Episode 24: How to Build an Evergreen Funnel That Converts Your Podcast Listeners
Beyond the Download Count: The Podcast Growth Metrics That Actually Matter
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
If you're tired of refreshing your download dashboard and wondering if your podcast is truly working for your business—this episode is your permission slip to think differently.
We’re going beyond the vanity metrics and into the real data that shows growth: follower count, community engagement, email list conversions, superfan creation, and so much more. It’s time to treat your podcast like the business asset it is—and start tracking what actually moves the needle.
🎯 Want to know how to track podcast success in a way that builds your email list and drives conversions?
This episode breaks down the tangible steps you can take right now to shift from podcast-as-a-nurture-tool to podcast-as-a-growth-engine.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The #1 metric that matters more than downloads
How to use baked-in and dynamic ads to grow your list
The simple strategies that create superfans
Why integrating your podcast into your business strategy simplifies everything
How to build community and engagement around your podcast
🎁 Freebie Mention: Ready to join Kylee’s upcoming group coaching beta? Go to podcastmarketinghub.com/beta to drop your name and be the first to know when it opens!
Here is a glance at the episode:
00:00 - The vanity of download numbers
02:30 - Introducing a new group coaching beta
06:05 - Why follower counts matter more than you think
10:20 - How to ask for the follow (strategically!)
13:10 - Superfans: who they are and how to create them
16:45 - Using lead magnets rooted in your podcast content
20:20 - Dynamic ads vs. baked-in ads: what’s better for list growth
24:50 - Podcasting as a community builder
29:15 - How to use private podcasts, DMs, and replies to build connection
32:00 - Weaving your podcast into every part of your business
36:00 - Recap: shifting from downloads to deep growth
Why Downloads Aren’t Enough (And What to Measure Instead)
In this episode, Kylee breaks down why downloads are no longer the gold standard of podcast growth. Instead, she makes a strong case for why podcast followers, engagement, community interaction, and email list growth are the metrics that truly matter.
“If you're not tracking how many people are following your podcast or subscribing to your email list because of it, you're missing the bigger picture.”
You’ll learn how to use Apple Connect and Spotify for Podcasters to track follower counts and why that number is as close as you’ll get to true podcast retention.
Pro Tip: Mentioning upcoming episodes and inserting a strategic CTA to “follow the show so you don’t miss it” is a simple, powerful strategy Kylee demonstrates live in the episode.
Superfans, Community & Conversion
Superfans aren’t just followers—they’re the ones DM’ing you after an episode drops, joining your email list, buying your offers, and sharing your content. Kylee outlines the characteristics of a superfan and offers a play-by-play for how to create them through consistency, value, and personal connection.
💡 Want to know Kylee’s favorite method for getting new email subscribers? Use your podcast content to create a lead magnet. No need to create new freebies from scratch—just bundle your best episodes into a playlist or a guide, and drive traffic to it with dynamic or baked-in ads.
The Ecosystem Mindset: Your Podcast Is Not a Silo
This episode closes with a rally cry for podcasters: your show should be woven into every part of your business.
Whether it’s seeding your offers in episodes, repurposing podcast content across platforms, or using top-performing episodes in your re-engagement email sequences—your podcast should be doing the heavy lifting to generate leads, drive conversions, and build long-term loyalty.
If you’ve been treating your podcast like a side project, this episode will help you realign it as the centerpiece of your content and marketing strategy.
Your Next Steps
Want more podcast growth strategies? Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive tips: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe
💬 Loved this episode? Share it with your favorite podcasting pal, tag @kyleechandler, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Resources :
👩🏫 Get on the interest list for Kylee’s beta group coaching program: podcastmarketinghub.com/beta
💌 Want to see how Kylee uses her podcast to drive thousands of qualified leads? Check out her free project management guide
🎙 Follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you don’t miss next week’s vulnerable, behind-the-scenes episode
Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
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