Your radio station logo is a powerful tool. It’s your visual identity. When it’s great, —it’s memorable and catchy. It’s an emblem of your station’s content, feel, and quality.

Because I’m a fan of allegories…



Here is one: A nice logo is like a professionally tailored suit. People in nice suits command respect. They look more trustworthy and of high status.  So I pose the question? How do you want your station to look? Sharp and neat —if so, this blog can help.

## Functions of your Radio Station Logo

You may think, —and you’re excused to believe so — that your logo should serve the sole purpose of making you happy.

Or, it’s just an image required when submitting your station to online directories. Sure the logo ain’t important…it might be overrated. 

Logos are useful for a number of reasons: 

1. The logo sends a conscious and unconscious message to your fans. (more on this later)

2. Someone may be scrolling down a list of stations listed under your genre on a radio directory. “Bam!” Your nice logo stops them. That’s one more listener earned thanks to your logo.

3. It’s one of the pillars of your brand. The symbol of an apple that someone took a bite off represents an Apple Inc product. See, a Swoosh on a pair of shoes and you’ll know they are Nikes.

4. Offer a stranger, a sincere smile, and you establish rapport. Similarly, a great logo fosters trust, draws, and creates a bond with the potential listener.

### **Reasons to get a professional graphic designer to design it**

You have some killer creative skills. That’s why you’re on the radio. But are you an expert in logo design?

 I’m asking because logos require time and attention. A lot of thinking outside the box and an intuitive feel for creating effective ones. Not to mention, the best logos are scalable. 

Sure, you’re no expert. You even admit it. But you still hold the view that hiring an expensive logo artist is beyond you.

Okay, could it be that logo designers are quite affordable? I’m talking about less than $20 for professional results. 

Here are other reasons to hire a pro:

- It’s not good to cut corners. You skip the necessary steps in the logo design. The results might speak for themselves.
- An astronomical graphic designer makes the whole process seem effortless. You’ll end up learning a lot from them.
- There is an easier way, using an online logo generator. But what if your competitors used the same service? Then, you wonder why all the logos look similar.
- A good pro researches the competing radio stations. And creates a better logo for you.
- While you may take days to design your logo, an efficient pro delivers the results quickly. They have done it many times before. Designing is their bread and butter.
- Just tell a pro your vision in the grandest terms. And they will manufacture a radio station logo idea in a heartbeat.

### What’s a logo?

A logo can consist of a concrete or abstract symbol, shape, text, mascot, etc. Here are the different types of logos:

### Logotype

Quite many radio station logos are logotypes. Also called “word mark,” it features a group of words or even one single word or letter. 

For instance, Facebook’s logo. Many stations choose to have their name in a fancy or bold font against a plain or colored background.

[![National Public Radio logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/National_Public_Radio_logo.svg/512px-National_Public_Radio_logo.svg.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:National_Public_Radio_logo.svg)

### Logomark

The logo mark contains a symbol, but no text. The symbol can be abstract or concrete.

What is the difference? The more concrete a symbol is, the easier it is to say what it represents. For instance, looking at this YouTube logo, I can confidently say that it represents a play button.

### Combination mark

The combination mark describes a logo with text and symbol. The symbol can be placed above the text, or the words can overlay the symbol, or positioned on the side.

You get very unique results, and it’s easy to trademark your combination symbol. Many radios stations use this kind of logo. It borrows from both worlds.

[![WLS Chicago, Illinois radio station logo (1954)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/WLS_Chicago%2C_Illinois_radio_station_logo_%281954%29.jpg)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WLS_Chicago,_Illinois_radio_station_logo_(1954).jpg)

### Mascot logo

The logo bears the image of a person, animal, object, or cartoon character. Mascots are warm, friendly, and sometimes funny.

KFC’s logo is the best example of a mascot logo that works.

[![KFC logo.svg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bf/KFC_logo.svg/1200px-KFC_logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KFC_logo.svg#/media/File:KFC_logo.svg)
By Source, [Fair use](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KFC_logo.svg), [Link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34249019)

## **8 Great Tips For Effective Radio Logo Design**

Most brands favor logotypes; Disney, Coca Cola, BBC, etc. The major advantage is that the logo markets your brand. Your name is the main feature; it’s the star!

A new listener coming across your logomark can’t tell the owner. Unless your brand is very popular. For instance, Shell can pull it off now because they have been around for the last 110 years.

To make your logomark popular, you’ll need to create awareness, which entails spending cash. Even Shell tried different combination marks.



### **#1. Your Station Name VS. Symbol**

Most brands favor logotypes; Disney, Coca Cola, BBC, etc. The major advantage is that the logo markets your brand. Your name is the main feature; it’s the star!

A new listener coming across your logomark can’t tell the owner. Unless your brand is very popular. For instance, Shell can pull it off now because they have been around for the last 110 years.

To make your logomark popular, you’ll need to create awareness, which entails spending cash. Even Shell tried different combination marks

[![Logo-shell.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Logo-shell.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Logo-shell.jpg#/media/File:Logo-shell.jpg)
By Source, [Fair use](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Logo-shell.jpg), [Link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30960139)

A combination mark strikes the balance. You create something extra unique, visually attractive, and easily recognizable. Plus you tell a more comprehensive story of your station.

[![993TheBullsmall](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/993TheBullsmall.jpg/512px-993TheBullsmall.jpg)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:993TheBullsmall.jpg)

### **#2. The best icons express the station’s values & attitude**

What’s your brand’s story? What are the station’s values and attitude? Start your logo design process by stating the message the logo should convey. For instance, is your station hip, trendy and cool?

Your logo can also reflect the personality of the station. The station’s main content defines its personality,e.g.,Jazz, Heavy metal, Pop, Blues, RnB, all-news & talk.

For instance, CBS Radio has a logo with an eye on it. I can say that the station is constantly on the look out for news. They are the eyes and ears of the public.

[![CBS Radio logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/CBS_Radio_logo.png/512px-CBS_Radio_logo.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CBS_Radio_logo.png)

### **#3. Simplicity Rocks**

No need to paint the Mona Lisa just to have an appealing logo. The best logos of our age are the simple ones. Now I say this because some logos from the 1800s were elaborate.

Here is a tip to simplify the logo design as much as possible. Use one or two: colors, fonts, symbols,and words.Simplicity makes your logo less confusing and more memorable.

The viewer gets the message straightaway. Consider BBC’s logo; 3 letters enclosed in blocks.It’s simple. It works, and you easily remember it.

[![BBC](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/BBC.svg/512px-BBC.svg.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BBC.svg)

### **#4. The first impression is crucial**

Does your logo draw attention to itself? Is the viewer mesmerized at first glance? Stunning or awesome should be the first words the viewer says if asked to describe your logo.

They should vouch for your logo as the best one they have seen in a long time. And if asked why, the reasons should include: 

- It was very unique and different

- It caught my attention

- It was easy to remember

- I liked the colors

- It was creative and expressive

- I can’t put it in words

[![Wiki byuradio 2014](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Wiki_byuradio_2014.jpg)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_byuradio_2014.jpg)

### **#5. Colors have deeper meanings**

To your conscious self, red is just red, and blue is just blue. Colors convey much more than their face value. For instance, yellow and red are most likely to catch your attention, which explains their popular use on traffic signs.

Orange, yellow, and red, as psychologists have revealed, make your hungry. Similarly, green calms and comforts.The most peaceful place is a park with trees and green grass.

Blue has been dubbed the best color for bedrooms. It also signifies togetherness, and if you stop and notice, both Facebook and Twitter, social media apps, utilize different shades of blue.

Choose your logo colors carefully considering their feel and meaning.And just use two colors at max, other than white.

[![Virgin radio logo Lebanon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Virgin_radio_logo_Lebanon.jpg/512px-Virgin_radio_logo_Lebanon.jpg)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Virgin_radio_logo_Lebanon.jpg)

### **#6. Fonts stand for something**

If you opt for a combination or logotype, select your font with extra care. See, fonts like colors stand for different things.

A bold font that’s heavy and dark conveys strength. The Serif typeface that consists of different fonts, e.g., Georgia conveys history, class, elegance, and authority. The New York Times shifted from Times New Romans to Georgia. 

You also need a unique font. That means distancing yourself from popular, free fonts. Instead, check sites like FontShop.com or MyFonts.com.

You can get up to 7 fonts for less than $3. And to reiterate, you only need 2 fonts for a nice, simple logo.

[![Slam! logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Slam%21_logo.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slam!_logo.png)

### **#7.Ensure your logo is scalable**

Radio stations use their logos in various applications. The logo will be on their website, merchandise such as tee shirts and mugs, documents, billboards, posters, etc. It should still look impressive when it’s as tall as a giraffe or as small as the dot at the end of this sentence.

Logo formats fall in two categories; vector logos and raster logos. A raster logo can’t be enlarged/scaled without loss to its quality. It pixelates. Vector logos scale with no loss of quality.

[![Capital London.png](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/34/Capital_London.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Capital_London.png#/media/File:Capital_London.png)
By Global Radio - http://www.capitalfm.com/london, Public Domain, [Link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34071028)

That’s because a vector logo consists of 2D points. Lines and curves link points to create shapes, polygons, etc. The image can be broken up into geometric shapes.

*The logo is created using a mathematical algorithm allowing it to scale infinitely with no loss to the quality.*

If your logo is a raster, it’s saved using extensions such as PNG, JPEG, JFIF, etc. If you have a vector graphic file, the file extensions include EPS, CRD, AI, etc.

### **#8. Should look good without color**

Colors are important. But—your logo should carry the day. When designing your radio station logo, come up with a pencil sketch first. If your logo doesn’t look good with black lines and white space, ditch it. 

You add color later.Your logo will not overly depend on colors to distinguish different elements. Later, choose colors at your whim.

You’ll notice that famous companies occasionally change their logo colors. For instance, the Apple Inc logo looks good, regardless if, it’s on a white iPhone, red iPhone, it just looks great.

Have your professional designer send a sketch first. You’ll avoid headaches later.

