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:

Want More Listener Engagement? Do This | Matt Drinkhan Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

It’s no secret that more people are tuning into podcasts than ever before. But with millions of podcasts to choose from, the shows that will excel the most over the next five years are ones who foster two-way communication with their audience, source the right kind of feedback from their listeners, and share hyper-relevant content that connects on a deep and meaningful level.

Top podcaster and author Matt Drinkhan joins me in this episode to show you three listener engagement strategies you can incorporate starting today to attract new listeners, keep them hooked, and make them excited to come back for more.

Ready to increase listener engagement and get more listeners choosing your show over the competition? If you're like, “duh yes!” hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:01 - How to Know if You’re Sharing the Right Things on Your Podcast

4:39 - The One Simple Question that Will Reveal Your Podcast’s Blind Spots

7:10 - The Secret to Finding Your Most Impactful Stories

9:23 - Make Your Listeners Feel This to Keep Them Hooked

10:30 - What to Do When You Feel Like Your Story Isn't Worth Sharing

13:05 - Why Fumbling Through the Process is Part of Becoming a Great Host

Episode Links:

Check out Matt Drinkhan's podcast: The Eternal Optimist

→ 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.

My Most Embarrassing Moment as a Podcaster Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

There I was, crying over my analytics dashboard at 10:42 AM. I'd just released my 16th episode and I still hadn’t enrolled a single new client from my podcast.

I came *this close* to throwing my mic in the garbage and giving up on this whole podcasting thing (and honestly? I have no clue what stopped me). But now looking back, I’m so glad I stuck with it.

I made three surprising mistakes that caused me to struggle more than I needed to during my first year of podcasting, and I’m breaking down what those three mistakes are inside this episode so that you can avoid them too.

So if you’re someone who publishes at least one episode every week without fail but you’re still getting less than 1000 downloads per episode, or if people tell you they love your podcast but no one is buying, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - My Most Embarrassing Podcasting Moment (Get Ready to Cringe)

2:49 - The Dunning Kruger Effect and Its Impact on New Podcasters

3:57 - The One Moment That Changed Everything

5:47 - Bigger Audience Means More Sales, Right? Wrong...

8:24 - Why Consistency Is NOT the "Secret" to Podcasting Success

Episode Links:

Understanding the Dunning-Kreuger Effect | courtesy of Verywell Mind
Dunning-Kreuger Effect (visual)

→ 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 Podcast Launch Strategy Behind a Top 100 Podcast Launch | Rachel Provan Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

Hitting 'publish' on your podcast is one thing, but launching a podcast? It's the difference between your show being virtually invisible to listeners or popping off on the charts and grabbing the attention of your perfect listeners worldwide. But while plenty talk about podcasting's benefits for business growth, few provide a proven strategy for launching a podcast that dominates the charts with bingeworthy content that turns listeners into clients.

That’s why I invited full-time business owner and new podcaster Rachel Provan to join me in this episode, so you can see how strategically launching a podcast...

→ landed her show in the Top 100 in the US + UK

→ grew her email list by 500+ new subscribers in a week

→ earned 45+ reviews and 1000+ downloads in her first 24 hours

→ is now reaching people in over 20+ countries and 1300+ cities around the world

→ is growing 10x faster than the average podcast at a rate of 500+ downloads/week

So if you want to save yourself hundreds of hours of trial and error and get these same results for your show? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - The Critical 8-Week Window for Podcast Success

1:12 - Unlocking Hidden Potential in Niche Podcast Markets

3:29 - The 3-Part Framework for a Top 100 Podcast

7:54 - How to Maximize Engagement in Your First Eight Weeks as a Podcast Host

10:49 - Why Niche Podcasts Grow Faster than General-Interest Podcasts

Episode Links:

Check out Rachel's podcast: Psychology of Customer Success

→ 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.

Grow Your Podcast With This Email Marketing Strategy Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Sending an email blast every time you release a new podcast episode might seem like the right move, but it could actually be stunting your podcast's growth.

