Let’s cut to it: If you’ve been publishing episodes week after week and your downloads still feel… stagnant, it’s not because podcasting is broken.
It’s because growing a podcast audience takes more than just hitting publish.
As a podcast strategist who works with business owners like you, I see the same growth-blocking mistakes over and over again. The good news? They’re all fixable.
Let’s walk through the most common mistakes you might be making when it comes to how to grow a podcast audience—and what to do instead to actually move the needle.
Mistake #1: You’re Creating for You, Not for Your Listener
We get it—you’re passionate. You have things to say. But if your content isn’t solving a problem your ideal listener cares about, you’re likely just creating noise.
The Fix:
- Get obsessed with your listener. What are they Googling at midnight? What do they want help with today?
- Use market research. Survey your audience, revisit past client questions, or even lurk in Facebook groups to see what’s being asked.
- Frame every episode as a value delivery. Instead of “here’s my story,” think: “here’s how my story helps you.”
Growth doesn’t come from just sharing. It comes from solving.
Mistake #2: You Don’t Have a Clear Growth Plan
You’re recording. Editing. Uploading. Posting on Instagram. Maybe even sending a newsletter if the stars align. But none of it feels… strategic.
That’s because it’s not a growth strategy. It’s a checklist.
The Fix:
- Start with one core goal. Do you want more subscribers? Email list sign-ups? Program applications?
- Choose the top 2–3 platforms where your audience already is.
- Map out a 90-day promo plan. Think campaigns, collaborations, and consistent repurposing—not random posts.
Audience growth isn’t accidental. It’s intentional, and it’s repeatable when done right.
Mistake #3: You’re Not Borrowing Audiences
Trying to grow in a vacuum? Tough.
If you’re not actively getting in front of new ears, your podcast will only ever serve the people who already know about it.
The Fix:
- Be a guest on other podcasts. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow.
- Partner on content swaps. Think Instagram Lives, newsletter features, or even co-hosted bonus episodes.
- Pitch yourself consistently. You don’t need a huge audience to be a great guest—you just need a great angle.
One borrowed audience can open the floodgates.
Mistake #4: You’re Not Reusing Your Best Content
Podcasting is one of the most content-rich formats out there—and yet so many business owners record it and leave it to collect dust in the archives.
No audiograms. No email content. No blog posts. Just… a quiet little player on your website.
The Fix:
- Turn each episode into a content ecosystem.
- Blog post
- 2–3 Instagram posts
- A LinkedIn thought leadership piece
- Pinterest graphics
- Weekly email teaser
- Use snippets as entry points. Not everyone will listen to the full episode, but they might read a quote, share a Reel, or save a carousel.
The more places your content lives, the more chances it has to be discovered.
Mistake #5: Your Call to Action Isn’t Leading Anywhere
It’s shocking how many podcasts end with… nothing.
No CTA. No next step. No direction. Your listeners just vibe out with no clue what to do next—and then forget you five minutes later.
The Fix:
- Include one clear CTA per episode. Whether it’s a freebie, a program, or a follow on Instagram—make it obvious.
- Say it mid-episode and at the end. Don’t assume they’ll still be listening in the final 30 seconds.
- Connect it back to the episode topic. Make it feel like a natural next step, not a jarring sales pitch.
A call to action isn’t annoying—it’s a service.
TL;DR – How to Grow a Podcast Audience (Without Burning Out)
Let’s recap the biggest mistakes that keep podcasters stuck—and how to fix them:
- You’re talking to yourself, not your listener. → Focus on solving real problems.
- You’re winging it. → Create a growth plan with purpose.
- You’re not borrowing audiences. → Pitch, collaborate, connect.
- You’re not repurposing. → Build a content engine around each episode.
- You’re not guiding listeners. → Use clear, confident CTAs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling discouraged about your download numbers, know this: you’re not behind—you just need a better strategy.
Growing a podcast audience doesn’t have to be complicated or exhausting. It just has to be intentional.
And when you treat your show like the marketing asset it is? That’s when things start to click.
Want help mapping out a growth strategy tailored to your show? Apply now for my Podcast Growth Program—a four-month coaching experience built for business owners who want to grow their podcast and their business, at the same time.
