Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)

Grab a snack, because this one is a little indulgent. I’m sharing my podcast bucket list: what I crossed off this year, what’s still waiting, and a few dreams that feel a little silly to say out loud. This episode is less about strategy and more about pausing to celebrate what you’ve done and setting a podcast goal (or three) for the year ahead.I’m Andi Smiley, a podcast growth coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. I’ve spent 8 years in radio and podcasting, and I love helping you grow your show without letting it rule your life. I’m also a regular podcast guest, a podcast producer, and a Pinterest nerd who helps podcasters set a realistic podcast goal and actually reach it.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy a podcast bucket list is worth making (and revisiting)Being a podcast guest on 20+ shows and why I never want to cross it offProducing a kids podcast, sound effects includedExceeding a Pinterest podcast goal of 12 and helping 26 podcasters insteadBecoming a guest expert in podcast communitiesDream podcast ideas, from starting a book podcast to recording in a weird locationSetting a shoot-for-the-moon goal, like interviewing Michelle ObamaKey TakeawaysLooking back at what you’ve done is just as important as planning ahead. Pausing to celebrate makes your next podcast goal feel more exciting.Your podcast bucket list can include business-adjacent wins, like guesting, producing, or helping other podcasters. If it’s podcast-related, it counts.Goals can grow. Mine was to help 12 podcasters with Pinterest, I helped 26, and now my podcast goal is to reach 100 by the end of 2027.Some bucket list items stay on the list because you love them, and that’s okay.Start simple: write down one thing you’ve already done, one realistic thing you want to try, and one shoot-for-the-moon dream for your own podcast bucket list.Timestamps00:00 This podcast bucket list episode is a little indulgent01:05 Crossed off: being a podcast guest02:15 Crossed off: producing a kids podcast03:17 Crossed off: helping 26 podcasters with Pinterest03:44 Crossed off: guest expert in a podcast community04:47 Still on the list: starting a book podcast06:09 Next year’s podcast goal: help 100 podcasters with Pinterest06:46 On the list: Recording with a live audience07:21 On the list: Recording in a weird location08:13 Shoot for the moon: interview Michelle Obama08:32 Your turn: make your own podcast bucket listLinks & ResourcesGrab the Is Pinterest Right For Your Podcast? checklistSend me your bucket list: reply to any of my emails or DM me on Threads

Meet Magnify Your Magnificence, hosted by Sue Paulson, a podcast about moving beyond self-doubt, recognizing your worth, and becoming more fully who you are. Through meaningful conversations and personal stories, Sue explores the experiences, beliefs, and turning points that shape how we see ourselves and what becomes possible next.Listen to Magnify Your Magnificence wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to Magnify Your Magnificence:Explore more episodes and listen on your preferred podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1896880832

One podcast guest spot once brought me 100 email subscribers in a single week, so yes, I’m a big fan of podcast guesting! This week, Candace Dudley shares how she took her show from 50-70 downloads a week to 250-350 by going on a podcast tour. She walks us through how to be a podcast guest, how to pick shows that actually fit, and the first step to take today. We also chat about how our podcast swap came together.Candace Dudley is a mom of three and a podcast guesting strategist who helps podcasters grow through podcast tours. She spoke on 50 shows in a single year, and the results speak for themselves. I’m Andi, a podcast coach for women who shares sustainable podcasting strategies that won’t take over your life.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy podcast guesting is a smart way to grow your podcastBorrowing a host’s trust (and speeding up the buying process)Choosing podcast speaking topics before you pitch anyoneQuality over quantity: how to pick aligned showsWhat a podcast tour is and how many shows you needFinding guest opportunities on ThreadsTiming your guesting around a launchBeing a credible, confident podcast guestKey TakeawaysPodcast guesting turns one recording into lasting content. Your episode becomes searchable and links back to your website, which helps people find you organically.Start with two or three podcast speaking topics. They help hosts see why you’re a fit and help you find the right shows.Aim for aligned shows, not 100 of them. Confused listeners don’t buy, so a smaller podcast guesting strategy built on alignment wins.There’s no magic number for a podcast tour. Even five aligned shows a year can help you grow your podcast, so go with what you can manage.Let people know you want to guest. Share your topics on Threads and make it an easy yes for hosts. That’s the whole secret to how to be a podcast guest.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:03 Meet Candace and our podcast swap01:37 Why podcast guesting works04:11 The first step: know your speaking topics07:52 Guesting without the social media grind09:59 What is a podcast tour?12:19 How to choose aligned shows16:48 Being a credible podcast guest20:48 Candace’s one piece of advice22:42 Where to find CandaceLinks & ResourcesCandace DudleyCandace on InstagramCandace on ThreadsFree podcast matchmaking communityMy interview on Candace’s podcast about PinterestAndi on Threads

