There are just two things that decide whether or not someone's going to click on your podcast or whether they're going to scroll right past it.

And if you don't get those two things right you could be quietly losing potential listeners without even knowing.

One of those things is the name of your podcast, the other one is your cover art - the square image that shows on Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc.

And that second one is what we're going to be taking a look at in this episode of Podcasting Amplified.

According to Buzzsprout, 62% of new listeners say they're decision to listen is impacted by the cover art.

And when I audit podcasts for clients I see some common mistakes that make it very difficult for a potential listener to pick their podcast over a competing one.

So let's take a look at 9 of the most common podcast cover art design mistakes so you can avoid using them on your own cover art and get more listeners choosing your podcast.

Covered in this episode:

- How your podcast cover art affects growth.
- The #1 cover art design mistake that many podcasters make.
- How your cover art could be reducing the credibility of your brand.
- When not to use AI for podcast cover art.
- And more…

LEARN MORE
Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT
Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN
Spotify -
https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd
Apple Podcasts -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934
YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

You want listeners to pick your podcast over your competitors.

So you work hard on making your podcast content as good as possible.

But many podcasts with good content are still failing at driving results. And they fail because the right people don't feel like the podcast is for them.

In a crowded podcasting landscape, clarity is essential. Listeners choose the podcast that feels like it understands their exact problem.

And that all comes down to one thing: knowing your ideal listener.

In this episode, we go deep on how to identify who your podcast is for, not just in theory, but in a way that shapes your titles, episodes, guests, and marketing so the right people choose your show instantly.

This is about making your podcast easier to discover, easier to connect with, and far more likely to grow.

In this episode, you'll discover -

• How to define your ideal listener in a way that drives growth.

• Why everything in your podcast runs downstream from your ideal listener.

• The exact questions to ask yourself about your ideal listener.

• How to position your podcast so it feels like a no-brainer to click.

• What makes your podcast stand out from other shows.

• And more…

LEARN MORE

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

Great guests don't automatically make a great podcast.

Two shows can interview the same person and deliver completely different levels of value.

The difference isn't the guest. It's the host.

But what makes a good podcast host?

Strong hosting keeps listeners engaged, brings out better insights from guests, and turns interviews into conversations people actually want to finish listening to.

In this episode, I break down 14 essential skills and tactics that separate average interview podcasts from great ones, and why simply improving a few of these areas instantly puts you ahead of most podcasts in your niche.

This is about creating better experiences for your listeners and your guests and in turn, getting you better results.

In this episode, you'll discover -

• Why you shouldn't let your guest introduce themselves.

• How to hook listeners and keep them from bouncing.

• Why it's best to sometimes say nothing.

• How to dig deeper than surface-level answers.

• The exact questions to ask your guests.

• Why your own input and perspective matter as a host.

• How to ensure your listener is getting value throughout.

• How to boost the chances of your guest sharing your episode with their audience.

• And more…

LEARN MORE

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

Hey, Podcaster! After two years of interviewing some incredible podcasters, it's time for a reset.

This trailer (and the recent solo episodes) marks a bit of a shake-up of the Podcasting Amplified format.

Going forward, we'll be producing solo episodes around specific aspects of podcasting, focused on getting real results out of your podcast.

This is for leaders, founders, their teams and other podcasters who need their podcast to build authority and attract the right people, and in turn, drive results, whether that's more sales, or more authority within their niche.

I'll still be interviewing podcasters from time to time, when we can focus the topic on a specific outcome.

You'll get clear strategy frameworks, practical podcasting tips, and guidance on everything from hosting podcast interviews, recording episodes, presenting your show in a way that exemplifies your brand, audience growth, and using your podcast as a marketing tool.

If you want your podcast to do more than just tick along, you're still in the right place.

LEARN MORE

Our CTA link

Anything mentioned in episode

Guest podcast link/website -

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

Podcasting in 2026 is not the same game it was even two years ago.

The industry has evolved, with new expectations from listeners and tools and strategies available to podcasters.

