In today's digital age, podcasting has become a powerful medium for sharing stories, knowledge, and engaging with audiences worldwide. However, one common challenge podcasters face is how to increase their podcast downloads without spending all day on social media. In this episode, we get into the world of podcast growth strategies with insights from paid ads expert, Megan Shields. The conversation revolves around part one of Megan's trifecta strategy for podcasters, focusing on download growth. Trifecta Strategy: Megan highlights the trifecta ad strategy for clients, which includes download growth, email list growth, and social media growth working together synergistically. She emphasizes the importance of testing different ad creatives, understanding the target audience, and ensuring that the podcast content is optimized for increased traffic. Data Analysis: Megan shares insights into how she analyzes podcast download data on platforms like Apple Podcasts to determine the success of ad campaigns. She emphasizes the need for consistent monitoring and optimization based on data trends. Video Ads Dominance: One key trend highlighted by Megan is the dominance of video ads in recent times. She explains that video ads, especially those with organic and relatable content, tend to perform exceptionally well in driving engagement and conversions for podcasters. Creative Testing: When it comes to running ads, Megan suggests testing different types of video creatives, such as direct podcast teasers, episode highlights, and point-of-view content. By experimenting with various creatives, podcasters can optimize their ad campaigns for better results. The focus shifts towards final tips for podcast growth. Megan emphasizes the importance of consistent content creation, strategic call-to-actions, and leveraging organic-looking content for ads to resonate with audiences effectively. In conclusion, the insights shared by Megan Shields shed light on the effectiveness of leveraging paid ads for podcast growth. By implementing a strategic approach, analyzing data trends, and testing different creatives, podcasters can unlock new avenues for audience engagement and expansion. As podcasting continues to evolve as a dynamic storytelling platform, utilizing paid ads effectively can be a game-changer for reaching a wider audience and maximizing the impact of your podcast content. Whether you're a beginner in the podcasting world or a seasoned creator, incorporating these strategies can pave the way for sustainable growth and success in your podcasting journey. Learn about: 0:00 Intro 1:13 Podcast Success Vault 4:54 Her trifecta strategy, starting with download and podcast growth 8:09 How to figure out which episodes to target 8:45 Drawbacks or discrepancies in data 10:57 How long to run ads and how to gauge how they’re performing  13:40 When to update the creative 14:45 Leveraging video in your ads   Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault Canva Templates for Podcasters: https://yfftdvg7bw0ip4axvsg4.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/1b93588d-8dad-44f2-89a9-d6cdc3f38c1b Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks: https://www.voltproductions.co/launch-your-podcast-in-8-weeks Podcast Recording Equipment Guide: https://www.voltproductions.co/tech-guide-freebie Online Course [Start and Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks]: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-course  7 Ways to Monetize Your Podcast: https://www.voltproductions.co/7-ways-to-monetize-your-podcast Connect with Megan here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimehousemedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chimehousemedia https://www.chimehousemedia.com/    Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/costantiniproductions  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Website: https://simonacostantini.com/