Podcast Website Tips: Growing Your Podcast via the Web

The principal theme of our discussion revolves around the best practices in podcasting, as articulated through an extensive survey conducted with 1,600 podcasters. Alex was looking for the reasons behind the high attrition rate among novice podcasters, particularly those quitting before seven episodes. We talk about the critical aspects of podcasting, including design, content creation, search engine optimization, and monetization strategies. The goal is to furnish both seasoned professionals and newbies with actionable insights that can enhance their podcasting experience and foster greater audience engagement. So we talk best practices of getting started, being booked as guests, and finding your community.Takeaways: The podcasting landscape continuously evolves, and understanding best practices is paramount for success. Self-discipline and self-care emerged as crucial factors influencing the longevity of podcasters' careers. Engaging with listener feedback can significantly enhance the quality and relevance of podcast content. Creating a cohesive podcast network fosters community and provides recognition for podcasters' efforts. Effective outreach strategies are essential for podcasters seeking to expand their audience and opportunities. Podmatch serves as a valuable resource for podcasters to connect and collaborate, enhancing their visibility and growth. Links referenced in this episode:podpage.commediakit.podpage.compodpage.com/affiliates podmatch.compodmatch.com/networkschoolofpodcasting.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

If you want people to stick around and take action on your website, you’ve got to make it easy for them. In this episode, we break down the common friction points that stop visitors in their tracks—and how to fix them. I’ll share three powerful tools to help you keep your SEO strong, start monetizing, and customize your site without a lot of tech headaches. Plus, we’ll talk about the language you use on your site and how simple changes can lead to better engagement. If you’re looking to turn your website into a place where visitors connect, click, and come back for more, this episode is for you.Takeaways: Website engagement can be significantly hindered by unnecessary friction between the visitor and the desired action. Ensuring that contact information is easily accessible on your website is essential for visitor engagement. Using tools like Redirect Pizza can help preserve SEO when transitioning between domains. Effective communication with your audience often requires simplifying the navigation paths on your website. Links referenced in this episode:podcastwebsitetips.comredirectpizza.comakronpodcast.comelfsight.compowerofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:See What Your Show Looks Like on PodpageGo to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.Podpage PreviewThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Understanding Podpage Network WebsitesThe primary focus of today's discussion centers around the intricacies of understanding Podpage network websites. I want you to understand the functionality of network pages, which serve as a centralized platform for showcasing various podcasts within a singular network. Joining us to help explain is the founder of Podpage Brenden Mulligan.Each show has a dedicated subpage, although it is crucial to note that these do not possess separate domain names. Selling Products with No Monthly FeesYou have a product. You did your research and it fits in with your audience, but you're still a little worried. Have no fear today we talk about two options that enable you to sell products with no monthly fee (and they only take a small amount of the purchase). This enables your to achieve "proof of concept" with your product. Check out Payhip.How To Adjust to the Announcement Bar in PodpageThe Announcement bar is a great way to draw attention to a call to action. But what if you don't have one right now? How do you turn it off?Did You Lose Your Audience When You Introduced Your Guest?We also explore the implications of effectively introducing guests to retain audience engagement and the importance of relevance over exhaustive accolades. Don't read the full Linkedin bio, just the relevant part.Takeaways: In this episode, we elucidate the functionality and advantages of the PodPage network websites, emphasizing their role in enhancing podcaster visibility. We provide listeners with valuable insights on effectively monetizing their content through digital products, highlighting cost-effective options. One critical aspect discussed is a rambling introduction of your guests Listeners are guided through customizing the announcement bar in PodPage to better serve their audience's needs and preferences. We explore the implications of network website presence and clarify that shows do not receive individual domain names under the network plan. The episode stresses the necessity of relevance in guest introductions, advising hosts to focus on pertinent information to retain listener interest. Links referenced in this episode:podpage.compayhip.comgumroad.compodcastwebsitetips.compowerofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:See What Your Show Looks Like on PodpageGo to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.Podpage PreviewThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is a replay of our monthly meetup, where you learn how newsletters have better reach, open rates, click-through rates, and more than social media. I am not "anti-social media" as it's a great place to be social and interact with your audience, but if you want to market (and make it easy to share), you can't go wrong with a newsletter. See the video version.Takeaways: Newsletters possess a significantly higher engagement rate when compared to social media platforms, making them an advantageous tool for audience growth. The number of individuals who engage with marketing material via email substantially exceeds those engaging through social media, thus emphasizing email's effectiveness. Utilizing newsletters allows content creators to reach their audience directly in their inbox, circumventing the ephemeral nature of social media posts. A well-structured newsletter can provide a more personal connection with the audience, fostering loyalty and a community around the content. Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comtinkmedia.compowerofpodcasting.compodpage.comsubstack.comsendfox.commailerlite.comconvertkit.com (now kit)appsumo.comonvacado.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Is This Worth It?Ever wonder if your podcast website is actually helping you grow your audience—or just sitting there looking pretty? In this episode, I chat with podcast branding expert Mark Des Cotes from PodcastBranding.co about what makes a great podcast website and why it's more than just a digital business card.Welcome Mark Des CotesMark explains why your site should not just aim to attract many visitors—it needs to attract the right ones. We discuss the essentials of branding, visual hierarchy, and how to ensure that your website instantly communicates what your podcast is all about. We also cover some common mistakes podcasters make, such as not clearly indicating how listeners can contact them or making it difficult to find their actual episodes on the site.We also talk about design—things like choosing the right colors, making sure your logo fits your brand, and using SEO to get your site in front of the right people. Mark shares his insights on creating a website that looks great and works for you, helping you build deeper connections with your audience.Key takeaways:✅ Your podcast website should clearly communicate your message and brand.✅ SEO isn’t just for bloggers—it helps the right audience find your show.✅ A simple contact form makes it easier for listeners to reach out.✅ A strong call-to-action in your hero section gets visitors engaged.✅ Make sure all your podcast episodes are easy to find and play directly on your site.✅ Bonus: Adding extra resource pages can make your site even more useful.If you’re ready to take your podcast website from “meh” to must-visit, this episode is for you!Links referenced in this episode:podcastbrandingco.comcongressionaldish.comPodpage.compodcastwebsitetips.com/surveypodcastwebsitetips.com/newsletterpodcastwebsitetips.com/21podcastwebsitetips.com/voicemailMentioned in this episode:Check Out TryPodpage.com and Build Your Website in 10 MinutesIf you're tried of trying to force a podcast website into Squarespace, or Wix and you've had it up to here with the endless plugin and theme updates of WordPress then you need to check out TryPodpage.com you can build a podcast website in 10 minutes or less without having to learn a bunch of coding. Worried about a learning curve, check out the free course at www.learnpodpage.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

