S1 29. How to determine if your podcast is successful: Summer Spark Series

Welcome to the very first episode of our Summer Spark series! For the upcoming 5 episodes, we’ll explore new perspectives and practical tips to reframe how you view your podcast, and better, more efficient ways to utilize your show to grow your small business.

Launching a podcast is an exciting endeavor, and as hosts, we all want it to be successful. However, the definition of success can vary greatly from one podcaster to another. Many of us fall into the trap of equating success with the number of downloads we receive, or the social status of our guests.

But let me tell you, that's just one part of the equation.

Podcasters with more than 10 episodes are already successful

If you've been podcasting for over six months, congratulations!

You're already ahead of about 70% of podcast hosts who give up before even reaching episode 10. Take a moment to reflect on why you started your podcast in the first place. Forget the download numbers for now; ask yourself if your podcast is achieving what you wanted it to.

Podcasting doesn’t need to be monetized

Maybe you're using your podcast as a testing ground to write your book or exploring your passion for gardening. If so, measuring its success based on downloads alone doesn't do it justice. Are you having meaningful conversations with the people you wanted to reach? Has podcasting motivated you to publish content more consistently?

Remember, having a podcast is a significant achievement in itself. It takes courage to put yourself out there on the internet, and it requires discipline to build both a podcast and an online brand. Embrace the fact that you're providing value to your listeners and elevating your brand in a way that many professionals without an online presence miss out on.

Let's stop obsessing over monetizing our podcasts if it's not the primary aim. If you genuinely enjoy podcasting as a hobby and don't want to compromise, then don't. Success is about aligning your podcast with your original intentions and finding fulfillment in the journey.

As you evaluate your podcasting journey this week, I hope this reminder has helped you redefine what success means for you and your show. Keep going, keep creating, and keep sparking that summer inspiration!