School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually the very thing that could help it last—and make it more rewarding? This week, I look into why having a smaller, passionate, and loyal audience often leads to more meaningful wins (personally and professionally) than simply racking up big download numbers. If you want to learn how to create enduring engagement, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with listeners in a way that actually matters, this episode is for you.Here’s what I cover in this week’s “Podcast Stew” styled episode (which includes chapters).1000 True FansWhy a “thousand true fans” might just be your biggest business advantage (and how focusing on your core audience beats chasing the casual crowd).Lessons from YouTube experts (Rocks Codes, Stephen Bartlett, Mr. Beast, Marques Brownlee) on where to put your energy if you want to succeed, and the role thumbnails, titles, and discovery play in growth My thoughts on competing with “the big guys” - what you should (and shouldn’t) compare against, and why joy matters Independent vs. networked podcasting: Candid stories from the Young and Profiting team, the Midas Touch podcast, and why control is crucial The truth about monetization—when is the right time (and why “3% conversion” is the real number to expect) Behind the curtain of podcast business stats: Lessons from Goal Hanger, ad revenue, and memberships Platform realities: Spotify’s “walled garden,” why I recommend “anybody but Spotify” for hosting, and insights from James Cridland at Podnews The importance of fun and fulfillment: advice from LeBron James and Charlie Puth on why loving the work is the true engine for longevity How to effectively use calls-to-action: Taking lessons from an Audible ad in “Project Hail Mary” and why going “deeper” with your fans matters Links mentioned this week:School of PodcastingPodpagePodnews Report CardHow to Pitch a Podcast Show (Coming Soon!).Creators Hub in SpotifyApple Podcasts HubWhether you’re launching, growing, or just rethinking your show’s direction, this episode is packed with honest stories and actionable advice, plus a dash of inspiration to help you stay true to your voice and audience. As always, if you want to go deeper, join the free School of PodcastingThanks for listening! Don’t forget to share with a friend who needs a reminder that influence starts with true connection.Mentioned in This ShowOxford Road The Media Roundtable EpisodeSound Off Podcast  (Matt Cundill interviews Doug Downs)Why MKBHD Told Netflix: "Don't Bother on Jon Youshaei channelWhat Podcasting Can Learn From YouTube Growth with Rox Codes (Podbiz with Norma Jean Belenky)Lisa Kudrow on Vanity Fair ChannelSounds Profitable The DownloadJames Cridland on Spotify's Features "Coming Soon."Jordan Harbinger Talks YouTube on New Media Show with Rob GreenleeCharlie Puth on Rick Beato ChannelProject Hail Mary TrailerBig Lash Energy InterviewAudible (aff link)Mentioned in this episode:See Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.PodpageQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthLive AppearancesI will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location.Where Will I Be?Join the School of Podcasting Today - Your Future Self Will Thank YouStepping out of your comfort zone isn't easy, but at the School of Podcasting, we're here to make it feel like second nature. With our expertly crafted courses and an incredible community, you're never alone in your journey. From planning and launching to growing your podcast, I’ll be right by your side every step of the way. Remember, every podcast episode builds connections and opens doors to future opportunities. Take action today, and let your future self reap the rewards.School of Podcasting

If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back. ParticipantsYou’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg Podcast), Steve Stewart (podcast editor extraordinaire), Todd ‘the Gator’ (Guardian Down Roundtable, Lessons in the Rear View), and York (Welcome to Earth Stories) as they unpack the habits that drive them nuts: from bad audio and buried leads to ad overload, lazy interview questions, sloppy terminology, and more. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what turns listeners off - and how to fix it. I’ll also share my own take on ads, monetization, and why a little creativity can still set your show apart in 2026The Most Popular Pet PeevesToo many/poorly placed ads (especially mid-roll and early heavy ad blocks)Not getting to the point / burying the lead / unclear episode directionLack of preparation (hosts winging it, talking in circles, not prepping guests)Sloppy language and terminology (“podcast” vs “episode,” “podcasting” vs “podcasts,” RSS vs not)Wasting listener time with meta-chatter, overlong intros, and “Tell me about yourself” questionsI do this question every year, and as you might imagine, this list doesn't change much. This year seems like advertisements were the top peeve.Is Everyone Going to use the "YouTube Annoying Your Audience to Death" strategy, and use tools like Supercast and Patreon, and offer an ad-free version?Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of PodcastingPodpage - Podcast WebsitesThe Pharmacist's VoiceThe Perrysburg PodcastSteve StewartPodcast Editors AcademyWelcome to Earth StoriesGuardian Down RoundtableLessons in the Rear ViewAsk the Podcast CoachPodcasting Observations (Dave's Newsletter)School of Podcasting Follow PagePatreonSupercastOP3 Open Source StatsTruefans.FMMentioned in this episode:Get Some Feedback On Your Show“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself. It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.” School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthGive Your Podcast A HomeWhen you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.Podpage

