Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts - TopPodcast.com

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Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts — Business
Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts

Named the best podcast on podcasting, this isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” show doling out generic podcasting advice. We’re breaking down 30,000+ hours of study into what today’s top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert.

Hosted by Forbes and Rolling Stone–featured podcasting psychology expert, Webby Awards judge, and PodLaunch® founder Courtney Elmer, you’ll get the podcasting tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share (backed by 70+ Top 100 podcast launches).

Expect unfiltered podcasting insights, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice so you can master growing a podcast that listeners can’t stop bingeing (and buying from).

When you’re ready to break out of less-than-200-download-per-episode jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort…

Or if you want a podcast launch strategy that positions you as the authority in your category and drives revenue…

Welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit follow and let’s dive in.

…

Popular Guests Include: Adam Adams, Alex Sanfilippo, Dave Jackson, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and more.

Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcast Messaging, Podcasting Psychology, Podcast Marketing, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Listener Engagement Strategies, Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid, Podcasting Tools, Podcasting Trends, Growing a Podcast, How to Monetize Your Podcast, Podcast Listener Conversion, Video Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in the Top 100, How to Start a Podcast, Podcast Launch Strategy

Copyright: © 2024 PodLaunch®

Latest Episodes:

Stop Doing This if You Want to Grow Your Podcast Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to growing a podcast, the common advice tells you to do more: guest on dozens of shows, post daily on social, run ads. But what if doing less could actually get you faster growth?

In this episode, we’re debunking outdated podcasting advice that’s slowing your progress (without you realizing it) and I’ll reveal what I’m *not* doing to grow my podcast — and how cutting back has led to up to 32% month-over-month growth.

By the time you finish this episode, you’ll know exactly how to apply the same approach to reach more listeners with your message and turn your podcast into a lead-generating machine — all while freeing up your time to actually enjoy the process of podcasting. (Spoiler: That’s Stephen Bartlett’s secret to 1 billion downloads.)

Ready to grow your podcast without adding more to your plate (and maybe even taking a few things off)? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - The Problem with Most Podcast Growth “Strategies”

1:15 - What's Really Sabotaging Your Podcast Growth

3:18 - What I’m Not Doing to Grow My Podcast

7:00 - The Real Reason Stephen Bartlett Hit 1 Billion Downloads

14:42 - 3 Steps to Find What’s Moving the Needle for Your Show

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

How to Grow Your Podcast Without Adding More to Your Plate

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Starting a Podcast That Builds Your Business (and Your Self Belief) | Dr. Christine Li Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

If you’ve been putting off starting a podcast because you're not sure it’ll actually move the needle for your business, this one’s for you. Fellow podcast host and clinical psychologist Dr. Christine Li joins me to help you overcome the self-doubt, perfectionism, and procrastination that’s keeping you from getting started (hey, we’ve all been there).

From building authority right from the start to turning your show into a powerful audience-building tool, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to crush those “Is podcasting really worth it?” fears — because every day you wait is another opportunity for someone else to launch the podcast your audience is searching for.

So if you're ready to stop overthinking and finally hit publish on your podcast (or if you just need a kick in the pants to get out of your own way), hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

1:58 - The Real Cause of Perfectionism and Procrastination in Podcasting

12:20 - Building Your Authority from Day One with Your Podcast

14:32 - Turning Your Podcast into a Powerful Client Acquisition Tool

17:23 - Why Waiting to Start a Podcast Limits Your Business Growth

19:54 - How to Stop Overthinking and Finally Press Publish on Your Podcast

Episode Links:

Check out Dr. Christine’s podcast: Make Time For Success
Connect with Dr. Christine

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Achieving Goals with Ease: Embrace The “Be Do Have” Model

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

4 Must-Know Podcasting Predictions to Capitalize On This Year | James Cridland, Podnews Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, is back with his bold predictions about where podcasting is headed — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

We’re unpacking why downloads might not hold the top spot as the industry’s gold standard for much longer, YouTube’s growing role in podcast discovery (and its limitations), and how AI is adding convenience but not the creativity needed to stand out. James also explains the growing challenge of defining what a podcast really is as platforms like Spotify and YouTube continue to blur the lines.

Whether you're starting a new show or scaling an existing one, you'll walk away from this episode with the know-how you need to stay ahead of industry trends and stay focused on what truly matters: creating content that connects and converts. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

18:00 - Why IAB Downloads Might Soon Lose Their Gold Standard Status

19:11 - The Role (and Limits) of YouTube in Podcast Discovery

21:41 - What *Actually* Makes a Podcast a Podcast

24:06 - Are AI Tools Saving Time or Killing Creativity?

33:39 - Adapt or Get Left Behind: How to Capitalize on the Latest Trends in Podcasting

Episode Links:

Podnews Daily (Podcast)
Podnews.net (Daily Newsletter)
PodcastBroker.com
Buzzsprout.com/stats
PodcastBusinessJournal.com/data
Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead | James Cridland, Podnews Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by James Cridland from Podnews to explore the biggest changes shaking up the podcasting industry right now.

So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for years, James shares insights on what these shifts mean for your show and how to navigate them to stay ahead.

From the rise of niche podcasts to why video might not be as essential as you think, you’ll learn what it takes to create a podcast that lasts in today’s evolving landscape.

