This may feel like an aggressive goal. A lot can happen in a year but I do believe that it’s absolutely possible for you to add 10,000 additional downloads in a year. This won’t happen by chance or luck, there’s some strategies that you need to use in order to make this happen. I’ve grown a couple of other shows that are have well over 10,000 downloads. There’s my Square State Colorado podcast with over 43,000 unique downloads and my Your American Money podcast with over 126,000 unique downloads. Your American Money is currently on hiatus and I’m about to start recording episodes again for Square State Colorado in 2026. The reason why this topic is own my mind is that I’m in the process of growing my Creators Getting Paid podcast that currently has 5,000 downloads. It has now shifted to being my primary podcast and I need the listens to grow this year. In the following episode I’ll break down what I’m doing to hit an extra 10,000 downloads for that show by the end of 2026.
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Listen to the Episode
How to Add 10,000 Downloads
I run audio only podcasts. I’m not anti-video podcasts, in fact, there are several that I’m a huge fan of. But, I have to admit that I have a preference for audio content. Not the kind that is repurposed video to audio which is a horrible listening experience. I’m talking about thoughtfully discussed conversations where you hear slow pauses as the host and guests take a moment before they answer a question. The crackly of paper moving or the random giggle of kids in the house. There’s an intimacy with podcasting that I feel like echos the experience of listening to a record, sitting in front of a crackling fire or what it feels like to be invited onto someone’s front porch.
Respect the Medium
(Tip #1)
Hosts of audio podcasts need to communicate that they love the art of podcasting. How does this happen? They focus on learning the craft of podcasting. The show doesn’t have to be perfect, but there needs to be an evolution and some semblance of personal and professional growth overtime.
Have a Loose Editorial Calendar
(Tip #2)
I love leaning into vibes as it relates to what you’re going to discuss on your show. However, if you’re trying to grow your downloads, there has to be a lot more intentionality in your process. An editorial calendar, even a loose one helps to guide you and your audience’s journey with your content. This is relevant for almost any type of show you’re looking to host. Fiction, non-fiction, audio dramas.
Pay Attention to Your Audience
(Tip #3)
For business, travel or similar non-fiction shows pay attention to the following:
- Questions people are asking online
- What they are reacting to
- The different problems your audience is expressing that they have
- Goals they would like to achieve but aren’t sure how
For Fiction related content
- What characters does your audience obsess over?
- Do they ask questions about the world that you’ve built? Can you answer them within the framework of the story that you’re telling
- Is there a unique language, expression or experience that your characters have that you could spend more time building out?
Focus on Search
(Tip #4)
Ask yourself where can you place links to your episodes that are searchable. Always think about Search and Search Engine Optimization.
- Pinterest is a Search Engine (not all shows will work here) but Travel, Books, Fashion, Food, Coffee, Decor, Online Marketing related topics work well on the platform.
- Google-People still use Google to find content
- Podcast Players-Search in podcast player eco-systems is still a pain, but if you’re optimizing the titles of your
- Social Media Platforms
- I find a ridiculous amount of content on my preferred platform: Threads. I’ve even shared why I think that Threads is THE social media platform of 2026
- Podcast guesting
- YouTube channels
What About Video
(Tip #5)
There’s more than one way to add video to your audio only podcast. Here are a few suggestions.
- Record a 2-5 minute video intro with your guest (make sure that you ask if your guest would be ok with this) there’s nothing worse than thinking you’re recording audio and there’s video being recorded and you’re not prepared for it.
- Design complimentary video content that adds to your audio project. It could be an animated short, a vlog, a news style reel. Really, it’s up to you.
- Be a guest on Video Podcasts
- Backlink from your YouTube channel if you have one.
I love podcasting but I need to make sure that I’m making it into the ears of the people that I’m trying to serve. What marketing approaches are you thinking about trying out?
