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We hope you’ll find these ideas on how to grow a podcast from 50 listeners per episode helpful in your podcasting quest.
Launching a podcast is exciting—but growing one from just a handful of listeners can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need thousands of followers or a marketing budget to build momentum. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Mike share eight actionable tips to help new podcasters attract more listeners, build a loyal community, and make progress one episode at a time.
Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell
8 Ideas on How to Grow a Podcast From 50 Listens Per Episode
1. Double Down on One Social Platform
Don’t spread yourself thin. Pick one platform where your audience already hangs out (e.g., Twitter/X for tech, Instagram for lifestyle, LinkedIn for B2B) and:
- Share 15–60 sec audiograms or clips from your podcast
- Post quotes or takeaways from your latest episode
- Engage with your niche (comment, follow, reshare relevant stuff)
🎯 Goal: Get seen by people already interested in your topic, and become a recognizable voice.
2. Ask for Word-of-Mouth the Right Way
Instead of “Rate and Review!” say:
“If this made you think of someone, send it to them.”
That’s a clear, emotional ask—easier than writing a review and more likely to lead to a new listener.
3. Nail Your Podcast Title and Description
Your show title and episode titles must speak to the value or curiosity of your target listener. Avoid vague names—opt for searchable, benefit-driven wording.
Bad: Episode 22: A Chat with Mark
Better: How Mark Went from Burned-Out Employee to 6-Figure Freelancer
4. Collaborate with Other Small Podcasters
Reach out to similar-sized shows to:
- Do guest swaps
- Promote each other’s episodes in intros or outros
- Appear in each other’s newsletters or communities
You don’t need “big names”—you need aligned voices who share audiences.
5. Repurpose Your Content
Turn each episode into:
- A LinkedIn post or blog
- Short YouTube Shorts or Reels
- A newsletter tip or mini-series
Each of these increases visibility without recording new content.
6. Capture Emails (Even 10!)
Add a simple email signup to your website or use a free ConvertKit/beehiiv form. Offer:
- A free guide
- Bonus audio
- Behind-the-scenes content
Use the list to personally invite people to share, leave feedback, or check out a new episode.
7. Talk to Your 50 Listeners
Literally. Survey them. Ask:
- How did you find the show?
- What was your favorite episode?
- What should we talk about next?
These 50 listeners are gold. They’re your early adopters—make them feel like insiders.
8. Improve Just 1% Each Episode
Better intro, tighter editing, clearer audio, stronger CTA… your audience grows faster when the quality improves consistently. You don’t need perfection—just progress.
Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.
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