7 Simple Strategies to Grow Your Podcast Audience and Get Them To Hear It!
So you finally did it. You started your podcast, you recorded episodes, and they sound awesome. You’re proud of your content. But there’s just one problem: no one seems to know it exists. Your audience isn’t growing, and you’re left wondering, How do I actually get people to hear my podcast?
You’re not alone. In fact, most podcasters face this challenge at some point. Creating a podcast is one thing; getting it into the ears of listeners is a whole other game. The good news? There are actionable steps you can take to grow your audience and get your podcast the attention it deserves.
Here are 7 simple strategies to help you boost your podcast’s visibility and reach new listeners:
1. Optimize Your Podcast for Search
People can’t listen to what they can’t find. Just like a website or YouTube video, your podcast needs to be optimized for search engines.
Keywords Matter: Use relevant keywords in your podcast title, episode titles, and descriptions. Think about what your ideal listener might type into a search bar.
Write Descriptive Show Notes: Your show notes should include keywords and a clear description of what the episode is about. This helps your podcast rank better in search results on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and even Google.
Use Relevant Tags: Platforms like Spotify allow you to tag your episodes with categories and subcategories. Choose tags that are specific to your niche.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “If someone didn’t know my show existed, what would they search to find a podcast like mine?”
2. Leverage Social Media Like a Pro
If you’re not promoting your podcast on social media, you’re leaving listeners on the table.
Tease Episodes: Share short, engaging clips or soundbites from your episodes. Videos and audiograms (visual posts with audio) are eye-catching and shareable.
Be Consistent: Don’t just post when a new episode drops. Use your platforms to engage with your audience regularly.
Join Groups and Conversations: Participate in Facebook Groups, LinkedIn forums, or Twitter chats where your ideal listeners hang out. Don’t spam them with links; instead, build genuine connections.
Ask Your Guests to Share: If you interview guests, ask them to share the episode with their followers. Provide them with pre-made graphics or audiograms to make it easy.
3. Make Your Podcast Easy to Share so people can hear it!
Your audience can be your biggest promoters… if you give them the tools to share your show.
Create Shareable Graphics: Use tools like Canva to make quote cards or episode highlights.
Add Call-to-Actions (CTAs): At the end of each episode, encourage listeners to share your podcast with friends or on social media. A simple, “If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might love it too!” goes a long way.
Offer Incentives: Contests or giveaways can encourage listeners to share your show. For example, “Share this episode on Instagram and tag us to win a free consultation/product!”
4. Collaborate With Other Podcasters
The podcasting world thrives on collaboration. Working with others in your niche helps you tap into new audiences.
Cross-Promote Episodes: Reach out to other podcasters to swap shoutouts or guest appearances.
Host Podcast Swaps: Offer to appear as a guest on their show, and invite them to appear on yours.
Recommend Other Podcasts: Build goodwill with your audience and other creators by recommending shows you love.
Remember: Podcast listeners often listen to multiple shows. Promoting other podcasts doesn’t steal your audience—it can grow it.
5. Start an Email List
Social media is great, but your email list is the one channel you truly own. Build a loyal following by keeping your audience in the loop.
Send Regular Updates: Announce new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming guests.
Provide Exclusive Content: Give your subscribers bonus material, like extended interviews, PDFs, or tips they can’t get anywhere else.
Use a Simple Call-to-Action: Mention your email list in your episodes. For example, “Join my free email list for updates and exclusive content at [your website URL]!”
6. Get Listed Everywhere
If you’re only on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you’re missing out. Make sure your podcast is available on as many platforms as possible.
Submit your show to directories like Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and iHeartRadio.
Don’t forget YouTube! Even if you don’t have a video podcast, you can upload audio episodes with a static image or audiogram.
7. Ask for Reviews and Ratings
Reviews can do wonders for your podcast’s credibility and visibility. Most platforms, like Apple Podcasts, consider ratings and reviews when recommending shows.
Be Direct: Don’t be afraid to ask your listeners for reviews. Try saying, “If you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love it if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It really helps others discover the show!”
Make It Easy: Share a direct link to your podcast’s review page in your show notes or social media bios.
Show Gratitude: Shout out listeners who leave reviews to show you appreciate their support.
Final Thoughts: Your Audience Is Out There—Now Go Find Them
Growing your podcast takes effort, but it’s absolutely doable. Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, and use these strategies to spread the word. Remember, the key is consistency and genuine connection.
Your listeners are out there. They’re searching for exactly what you’re offering—they just need to find you. So get out there, share your voice, and watch your podcast grow.
Want More Help Growing Your Podcast? At Vegas Podcast Studios, we help podcasters just like you create high-quality audio and video that stands out. From recording to editing, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on sharing your story.
[Schedule a Free 45-Minute Consultation Today!]
Great points and ideas.