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One of the most frustrating parts of having a podcast (and trying to grow a podcast) is trying to figure out if you’re actually making any progress or not. Is it “working”? How do you know when it is “working”?

If you’re constantly questioning if your podcast is doing well or how you can actually tell if the work you’re putting in is worth the effort – this episode is for you.

The Importance of Measurable Podcasting Goals

As a podcast producer and strategist, I’ve learned that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” This mantra is not just a catchy phrase but a fundamental principle in podcasting and business at large. Without measurable goals, it’s nearly impossible to gauge success or make informed decisions to foster growth.

Why Does Your Podcast Need Goals?

Every successful podcaster needs clear, measurable goals. These aren’t just for tracking progress but also for maintaining your enthusiasm and passion for your project. Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint; having milestones along the way helps keep you motivated and on track.

How to Set Achievable and Relevant Goals

It’s essential to set goals that are not only challenging but also achievable. Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) can help you set objectives that foster real progress. For example, if your podcast currently gets 1,000 downloads per month, aim for a 10% increase to 1,100 downloads next month.

Implementing Actionable Podcast Growth Strategies

Monthly Progress Tracking

Start each month with a clear plan by scheduling a two-hour session to review your podcast’s performance. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

1. Check Your Downloads: Use your podcast hosting platform (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Libsyn) to note the total downloads for the month and compare them to the previous month.
2. Analyze Episode Performance: Identify your best-performing episode of the month. Reflect on why it was successful and think about how you can create more content that resonates similarly with your audience.
3. Evaluate Long-term Trends: Look at your top three episodes of all time. Determine what they have in common and how you can replicate this success in future episodes.
4. Set Specific Download Goals: For instance, if you aim to grow your audience by 10% monthly, calculate your target number of downloads for the upcoming month and set that as your goal.

Using Analytics and Feedback

Leverage platforms like ListenNotes and Chartable to understand your global ranking and audience engagement. Also, start a document to track every positive feedback you receive—whether it’s a direct message, comment, or verbal complement. This practice can be incredibly motivating, especially during tougher times.

Monitoring Your Podcast’s Success

Remember, the key to podcast success is not just about feeling good about your content; it’s about setting and achieving specific goals. Whether it’s increasing your subscriber count, securing sponsorships, or being featured in newsletters, clear objectives will help you measure and manage your podcast’s growth effectively.

Start Small, Think Big

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. Begin by downloading my free monthly podcast progress report, all you need to do is fill it out at the start of the month, and use it as a baseline. Remember, consistent efforts lead to significant outcomes. You’re capable of achieving great things—one small step at a time.