Web for Radio IV: Not All Web Hits Are Created Equal

 

 

radioinfo | October 22, 2012

By Chris Miller
Chris Miller Digital

SHAKER HEIGHTS –I can tell that we radio folks are more stressed out than ever, because I’ve been in on a few conversations recently where the subject was how people out there don’t understand the value of radio anymore.  That’s a change from the previous sentiment, which was that we just needed to get more compelling content on our websites and in our social media.  The feeling seems to be now that we have to make potential fans and clients understand what we’re all about, and what we offer.

Then, I see here in RadioInfo (10/17) last Wednesday that Bonneville in Seattle is putting one of their key on-air people “in the driver’s seat for bringing unique, local content to both KIRO-FM and the company’s digital space, MyNorthwest.com.”  So wrap your head around this.  Linda Thomas, who’s been part of KIRO-FM’s morning drive news block … that’s morning drive in the 13^th largest market … is moving online.  That’s a real commitment on Bonneville’s part.

Linda’s a quality journalist and a solid radio pro.  This is a dramatic move, but not just because of the digital commitment.  This is also about integrating content across platforms in a way that listeners expect; but that a lot of us in radio simply don’t get yet.

For example, if you go to KIRO’s website, you’ll find news.  That page was full of nothing but news when I looked at it!  It reminded me of the front page of a newspaper.  I think that’s good.  Meanwhile, I looked at the website of another well-programmed station in that format.  I did find some news.  However, there was almost as much front-page content about all the contests they were running.  There were also links to viral, non-news videos, and their “hot babe” galleries.  More and more smart digital buyers have learned to hate those hot babe galleries.  I fear it’s going to reflect on us negatively as an industry, instead of just those stations that have them.

So I’m not saying don’t talk about your contests online.  Don’t give them prime, front page real estate that you don’t give to whatever makes you unique and mass appeal.  That applies to all formats.  If I’m a country fan and I love your country station, I’m assuming that I can go to your website and get caught up on news and fun stuff about country music, as well as the funny things your morning show said that I missed.  Galleries of cute pets and hot firefighters?  Not so much.

You may be getting web hits on those cute pets, but they’re empty calories.  They’re doing nothing to truly build your brand.

If you’re that country radio station, your big fans expect to find great country content at your website.  They assume your social media will be chock-full of special news about your station as well as country music.  They sign up for your emails or texts so that they can learn exclusive information about you, and get extra access to the music they love.  That’s why KIRO’s move is so beautiful.  They’re focused on delivering content that relates to what people love about KIRO on all their platforms.  That’s what your heaviest listeners want!

Once you do that, then you can start recycling folks from your broadcast to your social media to your website in a powerful way.  Not all web hits are created equal.  It’s the ones from the people who love your brand that count the most.

Chris Miller, owner of Chris Miller Digital, is a leading radio consultant specializing in research-based strategic planning and smart use of digital media. He can be phoned at 216-236-3955 or e-mailed atchris@chrismillerdigital.com.