Want to Increase Podcast Downloads? How Jeannie Grew Her Show Over 17K in Less Than 4 Months

Hey Friend!

Increasing your podcast downloads means increasing the number of superfans you have. This means increasing the number of people who want to work with you! In this guest episode, I talk to Jeannie Baldomero, a mom of three teenage daughters and host of the Raising Her Confidently podcast.

In her podcast, she helps moms learn to create open communication with their daughters. Jeannie shares with us the exciting experience of seeing her podcast downloads and superfan numbers grow after she joined us in Podcast to Profit.

Life Before Increased Podcast Downloads and Audience Growth

Jeannie: Before joining Podcast to Profit, I had already started my business. I had a course, had my website, and was also a network marketing business owner. All I knew was social media marketing, and that’s what I had focused on for the past four years. 

I knew something had to be different, but I just didn’t know what. I took a year off to spend time with God. And I remember looking at this journal from when he first called me to start my business. In the journal, it said ‘Start a podcast,’ which was something I had ignored. And guess whose name was there? Your name! So I knew it was time to start exploring what you had to offer.

Stef: It is so cool that God prophetically gave that to you! He is so good. He always gives us exactly what we need. And then it’s up to us to take that significant action in faith.    

Brand Clarity – The First Step to Increased Podcast Downloads 

Stef: So, as you were going through the first two courses, was the brand already clear? Or did you go through a lot of clarity work to get there?

Jeannie: I knew who I wanted to serve and what I needed to say. But I needed more clarity on how to organize it all. I needed to be more specific about what my person required. And that was the whole goal of the podcast.

I wanted to speak to the person who was looking for what I had to say. I was tired of trying to grab everyone who didn’t need it. It was nothing about me, but about what I had to offer the person listening.

Stef: I think God had a specific mom-and-daughter combination in mind for you. And it sounds like getting to the root of the person you were serving made all the difference in your increased downloads and growth!

The Investment in Her Podcast Drove Her to Succeed

Stef: As you have mentioned, joining Podcast to Profit was your end goal. You were in a rush to get there! Did you have any feelings of fear, anxiety, or worry about the investment that you needed to make?

Jeannie: Yes, yes, and yes! I knew that I needed to get into Podcast to Profit. But that didn’t dull any feelings of overwhelm, fear, or wondering who I thought I was to be doing this. 

And then, of course, there was the investment. But the investment is what pushed me to do it. I knew that if I invested myself in this podcast, I would be willing to do the work and be open. I think that when you’re moving forward in podcasting, it’s essential to be open to new things, new perspectives, and monetization.

Stef: Yes! Podcasting is a big deal. You’re putting yourself out there in this vulnerable way. There will be thoughts about whether you’re enough or if anyone will listen. And that is precisely why you have to push through. It’s the people who push through all those fears who are the survivors. They are the ones with the success stories! 

It’s uncomfortable to do something new. It’s the ultimate act of faith to say yes. And you did that!

Community, Coaching, and Connection in Podcast to Profit

Stef: Once you had jumped into Podcast to Profit, what was the program like? Walk us through some of the course experiences for curious people.

Jeannie: Coming in, it was exciting. I love community, and we had this great community in our cohort-specific Facebook group. I feel like we can’t do things alone, and it can be lonely behind the mic. Being with like-minded women who share a mission and believe in podcasting as a way to reach people was incredible. We were all in a space where we wanted to learn and be open to making the changes that would allow us to grow.

In the spotlight coaching, I was generally a fly on the wall, often wondering what question I could ask. But then somebody would ask a question that also applied to me. This coaching added a lot of value as you offered insight into someone else’s business that I could use in mine. 

The office hours with Lydia were also great. They gave us a second connection point with your team within Podcast to Profit. It was helpful to be able to ask questions about minor issues we were struggling with. 

It was also beneficial to get the numbers. I’m not usually a numbers person; I’m more of a feeling person. But it was great to get the tangible numbers. I could then see that my feelings matched my actual, concrete numbers, and that it had grown!

Stef: Yes, you have to have each piece of the puzzle come together for it to be successful, even the parts you don’t necessarily like! We’re not going to let you get away with slacking off or not showing up. 

When it gets hard, the beauty of Podcast to Profit is that your team and your sisters rally you. They pull you back out of the trenches, and they keep you marching forward. It’s a sprint, but it has every component of a sprint that you can win. You can cross the finish line!

