Convert fans into Patreon members (for podcasters)

Converting your audience into a paying member requires a strategic blend of off-platform calls-to-action, effective expectation setting, and an optimized Patreon page experience. By strategically placing compelling calls-to-action across various channels, such as social media, you can direct your audience to explore the benefits of becoming a member. Here are some tips to get the job done:

Off-platform

1. Tease upcoming or available member specific content off-platform: To keep fans engaged and give them a taste of what to expect on Patreon, it's essential to tease upcoming or available member-specific content off-platform, typically around 10-20% of the total content. A powerful way to do this is by leveraging your social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. By sharing snippets, sneak peeks, or behind-the-scenes moments from your exclusive content, you create curiosity and excitement. A great example of this is Real Ones with Jon Bernthal's strategy, where they uploaded a ~15 min preview of the full bonus episode on YouTube and concluded it with a call-to-action: “We want to take things just a step further [with] our Patreon community.”

2. 2-part episode Tactic: Split your podcast into two parts and release the first part for free. End part 1 on a cliffhanger, enticing listeners to seek out part 2 on Patreon. A great example of this is the podcast Murder With My Husband, who expertly employed this tactic in their episode 111, leaving their audience eager to hear the rest of the story on Patreon.

3. Extended Episode Tactic: Take advantage of the editing process by releasing a shortened version of your podcast publicly and offering the full, uncut episode on Patreon. Allude to the extended content, mentioning that listeners can access it by joining your Patreon. The Yard effectively implemented this tactic on their YouTube channel by saying, "…we'll see you on Patreon if you want more of this adventure" at the end of one of their episodes.

On-platform (on your Patreon)

1. Optimize your page to ensure a good member experience by clearly communicating benefits and enhancing your branding (images, tier names, about section, video). Ex. Joe Budden, Girls Next Level

2. Launch Annual Membership to incentivize signups.

3. Use Tier Highlighting to help prospective members overcome decision fatigue.

4. Activate former Patreon members by finding your payment-declined members in the Patron Relationship Manager and and message them all, gently encouraging them to update their payment method. For canceled patrons, reach them via email (a Patreon DM won’t reach them) when you have a new offering to entice them.