\n
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a podcast for two years, releasing nearly 80 episodes, and expecting your audience to skyrocket, only to find that you had been chasing the wrong metrics.
\nThat was me.
\nBut my story isn't about failure; it's about how I turned those missteps into valuable lessons and ultimately found success in the exciting, challenging, and at times, perplexing world of podcasting.
\nIn early 2019, I started with a dream, much like any indie podcaster.
\nI've planned and released a show for my recommendation platform Shelfd. For 79 episodes, I put all my love for pop culture and streaming into the podcast. At first behind the mic and later in the role of the product owner.
\nHoping for the format to resonate deeply with our existing audience and boost memberships.
\nAfter releasing three seasons and pivoting just as many times, I found myself at a crossroads, stuck at a maximum of 500 listeners per episode. I couldn't help but feel like I was falling short of my expectations.
\nIt was a moment of reckoning, a realization that something needed to change.
\nBy the end of 2021, I made a difficult decision and paused my podcast.
\nThis pause was my gateway to introspection and strategy, setting the stage for a transformation that speaks both to my soul as an indie creator and to my brain as an entrepreneur.
\nI started to collect hands-on growth tactics in my notes app which eventually became a full-size knowledge hub with +150 marketing methods for podcasts of all kinds.
\nBy 2022 and way into my curation era, I had a revelation.
\nI had been looking at the wrong metrics all along.
\nWhile my downloads didn't match my initial expectations, I had succeeded in ways I hadn't even recognized. My podcast had garnered trust among its listeners, and its brand reputation was solid.
\nIn my quest for sheer numbers, I had missed the essence of what makes a podcast truly successful – the deep connection with the audience.
\nThis was a turning point in my journey. It filled me with newfound purpose.
\nI realized that my experience was not a failure but a crucial chapter in my evolution as a distribution strategist and growth hacker.
\nAnd I learned the hard way that success in podcasting goes beyond vanity metrics; it's about building trust, nurturing a loyal audience, and establishing a strong brand reputation.
\nArmed with this insight, I set out to launch 🎚️ St. Audio in 2023.
\nMy mission was to empower podcasters to do better. And still is. Like merging the heartfelt authenticity of indie creators with the strategic prowess needed for brand podcasts.
\nI am here to ensure that no podcaster chases the wrong metrics and that every podpreneur-to-be discovers the true essence of what success means to them.
\nSt. Audio isn't just a platform; it's a bridge between two worlds. Here, indie podcasters find the tools to transform their passion into a sustainable business, while big brands learn to infuse their content with the authenticity and engagement often found in indie podcasts.
\nIn the past year, the fruits of this mission have been remarkable.
\nWith the St. Audio 🎛️ Studio, an AI-supported knowledge hub, I've had the privilege of helping over 70 podcasts with unique industry insights.
\nWe're continuously learning about the most effective tactics for each growth phase through real-life experimentation and tracking of milestones. The collected data fires our AI assistant. Like a flywheel of success stories.
\nSo instead of doing the growth thing once, I managed to do it 70 times (and counting). Not bad at all.
\nIf you understand German, you're more than welcome to set up your show for success too.
\n(💡 We plan to add an English version in early 2024.)
\nDuring our beta test, I met with both enthusiastic indie creators and forward-thinking brand podcasters, each sharing their unique stories and aspirations.
\nThe fun part is that many of them would like to step in the other groups' shoes:
\nOne of my proudest accomplishments is to create a powerful framework that blends both indie passion with brand power into one.
\nIt starts with understanding the soul of each podcast and continues with aligning them with strategic growth paths.
\nNo matter if you're brimming with raw passion and creativity, or seeking to redefine your influence in the industry.
\nUnlock your high-impact distribution strategy here.
\n(There are no more spots left for the 🎒 Action Plan Workshop this year. So make sure to kick off 2024 with a splash.)
\nAs I reflect on the past four years, my heart swells with pride and joy. It's a testament to the power of learning, adapting, and bridging gaps.
\nWhether you're an indie podcaster with a story to tell or a brand looking to make a genuine impact, your journey is important. Together, we're not just creating podcasts; we're crafting legacies of connection, trust, and transformation.
\nSo, if you've ever felt discouraged by the numbers, remember my story.
\nSuccess isn't measured in listeners alone; it's measured in trust, reputation, and the lasting impact you make on your audience.
\nLet's light up one pair of ears at a time.
\nOh, and I'm more than excited to continue my podcast in 2024 as well with a new twist to it. Because now I know I should focus on the things others don't, won't, or can't. 🎧 Stay tuned.
\nI hope you got inspired by this week’s PH issue. Tag me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or BlueSky when you 📣 share this hack with fellow podcasters (the archive link opens in your browser).
\nKeep on hacking,
David
\n Call for challenges (or template requests) \n📣 What do you need help with? \nPlease reach out and tell me about a specific next milestone of yours and share what you tried lately. Just answer this e-mail. \nI might have an idea right away or dedicate an upcoming issue to your challenge. Will get back to you in private first. \n |
Podcasts help me understand the world a little better. Episode by episode. That's why I want to help audio creators reach as many listeners as possible with their beloved podcast shows, storytelling, products, and services.
\nAs a distribution strategist, serial solopreneur, and pop culture lover, I'm super passionate about all things self-made, user research, content marketing, growth hacking, AI, and podcasts.
\nToday, I've already helped 60+ shows to unlock new audiences and build up their creator business. My unfair advantage: unique industry insights from our very own 🎛️ Studio and 🏕️ Growth Club.
\nFeel free to say hello! Just reply to this mail.
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\n | \n Unsubscribe · Update your profile \nSend audiograms here: Shelfd UG (limited liability), Am alten Jagdstern 4b, Beelitz-Heilstätten, Brandenburg 14547 \n | \n\n |
My Story 📣 Podcast Hacks
Podcast Hacks by David Streit Helping indie and brand podcasters systemize on ease, uniqueness, and shareability. One hack at a time. Subscribe here 🆒 Action Plan Workshop 🎒 20 Episodes in with Podcast Hacks, I thought it was about time I properly introduced myself to you all. 👋 Hey, I'm David and this is my story: Echoes of Success Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a podcast for two years, releasing nearly 80 episodes, and expecting your audience to skyrocket, only to find that you...
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