The Biggest Podcasting Mistakes (and What to Do Instead!)

Are You Making These Podcasting Mistakes? Let’s Figure It Out Together…

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right with your podcast… but the results just aren’t showing up? You’re consistent, you’re showing up, you hit record every week—yet your downloads have plateaued and growth feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill.

Here’s the thing: it’s probably not about working harder or upgrading your equipment.

In this episode of Podcasting Problem Solver™, I’m walking through the most common podcasting mistakes that keep business owners stuck, and more importantly, how to actually fix them. Whether you’re planning your launch, already deep into production, or feeling like your show has lost its spark, this conversation covers the strategy shifts that make the difference.

You’ll hear why your podcast title needs to be clear over cute, how a simple episode outline changes everything, and why SEO-friendly titles aren’t optional if you want people to find you. We’ll also talk about narrowing your listener focus (yes, really), creating calls-to-action that actually convert, building workflows that don’t burn you out, and weaving your business message into episodes without sounding like a sales pitch.

Plus, I’m sharing a real client story that shows what happens when you make strategic shifts instead of just creating more content.

Because here’s what I know: there’s a ton of podcasting advice out there, but most of it wasn’t written for someone running a business while trying to build a show that actually supports that business.

Here’s we cover:

Clarity beats cleverness when naming your podcast
Outlining your episodes builds trust and keeps you on track
Keyword-rich episode titles help people actually find your show
Talking to everyone means connecting with no one
Strategic calls-to-action guide listeners to the next step
Batching and systems create sustainable workflows
Your podcast should reinforce your core business message
Client story that shows what strategic shifts can do

So before you hit record on your next episode, give this one a listen. And then come tell me: what podcasting “rule” has never worked for you? Or what’s tripping you up right now? I’m listening, and your question might just become a future episode.

Want more strategic tips, honest insights, and behind-the-scenes support?
Snag my free newsletter. Let’s make podcasting feel simple, smart, and SEAMless.

Resources Mentioned:
Related Blog: 9 Ways to Have a Successful Podcast
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Transcript

Podcasting Do’s and Don’ts That No One Talks About

A Strategic Episode for New and Growing Podcasters

Leah Bryant [00:00:04]:
Welcome back to Podcasting Problem Solver. I’m Leah Bryant, podcast producer, launch strategist, and founder of Leah Bryant Co, where we help entrepreneurs launch and grow podcasts that support real business goals—without burnout or tech overwhelm.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I’ve got a podcast, but something feels off,” or
“I’m still planning, and I want to do it right,”

Then this episode is for you. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the biggest podcasting mistakes (and what to do instead).

Podcast Strategy Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Pick a Podcast Name with No Search Value

Leah Bryant [00:00:54]:
Let’s start with naming your podcast.
A clever title might feel fun, but if it has zero search value, it’s not helping you get found.

Clarity is greater than creativity.

Choose a name that tells your audience exactly what the show is about. Save the clever for your episode titles.

Don’t Record Without a Plan

Leah Bryant [00:01:49]:
Winging it sounds easy. But it creates a rambling mess that loses listeners fast.

Structure builds trust.

Always outline your episodes—even if you don’t script them word for word. A clear outline keeps your message on track, especially if your podcast is tied to your business or sales strategy.

Don’t Ignore SEO and Podcast Episode Titles

Leah Bryant [00:02:28]:
Vague or mysterious titles might sound cute, but they’re bad for discoverability.

Instead:

Use clear, keyword-rich episode titles
Think like a headline: “How to grow a podcast without paid ads” works better than “The thing that finally worked”

Don’t Try to Speak to Everyone

Leah Bryant [00:03:16]:
A podcast for “all entrepreneurs” usually resonates with none of them. I made this mistake myself in the early days.

The more specific your message, the more powerful your podcast becomes.

Speak directly to your ideal listener’s stage, struggle, and goals. That’s how you activate the Attraction phase of my SEAMless Framework.

Don’t Skip the Call to Action

Leah Bryant [00:03:49]:
If your episode ends with a simple “Thanks for listening,” you’re missing an opportunity.

Instead, guide your listener to take the next step:

Download a resource
Join your email list
Submit a question
Like this one: “Want your question featured on the show? The link is in the description.”

Podcast Habits That Build Long-Term Momentum

Do Batch Record Your Episodes

Leah Bryant [00:04:23]:
Batch recording helps you avoid the constant scramble of keeping up with your content calendar. You’ll show up with more clarity and energy.

Do Create a Repeatable Workflow

Leah Bryant [00:04:23 continued]:
Whether you’re a solo podcaster or working with a team, use a checklist for every episode:

Record
Edit
Upload
Write show notes
Schedule promos

At LBC, we manage all of this in ClickUp—because systems beat stress every time.

Do Reinforce Your Sales Message in Each Episode

Leah Bryant [00:05:13]:
Your podcast isn’t just content—it’s strategic brand storytelling.

Use each episode to:

Share your philosophy
Introduce your framework
Highlight the problems you solve

Podcasting done right builds trust and converts quietly over time.

Do Keep Listeners Coming Back

Leah Bryant [00:05:13 continued]:
Give your listeners a reason to return:

Tease upcoming episodes
Reference past episodes
Create narrative threads and shared language

These small touches build connection and community.

Do Stay Consistent, Even If It’s Not Weekly

Leah Bryant [00:05:13 continued]:
You don’t need to publish every Tuesday for eternity. But consistency in quality and intention is what keeps your audience engaged.

Client Case Study: Messaging Overhaul = Real Results

Leah Bryant [00:05:50]:
One of my clients had a beautiful show—great interviews, high-quality audio, strong topics—but her downloads plateaued.

After a podcast audit, we discovered the issue:

Her messaging was too broad
Her positioning focused on guests, not her expertise

We rebuilt her show around her unique framework, clarified her message, and positioned her as the expert.
The result? More clients, higher listener retention, and a podcast-powered funnel.

Build a Podcast That Lasts

Strategy Beats Spontaneity Every Time

Leah Bryant [00:06:35]:
Podcasting isn’t just about pressing record. It’s about:

Being strategic
Showing up intentionally
Building something that supports your business long term

Ready to Launch With Support?

Leah Bryant [00:06:35 continued]:
Want step-by-step guidance?
Check the show notes for my Podcast Launch Roadmap + private podcast—it’s like having me in your pocket.

And for weekly behind-the-scenes strategies and gear recs, make sure you’re on my newsletter. It’s free and built for action-takers like you.

Final Thoughts

Leah Bryant [00:07:20]:
Until next time, keep it strategic, keep it simple, and above all—keep it seamless.
We’ll catch you on the next episode.

Have a question or comment?

Send it to Leah!

Hi, I’m Leah

Your go-to podcast growth strategist, coach, and host of Podcasting Problem Solver

Podcasting Problem solver podcast by Leah Bryant