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:

The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn't Converting | Brandon Lucero May 24, 2024

Show notes

You know when you listen to a podcast episode and you’re like, “This is creepy. It’s like they made this just for me. How did they know I needed this?! Are they in my brain?! Woah. HOW DID THEY KNOW?!" (Well. It’s me, hi. I’m doing it again).

Look, no one (and I mean absolutely no one) starts a podcast and says, "I want to put all this effort in and get zero return." You *want* to reach millions with your message. You *want* a bingeworthy show that people rave about with their friends.

And it sure would be nice to convert at least some of your listeners to clients and customers, wouldn't it?

If you’re like, ummm DUH, YES then pay attention because you’re about to learn how to drive more conversions by communicating in a way that makes your listener pay attention while creating demand for whatever product or service you offer.

My friend and mentor Brandon Lucero is a master at the art of persuasive communication, and he joins us inside this bonus episode to show you the top reasons why your listeners aren’t converting to clients — and how to fix it.

So if you’re ready to get more listeners saying “OMG, you’re in my head” and “How can I work with you?!" hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

1:18 - The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn't Converting

4:12 - The Biggest Mistake Causing Your Podcast Episodes to Get Overlooked

8:06 - Do You Really Solve a Problem for Your Audience? (Hint: You Do)

11:10 - Why Talking About Problems Makes People Feel Heard, Not Hopeless

13:04 - 5 Signs It's Time to Pivot Your Podcast Topics

Episode Links:

Check out Brandon Lucero's podcast: The New Generation Entrepreneur
Connect with Brandon

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.

4 Listener Engagement Strategies to Keep Podcast Listeners Hooked | Brandon Lucero May 22, 2024

Show notes

If you want a podcast that thousands of people listen to, you first have to know how to get people to care about what you have to say.

The problem? Most podcast hosts think “valuable content” is the key to growing an engaged podcast audience. So they teach as much as they can in every episode because they believe more information means more value.

But it doesn’t work like that. (If it did, then your listeners wouldn’t lose interest and stop listening before finishing the episode).

If you want to become a top podcast host, you need to learn how to speak your listener’s language. This is why I invited top podcaster and communications expert Brandon Lucero to join me in this episode to show you four powerful ways you can hook your listeners in, keep them engaged, and drive more conversions from your podcast.

[SPOILER ALERT] these four techniques will allow you to stop creating episodes that blend in with others, make listeners rave about your content, keep listeners coming back again and again to binge your episodes, and raise their hands asking how to work with you.

If you don’t want that, don’t listen. But if you’re ready to learn how, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

1:58 - Use this Simple Title Tweak to Grab Your Listener’s Attention

4:56 - Why Too Much Teaching Can Drive Listeners Away

8:13 - The "One and More" Method to Keep Listeners Hooked (and Excited for More)

10:16 - Four Powerful Ways to Add Value Without Overteaching
13:33 - The Three Types of Trust People Need In Order to Buy From You

15:35 - From 75% Drop-Off to Over 93% Completion Rates

Episode Links:

Check out Brandon Lucero's podcast: The New Generation Entrepreneur
Connect with Brandon

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Steal My High-Converting Episode Framework

→ 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.

Should You Edit Your Own Podcast? | Shawn Shewchuk May 17, 2024

Show notes

"Do I really need to hire a podcast editor? Or can I get by with one of those AI podcast editing tools and call it a day?"

This is a question I get asked all the time by people who value their time, and there's no shortage of opinions on this topic. But if you’re a coach, consultant, or online business owner and your numero uno goal with your podcast is to drive more leads to your business, there are some pros and cons to consider.

That’s why I invited 2x bestselling author and award winning host Shawn Shewchuk to join me inside this episode. He’s helped more than 12,500 entrepreneurs learn to do more in less time — not by managing time, but by thinking about it differently.

We're breaking down why podcasters need to answer this question based on your current stage in business, size of your team, unique business goals, and goals for your podcast.

So, should you edit your own podcast? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

2:13 - Why Podcasters Need to Think Like a CEO

5:40 - The Unexpected Reason Why Your Podcast Isn't Growing

7:58 - How to Identify and Eliminate Time-Wasting Activities

11:18 - 5 Signs You're Spending Too Much Time on the Wrong Things

13:43 - A Simple Framework for Making Better Podcast Decisions

→ 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.