And if you're still podcasting like it's 2019, you could be falling behind.

But there's also a lot of noise out there.

Distractions from what's really important.

As of 2025, there are estimated to be around 4.5 million published podcasts.

And the number of podcast listeners globally has climbed 7% from 2024.

What that tells us is that there are still more listeners and shows than ever.

That might sound like competition, but it also means demand remains strong, and new listeners are discovering podcasts weekly.

So, in this episode, I'm breaking down the 2026 Podcasting Playbook - the five strategies that will matter in 2026 if you want to grow your podcast and reach your goals.

In this episode, you'll discover -

• Why podcasting in 2026 is shifting fast and what that means for your show

• The rise of video and hybrid formats, and when not to do video.

• How AI is reshaping podcasting.

• The fundamentals that still matter most.

• How to grow through real human connection.

• The smartest monetisation strategies for 2026.

• And more…

LEARN MORE

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

I interviewed 52 podcasters over the last two years.

Some award-winning, some who have made podcasting their livelihood, some who podcast as a hobby.

But one thing they have in common is that they all have a goal for what they want to get out of podcasting.

A north star.

And I asked them all the one thing they wish they'd known before starting, that would have made the whole process easier and get them to that goal faster.

So if you want to skip the mistakes other podcasters learned the hard way - stick with me.

In this episode of Podcasting Amplified, we rapid-fire the smartest insights from these 52 podcasters.

In this episode, you'll discover -

• The smartest insights from some incredible podcasters.

• What you should keep in mind when creating any podcast episode.

• What's holding you back from reaching your podcasting goals.

• And much more…

If you're a podcaster and have a goal you want to reach, this is for you.

LEARN MORE

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

Did you know that there's a strategy that enables podcasters to get discovered by new listeners far more easily than trying to attract new listeners on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

And most podcasters either aren't using this strategy at all or aren't using it to its fullest potential.

Meet Auret Esselen from Essetino Media joins me in this episode to share how podcasters can position their podcast on YouTube to attract ideal listeners on autopilot.

Even if your podcast is audio only, you'll find out how to still make use of YouTube to grow your audience.

In this episode, we cover -

• How to grow your podcast on YouTube.

• How to write titles that attract new listeners on autopilot.

• Exactly what your thumbnails should include to get people to click.

• How to start your podcast episodes to keep people listening.

• How to benefit from YouTube for audio only podcasts.

• And much more…

So if you aren't getting the traction you're after on YouTube or you want to know more about how to leverage this largely untapped growth strategy, then keep listening.

LEARN MORE

Auret's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@EssetinoMedia/
Profitable Content Playbook - http://createprofitablecontent.com
TubeBuddy - https://www.tubebuddy.com/
Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast.

A podcast isn't just talking.

And with the barrier to entry so low with starting a podcast, there are so many out there where 'talking' is all they're offering.

Some still believe that the podcasting space is oversaturated and there's no place for a new podcast but with so many podcasts out there that aren't getting the essential elements right, it's not as difficult to stand out as you might think.

In this episode, I'm joined by Vince Quinn who hosts It's Not Just Talking where he helps business owners generate leads through their podcast and not just downloads.

And in this episode, you'll discover -

• The biggest mistake that podcasters are making that's stopping their listeners from taking the next step.

• How to ask your listener to take action without feeling 'salesey'.

• The metrics that podcasters should be tracking.

• Why podcasting still isn't oversaturated and how to capitalise on it.

• Does AI have a place in podcasting?

• And much more…

So if you want to make sure that your podcast is more than just talking and is helping you get the results you want, this is for you.

LEARN MORE

Free support from Vince - https://freepodcasthelp.com/

Claricast - https://www.claricast.com

CONNECT

Vince Quinn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-quinn-sbx-productions-podcast/

Joe Eftihiou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eftihiou/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rdajQ9A1D8an5sBmoAFjR?si=10b5eb9fc21c4bfd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-amplified/id1714803934

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZWGTnpapiangKMMvMRFXehPNrgbnAl_z

Production by Claricast