Podcast Playbook (Part 9): How to Market and Grow Your Podcast — Strategies to Build Reach & Audience

The Business Development Podcast

Episode 269 of The Business Development Podcast takes us into Part 9 of the Podcast Playbook, where Kelly Kennedy breaks down the truth about marketing and growing a podcast. Launching a show is only the beginning — real growth comes from leveraging guests, showing up consistently on social media, using audiograms and clips to spark curiosity, repurposing content, building community, collaborating with other creators, and when the time is right, investing carefully in advertising where people are already listening. Kelly shares lessons learned firsthand, from early group-sharing strategies on LinkedIn to the difference between social media followers and true podcast listeners, offering practical ways to turn effort into momentum.

At the heart of this episode is the reminder that podcast growth is not linear. It ebbs and flows like the stock market, with highs and lows that only make sense when you zoom out and stay consistent over time. Kelly emphasizes that you have to give yourself the time and runway to win — growth is slow and steady, but it compounds if you don’t quit. For anyone looking to move from launch day into long-term success, this episode provides the roadmap and the mindset needed to keep showing up until the audience finds you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Podcast growth is slow and steady, not instant — most people quit before the compounding effect kicks in.

2. Leverage your guests by giving them clips, graphics, and recognition so they share your show with their networks.

3. Social media is great for brand awareness, but it rarely converts directly into listens or downloads.

4. Audiograms and short clips are powerful tools for promotion, especially when you highlight guest moments.

5. Every episode is a content engine — repurpose it into quotes, carousels, blog posts, and newsletters.

6. Paid advertising only works when you place it where people are already listening, like Spotify Ads.

7. Social ads may grow followers, but true podcast success comes from loyal listeners, not vanity metrics.

8. Building an email list or community deepens connection with listeners and keeps them engaged long term.

9. Collaborations and cross-promotions with other podcasters and brands can dramatically expand your reach.

10. You have to give yourself the time to win — growth ebbs and flows, but consistency and patience build loyal fans.

✨ Join The Catalyst Club

If you’re ready to take your growth further, you don’t have to do it alone. Inside The Catalyst Club, you’ll find a private community of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and creators who are walking the same journey as you. It’s a place to share wins, ask for support, and surround yourself with peers who truly get it.

The Catalyst Club was built for leaders like you — because if you know, you’re known.

👉 Join today at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub