From Invisible to Top 5: How Podcast Host, Courtney Elmer, Climbed the Apple Rankings through Podcast Search
Courtney Elmer is the host of the show “Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast”, where she helps entrepreneurs build visibility and authority through podcasting. Competing in one of the most saturated categories (Business and Marketing), Courtney went from invisible to ranking Top 5 on Apple Podcasts in less than 5 months.
By applying a Podcast Search Optimization (PSO) strategy with Ausha, she turned search into her #1 growth channel.
This case study breaks down the exact steps she followed and how you can apply them too for you podcast.
Turn search into your #1 growth channel
Podcast discovery is one of the biggest challenges for creators today. With thousands of new shows launching every month, standing out in crowded categories like Business or Marketing can feel impossible. Many podcasters rely on social media, ads, or word-of-mouth. But one powerful channel is often overlooked: podcast search.
According to industry studies, up to 70% of listeners use search on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify to find new shows. That means the way you choose and use your keywords directly impacts your ability to be discovered. This is where Podcast Search Optimization (PSO) becomes essential.
The challenge
When Courtney Elmer launched her podcast, she faced the same issue as many creators: her show was buried in the charts, with little visibility on strategic keywords. Competing against established names, she needed a way to cut through the noise and make her content visible to the right audience.
Working with Ausha’s PSO Control Panel, Courtney put in place a clear strategy that you can read in this free use case.
The results
The impact was immediate and measurable:
- 12 keywords ranked in the Top 5 and 14 in the Top 10 across Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Some episodes climbed +99 positions in search results.
- Her show reached #1 for the keyword “Podcasting Strategy.”
- Within one month, downloads increased by +41%, with search becoming her main growth channel.
What this means for you
Courtney’s story demonstrates that podcast visibility isn’t just about luck or big budgets. With a clear PSO strategy, any podcaster can improve discoverability, climb the charts, and grow their audience.
By combining a methodical keyword strategy with Ausha’s PSO Control Panel,you can move from being hidden in the crowd to ranking for the searches that matter most.
Ready to make search your #1 growth driver? Download the full case study and start applying these strategies today.
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