[![China Radio International](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/China_Radio_International.png/512px-China_Radio_International.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:China_Radio_International.png)

### That’s all you need to know to design a fabulous radio station logo

Soldier on with the single mission of creating an astounding logo for your website.

Make it unique.

Choose the best colors and fonts.

Let it speak of what you represent.

Stay tuned for more blog posts from CloudRadio. If you liked this post, sharing is caring. The share buttons are here, scroll down to bottom, please.

You can follow CloudRadio on Facebook or like us on Twitter.

To hire a freelance logo designer, try Fiverr, DesignHill, Upwork, or google, “Logo design services.”

### **Internet radio at CloudRadio**

Choose an excellent option!

[**Radio Hosting**](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-hosting/)

Are you in the process of designing a new logo for your radio station? We have some radio station logo ideas you can try! So let's quickly go over them.

Radio Station Logo: 8 Ideas & Tips

Your podcast or radio intro needs to be the best! 

Today’s blog presents tips on how to craft ear-catching intros.

You’ll learn:

- What is a radio intro?
- Common mistakes that can kill your radio intro
- Ways to make your radio intros rock
- Six examples of exemplary intros

Let's get started:

**Contents:** 

**Chapter 1: What is a Radio Intro?**

**Chapter 2: Common Mistakes Made with Radio Intros**

**Chapter 3: Tips to make your Radio Intros Rock**

**Chapter 4:
Exemplary Intros from the Broadcasting and Podcasting World**

**Conclusion**

## CHAPTER 1 What is a Radio Intro?

It’s a short segment at the start of a show. It serves to introduce the hosts or give a preview of what's coming up such as the guests in studio, the topic of discussion, etc.

It lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to several minutes. Radio intros have multiple styles; you can play the show's jingle then introduce the hosts; the host can give a show summary then play the jingle, etc. 

A simple example of a radio intro:

“You’re listening to Captain Jack’s Afternoon Show on CloudRadio. It’s Saturday the 1st of July. The best hits are coming your way, "Think About It...Staying Alive...Do you Dance by Rose Royce," and more. Less spiel and more music. Prepare for takeoff.”

### **Understanding the listener's attention span & creating a first impression**

To create the most amazing radio intros, you must understand two factors:

- Attention span
- First impression

What’s the average attention span? ...**Eight** **seconds,** or is that just an urban myth? The truth is; your attention span varies depending on the activity.

Remember the famous line from the movie Jerry Maguire, “You had me at hello.”

When listeners are exploring new podcasts or surfing the dial, they often listen to the first seconds. They stay if the content sounds interesting or skip to the next show. 

Therefore, it’s critical for your radio or podcast intro to instantly grab the listener’s attention in the first 10 seconds or so.

In those first seconds, the listener gets to tell if the show is interesting, boring, relevant, or exciting. Your intro must grab attention and create a good first impression.

## **Elements in Radio/Podcast Intros**

### **#1: Voice**

Who is the voice of your radio intro? Should it be the host or a voice artist?

It really depends on what's effective. In that, the first voice must make the listener stay.

Have you ever watched movie trailers? They get these guys with deep and ballsy voices to do the narration. 

So if you want to sound professional, hire an announcer. The voice artist will do a better job of introducing the host. 

It also gives the host credibility and authority. But if it’s a music show, the DJ is always the one welcoming listeners and introducing the songs. 

### **#2: Music**

Why is music important in an intro? It sets the mood and creates an atmosphere. The music can be slow, fast, groovy, etc.

You should only use licensed music. That's music you have rights to. For instance, you can't use a Beatles track, unless you have explicit permission from the record company (Apple Corps).

However, you can search for [royalty-free music](https://www.cloudrad.io/royalty-free-music/) or compose your own music for the intros.

### **#3: Sound effects**

Sound effects make your radio intros more vivid. For instance, what comes to mind when you hear a horse trotting on concrete?

The sound evokes a picture of a horse in your brain. It may invoke a different feeling if you have interacted with horses in the past.

What does the sound effect of a ticking clock signify? The passage of time, perhaps.

Adding sound effects to your radio intro is like seasoning a piece of steak with cumin or rosemary; you make it more delicious and palatable.



### **#4: Episode information**

Intros are the place to give vital info about your show to listeners. State the title of your podcast or radio show. “But what if they know it already? "Well, restating it helps it stick in the listener's mind.

Mentioning the episode title, number, and date is also essential. The hosts must identify themselves and the guests they are interviewing.

If the show contains material of a disturbing nature, you’ll need a disclaimer. For sponsored shows, you also mention the title sponsor, such as, “In association with or brought to you by.”



### **#5: The writing style**

Writing for radio requires that you write conversationally. Not using pompous words or an inflated vocabulary.

Good writing respects rhythm. It's fast. Then slow. It's clear because listeners have one chance to comprehend the message.

## CHAPTER 2 Mistakes People Make with Radio Intros

When writing this post, I had the chance to review lots of radio intros.

Some rocked, while others had some defects.

This chapter highlights some of those pitfalls.

Let’s see them:

### **Mistake 1: Making the intros too long**

The intro should just be 10 to 60 seconds long. But some intros drag on for over one minute even without ads. 

Still, it's important to pay attention to the ad placements. The show needs money and I’m not disputing that.

If the first two minutes are all ads, at least they should be interesting and relevant. Because at some point, the listener will wonder if the whole episode is just ads and find another show.

Narrow down your intro to under one minute by using the first 10 seconds to inform the listeners what’s coming up, for instance: 

*“An owner bites his dog in New York. A mailman finds oil in his backyard and more strange events coming up. But first here is a message from our sponsors. Did you know that you can reduce your radio hosting costs and get more features by migrating to CloudRadio?”*



### **Mistake 2: Problems with the introduction voice**

If you’re short on cash, voicing your own intro seems reasonable. Okay, plenty of podcasts and radio shows opt for this route. But there might be problems if the voice is not effective in capturing the listener's attention. 

If it's absolutely necessary for you to voice your own intros and you're not necessarily a pro announcer, consider a two-way approach. For instance, speak first and the voice-over artist can introduce the show, for instance: 

**Host:** “Activists barricade the White House. An astronaut is headed to Mars."

(Drum Roll, Trumpet, and Fanfare sound effect)

**Voice Over:** “It’s the Yesterday Show with your host, Matt Gizmo."

Multiple voices make your intro different and entertaining.

### **Mistake 3: An intro that's overdue for an update**

I get it:

There are reasons why you may stick with the same intro. Maybe it’s very effective. Or you want to build a strong identity. It may be an expense producing another intro.

But for the regulars on your shows, the intro will become boring. It’s another 30 seconds they have to endure before the show starts.

Try experimenting with different intros. It can be the same intro with up to 3 variations. But if you must repeat your intro make it very short. Your listeners might not get annoyed if it’s 5 seconds or 10 seconds.



### **Mistake 4: Not professionally produced**

I have encountered intros where the host starts by clearing their voice or pausing to collect their thoughts. That's not professional at all.

It would be better if the intro featured a voice artist introducing the host. It even gives the host time to prepare their first words.



## CHAPTER 3 Tips to Make Your Radio Intros Rock!

This chapter is all about dishing out the best tips on creating effective radio intros.

First off, just because the intro is 20 or 30 seconds long…
…doesn’t mean that it’ll be easy to make.

If you spend several hours creating it and lots of effort, don't fuss as it’s worth it. You’re not wasting time.

### **1. Download a podcast app on your phone**

Why is this the first tip?

ANSWER: You need to listen to as many intros as possible.

REASON: Just as good writers like Stephen King, read as many as 100 books in a year, listening to other intros helps you develop an intuitive feel of what works and what doesn’t.

Have a pen and paper so you can take notes.Write down the weaknesses and strengths of each podcast or radio intro.

If you allocate the next 30 or 60 minutes for this exercise, you’ll be well prepared when you sit down to create your intro.

For shows that start with [radio ads](https://www.cloudrad.io/write-radio-ad/), don’t skip them. Endure them so you can know how your listeners feel, and see how you can minimize their pain.



### **2. Short Intros are sweeter**

Short intros are better than 2 or 3-minute intros.

The intro section is not the main event, so keep it brief and light.

It doesn't matter if you bought the best royalty-free track, hired the best voice artist or commissioned a theme song – regardless, keep it short.

### **3. Don’t worry about explaining everything**

Summarize what's coming up in the show and don't give away a lot. For instance, if your show is one hour long, chop it up into four parts.

Then say in less than 30 words, what’s happening in the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and fourth quarter.

Listeners just want the highlights, so they can decide if the rest of the show is worth their time.

### **4. Stir up some emotions**

Humans are inherently emotional beings. We react to stimuli from our surroundings.

Listeners will react to your intro. Now, the question to ask is which emotions will your intro stir up in them?

“Anticipation, joy, pleasure, or warmth because you sound so welcoming?”

### **5.  Involve your listeners**

Involve your listeners in your radio intros. Make it clear that the show is all about them. 

**For instance, you can start by saying:**

“On today’s show, meet three child prodigies smarter than the average college professor. Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a genius? How do child prodigies see the world? Stick around. I'm your host, Dash Mr. Full Stop!”



### **6. Hook your listeners with emotional segments**

You’re just from recording your show. It had peaks and valleys. Places where things got heated and interesting.

Maybe it’s when the host and guest disagreed on an issue. Or when your conservative guest said something controversial. Milk all the drama from that moment by featuring it in your hook.

Movies and TV shows employ this technique a lot. They show you a glimpse of the most contentious moment of the show and leave you hanging on a cliff.

Tease these bits in your intro. Just a 10-second segment extracted from the rest of the show will suffice.



### **7. Use the three-act structure**

First, you establish the characters. For radio shows, the main players are the hosts, guests, or callers.

Second, introduce conflict or complications. Just ask where did conflict arise during the show?

Third, raise the stakes. Tell us what the characters stand to lose or gain.

Lastly, tease the conclusion. How was the conflict resolved?

Here is an example to illustrate this point:

**Set up (Intro):**

Voice Over: “On today's show, Mark a self-declared meat enthusiast takes on a prominent animal activist and the President of the Poultry Rights Association.”

