Podcast Growth Strategies: Live Coaching with Tanya Hayles, Host of Event Planning Bestie

Here's what you can expect from this episode:

Podcast growth strategies can feel confusing, especially when you’re putting in the work, recording, editing, publishing, and still not seeing the traction you want. It’s not that you’re doing it wrong… you just might be missing a few key steps that make all the difference.

 

Podcast growth and SEO don’t have to be overwhelming. Often, it comes down to simple shifts, such as cover art, categories, and promotion, that have a significant impact on your show’s visibility.

 

In this episode of Podcasting Problem Solver™, I’m hosting a live coaching session with Tanya Hayles, digital strategist, event consultant, and host of Event Planning Bestie. Together, we review podcast growth strategies that help your show get found, followed, and shared without piling more stress onto your plate.

 

Tanya’s show brings joy, expertise, and behind-the-scenes access to the world of event planning, blending solo tips with interviews from industry pros (including voices from ESPN and the Paris Olympics!). In this session, we focus on refining her podcast branding and discoverability so her message can reach even more listeners.

 

Whether you’re just starting your podcast or looking to fine-tune your show, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can use today.

Here’s what’s covered

[00:03:21] Why your podcast cover matters
How design, readability, and taglines impact discoverability in Apple, Spotify, and beyond.

 

[00:06:26] Choosing the right podcast categories
Why Buzzsprout lets you list multiple categories, and how the right mix boosts your SEO.

 

[00:13:36] The power of podcast keywords
Where to add them (title, description, Buzzsprout backend) so your show gets found by the right listeners.

 

[00:22:34] Creating a podcast trailer that converts
Why a 2–3 minute trailer can be your secret weapon for turning browsers into subscribers.

 

[00:27:45] Smart podcast promotion without burnout
How to focus on one or two platforms, leverage audiograms, and repurpose your transcript for social.

 

[00:36:15] Going live for visibility
How IG Lives and Threads can build buzz, connect with listeners, and give your podcast a human face.

 

[00:38:55] Repurposing your podcast into long-term content
From LinkedIn blogs to quotable graphics and Pinterest, learn how one episode can fuel five different content pieces.
Because here’s the truth: podcast growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of intentional, strategic steps that align your show with the right audience.

 

“Your podcast should grow your brand, not drain your energy.” — Leah

 

Your podcast has the potential to be more than just content; it can be your most powerful business tool. When you optimize it strategically, it works for you 24/7, building trust and connection long before anyone clicks ‘buy.’

 

If you’re ready to get weekly strategies to grow your podcast without the burnout, subscribe to my free newsletter. You’ll get practical tips, proven growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox.

 

And if you’d love a coaching session like this one, click here to apply!

 

Let’s make your podcasting journey feel SEAMless, strategic, and fun.

 

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Ready for podcast growth?

 

Have a podcasting question you’d love answered on air?

 

More about My Guest:

Tanya Hayles is an event planning consultant, public speaker, and digital strategist who knows how to create an impact in both online and real-life spaces.

With over 20 years of experience in event planning, 10+ years of community building, and digital strategy, she leverages her multi-hyphenate skills to become your secret weapon.

Resources Mentioned:

Podcast Growth Strategies: Live Coaching with Tanya Hayles

Introduction to the Coaching Session

Leah Bryant [00:00:04]:
Hello and welcome back to the Podcasting Problem Solver. I'm Leah Bryant, your go-to podcast producer and certified growth coach helping busy business owners launch on-brand, results-driven podcasts that support their business goals without the tech stress, content overwhelm, or burnout.

Today’s episode is a coaching session with Tanya Hales, host of Event Planning Bestie. Tanya is a digital strategist and event consultant who lives at the intersection of culture, sports, tech, and community.

About the Event Planning Bestie Podcast

Tanya Hales [00:01:21]:
Sure. So it is called the Event Planning Bestie Show. … I love going to events. I love judging events. I love giving people feedback on their events. And so this was just a way for me to share that information and knowledge in a fun way.

Why Podcast Branding and Cover Art Matter

Leah Bryant [00:02:41]:
The first thing I want to do is start with the first thing that people see, which is your visual representation of your podcast…

Discussion of logo, colors, fonts, and adding a tagline that highlights who the show is for and what listeners can expect.

The Importance of Taglines and Keywords

Leah Bryant [00:05:59]:
If the words are huge, where people are like, oh, I look right at that and know exactly what it is, it's going to help them out even more.

Adding taglines like “Tips and strategies for event planners” helps clarify the show’s promise and improves discoverability.

Podcast SEO Tips for Buzzsprout

Leah Bryant [00:13:36]:
SEO in the podcast players is somewhat the same, somewhat different…

Explanation of how to add keywords in Buzzsprout’s backend, use categories effectively, and optimize the podcast description for search.

Choosing the Right Podcast Categories

Leah Bryant [00:16:12]:
Right now, I believe your main category is entrepreneurship. My suggestion would be:

  • How To (primary)
  • Business → Entrepreneurship (secondary)
  • Society & Culture (secondary)

Why Podcast Trailers Boost Discoverability

Leah Bryant [00:22:18]:
Another suggestion would be to add a trailer. A short 2–3 minute trailer introduces new listeners and encourages them to subscribe.

Writing Podcast Descriptions with SEO in Mind

Leah Bryant [00:23:29]:
The next thing that I want to talk about is your description. … Adding top Google questions in your niche helps bring in more listeners.

Sustainable Podcast Promotion Strategies

Leah Bryant [00:26:40]:
When I talk about promotion with podcasters, I break it into three categories:

  • Social media
  • Guesting on other podcasts
  • Paid advertising

Tanya shares her experience using Threads, Instagram, and why Pinterest is on her radar for future podcast promotion.

Repurposing Podcast Content for Growth

Tanya Hales [00:38:55]:
Turning one podcast into multiple content pieces: quotes, LinkedIn blogs, newsletters, and social graphics. Repurposing extends your reach without extra recording.

Closing Thoughts

Leah Bryant [00:40:32]:
Tanya’s links will be in the show notes—go follow her on Threads and check out the Event Planning Bestie podcast.

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headshot of Leah Bryant Co, host of podcasting problem solver
Hi, I’m Leah

Your go-to guide for making podcasting way less complicated and host of Podcasting Problem Solver

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More about Podcasting Problem Solver TM

Are you an entrepreneur, coach, or small business owner looking for practical guidance on podcast growth, monetization, SEO, and marketing—plus how to grow your audience and turn your podcast into a powerful marketing tool? You’re in the right place.

Podcasting Problem Solver™ delivers step-by-step strategies, proven frameworks, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you launch and grow a podcast that aligns with your business goals.

If you’re looking for clarity on your podcast strategy, marketing support, or insights on building a show that works for your brand, you’ll find it all here.

Follow now and discover how to launch, grow, and market your podcast with confidence—no tech overwhelm required.

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