If you’ve been hunting for a podcast marketing strategy that doesn’t swallow your whole week, this one’s for you! I’m walking you through the five-part plan I’ve used for about two years to grow my downloads by 83%, gain almost 300 email subscribers, and make more than $6,000 this year. Pinterest for podcasters is a big piece of it, but it’s only one piece, so I’m showing you where it fits alongside Threads, podcast guesting, email, and the podcast itself.I’m Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With eight years in radio and podcasting, I help women build sustainable podcasting strategies that grow their shows without letting marketing run their lives. This episode is my own strategy, tested on my own show.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeHow to grow your podcast with Pinterest using one pin a dayWhy I make about seven pins per episode (and what I do between seasons)Using free Canva and video pins to promote your podcastPosting on Threads and turning comments into real conversationsPodcast guesting and networking as a way to get foundPodcast email marketing that sells without feeling pushyPodcast marketing without overwhelm: scheduling everything on MondaysKey TakeawaysPinterest is one piece of my podcast marketing strategy, not the whole thing.Pinterest for podcasters, Threads, and podcast guesting and networking help people find me. Email is where I share my offers.Podcast email marketing is my main money-maker, and two emails a week is all it takes.Scheduling everything on Mondays is how I keep podcast marketing without overwhelm.If you’re wondering how to promote your podcast, start small: pick one way to get found and one way to sell.Links & ResourcesIs Pinterest Right for Your Podcast? checklistFollow me on PinterestFollow me on Threads

Pinterest for podcasters is the low-lift way to grow your show without adding hours to your week, and in this episode I’m breaking down exactly why. I quit Instagram this spring and my podcast kept growing, so I’m sharing why adding Pinterest to your podcast marketing strategy might be a better fit for you, plus how to get started with just one pin a week.Hey, I’m Andi Smiley! I’m a podcast growth coach for women podcasters and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With 8 years in radio and podcasting, I love sharing sustainable ways to grow your podcast with Pinterest, without letting your show rule your life.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy I quit Instagram and still grew my podcastWhy Pinterest is a search engine, not social mediaHow one pin a week fits into a low-effort podcast marketing strategyWhy pins last for years (vs. about 72 hours on Instagram)Setting up a Pinterest business account to claim your website and see analyticsPinterest SEO for podcasts: finding keywords on PinterestCreating Pinterest pins for podcast episodes with free Canva templatesHow to set up your whole account in a weekend, then spend about 20 minutes a weekKey TakeawaysPinterest for podcasters works with just one pin a week. There’s no daily posting pressure. Two years in, my downloads are up 83% and I’ve gained almost 300 email subscribers.Pinterest is a long-term podcast marketing strategy. A pin you make today can work for years, while Instagram content lasts roughly 72 hours.Start with a Pinterest business account so you can claim your website and see your analytics. It makes it much easier to grow your podcast with Pinterest.Pinterest SEO for podcasts starts with the search bar. Type in a phrase, let the dropdown fill in, and use those phrases in your profile, boards, and pins.When you create Pinterest pins for podcast episodes, use a vertical image and put your keywords on the image, in the title, and in the description.Links & ResourcesPinterest SEO episodePinterest VIP SetupFree pin templates on Canva

Wondering if Pinterest for podcasters is even an option when you don't have a website yet? I'm tackling the big question: do I need a website for Pinterest? Spoiler: nope! In this episode, I walk you through how to use Pinterest without a website, why claiming your site can give your pins a boost and exactly where to link your pins so listeners land on your episode.I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast growth coach for women. After 8 years in radio and podcasting, and five years of hosting The Friendly Podcast Guide, I love sharing the strategies that help you grow your podcast with Pinterest without letting it take over your life.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeDo I need a website for Pinterest? The short answer (and the nuance)How my first "viral" pin hit 7,000+ impressions and kept bringing in listenersWhy you should claim your website on PinterestWhy each episode needs its own page if you link pins to your websiteWhere to link podcast pins if you're using Pinterest without a websiteThe pros and cons of Podlink, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify linksHow to promote a podcast on Pinterest without overcomplicating itKey TakeawaysYou don't need a website to use Pinterest for podcasters. All you need is a link that sends people to your episode.If you do have a site, claim your website on Pinterest. It shows you're the real owner, and Pinterest is more likely to share your pins with more people.Episode pages can be simple. Show notes plus an embedded player is enough to promote your podcast on Pinterest.When deciding where to link podcast pins, YouTube and Apple Podcasts are my top picks since about 50% of listeners use Apple.You can grow your podcast with Pinterest whether your website is polished, basic, or not built yet.Timestamps00:00 Welcome 00:35 Do you need a website for Pinterest? 00:58 My first viral pin 01:28 Why you should claim your website 02:41 A page for each episode 03:32 Where to link pins without a website 04:19 Apple Podcasts and Spotify caveatsLinks & ResourcesPinterest blog post on claiming your websitePodlinkApple Podcasts web playerSpotify web playerYouTubeRate or review The Friendly Podcast Guide

