Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)

Andi Smiley
  • 4.9 (39)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your Friendly Podcast Guide and podcast coach for women! After 6 years in the podcasting world, I know how to help you start a successful podcast as a woman and mom, grow your podcast audience, and actually enjoy the process. On this show, you’ll get podcasting for beginners made simple, podcast tips for women, and sustainable podcast marketing strategies—so you can build a podcast you love without the burnout.

  1. 5d ago

    Sustainable Podcast Experiments w/ Whitney Archibald

    Podcast experiments are my favorite way to find out what actually works for my show, so I'm making this a tradition! I'm catching up with Whitney Archibald on the experiments we planned last season, then sharing the new ones we're trying. From skipping bonus episodes to vibe coding an app, we're sharing honest results so you can borrow our sustainable podcasting strategies and skip our mistakes. I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and host of The Friendly Podcast Guide, where I share podcast marketing strategies that won't take over your life. My guest, Whitney Archibald, hosts two podcasts, has beaten the odds of pod fade, and is the queen of experimenting. Comparing notes with her is always a blast. Topics Discussed in This Episode Looking back at our podcast experiments from last seasonWhy a whole season on one topic can lead to podcaster burnoutBalancing an editorial schedule with flexibility for sustainable podcastingWhat happened when I skipped bonus episodes between seasonsTrusting listeners to dig through your archive (418 downloads with no new episodes!)Vibe coding an app that points to your podcast contentWhy I'm focusing on Pinterest as a podcast marketing strategy this seasonKey Takeaways Build flexibility into your schedule. Whitney found that one deep-dive topic per season keeps her excited, which makes podcast experiments easier to sustain.Look at your numbers. My first month back had the same downloads with or without bonus episodes, so I'm skipping the extra stress.Plan breaks around your burnout cycles. Recording extra episodes ahead isn't a real break, and it's one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies I know.Trust your listeners. People search your archive for what they need, so make your website easy to search by topic.Treat every season as a test. My Pinterest-heavy season is proof that podcast marketing strategies can be tried, tracked, and tweaked.Timestamps 00:00 Intro and why I'm doing a podcast experiments episode 01:46 Whitney's self-reliance season experiment 06:22 Finding balance between structure and flexibility 07:55 My experiment: no bonus episodes between seasons 12:42 Trusting your listeners and your archive 14:43 Whitney's new experiment: vibe coding an app 20:16 My Season 6 experiment: a Pinterest-focused season Links & Resources Connect with Whitney Archibald Connect with me on Threads Follow me on Pinterest

  2. Sep 22

    How Often to Pin on Pinterest to Grow Your Podcast

    Wondering how often to pin on Pinterest to grow your podcast? Spoiler: it's way less than the 5 to 15 pins per day the experts say you need. I'm sharing how I went from one pin a week to one pin a day, plus three realistic tips for using Pinterest to grow a podcast without letting it take over your life. These are the podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me sooner. I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With 8 years of experience in radio and podcasting, I help you build sustainable podcasting strategies that grow your show without ruling your life. Pinterest is my main marketing method, and I grew my own podcast with it, so everything I share comes from what's actually worked for me and my clients. Topics Discussed in This Episode How often to pin on Pinterest (and why 5 to 15 pins per day isn't realistic for most of us)Why one to three pins per week is a great starting point for podcastersBuilding a Pinterest pinning schedule you can actually stick withHow to grow a podcast audience through consistent pinningHow I went from one pin a week to one pin a dayWhy posting slowly and steadily beats dumping 50 pins at oncePinterest tips for podcasters who feel overwhelmed by marketingWhy Pinterest won't punish you for stepping awayKey Takeaways Start small. When you're figuring out how often to pin on Pinterest, one to three pins per week is a totally legit place to begin. It's a slower start, but it's one you can keep up with.Be consistent. Three pins per week, every week, beats 50 pins in one week followed by a month of silence. Steady pinning helps Pinterest figure out who you are, which makes it one of the most sustainable podcast marketing strategies out there.Add pins slowly. When you're ready for more, scale up bit by bit so your Pinterest pinning schedule stays doable. That's how to grow a podcast audience without burning out.Take breaks without panic. Your views may dip if you stop pinning, but the pins you've already created keep circulating. Pinterest doesn't punish you for stepping away.Timestamps 00:00 My start on Pinterest 00:42 The big question: how many pins should you pin? 01:37 Tip one: start small 02:28 Tip two: be consistent 02:52 Tip three: add more pins slowly 03:40 Pinterest won't punish you for stepping away Links & Resources Join my email list for podcasting tidbits and behind-the-scenes peeks Follow me on Threads Follow me on Pinterest

