Are you ready to explode your podcast’s reach and finally get it in front of your dream listeners? Sick of hearing “just keep posting on socials” and yearning for real strategies that move the needle? This episode is your game-changer.

Today, I sat down with Megan Shields, CEO of Chime House Media and Facebook/Instagram ads wizard, for a candid convo on how paid ads aren't just for big brands—they're the shortcut passionate podcasters should be using to grow faster and smarter.

⚡️ Episode Summary

Let’s be real—networking and organic hustle only get you so far. If you’re a podcaster who wants to serve your ideal clients and make a true impact, you’ve probably wondered if it’s worth putting your hard-earned money into podcast ads. Is it worth the risk? Will it even work? Megan answers all those burning questions and brings her playbook for turning your podcast from “hidden gem” to must-hear content.

We dive deep into why advertising on Meta (Facebook+Instagram) is finally accessible for podcasters, how to avoid dumping money down the drain, and what mistakes to dodge if you want to see real growth—not just a small bump in downloads.

🔑 Key Pain Point Addressed

Most podcasters feel invisible—even when they're producing killer episodes. They’re stuck in the “organic only” rut and don’t know how to leverage modern marketing so the right people (aka clients, customers, or super fans) actually discover them.

Megan shares exact steps (and some “don’t do this!” moments) on using Facebook and Instagram ads to grow your downloads, build your email list, and finally get heard by those who matter most.

What You’ll Learn:

• The pivotal mindset shift: Stop seeing your podcast as “just content”—make it the centerpiece of your business growth.
• Megan’s first podcast ad experiment (and why it instantly proved ads work, even on a small budget!).
• The real KPIs you should set for your podcast ads (hint: it’s not always “get more downloads!”).
• How to use old episodes to test and measure paid traffic impact.
• Must-do groundwork before running your first ad (this step will save you cash AND headaches).
• Why email lists are still king—and how ads boost your list-building efforts.
• Biggest mistakes new advertisers make (especially podcasters just entering the paid game).
• The surprising truth about podcast market saturation—and why now is actually the best time to step up your marketing.
• Megan’s advice for podcasters who want to transition from hobbyist to profit-minded creator.

Top Takeaways / Quick Navigation

• [00:02:09] Megan’s first ad experiment—what worked & what didn’t
• [00:04:30] Tracking downloads: Why old episodes are a secret weapon
• [00:09:36] The main hesitation podcasters have about ads (and how to crush it)
• [00:11:11] How business podcasters should think about ads differently
• [00:14:56] The one thing you MUST have before running ads
• [00:18:17] Where podcasting—and podcast advertising—is headed next
• [00:28:49] Best advice for podcasters looking to level up

Connect with Megan Shields

Ready to work with a marketing pro who gets podcasters? Reach out to Megan at ChimeHouseMedia.com and slide into her DMs on Instagram (@chimehousemedia)—she loves a good voice note!

🔥 Call to Action

If you’re serious about using your podcast to build a brand, a business, or just get your genius into more ears, now’s the time to take action:

• Subscribe to Podcast Mogul’s Playbook so you never miss a growth hack.
• Leave a quick review—it fuels the fire and helps us land more world-class guests!
• Join our community at The Podcast Mogul’s Toolkit for more resources and exclusive insights.
• DM me on LinkedIn (Phil Better) with your podcasting wins or questions—I love connecting with fellow podcast moguls in the making.

Remember: You’re a mogul in the making. Let’s make your podcast the business card to your future.

Catch you in the next episode—keep grinding, keep shining!

— Phil Better