Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts

Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com
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Named the best podcast on podcasting, this isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” show doling out generic podcasting advice. We’re breaking down 30,000+ hours of study into what today's top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert. Hosted by Forbes and Rolling Stone–featured podcasting psychology expert, Webby Awards judge, and PodLaunch® founder Courtney Elmer, you’ll get the podcasting tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share (backed by 70+ Top 100 podcast launches). Expect unfiltered podcasting insights, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice so you can master growing a podcast that listeners can’t stop bingeing (and buying from). When you’re ready to break out of less-than-200-download-per-episode jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort... Or if you want a podcast launch strategy that positions you as the authority in your category and drives revenue... Welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit follow and let’s dive in.  ... Popular Guests Include: Adam Adams, Alex Sanfilippo, Dave Jackson, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and more.  Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcast Messaging, Podcasting Psychology, Podcast Marketing, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Listener Engagement Strategies, Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid, Podcasting Tools, Podcasting Trends, Growing a Podcast, How to Monetize Your Podcast, Podcast Listener Conversion, Video Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in the Top 100, How to Start a Podcast, Podcast Launch Strategy

  1. 3d ago

    5 Podcasting Decisions That Make Listeners Stay or Leave

    You can do everything you're supposed to do to grow your podcast while unknowingly making small mistakes that cause listeners to tune out and unfollow you. So how do you know which parts of your podcast are working for you, and which might be working against you? I joined Sam Brake Guia for a deep dive into the psychology behind what makes listeners click play, keep listening, and take action. We're talking about four things to audit if your podcast isn't converting, what to say in the first 30 seconds to keep listeners hooked, and how to get people listening to more than one episode at a time so you can stop losing listeners you’ve worked so hard to attract. Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:14 – 4 Things to Audit When Your Podcast Isn't Converting 8:50 – What to Say in the First 30 Seconds to Keep Listeners Listening 29:00 – What High-Converting Podcasts Do Differently to Get Listeners to Take Action 35:53 – How to Get Listeners to Binge 3+ Episodes Instead of Just One 47:10 – Are Your Podcast Guests Undermining Your Authority? … Episode Links: Listen to Sam Brake Guia’s Podcast: Mics to Millions … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  What to Do After Guesting on a Podcast to Get More Referrals and Clients … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  2. Nov 3 ·  Video

    Inside Podfest 2027: What's New, What's Changing, and Why

    Podcast conferences promise new ideas, valuable connections, and swag bags. But when you can learn almost anything online for free, what makes an in-person event worth attending? And are conference organizers giving podcasters what they need, or are they so busy packing the schedule with speakers and sessions that they've forgotten what makes the experience worth paying for? Podfest Director of Operations Wendy Brant is back to take us behind the scenes of Podfest 2027 and reveal how attendee feedback is changing the conference experience. We're talking about why Podfest is moving beyond traditional conference sessions, what's new for 2027, and how you can tap into the Podfest community even if you can't attend in person. Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:25 – What Makes Podfest Different From Other Podcast Conferences 6:12 – How Podfest Attendees Are Shaping the Conference Itself 8:19 – Why Podfest Is Moving Beyond Traditional Conference Sessions 13:45 – What to Expect at Podfest 2027 Based on Attendee Feedback 22:14 – How to Connect With the Podfest Community Without Attending … Episode Links: Meet Wendy Brant: PodfestExpo.com | LinkedIn Get Tickets for Podfest 2027 More ways to learn before Podfest: Explore Virtual PodIndy … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Are Podcast Conferences Worth It? 3 Things to Know Before You Go | Wendy Brant, Podfest  … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Nov 2 ·  Video

    Are Podcast Conferences Worth It? 3 Things to Know Before You Go | Wendy Brant, Podfest