**Conflict:** 

Mark (shouting): “I love eating chicken, man. I just love my chicken, and it must be crusty, juicy, and crunchy.”

Animal Activist: “I'm here because of people like you who are the reason 137 million chickens are slain every day!”

**Raise the stakes:**

Voice Over**:** “Will Mark abandon his bird-eating ways?”

**Tease the conclusion.**

Mark: “From this day henceforth, I promise never to...”

Voice Over: “Are you for the birds?”

**To reiterate:**

Present the characters, introduce conflict, raise the stakes, and tease the conclusion. It’s what movie trailers have been doing all along.

## CHAPTER 4 Exemplary Intros from the Broadcasting and Podcasting World

Let's check out some great intros. 

You should listen to as many intros as you can, also. 

### **1. Ted Radio Hour**

If you listen to the Ted Radio Hour, a typical episode begins, “Support for this podcast and this message comes from…..”

After the ads, the show starts. And trust me, I love to hear Guy Raz saying, “This is the Ted Radio Hour. Each week groundbreaking (Ted Talks, Ted talks, aah Ted, Technology Entertainment Design). Is that what it really stands for?”



### **Why do I like it?**

It’s interesting; because of the multiple voices and clever editing. It’s informative as you hear the show's name, and get to learn what it means, and what it’s about, “Groundbreaking talks delivered on Ted stages around the world.”

After the intro, Guy Raz begins the episode by asking the listener a question or sometimes starts off in the middle of a call.



### **2. The Ben Shapiro Show**

Here is an example of an intro voiced by the host. In the first seconds of the intro, Ben Shapiro teases the listeners on what’s about to come, for instance, Episode 851 Titled: When Everyone Is Hitler starts, “A Washington Post columnist decides that Hitler had a dog, you have a dog, therefore you’re Hitler. James Comey….”

Nine seconds into the show, the host introduces himself, “I’m Ben Shapiro, and this is the Ben Shapiro Show.” Then you hear a 4-5 second jingle, and in under 20 seconds, the intro is done. Ads follow the intro, which is also great.



### **Why do I like it?**

There is no ad at the start of the show. You’re immediately told what to expect if you stick around.



#### Where to listen:

### **3. Stuff You Should Know**

I like the intro from The Rubik’s Cube Episode. It starts with an ad that takes up the first 45 seconds. Then the intro kicks in, and it’s a lady doing the narration over a music bed. “Welcome to stuff you should know, a production of iHeart Radio...”



### **Why do I like it?**

The voice-over is done over a music bed that’s catchy without drawing attention from the speaker. It’s also short – minus the ad.



#### Where to listen:

### **4. Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations**

If you’re looking for a simple introduction that just works, listen to the Super Soul Conversations Podcast. The intro is just 22 seconds long, and it starts with an uplifting & inspirational music bed.

The first words are, “Hi, I’m Oprah Winfrey, welcome to Super Soul Conversations, the podcast. I believe the most important gift you can give yourself is time. Taking time to be…”

### **Why do I like it?**

The music bed compliments the message. It builds an atmosphere of trust, and just from the intro, you realize that you’ll gain wisdom and inspiration.





#### Where to listen:

### **5. Star Talk Radio**

Are you waiting for an example of a radio show or podcast that went all-in with their intro? Star Talk Radio Show with Neil Degrasse Tyson. The intro is voiced by a voice actor, and there is a catchy theme song.



### **Why do I like it?**

It’s unique and memorable.



#### Where to listen:

### **6. The Dressage Radio Show**

The intro is professionally made. It starts with the sound of a galloping horse. An announcer gives a highlight of what's coming up. This segment is then followed by a jubilant intro track. The hosts then introduce themselves.



### **Why do I like it?**

The intro has a classic touch. It catches and holds your attention. There is a mix of voices, and the sound effect is very relevant. 



#### Where to listen:

### **Run your station CloudRadio**

CloudRadio provides streaming technology to hundreds of radio stations.

From our free HTML5 stream player to our paid options, there is something for everyone.

### **Start your internet radio with us**

We offer an excellent hosting option with a fully customizable price. Get started easily.

[**Radio Hosting**](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-hosting/)

Are creating an intro for your radio or podcast? Need the best tips to create the best intros? We can help. Sit back and learn all about radio intros.

Radio Intros Guide: With 7 Tips and Examples

Radio content is still king. And internet radio has a positive impact on both listeners and broadcasters.

In this article, you'll discover:

- Pros and cons of internet radio for broadcasters.
- Pros and cons of web radio for listeners.

Let's get started:



# Chapter 1: Broadcasters

In 2019, online stations number in the thousands.

For instance, on Tune In, you can find over 100,000 radio streams from all corners of the globe.

Technologies that currently power most web radios were launched in the 1990s: Shoutcast 1998 and Icecast 1999.

They are used by terrestrial radio stations and dedicated internet radio owners. 

## Benefits of Internet Radio for Broadcasters

### #1: Low start-up costs

For a newbie, getting a radio station on air is a quick & easy affair. You can set up a small physical studio in your shed or spare room. Since you need servers that relay your stream to listeners, you can get hosting for a small fee on CloudRadio.

What [basic equipment](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-station-equipment/) do you need in a small studio? 

- Computer
- Microphone + accessories
- Broadcasting desk (optional)

### #2: Automation has made running a radio simpler

There is a plethora of [radio broadcasting software.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-broadcasting-software/) Most have automation features, which saves a lot of time and effort. Some stations run unattended for many months. 

### #3: Low running costs

Running an online radio station is affordable, and it’s a key advantage of radio broadcasting over the internet. You don’t require a lot of personnel; you can actually find volunteers living miles away from you to contribute their time.

The recurring costs include paying for hosting, internet costs, royalties for commercial music, etc.

### #4: Access to an international audience

Web radio knows no geographical bounds. In turn, internet radio broadcasters can amass a global audience. Someone can listen to UK radio stations while in the U.S., or tune in to Asian radio stations from Africa.

The proliferation of smartphones has also contributed to the growth of internet radio. Currently, there are [2.71 billion ](https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world#targetText=According to Statista%2C there is,population have a smartphone today.)smartphone users in the world.

Car manufacturers are equipping their new models with infotainment systems that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These apps allow drivers to connect their phones and access online radio apps such as Tune In.

### #5: Easy to transition into podcasts

Audio podcasts are very [similar to radio programs](https://www.cloudrad.io/the-5-differences-between-radio-and-podcasts-fun-quiz/). You listen to them, and not watch them. They are both hosted. Even the equipment used is similar, for instance,
microphones, audio mixing desks, etc. 

The difference lies in their distribution. Podcasts utilize RSS feeds and are always available on podcast platforms. Many radio stations repack their radio programs into podcasts, for instance, The Ted Radio Hour, Freakonomics Radio, etc. Once you have a radio station, transitioning into podcasts is darn easy!

### #6: Internet radio directories for promotion

Internet radio directories help listeners discover new stations. Some directories attract millions of listeners and have become very famous. Good examples include Tune In, StreamFinder, myRadioTuner, etc.

It’s free to submit and get listed. Once your radio is on some directories, it becomes accessible even on smart speakers and TVs. 

### #7: Better audience insight

Internet radio stations have a much efficient way of collecting stats on their listeners. Through the server-side radio streaming software like Icecast, the radio owner can tell:

- Total number of listeners for a time period (daily, monthly, or yearly)
- Listener’s location
- Total listening hours
- And more.

### #8. Available on every device

To access a radio station, one only needs a device that can play a radio stream. They are many devices that can do this, including smartphones, computers, laptops, gaming consoles, car infotainment systems, smart TVs, and smart speakers like Alexa Echo & Google Home.

## Disadvantages of Internet Radio for Broadcasters

### #1: The struggle of getting listeners

Internet radio still has a long way to go when it comes to appeal and availability. Most people use FM or AM radio signals because they are still readily available. Also, most cars have free AM/FM enabled stereos.

But there are ways radio stations can [promote themselves](https://www.cloudrad.io/promote-your-internet-radio-station/), including creating apps, using social media, running ads, etc.

### #2: Depended on the availability of the internet

Do you know the basic human needs? Food, shelter, and clothing. What of the modern needs? Education, healthcare, sanitation, and the internet. Yes, the right to broadband is a human need.

Good internet connections aren’t available everywhere yet. Similarly, listening to internet radio comes with a cost. You can't say the same thing for FM/AM radio.

But the terrestrial stations also face challenges. For instance, FM radio signals can only travel for 30-40 miles. They can also be blocked by physical objects, including hills, buildings, etc.

### #3: Paying royalties

A license is not required to start a web radio station. It's one of the major advantages of internet radio. However, if you’re playing commercial music, you need to pay royalties.

Royalties are paid for each performance of a copyrighted song. There are not expensive. Educate yourself more on[ royalties for online radio here.](https://www.cloudrad.io/stream-licensing/)

### #4: Tough to land advertisers

Advertisers generally seek stations that draw loads of listeners. They also go after stations with targeted audiences, maybe, listeners from one city.

Though internet radio stations attract global listenership, few stations draw thousands of listeners each day. 

Small radio stations find it hard to land lucrative advertisement deals.

Fortunately, internet radio stations can join ad networks. If you’re familiar with Google Adsense, they work in a similar manner.

In that, one ad is distributed across many internet radio stations in the Ad network. The advertiser pays as per the number of people who heard the ad.

# Chapter 2: Listeners

If you’re a radio listener searching for pros and cons of internet radio, this chapter covers that.

When TV came out, many feared it would kill radio.

Why is radio resilient? A simple answer is: you can listen to the radio as you work, drive, shower, etc.

How popular is internet radio? Well, according to forecasts by Statista, 68.4 % of internet users in the U.S. would become online radio users in 2018.

## Pros of Internet Radio for Listeners

### #1: More Variety

Terrestrial radio stations undergo format changes in their lifetime. For instance, if the station’s main format is Urban hits, but it stops attracting many listeners, they may switch to Country.

Some formats have since disappeared from mainstream radio. Fortunately, you’ll find internet radio stations for every genre, including Rhythmic Oldies, Kid’s radio, Bluegrass, Ambient and Beautiful music, etc.

