How Many Podcast Downloads Do You Actually Need to Keep Going?

What is Your Rock Bottom Podcast Downloads Number?Everybody talks about growing their audience. Nobody talks about the number where they'd quietly give up.This month's Question of the Month flips the growth conversation on its head: what's the smallest number of downloads that would keep you making your show — and if you dropped below it, would you quit, or try to fix it? The answers from School of Podcasting listeners are surprisingly close... and my answer might not be a number at all.Also in this episode: a guest-pitch so bad it somehow involves a U-Haul dealership, and a heads-up on a booking-platform trick you'll want to know before you pitch yourself as a guest anywhere.In this episodeThis month's Question of the Month: what's your download floor?Steve Stewart says he'd think about quitting under 25 downloads an episode — but here's why he probably wouldn'tFrank Bravo is already running on "10s" of downloads, and explains why that number doesn't bother himRalph Estep Jr. went from 20 downloads to over 1,000 — but what actually keeps him going isn't the numberDave's answer: which of his 30+ podcasts he let die, which ones he kept, and why it's rarely about the download countThe 6-episode survey test — how to know if it's time to change your show or just accept where it's atScott Johnson (What Was That Like) shares the worst guest pitch he's ever receivedA warning about how some guests are gaming booking platforms like PodMatch — and how to vet who you let on your showLinks mentionedSchool of Podcasting — use code LISTENER for a discount on monthly, quarterly, or yearly plansPodPage — this episode's sponsorSteve Stewart — Podcast Editor Academy / Podcast Editors MastermindFrank Bravo — Your Tech MakeoverRalph Estep Jr. — ralphestepjr.com / new show: Becoming Financially Confident (launching Aug 31)Scott Johnson — What Was That LikeYork - Welcome to Earth StoriesPodMatchPodcastGuest.comPitch a PodcastBuilding a Better DaveMarketing MusicianWeekly Web ToolsNew To CookingThis content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Mentioned in this episode:Where Will I Be?I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)Where Will I Be?Question of the Month: Constructive and Deconstructive FeedbackThis month we are talking feefdback. What is the most constructive or deconstructive (or both) piece of feedback you've received. If you haven't asked for feedback, why not? I need your answer by September 25th (late entries won't be accepted) go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question and be sure to mention your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes.<a href="https://school-of-podcasting