How to Grow a Podcast Audience: 5 Game-Changing Tips

In this episode, I'm breaking down my Top 5 Takeaways from Podcast Movement, the biggest podcasting conference in the U.S. Whether you're brand new or a few seasons in, these tips will help you grow your podcast audience, feel less pressure around social media, and explore fresh, sustainable strategies for podcast marketing and monetization.

I'm Andi Smiley—podcast coach for moms and host of this show! I help mom podcasters grow without burnout by sharing practical podcasting tips and lessons from my own journey. I just got back from Podcast Movement, and I’m spilling the top insights that can make a big difference for your show.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• How podcast SEO can help your audience find you

• Why Instagram doesn’t need to be your main marketing channel

• My podcast strategies: podcast swaps, podcast SEO and Pinterest

• Seeing other podcasters as collaborators, not competition

• Multiple ways to make money podcasting beyond ads

• The surprising ROI of Pinterest for podcast marketing

• What to focus on if you're overwhelmed with podcast growth

Key Takeaways

• Focus on podcast SEO—it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

• Social media is great for connection, but not ideal for growth.

• Podcast swaps are a powerful way to grow your listener base.

• Collaborate with podcasters in your niche—you’re stronger together.

• Monetization isn’t just ads! Paid subscriptions are a great option for smaller shows.

One action step: optimize your podcast with SEO-friendly keywords.

Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome

(00:33) My Pinterest “aha” moment

(01:40) Takeaway 1: Podcast SEO

(03:00) Takeaway 2: Social media ≠ podcast marketing

(03:38) Takeaway 3: Podcast swaps

(04:28) Takeaway 4: Collaborating with similar shows

(06:06) Takeaway 5: Different ways to monetize your podcast

(07:34) One action step

Links & Resources

• Join the Pinterest Magic for Podcasters waitlist (and get $10 off when it launches)

• Brittany Herzberg SEO Interview

• Follow me on Instagram

• Learn more on the Friendly Podcast Guide website