(And inside this episode, I'll reveal why your podcast isn't growing no matter how many "New Episode!" announcement emails you send.)

When you finish listening, you'll know exactly how to share the type of podcast content your email list wants to read — giving *you* higher open rates and increased downloads. #winwin

Ready to use your podcast to get more people subscribing to your email list (and get your email subscribers EXCITED to go listen to your podcast)? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - Why Sending “New Episode!” Emails Won't Grow Your Podcast

2:58 - Why Your Podcast Should Be at the Top of Your Marketing Funnel

5:41 - Use Reverse Psychology to Convert Email Readers into Loyal Listeners

11:06 - Understanding the Two Types of Traffic That Drive Podcast Growth

12:30 - How Your Podcast Builds Trust and Shortens Sales Cycles

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Steal This Easy Episode Hack to Grow Your Email List

→ 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 Best (and Worst) Ways to Use AI for Your Podcast | Manuj Aggarwal Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

With the rise of AI, listeners are becoming more skilled than ever at telling the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.

Which means that if AI is the sum total of all human wisdom and you’re copy/pasting content from the same tools that every other podcast host is using — you run the risk of sounding like everyone else.

And if you want to be seen as a real thought leader, the LAST thing you want is for your listeners to think you aren’t who you say you are.

That’s why global tech founder and AI expert Manuj Aggarwal is back in the studio with me to share the number one way you can teach AI to sound like you, so you can reap its benefits ~without~ compromising your authentic voice. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - Want to Stand Out? Personalize Your AI Outputs

1:10 - AI-Driven Distribution: How to Capture Listener Attention in 3 Seconds

3:03 - The Best and Worst Ways to Use Podcasting AI for Your Show

5:13 - AI’s Limitations in Replicating Human Emotion in Podcasting

8:47 - The Future of AI-Driven Podcasting, and What it Means for You

Episode Links:

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy

The Future of AI for Podcasting

→ 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 Future of AI for Podcasting | Manuj Aggarwal Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

A human wrote this. (hey, it needed to be said).

Look, in today's AI-driven world I KNOW it's tempting to use technology to streamline your processes. But to what extent should you be using AI for your podcast? And is AI actually harming your show’s ability to attract new listeners?

Put it this way: there'll only ever be one true Picasso. And just like an art expert can spot what's real and what's fake, it's crucial to maintain your podcast's unique identity amid the flood of AI-generated content. Because guess who's becoming the new decoders of authenticity? Yup. Your listeners.

But instead of trading dollars for priceless works of art, they're trading something even more valuable: their time. And they don't want to spend it listening to impersonators. (YOU are the real deal - I know that. But it's your listeners we have to convince.)

So I asked global tech founder and AI expert, Manuj Aggarwal, to join me in this episode to discuss how you can use AI without losing your authentic voice.

Because in a Black Mirror world where everything is a simulation, being real is the new priceless. (Okay fine, so Mastercard won't be hiring me anytime soon.)

But if you're ready to learn how you can streamline your podcast production without sounding like everyone else who's *also* uploading their episode content into the same AI tools, THAT I can help with. Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - How to Use AI Without Losing Your Authentic Voice

1:25 - The Future of AI for Thought Leaders and Experts

2:11 - How to Personalize Podcasting AI to Reflect Your Unique Style and Tone

7:54 - The Need for New Regulations in an AI-Integrated Society

11:47 - Innovative Podcasting AI Applications in Podcasting and Beyond

→ 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 Choose the Best Category for Your Podcast (And Why It Matters) Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

Picking a podcast category feels strangely similar to choosing your next Netflix show to watch — overwhelming and potentially regrettable. And let's be real, Google and YouTube aren't exactly serving up fresh insights when you search “how to choose a podcast category” either (and the info that does exist? it’s already out of date).

But not to worry, because in this episode I’ll show you the #1 thing platforms like Apple care about when choosing a podcast category, the surprising impact of your podcast category on your show’s growth, and how to determine your ideal podcast category in three simple steps so more people can find your podcast.

So if you’re ready to grow your podcast audience and get discovered by new listeners who have no idea you exist, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - Is Your Podcast in the Wrong Category?

