Episode 201 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

Spoiler alert:

• Ingredient 1 is the secret sauce for turning listeners into leads…
• Ingredient 2 is your ticket to climbing those ranking charts…
• Ingredient 3? It's the unexpected key to building a loyal audience over the long haul.
  
  

3 Must-Have Ingredients for a Top Podcast

If you’ve ever poured your time and energy into creating a high-value episode that winds up getting a handful of downloads and converts no listeners to leads, you’re not alone. Most podcasters think that sharing valuable content inside their episodes is enough to draw in new listeners. The problem? New listeners have no idea how good your content is if you’re not communicating its value before they hit play.

Here are the three critical ingredients that you can't afford to ignore if you want a top podcast:

1. Bingeworthy Messaging

It's one thing to have a podcast, but it's another thing entirely to create subconsciously hyper-effective content that keeps people's attention, attracts new listeners to your show on repeat, and converts those listeners into leads for your offers — and this is a missing link for 99% of podcast hosts. But bingeworthy content doesn’t just refer to the content inside your episodes. Because despite what you might have heard, highly valuable episode content alone will not help you attract new listeners. There are actually five other Podcast Content Gatekeepers™ that your listeners encounter before they hear your episode — and these gatekeepers will determine whether or not they hit play.

Most podcast experts stick to the tech and logistics, but knowing how to craft bingeworthy messaging and content is what separates the okay podcasts from the top podcasts. It's all about showing your listeners why your show is a must-listen, pulling them in, and keeping them coming back for more.

2. Launch and Relaunch System

You’d never spend a year or more writing a book, only to tell no one and hit publish on Amazon hoping it becomes a bestseller, would you? Of course not. Yet this is how most people start a podcast, expecting it to take off. If you want a top podcast, the importance of properly launching your podcast can't be overstated.

We’re in an era where over 500 million people globally are tuning into podcasts, and the competition is fierce. If you don't have a system to get your show discovered, it’s going to be challenging to get seen by new listeners. Here's the good news: launching a top podcast is far simpler than you might think, and a strategic launch plan will help you build traction on platforms like Apple and Spotify so that listeners who don’t know you (but who need what you have to offer) can find you. The even better news? If you have an existing podcast that hasn’t seen a significant increase in downloads in the last three months or more, a strategic podcast relaunch can inject new life into your show. (Think of it like a vitamin B shot for your listener growth).

3. Long-Term Growth Strategy

It's one thing to have a podcast that hits the charts on launch day. It’s another thing entirely to keep that momentum going and growing. With a long-term growth strategy you’ll be able to turn your podcast from a one-hit wonder into your primary audience-building platform.

But beware: not all long-term growth strategies are created equally. The most effective strategies are tailored to your unique podcast goals. As more people discover you and start talking about your show, your audience will expand over time and you’ll emerge as the in-demand thought leader in your niche.

Combining These Ingredients for a Top Podcast that Converts

On their own, each of these strategies is powerful. But combining them is where the magic happens. (It’s kinda like baking a batch of chocolate-chip cookies. We all know what happens if you leave out the chocolate chips — you won’t get the results you’re hoping for.)

When you merge bingeworthy messaging with the right positioning and long-term momentum, not only will you have the foundation for a top podcast that gets discovered by new listeners globally, you’ll also be able to differentiate your show from the competition and create greater demand for your expertise and what you offer.

Beware: The Cost of Missing These Ingredients

Having superior content alone won't cut it if you can't convince listeners why they should tune into your podcast instead of countless others out there. If your show lacks any of these three crucial elements, it's at risk of being overlooked, no matter how pristine your audio or compelling your content.

To stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape and truly grow your audience, you need a strategic blend of bingeworthy content, a robust launch strategy, and a long-term growth plan. These ingredients not only attract and retain listeners but also convert them into loyal followers who see your podcast as a must-listen.

And if you’re an established coach or consultant who needs help dialing in your podcast messaging so you can reach more listeners and turn them into clients, book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch® — we’re here to help.

Or if you’re ready for more insider secrets on creating a bingeworthy top podcast listeners can’t ignore, hit follow on Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite app so you never miss a new episode.

Next Up:

Did you know there are 5 Content Gatekeepers your listeners must pass before hitting play on your episode? Nail this, and you'll stop potential fans from scrolling past your show.

In the next episode, you’ll learn how to tap into the power of listener psychology to create bingeworthy podcast episodes that subconsciously attract new listeners to your show, gets listeners choosing *your* podcast over the competition, and compels listeners to reach out and ask, “How do I work with you!?” So if you’re ready to discover how to create irresistible podcast episodes that listeners will rave about, don’t miss the next episode.