How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience?

How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience?

Author: Dave Jackson September 8, 2025 Duration: 1:03:43

Over the 20 years there are certain questions that get asked over and over, and today I share my thoughts on How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience? The part that will get me in hot water, is I'm pointing my finger at your content (and delivery).

Get the Remarkable Episode Checklist

Who and Why

When it comes to growing your podcast, there are two things that drive the content and the first one is who is your audience. It can’t be “everybody” and it can’t be “men 25 to 50” as there is a big difference between those two men. There is one situation that I’ll talk about in a minute that is an exception.

The Three R’s

Relative Content: Shows the audience, ““I understand where you are, and here’s something useful for you today.”

Remarkable Content: Create episodes worth talking about or sharing.  A good podcast reliably informs or entertains with quality, while a remarkable podcast emotionally connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression through exceptional storytelling, unique content, or innovative presentation

When you have relative, remarkable content it resonates with your audience (and they tell a friend).

Examine Your Show

podcastsconnect.apple.com and creators.spotify.com allow you to check your completion rate.

Community, Community, Community

You can use tools like Heartbeat, Systeme, and Circle (Systeme has a free version) to build a community.

How many checks does your episode check on the Remarkable Content Checklist?

Create a survey for your audience (to find out what they want, and how you're doing delivering value). Podpage has a built in survey based on the book The Audience is Listening by Tom Webster ( a must read).

More Ways to Grow Than Downloads

Your podcast leads to relationship which lead to opportunity.

Your network grows.

You can become THE person in your niche - if you don't quit.

Feel Like Giving Value Back?

Say thanks by giving back (it makes you feel wonderful)

Mentioned In This Episode


Takeaways:

  • Knowing your audience is crucial; you can't just aim for everyone and expect results.
  • Establishing your 'why' helps keep your podcast on track and prevents quitting.
  • Content must solve problems or entertain; otherwise, you're just boring your listeners.
  • A website is essential; without one, you're shouting into the void, hoping to be heard.
  • Good gets you in the game, Remarkable is what makes it grow


Thinking about launching your own show but feel overwhelmed by the technical details or unsure if anyone will listen? You're not alone. School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast is a steady, practical guide through that entire process, hosted by Dave Jackson. With his induction into the Podcaster Hall of Fame, Dave draws from over eighteen years of direct experience, turning complex topics into actionable steps. Instead of just theory, each episode focuses on real-world application, whether you're choosing a microphone, structuring an episode, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a sustainable endeavor. The conversations here cut through the noise and common hype, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid-the costly mistakes that can stall a new show before it finds its audience. You'll hear detailed discussions on audio editing, interview techniques, audience growth strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of consistency and marketing. This isn't about fleeting trends; it's about building a solid foundation for your voice. Dave's approach feels like a direct mentorship, making the often-intimidating world of podcasting feel accessible and manageable. Whether you're stuck at the starting line or looking to refine an existing show, this podcast serves as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the journey from a simple idea to a polished, growing podcast. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, designed to replace anxiety with a clear plan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What the Death of Late Night Teaches Podcasters. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
Why Joe Rogan Beat Late Night TVWhen I was a kid, hearing Johnny Carson’s theme music meant it was time for bed. Today, nobody has to stay up for anything. And that one shift explains a huge part of why late night is fad…
Podcasters Share Best and Worst Platforms for Interviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:03
So many people need remote recording for co-hosts and guests. Yet in the 20+ years of podcasting once we get a solid solution, they upgrade the software and we're back to always having a backup "Just in case." So I reach…
How to Make Podcast Money Without Fame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:13
So many people think the only way you can have a successful podcast is to be famous. Today we have a quick Interview with Jordan Blair from the Dreamful podcast and the Buzzsprout podcast Buzzcast. Jordan share all the s…
Apple Video: Smart Move or Time Sink? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:09
A Dialogue with Justin Jackson and Alban BrookeJust in Jackson from Transistor.fm is so enthusiastic about Apple's new way to add video to their platform (called HLS). I have felt "Meh" about it since it was announced (I…
Podcasting in Six Weeks: My $1 Class to Get Your Going [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:20
Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the curr…
How do you feel about the future of podcasting in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:39
In this episode, we answer a question I know has been on the minds of so many podcasters: Where is podcasting headed?What We CoveredSpotify, YouTube, and AI Slop: I kicked things off sharing my concerns about immoral cre…
Lavalier Shootout - Weighing the Lift of Apple HLS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:15
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a good old fashioned microphone shootout—this time, it’s all about wireless lavalier mics! I (quickly) run through a lineup of wireless lavalier microphones including the…
From Listeners to Advocates:  The Magic of True Fans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually the very thing that could help it last—and make it more rewarding? This week, I look into why having a smaller, passionate, and loyal audien…