<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, I get into the impact of taking an extended break from podcasting and how it affects your show’s growth, audience engagement, and completion rates. Here are the main takeaways:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;I discuss a situation where a podcast grew to 500 downloads per episode but lost half its audience after taking a year-long break. Even with improved audio quality and more polished episodes after returning, both downloads and completion rates suffered.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Consistency is key. I emphasize how taking long breaks can significantly set you back, comparing it to putting your finger in a leaky bucket – once you take it out, the water (your audience) drains away.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Switching to a biweekly episode schedule can help maintain consistency if that’s all you can manage with your workload, but it may slow growth.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you notice completion rates dropping, it’s a sign something may not connect with your current content. Sometimes we’re too close to our own work, so getting outside feedback is crucial.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;I suggest finding a friend or colleague who matches your target audience to get honest feedback on your episodes.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Numbers don’t lie! Data can reveal hard truths that help you improve.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you need help starting, growing, or monetizing your podcast, I offer consulting at &lt;a href="https://schoolofpodcasting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;School of Podcasting&lt;/a&gt;. Use the coupon code &lt;strong&gt;listener&lt;/strong&gt; for a discount!&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;You can also check out &lt;a href="https://podcasthotseat.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;Podcast Hot Seat&lt;/a&gt;, which currently includes a Black Friday deal with a free month at the School of Podcasting.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re looking for feedback, growth strategies, or just a friendly ear that understands the journey – I’m here to help! Let’s see what we can accomplish together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;URLs mentioned:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://schoolofpodcasting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;School of Podcasting&lt;/a&gt; (Coupon Code: listener)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://podcasthotseat.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;Podcast Hot Seat&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks for listening! I can’t wait to help you take your podcast to the next level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mentioned in this episode:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get Your Show Growing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I once had a typo in the name of my show. I didn't see it. I'm too close. Your show may have some things that need polish. Get an objective overview at www.podcasthostseat.com AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://your-podcast-consultant.captivate.fm/hotseat"&gt;Podcas Hot Seat&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy</description>

Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Dave Jackson

Losing Momentum: Rebuilding Your Podcast After a Long Hiatus

NOV 28, 20259 MIN
Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes

Losing Momentum: Rebuilding Your Podcast After a Long Hiatus

NOV 28, 20259 MIN

Description

In this episode, I get into the impact of taking an extended break from podcasting and how it affects your show’s growth, audience engagement, and completion rates. Here are the main takeaways:

  • I discuss a situation where a podcast grew to 500 downloads per episode but lost half its audience after taking a year-long break. Even with improved audio quality and more polished episodes after returning, both downloads and completion rates suffered.
  • Consistency is key. I emphasize how taking long breaks can significantly set you back, comparing it to putting your finger in a leaky bucket – once you take it out, the water (your audience) drains away.
  • Switching to a biweekly episode schedule can help maintain consistency if that’s all you can manage with your workload, but it may slow growth.
  • If you notice completion rates dropping, it’s a sign something may not connect with your current content. Sometimes we’re too close to our own work, so getting outside feedback is crucial.
  • I suggest finding a friend or colleague who matches your target audience to get honest feedback on your episodes.
  • Numbers don’t lie! Data can reveal hard truths that help you improve.
  • If you need help starting, growing, or monetizing your podcast, I offer consulting at School of Podcasting. Use the coupon code listener for a discount!
  • You can also check out Podcast Hot Seat, which currently includes a Black Friday deal with a free month at the School of Podcasting.

If you’re looking for feedback, growth strategies, or just a friendly ear that understands the journey – I’m here to help! Let’s see what we can accomplish together.

URLs mentioned:


Thanks for listening! I can’t wait to help you take your podcast to the next level.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Show Growing

I once had a typo in the name of my show. I didn't see it. I'm too close. Your show may have some things that need polish. Get an objective overview at www.podcasthostseat.com AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting

Podcas Hot Seat



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy