What Happens When a Podcaster Promoter Promotes For You?

Ever get pitched on explosive podcast growth only to feel something isn’t right?

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I take you through an unfiltered exchange with a self-proclaimed promoter who’s all about download guarantees and veiled urgency. As the conversation unfolds, the red flags pile up: unclear deliverables, pressure for quick payment, an obvious disconnect between promised results and actual data, and a haunting sense of being lured into something fishy.

It’s more than just a cautionary tale. You get actionable strategies for dissecting outreach, clarifying your own expectations, and asking the questions that really matter—like whether your goals align, if download numbers actually mean new listeners, and how to politely but firmly say “no.” Along the way, you’ll be reminded that skepticism is healthy and that it’s possible to stand firm without losing your heart for the humans on the other end.

You’ll finish feeling empowered to run your podcast with integrity, trusting your instincts, relying on real analytics, and knowing you’re not the only one navigating the sometimes-shady waters of promotion pitches.

The previous episode: Is This Podcast Promotion Too Good to Be True?
A screenshot of downloads from this promotion.

Key Insights:

• Trust the data from your podcast host, not vague promises.
• If the deal sounds too good to be true, your instincts are probably right.
• Focus on your ideal audience, not just download numbers or chart rankings.
• Hold direct, detailed conversations and ask promoters to prove their claims.
• Kindness counts. Sometimes the salesperson isn’t even aware of the scam.

Support & Connect

• Support with traditional currency
• Support with Bitcoin/Lightning: bdentzy@getalby.com
• Send in your bad pitches: pitches@badpodcastpitches.com
• Mastodon @BadPitches@mastodon.social

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How I create this show, including tools, software, and the gear I use.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Opening: Was the promotion worth it?

(01:02) Free Trials and Download Demands

(02:47) The Pitch Turns Pushy

(04:14) Following the (Data) Breadcrumbs

(07:03) Reflections and Emotion

(07:51) Tactics and Takeaways