Episode 300 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

300 Episodes Later: What I’ve Learned About Podcast Growth—and How It Can Help You

300 episodes. Five years. And let me tell you, it’s been a ride. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the real value of podcasting isn’t in the numbers. It’s in the lessons you pick up along the way.

Podcasting teaches you things you didn’t even know you needed to learn (and some you wish you didn’t have to… ask me how I know). So whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow, these lessons aren’t just war stories from my journey—they’re takeaways you can use to make your podcast stronger, your life easier, and drive podcast growth in a way that lasts.

Lesson 1: Podcasting Is Hard Work (and It’s Worth It)

No one likes to admit it, but podcasting is hard freaking work. It’s not just hitting record and calling it a day—it’s about understanding what your audience finds valuable (and consistently delivering it), and staying committed to showing up, even when the results take longer than you’d like.

(In other words: if someone ever tells you podcasting is easy, they’re probably trying to sell you something. Run.)

When I started my podcast, I naively thought it would simplify my marketing. After five years and (thousands of) hours of dedicated effort, it has made my marketing easier. But it’s not a magic fix or a shortcut to fame. Like any other marketing channel, podcasting requires consistent energy and focus—not just to create episodes, but to also promote those episodes and make sure they reach the right audience. (Read that again… because when it comes to podcast growth, creating content is only half the battle. The other half—actually getting your podcast in front of the right listeners—is the part that’s easy to miss).

Here’s why it’s worth it though: podcasting pays off in ways no other platform can. Done right, it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your audience, build trust, and grow your business. But—and this is crucial: 

Podcasting is not a “set it and forget it” solution. You can’t just hit “publish” and expect listeners to roll in.

So no matter what stage of podcast growth you’re in, here’s the real question to be asking: are you publishing episodes week after week, waiting around for your podcast to magically take off? If the answer is yes, that’s okay. I initially thought that was the “secret” too. And oh, how wrong I was.

Lesson 2: Consistency Only Matters If You’re Doing The Right Things

Most people think podcast growth is about hitting “publish” every week. And while that’s important, it’s only half of the equation. If you’re focused solely on creating episodes and hoping listeners stumble across them, you’ll be waiting a long time for podcast growth to happen.

Consistency isn’t just about showing up on the mic. It’s about showing up where your audience is already looking for answers. That means prioritizing promotion just as much as production. In other words? If you’re not actively getting your episodes in front of new listeners every day, you’re leaving opportunities for growth on the table.

Here’s what I tell my clients: 

When you have the right messaging and positioning in place, podcast growth comes down to one thing—getting your show discovered by new listeners every day.

That means spending as much time promoting your podcast as you do creating it. But here’s the key: promotion only works if your foundation is solid. If your podcast isn’t positioned to attract the right listeners, no amount of marketing will fix that.

So before you dive headfirst into promotion, ask yourself: Is my podcast clear on who it’s for and why people should listen? And more importantly, does it offer something different than other podcasts, that listeners can’t get anywhere else? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to focus on getting it in front of more people—whether that’s through guest appearances, optimizing episode titles for search, or strategic collaborations. Consistent promotion isn’t an afterthought—it’s what turns a well-positioned podcast into one that actually gets heard.

Lesson 3: Niche Podcasts Grow Faster—And Here’s the Proof

Are you speaking to a specific audience, or hoping anyone with ears will listen? Many podcasters resist niching because they think it’ll box them in. But after 15,000 hours of research into why some podcasts take off while others go overlooked, I can tell you this: the more focused your podcast is around a specific theme, interest, or niche, the faster it will grow.

It took me four rebrands (yep, four) to finally get this right.

And honestly? I wish I’d figured it out sooner. My podcast has always grown steadily, but since honing in on a clear niche, it’s growing faster than ever with consistent but minimal promotion. Why? Because when your show speaks directly to the right listeners, you don’t have to chase them down. They find you.

So here’s your gut-check moment: Are your episodes solving hyper-specific problems, answering specific questions, and giving listeners a reason to keep listening? The clearer you are about your audience, the easier it becomes to create content that resonates—one of the key components of sustainable podcast growth.

How Podcasting Changes You—and Why That’s Key to Your Success

If 300 episodes have taught me anything, it’s this: podcasting isn’t just about growing an audience—it’s about growing into the kind of host who keeps them coming back. Success isn’t about churning out episodes just to stay on schedule. It’s about knowing exactly who you’re speaking to, what they need, and creating something that actually matters to them.

So here’s my challenge for you:

• What’s one thing you want to do differently with your podcast this year?
• What’s one intentional way you’ll show up for your listeners in the year ahead?

Don’t overthink it—just pick something and start. Maybe it’s refining your niche, sharpening your messaging, or rethinking how your podcast fits into your business. Whatever it is, write it down, commit to it, and take the first step.

Because the truth is, podcasting isn’t about instant wins. It’s about building something real, something valuable, and something that changes you—one episode at a time.

And if you’re an established coach, consultant, or creator and you’re ready for a proven strategy to build a bingeworthy top podcast that grows your business, book a free strategy call with my team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch® — we’re here to help.

Or if you’re just here for the content and want more free advice on starting a podcast, growing a podcast, and turning your listeners into clients, hit “Follow” for Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode.

Up Next:

Tired of asking your listeners to follow your show or leave reviews, only to feel like you’re talking to a wall? In the next episode, we’re breaking down how to turn one-sided podcasting into a two-way conversation. So if you're ready to increase listener engagement and turn your audience into a community of raving fans who actually take the time to write positive reviews, share your show on social media, and tell you how grateful they are for the work that you do, don’t miss the next episode!