34. A 1200% download increase and lessons from a business sabbatical

Mastering the Art of Podcast Growth: Secrets to Extraordinary Success during SabbaticalsA sabbatical - an extended break or hiatus - is a concept most of us are familiar with. In academia, it's a well-established practice. In the corporate world, it's gaining recognition. But have you ever thought about taking a sabbatical from your podcast?In this podcast episode, I’m sharing my recent experience of taking a 5-week sabbatical from my podcast and business. I’ll be updating you on the unexpected journey, the lessons learned, and tips for other podcasters considering a break. I’ll also break down how I prepared for my time away, and how I took my knowledge in content strategy and listener behavior to craft a plan that worked for my podcast while I was gone. Embarking on a Podcast SabbaticalMy sabbatical was an opportunity to reconnect with myself, friends and family, taking time from the week-to-week rut of publishing podcast content, but also to think bigger picture about what truly lights me up.By scaling back on social media and emails, I’ve opted for a "post and ghost" strategy, expecting it to be a viable option to provide educational content to my audience while I was away. However, this tactic confirmed what I expected, causing a noticeable decrease in my social media reach, especially on Instagram. Engagement matters, and if you're planning a sabbatical, consider how you'll maintain audience interaction- in my case, Instagram will be off the books.The Unexpected Surge in Podcast PopularityWhile away, I’ve noticed something unusual. My podcast downloads surged by a staggering 1200% over the month, catapulting The Podcast Space into the top 15 Marketing charts in Portugal and Sweden. Initially, I’ve suspected bot activity but realized that this unexpected popularity had more to it - at least in the organic aspect of it. The engagement on Spotify and Apple Podcasts also grew, and I’ve received several positive messages from listeners, revealing that the content was being appreciated and consumed heavily even during my absence.My sabbatical proved that taking a break doesn't necessarily mean losing your audience or your business momentum. Instead, it can result in unexpected benefits, like a surprising surge in podcast popularity or listener appreciation.Planning for a Podcast SabbaticalA sabbatical doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. There are three types of sabbaticals: one where you do absolutely nothing, one where you focus on learning something new, and a hybrid of both.During my break, I chose the hybrid approach, taking the time to upskill by reading and learning new things, speaking a few different languages (I’m multilingual after all) while also disconnecting from work. The Aftermath of a Podcast SabbaticalIn conclusion, a podcast sabbatical, when planned and executed correctly, can be a beneficial move. Not only can it provide the much-needed break for the host, but it can also lead to unexpected growth and engagement for the podcast. If you're considering a sabbatical, this podcast episode is a must-listen, packed with practical insights, personal experiences, and invaluable tips to ensure your podcast doesn't just survive your break, but thrives.
Resources mentioned in the episode:Full resources mentioned in this episode: https://thepodcastspace.com/po....dcast/34-a-1200-down stuck? Book a Podcast Power Hour: https://thepodcastspace.ck.page