  3. Sep 15

    How to Make Clickable Pins for Your Podcast

    If you've ever stared at a blank Canva template wondering how to make Pinterest pins for your podcast that actually get clicked, this episode is for you! I'm walking you through exactly what makes a pin stand out in a crowded feed…from images to fonts to the one non-negotiable element (hint: it's Pinterest SEO keywords). This is one of my favorite podcast marketing strategies because it doesn't require you to dance on camera or chase social media algorithms, it's a totally different, totally sustainable way to grow. Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide! I help podcasters grow their shows using sustainable podcasting strategies that don't take over their lives, and Pinterest has been one of the biggest game-changers in my own growth journey. I've spent years testing what actually works on Pinterest (so you don't have to), and I love sharing what I've learned with podcasters who are ready to grow without burning out. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why images (especially ones with faces!) help your Pinterest pin design stand out in the feedHow to choose pin colors and fonts that make you pop instead of blend in with your nicheMaking sure the text on your pin is big enough to read on a phoneLetting Pinterest users know a pin leads to a podcast episodeWhy Pinterest SEO keywords are the most important part of creating pins that actually get foundWhere to place your keywords: on the pin image, in the pin title, and in the pin descriptionHow Pinterest fits into podcast marketing strategies that don't rely on social mediaKey Takeaways Great Pinterest pin design starts with a strong image and images with faces tend to catch the eye even more.Look at what colors and fonts others in your niche are using, then do something different so your pin doesn't blend in.If people can't read your pin's text on their phone, they'll scroll right pastAlways make it clear your pin leads to a podcast episode, whether that's through your podcast name, logo, or the words "new episode."Pinterest SEO keywords are the single most important ingredient for getting your podcast pins clicked by the right audienceGrowing your show with Pinterest is one of the best ways to build sustainable podcasting strategies that work without relying on social media.Timestamps (00:00) Intro: why pin design worries so many podcasters (00:43) What makes a great pin, starting with images (01:28) Why images with faces perform better (02:09) Choosing colors and fonts that help you stand out (03:04) Making sure your pin text is readable on a phone (04:04) Letting Pinterest users know your pin leads to an episode (05:00) The most important element: Pinterest SEO keywords Links & Resources Pinterest VIP SetupWatch the visual walkthrough on YouTubeFollow Andi on ThreadsFollow Andi on Pinterest

  4. Sep 8

    The One Thing Your Podcast's Pinterest Profile Needs

    If you've ever wondered how to use Pinterest to grow a podcast, this episode is for you, because it all comes down to one thing: Pinterest SEO keywords. I'm breaking down exactly why keywords are the single most important part of your Pinterest profile, and sharing my simple process for finding the ones that will actually help you grow a podcast audience. Plus, I'll walk you through some real examples so you can start weaving your own Pinterest SEO keywords into your profile today. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley! I'm a podcast coach for women and I'm just a little obsessed with helping you grow your podcast without letting it take over your life. As a Pinterest-for-podcasters expert, I've used Pinterest to grow my own show and have spent a ton of time helping other podcasters do the same and sharing sustainable podcasting strategies and podcast tips for women that actually work (and don't require you to "hop on stories" every single day). Topics Discussed in This Episode Why Pinterest works as a visual search engine, not social media, and what that means for sustainable podcasting strategiesThe single essential thing your Pinterest profile needs (hint: it's Pinterest SEO keywords)How Pinterest SEO keywords help you grow a podcast audience without needing to be trendy or funnyA simple exercise for finding keywords as part of your podcast marketing strategiesReal examples of Pinterest for podcasters keyword research, including my "pretend plant podcast"How to double-check that a keyword actually matches what your audience is searching forKey Takeaways Pinterest SEO keywords are the single most essential piece of your podcast's Pinterest profile.Unlike traditional social media, Pinterest rewards searchability, which makes keyword research one of the smartest podcast marketing strategies for Pinterest.You only need about five anchor keywords to start seeing real momentum, proof that sustainable podcasting strategies don't have to be complicated.If you want to know how to grow a podcast audience with Pinterest, weaving the right keywords into your profile, boards, and pins is exactly where to start.This strategy is a perfect example of how to grow a podcast without social media, no stories, no trending audio, no algorithm chasing required.Whether you're just starting out or leveling up your plan for how to grow a podcast in 2027, Pinterest SEO deserves a spot at the top of your list.Timestamps (00:00) Why Pinterest isn't social media…and why that's a good thing (01:18) Why Pinterest SEO keywords matter more than being funny or trendy (02:07) The simple exercise for finding your keywords (02:44) Example: keyword research for a "pretend plant podcast" (04:12) Bonus tip: how to confirm a keyword is actually about what you think (05:29) Why you only need about five anchor keywords (06:02) Inside Pinterest VIP Setup a done-for-you Pinterest setup Links & Resources Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qt_Rmbx9BWoLearn more about Pinterest VIP SetupConnect with me on ThreadsConnect with me on Pinterest

