and what to do with that info
I’m always curious what people want to listen to (and continue to listen to) on any podcast I create. That tells me what kind of content is evergreen, but it can also help shape follow up episodes, giving me even more evergreen content.
It’s why I regularly check the top performing episodes based on listens and date of publish – if they’re still being listened to after a year, for example, that may offer some insight into what content resonates with my listeners.
So here are some lessons I’ve learned from looking at my top episodes. For this, I’ll be using the top 10 episodes from my One Minute Podcast Tips show, starting at 10 and ending on the most popular one.
10. What Should Go In Your Podcast Intro and Outro? (Jun 2023)
This makes sense, as it’s a question I see a lot of online and via new podcasters with Captivate, where I’m Head of Podcaster Support & Experience. So this episode shared some ideas for both.
9. Do You Need to Edit Your Podcast? (Dec 2022)
Well, yes, you do – but there are nuances as to what editing you need to do. Especially for newer podcasters, for whom editing might be a scary thought and adding even more to their workload.
8. A Super Easy Way to Get Great Podcast Cover Art (Sept 2023)
Your show artwork is key when it comes to attracting new listeners, especially when scrolling on a mobile art. The question is, should you pay for it or can you do it yourself?
7. Should You Claim Your Podcast on Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters? (Jan 2023)
A lot of newer podcasters (and some more experienced) don’t know that you can get extra audience data for your show. This episode shared why that matters.
6. Should You Use Social Media for Your Podcast? (Dec 2022)
As podcasters, our time always feels stretched and part of that comes down to social media. How do we use; where do we use; how often do we use. Or, should we even use at all?
5. How Many Apps Should Your Podcast Be On? (Dec 2022)
I see this a lot online – podcasters saying they’ve only published to Apple and Spotify and that should be enough, right? After all, they’re the only two that matter. Not so fast there, skippy (and, yes, I see the irony of these platforms being the ones I used for the podcast player embeds in this post – this is more a limitation of Substack than my preferred player not able to be used).
4. Do You Need a Podcast Website? (Dec 2022)
With the majority of podcast listeners using apps, and websites meaning more maintenance, do you even need a podcast website? Shouldn’t you just leave listeners on their app? Well then…
3. 18 Expert Tips to Be a Better Podcaster (Dec 2023)
This was a special episode to celebrate the first birthday of the show, and 17 of my podcasting friends kindly shared their own one minute tip. Lists are always popular but need doing right.
2. Should You Use a Free of Paid Podcast Host? (Dec 2022)
Possibly one of the most popular questions online, along with “how do I monetize”, it’s a fair question, and not one that might have as straightforward an answer as you might expect.
1. Why You Should Listen to One Minute Podcast Tips (Dec 2022)
This is my trailer, and is the most popular episode by quite a bit. This shows how effective a trailer is at promoting your podcast, and why every show should have one.
So what have I learned from this (current) top 10 episodes list?
Content is evergreen. Some of these episodes are over a year old and still being listened to
Episode titles are key. Every one is clear on what to expect, but also tied to the kind of search terms potential listeners would use
Looking at your top episodes helps you plan: I can think of another eight follow-up episodes right now, just looking at these titles alone
If you’re an audio-only show but thinking of video, make videos just for these top episodes to start with. An easy win
So, fellow podcasters, do yourself a favour. Look at your analytics, and filter the top 10 episodes of all time. See what stands out about these episodes and how you can take advantage.
Podcasting can be hard enough as it is – this can make it at least a little easier. Which is never a bad thing, right?
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