Where Should You Publish Your Podcast? A Smart Strategy for Maximum Reach
By Matt F., podcast strategist
Helping podcasters grow outside the algorithm.
Publishing your podcast on Apple and Spotify is only half the battle. If you want to grow your audience—and actually make money doing it—you need to meet your listeners where they live.
That means showing up on the platforms they use before they ever open a podcast app. And once you’ve earned their attention, you need a system to turn those listeners into subscribers, buyers, and brand advocates.
Here’s how to grow your podcast and your income—without waiting on the algorithm.
🎯 Stop Relying on Podcast Apps for Growth
Podcast apps are built for listening, not discovery. They’re limited in how people find new shows—usually through search, charts, or recommendations.
For platforms like Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, it can be hard to get discovered.
That’s a problem.
If your audience never stumbles across your podcast, they’ll never hit play. That’s why the smartest podcasters show up where their audience already hangs out.
🧭 Know Where Your Audience Spends Time
Ask yourself: Where does your ideal listener hang out before they listen?
- Business or productivity shows → LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit
- Health and wellness → Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube
- Entertainment, lifestyle, pop culture → TikTok, Twitter, YouTube Shorts
If you’re not meeting them there, someone else is.
🧩 Create Content That Matches the Platform
Each platform has its own vibe. You can’t just copy and paste the same clip everywhere and expect it to work.
| Platform | Content That Works | Monetization Angle |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Full episodes, Shorts, reviews | Ad revenue, affiliate links, merch |
| Reels, Stories, carousels | Coaching, printables, digital products | |
| TikTok | Trends, quick tips, behind-the-scenes | Creator Fund, traffic to offers |
| Thought leadership, episode takeaways | B2B services, strategy calls | |
| Helpful comments, value-first posts | Authority, trust, product links |
This is how you get your podcast discovered: share valuable content on native platforms and link it to your show.
If you send social media posts to specific podcast episodes related to your content, you’re sending interested people to more in-depth info—boosting conversion rates.
That’s why I recommend having your own website—so you can collect emails, give away resources, and increase episode consumption.
Use native formats and include a clear CTA like: “Listen to the full episode,” “Download the guide,” or “Subscribe to get more.”
The goal is to encourage action, even if it’s as simple as a follow or subscribe.
Click here to learn more about making money with your podcast
💰 Turn Listens Into Revenue
Downloads are great. But if you’re podcasting to build a business, you need more.
Build systems that turn casual listeners into:
- ✅ Email subscribers – Offer a checklist, guide, or bonus.
- ✅ Buyers – Promote your course, service, or affiliate products.
- ✅ Clients – Show your expertise and invite discovery calls.
Example:
Host a podcast about productivity → Post YouTube Shorts with tips → Offer a free toolkit → Nurture via email → Sell a $97 planner or $497 session.
That’s how podcasters monetize attention. Learn more here
🧠 Platform Discovery = Monetization Intent
Where people find you influences how they’re likely to buy:
| Found You On | Buyer Intent |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Searching for answers or reviews |
| Inspired by lifestyle or visuals | |
| Seeking expertise and authority | |
| Looking for honest, practical advice |
Shape your offers accordingly:
- YouTube → Add affiliate links in the description
- Instagram → Link to your courses or templates in bio
- LinkedIn → Invite to book a free consult
- Reddit → Build trust, then share your free resource
🛠️ Tools to Help You Monetize Smarter
Here are a few tools to grow and monetize your podcast:
- Website → Podpage, WordPress + Elementor –
Setup instructions here - Email list → ConvertKit, Beehiiv, MailerLite
- Product sales → ThriveCart, Gumroad, Teachable
- Affiliate tracking → Pretty Links, Bitly, Short.io
- Analytics → Podtrac, Chartable, Google Analytics, YouTube Studio
Use these to build an ecosystem—not just a podcast feed.
❓FAQ: Podcast Monetization & Growth
Q: Can I make money with a small podcast?
Yes. You don’t need 10,000 downloads. You need 100 people who trust you and are willing to act. Niche = power.
Q: What platforms should I focus on first?
Start where your audience already is—and where you enjoy creating. YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great starting points.
Q: Do I need sponsors to monetize?
Nope. Selling your own offers or affiliate products often works better—and gives you more control.
Q: Should I be everywhere?
No. Focus on 1–2 high-leverage platforms. Quality beats quantity every time.
Q: How can I track what’s working?
Use tools to monitor traffic, clicks, sales. Double down on what works—not just views.
👣 Final Thought: Podcasting Is a Funnel—Not a Finish Line
If your podcast is your only content, you’re leaving money on the table.
To grow your show—and your income—you need to:
- Be visible where your audience lives
- Deliver value in native formats
- Guide listeners from interest → subscriber → buyer