Steal My High-Converting Podcast Episode Framework May 15, 2024

Show notes

If you’re an online business owner, coach, or consultant, you probably launched your podcast to draw more attention to your business and drive more leads to your offers. That’s why it’s so frustrating when you spend hours creating each episode only to have listeners tell you they love your show, but never ask how to work with you.

In this episode, I break down the three reasons why this happens and share our high-converting episode framework to help you plan podcast episodes that create desire and demand for your offers, without giving away all your secrets for free.

If you're not converting as many listeners as you'd like (and want to fix this once and for all), hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Three Mistakes That Are Costing You Conversions

2:18 - Stop Selling Solutions, Start Selling Problems

6:38 - One Simple Technique to Keep Listeners Hooked

9:55 - Eight Segments to Structure High-Converting Episodes

18:40 - A Powerful Way to Make Listeners Eager for Your Next Episode

→ 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 | Should You Offer a Podcast Subscription? May 10, 2024

Show notes

If you’re an online business owner, consultant, or expert who’s ever wondered whether you should offer a podcast subscription for your listeners, this is the episode for you. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of paid podcast subscriptions, and I'll give you the answers to questions you can't find on Google, like:

→ "How do paid podcast subscriptions actually work?"

→ "What are the pros and cons of offering paid podcast subscriptions?"

→ "Will offering a paid podcast subscription increase listener engagement, or will it take away from my total podcast downloads?"

→ "How much money can I make from offering a paid podcast subscription?"

...and a few more things about podcast subscriptions the big players like Apple and Spotify don’t want you to know.

Because when you're managing a podcast alongside your business, every minute counts. So if you want to learn whether a paid podcast subscription is the right strategy for your show or just another shiny object, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Should You Offer Subscription-Based Podcast Content?

3:08 - Will Offering Paid Content Hurt Your Downloads?

7:30 - Creative Ways to Monetize Without Creating Extra Content

10:15 - The Hidden Costs of Offering Paid Podcast Subscriptions

15:29 - How Much Can Paid Subscriptions Actually Earn You?

19:00 - What Apple and Spotify Don’t Tell You About Podcast Subscriptions

Special thanks to Philip, host of Wits & Weights, 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.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Starting a Podcast | Lucy Liu May 08, 2024

Show notes

Are you toying with the idea of starting a podcast, but worried people won't want to hear what you have to say? Or maybe you already started your show, but your throat still feels tight every time you hit the record button.

If this is you, you're not alone. (Case in point: I *still* struggle with this sometimes.) The reality? That voice of self-doubt will be there at every new level you achieve.

So it's not about getting rid of self-doubt... It's about learning how to quiet it so that it doesn't prevent you from sharing your message.

I've got renowned mindset expert and accomplished podcaster Lucy Liu in the studio with me to unpack the common, but often unacknowledged mental obstacles that we face as podcasters.

Whether it's the fear of putting yourself out there or the persistent doubts that creep in during recording sessions, we'll equip you with the tools to navigate these challenges head-on.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your podcast and hone your ability to influence people and create meaningful change in the world with your voice? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

1:33 - How to Overcome the Fear of Starting a Podcast

3:12 - Why Clarity Beats Speed in Your Podcast Journey

8:15 - How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot Your Podcast

9:45 - Why Self-Doubt Never Really Goes Away (And What to Do About It)

11:24 - How to Build the Confidence You Need to Succeed as a Podcaster

Episode Links:

Check out Lucy's podcast: The Lucy Liu Show

→ 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 Signs Listeners are Overlooking Your Podcast May 03, 2024

Show notes

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

→ You publish at least one new podcast episode every week without fail... but you’re still getting less than 1000 downloads per episode (despite doing literally everything the experts say you need to do to grow your show)

→ People tell you they love your podcast but no one has left a review on your show in the last 30 days

→ You check your analytics dashboard every week but haven't seen a significant increase in downloads or listens in the last three months

→ Even though you know the content you share in every episode is highly valuable, only one or two listeners have ever reached out asking how to work with you

If you're like, UM YES THIS IS ME, then you've probably also been told that that podcasting is a long game and that you just need to stay consistent and give it more time.

But have you ever asked yourself why it's not working? ... there's a reason why.

And after helping over 95% of our clients break the Top 100 in their categories, we've found it's often because your podcast is missing something called a "core differentiator" . Or in other words, a way of communicating to your listener why your show is the one they need to listen to.

