How to Get Your Podcast to Rank Higher in Apple and Spotify
Podcasting is booming, but that means standing out, especially with more podcasts available requires more than just hitting record and uploading your audio. Platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify rank shows based on a mix of metadata, engagement, and consistency. So how do you get yours to climb the charts?
Here’s a practical guide from the Lincolnshire Marketing team to help niche podcasts perform better and reach the right audience.
1. Nail Your Podcast Metadata
Both Apple and Spotify rely heavily on metadata to understand your show. Make sure your:
Podcast title and subtitle include your target keywords naturally. For example, Concrete Leaders: Conversations on Leadership in Construction.
Episode titles are clear, specific and keyword-rich (e.g. “How to Lead a High-Performing Construction Site Team”).
Descriptions explain who the show is for, what value it offers, and the topics it covers. Use terms like “construction leadership”, “project management”, and “site team development”.
Category selection is accurate. Apple allows one primary and two secondary categories. Choose ones like Business > Management or Education > Training to help you appear in relevant searches.
2. Drive Follows and Subscriptions Early
The algorithms favour shows that gain momentum quickly, especially when new episodes drop.
Run a mini-launch campaign for each episode. Encourage your network to follow the podcast, download the episode, and leave a review.
Ask guests to promote their episode using a ready-made media pack with graphics and suggested copy.
Include a clear call to action in your audio and show notes asking people to follow on Spotify or subscribe on Apple.
3. Collect Ratings and Reviews
On Apple Podcasts, ratings and reviews directly affect how a show ranks.
Mention this in every episode. A simple “If you found this useful, please leave a quick review. It really helps us grow” goes a long way.
Consider offering a giveaway or incentive in exchange for honest reviews.
Make it easy. Link directly to the Apple Podcasts review page using a short URL.
4. Stick to a Regular Publishing Schedule
Consistency matters. Weekly or fortnightly episodes keep the algorithm and your listeners happy.
Use a podcast hosting platform like Buzzsprout or Captivate to schedule episodes in advance.
Batch record to avoid gaps, especially if your target audience is likely to tune in during specific industry cycles.
5. Promote Off-Platform to Win On-Platform
Apple and Spotify notice when traffic comes in from other sources. So the more you promote off-platform, the better your rankings.
Share episodes via email newsletters with direct links.
Repurpose episodes on LinkedIn, especially if your audience includes construction business leaders, suppliers or consultants.
Tag and share with your guests. Their network is often your ideal audience.
Secure backlinks from industry websites, blogs or association newsletters.
6. Use Episode SEO to Rank on Google
Don’t forget the value of search engines. Your podcast episodes can rank on Google too.
Add full transcripts or SEO-optimised summaries to your website.
Turn each episode into a blog post with a strong title and subheadings.
Example blog titles:
“5 Leadership Skills Every Construction Manager Needs”
“What Construction Directors Can Learn from Site Team Feedback”
7. Submit to Niche Directories
In addition to the big players, submit your podcast to industry-specific directories or community platforms where your target audience hangs out.
Look for construction-focused associations or publications with podcast listings or features.
Consider guesting on or cross-promoting with other industry podcasts.
8. Monitor Your Rankings
Use tracking tools to see how you're performing:
Chartable is great for checking Apple rankings and listening trends.
Podstatus monitors Apple reviews by country.
Rephonic helps identify audience overlaps and guesting opportunities.
Need Help?
Ranking high in Apple Podcasts or Spotify, especially in niche areas like construction leadership, isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about understanding how discovery works, showing up consistently, and creating something that’s genuinely useful to the people you want to reach.
Need help launching or promoting your podcast? Lincolnshire Marketing supports professional service firms and niche businesses across the UK with smart, effective marketing, on and off the mic.
Get in touch to start a conversation.
