Behind the Scenes of Jamie Kern Lima's Podcast Launch
Episode 251 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast
Jamie Kern Lima has done it again.
From founding a billion-dollar brand to becoming a best-selling author, she has now added "top podcaster" to her impressive list of credentials. Her new podcast claimed the number one spot in the U.S. Self-Improvement category and landed in the top 20 of all U.S. podcasts—and held it for over a week. But what's the secret behind this phenomenal success? And more importantly, how can you replicate it?
Five Key Factors for Podcast Launch Success
When it comes to launching a podcast, there are five critical factors that can make or break your show’s ability to hit the charts. Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast launch is a crash-course in podcast launch strategy.
Let’s break down five key elements she used and how you can apply them to your own podcast launch:
- The Power of Follows
Believe it or not, that "Follow" button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify can be your best friend. It signals to the podcast platforms that users intend to listen, making it a crucial metric for engagement.
How to Make It Work for You: If you're using your podcast to grow your audience, it's up to you to create buzz for your podcast from day one. This will not only boost your engagement levels but also improve your visibility on these platforms.
- Listens and Downloads Matter
Every listen and download shows signals to podcast players like Apple and Spotify that your audience is engaged. Apple and Spotify monitor these metrics—especially during the first 8 weeks following your podcast launch—to understand whether or not your content is resonating with your listeners.
How to Make It Work for You: Make sure you’re sending as much traffic to your podcast both on your podcast launch day and also for at least 8 weeks following your podcast launch to establish your podcast’s equilibrium. There are a number of effective ways you could do this, but the bottom line is that the more people who listen and download over a given time frame, the greater your ranking potential on the podcast charts (both on the day of your podcast launch and beyond).
- Understanding Completion Rates
A high completion rate indicates to podcast platforms that your content is high-quality. If listeners are dropping off early, it may suggest issues with your content or audio quality.
How to Make It Work for You: Use your podcast metrics to figure out your perfect episode length and structure. Then talk to your listeners—gather feedback to understand why listeners might be dropping off and adjust accordingly.
- Ratings and Reviews for Social Proof
Contrary to popular belief, ratings and reviews don’t directly impact your podcast’s ability to rank on the charts — but they are invaluable for social proof. Just like product reviews on Amazon, podcast reviews can convince new listeners to give your show a chance.
How to Make It Work for You: Ask for reviews in each episode. Make it easy by providing step-by-step instructions on how to leave a review. Offer incentives, like shout-outs or giveaways, to encourage more reviews from your audience.
- The Truth About Chart Positions
Your position on the charts is a measure of your show's popularity at a given time. It’s not an indicator of the number of downloads you're getting or total listeners you have. But the charts are the number two way listeners search for new podcasts to listen to, so appearing in the top charts in your category as often as possible is one of the best ways to get discovered by new listeners.
How to Make It Work for You: There are many ways to increase your ranking potential on the podcast charts, both on the day of your podcast launch and beyond. Consistency in releasing episodes is important, but even more crucial is clearly communicating to your listeners through your podcast messaging that your show is for them. Another great way to get discovered is to make sure you're optimizing every episode for discoverability through SEO.
Understanding Your Podcast Type
Understanding the two distinct types of podcasts can help tailor your growth strategy. Some podcasts, like Jamie's, already have an established audience that promotes the show. Others use the podcast itself to build an audience from scratch.
Audience Grows the Podcast:
These are typically launched by celebrities or influential figures who already have a significant following. Jamie Kern Lima, for instance, had almost a million social media followers even before launching her podcast.
Podcast Grows the Audience:
Here, the podcast serves as the primary tool to attract and grow an audience. If you’re a small business owner or digital content creator, this is likely your scenario. If it is, make discoverability your number one focus. Use SEO, promote extensively prior to your launch, and engage in consistent cross-promotions to get noticed. Remember, success will take time, but by focusing on the right activity it's achievable.
Measuring Success—It’s You Against You
Stop fixating on chart positions or download numbers as the ultimate measure of your podcast’s success. The best metric of podcast success is your personal best against your personal best. Are you seeing improvement month over month and year over year?
Focus on Continuous Improvement, Not Downloads
Periodically review your metrics and gauge your progress. Celebrate the small wins, like increasing listener engagement or receiving your first review. Focus on delivering consistent value, and remember, the only comparison that matters is you against your personal best.
A Long-Term Commitment
It's no secret that building a successful podcast takes time, effort, and a willingness to constantly improve. Whether you’re lucky enough to start with a built-in audience or you’re using your podcast to build one, remember that sustained success is a marathon, not a sprint. Knowing the right activities to focus on, and consistently doing those right activities, will help you build visibility and momentum long-term.
Want more tips on how to make your podcast stand out? Follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast for more tips like these for how to turn your show into a top podcast listeners can’t get enough of.
Ready to start a podcast that turns listeners into leads? We’d love to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and see if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.