Podcast experiments are my favorite way to find out what actually works for my show, so I'm making this a tradition! I'm catching up with Whitney Archibald on the experiments we planned last season, then sharing the new ones we're trying. From skipping bonus episodes to vibe coding an app, we're sharing honest results so you can borrow our sustainable podcasting strategies and skip our mistakes.I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and host of The Friendly Podcast Guide, where I share podcast marketing strategies that won't take over your life. My guest, Whitney Archibald, hosts two podcasts, has beaten the odds of pod fade, and is the queen of experimenting. Comparing notes with her is always a blast.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeLooking back at our podcast experiments from last seasonWhy a whole season on one topic can lead to podcaster burnoutBalancing an editorial schedule with flexibility for sustainable podcastingWhat happened when I skipped bonus episodes between seasonsTrusting listeners to dig through your archive (418 downloads with no new episodes!)Vibe coding an app that points to your podcast contentWhy I'm focusing on Pinterest as a podcast marketing strategy this seasonKey TakeawaysBuild flexibility into your schedule. Whitney found that one deep-dive topic per season keeps her excited, which makes podcast experiments easier to sustain.Look at your numbers. My first month back had the same downloads with or without bonus episodes, so I'm skipping the extra stress.Plan breaks around your burnout cycles. Recording extra episodes ahead isn't a real break, and it's one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies I know.Trust your listeners. People search your archive for what they need, so make your website easy to search by topic.Treat every season as a test. My Pinterest-heavy season is proof that podcast marketing strategies can be tried, tracked, and tweaked.Timestamps00:00 Intro and why I'm doing a podcast experiments episode01:46 Whitney's self-reliance season experiment06:22 Finding balance between structure and flexibility07:55 My experiment: no bonus episodes between seasons12:42 Trusting your listeners and your archive14:43 Whitney's new experiment: vibe coding an app20:16 My Season 6 experiment: a Pinterest-focused seasonLinks & ResourcesConnect with Whitney ArchibaldConnect with me on ThreadsFollow me on Pinterest

Wondering how often to pin on Pinterest to grow your podcast? Spoiler: it's way less than the 5 to 15 pins per day the experts say you need. I'm sharing how I went from one pin a week to one pin a day, plus three realistic tips for using Pinterest to grow a podcast without letting it take over your life. These are the podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me sooner.I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With 8 years of experience in radio and podcasting, I help you build sustainable podcasting strategies that grow your show without ruling your life. Pinterest is my main marketing method, and I grew my own podcast with it, so everything I share comes from what's actually worked for me and my clients.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeHow often to pin on Pinterest (and why 5 to 15 pins per day isn't realistic for most of us)Why one to three pins per week is a great starting point for podcastersBuilding a Pinterest pinning schedule you can actually stick withHow to grow a podcast audience through consistent pinningHow I went from one pin a week to one pin a dayWhy posting slowly and steadily beats dumping 50 pins at oncePinterest tips for podcasters who feel overwhelmed by marketingWhy Pinterest won't punish you for stepping awayKey TakeawaysStart small. When you're figuring out how often to pin on Pinterest, one to three pins per week is a totally legit place to begin. It's a slower start, but it's one you can keep up with.Be consistent. Three pins per week, every week, beats 50 pins in one week followed by a month of silence. Steady pinning helps Pinterest figure out who you are, which makes it one of the most sustainable podcast marketing strategies out there.Add pins slowly. When you're ready for more, scale up bit by bit so your Pinterest pinning schedule stays doable. That's how to grow a podcast audience without burning out.Take breaks without panic. Your views may dip if you stop pinning, but the pins you've already created keep circulating. Pinterest doesn't punish you for stepping away.Timestamps00:00 My start on Pinterest00:42 The big question: how many pins should you pin?01:37 Tip one: start small02:28 Tip two: be consistent02:52 Tip three: add more pins slowly03:40 Pinterest won't punish you for stepping awayLinks & ResourcesJoin my email list for podcasting tidbits and behind-the-scenes peeksFollow me on ThreadsFollow me on Pinterest