    Buying a ticket to a podcast conference doesn't mean you're investing in your podcast. You could spend thousands on travel and tickets, attend every session, meet a dozen people, and still come home with a notebook full of ideas you'll never use. Meanwhile, another podcaster leaves with three guest interviews lined up, a potential sponsor, and a partnership that opens doors to new business. So what's the difference? How's this: Podfest Director of Operations Wendy Brant joins me to reveal what separates a podcast conference that's worth the investment from one that's a waste of money, the three things to decide before buying your ticket, and how to start conversations that lead to guest bookings, business referrals, and future collaborations. Plus, how to qualify for a free ticket to Podfest. Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:30 – Why "Learning New Strategies" Isn't the Best Reason to Attend a Podcast Conference 7:30 – What Podcast Conferences Give You That You Can't Get From YouTube 12:06 – The 3 Things to Decide Before Attending a Podcast Conference 14:50 – The Biggest Mistake Podcasters Make Before a Podcast Conference 17:04 – Creative Ways to Attend a Podcast Conference on a Budget 18:56 – How to Get Free Tickets to Podfest … Episode Links: Meet Wendy Brant: PodfestExpo.com | LinkedIn Get Tickets for Podfest 2027 More ways to learn before Podfest: Explore Virtual PodIndy … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Inside Podfest 2027: What's New, What's Changing, and Why … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  4. Oct 26

    How to Make a Podcast Trailer That Gets You More Listeners | Jay Nachlis, Arielle Nissenblatt

    Your podcast trailer could be the reason new listeners press play on your show... or not. So how do you know if your podcast trailer (or lack of one) is helping or hindering your audience growth? I sat down with Jay Nachlis of Coleman Insights and Arielle Nissenblatt of EarBuds Media to find out.  We're putting four real podcast trailers to the test to reveal the five things listeners will remember about your trailer, and showing you how to use those findings to attract more listeners to your show. Hit play and let's dive in. 0:04 – Do Podcast Trailers (Actually) Help You Get More Listeners? 16:10 – Why the Most Professional-Sounding Trailer Doesn't Always Win 25:50 – Explainer vs. Sizzle: Which Trailer Works Better? 33:13 – The Podcast Trailer Mistakes That Make Listeners Skip Your Show 36:41 – 5 Things Listeners Will Remember About Your Podcast Trailer Episode Links: Meet Arielle Nissenblatt: Website | LinkedIn | EarBuds.audio Meet Jay Nachlis: Website | LinkedIn | PodPredictor … Research Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Peter Ferioli Pantheon Podcasts and Rachel Corbett of Nova Podcasts for their contributions to the podcast trailer study featured in this episode. … Other Shows Mentioned In This Episode: High Scrollers Super Fan Diaries Better Than Yesterday Binge or Cringe … Other Episodes You’ll Love: What to Say in the First 15 Seconds to Keep Podcast Listeners Listening … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  5. Oct 19

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on Rolling Out Listener Subscriptions

    The podcasting industry loves telling podcasters how "easy" it is to make money through listener subscriptions. So why then can setting up listener subscriptions cost you weeks of work and still leave listeners unable to pay you? What started as a simple monetization experiment on my show exposed what happens when the systems between Apple Podcasts and hosting providers fail, and the simpler setup options that can keep those problems from costing you paying subscribers. We’ll also unpack whether listener subscriptions are worth it for a show your size, where I’d set them up, and what I’d avoid if I could start over from scratch. Hit play and let’s dive in. 0:04 – Are Listener Subscriptions Worth It for a Small Podcast? 1:57 – Why Monetizing With Listener Subscriptions Is Easier Said Than Done 7:17 – Choosing Subscriber Benefits That Won’t Add to Your Workload 11:02 – How Podcast Apps and Hosting Tools Make Getting Paid Harder Than It Should Be 25:07 – Where to Set Up Listener Subscriptions and What to Avoid … Episode Links: See how much of your podcast tech stack Beamly can replace → beamly.com  … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Why Your Next Dollar Should Come From Your Last Episode Before You Chase Sponsors to Monetize Your Podcast, Listen to This … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  6. Oct 13 ·  Video

