If your podcast is only growing because you’re paying for ads, you don’t actually have growth. You have inflated numbers. In this episode, we break down how to tell the difference between real audience growth and artificial traction, and why engagement matters more than reach. You’ll learn four proven, organic strategies to grow a podcast sustainably, attract real listeners, and build a show that converts without relying on ads.

Get your FREE Podcaster's Ultimate Guide to Social Media - https://www.podfluence.com/social-guideChapters00:00 Why ad-driven podcast growth is a dangerous illusion00:45 The simple test to know if your podcast is actually growing01:20 Boosting growth by improving click-through rate and audience retention02:05 How titles and thumbnails create a curiosity gap03:18 Why micro-testing thumbnails beats constant redesigns05:12 Turning curiosity into clicks with better teasers06:08 How to hook listeners in the first 30 seconds09:35 Rethinking podcast intros to keep attention11:59 Holding attention through real conversation, not scripted questions14:11 Why performance and energy matter more than perfection15:12 Using multiple hooks throughout your episode19:55 Growing your audience outside of podcast platforms22:00 Why social media algorithms are essential for podcast growth24:27 The risks of relying too heavily on platforms you don’t own26:27 When Patreon, Skool, and communities make sense28:49 Sustainable, organic podcast growth without adsSEO Keywordspodcast growth strategiesorganic podcast growthhow to grow a podcastpodcast marketing without adsincrease podcast engagementclick through rate podcastpodcast audience retentionYouTube podcast growthpodcast thumbnails and titlespodcast teasers and hookspodcast monetization strategiesbuilding a podcast audiencepodcast promotion on social mediasustainable podcast growth