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

Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com
  • 4.9 (197)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

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 coaching, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” podcasting advice to help you master growing a podcast your future 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, Ellie Puckett, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and many 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. 10h ago ·  Video

    Before You Chase Sponsors to Monetize Your Podcast, Listen to This | Jordan Blair, Buzzsprout

    Sponsorships aren't the revenue dream most podcasters think they are. In fact, they can be one of the least reliable forms of income from your podcast, and Jordan Blair, Buzzsprout's Podcast Producer and host of Dreamful Bedtime Stories (13M+ downloads), is here to expose why. After landing major sponsors like BetterHelp and HelloFresh, Jordan found a more reliable way to monetize your podcast that doesn't require a massive audience, constant sponsor outreach, or waiting until your show is "big enough" to start generating revenue. She shares how to make money before you launch, why your first episode may be your most valuable asset, and one underutilized podcast monetization strategy you can use today with fewer than 100 downloads per episode. Want to monetize your podcast sooner rather than later? Hit play and let’s dive in. … 0:30 – Why Sponsors Aren't the Dream Most Podcasters Think They Are 5:44 – How to Get a Sponsor Before You Launch Your Podcast (or with Fewer Than 100 Downloads per Episode) 12:07 – Why Your First Episode May Be Your Most Valuable Asset 18:53 – The Revenue Stream That Survives When Sponsorships Don't 20:19 – The Monetization Strategy That Lets Creators Take a Break … Episode Links: Meet Jordan Blair: Buzzsprout | LinkedIn Listen to Jordan’s Podcast: Dreamful Bedtime Stories Listen to Buzzsprout’s Podcast: Buzzcast … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Why Your Next Dollar Should Come From Your Last Episode … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    24 min

  2. Jun 24

    The Biggest Podcast Growth Mistake You're Probably Making

    The podcast industry has convinced you that podcast growth comes from choosing the right marketing tactic. Yet every day, thousands of podcasters are spending time on strategies they can't tell are helping, hurting, or doing nothing at all. In this rapid-fire Q&A, I'm answering how to move your podcast to #1 in search results, the two factors that matter more than any single growth tactic, and the simplest way to determine which marketing strategies deserve your attention (and which ones don't). If you're serious about growing your podcast and want a better way to evaluate what's working, hit play and let's dive in. … 2:03 – How to Move Your Podcast From #2 to #1 in Search Results 5:41 – The 3 Most Important Places to Optimize for Podcast SEO 9:08 – How to Choose the Right Podcast Marketing Strategy 13:41 – The 2 Factors That Matter More Than Any Single Growth Tactic 22:01 – The Hidden Skills Behind Every High-Performing Podcast … Episode Links Think you've cracked today's mystery word? Go to PodLaunchHQ.com/mysteryword and enter your guess. Get it right, and you'll unlock a mystery prize hand-picked to help you improve your podcast's growth and performance. … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Why Podcast SEO Makes It Easier Than Ever for Niche Shows to Get Discovered 3 Podcast SEO Strategies That Increased My Downloads 41% 3 Signs Your Podcast SEO Strategy Is Working … Special thanks to Eve Hall, Host of Please Me, and to the anonymous listener who submitted today’s questions. … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    18 min

  3. Jun 17

    The 0.5 Second Decision That Makes Listeners Hit Play (or Not)

    Whatever problem your podcast solves, it’s competing against every other show that promises to help listeners solve it.  I’m breaking down the 4 signs listeners are overlooking your podcast and the split-second decision that determines whether a new listener clicks play or picks another show to listen to. I’ll also share the five Podcast Content Gatekeepers® listeners judge before they ever hear your voice, why great content still gets ignored, and what to change so listeners stop scrolling past your show. Hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:04 – The 4 Signs Listeners Are Overlooking Your Podcast Right Now 6:20 – Why Publishing Every Week Still Isn’t Growing Your Podcast 7:12 – The 0.5 Second Decision That Gets Listeners to Choose Your Show 9:03 – The 5 Podcast Content Gatekeepers Every New Listener Judges First 11:46 – The Competitor Analysis Exercise That Reveals Your Podcast’s Differentiator … Episode Links: Get your editing off your plate so you can focus on growing your podcast: Book a call with Resonate Recordings  … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  What Makes a Podcast Feel Addictive … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    15 min

  4. Jun 11 ·  Video

    Steal This 3-Part Framework to Keep Your Listeners Engaged | Jimi Gibson

    Most podcast hosts focus on teaching something valuable, but valuable content isn't what keeps listeners listening. And when attention drops halfway through an episode, listeners stop caring about what you say next.  TedX speaker and professional magician Jimi Gibson is breaking down why listeners mentally check out of episodes (even when you’re giving great info), the common mistakes that make people skip ahead or click away from your episode, and the psychological framework behind opening hooks, vocal delivery, and CTA transitions that keeps listeners hanging on for what comes next. If you want listeners staying locked into your episodes from your opening hook to your CTA, hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:35 – The 3-Part Hook Formula That Makes Listeners That Makes Listeners Stay Past The First 30 Seconds 6:16 – The Hyper-Specific Opening That Sounds Like You’re Reading Your Listener’s Mind 10:52 – The Curiosity Loop Structure That Keeps Listeners Listening Longer 19:29 – The CTA Transition Framework That Keeps Your Pitch From Feeling Salesy 22:42 – The Simple Vocal Shifts That Pull Distracted Listeners Back Into the Conversation … Episode Links: Meet Jimi Gibson: Website | LinkedIn Watch Jimi’s TEDx Talk: You Have Magic Power: Use It For Good Get your editing off your plate so you can focus on growing your show: Book a call with Resonate Recordings … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  The Podcasting Psychology Behind Shows Listeners Can’t Stop Listening To … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    24 min

