Social Media Decoded

How to Grow a Podcast Audience from Scratch: The 2025 Playbook


Listen Later

Want to build a loyal podcast audience in 2025—starting from zero? In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down her proven podcast growth playbook, covering exactly how to get your first 1,000 downloads, the biggest mistakes most podcasters make, and easy visibility hacks that work for anyone, no matter your experience or following. If you want to get found, get shared, and turn your show into a thriving community, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:
  • The reality of podcasting in 2025 (and why “just posting” isn’t enough)
  • The one-sentence promise every podcast needs
  • How to create bingeable, searchable episodes listeners can’t resist
  • Why consistent publishing matters (and how to batch like a pro)
  • The power of shareable episodes, shoutouts, and community-building
  • How to tap into other people’s audiences to accelerate growth
  • Repurposing your podcast for Reels, Shorts, and LinkedIn
  • Visibility hacks for all ages and backgrounds—no fame required!
  • Real examples from Michelle’s own clients and listeners
  • Simple steps to avoid “podfade” and build momentum
  • Action Steps:
    • Define your show’s promise and who it’s for
    • Brainstorm 3 “pillar episodes” and give them SEO-friendly titles
    • Repurpose each episode into 2–3 social posts this week
    • Pitch yourself to another podcast (or ask a friend for a swap)
    • Screenshot this episode, share on IG or Threads, and tag @socialmediadecodedpod

      Links & Resources:
      • Book your Power Hour (Podcast Strategy) HERE

      • Podcast Launch Kit

        • Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:
          • Instagram: @michellelthames
          • Threads: @michellelthames
          • LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames
          • YouTube: Michelle L Thames
          • Podcast: Social Media Decoded
          • Book a Power Hour Strategy Session HERE
          • Free 7 Day Authority Shift: Private Audio Experience
          • Story Strategy Guide (Free Download): HERE
          • Shop the Visible & Booked Merch Collection: HERE
          • Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
          • Share This Episode!

            Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
            Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips!

          • Share This Episode!

            Screenshot this episode and tag @michellelthames with your biggest takeaway.
            Share your thoughts on Spotify comments or on Threads—Michelle loves featuring listener wins and tips! Instagram: @michellelthames

            Podcast growth 2025, how to start a podcast, grow your podcast audience, Michelle Thames, Social Media Decoded podcast, podcast strategy for beginners, podcast marketing, how to get podcast listeners, audio content tips


            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            ...more
            View all episodesView all episodes
            Download on the App Store

            Social Media DecodedBy Michelle Thames

            • 5
            • 5
            • 5
            • 5
            • 5

            5

            180 ratings


            More shows like Social Media Decoded

            View all
            The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast by Pat Flynn

            The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

            3,457 Listeners

            Earn Your Happy by Lori Harder | YAP Media

            Earn Your Happy

            2,787 Listeners

            Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media by Brock Johnson

            Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media

            2,622 Listeners

            Social Media Marketing Podcast by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner

            Social Media Marketing Podcast

            1,437 Listeners

            The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield

            The Amy Porterfield Show

            4,597 Listeners

            The Side Hustle Show by Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation | YAP Media

            The Side Hustle Show

            1,581 Listeners

            Side Hustle Pro by Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media

            Side Hustle Pro

            1,771 Listeners

            The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

            The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

            12,074 Listeners

            Social Media Marketing Talk Show by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner

            Social Media Marketing Talk Show

            84 Listeners

            The Product Boss: Business Coaching for Product-Based Female Entrepreneurs by Jacqueline Snyder

            The Product Boss: Business Coaching for Product-Based Female Entrepreneurs

            893 Listeners

            How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy by Lizzie Smiley

            How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy

            317 Listeners

            The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

            The Mel Robbins Podcast

            20,221 Listeners

            BigDeal by Codie Sanchez

            BigDeal

            786 Listeners

            Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie by Shannon McKinstrie

            Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

            126 Listeners

            AI Explored by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner—AI marketing

            AI Explored

            87 Listeners