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

Discover how a podcast description can lure in listeners or lead them to scroll past. Explore the psychology behind why potential audience members hesitate to press play. Learn practical strategies to transform dull descriptions into captivating hooks. Compare podcasting to bestselling books for greater insights. Uncover the secrets of creating engaging and SEO-friendly descriptions to stand out in a crowded market and connect authentically with your ideal audience.

If you’ve been obsessing over your podcast download numbers (or lack thereof?) this episode is for you. I’m back with Tom Rossi, co-founder of Buzzsprout, and we’re diving deep into how we should really be measuring podcast success. Spoiler: it’s not just about downloads.Tom shares why the industry’s hyper-focus on numbers can steal the joy of podcasting and the mental shift that will completely change how you measure your podcast’s success. He also drops some key stats (ever wonder how many downloads it *actually* takes to be in the top 10% of podcasts?) and reveals the one key question to ask yourself to see the true impact your podcast is making, no matter how many downloads you’re currently getting.If you’ve ever felt like quitting because your numbers aren’t where you want them to be, hit play and let’s dive in.0:48 - Why Video Isn’t the Lead Actor in Podcasting1:36 - Why Downloads Don't Tell the Whole Story3:31 - The Most Powerful Way to Stay Motivated in Podcasting6:25 - The Real Stats Behind Today's Top-Performing Podcasts10:13 - The One Question to Ask Before You Quit Podcasting Episode Links:Buzzsprout.com/statsNew to podcasting? As a bonus for our listeners, you can get a $20 Buzzsprout credit when you sign up through this link, thanks to Tom and the team over at Buzzsprout.   → 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.

Tom Rossi, co-founder of Buzzsprout, dives into the essential strengths of audio-only podcasting. He discusses how audio fosters deeper connections with listeners, and why the stress of video production isn't worth it for most creators. Tom emphasizes that staying true to one's podcasting goals is crucial and that audio can offer authentic self-expression without the constraints of video. He also shares tips on leveraging video without sacrificing the essence of audio, guiding podcasters to reassess what success truly means in this evolving landscape.

In this chat, YouTube strategist Erika Vieira shares her expertise on optimizing video content for podcasters. She highlights the biggest mistake podcasters make when utilizing YouTube, stressing the need for original content instead of merely reposting audio. Erika explains how YouTube's unique dynamics require tailored strategies for engagement and reveals the key differences between podcast and YouTube content. Plus, she provides insights on using analytics to enhance viewer retention and overall performance!

In this enlightening discussion, Erika Vieira, a coach renowned for guiding thousands of business owners and podcasters to fruitful YouTube channels, shares her expertise. She explores why YouTube's immense user base can boost your podcast's visibility. However, transitioning to video isn't a walk in the park. Erika candidly discusses the challenges and hidden downsides of video podcasting, emphasizing that success on YouTube requires serious commitment and strategy. It's an essential listen for anyone considering expanding their podcast onto this platform!

Is once a week enough for your podcast? Find out how to create a release schedule that suits your goals without burning out. Explore the real impact of consistency on listener retention and how it fosters trust. Learn whether cranking out more episodes actually means more downloads. Discover key questions to build a schedule that aligns with your unique bandwidth and keeps the audience engaged. Treating podcasting like a long-term commitment is crucial for success and sustainable growth!

Ever had a podcast guest that seemed incredible on paper but turned out to be a total mismatch on air? In this episode, I asked my OBM and Guest Concierge, Tayler Neeley, to take you behind the scenes and share our exact system for choosing guests who don’t just fill a slot but actually elevate your podcast’s credibility.Plus, we’ll show you a foolproof way to turn down pitches kindly and professionally (without ghosting anyone) so you can protect your listeners’ time and build trust with every episode.So if you're ready to learn how to curate guests who will strengthen your show’s authority and keep your listeners coming back for more, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:02 – Why a Perfect Pitch Doesn’t Always Mean a Perfect Guest1:39 – Our Top Mistakes (and What We Fixed) in Guest Vetting3:51 – The Exact Criteria We Use to Choose Standout Guests11:37 – Handling the "Thanks, But No Thanks" Pitch Replies14:49 – Deciding When Not to Air a Guest Episode Episode Links:Steal Our Guest Vetting Criteria ChecklistHow to Decline Guest Pitches That Aren't a FitHow to Decline Airing a Guest Episode Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Why Guesting on Podcasts Won’t Grow Your Show (Unless You Do This)Exactly What to Say to Get Your Podcast Guests to Share Their Episode  → 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.

Ever had a guest on your podcast with a big audience, and you’re stoked for them to share the episode to help grow your show — only for them to do NOTHING once it airs?! (Hint: it’s not because they’re lazy or forgetful.) In this episode, podcast guesting expert Kelly Mosser explains the surprising reason most podcast guests don’t share their episode, and what’s REALLY going through their mind before, during, and after the interview (and why this matters more than you think).We’re sharing four strategies you can use right away to make your podcast guests feel comfortable and confident on air, and what to say BEFORE you hit record so that they give you their best content. Plus, we’ll talk about how to stop your guest from rambling (without making it awkward), and what you can do after the interview to make sure they’re hyped to promote the episode — even if it airs weeks later.So if you want to build stronger relationships with your podcast guests and turn them into advocates for your show, this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.1:21 - What’s REALLY Going Through Your Guest’s Mind Before the Interview4:53 - The Top Reason Your Podcast Guests Aren't Sharing Their Episode10:57 - The Most Effective Way to Prep Your Podcast Guests Before Their Interview12:41 - What to Say BEFORE You Hit Record So That Your Guest Gives You Their Best Content17:44 - Do This to Keep Your Guests From Rambling (and Keep the Conversation Flowing)Episode Links:Free Masterclass: The Profitable Podcast TourCheck out Kelly’s Podcast: Aligned SuccessConnect with Kelly: Website | Instagram | LinkedInOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Why Guesting on Podcasts Won’t Grow Your Show (Unless You Do This)→ 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.

Kelly Mosser, founder of Hell Yes Media and a podcast guesting expert, challenges the common belief that appearing on podcasts will automatically grow your audience. She uncovers why most guest slots yield little ROI and highlights crucial mistakes made before the interview even starts. Kelly shares strategies for crafting effective calls to action that convert listeners into followers. She also advocates for the concept of a 'podcast tour' to maximize results and make guesting efforts more impactful. Get ready for actionable insights!

Flora McCormick, a fellow podcast host and strategist, transitioned from social media marketing to create a rapidly growing podcast that attracts new clients monthly. She shares her journey of launching a podcast that soared to the top 20 in its category. Discover why podcast listeners are more likely to become loyal clients, and learn simple strategies to amplify your growth. Flora emphasizes the power of meaningful connections through podcasting and how a repeatable system can sustain your success—all while trading social media's chaos for podcasting's clarity.