  5. Sep 1

    Why Pinterest Is a Secret Weapon for Podcast Growth

    If you've ever wondered why Pinterest is a secret weapon for podcast growth, this episode is for you! I'm breaking down exactly why I've spent the last two years using Pinterest to grow my own show, and why it's one of my favorite podcast marketing strategies for podcasters who are ready to grow their audience without relying on Instagram or TikTok. I'll walk you through the biggest reasons Pinterest works so well for podcasters, from how long your content actually lasts to why you don't need to be glued to an app every day to see results. If you've been looking for sustainable podcasting strategies that don't require constant hustle, you're in the right place. I'm Andi Smiley, your host and podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows without letting podcasting take over their lives! I've been using Pinterest to grow my own podcast for almost two years, and in that time my downloads have grown by 86% and I've picked up almost 300 email subscribers. I've also spent the last year helping other podcasters implement these same sustainable podcasting strategies, so I know firsthand what works (and what's just noise). Topics Discussed in This Episode Pinterest users are primed to take action instead of just scrolling for entertainmentHow Pinterest fits into podcast marketing strategies better than short-lived social postsPins can circulate for years instead of disappearing after 72 hoursHow to grow a podcast without social media by leaning into evergreen podcast contentYou can schedule Pinterest content weeks in advance without worrying about the algorithmMost podcast content is already evergreen and perfect for PinterestYou don't need fancy graphic design skills to succeed with Pinterest marketing for podcastersA sneak peek at next week's episode on Pinterest SEO keywords Key Takeaways Pinterest users show up ready to click, learn, and listen; which makes it a powerful tool if you're focused on how to grow a podcast audience that actually takes action.Unlike Instagram or TikTok posts that fade in about 72 hours, pins can keep circulating for years, making Pinterest one of the most sustainable podcasting strategies out there.You can schedule your Pinterest content weeks (or even a month) ahead of time, which is a game-changer if you're building podcast marketing strategies around real life outside of marketing.Most podcast episodes are evergreen by nature, so your content and Pinterest's algorithm are basically a perfect match for long-term podcast growth.You don't need beautifully designed pins to succeed…simple templates work just fine. Timestamps (00:00) Why podcasters keep asking me about Pinterest (00:57) Reason #1: Pinterest users are ready to take action (01:29) Reason #2: Pins last way longer than social media posts (02:28) Reason #3: Schedule content without stressing over the algorithm (03:00) Reason #4: Evergreen podcast content is a perfect match for Pinterest (03:30) Reason #5: You don't need fancy design skills to succeed on Pinterest (04:53) Free checklist: Is Pinterest right for your podcast? Links & Resources Free checklist: "Is Pinterest Right For Your Podcast?"Follow me on ThreadsFollow me on Pinterest

    Why Pinterest Is a Secret Weapon for Podcast Growth

  6. Season 6 Trailer

    Season 6: Pinterest for Podcasters

    I have a confession: no matter what I'm "supposed" to be talking about on this podcast, I always end up bringing up Pinterest. So this season, I'm leaning all the way in! Season 6 is almost entirely dedicated to showing you how to grow a podcast audience using Pinterest, with a few incredible guest interviews sprinkled in along the way (we'll see how long it takes me to steer those conversations back to Pinterest too). Hi, I'm Andi, your friendly podcast guide and podcast coach for women who want sustainable, non-overwhelming ways to grow their shows. As your resident Pinterest-for-podcasters expert, I've spent this season going deep on everything Pinterest can do for your podcast, and I can't wait to share it with you. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why Pinterest is one of my favorite podcast marketing strategies (and why I can't stop talking about it!)What to expect from this season's guest interviewsWhen the first full episode of Season 6 dropsKey Takeaways This season is your deep dive into how to grow a podcast audience using Pinterest as your go-to strategy.The first full episode drops September 1st — mark your calendar!Links Friendly Podcast Guide on PinterestFriendly Podcast Guide on Threads

