Today we're diving deep into the world of podcast growth and unraveling the secrets behind creating a successful show. I'm tackling the podcast growth equation and providing valuable insights for all you aspiring podcasters out there.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your podcast to the next level, we've got you covered. We'll be breaking down the key elements that contribute to podcast growth, sharing practical tips, and shedding light on some common pitfalls to avoid.

From clarifying your podcast goals and identifying your target audience to crafting compelling content, we'll explore it all. We'll also dive into the importance of building relationships with your audience, seeking feedback, and making strategic decisions when it comes to monetization.

1. It's not the tech. You can use a Samson Q2U or an Audio Technica ATR2100X microphone (both under 100)
2. Figure out WHY you are podcasting (be seen as an expert, make money, get the word out, grow your network...)
3. Figure out WHO your audience is. Get specific. For example, "widows" is not specific enough, as a 70-year-old widow is different than a 32-year-old widow who lost their partner in a war.
4. Then figure out WHAT to talk about that will hold the attention of the WHO and inspire them in a way that helps you achieve your why.
5. Get ready to do it for free for a few years if the goal is monetization.
6. Less than 10% of podcasts have enough downloads to get "big" sponsors. If your show has a hyper niche topic, you might have a better chance as your niche will eliminate the need for GIANT numbers (10K downloads per episode) because you have the RIGHT people listening.
7. Starring at your stats will not make your downloads grow. Starring at your audience will. Spend $100 on a mic and 100 hours getting to know your audience.
8. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Most podcast promotion (social) brings in a trickle. Go to where your audience is and make friends. THEN tell them about your show. You grow your show one listener at a time. Ask your audience to share and have links to Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon on YOUR website (and yes, you need one).
9. Don't promote your show until you have someone not named Mom to listen to it and give you honest feedback. Go into recording the first episodes knowing you will delete most of them. Authors have rough drafts. Athletes have pre-season. The first thing(s) you record will need some tweaking.
10. When picking names either for your show or episodes ask yourself, "What would make the audience click more?"
11. It's not the media host. While some hosts have easier-to-use interfaces and make promotion easier, in the end, it is your content that grows the audience. The equation for downloads is downloads = value X promotion. No amount of promotion will grow a bad show. The second Avengers movie still had a marketing budget, and everyone in the world was waiting for it. You need to promote your show, "Building it and they will come" is a bald-faced lie.

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