Podcast Metrics That Matter: How to Track, Optimise & Monetise Your Show
Understanding podcast analytics is crucial for sustainable growth and monetization. In this episode, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the most important podcast metrics you should be tracking, from download numbers and subscriber growth to average consumption time and audience retention. They also reveal how platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube provide detailed analytics and how you can leverage them to increase engagement, secure sponsorships, and refine content strategy.
The conversation highlights how ad frequency can impact audience loyalty, why numeric titles can boost downloads by 25%, and why setting data-centric goals (such as 10% monthly growth) is the key to long-term podcast success. If you're looking to optimise your podcast and make informed decisions based on actual data, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The top podcast metrics that truly matter
How average consumption time impacts monetisation opportunities
Why retention rates and watch time dictate content strategy
The role of numeric titles in increasing downloads by 25%
How too many ads can kill audience engagement
Why monthly analytics reviews help optimise your podcast
The difference between podcast metrics on Apple, Spotify & YouTube
How to use audience data to attract sponsors and advertisers
Key Takeaways:
Track your average consumption rate – It’s more important than total downloads
Analyse audience retention rates to keep listeners engaged for longer
Avoid ad overload – Too many ads can drastically reduce listener retention
Use numeric-based episode titles to boost downloads by 25%
Look beyond podcast metrics – Social media growth & email signups also matter
Make data-driven content decisions – Identify topics that resonate with your audience
Set a 10% monthly growth goal to steadily build your listener base
Recommended Tools & Resources:
Apple Podcasts & Spotify for Podcasters – Essential analytics tools for tracking downloads, retention, and consumption time
YouTube Studio Analytics – Crucial for tracking video podcast performance and watch time
Captivate, Libsyn & Buzzsprout – Hosting platforms with in-depth podcast analytics
Podcast SEO Strategies – Optimising metadata and descriptions to increase discoverability
Join the Conversation:
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, explore our latest content and stay connected with us on social media for valuable podcasting insights.
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Instagram: @podschool
TikTok: @podschool.community
YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast
LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall
In this show, we discuss:
podcast growth, podcast metrics, how to grow a podcast, podcast analytics, podcast engagement, podcast listener retention, podcast monetisation, best podcast metrics, podcast download numbers, Apple Podcasts analytics, Spotify for Podcasters, YouTube podcast strategy, increasing podcast subscribers, podcast watch time, podcast retention rate, podcast content strategy, podcast SEO, podcast marketing tips, podcast audience insights, podcast performance tracking, podcast advertising impact, podcast revenue growth, podcasting for beginners, podcast sponsorships, podcast data analysis, best podcast hosting platforms, podcast optimization, how to monetize a podcast, podcast promotion strategies, podcast branding, increasing podcast listeners, podcast insights, podcast success tips
How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast
How To Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast with James Burtt & Alex ChisnallTurn your podcast idea into an impactful brand and income stream! Join podcast experts James and Alex—who have launched 400+ top-charting podcasts—as they share practical and tactical steps to build, grow, and monetise your show. Each episode delivers actionable tips on podcast equipment, content strategy, audience growth, and brand monetisation to help you thrive in podcasting.Perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone ready to amplify their voice, this is your weekly guide to profitable podcasting. Join the free Pod School community for exclusive resources, trainings, and support.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and many more.
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