1:06 - The #1 Thing Apple Cares About When Categorizing Your Podcast

3:48 - How to Shortlist Potential Categories Your Show Could Fit Into

5:44 - The Little-Known Secret to Gaining Early Momentum for Your Podcast

8:49 - How to Determine Your Ideal Podcast Category in 3 Steps

13:22 - The Surprising Impact of Category Choice on Podcast Success

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

From 30 to 1000+ Downloads in One Day With This Simple Shift

→ 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 Truth About Podcast Episode Length (and Why Most Get It Wrong) Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Okay... what's up with these hosts who love to talk like they're determined to rival Tolstoy with their marathon episodes? (looking at you, Joe Rogan 👀)

There's this trend going on right now where 39% of episodes are clocking in over 40 minutes. But that doesn't mean listeners are listening that long.

So basing your episode length off some random google search for "how long should my episodes be" or copying other hosts and making your episodes as long as theirs might actually be causing you to lose listeners.

The perfect episode length ultimately comes down to your listener's specific preferences — which is why inside this episode, I'm going to you how to figure out exactly how long *your* episodes should be based on your unique listener data.

Ready for your listeners to do the work for a change and tell you exactly what they want? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - The Dangerous Mistake Most Podcasters Make When Determining Episode Length

2:20 - The Surprising Metric You're Probably Ignoring (But Shouldn't!)

5:24 - How to Nail Your Ideal Episode Length from Day 1

8:16 - Where Your Listener is Tuning in From Matters More than You Think

10:16 - The Easy 2-Step Process to Optimize Episode Length for Maximum Listener Engagement

→ 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 Podcasting Strategies Behind Ranking in the Top 100 | Adam Adams Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Honestly… getting your show on the charts is not as hard as you think it is.

~she says, after spending the last 4 years figuring out how to do it well~

(so, okay, it's a little hard. But this episode will make it SO MUCH easier.)

If you've ever wondered how top podcasters land their shows on the charts week over week, you're going to want to listen to this episode. again. (and again).

But instead of giving you vague, general advice like:

→ "publish episodes every week"

→ “make sure you have great audio quality”

→ “give away your best content for free in every episode"

Adam Adams is back in the studio with me to share exactly how to trigger the Apple algorithms to share your show with more listeners. Ready? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

1:35 - The 5 Main Things That Trigger Podcast Algorithms and Boost Your Reach

4:42 - How Paying for Fake Downloads Can Destroy Your Podcast's Chances of Success

7:01 - How to Make Apple's Algorithm Work in Your Favor

10:53 - A Ninja Strategy for Increasing Genuine Ratings, Reviews, and Downloads Without Spending a Dime on Ads

16:23 - The Secret to Getting Listeners to Binge Your Episodes

Episode Links:

Check out Adam's podcast: The Podcast on Podcasting

→ 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 No One Tells You About Podcast Marketing | Adam Adams Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

When people ask me, "How can I get more listeners to engage with my show?!" My answer is always simple: know what makes your listeners ~want~ to engage in the first place. Because in the world of podcasting, creating valuable content is only half the battle. To grow your podcast, you need to know how to engage your listeners both on and off the podcast platforms with an effective podcast marketing strategy.

That's why I invited one of the few experts I trust in the podcasting space, Adam Adams, to join me in this episode to show you the most effective ways to keep your audience hooked and coming back for more.

So if you're ready to stop feeling like you're talking to yourself in an empty room and learn the first steps you can take to help more listeners find your show (especially if you are launching for the first time), hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:55 - The One Thing Your Podcast Needs to Succeed (And nope, it's not great content)

3:57 - Netflix's Secret to Launching Bingeworthy Shows

7:40 - The Pre-Launch Strategy that Triggers Algorithms and Creates Buzz

14:18 - The Top Mistake Podcasters Make When Launching Their Show

19:04 - Why Social Proof Matters More Than You Think

Episode Links:

Check out Adam's podcast: The Podcast on Podcasting

→ 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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