkEmail 2: "Did you subscribe yet? Here's why this will help you..."
Email 3: "Did you hear what I shared in episode 2?" (creates urgency to listen)
Email 4: Reminder of why they signed up + highlight of upcoming content
Email 5: "Last chance to catch up before episode 5 drops"
Use open loops and curiosity to encourage listening while reminding them of their original motivation.Use Conditional Fields for Personalized Links (A little tech-y)
Set up your email system to automatically include each listener's unique private podcast link using conditional fields. This ensures everyone gets their personalized access link without manual work. Definitely want to do this if you're creating an onboarding sequence so you can link them directly.
Here's some swipe copy with conditional field example:
"If you've already subscribed, just go to your favorite podcast player to listen. If you haven't done that yet, subscribe here: [conditional field with unique link]"Follow Up Personally with Non-Subscribers
Check your Hello Audio listener tab for people who are still "invited" but haven't subscribed. Send personal follow-up messages to check if they need help. This extra effort often converts hesitant listeners.
Use Urgency or Buzz
Create urgency or buzz around your private podcast content:
"Episodes are only available for 30 days""New episode drops tomorrow - make sure you're subscribed"
"This week's episode answers the question you asked"
Leverage Social Proof
Share screenshots of positive feedback from other listeners or mention how many people are already subscribed and loving the content.
Provide Easy Access to Help Resources
Always include a link to the Listener Hub in your communications. This comprehensive resource handles most common questions automatically.
Direct link to the Listener Hub: https://go.helloaudio.fm/listenerhub
The Listener Hub includes:
Step-by-step setup guides for every major podcast app
Troubleshooting for common issues
What private podcasts are and how they work
Screenshots and visual guides
Ready-to-Use Messaging Templates for the Listener Hub
We want to help you onboard your listener's in the smoothest way possible. Here are proven templates you can customize for your audience:
For Welcome Emails
Your private podcast is ready! If you're new to private podcasts, we're using Hello Audio to deliver your content, and they've created an amazing library to help you get set up: Listener Hub. You'll be listening in under 5 minutes!
For Course/Program Onboarding
Your course content is now available as a private podcast so you can learn on-the-go! We're using Hello Audio to power this experience, and they've built a comprehensive quick start guide to help you get set up: Listener Hub.
For Your Support Team
When listeners need help with their private podcast setup, direct them to Hello Audio's Listener Hub first: Listener Hub. It covers 95% of common questions about getting started. For anything else, you can help them or escalate as needed.
For Social Media/Newsletters
Quick update for everyone listening to our private podcast! If you ever need help adding episodes to your app or troubleshooting playback, Hello Audio has created a comprehensive library just for private podcast listeners. Check it out here: Listener Hub.
What Happens Next
Once your listeners successfully subscribe using your private podcast link, new episodes will appear automatically in their podcast app. They can listen just like any other podcast they follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I explain what a private podcast is?
A: Yes, especially in your first communication. Many people haven't encountered private podcasts before. A simple explanation prevents confusion and increases successful subscriptions.
Q: What if someone is having trouble subscribing?
A: Direct them to the Listener Hub first, it covers 95% of common issues. For anything else, you can troubleshoot or have them contact Hello Audio support.
Q: How do I know if people are successfully subscribing?
A: Check your Hello Audio analytics to see listener activity and engagement with your private podcast episodes. You can also see who's still in "invited" status versus "subscribed."
Q: Should I follow up with people who haven't subscribed?
A: Absolutely! Personal follow-up often converts hesitant listeners. Check your dashboard for "invited" listeners and reach out to see if they need help.
The key is making subscription feel effortless while creating urgency and excitement around your content. Clear instructions plus strategic follow-up equals more people actually listening to your private podcast. Let us know if we can add anything here! We're always looking to improve onboarding listeners for our users.