by Tracy Johnson
There aren’t many radio segments you can count on to deliver a great listener reaction and attention. In fact, there are no sure things. But these can’t miss bits come as close as possible. Use these ideas to plan promotion ideas in the coming weeks and months.
First, a couple of qualifiers:
There must be standards to be considered can’t miss ideaa. Here are my criteria:
With this criterion in mind, here are three can’t miss bits.
Do you ever wonder what happened to the one that got away? Almost everyone does at some point. Tracking one of these stories is highly compelling.
Telling a listener’s story and helping her make a connection with a lost relationship is addicting and powerful.
Relationship stories never get old. And there are many variations that all work well. Including:
Each can be developed into a mult-day story arc. Here’s the typical structure:
Day 1: Find a listener to be the center of the storyline.
Day 2: The listener tells their story in greater detail. Introduce a barrier or obstacle. Perhaps the person you’re looking for is hard to find and a Private Detective needs to be hired.
Day 3: In working through the barrier, add a twist or complication. For example, maybe you find the person, but they have little to no interest in being reunited. Present it to the storyteller, and ask if he/she wants to go through with it.
Day 4: Get the answer and set up the call or meeting on the air on this day.
Day 5: Have both parties on to get the results of the encounter. How do they feel today? What is going to happen next?
This idea works for the same reasons magicians, psychics, and fortune tellers are successful. It’s fascinating!
The idea is to create a clever trick and protect the secret. There are several ideas including the Psychic Powers segment, The Secret, and Snaps. Both have potential but proper setup and presentation are critical.
The Setup: Claim a special talent or ability that nobody else has. The skill should be basically useless, but interesting. Obviously it has to be an audio “gift” for the air. For example, you can tell what kind of car a listener drives by hearing a car door slam or the horn honk.
Develop it: Of course, nobody will believe you. But keep making the claim. Add a backstory that explains when the gift was discovered. Don’t demonstrate it yet. Just keep making the claim.
Promise: Finally, promise to prove it works. This sets an appointment, but only after developing the premise.
Execution: In most cases, listeners will be intrigued and amazed. Some may guess the secret. Keep them off the air! Using actors is usually a good idea to build momentum in these bits.
Important: Never reveal the secret. That’s part of the mystery. And, you can bring it back in the future!
Of the three types of can’t miss bits, this is the most visual.
Nothing tugs at the heart like being unconditionally generous. This concept fits any station wishing to develop a positive, sensitive, and caring image. Find ways to help individual listeners experience their wildest dreams.
Examples:
Stories of people in need happen all around you. Be alert, creative, and reactive. It will drive listening and attention.
These three can’t miss bits may not be foolproof, but it’s pretty close.
What can’t miss bits can you add to this list? Reach me anytime here.
Father-Daughter Reunion Promotion
Home For The Holidays Promotion
The One That Got Away Promotion
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