### #2: Better sound quality

Internet radio trumps FM and AM stations in terms of sound quality. The audio is clear and free from static. It’s like listening to music that you have downloaded from Spotify or Apple Music.

### #3: Improved listening experience

Straightaway, internet radio stations enhance the listening experience by offering stream players that display the song title, artist name, album art, and social media share buttons.

There are other extras you can find on radio websites and mobile apps. For example, a list of previously played songs; archives in case you missed a previous episode; the ability to pause, resume, or rewind a stream; and more!

### #4: Internet Radio is more accessible

Regardless if you’re 60 ft under the sea in a submarine, or 20,000 ft above ground in an airplane, as long as you have access to the internet, you can still enjoy to internet radio.

If you have used a radio set with a tuning cord, I bet you know the pains of finding good reception.

### #5: Fewer ads

Don’t like ads? it’s impossible to miss them on commercial radio stations. Luckily, you'll find many web radio stations playing music 24/7 with no ads to disrupt your listening experience.

Just a minute... Some people, like your dear author, like [radio ads](https://www.cloudrad.io/write-radio-ad/). Radio commercials can be very informative especially if there is a concert or new movie coming out. Hearing about where to find deals and discounts is also great. What's more, some ads are funny.

## Cons of Internet Radio for Listeners

### Concerns over data consumption


Expensive data could be the biggest hindrance as to why you don’t listen to internet radio or podcasts as frequently as you would like.

**What’s the way out?** 

Find a carrier offering unlimited mobile data, for instance, the AT$T (Unlimited Choice Plan).

If you’re listening to a radio stream, check if they have streams at lower bitrates. For instance, a 128 Kbps stream consumes more data than a 64 Kbps stream.

You may not have to worry about this problem in the foreseeable future. The cost of mobile data has progressively decreased. Speeds are also getting faster thanks to the introduction of 5G that will become available to many consumers as from 2019.

**Did you know that India has the cheapest mobile data in the world ($0.26 for 1 GB)?**

## Parting shot

We have seen that internet radio has many advantages and few disadvantages for both listeners and broadcasters.

If your dream is to start your own radio station, look no further than CloudRadio.

Why us?

First and foremost, you need a fast & buffer-free stream. Second, you need to cut on costs. Our prices are just right.

Third, you need support. We write detailed beginner guides that you can find on our blog. You also get free support.

Internet radio has come a long way. In this article, we'll examine all the advantages and disadvantages of internet radio.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Radio Broadcasting Over the Internet

Do you love radio? Is it the reason you created a web radio station?

Are you looking for tips and steps to make your radio station successful?

Sorry for the flurry of questions. It’s just to ensure that we’re on the same page.



## Is Radio Still Awesome?

Yes, it is. It is better than queuing up a playlist.

However, playing hits or good music doesn't make a radio station great. If it were, then the medium would be dead.

Listening to the radio tends to be a different experience because you know that there is someone in a studio somewhere entertaining you. In addition to music, you get listen or interact with the hosts.

Radio is also interactive. It has a sense of community. For instance, radio stations ask listeners to call in. 

You may never have your call picked on a live show, but hearing other listeners pitch in or answer questions, makes radio all the more inclusive.

Radio also tells you what’s hot! The biggest tracks of the moment. 

## Steps to make your radio station successful

### **Step 1: Make Your Radio Station “Addictive”**

Being addicted to radio trumps being addicted to TV. Honestly, think about it. It’s a good addiction that doesn’t take anything from you.

See, you can still do whatever you want while still listening to the radio. You can work and drive…You don’t have to sit and watch.

Radio only goes after the listener’s ears. You can even attempt this exercise: search for “being addicted to TV” then search for “being addicted to radio.”

If you don’t like the word, “addiction.” Switch it up, use “enthusiasm.” Okay, so how do you make your station addictive:

What do all the addictive substances share:

- They bring pleasure.
- They bring happiness (even if it’s temporary).
- They are out of the ordinary.

The rest of this article is dedicated to making people addicted to your radio station in a good way. Ensuring that people prefer your station to playlists or videos. Guaranteeing that they will choose to play your station in the background as they work, instead of watching YouTube. Yeah, a lot of people do that.



### **Step 2: “You” is the Magic Word**

Are you selfish?

“No?” Then, your station should not be self-seeking!

Being selfish means that you’re more in touch with your well-being and needs. Not caring about the pleasure and well-being of others.

For instance, if you’re self-centered, you might not wish someone a good morning when you first see them.

“Ouch!”

When someone listens to your station, they should feel like there are being treated with warmth.

Again these are simple things you can try:

- Saying hello to the listener before the start of the broadcast.
- Acknowledging your listeners for choosing your station. You can drop a simple on-liner, “Thank you for choosing ZFM, the home of fresh hits.”
- Speaking to the listener like they are in the studio with you. For instance, “You won’t believe what happened in London this morning.”



### **Step 3: Giving Back**

The best striving is striving to be good. Well, if you can’t be good, at least you’ll want to be aligned with a good person. It’s the reason people like personalities like Mother Teresa or Bill Gates. So, how can your station give back?

“Free giveaways, yo.”

Yeah, give people the chance to win free stuff. For a small station, you might not have the resources or connections to give away big gifts, like a trip to Rome.

However, there are many things within your reach, for instance, gift cards or free t-shirts.

Contests and free giveaways spur listener engagement. Here is a good example: In 1972, the Last Contest got some much attention that on its final day, the sheer amount of people calling in caused a 1/3 of San Diego’s phone network to go down. You can read about “The Last Contest” here.



### **Step 4: Don’t Be Bland**

Does your playlist look like this?

#### Lunch Hour Show

Song 1

Song 2

Song 3

Song 4

Song 5

Song 6

Song 7

Now, here is a simple question: “Can the listener create the same playlist?” If the answer is yes, it means that there is nothing special with playing hits after hits.

Pushing the envelope requires that you be unique. Let’s spruce up the Lunch Hour Show.

#### Revamped Lunch Hour Show

Intro

Song 1

Sweeper: “ZFM, bringing you the best lunchtime hits.”

Song 2

Sweeper: “ZFM. Have a good lunch hour.”

Song 3: Higher Love—Kygo, Whitney Houston

Link 30 seconds: “That was Higher Love. I bet you’re feeling the higher love from us. Did you actually know that Higher Love was first released in 1986 by Steve Winwood? Whitney recorded her cover in 1990.”

Radio Promo: “Connect with your favorite radio by liking us on Facebook. Find us by searching ZFM.”

Liner: “Now back to the music.”

Song 4

Sweeper (4 seconds): “ZFM. We server crisp hits.”

Song 5

Link (This time tell a joke)

“Knock Knock

Who’s there?

Z F M

Z F M who?

Zebra From Madagascar!”

Song 6

Certainly, this arrangement requires more time & effort. But your listener receives more value than if they created their own playlist.

## **“Hot Tip”**

**Keep your links short (30 seconds to 1 minute) and pack them full of information. If you keep your listeners waiting for the next song for 5 minutes, be sure that they will find a less annoying stream.
**

### **Step 5: Personable & Friendly Personalities**

Radio personalities are important…now that music is accessible anywhere.

You may think otherwise, great. Still, we can be on the same page that the best radio stations have some of the best-known personalities.

Which qualities should your radio presenters have?

- Relatable – In touch with the needs of their listeners. The host should be someone the listener will gladly want to have as a friend.
- Energetic – They should be glad to be in the studio. Energy can’t be faked!
- Informative – Each day the presenter should show up ready to entertain and inform their audience. For instance, researching and presenting facts, or sharing life lessons from their personal experience.
- People smarts – Having the ability to perceive and respond to the struggles, likes, dislikes, pains, moods, and feelings of their audience.
- In touch with their world – The presenter connects the listener to other worlds; be it entertainment, politics, art, music, fashion… So the host should know their world. If your world is tech, know it well.

### **Step 6: Spread Your Reach – Podcasts, YouTube Videos, Sound Cloud, etc.**

What’s the most important asset at a radio station? Is it fancy broadcasting gear? Are the presenters, the most important assets?

Here is your most important asset. Your content. Your content is king.

It’s what draws people to your station. You should find different avenues of delivering this content so you can reach as many listeners as possible.

For instance, a business selling handicrafts may sell their wares from a brick & mortar store. They may also own a website, Amazon page, etc.

Similarly, you can distribute your content on:

- Facebook (Short bits of your shows, or live video stream)
- YouTube (Video or audio shows)
- Podcast platforms
- SoundCloud
- MixCloud
- Radio Archives on your website



### **Step 7: High Standards of Professionalism**


If you’re going to do it, do it "properly."

Seek excellence in all facets of your radio station. For instance, apply compression to your stream to make more pleasant. Also, create radio imaging that's better and more entertaining than anything out there.

The reality is:

Few people, few companies, few stations even become exceedingly successful.

It's not because the opportunities are few. The price of success is high.

If we were to put it in monetary terms, success doesn’t cost a few bucks. It’s millions in time and dedication. You must want it.

Secondly, you should 10X your effort. For instance, if you think that 10 minutes promoting your station on Facebook should do it, or 10 minutes creating your imaging should do the trick, think again.

It may take ten times that. If things ain’t working out now, think of how you can 10X your effort and actions for huge success.

### **CloudRadio: Choose Us for a Successful Radio Station**

Success in radio depends on how awesome your content is. Still, you need the right hosting partner. At CloudRadio, you get:

- A stable & reliable stream.
- Streaming up to 320 kbps with no restrictions.
- Options (traditional radio hosting or running your station from the Cloud)

Like us on [Facebook](http://facebook.com/scloudradio), it’s painless.

### **Internet radio at CloudRadio**

Choose an excellent option!

[**Radio Hosting**](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-hosting/)

Looking for ways to improve your radio station. Here are the best 7 steps to a successful radio station.

7 Steps to a Successful Radio Station (Online)

You've heard it before....social media is important for radio stations.

Precisely. The trouble comes when creating content for your accounts.

It’s an issue most radio station owners face.

Well, until this guide. Get ready to see how other radio stations are using Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.