Ready to learn what’s working now to grow your podcast? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:00 – What’s Driving the Biggest Shifts in Podcasting Today

2:30 – The Rise of Niche Podcasts and Why They’re Thriving

5:45 – Why Video Isn’t as Essential as Everyone Thinks

9:15 – Forget Downloads: Here Are the Numbers That Actually Indicate Growth

13:50 – Two Keys to Positioning Your Podcast for Long-Term Success

Episode Links:

Podnews Daily (Podcast)
Podnews.net (Daily Newsletter)
PodcastBroker.com
Buzzsprout.com/stats
PodcastBusinessJournal.com/data
Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

4 Must-Know Podcasting Predictions to Capitalize On This Year

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

The Exact SEO Keywords You Need to Get Your Podcast Found Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

If your podcast isn't showing up in search results on platforms like Apple and Spotify, your competitors are capturing the listeners you’re missing out on.

In this episode, you'll learn how to uncover the exact keywords your competitors are using, pinpoint the best ones for your show, and craft a podcast SEO strategy that helps your show stand out and get discovered by new listeners every day. Plus, I’ll share the latest tools you can use to track and refine your keyword strategy for even better results.

Ready to learn how you can dominate the search results for your specific podcast topic? Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:02 - Why Podcast SEO Matters Now More Than Ever

1:59 - Using AI to Find the Exact Keywords Your Competition is Ranking For

5:04 - How to Pinpoint the Keywords That’ll Attract Your Perfect-Fit Listener

9:36 - Where to Put Your Keywords for Maximum Impact

12:20 - Tools to Track and Refine Your SEO Strategy

Episode Links:

The PSO Dashboard: Ausha.co
General best practices for finding new keywords

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

How to Hit the Top 5 in Apple and Spotify Search Results

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

How to Hit the Top 5 in Apple & Spotify Podcast Search Results Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

What if you knew how to make your podcast pop up in the top five search results on Apple or Spotify?

In this episode, I’m showing you how to do it with an underdog discoverability strategy that’s quietly changing the game for podcasters. You’ll learn how to find the right keywords and use them to dominate search results — so you can get your show in front of the listeners already searching for a podcast like yours.

Ready for a bingeworthy top podcast that gets found by new listeners every day? Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:02 - Why Your Podcast Isn’t Getting Found (Hint: It’s Not Your Content)

1:54 - The Proven Discovery Strategy That’s Quietly Changing the Game (But Won’t Stay a Secret for Long)

4:38 - What You Need to Know About Using Keywords for Your Podcast

7:18 - How to Show Up Where Your Listeners Are Already Searching

10:32 - How Ranking in Search Results Builds Instant Credibility

Episode Links:

The PSO Dashboard: Ausha.co

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Launching a Top Podcast in an Unlikely Niche | Laura Brazan Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

Worried your podcast idea is too niche, or that maybe your ideal audience doesn’t really listen to podcasts? Those might just be the signs you need to take the leap.

In this episode, I’m joined by fellow podcast host Laura Brazan who launched a show in a niche that doesn’t typically listen to podcasts — and crushed it.

Breaking into the Top 100 across the US, UK, and Australia, Laura shares how she turned a personal need into a movement while tackling every tech challenge along the way.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to start a podcast from scratch but believe you have a message worth building a movement around, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:04 - Can Your Podcast Thrive in an Unlikely Niche?

6:35 - How to Break into the Top 100 (Even Without a Big Audience)

8:35 - How to Turn Your Podcast into a Community (Even if You’re Not Selling Anything)

13:20 - Why the Tech Side of Podcasting is Easier Than You Think

16:25 - The One Thing Keeping You From Getting Bigger Results with Your Podcast

Episode Links:

Check out Laura’s Podcast: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

How to Turn Your Podcast Description Into a Listener Magnet Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Your podcast description isn’t just a box to check — it’s the moment that makes or breaks whether someone scrolls past or hits play.

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a real client audit to show you why her podcast description was causing listeners to overlook her show, the exact tweaks we made to fix it, and how to put listener psychology to work to create a description that grabs attention, communicates your show’s value, and gets your show found in search results.

Ready to get more listeners tuning into your show over the competition? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:05 - Why Most Podcast Descriptions Don’t Work (and How to Fix Yours)

1:03 - What’s Really Stopping Listeners from Hitting Play on Your Show

6:18 - What Bestselling Books Can Teach You About Your Podcast

12:56 - How We Turned a Bland Podcast Description Into a Bingeworthy Hook

18:34 - How to Tell if Your Podcast Description Is Doing Its Job

Episode Links:

BONUS: PodLaunch® Before/After Show Descriptions with Examples

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

The One Metric Podcasters Should Track Instead of Downloads | Tom Rossi, Buzzsprout Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

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 Podcasting

1:36 - Why Downloads Don't Tell the Whole Story

3:31 - The Most Powerful Way to Stay Motivated in Podcasting

6:25 - The Real Stats Behind Today's Top-Performing Podcasts

10:13 - The One Question to Ask Before You Quit Podcasting

Episode Links:

Buzzsprout.com/stats
New 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-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Why Audio-Only Podcasting Still Dominates | Tom Rossi Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

With all the buzz around video podcasting, is audio being left behind? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Rossi, co-founder of Buzzsprout, who pulls back the curtain on why audio-only podcasting still has unique strengths that video can’t match. From deeper listener connections to just saying no to the high pressure of video production, Tom shares why focusing on what works best for *you* is ultimately your smartest move.

So if you’ve been wondering whether you're missing out by not going all-in on video or if you want to keep podcasting without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 – Why Video Could Be a Threat to Podcasting

4:28– How to Decide if Adding Video Fits Your Podcasting Goals

7:16 – What Audio Podcasts Have that Video Can't Compete With

10:00 – How to Leverage Video Without Losing Focus on Your Audio Podcast

13:28 – When Audio-Only Might Be the Smarter Choice for Your Podcast

Episode Links:

New to podcasting? As a bonus for our listeners, 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-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

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