Podcast Growth Tools: Turn Listeners Into Paying Customers with Podcast Marketing Strategies for Female Entrepreneurs

Kylee Chandler, Podcast Growth & Marketing Expert
  • 4.9 (39)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Podcast Growth Tools is a stategy-first, empowering podcast for established female podcasters who are ready to grow their audience and turn listeners into leads with proven strategies. Hosted by Kylee Chandler, a podcast growth strategist who has helped shows like Amy Porterfield's Online Marketing Made Easy grow to over 1 million downloads per month, this show delivers proven strategies, marketing tools, and real-world examples so you can finally connect your podcast to true business growth. She's also supported clients like Cathy Heller, and countless others. If you’re feeling like your podcast is siloed in your business, struggling to convert listeners into email subscribers, or wondering why downloads aren’t translating into revenue, this podcast meets you where you are—with actionable growth strategies, industry insights, and expert interviews. Whether you’re navigating content planning, lead generation, or monetization, each episode is designed to help you take intentional steps that grow both your show and your bottom line. With nearly a decade of experience in the podcasting industry, Kylee pulls back the curtain on what really works—sharing the exact strategies she’s used to help top entrepreneurs generate 20k+ leads, grow podcast audiences by 200%+, and build funnels that actually convert. What you’ll hear: - Step-by-step marketing strategies to grow podcast downloads and your email list - Proven podcast-centric funnel tactics that turn listeners into paying customers - Expert interviews with industry leaders sharing their playbooks for podcast success If you’re asking the following questions, you’re in the right place: - How do I grow my podcast audience without burning out? - How do I turn listeners into email subscribers and paying clients? - What podcast metrics actually matter for growth? - How do I finally connect my podcast to real revenue? This is the podcast for you when you’re ready to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building a podcast that fuels your business. Tune in to Podcast Growth Tools and take the next step toward turning your show into your #1 growth engine.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 81: REPLAY: A Step-by-Step Guide for Writing SEO-Rich Podcast Show Notes That Actually Rank

    I am still on maternity leave, soaking up snuggles with my baby boy, so I am continuing to bring back a few of my favorite episodes, the ones my audience loved most and got the most value from. Today's topic is something I get asked about more than almost anything else: how to write show notes that actually rank on Google and AI search tools and drive traffic back to your podcast, your website, and your email list. This episode walks you through the entire process step by step. It originally released back in February 2025 as episode 4. Since I recorded this, I have fully switched over to Claude for this exact task, and I cannot recommend it enough. I have trained my Claude to sound like me, and it remembers my templates and my voice far better than what I was using before. If you are deciding which AI tool to use for your podcast marketing, that is my strong recommendation. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to use AI to draft SEO-rich, blog-style show notes that go far beyond a simple summary. This is a real resource hub for your episode, something structured specifically to attract search engine traffic, convert casual readers into loyal listeners, and turn your show notes into a true traffic-driving, list-building asset for your business. Here's a glance to the episode: What SEO-rich blog-style show notes actually are and how they differ from your podcast platform descriptionThe exact AI prompt to turn your transcript into a full blog-style show notes draftWhy training your AI to sound like you is the single biggest factor in getting usable output quicklyHow to write keyword-optimized titles that people are actually searching forThe full show notes layout: engaging introduction, embedded podcast player, key takeaways, timestamps, and platform badgesWhy timestamps and bulleted takeaways help both readers and search enginesHow to use images, alt text, and media to boost SEO and drive clicksHow to close with a strong CTA using a lead magnet, playlist bundle, or embedded opt-in formHow to link resources and affiliate links mentioned in your episodeHow to take your show notes further with SEO-focused AI prompts for keywords, headings, and meta descriptionsWhy creating a repeatable show notes template or SOP makes this entire process faster for you or your team Timestamps: 00:28: Writing Show Notes That Rank02:12: Getting Started With SEO-Rich Show Notes05:14: Why Your Show Notes Matter06:50: What Makes Show Notes SEO-Friendly?09:33: Using AI to Draft Your Show Notes10:22: The AI Prompt to Get Started12:30: Training AI to Sound Like You13:27: Refining & Optimizing Your Draft13:59: Creating SEO-Friendly Podcast Titles15:29: Structuring Your Show Notes17:18: Adding Timestamps, Keywords & Platform Links19:51: Building the Main Content & Adding Media21:17: Creating a Strong CTA23:18: Using AI to Improve SEO & Keywords25:06: Meta Titles, Descriptions & Feature Images25:43: The Complete Show Notes Process26:30: Final Thoughts & Next Steps Mentioned in This Episode Join the NewsletterTake the Podcast Growth Quiz Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub. Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.

  2. Aug 25

    Episode 80: The Metrics Top Female Podcasters Are Actually Tracking (Hint: It's Not Downloads) REPLAY

    I am still on maternity leave, so today I am bringing back one of my most popular episodes, and for good reason. I originally dropped this in early 2025 and it sparked more DMs, replies, and "oh my gosh, I needed to hear this" messages than almost any other episode I have released. Even if you heard it the first time around, this one is worth a second listen. In this episode, I am breaking down the metrics that actually matter beyond downloads. We are talking about followers, super fan conversions, community, and how to stop treating your podcast like it is siloed from the rest of your business. If you have been refreshing your download numbers and wondering whether any of this is even working, this episode is going to be a reset for you. Downloads are a vanity metric. They give you some insight, but they do not tell you if people are actually coming back, if they are following your show, if they are joining your email list, or if they are buying your offers. In this episode, I walk through exactly what to track instead and how to turn your podcast into a true growth engine for your business, not just a content channel that lives on its own. Here's a glance to the episode: Why Followers Matter More Than You Think Why a follow or subscribe is the closest thing podcasting has to true retentionHow to track followers on Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for CreatorsWhere to place your follow call to action for the best results (hint: not just at the end) How to Create Super Fans What separates a casual listener from a true super fanWhy consistency, real value, and making listeners feel seen is the entire strategyHow intentional keywords in your titles and descriptions help the right people find youWhy planning your content ahead of time changes everything How to Turn Passive Listeners Into Active Subscribers Why every lead magnet you create should be podcast centricHow to repurpose existing episodes into bundles, quizzes, and playlists instead of creating new contentThe difference between dynamic ads and baked in ads (and when to use each)Why baked in ads convert better and feel more natural to your audience How to Build Real Community Through Your Podcast Why your podcast can be the front door to your communityHow to use Instagram DMs, story questions, and email replies to build real connectionHow a private podcast can be used to attract new listeners to your main showWhy loyal listeners have a significantly higher lifetime value How to Fully Integrate Your Podcast Into Your Business Why podcasters keep their show too siloed from the rest of their marketingHow to use episodes to warm people up for your digital offersHow to use your top performing podcast content inside a re-engagement email campaignWhy your podcast should be nurture content, not just top of funnel content Timestamps: 03:16: Why download numbers don’t tell the whole story04:41: The metrics that actually matter for podcast growth07:27: Why downloads are a vanity metric and the importance of impact09:09: Why podcast followers matter more than you think12:43: What creates true podcast super fans15:19: Turning passive listeners into active email subscribers16:11: Using podcast content to create lead magnets18:14: Dynamic ads vs. baked-in ads and how to use them20:23: Using your podcast to build a loyal community21:33: Encouraging DMs, conversations, and audience feedback22:44: Using private podcasts to attract and nurture new listeners24:30: Integrating your podcast into your overall business strategy25:32: Using podcast episodes to warm up potential customers26:11: Repurposing podcast content across your marketing26:18: Using podcast content to nurture your email list27:40: Final thoughts: moving beyond downloads and building a true business asset29:27: Closing thoughts and what’s coming next Your Next Steps If you want weekly insights on podcast growth, marketing strategy, and turning listeners into subscribers, join the newsletter at: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe Take the Podcast Growth Quiz: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/quiz Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub. Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.