    The Podcast Revenue Model Hiding in Your Guest Interviews | Andrew Hellmich

    A profitable podcast membership isn’t built by putting your best content behind a paywall. After 15 years of building a paid podcast membership, Andrew Hellmich has learned how to price premium content in a way that rewards early listeners without undervaluing what you create. He’s back to break down the pricing model behind his 1,000-member subscription, including when to raise your price, how to structure monthly vs. annual plans, why your earliest members should get your best deal for life, and the 50/50 revenue model he uses to turn guest expertise into additional paid offers. If you’re considering a paid podcast membership and want to build one people will actually pay for, hit play and let’s dive in.  5:40 – How to Start Charging for Podcast Content You’ve Always Given Away for Free 7:38 – The Fastest Way to Find Out If Listeners Will Pay for Your Podcast 10:19 – How to Price a Premium Podcast Membership 11:09 – The 50/50 Profit Split That Turns Guest Expertise Into Podcast Revenue 20:11 – Why Your First Podcast Members Should Get Your Best Price for Life Episode Links: Meet Andrew Hellmich: Website | LinkedIn Listen to Andrew’s Podcast: PhotoBizX See how much of your podcast tech stack Beamly can replace → beamly.com  … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  How to Get Better Answers From Your Podcast Guests … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  7. Oct 12 ·  Video

    5 Interview Techniques to Stop Listeners From Tuning Out | Andrew Hellmich

    Most podcast hosts think good interviews come from asking better questions. But great podcast interviewers know the best questions are the ones they never planned to ask. After more than 600 interviews and 15 years podcasting, Andrew Hellmich knows what separates mediocre interviews from the ones that keep listeners listening. He’s going to show you how to set the right expectations before you hit record, handle a guest who won’t give you a straight answer, and know when to push, redirect, or throw your next question out altogether so you can get the answers your listeners are counting on you to get. If you want better answers from your guests, hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:21 – Why Your Podcast Guest Isn’t The Most Important Person In The Interview 6:39 – What to Do When a Podcast Guest Won’t Give You a Straight Answer 9:17 – Why Scripting Every Question Can Make You Miss Your Guest’s Best Answers 12:10 – How To Follow An Unexpected Answer Without Forgetting Your Next Question 21:02 – The Simple Interview Technique That Gets Guests to Open Up … Episode Links: Meet Andrew Hellmich: Website | LinkedIn Listen to Andrew’s Podcast: PhotoBizX See how much of your podcast tech stack Beamly can replace → beamly.com  … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  The Podcast Revenue Model Hiding in Your Guest Interviews … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  8. Oct 5

    Should You Change Podcast Categories? Plus When to Monetize and What to Do When Podcast SEO Isn’t Working

    Should you switch your podcast category to get more listeners? How do you know when your podcast is ready to make money? And what happens when you’re ranking #1 in search, but those rankings aren’t bringing you listeners?  In this rapid-fire Q&A, I’m answering your podcast growth questions about how to rank, when to monetize, and which podcast growth strategies are (and aren’t) worth your time, so that you know where your time and effort will make the biggest difference. Hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:00 – When Is Your Podcast Ready to Monetize? 7:30 – Should You Change Podcast Categories to Rank Higher? 10:00 – Why Ranking in the Top 100 May Matter Less Than You Think 13:30 – What to Do When You Rank #1 But Aren’t Getting Listeners 20:00 – What Should You Focus on First to Grow a New Podcast? … Episode Links: Want to simplify your podcast tech stack? Try Beamly free → … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Are Podcast Sponsorships Worth the Effort for Small Shows? Why Podcast Monetization Isn't Automatic … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for podcasting coaching on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

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Named the best podcast on podcasting, this isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” show doling out generic podcasting advice. We’re breaking down 30,000+ hours of study into what today's top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert. Hosted by Forbes and Rolling Stone–featured podcasting psychology expert, Webby Awards judge, and PodLaunch® founder Courtney Elmer, you’ll get the podcasting tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share (backed by 70+ Top 100 podcast launches). Expect unfiltered podcasting insights, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice so you can master growing a podcast that listeners can’t stop bingeing (and buying from). When you’re ready to break out of less-than-200-download-per-episode jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort... Or if you want a podcast launch strategy that positions you as the authority in your category and drives revenue... Welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit follow and let’s dive in.  ... Popular Guests Include: Adam Adams, Alex Sanfilippo, Dave Jackson, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and more.  Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcast Messaging, Podcasting Psychology, Podcast Marketing, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Listener Engagement Strategies, Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid, Podcasting Tools, Podcasting Trends, Growing a Podcast, How to Monetize Your Podcast, Podcast Listener Conversion, Video Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in the Top 100, How to Start a Podcast, Podcast Launch Strategy

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