If you've ever stared at a blank Canva template wondering how to make Pinterest pins for your podcast that actually get clicked, this episode is for you! I'm walking you through exactly what makes a pin stand out in a crowded feed…from images to fonts to the one non-negotiable element (hint: it's Pinterest SEO keywords). This is one of my favorite podcast marketing strategies because it doesn't require you to dance on camera or chase social media algorithms, it's a totally different, totally sustainable way to grow.Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide! I help podcasters grow their shows using sustainable podcasting strategies that don't take over their lives, and Pinterest has been one of the biggest game-changers in my own growth journey. I've spent years testing what actually works on Pinterest (so you don't have to), and I love sharing what I've learned with podcasters who are ready to grow without burning out.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy images (especially ones with faces!) help your Pinterest pin design stand out in the feedHow to choose pin colors and fonts that make you pop instead of blend in with your nicheMaking sure the text on your pin is big enough to read on a phoneLetting Pinterest users know a pin leads to a podcast episodeWhy Pinterest SEO keywords are the most important part of creating pins that actually get foundWhere to place your keywords: on the pin image, in the pin title, and in the pin descriptionHow Pinterest fits into podcast marketing strategies that don't rely on social mediaKey TakeawaysGreat Pinterest pin design starts with a strong image and images with faces tend to catch the eye even more.Look at what colors and fonts others in your niche are using, then do something different so your pin doesn't blend in.If people can't read your pin's text on their phone, they'll scroll right pastAlways make it clear your pin leads to a podcast episode, whether that's through your podcast name, logo, or the words "new episode."Pinterest SEO keywords are the single most important ingredient for getting your podcast pins clicked by the right audienceGrowing your show with Pinterest is one of the best ways to build sustainable podcasting strategies that work without relying on social media.Timestamps(00:00) Intro: why pin design worries so many podcasters(00:43) What makes a great pin, starting with images(01:28) Why images with faces perform better(02:09) Choosing colors and fonts that help you stand out(03:04) Making sure your pin text is readable on a phone(04:04) Letting Pinterest users know your pin leads to an episode(05:00) The most important element: Pinterest SEO keywordsLinks & ResourcesPinterest VIP SetupWatch the visual walkthrough on YouTubeFollow Andi on ThreadsFollow Andi on Pinterest

If you've ever wondered how to use Pinterest to grow a podcast, this episode is for you, because it all comes down to one thing: Pinterest SEO keywords. I'm breaking down exactly why keywords are the single most important part of your Pinterest profile, and sharing my simple process for finding the ones that will actually help you grow a podcast audience. Plus, I'll walk you through some real examples so you can start weaving your own Pinterest SEO keywords into your profile today.Hey, I'm Andi Smiley! I'm a podcast coach for women and I'm just a little obsessed with helping you grow your podcast without letting it take over your life. As a Pinterest-for-podcasters expert, I've used Pinterest to grow my own show and have spent a ton of time helping other podcasters do the same and sharing sustainable podcasting strategies and podcast tips for women that actually work (and don't require you to "hop on stories" every single day).Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy Pinterest works as a visual search engine, not social media, and what that means for sustainable podcasting strategiesThe single essential thing your Pinterest profile needs (hint: it's Pinterest SEO keywords)How Pinterest SEO keywords help you grow a podcast audience without needing to be trendy or funnyA simple exercise for finding keywords as part of your podcast marketing strategiesReal examples of Pinterest for podcasters keyword research, including my "pretend plant podcast"How to double-check that a keyword actually matches what your audience is searching forKey TakeawaysPinterest SEO keywords are the single most essential piece of your podcast's Pinterest profile.Unlike traditional social media, Pinterest rewards searchability, which makes keyword research one of the smartest podcast marketing strategies for Pinterest.You only need about five anchor keywords to start seeing real momentum, proof that sustainable podcasting strategies don't have to be complicated.If you want to know how to grow a podcast audience with Pinterest, weaving the right keywords into your profile, boards, and pins is exactly where to start.This strategy is a perfect example of how to grow a podcast without social media, no stories, no trending audio, no algorithm chasing required.Whether you're just starting out or leveling up your plan for how to grow a podcast in 2027, Pinterest SEO deserves a spot at the top of your list.Timestamps(00:00) Why Pinterest isn't social media…and why that's a good thing(01:18) Why Pinterest SEO keywords matter more than being funny or trendy(02:07) The simple exercise for finding your keywords(02:44) Example: keyword research for a "pretend plant podcast"(04:12) Bonus tip: how to confirm a keyword is actually about what you think(05:29) Why you only need about five anchor keywords(06:02) Inside Pinterest VIP Setup a done-for-you Pinterest setupLinks & ResourcesWatch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qt_Rmbx9BWoLearn more about Pinterest VIP SetupConnect with me on ThreadsConnect with me on Pinterest