We reviewed over 20 accounts. Then found 10 of the best tips for social media for radio stations.

Let's get started:



## #1: Trail your upcoming programs

Social media can be a great tool for reminding your royal followers about your upcoming shows.

Doing this will increase the number of listeners. Now here is an example of a radio station [that promotes](https://www.cloudrad.io/how-to-plan-a-radio-promotion/) their shows in an eye-catching way.

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhomeboyzradio%2Fposts%2F2417761768331352&amp;width=500" width="500" height="633" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What’s great about it:

- Use of hashtags
- The host’s portrait
- Eye-catching banner
- Use of icons to indicate the radio's other social media pages (Facebook, Twitter & SoundCloud)

## #2:  Post short video clips of your broadcast

The audience on social media is a different lot. They don’t have mountains of time to spend on one tweet. Often, they are rushing through.

Sure, your morning show was 3 hours long, but you can’t just dump it all on social media. You can do it on YouTube. But for Twitter & Facebook, it’s advisable to keep it short.

A good page to learn from is BBC Radio 4 Today’s Twitter page.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Deputy Commons Speaker <a href="https://twitter.com/eleanor4epping?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" draggable="false">@eleanor4epping</a>, who is running to replace incumbent John Bercow, says she "would do things differently" if she was Speaker.The "impartiality of the chair has been possibly diminished" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/r4today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" draggable="false">#r4today</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfJ8vksuVc" draggable="false">https://t.co/zfJ8vksuVc</a> <a href="https://t.co/jaa0fG7xDb" draggable="false">pic.twitter.com/jaa0fG7xDb</a></p>— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCr4today/status/1177485760045318144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" draggable="false">September 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### What radio broadcasting and social media lessons can we learn from it?

**Short description:** It summarizes the main topic & idea. 

**Link:** There is a link back to the website. Ideally, you want the listener to spend more time on your [radio website ](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-websites/)hence the external link.

**49-second video:** The video is very short. Under 1 minute. Twitter actually limits the length of videos to 2 minutes 20 seconds. Though, some select publishers can post videos that are up to 10 minutes long. Keeping it short is a strategy you can use on Twitter & Facebook.

## #3: Sharing, promoting, and engaging

Do you know the social media rule of thirds? It goes something like this:

**Promote (1/3)** – Make a third of all your posts about your content and shows.

**Share (1/3**) – Be on the lookout for entertaining posts from your network that you can repost, for instance, on Facebook.

**Engaging –** Social media is all about socializing. You can like what others have posted or leave comments.

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpinoyrapradio%2Fvideos%2F2774715399206611%2F&amp;show_text=1&amp;width=261" width="261" height="600" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What we can learn here

It is a radio station account but incidentally, they've posted a video of an infant laughing as he gets possibly his first haircut. Find similar content to this and share it out with your followers. You won’t miss a like or two.

## #4: Behind the scenes peek

On social media, I bet you have come across people sharing pictures of themselves engrossed in some mundane activity, for instance, having lunch.

Similarly, you can divert from the expertly edited social media graphics, memes, and GIFs. Give the listener a behind-the-scenes look into your studio.

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbbc5live%2Fposts%2F10157730754366108&amp;width=500" width="500" height="595" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What we can learn about it

A lot…

There are two dudes, one in a red tee (John Robins) and the other in a gray tee (Elis James) who happens to be reading a book “The Scrabble Dictionary.”

Jokes aside…

It’s a decent photo giving us a taste of what goes on inside a [radio studio](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-studio/). Precisely, what the two comics are up to before they start their show.

While it may seem normal to you or boring, such pictures are great for establishing rapport. They induce a sense of normalcy.



## #5: GIFs

Need a tried and tested way of communicating with your audience on social media? I’m not talking about words, images, or videos? 

GIFs—Graphics interchange files

Some radio stations are indeed using fun GIFs, and trust me, they are here to stay. It's the easiest way to communicate complex emotions.

You can check out how The Morning Breakdown uses GIFs on their Twitter page. There is a new one every day.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's show time! Tune in from 6-9 this morning for your morning breakdown! It's The Morning Breakdown on CKDJ 107.9! <a href="https://t.co/6AFfrLa7SR" draggable="false">pic.twitter.com/6AFfrLa7SR</a></p>— The Morning Breakdown (@Breakdown1079) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breakdown1079/status/1172087382298021888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" draggable="false">September 12, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### What you can learn about it

Choose a clever GIF.



## #6: Promote content from your blog

If your station has a blog that’s regularly updated, you can promote the entries on Twitter and Facebook. It's really easy; just post a link to the blog post on a new Facebook post or Tweet.

Once you copy the link, Facebook or Twitter will fetch the cover picture & meta description. You can even boost a post that’s popular with your followers through paid advertising. Here is an example of a page doing this:

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCapitalFM%2Fposts%2F2711122018946106&amp;width=500" width="500" height="490" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What you can learn from it

**Image:** The image is eye-catching. That’s AJ Pritchard, just-so-you-know. 

**Emojis**: They have used emojis. First, we have Face Screaming in Fear – conveying that the money paid to the highest earner is shocking! Then, the money with wings emoji, which is self-explanatory.

**Language:** The language is also informal and in touch with the audience. "Fiver" is an informal word that denotes a five-pound note or five-dollar bill.

## #7: Contests and giveaways

Radio stations[ run contests ](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-contest-ideas/)and promos all the time. Social media is a great platform to promote your contests and giveaways. For instance, this example:

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkloveradio%2Fposts%2F10158955168399056&amp;width=500" width="500" height="362" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What we can learn about it

The picture is awesome and has a hopeful and inspiring message. They have used relevant hashtags. The call to action is clear, “Head over to our website...” If someone is looking for an incentive to do so, they will see: “Sign up for a chance to win.” 

## #8: Be playful with memes

Radio stations are there to entertain...and there are plenty of stations out there that go for the giggles.

Humor is a beast. Some people may find what you post funny.

Others may feel offended. So strike a good balance.


### What lesson can we learn from it

A bit of context: The whole tussle with Area 51, begun on Facebook. There was a page where people could pledge to raid area 51 and see ‘em aliens.

This post that trolls the Naruto Runners is actually shared from the “It’s-a Meme page.”

The station has an upbeat feel, allowing them to dip their toes in this kind of stuff. There are plenty of memes you can share. You just have to find them.

## #9: Weekly Top 10 -  (Top tip for social media for radio stations)

Are you a music radio station? I bet you rank songs based on what’s popular or most played at the moment.

Several stations post their list of top tracks on social media. In case you ain’t using this technique yet, here is a great example by Falcon Radio Station from Manilla.

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFalconRadioPH%2Fposts%2F2689534847732052&amp;width=400" width="400" height="659" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

### What you can learn from it

**Description**: The description is just fantastic, and take the first 5 words, “Here’s this week’s Top 10 songs.” 

**Social media graphic:** It’s stunning! You have the radio’s logo, cleverly, on the top left. Big numbers 1 – 10. The top song is highlighted. Cast your eye to the bottom left. You can deduce other social media profiles the station has Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. 

It's so eye-catching that you would gladly share it. Well, this post has 20 comments and 18 shares, so far.

## #10: Some radios are on Instagram

Yeah. Instagram is the second-largest social media platform after Facebook. It’s mainly popular with the younger generations from 13 to 34 years old. 

Though most stations are on Facebook & Twitter, some have found effective ways of utilizing Instagram for radio marketing.

Videos and pictures are a mainstay on Instagram. It would be easy for TV stations to run wild on Instagram because everything they do is virtual.

Since you’ll not be posting selfies of your hosts on the daily, you can try this approach used by Fox News Radio:

<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTTdc-gbcP/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=12&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cloudrad.io&amp;rp=%2Fsocial-media-radio-stations%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A9713.544999998703%2C%22ls%22%3A6618.73000000196%2C%22le%22%3A6707.955000005313%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="904" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="box-sizing: inherit; background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe>

``

### What’s great about it

**Image:** It’s a great picture. And Instagram calls for the best pictures. 

**Pulsating audio equalizer (waveform bar):** It tells you that this particular post has some audio in it. So you better click. 

**Description:** There is a segment lifted from the audio interview. The description also has tags.

## Last Words

Social media for radio stations is a great approach to [radio promotion.](https://www.cloudrad.io/how-to-plan-a-radio-promotion/)

Gone are the days of wondering what to post because this article has given you 10 approaches and real-life examples of how radios are using social media. 

Don’t forget to [like us on Facebook](https://web.facebook.com/scloudradio?_rdc=1&_rdr). We need your likes.

And if you’re looking for the best place to host your radio station, look no further than CloudRadio. We have the best hosting platform.

Social media is key beacuse your listeners are on Facebook, Twitter, or Instragran.You need to reach them. Learn all about social media for radio stations.

Social Media For Radio Stations: 10 Real-Life Lessons

Hey, are you new with internet radio broadcasting? Pull your seat a little closer. There...

The industry is rife with opportunity. I'm mean there are people out there, dying to hear your radio. You'll find them on internet directories, checking out multiple radio streams, searching for quality entertainment.

Unfortunately…

Most radio streams don't have what it takes to be truly phenomenal.

They are making some basic mistakes, some of which, we’ll cover in this post:



## #1. NOT HAVING A BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Radio stations have 24 hours...and each second must be filled with content. Silence is usually called dead air, and it's a turn off for many listeners.

Well, some stations run only for 18 hours, but the point is you need to plan out each second of your broadcast day.

The easy way...and it's dead simple...is to put all your songs in one long playlist and let your automation software do the selection & playback.

But there is a problem with this…

“Humans get bored easily.”

I for one, do. After listening to an all-music station, I tend to get bored with the music.

Even look at TV stations! Surely, they don’t broadcast the same show all day long.

There is variety, and people appreciate it.

Think of creating unique shows for your web radio station and avoiding this radio mistake. What’s more, there are numerous radio programs you can [syndicate for free.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-programming/)

## #2. WINGING IT

Do you prepare your shows?

If you said "no," here is a follow-up question: What would a little preparation do?
Planning is a critical part of making high-quality content.