  3. Aug 11

    Episode 79: How to Use Meta Ads to Grow Your Podcast in 2026 with Brooklyn Grotte

    If you have ever wondered whether paid ads could actually help you grow your podcast, or if Meta Ads Manager makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you. My guest is Meta ad strategist and agency owner Brooklyn Grotte. She manages millions of dollars in ad spend every month for her clients, and she makes advertising feel accessible, practical, and human. This conversation is a recording from a live training Brooklyn gave inside one of my masterminds, where she broke down exactly what is working for Meta ads right now, why so many podcasters are wasting money on the wrong types of campaigns, and how even a small budget can help you grow your audience, build your email list, and attract the right listeners. In this episode, Brooklyn shares the ad strategies she is seeing succeed in real time, the difference between awareness, engagement, and lead generation campaigns, and why founder-led content is outperforming AI-generated ads right now. Whether you are completely new to paid ads or you have been experimenting without much luck, you will walk away with a clear understanding of how to use ads strategically to grow your podcast and your business. Here's a glance to the episode: Why lead generation ads outperform awareness ads for podcast growthHow Meta's Advantage Plus targeting works and why manual interest stacking is deadWhy founder-led video is outperforming AI avatars and AI-generated content right nowThe four ad plays for podcasters: subscribe, episode, lead magnet, and private podcastWhy a curated podcast playlist makes one of the most effective lead magnetsThe real numbers behind Meta's learning phase and how many conversions you need before scalingBudget guidance for lead gen ads, engagement ads, and low-ticket offersWhy boosting Instagram posts rarely works (and the one case where it does)The five stages of buyer awareness and how to create ads for each stageHow to use AI tools like Claude to research competitor ads and generate hook variationsWhy your offer, not your ad creative, is usually the real bottleneckThe rule of thumb for scaling ad budget without breaking your resultsWhy episode soundbites outperform generic show trailers as ad creativeHow to structure a direct-to-camera ad video that hooks viewers in the first 3 seconds Timestamps: 03:06: How Kylee and Brooklyn met and why community matters08:53: What is working in Meta ads right now (the Andromeda algorithm explained)10:16: Advantage Plus targeting: why manual interest stacking is no longer needed10:50: Why lead gen ads to a free offer are working better than awareness ads11:35: Founder-led video vs. AI avatars: a real test and real results12:59: How to use the Meta Ads Library to research competitor ads14:49: Comment-to-DM keyword ads and why they work16:11: Why boosting Instagram posts rarely makes sense (and the one exception)20:38: The four ad plays for podcasters: subscribe, episode, lead magnet, private podcast23:44: Why a curated podcast playlist is one of the most effective lead magnets26:25: Three budget zones and how much to spend based on your goal26:55: The learning phase explained: how many conversions you need before Meta optimizes33:46: How Meta billing actually works (it is not cost per click)37:37: Is it too early in your business to run paid ads?42:16: Recommendation: lead gen over awareness or engagement for podcasters42:54: Static vs. video vs. carousel: what performs and how Brooklyn splits her content mix44:08: The five stages of buyer awareness and how to speak to each one47:01: Using AI (Claude and ChatGPT) for hook research and ad variations, not first drafts49:13: Why Brooklyn does not recommend TikTok ads right now49:32: Paid podcast cross-promotion as an underused strategy50:11: Setting up the Meta Pixel (and why you need it)51:17: Why episode soundbites outperform generic show trailers52:29: iOS 17, broken attribution, and why UTMs matter53:47: The scaling rule: do not scale budget until you hit 30 conversions in 7 days54:37: Why the bottleneck is rarely the ad itself (audit your offer first)1:00:09: How to structure a direct-to-camera ad video that hooks in the first 3 seconds1:05:35: Where to find and follow Brooklyn Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode Join the NewsletterTake the Podcast Growth Quiz Full Show Notes and Blog Post Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Connect with Brooklyn: Instagram: @bizwithbrooklynEmail List Accelerator (50% off with code KYLEE) Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub. Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 78: REPLAY: The Easy Podcast Lead Magnet Strategy That's Converted at 95%

