Podcast Maps 002 - Which Podcast Category Should You Select?

Podcast Maps by Graham Brown

In Episode 2 of Podcast Maps, I talk about the importance of working "on" your podcast as opposed to working "in" it. The difference is key. Many podcasters rely on a "spiking" strategy to grow their podcast audience i.e. get good guests, get guests to share with the audience. The problem with this strategy is that it rarely translates into organic growth. Each guest attracts an audience only interested in what the guest, not other guests or the host, has to say. Organic growth comes from working"on" your podcast. In Episode 2, I discuss where you need to start with your organic audience building strategy. Step 1 is identifying your podcast category. You'll be surprised how many hosts don't know which category they are in on Apple Podcasts. This data is critical to Podcast SEO. Consider, for example, that there are 16,345 Podcast Shows in "EDUCATION" and 3,351 in "GOVERNMENT", 2,613 in "NON PROFIT". There are many podcasts that could be in multiple categories, but Apple only lets you choose one. And choosing the right category is key to competition. (All data from Podcast Maps) By working "on" your podcast you can take the necessary steps to optimize your organic growth.