You need to research topics you’ll be talking about. For instance, if you plan to touch on Justin Beiber’s wedding tuxedo predicament, go deep into your research. Find out how much his suit costs, who designed it, and why people on Instagram are saying it's ugly.

It’s very professional to write scripts for your music shows, talk shows, drop-ins, etc.

## #3. BEING OUT OF TOUCH

Your listeners are more than your fans. Radio listeners need to feel a connection with their favorite radio stations.

Once a radio listener falls in love with your station, it’s very hard for them to consider your competitors. Anything out there no matter how good it sounds to you will pale in comparison in their eyes.

Now, most stations fail to make a human connection with their fans. Sadly to them, listeners are figures they see in the statistics section of their back-end.

How can you turn this around? How do you make listeners part of your family?
It begins with having a person behind the music. The voice of the station. The host should be there to educate, inform and entertain the listener.

“You may not have time.” Yeah, I get that but you can try voice tracking. It makes your show sound like there is someone in the studio 24/7 queuing up the music.

Remember also to speak directly with the listener. Use the word “You” a lot when addressing them. For instance, “welcome to today's show, I hope you're set to be thoroughly entertained. This show is all about you."

I know you can’t exactly see your listeners, but try to picture them as if they are in the studio with you.

If you are a practical kind of person not afraid of being deemed loco, have a cardboard cut out of a life-sized person, or strap a mannequin in a spare seat. Speak to this fictitious entity.

The worst mistake you can do is treating your listeners like numbers on a computer screen.

## #4. TERRIBLE SOUND

It's still possible in this age of blazing internet speeds to encounter radio streams that are glitchy and buffer after every 10 seconds.

It’s a bad radio mistake...and you’ll lose listeners. You need a reliable stream that's clear, crisp, and buffer-free. 

Some people will tune in with their mobile devices. And they may be on limited costly data plans. So think of offering them a lower quality stream (for instance 64 Kbps) to ensure they save their precious data.

Sound production is also key especially when recording your vocals.
Make your studio as quiet as possible (soundproofing to eliminate background noises such as passing cars).

You also need a microphone that captures crisp sound. The way you speak and enunciate words is also key to being understandable. You can check out ways to improve your radio voice here.

Also, think of how you can add audio compression to get that radio sound that is associated with FM radio stations.

## #5: POOR INTERVIEW SKILLS: Impatience & poor listening skills

You might be thinking of inviting guests for interviews. That’s commendable. You'll be adding value to your broadcasts, and you can even upload your interviews on YouTube or turn them into a podcast series.

When you finally convince someone to sit and answer your questions, here is the proper way to run the interview:

Don't cut off the interviewee in the middle of their sentence. Let them complete their line of thought.

Listen intently with razor focus, and nod or smile when it’s appropriate. You can polish up your interview skills by checking out these interview tips. Also, I have three interviews for you to watch:

- [Episode 912: Malcolm Gladwell | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1won522XRA)
- [Joe Rogan Experience #1330 - Bernie Sanders](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O-iLk1G_ng)
- [Iranian Foreign Minister in Conversation with Charlie Rose](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3UoWNubYSE)

If you watch a master interviewer at work, you may get the impression that whatever they are doing is effortless and easy or that anyone can do it.

But a lot is going on, and you should take your time to note all that's happening. For instance, does the host use gestures? Do they interrupt a lot?



## #6. MAKING YOUR SHOWS JUST ABOUT THE MUSIC

Here is another mistake to avoid with your internet radio station...see a lot of internet radio stations bank on music alone for success.

They don’t even have jingles or sweepers. It’s one song after another in a continuous endless loop!

In this day & age music is available on many platforms, be it SoundCloud, Pandora, Apple Music, MixCloud, Spotify, YouTube, etc.

If listeners can create their playlists, radio stations have to do more than play songs.

Play your music, but ensure you’re adding value to your listeners. For instance, take this short example:

### Show Title: The Covers Hour

**Song 1: Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
**
Link: “Oh man, what a wonderful song. Israel recorded it in 1988 at 3:00 am. You’d think it was an instant hit! The original record was filed away for five years.

In 1993, it was added to Israel’s new album Facing the Future. Because of this famous cover, the album became the best selling album ever in Hawaii. Coming up next is Higher Love by Whitney Houston.

**Song 2: Higher Love – Whitney Houston**

Now it’s not possible to link every song with a well-researched piece. However, try to introduce some songs by stating the songtitle and artist name.

The point is that a music show with extra content besides music is better than a cleverly crafted playlist.

You can also incorporate a little interactivity by asking listeners to submit song requests. Once I came across a station asking listeners to send in their name and their country of origin. Then, the host would give everyone a live shout-out on air.

## #7. ROBOTIC VOICES

Okay, if you have never used robotic voices before, here are various scenarios where radio stations may choose to use them.

**#1) When they are available in the radio broadcasting software**

Some radio automation programs allow you to use an automatic robotic voice to announce the song title & artist name, weather, or time.

**# 2) Making announcements**

I've also encountered a station using a robotic voice to ask people to donate. The problem was that the robotic voice sounded too generic, too artificial. 

There are solid reasons to use robotic voices. And it’s really easy as you only need a Text-to-speech converter. But try as much as possible to avoid a voice that sound’s utterly robotic. 

Instead, opt for voices that sound a bit natural if you’re going down this path.
Technology in this field has advanced so much that robotic voices are starting to sound almost human. Check out the voices at [NaturalReaders.com](https://www.naturalreaders.com/) or even try [IBM’s Watson Text To Speech.](https://www.ibm.com/watson/services/text-to-speech/)

Better yet, get your mic and record everything with your good old natural voice.

### 7 Deadly Radio Mistakes: Final Word

Avoid these costly mistakes, and you'll be one step closer to building a great radio station that attracts many listeners.

CloudRadio can help you with a reliable stream. We have been hard at work for over 7 years now, creating a stable platform that enables hundreds of radio stations broadcast on the web.

Here are seven radio mistakes to avoid in your broadcasts. Learning all about them allows you to self-correct and produce better radio.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When You Present on the Radio

In today’s post, I’m going to reveal **8 radio contest ideas.**

You’re familiar with a contest, right?

"When opponents battle it out for a chance to win a prize." An easy off-air example is a pie-eating contest.

So without further ado, let’s get started with radio contest ideas:
<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/iDInMGfkhlsuZGXjGa" width="480" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/ConnectTransit-bnpts-connect-transit-city-bus-iDInMGfkhlsuZGXjGa">via GIPHY</a></p>

## WIN STUFF/Radio Contests Page

Do you have a "Win Stuff or Contest" page on your radio website? It’s a great place to showcase all the contests you're running at the moment.

You can provide extra info like how to participate, contest rules, prizes, etc. Take a leaf from Great Hits 98.1s website, and check out their ["WIN STUFF" page.](http://greatesthits981.com/win-stuff/)

## **1. Daily trivia**



**Game:**

The host asks questions to a live caller. Alternatively, the quiz can be hosted on your website, allowing all website visitors to participate.

- Questions: You can try multiple-choice questions, yes or no questions, Wh-questions, etc. If you're promoting a movie, you can ask questions about the lead actor. Hits stations ask pop culture questions.
- Time Pressure: Find a way to add tension to the contest. The easiest way is by imposing a time limit.



**How to Win**

**1. Getting all the questions correctly**

Upon answering all the questions correctly, the prize can be awarded. However, if you feel that it is near impossible to do so, simplify the questions or increase the value of the prize or jackpot.

**2. Award every right answer**

You can have a trivia with 10 questions, and award a prize for each correct answer, for instance, $100 per correct answer. If someone gets all the answers right, they win a grand prize of $10,000. 



**Name Ideas for Your Contest**

a. Can't beat [Host's name]

b. The [Station Name] Daily Trivia



## **2. Tell us ___[Why or About]**



**The game:

**
Tell us the reason... Tell us a story about... Tell us about your experience with this product, etc

This radio contest idea entails multiple contestants sending in the reasons they should win the prize. For instance, if it's movie tickets, you may ask them: "Who are you going to take to watch the latest Avengers movie, and why?"

Submissions can be through an online form. Fans can DM you on social media, send audio clips or video clips, emails, or call in.



**How to Win**

Well, the listener has to offer up the best plausible reason or story. You can have a small team to vote for the best submission.



**Examples:

a. [Blue Man Group Web Contest](https://kyxy.radio.com/contest/blue-man-group-web-contest/) from KYXY

Entrants had to talk about the person who made their life happier and brighter for a chance to win tickets among other prizes.**

b. Selling Horror Story

For this radio contest, listeners had to retell a grueling experience they had when they were trying to resell their stuff. It was sponsored by Cash Converters who help customers solve the typical flipping problems.

**I also encountered a contest sponsored by Toyota. The company was giving out trucks to businesses. To qualify, listeners with registered businesses had to tell the radio station how a new truck would help their business run smoothly.





## **3. Location Name Mentions**



**The Game:**

Want to reward your adherent listeners? The ones committed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Well, this is a simple radio contest idea.

If you’re in a city, simply mention a particular location for a set number of times a day. You can mention an area's name 3 times during the main broadcast hours. The listener living in that area should call in after they have heard the name 3 times for a chance to win a prize.

For instance, if you’re in London, choose one of the boroughs like Kensington and drop the name three times. You can even do it in one hour or throw the listeners off balance by also mentioning other locations to add in some fun.

**How to Win**

Once a caller calls in, you need a way to vet them and establish that they hail from the stated region. Ask for proof of their physical address..



**Prize:**

Cash works well as an incentive. Maybe, you can start with $100, and if someone fails to call in after you mention the location name, increase the amount to $100 and so on.

**What can this contest achieve?**

**It may bring in new listeners from an area where your radio receives less listenership. You can even win listeners from a competitor’s stronghold.





## **4. Become the "nth" Caller**



**The Contest:**

It’s a call-in type contest that you can execute if you have local listeners. People will call in, and you'll note the order of calls: caller 1, caller 2, caller 3, etc.

**How to Win**

Contestants have to listen for the cue to call in. You can select the 25th caller to win or the 9th caller, it’s all up to you.