    This is one of my most downloaded episodes ever, and the strategy I teach in it is just as relevant today as when I first recorded it in March 2025. Honestly, maybe even more so. I have seen it work time and time again. In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I walk you through a framework for turning your existing podcast episodes into lead magnets that grow your email list. The concept is simple: bundle your best episodes by topic, put them behind an opt-in, get them in front of the right people, and use them to convert listeners into email subscribers and subscribers into buyers. When I originally recorded this, I was calling it the Magnet Magic Framework. I do not call it that anymore. What I teach now is the Podcast First Funnel, and it has evolved into a more refined version of everything you are about to hear. But the core strategy is the same. I have just gotten a lot sharper about how I teach it and the systems around it. Here is the thing I get asked all the time: what are the best lead magnets for getting people from my podcast to my email list? PDFs and checklists generally do not work as well as they used to. There is a very specific way to make those convert, and most podcasters are not doing it right. But this podcast first funnel strategy works like a charm, and you can use it everywhere, not just your podcast. Here's a glance to the episode: Why downloads alone do not build a business and what doesThe 5-phase framework for turning your podcast into a lead generation machinePhase 1: How to brainstorm and identify the right bundle topics based on your audience and your dataPhase 2: How to create your lead magnets (from simple email delivery to full landing pages)Phase 3: How to automate and deliver the bundles seamlesslyPhase 4: How to promote your bundles using dynamic ads, ManyChat, website pop-ups, and morePhase 5: How to test, optimize, and track what is workingWhy episode bundles outperform traditional PDF lead magnetsHow I used this strategy with Amy Porterfield and saw a 95% opt-in rate on one bundleHow to align your bundles with your paid offers so you grow your list with the right peopleWhy three to five bundles is the sweet spot for testingHow to use your top-performing episodes to decide what bundles to create Timestamps: 1:00: The Podcast First Funnel: what it is and why it works2:00: The course that walks you through building this step by step4:00: Original episode begins: What is the framework and why it matters6:00: Why downloads alone do not build a business7:00: The 5 phases of the framework8:45: Real results: how we used this strategy with Amy Porterfield10:25: Phase 1: Brainstorming and identifying your bundle topics11:00: What are topic pillars and how to find yours12:50: Three questions to ask yourself to identify the right bundles14:00: Free brainstorming worksheet14:30: Phase 2: Creating your lead magnet content15:00: The simplest version: an email with episode links (no PDF required) Mentioned in This Episode Podcast First Funnel CourseFree Brainstorming WorksheetJoin the NewsletterTake the Podcast Growth Quiz Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 77: How She Grew Her Podcast Downloads 43% in 3 Months with Simple Strategies with Kellie Lupsha

