The Metrics Top Female Podcasters Are Actually Tracking (Hint: It's Not Downloads) REPLAY

I am still on maternity leave, so today I am bringing back one of my most popular episodes, and for good reason. I originally dropped this in early 2025 and it sparked more DMs, replies, and "oh my gosh, I needed to hear this" messages than almost any other episode I have released. Even if you heard it the first time around, this one is worth a second listen. In this episode, I am breaking down the metrics that actually matter beyond downloads. We are talking about followers, super fan conversions, community, and how to stop treating your podcast like it is siloed from the rest of your business. If you have been refreshing your download numbers and wondering whether any of this is even working, this episode is going to be a reset for you. Downloads are a vanity metric. They give you some insight, but they do not tell you if people are actually coming back, if they are following your show, if they are joining your email list, or if they are buying your offers. In this episode, I walk through exactly what to track instead and how to turn your podcast into a true growth engine for your business, not just a content channel that lives on its own. Here's a glance to the episode: Why a follow or subscribe is the closest thing podcasting has to true retention How to track followers on Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Creators Where to place your follow call to action for the best results (hint: not just at the end) What separates a casual listener from a true super fan Why consistency, real value, and making listeners feel seen is the entire strategy How intentional keywords in your titles and descriptions help the right people find you Why planning your content ahead of time changes everything Why every lead magnet you create should be podcast centric How to repurpose existing episodes into bundles, quizzes, and playlists instead of creating new content The difference between dynamic ads and baked in ads (and when to use each) Why baked in ads convert better and feel more natural to your audience Why your podcast can be the front door to your community How to use Instagram DMs, story questions, and email replies to build real connection How a private podcast can be used to attract new listeners to your main show Why loyal listeners have a significantly higher lifetime value Why podcasters keep their show too siloed from the rest of their marketing How to use episodes to warm people up for your digital offers How to use your top performing podcast content inside a re-engagement email campaign Why your podcast should be nurture content, not just top of funnel content Timestamps: 03:16: Why download numbers don’t tell the whole story 04:41: The metrics that actually matter for podcast growth 07:27: Why downloads are a vanity metric and the importance of impact 09:09: Why podcast followers matter more than you think 12:43: What creates true podcast super fans 15:19: Turning passive listeners into active email subscribers 16:11: Using podcast content to create lead magnets 18:14: Dynamic ads vs. baked-in ads and how to use them 20:23: Using your podcast to build a loyal community 21:33: Encouraging DMs, conversations, and audience feedback 22:44: Using private podcasts to attract and nurture new listeners 24:30: Integrating your podcast into your overall business strategy 25:32: Using podcast episodes to warm up potential customers 26:11: Repurposing podcast content across your marketing 26:18: Using podcast content to nurture your email list 27:40: Final thoughts: moving beyond downloads and building a true business asset 29:27: Closing thoughts and what’s coming next 🎧Listen In Now! Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ws7NJT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w5sVEQ... If you want weekly insights on podcast growth, marketing strategy, and turning listeners into subscribers, join the newsletter at: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe Take the Podcast Growth Quiz: www.podcastmarketinghub.com/quiz Connect with Kylee Website: podcastmarketinghub.com Podcast: Podcast Growth Tools Instagram: @kyleejchandler Let's Connect! Share your favorite takeaway from this episode or tell me your hot take on virality. DM me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub. Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and leave a review. Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.