If your podcast isn’t growing the way you’d hoped, there’s a good chance you’re making one of the most common mistakes: trying to appeal to everyone.
And I get it. When you’re putting so much time and effort into your show, it’s tempting to think that casting a wide net will bring in more listeners.
But the broader your message, the less impact it has.
Why Trying to Speak to Everyone Doesn’t Work
When your content is too general, it doesn’t feel like it’s made for anyone in particular. And if your audience doesn’t feel like your podcast was made for them, they won’t stick around.
But when you get specific, when you narrow your focus and speak directly to a defined group of people, your podcast becomes magnetic.
In fact, according to HubSpot, clearly defining your target audience improves engagement and makes content more effective. That’s why getting clear on your ideal listener is one of the most important things you can do to grow your show.
How to Get Clear on Your Ideal Listener
If you’re not sure who your podcast is really for, here are three simple steps to help you figure it out:
1. Reflect on your experience
Who do you love working with? What topics light you up? Your passion and experience should shape who you’re talking to.
2. Think about their struggles
What problems can you help them solve? A great podcast provides value or solutions that speak directly to what your listeners are going through.
Use tools like AnswerThePublic to discover what your audience is already searching for.
3. Get specific
“Women in business” is too broad. But “female wellness coaches who want to grow their online presence” is focused. The more specific you get, the more your podcast will resonate.
The Power of Niching Down
I’ve seen so many podcasters struggle to gain traction because their audience is too broad. But once they get clear on who they’re speaking to, everything changes.
Content ideas start flowing, audience engagement increases, and your podcast starts growing organically.
And it’s not just small creators, big brands start with a niche too:
- Amazon started as an online bookstore.
- Facebook was originally for college students.
- Amy Porterfield began by teaching Facebook marketing before expanding into general online business strategies.
As they say, you have to be known for one thing before you can be known for everything.
Want Help Defining Your Ideal Listener?
If you’ve been struggling with this, I’ve created a free resource to help:
Download the Perfect Podcast Listener Worksheet
It’ll walk you through the exact process I use with my clients to help you narrow down your audience and start creating podcast content that truly connects.
Want more guidance? Listen to Podcasting for Business Owners for real-world examples, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to grow your show with clarity and confidence.