    What if a few micro tweaks could grow your podcast by 43% in three months without a heavy lift? That is exactly what happened for my guest Kellie Lupsha, and in this episode she is sharing everything she did. Kellie is the host of Thriving in Midlife, a former physical therapist turned entrepreneur who helps women navigate their 40s, 50s, and beyond through health optimization and wellness. She publishes two episodes a week, runs a women's membership and an intensive 12-week program, and recently built two quiz funnels that completely changed what she knows about her audience. Kellie was one of my students in my beta mastermind, and she is one of the best implementers I have ever worked with. After making small, strategic changes to her podcast titles, descriptions, and show notes, she saw 43% growth in downloads in just three months. Then she switched to Captivate, applied everything she had learned about SEO, and matched four years of total downloads in just four months. In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, Kellie shares the exact changes she made, what surprised her most about her quiz data, how she manages two episodes per week without burning out, why her first membership failed and how it led her to build a better podcast, and her honest advice for anyone wondering whether podcasting is worth the long game commitment. Here's a glance to the episode: How Kellie grew her podcast downloads by 43% in three months through micro tweaksHow she matched four years of total downloads in just four months after switching platforms and optimizing for SEOThe two biggest needle movers: SEO-optimized titles and quiz funnelsWhy her quiz data surprised her and told her exactly who to create content forHow she built two new quizzes after learning the process (one product-based, one for audience segmentation)Why quizzes outperform traditional PDF lead magnets for driving email opt-insHow she publishes two podcast episodes per week with minimal editing and a VAWhy her first $19 membership failed and what it taught her about what her audience actually wantedWhy raw, unpolished podcast content is connecting with female audiences more than everHer strategy for finding and vetting guests through relationships instead of cold pitchesWhy building an email list from day one is the number one thing she wishes she had done soonerHer advice for anyone thinking about starting a podcast: the 10-episode test"It is never crowded because nobody is in your space" Timestamps:4:00: How she started podcasting during COVID and let the show evolve6:35: Why her first $19 membership failed and what it taught her7:30: How she realized her audience wanted conversations, not courses8:45: Letting your podcast name and format change without fear9:15: How she publishes two episodes per week10:05: Batching content, minimal editing, and hiring a VA12:05: Why raw and real content is winning with female audiences16:05: How her podcast feeds into her business16:30: Why she never looked at her analytics before the mastermind17:15: Her goal to guest on more podcasts in 202618:05: Finding and vetting guests through relationships21:30: Creating content from program questions and real life experiences25:00: Why two or three conversations give you your best episode topics27:05: The two biggest aha moments from the mastermind27:25: SEO in podcast titles and show notes28:05: Why quizzes outperform traditional lead magnets28:30: How her first quiz drove leads and what she learned29:00: Building two new quizzes30:05: The quiz data surprise: what she expected vs. what happened31:05: How the quiz told her exactly who to create content for32:55: Why the curated quiz experience creates raving fans34:25: The growth results: 43% in three months, four years of downloads in four months36:05: Why monthly analytics tracking is now part of her workflow36:25: Advice for anyone thinking about starting a podcast37:00: The 10-episode test38:25: It is never crowded because nobody is in your space Your Next Steps If you want weekly insights on podcast growth, marketing strategy, and turning listeners into subscribers, join the newsletter at: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe Take the Podcast Growth Quiz: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/quiz Mentioned in This Episode Full Show Notes and Blog Post Connect with Kellie Podcast: Thriving in Midlife (available on all major podcast apps)Instagram: @kellielupsha Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.

