Podcasts are more popular than ever, transcending generations, countries, races, and backgrounds. So you might be wondering, "Okay, people are listening, but where and when are they tuning in? And how can I optimize my podcast for growth?"

That's exactly what we'll dive into today. I'm Ana Xavier, a podcast marketing expert, here to break down actionable insights you can apply to your show and understand your audience better.

Evaluating Audience Listening Habits

If you’re listening to this in real time, it's June, and summer is knocking on the door. You might be asking, "Should I release new episodes or take a break to optimize my processes and learn more about my audience?" The answer hinges on understanding where your listeners are and how to keep them engaged.

In this episode, I delve into two reports: the Podcast Consumer Report by Edison Research (released in May 2024) and the 2023 Podcast Edition of the Fan Study by Spotify for Podcasters.

Audience Behavior Across the Year

Research indicates that podcast consumption is influenced by specific times of the year. Key periods for gaining new listeners include January, March, July, and October. These months coincide with specific life events and seasonal changes, making them prime times for listener engagement.

Research also advises against releasing new shows in November due to the busy holiday season, which can make acquiring new listeners more challenging.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Podcast Audience Behaviors
• 00:45 Understanding Podcast Audience Behavior
• 01:07 Key Reports and Studies about Podcast Audiences
• 02:31 Seasonal Podcast Listening Trends
• 07:28 Optimizing Content for New Podcast Listeners
• 08:01 Using Social Media to Grow Podcast Audiences
• 10:27 Cross-Promotion Strategies for Podcasters
• 11:12 Creating Engaging Show Notes
• 12:02 Weekly Podcasting Listening Patterns
• 18:58 Recap and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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https://www.thepodcastspace.com/podcast74-podcast-listening-habits-revealed-insights-to-better-grow-your-show

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