**Examples:

**

[106.7 KJUG COUNTY](http://www.kjug.com/sections/landing-pages/free-gas-on-kjug/) in conjunction with Giant Chevrolet Cadillac ran a contest offering $50 fuel gift cards. To win, you just had to be caller number 25.

**Title Ideas:**

1. [Sponsor] FREE GIFT VOUCHERS ON [Station Name]
2. FREE [prize] to the Lucky Caller
3. The [Sponsors Name] Giveaway



### Streaming & Call-in Contests.

Online radio streams have a lag of some seconds. Sometimes it is 3 seconds. The online player has to buffer to receive enough information before playback. Contestants tuning in via FM may beat you to the punch, especially for a radio contest where listeners are selected as per the order they called.



## **5. The Guessing Game**



**The Contest:**

One of the simplest radio station contest idea to try is this.

**How to Win**

The listener wins after making the correct guess. Owing to the broadness of this idea, you can have countless spin-offs.

For instance, hold some coins in your hand, and let them fall on a table or floor. The live-caller has to guess the number of coins that have fallen on the table.



**Radio Contest Example:** 

****This example is straight from an Austrian radio station. And radios down under are pretty creative with their radio contests and giveaways.

It was a contest by 97.3 FM and was dubbed Bristane's Most Simple Radio Competition. The sponsor was Compare the Market.

When a listener was called, they had to guess the amount of cash Sergei (the company’s IT Meerkat) had saved by using Compare the Market – a platform that allows users to compare loans, mobile contracts, insurance, pet insurance, etc. 

The hosts gave clues by stating a higher and a lower amount, leaving room for the listeners to guess the right amount. The listener who guessed correctly won Sergie’s entire savings.**

Contest Title Ideas:

1. Guess Your Way to Stone Cold Cash
2. The [Station Name] Guessing Contest
3. [Host Name] Out of Luck





## **6. Mystery Voice**



**The Game:** 

The mystery voice is a classic radio contest, and it never gets tiresome. Calling it boring would be like calling monopoly dull. Even the participants are happy to listen in other contestants participate.

It gets people speculating. And many listeners may think they know the answer and keep calling hoping to get their calls picked. 

**How to Win**

The listener has to identify the mystery voice and say who it belongs to. Make the voice a celebrity or politician or someone famous. Don’t use a sound bite of your best friend or co-host...obvious stuff.



**Prize Ideas

**For this radio contest idea, money is the preferred gift but you can get creative and even offer merch.**

Examples:

Check out the mystery voice by[ Lincs FM 102.2](https://www.lincsfm.co.uk/win/mystery-voice/). Particularly, note that they list all the wrong guesses accompanying a short audio clip of the mystery voice. So listeners don’t have to wait for the voice to get played on the radio.

**Shout out to[ Eagle Radio](https://www.eagleradio.co.uk/) for this mystery voice video that will take you behind the scenes, and show you how to run a proper mystery voice radio contest.

<iframe width="480" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KfShYN2RQHg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **7. Touch a Car Contest (Off Air)**



**The Game:

**Touch a car is also a classic radio contest like mystery voice. Off-air contests feature participants competing outside the radio sphere, and the station’s role is to give fans back home updates on what’s happening. 

Such contests generate a lot of publicity. One of the most famous touch-a-car contest was in 1997 and gave rise to the hit documentary “Hands on a Hard Body.”

In 2017, 96.7 KISS FM held a kiss a car contest in partnership with Kia. Participants, all 20 of them, had to smooch the car until one final participant was left standing.**
**

<iframe width="1171" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kMyKI6C1LWg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

**How to Win**

The last person standing wins. But, if the contest doesn't seem to end after a set number of hours, and no one seems to give up, or the doctors are raising concerns over the safety of the participants, there is a way to end the contest.

For instance, in 2017 during the kiss a car contest, they randomly chose the winner from the last 7.



**Examples

**Head over to YouTube where you can watch footage from these radio contests.**

1)** [**Hands-on a Hardbody**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puvE1H0LAOM) **

2)** [**Kiss the Mustang**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98-aM2NpK2g)**

3)** [**Kia Car Kissing Contest in Texas**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e5zhu6pk7o)**

**In the kiss-a-car radio contest participants were allowed to speak provided that they couldn't take their lips from the car.





## **8. Photo Contest**



**The game

**

It’s a social media-driven contest, so you need a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account. Listeners share photos or videos. You need to give them special instructions or specify how they can win.

For instance, when Coca-Cola was printing names on bottles, some radio stations took to asking fans to share pictures of bottles bearing their name for a chance to win a prize.

Capitalize on holidays such as Mothers Day, Thanksgiving, Father’s Day, or Independence Day.

**How to Win**

The best photo or video will win. So, if you’re asking a mother and daughter duo to send in a picture of them decorating their Christmas tree, it should stand out and beat all other submissions. You might need a small team to vote on the best entries.



**Examples** 

Ahead of this year’s Halloween, WYPR is asking listeners to decorate pumpkins with art on current events such as the democratic debates. You can also carve the station’s logo on a pumpkin and win.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It&#39;s WYPR&#39;s 1st ever Pumpkin Carving Contest! Decorate a radio or news themed pumpkin for a chance to trick or treat at WYPR! Portray our logo, Nathan Sterner&#39;s cats, dem debates, or other pumpkin art about current events. Enter to win with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WYPumpkinR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WYPumpkinR</a> or email contests@wypr.org. <a href="https://t.co/uS2EmZOHoS">pic.twitter.com/uS2EmZOHoS</a></p>&mdash; WYPR (@WYPR881FM) <a href="https://twitter.com/WYPR881FM/status/1186975657928073218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



1. [Behind the Scenes of Radio Contest By WBKR](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxLAp1nPyIc) 
2. [ Radio Shane Radio Station On Air Contest](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwwbnHWz0xc) **
   **

## **Purpose will Make Your Radio Contest Successful**

Need a successful radio contest?

Have a clear end-goal you want the contest to achieve.

The radio contest must be simple, interesting, lively, and not another chore you have to check off your list. 

Big prizes aren't important. 

Go for smaller, unique prizes instead.

On top of everything, enjoy the contest.

Looking for radio contest ideas. We have 8 hot and practical examples for you to start using today :-)

Radio Contest Ideas: 8 Hot-Practical Ideas

Welcome to today’s blog post on fundraising for web radio stations.

Tell me:

Are you cash hungry?

Acknowledge your need! Because money is good.

What’s more...quality entertainment is pricey.



A quick example: The Avengers: Endgame movie had a budget of $356 million, but the results were worth every penny.

As an internet radio station owner, you have many responsibilities pal…

Radio hosting expenses, music purchase costs, content production costs, royalties, etc.

Your fans have money, meaning they can also pitch in. Can’t they?

The challenge is:

**How do you make listeners share their hard-earned dough?***italic text*

Well, you need to know something about fundraising. So, set out 10 minutes. Read this post. And you’ll know: 

- What charity is;
- How to go about being a non-profit;
- The donor’s journey and mastering it;
- Tools to help you in your fundraising for an internet radio station;
- Phrases and words to help you fundraise.

Let’s get started:

## What is Charity?

“Voluntarily giving money to someone in need. It’s goodwill.”

The person in need here is you. And the donor has to have an emotional connection before giving out their resources to you.

### **Giving is Receiving**

"For it is in giving that we receive. Those who give generously receive more." 

There is a Swahili proverb that translates to, “An empty hand is not licked.” 

What this seems to imply is that:

People don’t just give out their resources out of sheer heavenly benevolence.”

Sometimes they do. But they sure ain’t benevolent at all times.

Often people are implicitly bribed into giving. For instance, being offered dinner at a fundraiser. What’s offered as a reward is of course lesser in value than the donation expected.



### What is means to be a Non-profit

It means not seeking out profits but rather fulfilling a particular need in your community.

It also implies having to compete with loads of other non-profits for the limited resources of your donor.

“But it’’s charity, not a competition.”

Well, if you still think of it this way, there is no problem. Just aim to be the first place money goes to when your donor makes payments to their favorite non-profits.

## **The Donor’s Journey: Adapted for Fundraising for Radio Stations**


Sales and marketing teams use the buyers journey to demonstrate the phases the buyer goes through before purchasing their product.

They include: Awareness → Consideration → Decision

We can adapt the same stages to our fundraising for radio station project.



### **Phase 1: Awareness**

Awareness entails shouting out to the world that you do exist. In this phase, it’s vital to know who your ideal listener is and use platforms available to you to go after them.

You can:

- [Garner an audience](https://www.cloudrad.io/social-media-radio-stations/) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and through your radio website
- List your station on as many internet radio directories as possible
- Re-purpose some of your shows as podcasts.
- Post past shows on YouTube
- Upload music shows to MixCloud
- and more

Keep in mind that a station with 1000 raving fans might have a better chance on paper at raising more money than the one with 100 listeners.

After people are aware of you, you need to ensure that they know that you’re a donor-supported station. Here are things to try:

- Use digital banners and flyers.
- Make on-air announcements about your fundraising efforts.
- If you put out podcasts, remember to ask people to donate to you or consider becoming patrons with certain perks such as an ad-free experience.
- Off-line marketing is also important. So, tell anyone with an ear about your fundraising drive.







## **Phase 2: Research/Consideration**

Once people are aware of your radio station...and they are actually listening to your shows and also know that you are fundraising...next comes making them consider donating to you.

People connect with what they know. So, in this phase, it’s important to provide them with extensive information about your station.
To get started, answer the following questions:

- When was the station created?
- How many people work on it?
- How many Djs are there?
- Where is the station based?
- What’s its vision and mission statement?
- Why do you do what you do?

People can connect to such details so include every intimate detail you can. Even tell a story of how you got started.





## **Success stories**

You’re more inclined to follow the advice of a friend or relative when considering a purchase decision or a cause to support.

We are social beings. Gathering user reviews for your radio station can build trust with your audience.

For instance, how would you react if you came across the following review:

“I have listened to countless internet radio streams and never quite found the one. One day I discovered my knight in shining armor. XFM is my ray of sunshine. I feel secure every time I turn on their stream.”