The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining.New Free TierWe’re adding a free tier, more courses, and even a way for you to connect with podcasting experts. This is all about making the podcasting journey smoother and more accessible for everyone.Brenden and I have a vision for the future, and it’s about empowering you to take your podcasting game to the next level. If you’ve ever wanted to launch a podcast, or if you’re already knee-deep in it and looking for ways to monetize, we’ve got you covered. We’re building a community where you can learn, grow, and thrive, and I’m more excited than ever to be a part of your podcasting journey.So, let’s get to work and see what we can do together!My Favorite CRMI'm not making this up. My favorite CRM is call "Less Annoying CRM. Its s a simple, no-frills customer relationship management tool built specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by complex CRMs. It focuses on the essentials: tracking contacts, managing leads, organizing tasks, and keeping a clear sales pipeline (although I don't use the pipleline tool)Takeaways:This week, we celebrated the acquisition of the School of Podcasting by PodPage, which is a huge deal.I went from living in my brother's basement after a divorce to running a successful podcasting business, talk about an upgrade.Relationships are key in podcasting; it's wild how many people you meet that can help you out.We’re excited to expand the School of Podcasting, bringing more courses and experts for everyone to learn from.This merger means more time and resources to create better content for our community, so stay tuned!Don't worry, if you’re already a member, nothing changes except for more value coming your way!Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compodpage.compodnews.netLess Annoying CRMLast week's episode on Podcasting SEOPodSEOHeartbeat - Community and Courses PlatformMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthQuit Thinking About It and START THAT PODCASTIf you have ever turned down the radio to hear your phone in the car, you know how to mix audio. If you have ever attached a photo to an email, you know how to upload an mp3 to a media host. Deleting text in Word is the same as delete audio in audacity. Yes, there is a learning curve but it's not as scary as you think. I'll be there the whole way, and you can join worry free with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingSee Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.Podpage

When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO (Podcast Search Optimization).Podcast Search Optimization VS Search Engine OptimizationSo what is the difference? In reality not much. Tools like Podseo and PSO and Ausha show you information on how often keywords are being search in Apple and Spotify (and others). SEO tools show what people are searching for in Google and other places (YouTube, TikTok, and more).So THE question is, do people search differently in a Podcast App vs how they search Google? For me, I don't think so. I might just type a keyword "Podcasting Best Practices" where in Google I would type "Podcasting Best Practices Podcast."Keyword Research Boils Dow To ThisFind a keyword that has a fair number of people searching for (somewhere between 20-100 searches), and see how much competition it has. Instead of trying to score for a really popular keyword, score multiple times with less popular (but still be sought after) key words with less competition. Mom said "Don't go play in traffic," but that's what you need to do - but no on the free way.What is Your Domain Authority?SEMRush (a great suite of tools) has a domain authority checker.Tools To Boost Your Podcast SEO on the WebFree Keyword Tool (That Sucks IMHO)https://www.wordstream.com/keywordsGoogle Keyword Tool (Inside of Adsense Account)https://ads.google.comGo to Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner (Free and unlimited use)Keywords Everywhere Extension for Chrome and Firefox $7/month. Helps you measure traffic and competition for keywords.https://keywordseverywhere.com/Also Asked (see what people are asking)1 Free search a Day or $12/monthhttps://alsoasked.com/Answer Socrates 3 searches a day$15/month gets you 100 searches a monthhttps://answersocrates.comUbsersuggestShows key word competition and more. It's a suite of tools to help find keywords, and write articles.$29/month.$290 Lifetime (credits thanks to AI)https://ubersuggest.comSERankingA full suite of tools that helps you create content, competitor comparisons and more. $129/monthhttps://www.sewranking.comSEMRUSHConsider by many people to be "THE" suite of SEO tools (especially finding tools that your competitor is not using, and you should). $139/monthhttps://www.semrush.comPage Audit Chrome ExtensionA chrome extension that shows all sorts of information about a page so you can then write a similar page that will rank better.Chrome ExtensionTwo Tools Dedicated For Podcast SEOWhile I'm not sure there is much difference between SEO and PSO, there two tools dedicated for podcasts.PSO from AushaThis tool has some nice features, but it also left me frustrated. If you give me seven days to test the tool, give me access to ALL OF IT. I mean every marketer knows that you give it to the customer and let them "get hooked" so when their trial is over they will purchase.I couldn't do that as much of the tools spotlighted required me to upgrade. Boo.That being said it does show how much a keyword is searched for (not as specific as some tools for web seo). It also shows you how hard to competition is.Keep in mind that you need to give your dashboard 24 hours to show some statistics in your dashboard.Ausha PSO (affiliate)PodSEOThis is from Andrea De Marsi (Co-founder of Spreaker) and Francesco Baschieri (Co-founder of Spreaker) and it has a similar feature set to the ausha tool.You can save 10% using