  6. Jun 30

    Episode 76: 11 Ways to Turn Old Podcast Episodes Into New Growth: Part 2

    You have already audited and optimized your back catalog. Now it is time to turn all of that content into things that actually grow your email list, generate leads, and bring in revenue without recording a single new episode. In Part 1 of this series, we covered auditing your catalog, optimizing underperformers, updating show notes, strategic re-airs, and creating curated listening paths. Today in Part 2, I am walking you through five creative strategies that take the content you have already created and turn it into a system that works for your business on repeat. Most of these strategies can be set up in an afternoon or a weekend. They are not complicated. And they will continue to work for you for months. This is what it looks like when your podcast becomes the cornerstone of your marketing. Here's a glance to the episode: Strategy 1: Episode Bundles How to bundle your best episodes by topic and gate them behind an email opt-inWhy the curation is the value even when the episodes are already freeHow to align your bundles with your paid offers so you grow your list with the right peopleAdding a PDF guide or checklist to make the bundle feel more substantial Strategy 2: Podcast-Centric Quiz Funnels How a quiz segments your audience and points them to personalized episode bundlesReal results: 15,000 leads with Amy Porterfield, 2,000+ with Cathy Heller, 10,000+ for Savannah in less than a yearHow quiz data tells you what episodes to create, what offers to build, and where the gaps areThe 6-Week Quiz Creation Blitz waitlist (coming late fall/early winter) Strategy 3: Best-Of Compilations and Start-Here Playlists How to clip together your top moments into a best-of episodeTurning clips into short-form social contentCreating a start-here playlist that gives new listeners a clear entry point Strategy 4: Private Podcast Experiences How a private podcast works as a lead magnet, a bonus, or a paid productThe case for public bundles vs. private podcasts (and when each makes sense)How Megan Yelaney uses Hello Audio for her Main Character Energy private podcastHow to charge $27 to $47 for a curated private podcast series built from content you already have Strategy 5: Using Your Back Catalog as an FAQ and Authority Tool Creating an FAQ page that links to specific episodesKeeping a running "send this episode" list on your phoneReferencing your own episodes in new content to drive downloads on older episodesWhy every time you point someone to an episode you are boosting downloads, building trust, and saving time The Full Series Recap (11 Strategies Across Both Parts): Audit your back catalogOptimize underperforming episodesUpdate blog-style show notesStrategic re-airsCurated listening pathsTrack which episodes drive action with Google AnalyticsTopic-specific episode bundlesPodcast-centric quiz funnelsBest-of compilations and start-here playlistsPrivate podcast experiencesBack catalog as an FAQ and authority tool Timestamps:01:30: Strategy 1: Creating episode bundles gated behind an opt-in02:30: Why someone would give you their email for content that is already free03:45: How to align your bundles with your paid offers04:15: Adding a PDF guide or checklist to make the bundle feel more substantial04:35: Strategy 2: Building a podcast-centric quiz funnel05:00: The 6-Week Quiz Creation Blitz (waitlist open now)07:00: How a quiz connects to your back catalog with personalized bundles and playlists07:40: Real quiz results: how data from your quiz shapes your content and your offers08:55: Why treating your podcast like a product changes everything09:05: Strategy 3: Clipping together your top-performing content09:45: Best-of compilation episodes (and who does this well)10:25: Turning clips into short-form social content10:35: Creating a start-here playlist for brand new listeners11:25: Strategy 4: Reworking your best content into a private podcast experience12:00: The case for bundles vs. private podcasts (and when each makes sense)12:35: How to use Hello Audio for a private podcast13:55: Using a private podcast as a lead magnet, a bonus, or a paid product14:20: Strategy 5: Using your back catalog as an FAQ and authority tool15:00: Creating an FAQ page that links to specific episodes15:30: Keeping a running "send this episode" list15:50: Referencing your own episodes in new content16:50: Bringing the full series home: 11 strategies across both parts17:45: Pick one and start this month Your Next Steps If you want weekly insights on podcast growth, marketing strategy, and turning listeners into subscribers, join the newsletter at: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe Want to build a podcast-centric quiz? Get on the waitlist for the 6-Week Quiz Creation Blitz: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/quizblitzwaitlist Take the Podcast Growth Quiz: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/quiz Resources and LinksMentioned in This Episode Part 1: How to Activate Your Back CatalogEpisode 73: How to Create Your Authority Stamp with Megan Yelaney6-Week Quiz Creation Blitz WaitlistHello Audio (private podcast hosting platform)Lewis Howes, School of Greatness (example of best-of compilations) Full Show Notes and Blog Post Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub. Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.