Ongoing Encouragement to Finish the Race and See the Results

Stef: Out of all the pieces that we have mentioned, what do you think was your favorite part?

Jeannie: I enjoyed the spotlight coaching. It was nice to see faces and have questions answered that can help you and your business. You feel less alone, and you know that others have the same thoughts and the same mental blocks. When you’re in the middle of it, you have people coaching you through when you feel like giving up. You have people who don’t let you stop but encourage you to keep going.

Stef: Yes, I think it’s a must, to be successful, to be in a room. There’s always a room where God is teasing you, seeing if you’re going to take that big act of faith and give Him a yes. And when you get around like-minded people who are going where you are going, you can get there a lot faster!

The Results: Increased Podcast Downloads, Subscriptions, and Engagement

Stef: Tell us about the wins you’ve had coming out of this program, Jeannie. What results did you get after taking part in Podcast to Profit?

Jeannie: For a long time, one of my primary goals for even having a podcast and doing the course was to capture an audience. I wanted to talk to people who were looking for what I was talking about specifically. 

Social media feels uncontrollable. It felt uncomfortable sharing things on social media that didn’t apply to the people reading them, including my friends—something needed to change. I needed to build a specific audience who was looking for what I had to offer.

I started my podcast a few days before I started Podcast to Profit. And at the end of April, I had 16,700 downloads.

Stef: That is good, Jeannie. Some people honestly take years to pass the 10,000 download mark.

Jeannie:  I had my ‘Mom’ Facebook group for years once I started my original course. This group was dormant, and I was on the verge of closing it down. The group has grown to 138 active members, up from zero! And then my email subscriber list grew to 215, with an average open rate of 53%.

Stef: Wow! That open rate is industry best!

Jeannie: As far as social media, I don’t count it anymore. I just use it to announce my episodes. This is a significant relief. 

Stef: Such a relief! I know that one of the most significant components of joining for you was ‘How do I get off social media?’

What these numbers tell me is that your person, your avatar, is here, and she is avidly listening to your podcast. She is coming to places where you nurture her – your Facebook group and your email list. That ultimately leads to her working with you.

Next Step – Increased Sales!

Jeannie: I learned from the course how disconnected I am from my mom. So, I’ve been reconnecting with my avatar.  I’ve had a few people show interest in buying my offer, but I’m currently revamping my course. I also offer a light one-on-one coaching.

Although it’s not converting yet, I know it has the potential to transform. What I like and enjoy seeing is the growth of listeners and superfans that happens month after month. I know conversion comes in time. 

Stef: What I love about your perspective is that it’s not all about making money. Your focus is on the right thing: Am I growing my audience, and am I helping her? The money always follows that because she can’t wait to work with you. 

Your current fan base is at 759. This means that when it’s time to convert, you’re looking at roughly seven to 10 sales a month. I know you’re going through Podcast to Profit with us again, which is exciting. 

We’ve got a lot in there about selling. We’ve got all this cool sales psychology. It’s going to help you close out on all those people who are waiting to buy from you. As soon as your course is optimized, you can start to lean into your sales!

Jump in to See What’s on the Other Side of Fear

Stef: What do you have to say to anybody who is wondering if they should do Podcast to Profit but may be wondering if it’s worth it or if they are the right person for this?

Jeannie: I have to say that I was in that place. I waited for four years to act on what God has called me to. If you’re reading this and feel convicted by the Holy Spirit, maybe He’s calling you to take a step forward. It is scary. It is an investment. But if you know, you know. And if you hesitate on your calling, you don’t know how many people you could be helping,but aren’t.

I say jump over that fear. Fear will always be there until you act and move past it to see what’s on the other side. Trust that God is calling you here at this moment for a specific reason. 

Stef: Jeannie, thanks for blessing us today. Where can everyone come and listen to your podcast if they have teenagers or know someone with a teenage daughter? Where can they find you?

Jeannie: Of course, I’d love for you to come and listen. My website is jeanniebaldomero.com. You’ll find the podcast menu and the latest episode.

Inspired By Jeannie’s Story?

If Jeannie’s story inspires you, whether you already have a podcast or are thinking of starting one, I’d love to help you see the results she’s achieved as she gained clarity on her audience and began serving them.

I pray this blesses you!

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