In this episode of Recorded Content, Justin Brown, the co-founder of Motion and the podcast’s host, shares his profound insights on growing a podcast, a task that is far from simple. Recognizing that a podcast’s journey extends beyond merely hitting the record button, he underscores the necessity of a carefully devised strategy that sets the stage for the podcast’s longevity, value, and growth. The conversation is comprehensive, addressing a multitude of key aspects that can foster audience growth and engagement in the realm of podcasting.

The initial focus of the episode is on the significance of collaboration and networking for podcast growth. Justin places a high premium on establishing partnerships with fellow podcasters and industry leaders, believing that such alliances can lead to mutual growth and learning. He highlights the benefits of being part of podcast communities and networks, where one can access a broader audience, stay updated with the latest trends, and forge strategic partnerships. The role of the podcast host isn’t limited to merely producing content; instead, Justin suggests, hosts should strive to build deeper connections with their audience. This can be achieved through interactive measures like organizing live events, encouraging discussions, seeking listeners’ feedback, and hosting Q&A sessions.

Next, Justin delves into the concept of meeting the audience where they are. He advises podcasters to clearly define their target listener and then determine where these individuals spend most of their time online. In today’s digital age, social media platforms serve as ideal spaces for promoting podcasts. Justin emphasizes the potential of both organic growth and paid promotions on these platforms to reach the target audience effectively. However, he simultaneously cautions against overlooking the power of email marketing, a communication channel that, in his view, could significantly contribute to a show’s growth.

The episode concludes with Justin discussing the somewhat contentious subject of podcast SEO. While opinions on the topic may vary, he posits that incorporating relevant keywords into social media posts and show notes can assist audiences in discovering shows that match their interests. He firmly reminds listeners that high-quality content should always be the priority—no keyword can compensate if the podcast doesn’t bring value to its listeners. However, he also asserts that understanding podcast SEO and utilizing it effectively can significantly enhance a podcast’s visibility and growth