Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategy for Business Growth

Struggling to convert listeners into clients? Learn the three common mistakes that might be costing you. Discover why it's crucial to sell problems rather than solutions to ignite interest. Uncover a powerful technique to keep your audience hooked, along with an eight-segment framework that structures episodes for maximum engagement. Finally, get tips on creating anticipation for your next release, ensuring listeners keep coming back for more!

If you’re an online business owner, consultant, or expert who’s ever wondered whether you should offer a podcast subscription for your listeners, this is the episode for you. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of paid podcast subscriptions, and I'll give you the answers to questions you can't find on Google, like:→ "How do paid podcast subscriptions actually work?"→ "What are the pros and cons of offering paid podcast subscriptions?"→ "Will offering a paid podcast subscription increase listener engagement, or will it take away from my total podcast downloads?"→ "How much money can I make from offering a paid podcast subscription?"...and a few more things about podcast subscriptions the big players like Apple and Spotify don’t want you to know.Because when you're managing a podcast alongside your business, every minute counts. So if you want to learn whether a paid podcast subscription is the right strategy for your show or just another shiny object, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:02 - Should You Offer Subscription-Based Podcast Content?3:08 - Will Offering Paid Content Hurt Your Downloads?7:30 - Creative Ways to Monetize Without Creating Extra Content10:15 - The Hidden Costs of Offering Paid Podcast Subscriptions15:29 - How Much Can Paid Subscriptions Actually Earn You?19:00 - What Apple and Spotify Don’t Tell You About Podcast Subscriptions Special thanks to Philip, host of Wits & Weights, for submitting today's question! → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Are you toying with the idea of starting a podcast, but worried people won't want to hear what you have to say? Or maybe you already started your show, but your throat still feels tight every time you hit the record button.If this is you, you're not alone. (Case in point: I *still* struggle with this sometimes.) The reality? That voice of self-doubt will be there at every new level you achieve.So it's not about getting rid of self-doubt... It's about learning how to quiet it so that it doesn't prevent you from sharing your message.I've got renowned mindset expert and accomplished podcaster Lucy Liu in the studio with me to unpack the common, but often unacknowledged mental obstacles that we face as podcasters.Whether it's the fear of putting yourself out there or the persistent doubts that creep in during recording sessions, we'll equip you with the tools to navigate these challenges head-on.Ready to unlock the full potential of your podcast and hone your ability to influence people and create meaningful change in the world with your voice? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.1:33 - How to Overcome the Fear of Starting a Podcast3:12 - Why Clarity Beats Speed in Your Podcast Journey8:15 - How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot Your Podcast9:45 - Why Self-Doubt Never Really Goes Away (And What to Do About It)11:24 - How to Build the Confidence You Need to Succeed as a Podcaster Episode Links:Check out Lucy's podcast: The Lucy Liu Show → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Tell me if this sounds familiar...→ You publish at least one new podcast episode every week without fail... but you’re still getting less than 1000 downloads per episode (despite doing literally everything the experts say you need to do to grow your show)→ People tell you they love your podcast but no one has left a review on your show in the last 30 days→ You check your analytics dashboard every week but haven't seen a significant increase in downloads or listens in the last three months→ Even though you know the content you share in every episode is highly valuable, only one or two listeners have ever reached out asking how to work with youIf you're like, UM YES THIS IS ME, then you've probably also been told that that podcasting is a long game and that you just need to stay consistent and give it more time.But have you ever asked yourself why it's not working? ... there's a reason why.And after helping over 95% of our clients break the Top 100 in their categories, we've found it's often because your podcast is missing something called a "core differentiator" . Or in other words, a way of communicating to your listener why your show is the one they need to listen to.We both know you're here to add real value and make meaningful change in people's lives. So to save you 4+ years of figuring this out the hard way like I did, I recorded this episode for you. :) Ready to learn how to fix it so you can reach more people who need to hear your message? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.4:16 - Why Consistency Won’t Grow Your Podcast (And What Will)3:10 - Identifying and Understanding Your Listener's Problems6:41 - Making Your Podcast Stand Out in a Crowded Niche9:15 - Communicating Your Podcast's Unique Value10:42 - The Key First Step to a Top 100 Podcast18:33 - Getting Listeners to Choose Your Show Over Others  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You've heard of content repurposing: taking your podcast episodes and converting them into bite-sized clips to share on short-form platforms.In theory it's supposed to help you expand your reach and drive traffic back to your podcast. But in reality? Now you're spending hours scouring through endless AI-generated clips and adding flashy effects and captions at the expense of all the other things you need to do in your business (you know, like sales and client delivery).What's worse is that you have zero way of knowing if all this work is doing anything to drive traffic back to your podcast. (not much, from the looks of your 30-day downloads).I'm breaking down three reasons your content repurposing efforts are falling flat, and give you three uncommon strategies the pros use to create viral content that commands attention and drives traffic back to your show.So if you're over posting podcast video clips to social media (or heck, throwing the whole episode up on YouTube), only to get a couple hundred views and no likes or comments — hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.0:02 - Why Repurposing Podcast Content for Social Media Misses the Mark5:07 - The Counterintuitive Approach to Podcast Content Repurposing 12:36 - How Connor Price Hit 1 Billion Streams with Creative Content15:01 - Why Vanity Metrics Are Killing Your Podcast Growth16:09 - 3 Steps to Repurpose Podcast Content for Higher Engagement21:52 - Use This Key Strategy to Drive Social Media Traffic to Your Podcast Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Grow Your Podcast by Changing How You Use Email Marketing  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Most people think today’s top podcasters are successful because they have a massive audience, professional audio, and this seemingly effortless ability to pump out high-quality content. But when you think of successful podcasts like "Serial" or "The Joe Rogan Experience”, it’s not ~just~ the audio quality or even the content itself that draws people in and keeps them coming back. (Because if that were true, then everyone with a $100+ mic who releases high-quality episodes every week would be in the Top 100 and we both know that’s not the case).But, today’s top podcasts DO have four things in common — and one of the most important? A strong podcast brand that compels listeners to choose *your* show over others like yours.But podcast branding is much more than cover art and a catchy show title. Which is why I invited co-hosts Tonya Eberhart and Michael Carr of the top ranked Be Bold Branding podcast to join me in this episode so we can help you nail the invisible elements of your podcast brand and create a show listeners can’t ignore.Ready to learn the first steps you need to build a powerful podcast brand that commands attention? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:03 - Unexpected Ways Your Identity Boosts Your Brand 4:49 - The Top Mistake That’s Causing Listeners to Overlook Your Podcast 5:13 - Why Mixing Personal Branding With Your Podcast Hurts You 9:34 - What to Do If Your Podcast Outgrows Your Brand 12:51 - Why Broad Podcasting Approaches Are Outdated Episode Links:Check out Tonya and Michael's podcast: Be Bold Branding  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