the coupon schoolofpodcasting. (affiliate)I thought it was very cool that Podseo alerted me to the mistake that I had accidentally listed my show twice in Spotify (I moved from Libsyn to Captivate - nuff said).It has some cool episode planners, and is cheaper than Ausha PSO. Their AI tools looks at your episodes and recommend future ideas and then helps you plan them, and has a calendar showing when the episodes were released.They also can send you daily updates on your rankings or your competition.Check it out at podseo.com and use the coupon schoolofpodcasting to save 10%Because of My Podcast: Paul ColliganPaul is a huge theater nerd, and loves the musical Chess. There was a version that was awful, but never got to see it. Then he let a library in NYC know he was a podcaster. Then he got access to videos that the public hasn't seen - because he had a podcast. Check out Paul at https://podcastpartnership.com/Other Items MentionedTurn AI Into Your Personal Podcast Analyst! on BuzzcastSEO for People Who Don't Like SEO PodcastPodpage - Websites for PodcastersCaptivate - AI Tools Help You Choose Episode TopicsOura Ring - Body Measurement via a RingJust One Tip PodcastBig Lash Energy Episode 201Big Lash Interview on Last Week's EpisodeThis content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Mentioned in this episode:Question of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthWant to Make Some Money with Your Podcast?Pick up any book on podcast monetization, and you will find 90 percent of it only covers how to launch a podcast. If you already have a podcast, you have that information; you’re ready for the next step. Profit from Your Podcast provides top strategies and real-life examples of podcast monetization. This book is more than what to do. It also tells you how to do it. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/bookProfit From Your Podcast

Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting.It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downloads you might say she's unstoppable.Do You Need a Video Podcast?The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling.As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee.Always Be EntertainingJayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement.She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself.The Power of Being AuthenticThis episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it.Mentioned In This EpisodeBig Lash Energy PodcastUnder the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)Faking the "OH!" Face8 Super Annoying Things That Men DoI Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording)Jayna's Makeup Site & InstagramSticker Mule (For Car Decals)Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type toolFourth Wall Create MerchPodpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To CodeTim Wohlberg's Just the Tip PodcastPodcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:Lead with vulnerability and authenticitySharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.Serve your audience with purposeFocus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you.Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out thereCreativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.Make sure every episode has a clear purposeAim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.Prioritize storytelling and strong writingCompelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.Break up solo shows with production elementsUse sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.Collaborate closely with your editorBuild a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.Release episodes on a consistent scheduleConsistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.Build and engage a communityFoster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.Be intentional about monetization and adsConsider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.Leverage your podcast to support your main businessUse your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.Save and revisit listener feedbackKeep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wearStrong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing.Be creative with your marketing strategies:Utilize unconventional ideas, such as:Sharing your podcast link in dating biosSetting up at relevant trade showsDistributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodesBranding your car with podcast info and QR codesTrack your promotional resultsUse QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts.Encourage value-for-value supportMake it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating.Host in-person events for your audienceCreate memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz.Promote episodes long after release with social postsShare throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads.Show your creative process on social mediaBuild anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged.Know your target audience and stay on-brandBe clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding.Prepare thoroughly before launchingStudy podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience.Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lessonOnly open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them.Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivatedCelebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you goingAlways Research Your Guest (from Dave)The question AI gave me to interview Jayna were nothing compared to the questions that came up after I listened to her show.Mentioned in this episode:See Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.PodpageQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthWorry Free PodcastingAre you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.School of Podcasting