  7. Jun 16

    Episode 75: 11 Ways to Turn Old Podcast Episodes Into New Growth: Part 1

    When was the last time you actually did anything with your old podcast episodes after they went live? If the answer is never, you are sitting on a goldmine and you do not even know it. In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I am walking you through five strategies to audit, optimize, and reactivate your podcast back catalog so it starts working for your business again. Every episode you have ever published has the potential to grow your email list, bring in new listeners, and drive people to your offers. But most podcasters publish an episode, promote it once, and never touch it again. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Today is the strategic foundation: auditing your data, optimizing what is underperforming, and setting everything up. In Part 2, we are turning your back catalog into podcast bundles, quizzes, private podcast experiences, freebies, and more. Even if you only have 15 or 20 episodes, listen in. You are at an advantage because you can start thinking ahead about how every episode you create today will work for you months and years from now. 🔑Here's a glance to the episode: Step 1: Audit Your Back Catalog How to identify your top 10 evergreen winners and your bottom 10 underperformersHow to find patterns in your data (solo vs. interviews, topics, episode length)Which platforms to pull your analytics from for the most complete pictureHow to use Google Analytics to see which episodes are driving action on your website Step 2: Optimize Your Underperforming Episodes Why great content with bad packaging gets ignoredBefore and after example: "My thoughts on making money" vs. a keyword-rich titleHow to rework descriptions for SEO discoverability on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyReal results: episodes going from 30 downloads to 150-200 just from a title and description change Step 3: Update Your Blog-Style Show Notes How to add internal links between episodes to keep people on your websiteWhy you need to refresh old CTAs with your current offersHow to turn thin show notes into full blog posts that Google can index Step 4: Strategic Re-Airs How to record a fresh intro and updated CTA for a republished episodeThree use cases: launch weeks, maternity leave, and seasonal relevanceWhy this is not secretly recycling content but being intentional about it Step 5: Create a Curated Listening Path The five-episode framework: awareness, deeper dive, possibility, quick win, CTAHow to turn your back catalog into a sales funnelThree ways to deliver it: bundles, re-releases on your feed, or private podcastsHow to use the listening path on sales pages, in DMs, and in email sequences Timestamps: 01:50: Part 1 of a two-part series: the strategic foundation03:15: Step 1: Audit your back catalog04:50: How to identify your top 10 evergreen winners05:15: Why you need to look at your bottom 10 (this is where the opportunities hide)05:40: Finding patterns: solo vs. interviews, topics, episode length06:30: Which platforms to pull your data from07:00: How to check which episodes are driving action (Google Analytics, quiz opt-ins, website traffic)08:00: Step 2: Optimize your underperforming episodes08:50: Why great content with bad packaging gets ignored09:10: Before and after: "My thoughts on making money" vs. a keyword-rich title09:55: Reworking your episode descriptions for SEO10:30: Adding tags and keywords in your hosting platform11:00: Why this is the lowest effort, highest reward thing you can do11:10: Real results: episodes going from 30 downloads to 150-200 just from a title and description change11:20: Step 3: Update your blog-style show notes on your website12:15: Adding internal links between episodes12:45: Refreshing old CTAs with current offers13:25: Beefing up thin show notes into full blog posts14:05: Step 4: Strategic re-airs14:45: How to record a fresh intro and updated CTA15:15: Three use cases: launch weeks, maternity leave, and seasonal relevance16:30: Step 5: Creating a curated listening path17:00: The five-episode listening path framework18:35: How to use the listening path on sales pages, in DMs, and in email sequences19:30: Three ways to deliver the listening path: bundles, re-releases, or private podcasts19:45: Recap and homework before Part 2 Mentioned in This Episode Join the newsletterTake the Podcast Growth QuizFull Show Notes and Blog Post Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler 💬 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more podcasters find these strategies and means the world to me. Part 2 drops in two weeks. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss it.

  8. Jun 2

    Episode 74: 26 Million Downloads Later: The Podcast Growth Strategy That Actually Works with Kelly Smith of Mindful in Minutes

    What if the 50, 100, or 650 episodes sitting in your back catalog could be working for you right now, bringing in new listeners, growing your email list, and generating revenue without you creating a single new piece of content? That is exactly what my guest Kelly Smith has built. Kelly is the host of Mindful In Minutes (26 million downloads across nearly nine years) and Meditation Mama. She runs two podcasts, raises two kids, and works roughly 40 hours per month. And her back catalog is one of the most strategic assets in her entire business. In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, Kelly and I go deep on how she uses a quiz funnel to turn 650+ episodes into personalized playlists for every listener, how she plans her entire podcast calendar six to nine months in advance using a color-coded spreadsheet and real performance data, and the honest numbers behind podcast advertising and monetization. This is one of the nerdiest and most transparent conversations I have had on this show. Kelly gives it to you straight, and if you have been sitting on a back catalog wondering what to do with it, this episode is your answer. 🔑Here's a glance to the episode: How Kelly grew Mindful In Minutes to 26 million downloads over nine yearsWhy your back catalog is your most valuable asset and how to activate itHow a quiz funnel turned 650+ episodes into personalized playlists (1,200+ quiz takers from organic traffic alone)The eight meditation archetypes and what the quiz data revealed about her audienceWhy cross-referencing quiz data with episode performance data changed her entire content strategyHow she plans her podcast calendar six to nine months ahead using a color-coded spreadsheetWhy she tracks her stats every single week and lets the data speak instead of her egoThe real numbers behind podcast advertising: CPM rates between $12 and $20, agency minimums of 10,000 downloads per episode, and the math that shows why ads alone are not the answerWhy selling a $44 mini course can make more money than running ads on a 10,000 download episodeHow 80% of her retreat attendees are podcast listeners (including one who waited six years for the timing to work)The two-year rule: why Kelly tells aspiring podcasters to be prepared to show up for free for at least two yearsHow she balances two podcasts with two kids and a husband who works seven days on, seven days offWhy the trust recession makes longform podcast content more valuable than ever Timestamps: 03:00: How Kelly started her podcast in 2017 to stay connected with her yoga students07:00: The COVID moment: losing $15,000 in a day and then seeing a quarter million downloads in a week10:00: How she started her second podcast, Meditation Mama11:30: Why consistency and a searchable back catalog are her biggest growth drivers14:00: How she infuses her podcast and her business together to create a flywheel16:10: How she stays consistent as a mom of two with a husband who works seven days on, seven days off17:00: The color-coded spreadsheet: planning six to nine months of content ahead of time19:00: Her data-driven approach to content: top categories, what performs, and taking ego out of it23:00: Why podcasting is the most intimate form of content in the age of AI24:30: The quiz strategy: why she built it and what it does for her listeners27:00: Eight quiz results, eight meditation archetypes, and the data behind who is taking the quiz31:00: Cross-referencing quiz data with episode performance data (the nerdiest and best part)35:00: Client success story: 10,000 quiz takers, 8,500 email subscribers, and 77% revenue growth38:00: The real numbers behind podcast monetization and advertising40:00: CPM rates, agency minimums, and why ads alone are not the best path for most podcasters42:00: Why selling your own micro offers is more profitable than ad revenue45:00: Kelly's mini course and virtual retreat strategy for monetization47:00: Where to find Kelly, take the quiz, and get a personalized meditation playlist Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Join the newsletterTake the Podcast Growth QuizFull Show Notes and Blog Post Connect with Kelly Website: yogaforyouonline.comPodcast: Mindful In Minutes (available on all major podcast apps)Podcast: Meditation Mama (available on all major podcast apps)Quiz: yogaforyouonline.com/quizMini Course: Mastering Guided Meditations ($44) Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.comPodcast: Podcast Growth ToolsInstagram: @kyleejchandler Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more podcasters find these strategies and means the world to me.

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About

Podcast Growth Tools is a stategy-first, empowering podcast for established female podcasters who are ready to grow their audience and turn listeners into leads with proven strategies. Hosted by Kylee Chandler, a podcast growth strategist who has helped shows like Amy Porterfield's Online Marketing Made Easy grow to over 1 million downloads per month, this show delivers proven strategies, marketing tools, and real-world examples so you can finally connect your podcast to true business growth. She's also supported clients like Cathy Heller, and countless others. If you’re feeling like your podcast is siloed in your business, struggling to convert listeners into email subscribers, or wondering why downloads aren’t translating into revenue, this podcast meets you where you are—with actionable growth strategies, industry insights, and expert interviews. Whether you’re navigating content planning, lead generation, or monetization, each episode is designed to help you take intentional steps that grow both your show and your bottom line. With nearly a decade of experience in the podcasting industry, Kylee pulls back the curtain on what really works—sharing the exact strategies she’s used to help top entrepreneurs generate 20k+ leads, grow podcast audiences by 200%+, and build funnels that actually convert. What you’ll hear: - Step-by-step marketing strategies to grow podcast downloads and your email list - Proven podcast-centric funnel tactics that turn listeners into paying customers - Expert interviews with industry leaders sharing their playbooks for podcast success If you’re asking the following questions, you’re in the right place: - How do I grow my podcast audience without burning out? - How do I turn listeners into email subscribers and paying clients? - What podcast metrics actually matter for growth? - How do I finally connect my podcast to real revenue? This is the podcast for you when you’re ready to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building a podcast that fuels your business. Tune in to Podcast Growth Tools and take the next step toward turning your show into your #1 growth engine.

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