We both know you're here to add real value and make meaningful change in people's lives. So to save you 4+ years of figuring this out the hard way like I did, I recorded this episode for you. :)
Ready to learn how to fix it so you can reach more people who need to hear your message? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

4:16 - Why Consistency Won’t Grow Your Podcast (And What Will)

3:10 - Identifying and Understanding Your Listener's Problems

6:41 - Making Your Podcast Stand Out in a Crowded Niche

9:15 - Communicating Your Podcast's Unique Value

10:42 - The Key First Step to a Top 100 Podcast

18:33 - Getting Listeners to Choose Your Show Over Others

→ 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.

Getting Zero Engagement from Repurposed Podcast Content? Here's Why (and How to Fix It) May 01, 2024

Show notes

You've heard of content repurposing: taking your podcast episodes and converting them into bite-sized clips to share on short-form platforms.

In theory it's supposed to help you expand your reach and drive traffic back to your podcast. But in reality? Now you're spending hours scouring through endless AI-generated clips and adding flashy effects and captions at the expense of all the other things you need to do in your business (you know, like sales and client delivery).

What's worse is that you have zero way of knowing if all this work is doing anything to drive traffic back to your podcast. (not much, from the looks of your 30-day downloads).

I'm breaking down three reasons your content repurposing efforts are falling flat, and give you three uncommon strategies the pros use to create viral content that commands attention and drives traffic back to your show.

So if you're over posting podcast video clips to social media (or heck, throwing the whole episode up on YouTube), only to get a couple hundred views and no likes or comments — hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Why Repurposing Podcast Content for Social Media Misses the Mark

5:07 - The Counterintuitive Approach to Podcast Content Repurposing

12:36 - How Connor Price Hit 1 Billion Streams with Creative Content

15:01 - Why Vanity Metrics Are Killing Your Podcast Growth

16:09 - 3 Steps to Repurpose Podcast Content for Higher Engagement

21:52 - Use This Key Strategy to Drive Social Media Traffic to Your Podcast

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Grow Your Podcast by Changing How You Use Email Marketing

→ 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 Create a Podcast Brand Listeners Can’t Ignore | Tonya Eberhart, Michael Carr Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

Most people think today’s top podcasters are successful because they have a massive audience, professional audio, and this seemingly effortless ability to pump out high-quality content. But when you think of successful podcasts like "Serial" or "The Joe Rogan Experience”, it’s not ~just~ the audio quality or even the content itself that draws people in and keeps them coming back. (Because if that were true, then everyone with a $100+ mic who releases high-quality episodes every week would be in the Top 100 and we both know that’s not the case).

But, today’s top podcasts DO have four things in common — and one of the most important? A strong podcast brand that compels listeners to choose *your* show over others like yours.

But podcast branding is much more than cover art and a catchy show title. Which is why I invited co-hosts Tonya Eberhart and Michael Carr of the top ranked Be Bold Branding podcast to join me in this episode so we can help you nail the invisible elements of your podcast brand and create a show listeners can’t ignore.

Ready to learn the first steps you need to build a powerful podcast brand that commands attention? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - Unexpected Ways Your Identity Boosts Your Brand

4:49 - The Top Mistake That’s Causing Listeners to Overlook Your Podcast

5:13 - Why Mixing Personal Branding With Your Podcast Hurts You

9:34 - What to Do If Your Podcast Outgrows Your Brand

12:51 - Why Broad Podcasting Approaches Are Outdated

Episode Links:

Check out Tonya and Michael's podcast: Be Bold Branding

→ 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 | Why Imitating Top Hosts is Hurting Your Podcast Growth Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

If watching other successful hosts and imitating what they do was the secret to a successful podcast, then everyone who's mirrored another successful host would have a Top 100 podcast… and we both know that's not the case.

But how exactly *do* you steer clear of the Podcast Comparison Trap when it feels like other podcasts are the only benchmark for measuring your show's success?

In this eye-opening episode of Listener Q + A, we’ll unpack why the Podcast Comparison Trap happens, the 5 telltale signs that listeners are overlooking your show, and how embracing your own expertise and distinct voice will help you position your show to stand out amidst the noise of the crowded podcasting landscape.

Ready to step out of the shadows of comparison and step boldly into the spotlight as an in-demand podcast host? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

1:07 - Why Imitating Top Hosts is Hurting Your Podcast Growth

4:06 - The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn't Growing

6:49 - 5 Telltale Red Flags Your Podcast Is Blending In

12:05 - How to Escape the Podcast Comparison Trap for Faster Growth

17:24 - The Surprising Shift That Helps Others Value You as an Expert

Special thanks to Beth Schillaci, host of Travel Beyond the Guidebook, 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.

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