We are rebranding the show from "Your Podcast Website" to "Podcast Website Tips." We will still discuss podcast websites and use this show to communicate with the Podpage community and customers.Today, we talk about the news Audience Survey from Podage (see video)Follow the show and never miss an episode.This show is based off of YOUR feedback. Leave a question/feedback at podcastwebsitetips.com/voicemailMentioned in this episode:See What Your Show Looks Like on PodpageGo to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.Podpage PreviewThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Navigating the digital landscape of podcasting requires more than just compelling content; it also necessitates a well-maintained website. Broken links can significantly undermine a podcast's credibility and SEO performance. Today I cover the crucial issue of broken links, using his nearly two-decade experience in podcasting as a backdrop. I discuss the frustrating experience of encountering 404 errors, which frustrate potential listeners and reflect poorly on the podcaster's commitment to maintaining their online presence. This episode emphasizes the importance of regularly auditing your website for broken links, as neglecting this can lead to increased bounce rates and decreased search engine rankings. Got Feedback On This Episode?I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode. If you have a minute or two, it's less than 5 questions and works great on your phone or computer. Episode Survey I give you actionable advice on utilizing free link checker tools to identify and rectify these errors. I share my experience with a particular tool, revealing a disheartening number of broken links on his site. However, he also highlights the positive aspect of easily fixing these issues through a user-friendly interface. Podcasters can enhance their brand reputation by prioritizing link maintenance, improving user experience, and driving more traffic to their shows. This episode serves as a wake-up call for podcasters to take charge of their web presence and ensure their digital footprint is as polished as their audio content.As someone who has published content on the Internet, one of my biggest issues is companies I talked to twenty years ago have gone out of business. The other one is fat fingers :) Takeaways: Broken links can frustrate visitors, leading to a negative perception of your website. Regularly checking for broken links is essential to maintain your website's SEO health. Broken links can increase bounce rates, as users leave after encountering 404 errors. Using free link checker tools can help identify and fix broken links on your site. Search engines may penalize websites with broken links, impacting overall search rankings. Maintaining internal link integrity is crucial for distributing link equity throughout your site. Mentioned In This EpisodeJoin the School of Podcasting Website Resources Listen to Podcast Website Tips: Growing Your Podcast via the Web Sitechecker Pro Free Link Checker (as it's part of the 14-day trial)Full Site Edit From SemrushSchool of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:We Make Good Podcasts BETTER! - PodcastHotSeat.comReady to take your show to the next level? Check out Podcast Hot Seat. You provide an episode, and I listen to the whole thing. I then point out what you're doing right and identify anything that needs polish. I also review your website and ensure you're not missing any low-hanging fruit. You also get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including unlimited coaching). It's time to hop into the hot seat and get your podcast growing!Podcast Hot SeatThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:...

