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Hey, Podcasters! 

Let’s be honest: everyone wants to know the secret to ranking higher in Apple Podcasts, but for years, no one really knew how it worked.

I’ve sat through countless conference sessions promising to “crack the code” on podcast SEO, and most turned out to be pure snake oil. But now we have credible data straight from Apple.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your show climb the charts and get discovered by more listeners, this one’s for you.

What Podcast SEO Means

Podcast SEO can refer to two things: 

• Improving your website’s visibility on Google or 
• Optimizing your show inside directories. 

We're going to focus on optimizing your show inside Apple Podcasts, which is where most listeners (about 70%!) discover new shows.

How Apple Podcasts Search Works

Apple ranks search results using three main factors:

Metadata
​Apple indexes your podcast name, episode titles, author tag, and channel name for search results. So you'll want to include clear, keyword-rich titles that describe your content! 

Popularity
​This one isn't a huge surprise: podcasts with more followers and plays rank higher. 

If you want to increase your popularity, add an Apple Smart Banner to your website so visitors can follow your show directly in Apple Podcasts. If you're using a Buzzsprout website, you already have one!

User Behavior
Apple rewards shows with active engagement, meaning the number of plays, follows, and episode completion rates. 

We've also learned these can be time sensitive, so promote new episodes right after release to boost early engagement.

Top Charts
If you're looking to climb the charts, momentum matters! 100 new followers in a day impacts rankings more than the same number spread out over a month. 

So you want to focus on promoting new episodes within the first 48 hoursto build traction!

Key Takeaways

• Use specific, keyword-aligned titles for your podcast and episodes
• Add Apple’s Smart Banner to drive followers
• Promote new episodes immediately to increase engagement

We break down these tips and more in the full guide on Podcast SEO.

Read Blog

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Hey, Podcasters! 

Coming off a long weekend can throw off your rhythm! Your schedule changes, your workflow shifts, and podcasting can feel harder to fit in.

With the holidays and more travel approaching, keeping your podcast on track can feel tough. But, staying consistent through the end of the year is easier than you think! 

So, here are some of my favorite ways to stay on top of my podcast when life gets busy: 

1. Keep Your Podcast With You
Buzzsprout for Mobile makes it easy to stay connected to your show, no matter where you are.

You can publish an episode while waiting to board a flight. Fix a typo in your show notes from the back of a rideshare. Or check your latest stats when a new notification pops up at dinner.

You’ll also get alerts when your episode goes live or your podcast hits a new milestone, so you never miss a moment worth celebrating!

I always make sure I have it downloaded before a trip so I can manage my show without having to lug around a computer!

Download Buzzsprout for Mobile

2. Build in Visual Reminders
When your schedule changes, it can be easy for your podcast to slip your mind. For me, a big help is visual reminders!

That’s where Buzzsprout's Home Screen Widgets come in. They give me real-time updates by just glancing at my phone. Which, to be honest, I'm already doing.

You can:

• See today’s downloads 
• Check last week’s performance at a glance
• Customize your screen with your podcast artwork 

Those small reminders help keep my show front and center even when my days look different.

Get Home Screen Widgets

3. Keep Your Momentum
You don’t need to overhaul your process to stay consistent, but adding a few key tools can make it that much easier to stay connected to your show during a busy season. 

For me, the Buzzsprout app and home screen widgets help track progress, celebrate milestones, and keep me creating through a packed calendar. 

So even though your routine may change, your podcast doesn’t have to!

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Hey, Podcasters! 

Podcasting is full of well-intentioned advice. Some of it helps, but sometimesit's a myth.

In our latest Buzzcast episode, Kevin, Jordan, and Alban unpack three common myths that often slow podcasters down and explain what actually moves a show forward.

Myth 1: You must launch with three episodes

This advice has been passed around for years. The theory is that more episodes mean more downloads and a better shot at being featured by Apple Podcasts.

But here's the thing: there is no official rule.

Apple does not require three episodes to launch or be featured. If it fits your format, launch with more than one. But many shows get featured with a single episode or a trailer.

If you do want to be featured, what helps most is submitting for promotion within the first six months of launch, choosing Monday as your feature date in Apple’s form, and having strong cover art and titles.

We break down the full myth on Buzzcast! 

Myth 2: You need expensive equipment to sound professional

High-end microphones are appealing but not required. A $70 Samson Q2U can sound nearly identical to a $600 studio mic with the right setup.

Focus first on the basics: a quiet room, proper technique, and simple editing will take you further than new gear.

Myth 3: There are too many podcasts

Podcasting might feel crowded, but most shows stop after a few episodes. 

You'd be surprised that only a fraction of podcasts release new episodes each month!

And podcast listenership keeps growing. There is still room for new, high-quality shows that serve a clear audience.

As Alban said on Buzzcast: “I always have room in my life for another podcast I love.”

You can also check out the Reddit discussion where podcasters shared this myth and others that almost stopped them from starting.

Takeaway

You do not need three episodes, a thousand-dollar mic, or perfect timing to launch. You need content that your audience values and the consistency to keep going.

If you want to hear more podcasting myths debunked, listen to the full Buzzcast episode! 

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That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

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Hey Podcasters!

Have you ever had an amazing idea for a show… only to get completely stuck on the name? 

You brainstorm a dozen options, check Apple Podcasts, and they’re all taken. Or worse, you find one you like, but it doesn’t really capture what your podcast is about.

Naming is one of the biggest roadblocks for new podcasters. Too clever, and no one can find it. Too generic, and it blends in. No wonder so many shows stall before they ever launch.

That’s why in this ​video​, we’re sharing what makes a strong podcast name:

• Clear over clever helps listeners instantly know what your show is about.
• Keep it short so your title is easier to say, share, and search.
• Long-term thinking can help you choose a name that grows with your show.
• Check availability to make sure you don't fall in love with a name that's already taken. 

And here’s more good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

We just launched a free ​Podcast Name Generator​ that makes the process easier (and faster).

Here’s how it works:

1. Enter your show description (plus tone and format, if you want).
2. Get a dozen tailored name ideas matched to your concept.
3. Each suggestion is instantly checked against The Podcast Index, so you’ll know if it’s unique.

Try the Podcast Name Generator

Naming your podcast doesn’t have to stall your progress. With the Podcast Name Generator, you can find a name that fits your show and sets you up for growth.

If you're looking for more ways to grow your show, be sure to check ​Podcasting Made Simple Live​ on October 16th. This is a premium virtual event for podcast hosts and guests that helps grow influence, revenue, and expertise. You can use code BUZZLIVE for a free ​ticket​! 

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Hey, Podcasters! 

When I launched my first podcast, I thought 1,000 downloads would unlock everything. I assumed advertisers would show up and the show would start paying for itself.

Instead, I found myself in the same spot as so many podcasters in the Buzzsprout Community: excited about growth, but unsure how to turn that momentum into real support.

The Ad Model Problem

Most of us start out thinking ad revenue is the finish line. The reality is that advertisers are looking for massive shows, and smaller podcasts are often left waiting.

That frustration came through loud and clear in a recent Reddit discussion. Podcasters with loyal audiences were struggling to land sponsorships because the numbers just didn’t look big enough on paper.

A Better Option

The good news is there’s another way. Subscriptions let you earn directly from the listeners who already love your show.

We recently talked about this shift on Buzzcast and how subscriptions can create consistent revenue that scales with your audience. 

Instead of chasing ads, you can build strong relationships with the people who care most about your work.

What Subscriptions Look Like

Every podcast does subscriptions differently. Some offer ad-free episodes, others share bonus content, and a few invite subscribers behind the scenes.

In our Facebook group conversation, creators traded ideas ranging from exclusive Q&As to early access for new episodes. If you can't decide, focus on giving your listeners more of what they already love!

Getting Started

Buzzsprout Subscriptions lets you set up a subscription for your podcast right in your Buzzsprout account. 

This video shows you exactly how to set it up, and you can launch with just a few supporters.

Here’s how to get started:

• Enable subscriptions in your Buzzsprout account.
• Decide what to offer your subscribers: ad-free episodes, bonus content, early access, or behind-the-scenes insights.
• Set your price or monthly amount.
• Share with your audience using your podcast, social media, or newsletter.
• Engage your subscribers with updates, shout-outs, or special content to keep them invested.

Even a small subscriber base can cover costs or fund your next creative project. That’s real progress without waiting to hit a specific milestone!

Podcasting will always evolve, but subscriptions give creators something ads don't: direct support from their community.

Launch Your Subscription

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Hey, Podcasters! 

Have you ever felt like your show just can’t pass a certain threshold, no matter how many downloads you’re getting? You're not alone! Every podcaster has been there at some point in their journey. 

Here’s the twist: downloads don’t always equal growth. 

You can have thousands of casual listeners and still feel stuck because the real driver of momentum isn’t more downloads, it’s deeper connections.

Growth comes when a small slice of your audience, even just 1–2%, turns into superfans. 

Superfans are loyal listeners who share your show, buy your merch, and even convince others to listen. They're key for growing your show! 

In this week’s ​Buzzcast​, we dig into what it takes to move listeners from casual to connected to superfan. 

Research shows it isn’t gimmicks, it’s psychology. 

Listeners form parasocial relationships with hosts, and the stronger the bond, the more likely they are to stay loyal and take action.

So how do you build those connections?

• Personalize your touchpoints by using names, responding to messages, and making listeners feel seen.
• Create magical moments with surprise shout-outs, bonus episodes, or early access.
• Build community spaces that help listeners connect with each other, not just you.
• Show up consistently to build trust, and that reliability will anchor loyalty.

Growth doesn’t come from chasing more downloads. It comes from deepening the relationships you already have. 

Turn a few listeners into superfans, and they’ll multiply your reach for you! Learn more on this week's ​episode of Buzzcast​. 

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Hey, Podcasters! 

If you’ve ever stayed up late scrubbing through waveforms, you know how podcast editing can easily go from a "quick polish” into an all-night project.

But the reality is, editing will take as much time as you give it. And that doesn't need to be a long time. 

Changing a few habits before and during recording can make the whole process faster and less stressful! 

Where to Start

Rethinking your workflow can feel overwhelming. It helps to begin with small changes:

• Capture clean audio up front by recording in a soft room, wearing headphones, or using a dynamic mic. 
• Always do a test recording even if it's just a 60-second test. This can save you hours of “surgical” editing later.
• Have an outline (not a script) to keep conversations focused and cut down tangents, which means less trimming afterward.

These shifts may seem small, but they add up quickly and free you to focus on the content instead of chasing every edit. 

For more of our top tips, check out this ​episode​ of Buzzcast.

Rethinking What “Good Editing” Means

A clean episode doesn’t mean perfect. 

The team at ​We Edit Podcasts​ reminds creators that the most sustainable edits focus on clarity, not scrubbing every “um.”

A natural conversation will always sound better than one that feels over-polished. They share more mindset tips on their ​blog​. 

What Podcasters Are Doing Differently

Podcasters spend an average of 3-8 hours editing their show. That’s a big commitment. And not always a practical one. 

In the​ Buzzsprout Facebook group​, podcasters have been swapping resourceful ways to save time.

Some clap or snap to mark mistakes, others coach guests to restart sentences, and many avoid crosstalk by nodding instead of chiming in. 

Little habits like these can take the pressure off and make editing feel less overwhelming!

Keep Podcasting

Editing will always take effort, but it doesn’t have to take over your week. 

The most important thing is building a process you can sustain for the long run because that’s what keeps your podcast growing.

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Hey, Podcasters! 

Every podcast is a brand, whether you planned it that way or not.

Your name, artwork, and content should all work together to show listeners exactly what your show is about.

But what happens when they don’t? Maybe your name locks you into one topic. Maybe it no longer fits your podcast. Or maybe… you just don’t like it anymore.

Good news, your podcast is allowed to evolve! That’s where rebranding, or sometimes just relaunching, comes in.

What’s a rebrand?​
Rebranding gives your show a new look and focus. This usually includes updating your podcast name and artwork. 

A rebrand gives your show a clearer concept without starting over from scratch. But, not every show needs one!

Considering a rebrand? Ask yourself:

• Does my current name still reflect my content?
• Am I serving the same audience, or shifting to a new one?
• Will this update make my show stronger than it is right now?

If you're pivoting to a totally different topic, a rebrand might be the answer. 

But, if you want to serve the same audience and strengthen your podcast, relaunching could be the right move instead!

What is a relaunch?
​A relaunch is when your show has been on a break and you want to give it a refresh with new episodes and a tighter focus.

​We actually just did this with our own show, Podcasting Q&A.

​Podcasting Q&A has been around for years, but hasn't produced new episodes in a while. So we're relaunching it with new episodes to better serve podcasters today! The best part? We kept our audience while making the show easier for new listeners to discover.

If you want to see what a relaunch looks like in action, now’s the perfect time: check out the new Podcasting Q&A podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

How to rebrand in Buzzsprout​
In Buzzsprout, rebranding is easy! You can update your podcast title and artwork in your Podcast Settings.

Then, Buzzsprout automatically pushes those updates to every directory. In just a few clicks, your new brand is live!

If you decide to rebrand, make sure you let your audience know. This Facebook thread discusses rebranding and has some advice on communicating this to your listeners!

And if you want more details, we have a full guide on how to rebrand a podcast.

A rebrand or relaunch doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means building a better version of the podcast you already love making! 

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Hey Podcasters! We just got back from Podcast Movement in Dallas, and it was awesome to connect with so many Buzzsprout podcasters in person!

This year’s conference introduced a new format with silent-disco style headphones and featured plenty of conversations about where podcasting is headed.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry, our producer Jordan sat down with top speakers to hear their best advice from the conference. From choosing the right monetization strategy to using SEO for discovery, the common theme was clear: small shifts in strategy can create big opportunities for growth.

You can hear all the takeaways and full conversations in this week’s ​episode of Buzzcast​. Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think!

And if you're looking for more on Podcast Movement 2025, check out ​@podcastmovement on Instagram​ for recaps of each day. 

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Hey Podcasters! 

Coming up with new episode ideas can feel easy in the beginning, but a few months in, it’s common to hit a wall. If you’ve ever sat down to record and thought, “What am I even going to talk about this week?” you’re not alone. 

In this week’s episode of Buzzcast, Jordan and Alban sit down with Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting to talk about how to never run out of ideas for your podcast. Dave’s been podcasting for over 20 years and has launched more than 30 shows, so he can relate to what it’s like to run out of ideas. But he also knows how to get inspired again.

The conversation covers everything from how to build an ongoing idea bank to how to stay in tune with your audience so your episodes always feel relevant. Dave also shares personal stories from his own shows, including times he’s rebranded or moved on to something new to keep content fresh. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re out of ideas or just out of motivation, this episode is for you! 

You can listen to the full episode ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think! 

And if you want even more inspiration, here are a few helpful resources for planning future content:

• ​How other podcasters plan topics to keep things fresh (Reddit)​
• ​How to keep creating when podcasting feels lonely (Reddit)​
• ​How to come up with episode ideas (The Podcast Host)​

My favorite takeaway from the episode is that podcasting gets easier when you stop chasing perfect ideas and start paying closer attention to your curiosity and your energy. Those are often where your best episodes start. 

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That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!