Data-Driven Growth for Podcasters: Targeting and Monetization Tips from David (Ledge) of Listen Network

Are you tired of vague podcast “growth hacks” and ready to get down to brass tacks on ROI, client retention, and results you can actually measure? “If you’re a business podcaster, thought leader, or agency, this episode just might change the way you think about podcast growth forever!”

In episode 49 of the PodcastingTech Show, host Mathew Passy sits down with David (Ledge) Ledgerwood, cofounder and revenue lead at Listen Network, for a deep dive into growing your Podcast audience through hyper-targeted marketing. David breaks down how treating your podcast like a business startup can be the secret to unlocking consistent growth and ROI—even if you’re working in a super-niche B2B space.

David and Mathew also discuss the future of podcasting tech—from fixing conversion paths to rethinking open RSS and integrating video, and the real reason most branded podcasts get canceled, and why “downloads don’t matter”—except when they do). David reveals how Listen Network’s audience intelligence technology helps podcasts grow with precise targeting and transparent reporting, especially for B2B shows.

David Ledgerwood brings over two decades of entrepreneurial and podcasting experience, specializing in revenue generation, business development, and audience targeting. As the founder of Listen Network, he’s on a mission to help podcasters and agencies leverage data-driven strategies to grow audiences, retain clients, and show real results from their podcasting efforts.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• Why account-based marketing (ABM) podcasting is still the #1 strategy for B2B shows—and how to make it work even with a long sales cycle. (00:04:33) 
• How Listen Network uses paid media and targeting to drive downloads from your exact ICP (ideal customer profile) (00:08:15) 
• Why most podcasters fail to treat their show like a business—and what to do instead if you want results and funding. (00:11:09) 
• The realities of paid podcast promotion: how to think about spikes, retention, and what really matters for ROI. (00:16:03) 
• The #1 thing holding most podcasts back when they come to Listen Network—and how to fix it before you spend a dollar on growth. (00:22:35) 
• What tech and workflow improvements could change podcasting—and why conversion and audience engagement are at the heart of future innovation. (00:26:17) 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen Network: https://listennetwork.co
• Connect with David Ledgerwood (“Ledge”) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidledgerwood/
• Recommended podcast: Ramit Sethi’s “Money for Couples” – learn more at https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/
• Previous episodes of Podcasting Tech: [ podcstingtech.com/48 ]
• Mentioned tech: Elgato Stream Deck, - https://amzn.to/3U3J3rk 

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