  5. Jun 10 ·  Video

    The Podcasting Psychology Behind Shows Listeners Can’t Stop Listening To | Jimi Gibson

    If “good content” were enough to grow a podcast, more shows (including yours) would have listeners bingeing every episode the second it dropped. Instead, plenty of podcasts with valuable content struggle to hold attention long enough to grow, build trust, or drive action. TEDx Speaker and professional magician Jimi Gibson conducts a live experiment here on the show to explain why some podcasts feel impossible to turn off, the 3 brain chemicals that influence whether listeners stay engaged or tune out. If you want to create episodes listeners stay glued to instead of mentally checking out halfway through, hit play and let’s dive in. … 3:06 – The Live Experiment That Explains Why Some Podcasts Feel Impossible to Turn Off 11:21 – The 3 Brain Chemicals That Create a Satisfying Listening Experience 13:59 – How Curiosity Loops Keep Listeners Mentally Present in an Episode 15:02 – Why Contextual Details Keep Listeners Emotionally Engaged 19:56 – The Psychological Differences Between Content That Feels Immersive vs. Forgettable … Episode Links: Meet Jimi Gibson: Website | LinkedIn Watch Jimi’s TEDx Talk: You Have Magic Power: Use It For Good Get your editing off your plate so you can focus on growing your show: Book a call with Resonate Recordings … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Steal This 3-Part Framework to Keep Your Listeners Engaged  … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    21 min

  6. Jun 3

    3 Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid that Undermine Your Authority

    I’m breaking down the three podcasting mistakes to avoid that can make listeners lose interest quick, plus 4 words that reveal you’re overexplaining, the guest interview habit that can turn a great interview into a frustrating listen, and the 2 words that make you sound less credible behind the mic. You’ll learn where these habits show up in podcast conversations, why listeners pick up on them faster than you think, and what to do instead if you want listeners finishing your episodes, trusting what you say, and clicking your CTAs instead of scrolling past them. Hit play and let’s dive in. … 1:58 – Why Listeners Can Love Your Content but Still Not Trust You 10:02 – The 4 Words That Reveal You’re Overexplaining on Your Podcast 15:12 – The Guest Interview Mistake That Makes Listeners Lose Interest Fast 17:55 – The 2 Words That Make You Sound Less Credible Behind the Mic 20:31 – The Simple Exercise Before Hitting Record That Makes You Sound More Confident … Episode Links: The Jefferson Fisher Podcast … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Say This in the First 15 Seconds to Keep Listeners Listening … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    21 min

  7. May 27

    The Podcast Launch Strategy I’d Use Starting From Zero

    Most podcast launch advice focuses on hitting publish. Almost none of it teaches you how to launch in a way that helps listeners actually find, follow, and hit play on your show. In this rapid-fire Q & A episode, I’m answering what to do when you’re launching a podcast with zero listeners or social proof, how to design a show that attracts the listeners you actually want, and why forcing yourself outside your comfort zone too early can make podcasting harder to stick with. If you want to hear the podcast launch strategy I recommend for getting more launch-day engagement and creating a show listeners come back to week after week, hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:10 – What to Launch With When You Have Zero Listeners (And No Social Proof) 6:30 – The #1 Launch Mistake Most Hosts Make 9:35 – Why I Never Put Episode Numbers in My Titles 14:29 – The Best Way to Help Listeners Find Older Episodes 16:19 – Podcasting Advice for Introverts, From an Introvert … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  From 30 to 1000+ Podcast Downloads in One Day With This Simple Podcast Launch Strategy Why Episode Numbers Don’t Belong in Your Episode Titles (and What to Do Instead) … Special thanks to Frank Bravo of ProLegal Brief (launching soon), members of the Buzzsprout Podcasting Community, and the anonymous listener who submitted today’s questions.  … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    20 min

  8. May 21 ·  Video

    How to Know If Video Podcasting Is Worth It for Your Show | Alban Brooke, Buzzsprout

    Everyone is talking about video podcasting right now. Almost nobody is talking about what it takes to do it well without turning your audio show into a full-blown production. Alban Brooke, Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout, shares the one question podcasters should ask before adding video, why most hosts spend too much on gear too fast, and the reason audio-first podcasting still has a major advantage despite all the industry hype around video. If you’ve been wondering whether adding video is worth it (or just another way for podcasters to burn out chasing growth), hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:16 – The One Question Podcasters Must Ask Before Starting Video  4:58 – How to Start Video Podcasting Without Overspending on Gear 8:42 – The Guest Setup Mistake That Makes Video Podcasts Hard to Watch  10:50 – The Video Editing Habit That Hurts Your Credibility 15:51 – The Reason Audio-First Podcasting Still Has an Advantage … Episode Links: Meet Alban Brooke: Buzzsprout.com Listen to Buzzcast  Get a $20 Buzzsprout credit with this link thanks to Alban and the Buzzsprout team. Book a call with our partner, Resonate Recordings to get podcast production off your plate. … Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Apple Video Podcasts Are Here. Should You Actually Care? … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. 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 a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack Get reviews for your show with PodLottery ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    20 min
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About

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 coaching, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” podcasting advice to help you master growing a podcast your future 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, Ellie Puckett, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and many 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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