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 

                          Elgato teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3Tz0Qoh 

                          Logitech BRIO - https://amzn.to/49iJ7qQ 

                          Apple Continuity Cam

• Podcast 2.0: https://podcastindex.org/
• Useful software: Riverside.fm - http://www.riverside.fm/?via=mathew

Ready to take your podcast from “nice hobby” to “real business asset”? This episode is your playbook. Listen, share, and let us know what you’re building!

**As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases of podcasting gear from Amazon.com. We also participate in affiliate programs with many of the software services mentioned on our website. If you purchase something through the links we provide, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The team at Podcasting Tech only recommends products and services that we would use ourselves and that we believe will provide value to our viewers and readers.**

For additional resources and insights visit podcastingtech.com or follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @mathewpassy
• LinkedIn - /mathewpassy
• Threads: @mathewpassy
• Twitter/X: @mathewpassy
• Facebook - /podcastingtech, /mathewpassy

PODCASTING TECH IS POWERED BY:

• Captivate - Easy, professional podcast hosting to create, grow and make money from your podcasts
• Podpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutes
• Riverside.fm - Record Podcasts And Videos From Anywhere
• Castmagic - 10x Audio Content With AI
• Podmatch - Matching Hosts and Guest for Podcast Interviews
• Hostinger for Website
• Podgagement - Engage your audience and grow your podcast!

EQUIPMENT IN USE:

• Rodecaster Pro 1st Gen (No longer available). Consider the Rodecaster Duo or Rodecaster Pro II
• EV RE20 with 309a Shockmount 
• Rode PSA1+
• iPhone continuity camera but previously the Logitech Brio 4k
• DCMEKA In-Ear Monitors
• BusyBox Smart Sign