Win or Learn: Fix Your Podcast Plateau

Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau.

You Either Win Or You Learn

When you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn't happen. Have you ever gone to a concert of a band you grew up listening to? They say "Here is one from our new album!" and half the theater goes for a beer, but most of them stay because they like the band.

What If My Numbers Goes Down?

So if you previously had 200 downloads an episode, and now you have 180 you learned something not to do. You've know how to grow a show to 200, so do that and try again.

Start With a Survey

Speaking of mistakes, I once did a survey that I talked about bear the end of my show. One of the questions was, "Do you think the show is too long?" Well, if you think about it (being near the end of the show) anyone who thought it was too long had already left.

Announce the survey, and really push it and explain how the audience will benefit. It could be as simple as:

• Did you listen to the end of the episode?
• If not where did you stop and why?
• How likely are you to share it with a friend on a scale form 1-10?

You can use the built in survey with Podpage, or something like Tally forms.

Smart Experiments: One Step at a Time

When you test new parts of your show, change ONE thing only. If you change three things and one of them works, you won't know which one.

I would start with your episode titles, your opening two minutes (have a good hook), and get to the content ASAP.

My Current Experiment: Podcasting in Six Weeks

I tried this class about six months ago, and only told my email list. That was a dumb idea, but I learned to use ALL of my outlets when promoting a product or service.

The course starting June 3rd will be once a week covering the following topics:

Week 1: Concept & Planning Define your unique angle and target audience Choose your format and episode structure Create your content calendar for the first 10 episodes Develop your show name and description

Week 2: Equipment & Setup Essential equipment recommendations for every budget. Recording space optimization (even in noisy environments). Software setup and configuration Audio quality testing and troubleshooting

Week 3: Recording Techniques Professional recording techniques. Interview skills and guest management. Solo episode strategies. Overcoming "mic fright" and speaking naturally.

Week 4: Editing & Post-Production Editing basics that save time and sound professional. Intro/outro creation and music selection File management and organization systems Quality control checklists

Week 5: Hosting & Distribution Choosing and setting up your podcast host Submitting to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms RSS feeds and technical requirements Show artwork and metadata optimization

Week 6: Marketing & Growth Launch strategies that actually get listeners. Social media promotion and repurposing content Building relationships with other podcasters Long-term growth strategies and monetization

EXCLUSIVE BONUSES:

BONUS #1: "Podcast Equipment Starter Kit Guide" (Value: $97) No more confusion about what to buy. Get our curated equipment list with specific product recommendations for three different budgets – beginner, intermediate, and professional.

BONUS #2: "First 10 Episodes Content Planner" (Value: $67) Never stare at a blank screen wondering what to talk about. This detailed planner gives you proven episode templates and topic ideas to keep your content engaging from day one.

BONUS #3: "Podcast Launch Checklist" (Value: $47) A step-by-step checklist ensuring you don't miss any crucial steps during your launch. From technical setup to promotional tasks – it's all cover

Six hours of consulting with me would be $1200, but as we try this experiment it's only $1.

Why not free? Because we wanted people who would at least believe in themselves enough to spend $1 to help improve themselves.

In full transparency we hope you join the School of Podcasting when the class is over, but it is a free standing class. The sessions will be recorded.

Sign Up For the Class TODAY!

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Resources Mentioned in Episode 1034

School of Podcasting

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Pod Analyist

Links Mentioned In This Episode

• Dave Jackson #661 - New Media Show
• Insight on Business - Dave Jackson Interview
• Switchy Link Shortener
• Stuck at 800 downloads per ep for almost a year. what actually moves the needle : r/podcasting
• PodAnalyst - Podcast Measurement and Analytics For Growth
• My Worst Takes & Mistakes Over 500 Episodes - Author Media
• Podcasting Truth & Myths Learned Over 500 Episodes
• What are examples that were accidents that turned out to be great?

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location.

Where Will I Be?

Question of the Month: Favorite Remote Recording Tool

So many podcasters us tools to do remote recording (guests, etc). It seems like people often go through a few before finding one they like. What is your current remote recording tool, and what tools have you used in the past (and why did you leave)? Also be sure to tell us a little bit about your podcast, and your website address so we can link to it in the show notes.

Question of the Month

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