If watching other successful hosts and imitating what they do was the secret to a successful podcast, then everyone who's mirrored another successful host would have a Top 100 podcast… and we both know that's not the case.But how exactly *do* you steer clear of the Podcast Comparison Trap when it feels like other podcasts are the only benchmark for measuring your show's success?In this eye-opening episode of Listener Q + A, we’ll unpack why the Podcast Comparison Trap happens, the 5 telltale signs that listeners are overlooking your show, and how embracing your own expertise and distinct voice will help you position your show to stand out amidst the noise of the crowded podcasting landscape.Ready to step out of the shadows of comparison and step boldly into the spotlight as an in-demand podcast host? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.1:07 - Why Imitating Top Hosts is Hurting Your Podcast Growth4:06 - The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn't Growing 6:49 -  5 Telltale Red Flags Your Podcast Is Blending In 12:05 - How to Escape the Podcast Comparison Trap for Faster Growth 17:24 - The Surprising Shift That Helps Others Value You as an ExpertSpecial thanks to Beth Schillaci, host of Travel Beyond the Guidebook, for submitting today's question!  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

It’s no secret that more people are tuning into podcasts than ever before. But with millions of podcasts to choose from, the shows that will excel the most over the next five years are ones who foster two-way communication with their audience, source the right kind of feedback from their listeners, and share hyper-relevant content that connects on a deep and meaningful level.  Top podcaster and author Matt Drinkhan joins me in this episode to show you three listener engagement strategies you can incorporate starting today to attract new listeners, keep them hooked, and make them excited to come back for more.Ready to increase listener engagement and get more listeners choosing your show over the competition? If you're like, “duh yes!” hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:01 - How to Know if You’re Sharing the Right Things on Your Podcast4:39 - The One Simple Question that Will Reveal Your Podcast’s Blind Spots7:10 - The Secret to Finding Your Most Impactful Stories9:23 - Make Your Listeners Feel This to Keep Them Hooked10:30 - What to Do When You Feel Like Your Story Isn't Worth Sharing13:05 - Why Fumbling Through the Process is Part of Becoming a Great Host Episode Links:Check out Matt Drinkhan's podcast: The Eternal Optimist  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

There I was, crying over my analytics dashboard at 10:42 AM. I'd just released my 16th episode and I still hadn’t enrolled a single new client from my podcast.I came *this close* to throwing my mic in the garbage and giving up on this whole podcasting thing (and honestly? I have no clue what stopped me). But now looking back, I’m so glad I stuck with it. I made three surprising mistakes that caused me to struggle more than I needed to during my first year of podcasting, and I’m breaking down what those three mistakes are inside this episode so that you can avoid them too. So if you’re someone who publishes at least one episode every week without fail but you’re still getting less than 1000 downloads per episode, or if people tell you they love your podcast but no one is buying, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:02 - My Most Embarrassing Podcasting Moment (Get Ready to Cringe) 2:49 - The Dunning Kruger Effect and Its Impact on New Podcasters 3:57 - The One Moment That Changed Everything5:47 - Bigger Audience Means More Sales, Right? Wrong... 8:24 - Why Consistency Is NOT the "Secret" to Podcasting Success Episode Links:Understanding the Dunning-Kreuger Effect | courtesy of Verywell MindDunning-Kreuger Effect (visual)  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Experienced podcaster Rachel Provan shares how she strategically launched her podcast, growing her email list, reaching Top 100 in US and UK, and gaining thousands of downloads. They discuss challenges, audience development, and the impact of podcasting on customer relationships and sales. Rachel's journey highlights the importance of consistency and long-term strategy in the podcasting world.