The don’t have to be written reviews solely, radio is an audio medium and people engage with you by ear.

So alternatively you can have vox pops of people saying good things about your station, and play them on-air in between songs as links.

Also, if you’re using text, it might be a worthwhile idea to also use photos to enhance the message. Ask for a photo to go with each comment, and you’ll prove that they are actual people behind the review. 

### **Timeline Annual Report**

You can use a timeline report to describe milestones you have achieved throughout the year.

Remember that the more information you provide your listeners, the better chance you have at raising money for your internet radio station.

Now you don’t need a 100 page annual report with all your bank information on it.

Nope.Text walls are a killer on the web. Instead, breakdown key moments on a timeline. Something like this:

**Timeline of our Achievements for 2019**

- January 25th – Launched a lower bitrate stream for mobile listening.
- May 15th – Moved to new streaming servers
- June 21st – Got our stream listed on Tune In
- August 30th – Achieve 500 fans on Facebook
- and so on.

### **Video**

Videos offer more engagement. So find ways to capitalize on videos to pass your message more effectively.

Think of video testimonials from listeners. Or create a short video highlighting the achievements of your station, and what you plan to do in the future.

The more information listeners have about you; the more they understand your mission and vision; the easier it is to get them on board.

## **Phase 3: Decision**

In this phase, the listener is: 

- Knowledgeable about your radio station
- Has the right reasons to justify donating to your cause.
- Wants to give.

If they are in this stage, you should make it effortless for them to give. That means having a clear way of collecting their donations.

If you’re using donate buttons on your website, make them clearly visible.

The best placement is in fact on the top right corner of your website but not in the footer.

Your donation message should be on the upper fold of your website.

Equally on social media, include directions on how people can make donations. Are you using PayPal’s donate button? Then ensure it’s clearly visible.

## **Phase 4: Evangelism**

Donors are assets to your brand because often there are so thrilled with you that there are willing to tell their friends about you.

That’s basically evangelizing and the trick is making people part of your story.
For instance, you may create a shareable poster with the message, “I donate to XFM.” And then have listeners post it on their social media pages.

Hopefully in the follow up to this blog post, we’ll speak more about getting donors to give money again. Next though, let’s look at some tools you can use in your campaigns.

## **Fundraising Toolkit for Radio Stations**

### **1) Patreon**

Content creators are finding it easier to monetize their content through [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/). The platform allows to run a membership program with exclusive perks to fans such as ad free content or early releases.

Podcasters, writers, journalists, and radio show creators heavily feature on Patreon. It’s much suited to on-going projects rather than Kick-starter, which is useful for launching new projects, but not actually supporting them.

**Are they are any stations raising funds on Patreon?

**

Yap, plenty of them. For instance, Star Talk Radio, The Radio War Nerd Podcast, the Horse Radio Network and more.

### **2) Indiegogo**

It’s been dubbed Kick-starter’s relaxed cousin because the projects are not heavily vetted before being accepted. You can opt to keep-all funds donated or select all or nothing funding.

Kick-starter only offers the latter option. Projects can only run for 60 days, but there is an option to extend your campaign.

What about the costs? You’ll pay 5% of the total donations to them, while 3% of the cash will be gobbled up by payment processors

## **Rewarding Listeners for their Contribution**

On Kick-starter, you must provide a reward for every contribution you get. Rewards are there to encourage people to give. As a radio station, here are some ideas on rewards:

- Pledge $10: Your name will be forever engrave on our website. You’ll also receive newsletters, digital stickers, and priority access to contests.
- Pledge $20: You’ll receive a personal email from our founder and all the benefits of pledging $10.
- Pledge $30: All the above benefits plus a free branded t-shirt.

## **Talking to your listeners: How to tug at their heartstrings**

Your words matter...so here are some effective ways to ask for donations on the air.

**#1: Because we matter to you.**

“How much does our radio matter to you? If we asked you to quantify the value of the entertainment you receive, how much would you pay us?”

**#2: Become part of the community.** 

“Dear Listener, there are passive listeners and active listeners. The active bunch are our all time favorites. To see us grow, they willingly use their resources to support their favorite station. Don’t stay passive. This is your chance to cross over and become an active participant by giving out a few dollars to keep us going. We are all united in our common quest for world class radio entertainment”

**#3: It’s all left to the small guy.**

“Big radio stations are shutting down in droves for failing to raise enough cash to stay profitable. People have been rendered jobless. Dreams crushed. And life-long listeners left with no other source of good entertainment. Amid this turbulent future for radio, small broadcasters like yours truly are stepping up to do the impossible. Providing the same level of entertainment as the big terrestrial stations did without the same man power and ad money. So consider donating your well-earn cash to keep us afloat & working.”

**#4: For the greater good of other listeners** 

“Amid the downturn of the economy, many of our listeners are struggling to make ends meet, and we can’t blame them for not making contributions as usual. But there are also lucky souls still getting their money, still striving for the dream. If you’re one of them, an additional $10 on your normal contribution could cover for one other member who relies on our radio station for their entertainment.”

### **Final word**

That’s all for today. Keep all these tips in mind while raising cash for your internet radio station. It all boils down to proper execution of the donor’s journey.**bold text**

Looking to raise cash for your radio station? Here are tips for fundraising for your internet radio station and a clear explanation of the donor's journey.

Fundraising for Internet Radio Stations (Starter’s Guide).

Do you run a radio blog for your station? That's smart. It's a sure way to get more eyeballs on your website. 

Having a blog is the easy part. The difficult bit is finding topics to write about.

This blog post promises 6 new radio blog topic ideas. Are you smiling already? You should because your writer's block is about to be obliterated.



<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/kNfs0KCgbBib6" width="480" height="201" frameborder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowfullscreen="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"></iframe>

[via GIPHY](https://giphy.com/gifs/kNfs0KCgbBib6)

## **1) News Topics** 

### **a. Entertainment News**

Talk about what's happening in the world of entertainment. Give readers information about the celebrities they know and love.

If you were writing a blog on 1st Nov 2019, for instance, you'd have talked about the Royal Family and the ongoing rift between Prince Williams and Prince Harry.

Another potential news item for your radio blog could have been the love relationship between Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, who had a new album out.

You’ll have your work cut out for you. There are numerous entertainment blogs, YouTube channels, and TV shows to keep you updated with entertainment news. 

Curating and finding the newsworthy stuff will not be a strenuous task at all. 

### **b. Weird/Odd News Stories**

People visiting your blog expect articles that thoroughly entertain them. So, why not try weird new stories because we live in a pretty strange world full of funny, strange & odd actors. 

For instance: 

- *"Man hires a personal butler for his mountain dog"*
- *"Student wearing gory costume crushes her car and people think she is dead"*
- *"Influencer claims body shampoo makes people fat"
  *
- *"People in spider-man costumes storm city hall"*

### **c. Sport News**

Sharing sports highlights to your listeners is another radio blog topic to try. 

Publish a pre-game analysis. Share news about potential trades. Discuss the results of a prior match or make predictions on future games.

### **d. Local News**

Local events may go uncovered since they don't have a far-reaching impact. That's why it makes sense to have your ear on the ground and create a local news segment. 

You can publish features of famous residents or report on the decisions of local council meetings. 

Beyond the local news, you can cover other news topics in your blog, such as: 

- Tech news (Handsets, Cryptocurrency, apps, gadgets, etc.)
- Consumer news 
- Political news 
- Climate news

## **2) Diet, Exercise, and Health Topics**


Radio is all about lifestyle. That’s what makes diet, exercise, and health topics good radio station blog ideas.

For instance, you can publish a blog on 10 Secret Ways of Staying Fit While Working a 9-5 Job.

Think of featuring topics to do with diet, exercise, and health on your future radio blog posts.

## **3) Unknown Facts About [Host's Name]**

Here is another brilliant radio blog idea:

Are your presenters getting enough coverage on your website?

Surprise them by writing a blog post on 10 facts you didn’t know the host.

For instance, if Mary is the [radio presenter](https://www.cloudrad.io/become-radio-host/) of your morning show, find out: 

- Who are her top three music artists?
- What’s the name of her cat or dog?
- What was her first gig?
- What's her favorite movie?
- Does she play any instruments?

## **4) Playlists for Holidays (Halloween, Easter etc)**

When prepping for the holidays, the last thing on your listeners' minds should be curating good music.

Therefore, create special [radio playlists ](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-playlists/)for the key holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. 

You can publish these playlists on your radio blog and share them on social media too.



## **5) Radio Guest Interviews**

For instance: 

Does your radio station invite authors as guests? 

Your guests can answer some questions on air, and also have bonus questions that you'll publish on your radio blog. 

You might even send the author a list of questions and later publish their responses in a radio blog post. 

NPR is a fan of author interviews, in fact, check out this example to get an idea of how to do it: [The Hard Times: The First 40 Years'](https://www.npr.org/2019/10/30/774438535/the-satire-continues-with-the-hard-times-the-first-40-years)



## ****6) Travel Pieces****

Your listeners engage in travel activities.

Have travel pieces on your radio station blog. You can do a piece on an exotic destination or feature a local attraction that many people don't know about. 

For an idea on how to pull this off, here are pieces featured on CBS's travel section on their blog: [Tractor Trailer Accident Causing Traffic Delays At Philadelphia International Airport](https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/08/30/tractor-trailer-accident-causing-traffic-delays-at-philadelphia-international-airport/) and **[Top 3 Eco-Friendly Vacation Spots](https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/13/top-3-eco-friendly-vacation-spots/).**

## **Tell Us More About Your Radio Blog Topic Ideas**

Which topic do you love writing about in your radio station blog? 

Well, you should ideally have a blog post section on your [radio website.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-websites/) And don't worry if no one is paying attention yet. 

Blogs take some time before they start generating a buzz. 

So share your ideas with us in the comments. 

### **Start your internet radio with us**

We offer an excellent hosting option with a fully customizable price. Get started easily.

[**Radio Hosting**](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-hosting/)

Looking for radio blog topic ideas? We have hot and practical topics you can start writing about starting from today.

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