How to Market Your Christian Podcast
I remember first hitting "publish" on a podcast episode. My heart pounded with the weight of it. Was it any good? Would anyone listen? Did I say "um" too many times? And, more importantly—was this really going to make an impact on the Kingdom of God?
Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now, staring at your analytics, wondering why your downloads aren’t growing, why your messages feel like they’re vanishing into the void of the internet. You believe in the message God has given you, but the marketing part? That feels… unnatural. Maybe even a little unholy.
But here’s the truth: If God has called you to proclaim His Word, then He’s also called you to steward that message well. And stewardship includes strategy. Jesus Himself said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Light doesn’t hide; it shines. And in today’s world, shining often means learning how to amplify your voice.
1. Clarity Before Virality
Before you worry about how to grow your audience, ask yourself: Who has God called me to reach? The Apostle Paul was laser-focused in his mission—"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Who is your "all things to all people"? A podcast trying to speak to everyone will resonate with no one. Get clear on your audience, and your marketing will flow from that clarity.
2. Tell Stories, Not Just Truth
Jesus didn’t just drop truth bombs; He told stories. Parables are filled with imagery, tension, and resolution. Why? Because truth wrapped in a story can bypass defenses and burrow into the heart. The same applies to your podcast and your marketing. Instead of just telling people what your show is about, invite them into a story—your story, a guest’s story, or the more incredible story of God’s work in the world. That’s what draws people in.
3. Leverage Community, Not Just Content
The early church didn’t grow because Peter had the best sermon clips. It grew because the believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Your podcast isn’t just a content machine—it’s a community builder. Engage with your listeners beyond the episodes. Ask questions. Invite feedback. Create spaces for deeper connection (social media groups, email newsletters, live Q&As). People don’t just follow content; they follow connection.
4. Serve Before You Sell
Yes, you want more downloads. Yes, you want to reach more people. But the heart of Christian marketing isn’t self-promotion—it’s service. Jesus washed feet before He preached sermons. Your marketing should feel like a gift, not a pitch. Offer value freely—encouragement, wisdom, and resources. When people feel served, they naturally want to hear more from you.
5. Pray Like It Depends on God, Work Like It Depends on You
This isn’t just a cute saying—it’s a spiritual discipline. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God made things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). You are responsible for planting and watering—learning marketing, trying new strategies, and showing up consistently. But the growth? That’s in God’s hands. So, market your podcast with excellence but never with anxiety. Do the work, surrender the results.
The Takeaway: Obedience Over Outcome
At the end of the day, success isn’t measured by downloads, sponsorships, or viral clips. It’s measured by faithfulness. It matters if your podcast reaches one person with the truth of Christ. If it calls just one prodigal home, it’s worth it. Market your podcast, yes—but do it from a place of obedience, not obsession. Steward the message, but trust the Messenger.
So, keep showing up. Keep speaking the truth. Keep letting your light shine. And leave the impact in His hands.
Now, over to you. What’s one small, faithful step you can take today to share your podcast with the world? Drop a DM, or just commit to the Lord in prayer. He’s the one who opens doors. You just have to walk through them.
