Content

1. How clearly defined is your target listener?
   • I have no idea who I'm making this for
   • I have a vague sense — adults who like my topic
   • I have a specific demographic but not a persona
   • I have a detailed avatar: demographics, struggles, goals, language
2. How do you decide what topics to cover in your episodes?
   • Whatever feels interesting to me that week
   • I mix personal interest with occasional listener requests
   • I use a content calendar based on themes or series
   • I research listener questions, search trends, and gaps in my niche
3. How would you rate the structure and clarity of your typical episode?
   • I freestyle it — no real structure
   • I have a rough outline but often go off-script
   • Episodes follow a consistent format with clear segments
   • Every episode has a tight structure, clear takeaways, and a strong CTA

Audio

4. What is your current recording setup?
   • Built-in laptop or phone microphone
   • USB microphone, no acoustic treatment
   • USB or XLR mic with some room treatment (foam, rugs, etc.)
   • Dedicated recording space with XLR mic, interface, and proper acoustic treatment
5. How do you handle audio post-production?
   • I export and publish with no editing
   • I trim the beginning/end and remove obvious mistakes
   • I edit for flow, remove filler words, and do basic EQ/compression
   • Full production: multi-pass edit, professional mastering, consistent loudness levels
6. Have you ever listened back critically to an episode as a new listener would?
   • No, I publish and move on
   • Occasionally, but it's uncomfortable so I stop early
   • Yes, I do a final listen before publishing
   • Yes, and I have a quality checklist I verify before every release

Consistency

7. How often do you publish new episodes?
   • Sporadically — whenever I get around to it
   • Roughly monthly, but it slips
   • Every 1–2 weeks with occasional gaps
   • On a fixed schedule with rarely missed episodes
8. How far in advance is your content pipeline?
   • I'm recording the episode I'm about to publish today
   • 1 episode ahead at most
   • 2–4 episodes ahead
   • 4+ episodes recorded and ready; I'm never scrambling
9. How would you describe your current production workflow?
   • There is no workflow — I figure it out each time
   • A loose process I've developed, but not documented
   • A documented process I mostly follow
   • A streamlined, repeatable system that runs without constant decisions

Strategy

10. Do you have defined goals for your podcast?
    • Not really — I just want to put content out there
    • Vague goals like 'grow my audience' or 'be more consistent'
    • Specific goals (e.g. 1,000 downloads/episode) but no plan to reach them
    • Specific, measurable goals with a written strategy and milestones
11. How do you promote your episodes after publishing?
    • I don't — if people want it they'll find it
    • I share it once on social media
    • I repurpose clips and post consistently across 2–3 platforms
    • Full omnichannel promotion: social, email list, collaborations, SEO-optimized show notes
12. How do you approach growing your audience?
    • I'm hoping organic growth happens eventually
    • I've guested on one or two other podcasts
    • I regularly seek out guest spots, collaborations, or cross-promotions
    • I have an active audience growth strategy: SEO, guest tours, partnerships, list building

Monetization

13. Do you currently generate any revenue from your podcast?
    • No, and I have no idea where to start
    • No, but I have a vague idea of how I might monetize someday
    • I've made some money (donations, one sponsor deal, etc.) but it's inconsistent
    • I have multiple income streams directly tied to my podcast
14. How clear is your monetization strategy?
    • I haven't thought about it yet
    • I know I want sponsorships but don't know how to get them
    • I have 1–2 monetization models in mind with some steps to pursue them
    • I have a documented monetization roadmap with offers, pricing, and outreach plans
15. Do you have any complementary offers tied to your podcast?
    • No — just the podcast itself
    • I mention products/services casually but they're not tied to the show
    • I have an offer that aligns with my content but it's not optimized
    • My podcast is a top-of-funnel asset for a clear product/service ecosystem