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:

Do Niche Podcasts Grow Faster? Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Are niche podcasts growing faster than general ones? Are video podcasts here to stay? Why are podcast networks booming? How is the podcasting industry going to change over the next 3-5 years? And most importantly, will your podcast rise with the tide or will it sink?

Get ready for a deep dive into the future of podcasting and learn what the latest trends are, why they matter, and the opportunity that exists for you in the “Great Divide” that’s being created as more and more podcasts flood the scene.

You’ll also hear my predictions on the rise of multimedia content and the decline of traditional interview styles. Plus, the three questions you need to answer about your podcast to make sure your show stays relevant and engaging.

Ready to find out if your podcast will withstand the test of time? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Is Your Podcast Aligned with Future Trends?

1:16 - The Evolution of Technology and Listener Expectations

6:28 - The Rise and Loyalty of Niche Podcasts

13:03 - Predictions for the Future of Podcast Content

17:01 - How to Make Sure Your Podcast Withstands the Test of Time

Episode Links:

Special thanks to Zach, host of Your Path to Publish, for submitting today's question!

→ 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.

3 Ways to Hook New Podcast Listeners Before They Hit Play Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

Most podcast hosts think high-quality episodes are enough to attract new listeners. But they’re not. If you want to be the host of a top-ranked podcast, you need to know how to hook your listener *before* they hit play.

Because having a bingeworthy podcast isn’t just about keeping listeners’ attention — it's about knowing how to grab it in the first place.

In this episode, I'm breaking down three powerful ways to subconsciously communicate the value of your show to your potential listener. You’ll also learn the five red flags to avoid when creating episode titles and why AI tools aren’t helping your show stand out as much as you think.

If you have a podcast or you’re thinking of starting one, mastering this skillset will set you apart from 99% of other hosts who aren’t doing this, so hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

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.

Your Best Episode Topics are Hiding in Your Listener Data. Here's How to Find Them. Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Ever find yourself staring at your podcast analytics dashboard, wondering what to do with all that data? Maybe you check once a month to see if your downloads are increasing. But what if you knew how to decode your listener data to pinpoint exactly what your listeners want and unearth your most bingeworthy episode topics?

Whether you’ve been podcasting for a while or you're just starting out, this episode will teach you how to use your data to craft content that keeps your current listeners hooked and helps you get discovered by new ones every week.

Ready to turn your podcast analytics into a Magic 8-Ball that tells you what your listeners want most? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Discovering Your Best Episode Topics in Listener Data

01:32 - Three Crucial Data Points: Downloads, Completion Rate, and Performance

03:52 - How One Standout Episode Transformed a Podcaster's Rankings

05:59 - The Four Key Elements of a Top-Performing Episode

07:45 - Step-by-Step Guide: Using Analytics to Understand Listener Preferences

Episode Links:

MowPod.com

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

The Down & Dirty Truth About Episode Length

→ 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 Consistency Isn't the Key to Podcast Growth Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Spoiler alert… the real key to growing a podcast isn’t consistency. Think about it: if consistency were the key to long-term podcasting growth, then everyone who’s been releasing an episode every week for the past year or more would have a Top 100 podcast — and that’s not the case.

So if you’re sick of hearing “consistency is key to podcasting success,” you're onto something… because the truth is, consistency is only one part of the full equation for podcast growth.

In this episode I’m breaking down why just sticking to a schedule isn't enough, and giving you the other piece of the equation for driving more engaged listeners to your podcast.

So if you’re tired of releasing episode after episode without seeing significant growth to your podcast over the last three months, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Why Consistency Alone Won’t Grow Your Podcast

1:49 - The Full Equation You Need for Podcast Growth

8:41 - The Key Activity That Will Spike Your Podcast’s Discoverability

12:41 - Three Budget-Friendly Tools to Help More Listeners Find Your Show

16:38 - How to Identify the Right Activities that Drive Podcast Growth

Episode Links

Ubersuggest | Free SEO Keyword Research Tool
MowPod

→ 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 High-Quality Audio Doesn’t Grow Your Podcast Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

If your podcast hasn’t shown significant audience growth in the last three months despite giving your best stuff away for free in every episode, it might have nothing to do with your content and everything to do with what your listeners are hearing in your voice when you share it.

Believe it or not, it’s not what you say ~but how you say it~ that’ll make your listeners pay attention and want to work with you, or keep them from fully trusting you as the expert you are (and take zero action no matter how many CTAs you give).

The good news? Once you understand the psychology behind how your voice works and — more importantly — how someone listening interprets what they hear in your voice when you speak, you’ll be able to turn your voice into your most powerful tool for creating influence and income as a podcaster.

If you’re serious about becoming a Top 100 podcast host, this episode is a must. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - The Unconscious Tones in Your Voice That Push Listeners Away

1:06 - Secrets to Increasing Listener Engagement with Your Voice

5:08 - Improving Communication Skills via Nonverbal Cues in Your Voice

10:33 - Three Voice Habits that Make You Sound Like an Expert

14:23 - Why Hiring the Right Voice Coach Can Help You Grow Your Podcast

Episode Links:

Get a free sound check with Courtney’s voice coach: Katherine Beck
Check out Katherine's podcast: Speak on More Stages

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

BTS: A Peek Inside My Latest Voice Coaching Session

→ 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.

