Podcasting is a powerful platform, but growing your audience and increasing downloads can be challenging. Whether you’re a new podcaster or an experienced one looking for better results, these expert strategies will help you gain traction and reach more listeners.
The Reality of Podcast Growth
Many podcasters struggle with inconsistent downloads, even with a loyal subscriber base. While social media and repurposing content can be helpful, they are not the most effective ways to grow a podcast. Instead, leveraging the right marketing tactics can significantly increase your reach and exposure.
Three Key Strategies to Increase Podcast Downloads
1. Leverage Guest Podcasting
Guest podcasting is one of the most powerful ways to reach new audiences. It is more effective than guest blogging because it allows you to:
- Showcase your expertise and personality through your voice.
- Receive an endorsement from the podcast host.
- Reach listeners already engaged with podcast content.
How to Find the Right Podcasts
- “You Might Also Like” Section – Check Apple Podcasts for suggestions related to your podcast.
- Category-Related Podcasts – Search within your industry to find similar shows.
- Audience-Related Podcasts – Look for niche podcasts where your content would be relevant to their listeners.
How to Get Invited as a Guest
- Start with podcasts hosted by people you know.
- Focus on what’s in it for the host and their audience.
- Name-drop gracefully if you’ve interviewed reputable guests before.
- Use services like Podcast Hawk to streamline your outreach.
2. Collaborate with Forum and Group Owners
Many podcast hosts underestimate the power of online communities. Instead of self-promoting in forums, a better approach is to interview the group owner or admin. This method is highly effective because:
- Group owners appreciate the recognition and are more likely to share your podcast.
- Their endorsement increases credibility and trust among their audience.
- It introduces your podcast to an engaged and relevant community.
How to Implement This Strategy
- Search for relevant groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other forums.
- Identify the admin or owner of the group.
- Reach out with a message offering to feature them on your podcast.
- Use a tool like SpeakPipe to collect short voice responses for an episode featuring multiple experts.
- Once the episode is live, the group owner is likely to share it, increasing your podcast’s visibility.
3. Use YouTube’s New RSS Feed Feature
YouTube recently launched a feature that allows podcasters to upload their audio-only podcast via RSS feed, making it accessible on YouTube and YouTube Music. This is a game-changer because:
- YouTube’s recommendation algorithm helps new listeners discover your content.
- It provides an alternative way for users to consume your podcast.
- You can reach audiences who may not use traditional podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
How to Upload Your Podcast to YouTube
- Go to YouTube Studio and click on Create > New Podcast.
- Choose Submit RSS Feed and enter your podcast’s RSS link from your hosting platform (e.g., Buzzsprout, Libsyn).
- Verify your feed, and YouTube will automatically update new episodes.
This strategy works even for audio-only podcasts and ensures that your content is available on one of the largest search engines in the world.
Bonus Tip: Increase Reviews Using Personalized Outreach
Having more podcast reviews helps build credibility and attract new listeners. Instead of making a general ask at the end of your episodes, use a personalized two-step approach:
- Ask listeners to engage – Post a question on social media like, “Who here listens to my podcast?” or “What was your favorite takeaway from the latest episode?”
- Follow up with a direct message – Thank them personally and ask for a review.
This approach makes listeners feel valued and increases the likelihood of them leaving a review.
Final Thoughts
Growing a podcast takes strategic effort, but by leveraging guest podcasting, collaborations with forum owners, and YouTube’s RSS feature, you can significantly increase your downloads. Stay consistent, focus on serving your audience, and experiment with new promotional methods to see what works best for your show.
