Are You Tracking the Right Podcast Metrics?
You’re publishing consistently. You’re showing up every week. You’re putting in the work, but is your podcast actually growing?
Most podcasters have no idea. They check their download numbers and call it a day, but total downloads don’t tell you if your podcast is working.
Here’s how to tell if your podcast is actually growing:
Metric #1: Listener Retention Rate
This tells you how much of your episode people are actually listening to.
If they’re dropping off after 5 minutes, your content isn’t resonating.
If they’re listening to 70-80%+, you’re delivering value.
How to check: Most podcast hosts (Buzzsprout, Libsyn, etc.) show you average consumption rate.
What to aim for: 60-80% completion rate is strong.
Metric #2: Email List Growth
Are podcast listeners joining your email list?
If yes, your lead magnet and CTAs are working.
If no, you’re missing opportunities to build relationships and convert listeners into clients.
How to check: Track how many new email subscribers you get each month and ask where they found you.
What to aim for: 5-10% of listeners should join your email list (if you’re promoting a lead magnet consistently).
Metric #3: Discovery Calls / Client Inquiries
This is the #1 metric that matters if you’re a coach or service provider.
Are people reaching out to work with you after listening to your podcast?
If yes, your podcast is doing its job.
If no, you need clearer CTAs and stronger positioning.
How to check: Track how many discovery calls or inquiries you get each month from podcast listeners.
What to aim for: 1-3 inquiries per month (even with a small podcast).
Metric #4: Episode Performance
Which episodes are getting the most downloads, shares, and engagement?
This tells you what your audience actually wants to hear about.
How to check: Look at your podcast analytics and identify your top 3-5 performing episodes.
What to aim for: Double down on topics that perform well. Create more content like those episodes.
Metric #5: Social Media Engagement from Podcast Content
Are people engaging with your podcast clips, quote graphics, and Reels?
If yes, your content is resonating and reaching new people.
If no, your promotion strategy needs work.
How to check: Track likes, comments, shares, and DMs on podcast-related posts.
What to aim for: Consistent engagement on podcast content (even if it’s small at first).
Want an easy way to track all of these metrics in one place? I created a Notion template for podcasters that includes dashboards for analytics, email growth, client inquiries, and more.
Metrics That DON’T Tell You If You’re Growing:
❌ Total downloads (vanity metric)
❌ Number of reviews (nice to have, but doesn’t grow your business)
❌ Follower count (engagement matters more)
The Bottom Line:
Stop obsessing over total downloads.
Start tracking:
✅ Listener retention
✅ Email list growth
✅ Client inquiries
✅ Episode performance
✅ Social engagement
These metrics tell you if your podcast is actually working for your business.
Not sure if your podcast is on the right track?
Book a free 30-minute podcast audit and I’ll review your metrics, identify what’s working (and what’s not), and give you a clear action plan.
No pressure, no pitch, just honest feedback.
Book yours here.
Get the Notion Template for Podcasters
Want to track all these metrics yourself? My Notion template helps you organize and monitor:
✅ Listener retention and analytics
✅ Email list growth
✅ Client inquiries
✅ Episode performance
✅ Social engagement
✅ Bonus: Editing Tools, Royalty-Free Music, Design, and more
Everything you need to run your podcast like a business, all in one place
Get the Notion Template here.