5 Signs Your Podcast Voice is Pushing Listeners Away Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Most experts who preach about podcast growth won’t tell you this: but if you’ve been podcasting for six months or more and fewer than ten listeners have converted to clients, the first step isn’t “grow your audience”...

The first step is to look at why the listeners you have aren’t converting to begin with.

In this episode, I’m breaking down three little-known reasons why this happens and the most common culprit that erodes listener trust in you as the expert and causes listeners to lose interest and stop listening.

You’ll also learn why audience size and podcast conversions have nothing to do with each other and find out the crucial role your voice plays in listener-to-lead conversions.

Ready to take your podcast from boring to bingeworthy so you can attract, keep, and convert new listeners? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Why Subtle Tones in Your Voice Cause Listeners to Hit Unfollow

1:49 - The Key Factors Behind Podcast Growth and Conversions

2:47 - Three Reasons Your Podcast Isn't Turning Listeners into Leads

4:28 - How Your Voice Builds Trust and Keeps Listeners Coming Back

16:27 - Using Your Voice to Keep Your Listeners Engaged

→ 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.

Not Sure What to Talk About Next on Your Podcast? Try This. Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

How many times have you sat down to plan an episode, only to stare at the cursor blinking on the screen for an hour because you're fresh out of new episode ideas?

If you're an expert host who’s starting to run out of things to talk about on your podcast, this episode is for you.

I’ll let you in on a secret that today’s top podcasters don’t want you to know for generating high-converting episode content — and show you how to use it to your advantage with three specific questions you can use to spark new episode ideas.

If you're ready to stop staring at a blank screen and start speaking about your topic in a way that keeps listeners hanging on your every word, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:45 - Why Even Experts Struggle with Content Ideas

5:06 - How to Keep Your Content Fresh for New Listeners

8:50 - Three Quick Questions to Break Through Podcaster’s Block

10:38 - The Secret to Creating Episodes That Deeply Connect with Your Audience

11:50 - Spotting the Hidden Cues That Might Be Turning Off Your Listeners

→ 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.

Q + A | The Truth About Listen Notes Rankings Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered how to improve your Listen Notes ranking?

In this episode, I’m breaking down what Listen Notes is, how it works, and whether its rankings really matter for your podcast.

You’ll also learn how Listen Notes rankings differ from Apple Podcasts rankings, and I’ll give you three practical steps you can take to better understand — and improve — your Listen Notes score.

If you’re ready to find out how your podcast stacks up against today’s most popular podcasts, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - What Are Listen Notes Rankings and Why They Matter

1:38 - Going From Top 10% to Top 1% on Listen Notes

6:56 - Shifting from Outcome-Based to Action-Based Goals

9:43 - Why Increasing Listens is More Important than Getting More Listeners

20:27 - Three Practical Ways to Increase Your Podcast’s Ranking Potential

Episode Links:

PodMatch
PodScore Self-Assessment
Verify Your Podcast on ListenNotes.com

Special thanks to Shilpa, host of Omni Mindfulness, for submitting today's question!

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 Difference Between Hitting Publish vs. Launching a Podcast | Karen Powell May 31, 2024

Show notes

You’d never spend a year or more writing a book, only to tell no one, hit “publish” on Amazon, and hope it becomes a bestseller, would you? Of course not. Yet this is how most people start their podcasts… and why they’re shocked when their show only brings in less than 100 downloads an episode.

That’s why I invited mindset expert and podcast host Karen Powell to break down the key differences between hitting publish and launching a podcast — and what can happen when you have a strategic plan in place to build momentum from day one and get your show discovered by new listeners every day.

The best part? This process will work whether you have an established podcast or you’re just starting out,

If you’re ready to reach a global audience of listeners eager to hear your message, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Overcome the Fear of Sharing Your True Voice

0:54 - Social Media vs. Podcasting: Which is Better for Lead Generation?

2:39 - Avoiding Common Pitfalls on Your Podcast Launch Day

8:11 - Why Strategy is Key to Launching a Successful Podcast

12:11 - How Karen Broke into the Top 100 and Ranked #1 of All Podcasts on Launch Day

Episode Links

Check out Karen's Podcast: Make Money Living Your Purpose

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Here’s What Launching a Podcast Looks Like

→ 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.

3 Easy (and Ethical) Ways to Get More Podcast Reviews May 29, 2024

Show notes

Tired of asking for reviews in every episode and hearing nothing but crickets?

I mean, it’s obvious from your analytics dashboard that people are listening to your show. People even tell you “omg I love your podcast” or “that episode was exactly what I needed to hear!”

But STILL they won’t take 30 seconds and leave a review. #rude

That’s because there’s two types of reviews (and two types of behavior that drives them), and in this episode I’ll unpack what they are and how to leverage them to your advantage so you can start getting the social proof on your show you deserve.

Ready to see those five stars start rolling in so that you (and others!) know your show is worth the listen? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:54 - Why It Can Feel Like Pulling Teeth to Get Podcast Reviews

2:35 - Why Podcast Reviews Matter More Than You Think

6:05 - Two Powerful Reasons People Are Compelled to Leave Reviews

10:08 - The Biggest Mistake Hosts Make When Asking for Podcast Reviews

13:15 - How to Avoid Negative Podcast Reviews

17:46 - 3 Proven, Ethical Strategies to Get More Podcast Reviews

Episode Links:

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.

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