What Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Social Media from Adam Carolla Comedian Adam Carolla created a podcast that launched to No. 1 in no time. Here's how he keeps fans coming back and how other entrepreneurs can too.

By Shira Lazar

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Social Media From Adam CarollaAdam Carolla has one of the most loyal and devoted communities around.

That community has grown with him from Loveline to The Man Show and Crank Yankers. When his syndicated daily radio show ended in 2009, he stumbled into the podcasting world and relaunched The Adam Carolla Show. Since then, his audience has only grown larger -- pushing his podcast to No. 1 in the world with more than 70 million downloads last year. His fans also helped him win 2011's Guinness World Record for Most Downloaded Podcast in the World.

How does the on-air personality and entrepreneur keep people engaged and wanting more? Here's his advice: "Post content regularly."

"I try and always do a podcast five times a week," Carolla told me. "I've never really broken this down before, but, in movies, you almost have no connection to fans. And if you do TV, you're kind of connected, but they know you as the TV name not your real name. If you do radio, there's more of a bond there. And then if you do a podcast it's like you're literally inside of your fans."

While The Adam Carolla Show is the flagship enterprise, the platform has allowed him to launch other properties under his podcast network ACE Broadcasting including This Week with Larry Miller, and his wife's show For Crying Out Loud. Fans can now stay connected with all things Carolla on his new branded site and app available at AceAnywhere.com, Twitter accounts @AdamCarolla and @AdamCarollaShow, his Facebook page as well as get previews of the following day's podcast on YouTube.

But besides being incredibly accessible, here are three ways Carolla is able to keep fans coming back and how other entrepreneurs can too:

  1. Be interactive.
    When you follow Carolla, you get the typical musings of the comedian, @ replies to his followers, but you also get fun engagement for segments connected to his shows like #MakeUpMovie. Fans just tweet back their titles using the hashtag, and the most liked suggestions get an on-air shout out. It's consistent and fun.
  2. Take a stand.
    He knows what he stands for and goes for it. What every brand or entrepreneur alike can learn from Carolla is the ability to find that authentic voice and embrace it. Don't second guess who you are and why you're doing what you're doing. Your community will find you and you will find your community.
  3. Be your brand.
    "For years, people would ask Dr. Drew and me: What's the key to what you guys do? What's the hook? Why is this format so successful? I'd go you're looking at them. You get rid of us then you just have two people answering questions," says Carolla. "The thing about a good podcast is you have to have a good host. If you don't have a compelling host then you have nothing." The same is true for entrepreneurs. You are as important -- if not more so -- than your company's products or services.

Shira Lazar is the host and executive producer of What's Trending live Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Pacific and Partners Project, interviewing your favorite YouTube stars weekly.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Living

The 3 Lifestyle Habits That Made Me Sharper, Stronger and More Successful

These three simple yet powerful lifestyle changes transformed my productivity, energy and mindset. Here's how you can do the same.

Business Solutions

You and Your Kids Can Develop Future-Proof Tech Skills for Only $56

Develop future-proof tech skills even if you have no previous tech experience, such as data storytelling, Python, ChatGTP, Internet of Things and more.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Growing a Business

How to Avoid the Perils of Short-Term Thinking For Long-Term Success

Too often, leaders go with the option that sounds most appealing right now. Here's why that's a mistake.