“The organic grind of podcast growth is over. Podcast advertising is the new way to increase your visibility and grow your listenership around the clock.” -Megan Shields

The Million Dollar Question: Are Podcast Ads Effective?

Spoiler Alert: Hell Yeah

Before we get into this blog, I want to mention a few things. This blog is coming from personal experience from someone who specializes in ads for podcast growth. I'm not going to be talking "theory" here, I'm going to be sharing actual examples of results I've experienced with my clients.

Using my signature ad strategy I’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed ad strategy can transform a podcast, grow its audience, and grow my client's businesses. So, if you want to see how podcast ads can truly make a difference, stick around. I’m here to share the practical, real-world results that prove just how powerful these ads can be.

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

While podcasting has been around for a long time, it's really hitting it's stride right now. There is nothing but growth projected for this industry in the coming years. In fact, as of 2024, projections suggest that the podcasting industry could be valued at around $4 billion by 2028.

That said, podcast marketing and advertising have yet to fully evolve. While traditional methods for growing a podcast can still be useful, they're becoming outdated. A quick search for "how to grow my podcast" will lead you to the same old advice:

• Post about your show online

• Optimize for SEO

• Create a website

• Cross-promote

• Get referrals

These strategies, while foundational, might not be enough to keep pace with today's competitive podcast landscape.

Not only are these suggestions a slow way to grow your podcast, but many of them also require significant hands-on effort. If your podcast is part of your overall business marketing strategy, chances are your time is already stretched thin.

Having a strategy that works for you around the clock is the most efficient and effective way to accelerate your podcast's growth.

Let's get into it.

The Game-Changing Strategy: Facebook and Instagram Ads

Facebook and Instagram ads are a game-changer for podcasters that want to boost visibility, engagement, and growth. With over 2.8 billion monthly active users on Facebook and 1.5 billion on Instagram, these platforms offer unparalleled reach and targeting capabilities.

The precision of Facebook's ad targeting allows you to connect with users based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics, ensuring your podcast reaches the right audience. Instagram’s visual nature enhances engagement, making it an ideal platform for capturing attention and driving listeners to your show.

By leveraging these ads, you tap into an audience that’s not only vast but also highly engaged, allowing for effective and scalable podcast promotion. This modern approach outperforms traditional methods, providing a new and powerful way to grow your podcast quickly and efficiently.

How Our Signature Tri-Fecta Ad Strategy Drives Podcast Growth

Using Facebook Ads it's more than just running one ad. It's about having a strategy in place. My signature Tri-Fecta Ad strategy focuses on 3 key areas of growth focused on growing your podcast and your business:

1. Audience Growth:

Tired of posting reels only to get 50 views? You're not the only one. Most of our clients come to us because they are tired of trying to figure out how to gain more visibility on these platforms. They're doing all the things yet they aren't reaching the people they want to. With ads, you are guaranteed to reach new people, everyday.

By using ads strategically you can attract new listeners and retarget them with tailored content, offers, and educational materials positions you as an authority in your field. This method not only grows your audience but also positions you as an expert in your field and strengthens your reputation.

2. Email List Growth

Building a robust email list is incredibly valuable for podcasters. It allows you to continuously market to a captive audience that has already shown interest in your podcast or business. Organic growth of an email list can be slow and often requires constant promotion on Instagram and Instagram Stories. While subscribers may trickle in, the process isn’t always consistent or reliable.

With Facebook ads, however, you can generate email list sign-ups around the clock. While you’re sleeping, recording podcast episodes, or focusing on other aspects of your business, targeted ads are working to attract new subscribers. This approach ensures a steady and consistent flow of opt-ins, helping you build and engage with your audience more effectively.

3. Podcast Growth

With Facebook and Instagram Ads you can target your ideal listener. Facebook ads are a powerful tool for getting your podcast in front of your ideal listeners. By using detailed targeting options, these ads ensure your show reaches the audience most likely to be interested in your content. With ads running around the clock, you continuously attract new listeners, boosting your show’s visibility and expanding your audience base.

Real-World Results: Bringing It All Together

All of these pieces together create an ecosystem that continuously builds your audience, grows your listenership and keeps your business visible. At the end of the day, your podcast is part of your business marketing strategy. The goal is to grow your business. This strategy can get you there.

See how 👇

Audience Growth

Our clients have seen audience growth on social media. Here are a few examples from our client's accounts.

Email List Growth

As you can see below, we added 700 new people to my clients email list in less than 60 days (at $ .79 cents a piece!).

Podcast Growth

Take a look at some of these results from our clients. All of this happened within 60 days of implementing our ad strategy.

So, Are Podcast Ads Effective? What Do You Think?

Our signature Tri-Fecta ad strategy creates an ecosystem of consistent growth and visibility for podcasts. It’s more than just running a single ad; it's about building a comprehensive approach that drives audience growth, email list expansion, and increased podcast listenership.

The results speak for themselves: more followers, more email subscribers, higher listenership. If you’re wondering whether podcast ads are effective, the answer is a hell yes.

Learn more about this strategy by listening to our limited series private podcast. Listen now.

Ready to boost your podcast growth? Book a free call with us here.