Admit it, there’s a not-so-small part of you that gets a little obsessed with your podcast download numbers. Most podcasters go through a phase of over-focusing on the download statistics. It can be exciting and rewarding to watch those listens roll in, but don’t focus on numbers too much.
Boost Engagement, Not Numbers
You want your audience to look forward to your shows and really feel like they get quality information, entertainment, or both from your podcast. You want to create a community of subscribers who engage with what you share, join in discussions of the topic, and even give you a few pointers on topics that they’d like you to cover in the future.
Numbers in isolation don’t mean much; how you serve your listeners is the key. If they anticipate your new show dropping because what you say is on point, they will likely stick around and recommend you to others.
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Whether your audience is true-crime aficionados or budding authors looking for marketing advice, your unique perspective on the topic makes them listen to your show.
And with so many podcasts out there from mass-appeal to the smallest niches, do podcast download numbers really matter? How should you interpret them? What matters is that if your show is interesting and people find your content valuable, they’ll come back for more.
Whether your download numbers are single digits or in the thousands, concentrate on making those listeners feel like your podcast is the best thing since sliced bread. When your audience knows that they can rely on you to deliver hot content every single time, word will spread.
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
Theodore Roosevelt said this, and he wasn’t wrong. Don’t get wound up over podcast download numbers. Give yourself a reality check if you feel like you’re teetering on the precipice of obsession.
- Don’t compare your brand-new show to a podcast that’s been around for years. It doesn’t make sense – remember that they were once in your shoes. They’ve worked to build up their audience, but it doesn’t happen overnight.
- Don’t compare yourself to shows that are part of massive networks. Networks definitely have their place, but they tend to be big businesses with full-time staff to promote shows in their networks. If you’re a one-man-show, comparing your show to theirs just isn’t fair to you.
- Don’t compare your download numbers to social media followers or those YouTube videos with millions of views. Podcasting is a completely different medium.
Key Takeaway
If you get hung up on your podcast download numbers, there is a real danger that you’re going to lose sight of the big picture. Concentrate on making your show the best it can be and serving your current listeners with great content.
As you build your entire brand, you’ll find that listeners will come!
Take a peek at your numbers from time to time and give yourself a pat on the back when you see those downloads grow! What you should be looking for is an increase over time – a sure sign that you’re headed in the right direction.
If you’re trying to land a sponsorship deal, your numbers will come into play as well. But work first on growing your audience to a level where sponsors would actually be interested.
Want to spend more time on growing your podcast and less time on editing? Schedule a no-pressure call with East Coast Studio today and find out how we can make your podcast workflow a breeze!