Grow The Show - Episode 232 Summary: "Podcast Growth Tips That Actually Work (Listener Q&A)"
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Kev Michael
Podcast: Grow The Show
In Episode 232 of Grow The Show, host Kev Michael delves into a listener Q&A session, addressing common challenges podcasters face in growing and monetizing their shows. Drawing from his extensive experience as a podcaster and growth coach to over 500 creators, Kev provides actionable strategies, insightful critiques, and practical advice aimed at transforming podcasts from hobbies into thriving business assets.
1. Why High-Profile Guests Aren't Guaranteeing Growth
Listener Query: Elant asks, "Why isn't my podcast growing even when I have high-profile guests?"
Kev's Insight: Kev debunks the myth that featuring high-profile guests automatically leads to audience growth. He explains that these guests often do little to promote their episodes because they are accustomed to appearing on numerous podcasts and are unlikely to actively market each appearance.
“High profile guests do virtually nothing to grow your show... the guest gets the audience, not the host.”
— Kev Michael [02:30]
Key Takeaways:
- Unique Content is Crucial: To leverage high-profile guests, ensure your episodes offer something different. Stand out by providing unique insights or perspectives that listeners can't find elsewhere.
- Utilize Algorithms: Transform your podcast into a YouTube show or create short-form content featuring the guest’s name to capitalize on platform algorithms and reach new audiences.
- Guest Responsibility: Recognize that guests prioritize their own audience growth, not necessarily yours.
2. Overcoming Mindset Blocks Related to Podcast Setup
Listener Query: Stephanie asks, "How can I get over the mindset block of feeling like my simple talking head podcast setup isn't good enough compared to others with fancy sets and lighting?"
Kev's Insight: Kev emphasizes that investing heavily in high-end equipment often doesn't translate to podcast growth. Instead, it can hinder content creation by increasing the barriers to recording.
“A fancy setup ... creates more resistance towards recording, which is a problem... It makes you create less, which is not good.”
— Kev Michael [06:15]
Key Takeaways:
- Content Over Aesthetics: Focus on delivering unique and valuable content tailored to a specific audience. Superior content can compensate for a modest setup.
- Avoid Production Paralysis: Don’t let the pursuit of perfection in production quality prevent you from consistently publishing episodes.
- Unique Value Proposition: Ensure your podcast offers distinct benefits or perspectives that make listeners return, regardless of visual presentation.
3. Why Consistent Publishing Isn't Yielding Traction
Listener Queries:
- James asks, "What could be the reason a podcast that publishes five episodes a week for nearly a year is still getting little traction?"
- Joseph asks, "What might be the reasons a podcaster who's been producing content for five years, doing all the right things in content and promotion, is still not seeing the expected growth or audience numbers?"
Kev's Insight: Consistency alone doesn’t guarantee growth. If a podcast isn't gaining traction despite regular publishing, it likely lacks a clear and unique premise, fails to retain listeners, or isn't utilizing effective growth strategies.
“There are only three ways to grow your audience... Algorithms, collaborative growth, or direct promotion.”
— Kev Michael [12:45]
Key Takeaways:
- Clear and Unique Premise: Define who your podcast is for and what specific value it offers. A nebulous or generic premise fails to attract and retain listeners.
- Listener Retention: Ensure episodes are engaging and retain listener interest from start to finish. Avoid meandering topics that can lead to listener drop-off.
- Effective Growth Strategies:
- Algorithm Mastery: Focus on mastering a specific platform's algorithm (e.g., Instagram, YouTube) to effectively reach your target audience.
- Collaborative Growth: Build relationships with other creators to tap into their audiences through guest appearances or joint promotions.
- Direct Promotion: While less recommended, directly messaging potential listeners can be effective if other methods aren't feasible.
4. Promoting Your Podcast Without Being Pushy
Listener Query: Ernie asks, "How do we promote ourselves without seeming pushy or overbearing?"
Kev's Insight: Promote your podcast by focusing on the value it offers rather than self-promotion. Position your podcast as a solution to listeners' needs, making promotion feel natural and beneficial.
“You aren’t promoting yourself. You are promoting your show.”
— Kev Michael [18:20]
Key Takeaways:
- Value-Focused Messaging: Highlight what listeners will gain from your podcast. Explain the benefits clearly and concisely.
- Subtle Promotion Techniques: Instead of overtly advertising your podcast, integrate mentions of its value into conversations and interactions.
- Clear Targeting: Understand and communicate who your podcast is for and how it addresses their specific challenges or interests.
5. Optimizing Podcast Artwork: Photo vs. Design
Listener Query: Raj asks, "Is it better to have my picture or just a design with no picture on my podcast artwork?"
Kev's Insight: Kev acknowledges the shift towards personal branding in podcast artwork. While previously he advised against using personal photos due to design quality concerns, the trend now favors including professional, well-lit images to foster a personal connection.
“If you can get a great, well-lit professional photo of yourself that matches the tone of your show, yes, use it on your cover artwork.”
— Kev Michael [24:00]
Key Takeaways:
- Professional Appearance: If using a personal photo, ensure it is high-quality and aligns with your podcast’s brand and tone.
- Simplicity and Readability: Whether using a photo or a design, keep the artwork simple and easily recognizable even at thumbnail sizes.
- Personal Connection: Incorporating your image can help listeners connect with you on a personal level, enhancing brand loyalty.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Throughout this Q&A session, Kev Michael underscores the importance of focusing on unique content, understanding audience retention, mastering growth strategies, and effectively promoting your podcast by highlighting its value. He challenges podcasters to evaluate their current practices critically and adopt strategies that prioritize content quality and smart promotion over superficial enhancements.
For podcasters seeking further guidance, Kev recommends leveraging his masterclass and dedicated training resources available at masterclass@growtheshow.com and 12daysofpodcastgrowth.com. Additionally, he promotes Podcast Boutique's "Record and Forget" service for those aiming to optimize their podcast production for YouTube growth.
Notable Quotes:
-
On High-Profile Guests:
“High profile guests do virtually nothing to grow your show... the guest gets the audience, not the host.”
— Kev Michael [02:30] -
On Podcast Setup:
“A fancy setup... creates more resistance towards recording, which is a problem... It makes you create less, which is not good.”
— Kev Michael [06:15] -
On Audience Growth Strategies:
“There are only three ways to grow your audience... Algorithms, collaborative growth, or direct promotion.”
— Kev Michael [12:45] -
On Promotion Without Being Pushy:
“You aren’t promoting yourself. You are promoting your show.”
— Kev Michael [18:20] -
On Podcast Artwork:
“If you can get a great, well-lit professional photo of yourself that matches the tone of your show, yes, use it on your cover artwork.”
— Kev Michael [24:00]
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for podcasters striving to overcome growth plateaus, emphasizing strategic content creation and targeted promotional tactics to achieve sustainable and meaningful audience expansion.