How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads?
You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include:
- Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)
- Engagement & community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations)
- Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support)
- Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative)
- Alignment with purpose & service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”)
- Legacy & memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit)
Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats.
Participants In This Episode
Scott from What Was That Like?
Kate from Drafting in the Past
Mark from Practical Prepping
Nancy from Family Food Stories
Buck
Ralph From Content Creator's Accountant
Steve from Podcast Editor's Mastermind
Trip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast
Spencer from The Recovery Show
Travis from Bestie Approved
Ashriel from Called and Curious Podcast
Dave Interviewed Jesus
Zo from Back Look Cinema
Jen from Women in Podcasting
Marc from Solo Talk and Podcast Branding
Chris from Cool Cars with Chris
Howard from AA Recovery Interviews
Ray from Around the Layout
York from Welcome to Earth Stories
Rob from Softball Central
Dan from Based on a True Story
Tim from Create Art and My Solo MS Journey
Kim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast
Dave from Fix My Podcast
Mentioned in this episode:
You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard
You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time.
Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join
School of Podcasting
Build the Website You Want with Podpage
Podpage is flexible. If you want to promote something you can put it in the sidebar, on the front page, or at the bottom of every episode (not to mention the navigation bar, the footer and more). Podpage is designed specifically for podcasts. Quit trying to squeeze your podcast into a website made for a yoga studio. Start your free trial at podpage.com/preview
Podpage
Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads
We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?
Does the size of your audience matter?
Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)
School of Podcasting
Where Will I Be?
I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events:
Podcast Movement September 17-18
Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)
Where Will I Be?