    Season 6: Pinterest for Podcasters

  7. May 26

    Podcast Marketing Strategies for Your Summer Break

    Taking a seasonal break from your podcast doesn't have to mean losing momentum. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite podcast marketing strategies to keep your downloads coming in and your business making money all summer long. As a podcast coach for women, I know how important it is to build sustainable podcasting strategies that work even when you're not actively recording, and these four approaches are exactly how I'm doing it. From batching Pinterest pins to podcast guesting, I'm pulling back the curtain on what my summer break actually looks like. Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I help women podcasters grow their shows without letting their podcast take over their lives, using sustainable podcasting strategies that don't require you to be glued to social media 24/7. I'm sharing exactly what I'll be doing this summer to keep growing my podcast without social media and without burning out. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why taking a seasonal podcast break doesn't have to hurt your downloads or incomeHow I use Pinterest as a long-term podcast marketing strategy to keep episodes discoverable all yearMy plan for batching a full month of Pinterest pins in one sitting to grow a podcast without social mediaHow to grow a podcast audience through strategic podcast guesting during your off-seasonBeing a guest speaker in podcast communities as a visibility strategy for women podcastersWhy Threads is my favorite social media platform and how I batch-schedule content in about 20 minutes a weekGoing back to evergreen content from past seasons to keep creating pins that drive traffic Key Takeaways Pinterest is one of the most powerful podcast marketing strategies for keeping your episodes getting found, even while you're on a break. Evergreen content means you can keep pinning about old episodes long after they air.Batching your content is a game-changer for sustainable podcasting. Whether it's pins or Threads posts, scheduling out a month at a time gives you serious breathing room and is one of the best podcast tips for women who want a life outside their show.Podcast guesting is one of the smartest ways to grow a podcast in 2026 without creating new episodes. Recording guest appearances during your break means you'll have content ready and new audiences finding you, without the pressure of producing your own show simultaneously.You don't have to be everywhere to grow a podcast without social media. Showing up consistently in a couple of intentional places, like Pinterest and Threads, is enough to keep your audience warm and your business moving.Seasonal breaks are a feature, of a healthy, sustainable podcasting strategy. Planning ahead means you can step away without your podcast skipping a beat. Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:30) Why seasonal podcast breaks are part of a sustainable podcasting strategy (00:49) Pinterest: my go-to podcast marketing strategy during the off-season (02:46) Podcast guesting to grow your podcast audience during a break (04:03) Guest speaking in podcast communities (05:43) Using Threads to stay connected and make sales without social media stress Links & Resources - Listen to my Pinterest for Podcasters episode - Listen to my How to Be a Podcast Guest episode - Join Pod Ground (free community for podcasters) - June Pod Ground Meetup with Andi - Find me on Threads - a hr

    Podcast Marketing Strategies for Your Summer Break

  8. May 19

    Podcast Marketing Advice I'd Give My Past Self

    If I could sit down with my just-starting-out podcast self, this is exactly what I'd tell her. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the four podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me on day one…from building an email list before your first episode drops to ditching Instagram if it just isn't your thing. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of Friendly Podcast Guide. I've been podcasting for nearly five years (wild, right?!) and I'm here to help you grow your podcast audience in a way that actually feels good and fits your real life. I share the podcast tips for women that I wish I'd had from the very beginning. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why starting your email list before your first episode is a total game-changerHow email marketing has become the most effective way I sell my offersWhy Pinterest is one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies for long-term growthThe power of showing up at podcast conferences and in-person networking eventsWhy Instagram might not be the right fit for every podcasterHow I discovered that Threads and Pinterest work so much better for meKey Takeaways Start your email list immediately, even if you only have three subscribers when you hit send on that first email. Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow a podcast audience and sell your offers.Get on Pinterest as soon as you have content, Pinterest content has a much longer lifespan than any other social platform, and starting early means more content out there working for you around the clock.Go to podcast conferences and networking events, the connections you make in person are priceless, and they can seriously level up both your podcast and your mindset.Don't just use Instagram because you think you're supposed to, figure out where your people actually are and show up there instead. For me, that's Pinterest and Threads.Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:37) Tip 1: Start your email list before your first episode (01:20) Tip 2: Start using Pinterest as soon as you have content (02:16) Tip 3: Go to podcast conferences and networking events (03:53) Tip 4: Don't default to Instagram if it's not your fit Links & Resources Episode on growing your email list with Kylee ChandlerEpisode all about why Pinterest is amazing for podcastersConnect with Andi on ThreadsConnect with Andi on Pinterest

    Podcast Marketing Advice I'd Give My Past Self
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Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your Friendly Podcast Guide and podcast coach for women! After 6 years in the podcasting world, I know how to help you start a successful podcast as a woman and mom, grow your podcast audience, and actually enjoy the process. On this show, you’ll get podcasting for beginners made simple, podcast tips for women, and sustainable podcast marketing strategies—so you can build a podcast you love without the burnout.

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