How I Got One Million Podcast Plays as a Decluttering Expert

How my Passion for a Peaceful, Decluttered Life Turned into the Top 1% Podcast Paring Down.

If you’re a regular listener of my decluttering Paring Down Podcast, you know that there are facets of different jobs I’ve held in the past which come in handy for producing my show. I was Miss New York, a reality TV producer, and an office manager—and each of those experiences prepared me for the world of podcasting. 

On a recent episode of the pod, I departed slightly from the usual decluttering content to talk about your burning questions regarding how Paring Down has grown to what it is today, starting with that work history that now lends itself to podcasting!

Since I get asked pretty regularly about how to start a podcast, I wanted to give some insights for you today so you can go for your dreams, too! Starting a podcast can feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can build an engaged audience that connects with your content. In this post, we’ll explore three essential strategies that will guide you through launching your podcast successfully. 

But even if you don’t want to become a podcaster, I think there are nuggets of wisdom in here for any goal you might have!

My Three Biggest Pieces of Advice for Podcasting

1. Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About

Choosing a topic that excites you is crucial for your podcast’s longevity. You’ll need the enthusiasm to carry you through the challenges of being consistent and finding new things to talk about.

My passion for decluttering started about three years into motherhood and really took off when our family moved to Florida. I’m a long time fan of Desirae Enedres and her podcast Minimal-ish. I would listen to her podcast as I decluttered, and one day I realized I could talk about decluttering forever – and from a different voice. Thus, Paring Down was born.

I’m so glad I landed on decluttering because I genuinely could talk about it forever. (And do!) If we all stopped caring so much about physical possessions and put our energy toward things that matter more, like relationships and generosity, I firmly believe the world can be a better place. I will be happy spreading this message for the rest of my life!

Takeaways about Choosing a Podcast Topic

• Why this Matters:  A podcast requires commitment, and if you’re not genuinely interested in your topic, you may lose motivation.
• How to Do It: Reflect on your interests and experiences. Consider what you love discussing, and ensure it’s something that won’t wane over time.
• Common Mistake: Don’t choose a trending topic just for the sake of popularity. Your authenticity will resonate more with your audience.

2. Treat Your Podcast Like a Job

Approaching your podcast with professionalism is vital for growth. This means being consistent, setting goals, and treating it as a serious commitment.

When I kicked off Paring Down, I set a goal of gaining 10,000 followers and 1,000 listens per week by the one year anniversary, which wasn’t unrealistic, but certainly gave me something to work toward This meant I went in with the expectation that it would take at least a year before the podcast would produce any money or large following, but that long-game meant I’d need to be consistent about both releasing episodes and marketing it on social media. Having these clear goals and realistic expectations helped me stay focused and motivated. 

• Why This Matters:  By treating your podcast as a job, you create a structure that fosters growth and accountability.
• How to Do It: Set measurable (and realistic!) goals for your podcast, such as listener numbers or social media followers, and hold yourself accountable for the consistency it’ll take to get there.
• Common Mistake: Avoid the temptation to expect overnight success; building an audience takes time and perseverance.

3. Build and Nurture Relationships

Networking can significantly impact your podcast’s success because networking simply means building relationships. Friendships naturally open doors and provide support—and don’t forget that goes both ways.

I connected with friends online by supporting their content and inviting people I thought I’d get along with to be guests on the podcast. Not only have so many of these women become real friends, I was able to use these connections to grow both my network and audience. (And offer any help, support, and connections back to them, as well.)

• Why This Matters: Relationships can lead to collaborations, new listener opportunities, and moral support.
• How to Do It: Engage with other podcasters and your listeners on social media. Attend events and participate in discussions related to your podcast’s niche.
• Common Mistake: Don’t solely focus on what you can gain; prioritize genuine connections and supporting others in your journey.

Listen to the Full Episode 147: How I Got 700,000 Followers, a Life-Changing Book Deal, & One Million Podcast Plays in 2 Years

• Spotify
• Apple
• Watch on Youtube

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