Episode 31: Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (And What to Do Instead)
The 5 Podcast Results That Matter More Than Downloads
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Let’s be honest: downloads are not the most important metric.
Sure, they’re easy to measure. But if you're staring at your podcast analytics each week wondering if your show is actually moving the needle in your business, you’re not alone.
This episode is here to shift your mindset and your strategy.
Inside, I’m walking you through 5 of the most valuable results I help my clients get — none of which are tied to downloads. These are the behind-the-scenes wins that actually matter for growth, lead generation, and conversion.
This is a quick, potent listen — especially if you’re ready to start seeing your podcast as more than just a top-of-funnel content machine.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why I’m done chasing downloads — and what I track instead
The real problem with surface-level podcast metrics
Result #1: Consistent email list growth from your podcast
Examples of podcast lead magnets that actually convert
Why your list matters more than social media followers
Result #2: A steady flow of qualified leads
Not all downloads are equal — and that’s a good thing
What to track instead of follower count
Result #3: A clear path from listener to buyer
What most podcasters are missing in their funnel
Why mapping your listener journey is a game-changer
Result #4: A revitalized, more engaged email list
How your podcast can bring cold subscribers back to life
Re-engagement campaigns and nurture sequences that work
Result #5: Strategic data that informs your next move
The metrics I track with every client (and why they matter)
Final thoughts + next steps
Timestamps:
01:18 - Building Your Email List Through Podcasting
06:08 - Attracting Qualified Leads for Your Business
08:31 - Mapping the Customer Journey
10:24 - Revitalizing Your Email List
12:49 - Understanding Meaningful Metrics
Let’s Rethink What Podcast Growth Really Means
I’ve worked with podcasters who had huge download numbers — but no real engagement, no leads, no revenue. And I’ve worked with others whose shows were small but mighty — because they had the right strategies in place to move listeners into aligned offers.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need millions of listeners. You need listeners who take action.
That’s why these five results are so important. They’re the ones that directly tie your podcast to growth, revenue, and long-term momentum in your business.
Let’s break them down:
The Founder Can’t Be the Fulfillment
If your clients are only working with you… if you’re the only one who can “do the thing”… if your team depends on you for every answer… it’s time for a hard reset.
Jessica talks through the mindset shifts that founders need to make in order to get out of their own way. That includes:
Delegating decision-making to trusted team members
Creating SOPs that allow your business to operate independently
Building offers that don’t rely solely on you to deliver the transformation
These aren’t just operations strategies—they’re legacy strategies. And they free up your time to think like a CEO.
1. A Growing Email List from Your Podcast
If your podcast isn’t growing your email list, you’re leaving leads on the table. Full stop.
Every episode should lead people somewhere — to a quiz, a freebie, a workshop, a waitlist, something. Not every listener will take action, but the right ones will. And they’ll be far more likely to convert once they’re on your list.
Inside the episode, I walk through lead magnet ideas that have worked for my clients — including curated playlists, quizzes, and bundles that tie directly into their offers.
2. A Consistent Flow of Qualified Leads
Not all traffic is good traffic.
I’d rather have 100 hyper-aligned listeners than 10,000 random ones who will never buy. And your podcast can be a powerful filter — if it’s positioned correctly.
This is where intentional guest strategy, search-optimized episodes, and content alignment come into play. We want your show to attract people who are already asking the questions you answer — so that by the time they hit your offer, the yes is easy.
3. A Clear Path from Listener to Buyer
If listeners love your content but don’t know what to do next, your podcast isn’t converting.
In this episode, I break down how to map your listener journey — from discovery, to trust-building, to conversion — so you’re not just nurturing your audience, you’re moving them.
It’s not about being salesy. It’s about building a bridge.
4. A Revitalized Email List
Your podcast can do more than bring in new leads — it can wake up the leads you already have.
Most entrepreneurs have hundreds (or thousands) of people on their list who have gone cold. When we strategically bring them back in through podcast content, re-engagement sequences, and high-value nurture, we breathe new life into your list.
This is one of the easiest ways to increase revenue without chasing more growth.
5. Strategic Metrics That Inform Growth
What gets measured gets optimized.
When I work with clients, we track way more than just downloads. We look at:
New subscribers per episode
Episode retention rates
Email list growth tied to specific lead magnets
Quiz completions from podcast promos
Conversion rates from listener to subscriber to buyer
This kind of clarity helps you double down on what’s working and shift what’s not — without burning out trying to do everything.
Your Next Steps
Want to go deeper? Grab my $47 Podcast Metrics Training to get my exact framework for measuring growth, conversions, and ROI: https://stan.store/kyleechandler/p/podcast-metrics-made-easy
Want more podcast growth strategies? Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive tips: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe
Resources & Links
Grab the Podcast Metrics Training: https://stan.store/kyleechandler/p/podcast-metrics-made-easy
Get my newsletter with weekly podcast growth tips: podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe
Ready to grow your podcast and your revenue? Work with me at podcastmarketinghub.com
Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
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