This week’s edition sponsored by audiencelift:
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Hey there!

You’re putting in the work—recording great episodes, booking guests, and staying consistent. So why isn’t your podcast growing?

Here’s the truth: Apple Podcasts and Spotify won’t do the heavy lifting for you. If you’re relying on the algorithm to bring you listeners, you’re leaving growth to chance. This week, we’re breaking down what actually works—from turning your podcast into a video-driven engagement machine to the one metric most podcasters ignore (but absolutely shouldn’t).

Plus, we’re diving into a podcasting myth that’s been holding creators back for years—and how a small but loyal audience can actually outperform a massive one when it comes to impact and revenue.

If you’re tired of waiting for growth to happen and ready to make it happen, let’s get into it! 🎙️🚀

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Why Isn’t Your Podcast Growing? Here’s How to Fix It 🎙️

• Are You Tracking the Wrong Podcast Metric? 🎙️

• 🎙️ Podcasting Success: Tips to Propel Your Podcast 🚀

📈 Trending news

• The Podcast Growth Playbook: Proven Strategies to Expand Your Audience

• The 3 Must-Know Stats About News Podcast Listeners

• How to Create Universal Links for Your Podcast and Reach Every Listener

Why Isn’t Your Podcast Growing? Here’s How to Fix It 🎙️ read the full 1,500-word article here

Article published: March 2025

If your podcast isn’t growing, you’re not alone—but the problem isn’t your content.

According to Autopod AI, the biggest mistake podcasters make is expecting growth from podcast platforms alone. Apple Podcasts and Spotify won’t magically send you listeners—you need a strategy that goes beyond just hitting “publish.”

The secret? Exaggerate everything—your persona, production, promotion, strategy, and consistency.

By amplifying your energy, turning on video, and optimizing social media clips, you can reach a wider audience with less effort.

The result? More listeners, more engagement, and faster podcast growth.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎭 Exaggerate your persona: Stand out by amplifying your energy, branding, and on-air presence to create an unforgettable experience for listeners.

• 📢 Turn your podcast into a video: Recording both audio and video boosts discoverability and opens up platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.

• 🚀 Stop just posting links—promote smartly: Instead of dropping links on social media, repurpose short video clips to grab attention and increase engagement.

• 🔄 Consistency = growth: Podcasts that grow fast stick to a schedule, use automation tools, and refine their promotion strategy every week.

Are You Tracking the Wrong Podcast Metric? 🎙️ watch the full 44-min video here

Video published: March 5, 2025

Most podcasters obsess over downloads—but what if that’s the wrong metric to focus on?

In this episode from Podcast Marketing Academy, Jeremy Enns dives into the real indicators of podcast success—and why vanity metrics might be misleading you.

A shocking stat from the 2024 Podcast Marketing Trends Report: 40% of podcasters say their goal is business growth, yet fewer than 10% measure revenue impact.

Instead of downloads, podcasters should track response rate, listen time, and actual audience engagement—metrics that directly drive business growth and audience loyalty.

The takeaway? A small, engaged audience can be more profitable than a massive one that never takes action.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎯 Downloads ≠ success: A show with 10,000 downloads may earn nothing, while a niche podcast with 500 listeners can generate six-figure revenue.

• 💬 Response rate matters: If listeners aren’t engaging, emailing, or referencing your episodes, your content may not be resonating.

• ⏳ Listen time is key: The longer people listen, the more invested they are—a major factor in audience retention and monetization.

• 🏆 Track the right goals. Want business growth? Measure email signups, conversions, and customer acquisition—not just download numbers.

🎙️ Podcasting Success: Tips to Propel Your Podcast 🚀

Growing a podcast isn’t easy, but the right strategies can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your show to the next level, these proven tips will help you reach more listeners, boost engagement, and build a loyal audience—faster than you think.

1. Stay Consistent & Plan Ahead 📅

• Regular Episodes: Consistency builds trust with listeners. Creating a content calendar and adhering to a publishing schedule ensures that audiences know when to expect new episodes.

• Batch Recording: Recording multiple episodes at once helps maintain momentum, especially during busy periods. 🎤

2. Invest in Quality 🎧

• Sound & Equipment: High-quality audio is a podcaster’s calling card. Investing in a good microphone and headphones, along with mastering basic sound editing, makes a significant impact.

• Environment: Recording in a quiet, controlled space minimizes background noise. Even a little soundproofing can make a big difference! 🔇

3. Engage the Community 🤝

• Listener Interaction: Actively seeking feedback, hosting Q&A sessions, and engaging on social media turn listeners into loyal promoters.

• Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters filled with behind-the-scenes stories, upcoming topics, and exclusive content help nurture a strong bond with the audience. 💌

4. Collaborate & Network 🌐

• Guest Interviews: Inviting interesting guests not only brings fresh perspectives but also introduces the podcast to new audiences.

• Cross-Promotions: Collaborating with fellow podcasters for shoutouts or joint episodes can significantly boost reach. 🔄

5. Optimize & Market 📈

• SEO & Show Notes: Crafting compelling episode titles and descriptions, along with detailed show notes enriched with keywords, assists new listeners in discovering the podcast.

• Social Media Presence: Sharing bite-sized audio clips, quotes, and episode graphics across social media platforms, while maintaining a consistent brand voice, attracts a broader audience. 📲

• Analytics: Regularly tracking metrics to understand audience preferences enables continuous refinement of the content strategy. 📊

6. Be Authentic & Keep Learning 🌟

• Authenticity: A unique voice is an invaluable asset. Embracing one’s personality and genuine passion helps the podcast stand out in a crowded space. 💖

• Continuous Improvement: Staying curious by attending podcasting workshops, following industry trends, and experimenting with new formats leads to ongoing growth and innovation. 📚

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Why It Matters

Podcasting isn’t just about creating content—it’s about creating momentum. The shows that grow don’t just rely on downloads; they amplify their reach, engage their audience, and track what actually moves the needle.

Are you focusing on the right things? Or are you stuck chasing vanity metrics that don’t really matter? The difference between podcasts that grow and those that don’t isn’t luck—it’s strategy.

The question is: Will you be the podcaster who adapts, or the one who fades into the background? 🎧🔥

Chloe Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Podfluence

P.S. – Don’t let your podcast blend into the noise. With Audiencelift, you’ll connect with the right audience and see real growth. Ready to amplify your voice? Click here to start your first campaign today! 🎙️