Episode 217 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

0:02 - The Simple Strategy Top 100 Podcasts Use to Stand Out
1:47 - The Surprising Truth About Why Most Podcasts Fail
4:15 - The 5-Minute Exercise That Helps You Attract the Right Audience 
8:03 - The Key to Crafting Compelling Episodes
9:14 - How Solving Specific Problems Turns People into Binge-Listeners

The Real Secret to a Top Podcast

Let’s cut to the chase: the secret to a top podcast isn’t about producing the most episodes, delivering the most insightful content, or even sticking it out the longest. Nope. The real secret? It’s all about getting inside the head of your ideal listener and solving the real problems they’re facing. This is what sets the top podcasts apart from the thousands that get overlooked.

You might be thinking, “But, my podcast is an entertainment podcast” or, “My podcast is a community-focused podcast” — but the reality? Every podcast solves a problem (whether you realize it or not). And if your podcast doesn’t communicate to potential listeners the problem you solve for them, your listeners aren’t going to stick around, let alone binge your episodes (and if they’re not listening, good luck converting them into leads and clients). Want the fix? Read on.

The Truth About Podcast Success

There’s a common misconception floating around that starting a podcast is easy. And sure, on the surface, it seems simple: buy a decent mic, carve out time to record, and hit publish. But here’s the harsh reality: 8 out of 10 new podcasts don’t make it past episode six. For the lucky few that do, most still struggle to get more than 2,000 downloads in their first year. And that’s where many podcasters start to question if podcasting is worth their time.

But what if you knew how to pull the right levers to make your podcast stand out and actually get the attention it deserves? Knowing this is the difference between your show blending in vs. becoming a top podcast that grabs your listener’s attention with content that dominates the conversation.

How Well Do You REALLY Know Your Ideal Listener?

To start laying the groundwork for a top podcast, grab a sheet of paper and draw two vertical lines, creating three sections.

• Right Side: First, think about your ideal listener. What do they want most in their life right now? What are they striving for that you can help them achieve? Set a timer for five minutes and just brain dump everything that comes to mind.
• Left Side: Now on the far left, identify the opposite of what you wrote on the right. What is your listener currently experiencing that’s causing them frustration, anxiety, or overwhelm? These are the problems your podcast is here to solve. (The more specific you are here, the more effective your content will be).
• Middle Column: Finally, in the middle column, write down how these problems make your listener feel. This step is crucial because it separates the emotions they might feel from the problems they’re actually experiencing. Feelings are not problems — feelings are the result of problems. So this step will help you get clear on the specific issues your podcast will address.
  
  

The Key to Crafting Clear and Compelling Podcast Language

Here’s where many podcasters go wrong when trying to grow a top podcast: they think that emphasizing the transformation they can offer is what will hook listeners. But the truth is, your listeners don’t care about the transformation until they know you understand the problem they’re struggling with. It’s those specific, real-world challenges that make today’s top podcasts bingeable.

When you speak directly to the problems your listener is facing, you’re speaking their language. You’re showing them that you get it — that you’re in tune with their pain points and are the one who can help them solve it.

Think of it this way: there’s a world of difference between saying, “My podcast gives you insights on how to be a better leader,” and saying, “My podcast teaches you how to lead a remote team without sacrificing productivity or employee morale.” One sounds generic and nice—a ‘nice-to-have’ that doesn’t compel action. The other is laser-focused on a specific challenge, making it impossible to ignore.

Why Solving Problems Leads to Podcast Bingeability

Think about why you binge Netflix: maybe you’re bored. Maybe you need a break, a mental escape after a long day. Maybe it’s something else, but the same thing applies to podcasts. Today’s top podcasts aren’t successful because they give valuable content — they’re successful because their content solves specific problems. Whether it’s a business podcast showing you how to get more clients, or a true crime podcast letting you forget about that never-ending to-do list, it all comes down to solving problems. That’s what keeps people hitting ‘play’ over and over again.

Even entertainment podcasts are solving a problem—like giving you that much-needed distraction when your brain just can’t handle one more email. The best podcasts get this. They know what you need, and they deliver it every single time.

Put It Into Action

This simple brain dump exercise is more than just a creative exercise — it’s the foundation for crafting a top podcast that doesn’t just get listened to but gets binged. Why? Because when you take the time to understand exactly what your listeners are struggling with and what they truly want, you can create content that speaks directly to them. It’s like having a conversation with someone who gets you — you’re going to keep seeking out their expertise and advice because they’ve shown you they truly understand your needs and challenges.

And when your podcast becomes bingeable, it’s no longer just a marketing tool — it’s a powerful engine for business growth. A bingeable top podcast builds trust, deepens the listener-host relationship, and keeps your listeners engaged long after they’ve hit ‘play’ on that first episode. This kind of engagement leads to more downloads, more shares, and ultimately, more clients who are eager to work with you because they’ve already experienced the value you bring.

And if you want more insider secrets for a top podcast that dominates the charts with binge-worthy content that converts listeners to clients on repeat, hit the follow button for Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Or if you’re thinking, “Can you do it for me?!” Yep we sure can, and we’d love to help. Book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.

Next Up:

In the next episode, we’re diving into how podcasting is changing the game for online businesses. If you’ve got an online business you’re looking to scale to seven figures, you’re going to want to tune in. I’ve got a special guest joining us who’s nailed the art of turning podcasts into money-making sales funnels, and he’s going to teach you how to do the same. Don’t miss it!