Bounce rate is a measurement used in SEO to measure engagement on your website. Depending on the type of website, it can be REALLY important, or you may decide not to sweat it.What is Bounce Rate? It is calculated by dividing the number of single-page sessions (bounces) by the total sessions and shown as a percentage. For example, if 500 out of 1,000 visitors leave after viewing just one page, the bounce rate would be 50%. YAY MATH!It Depends On the SituationBounce rate significance depends on the page type and its goals. A high bounce rate on a customer service page may be fine if users quickly find what they need. However, a high bounce rate on a landing page meant to convert visitors could signal issues like poor content or mismatched expectations.What is a Good Bounce Rate?Well, as I stated above, "Good" is relative. Generally, a good bounce rate is around 40% or lower, while rates above 55% may warrant further investigation.Mentioned In This EpisodeJoin the School of Podcasting Website Resources Listen to Podcast Website Tips: Growing Your Podcast via the Web Link Whisperer - WordPress plugin for cross-linkingFathom Easy-to-Understand Website StatsSources:MailchimpSemrushCXLFullstoryRebrand Coming Your WayIf you're new to the show I recently switched job from Libsyn to Podpage. One of the things I will be doing for my role at Podpage will be to do a podcast about Podcast Websites with Podpage as the Sponsor. If this sounds very familiar to this show, then you're on the same page as I am. So not much will change going forward, the name and artwork and maybe the website. I'll keep you informed, but if you've been wondering where new episodes have been, now you know.Thanks so much.Mentioned in this episode:See What Your Show Looks Like on PodpageGo to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.Podpage PreviewCheck Out TryPodpage.com and Build Your Website in 10 MinutesIf you're tried of trying to force a podcast website into Squarespace, or Wix and you've had it up to here with the endless plugin and theme updates of WordPress then you need to check out TryPodpage.com you can build a podcast website in 10 minutes or less without having to learn a bunch of coding. Worried about a learning curve, check out the free course at www.learnpodpage.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

We all come up with episode titles (which end up on our website). Today, we are talking about how to maximize those titles for maximum impact. Mastering the Clickable Title: SEO Secrets for Irresistible Podcast EpisodesYou've poured your heart and soul into creating amazing podcast content, but are you giving your episode titles the attention they deserve? Let's face it: Crafting compelling titles is an art form that can make or break your podcast's success. In many cases, it's the next to last thing we do in our episode process. In today's digital landscape, where listeners are bombarded with endless options, your episode titles must work overtime to grab attention and entice clicks.Why Episode Titles MatterYour episode title is the first impression you make on potential listeners. It's your chance to stand out in a sea of content and convince someone to press play. But here's the kicker: a great title isn't just about attracting listeners – it's also crucial for search engine optimization (SEO) on your podcast website.Think of your episode title as a double agent. On one hand, it's working to captivate human eyes and ears. On the other hand, it sends signals to search engines about what your content is all about. By mastering the art of title creation, you're setting yourself up for success on both fronts.4 Tips for Crafting Clickable Episode Titles1. Put Your Keywords Front and CenterWhen it comes to SEO, the placement of your keywords matters. Search engines give more weight to words that appear early in your title. So, instead of burying your main topic at the end, could you bring it to the forefront?For example, instead of "Episode 16: An Interview with Marketing Guru Jane Smith," try "Marketing Strategies Unveiled: Jane Smith Shares Industry Secrets."Pro tip: While keyword placement is important, don't sacrifice readability or natural language. Your title should still make sense and appeal to human readers first.2. Use Power Words and ModifiersCertain words and phrases have a knack for grabbing attention and sparking curiosity. Incorporate power words and modifiers to give your titles extra oomph:BestUltimateEssentialProvenInsiderRevealedStep-by-StepCraft Clickable Podcast Episode Titles: Your Key to Listener Growth1. Prioritize Keywords - Place your main keywords at the beginning of the title for maximum SEO impact.2. Leverage Power Words - Incorporate attention-grabbing words like "best," "ultimate," and "proven" to make your titles more compelling.3. Solve a Problem or Promise Value - Clearly communicate the benefit listeners will gain from tuning in to your episode.4. Keep it Concise - Aim for titles under 60 characters to ensure full visibility across platforms. (per backlinko)Bonus Tip: Harness the Power of Questions- Use the actual question your episode answers as the title for improved searchability.Mentioned In This EpisodeJoin the School of Podcasting Website Resources Listen to Podcast Website Tips: Growing Your Podcast via the Web BacklinkoSemrushMangoolsMentioned in this...

Today I look at using subdomains (this.website.com) for your podcast.A subdomain is something like tv.apple.com where TV is the subdomain. When to Use a SubdomainYou have a topic that doesn't mesh with your brand on your main website.Your workflow prohibits you from adding it to your main website.If you've had your main website and don't want to have to redirect the old site to look at the subdomain.Does Google Hate Subdomains?Quit answer is no. They do treat them like a separate website. With this in mind backlinks to the subdomain don't necessarily boost the SEO of the main website. (Neil Patel said that 90% of the SEO will flow into the main website).A Hypothetical UseYou want to lessen the number of distractions on your site, so you put your podcast in a subdomain. This way the main website is all about converting your sails.Best PracticesMake your subdomain and main site look very similar so the visitor doesn't get confused.Mentioned In This EpisodeJoin the School of Podcasting Website Resources Listen to Podcast Website Tips: Growing Your Podcast via the Web Google saying subdomains are OKNeil Patel on Subdomains.Mentioned in this episode:See What Your Show Looks Like on PodpageGo to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.Podpage PreviewThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy