Up next in this guide is answering your question of how do I start a podcast blog and website. A blog and website is a great way to grow your podcast show. It also stands as a home for all your podcast shows where people can quickly drop by to listen to your latest podcast episodes.
Setting up a website for your blog doesn’t require you to have an extensive budget. All you need to do so is some setup knowledge and passion for growing your business.
Podcast directories like Google Play and Apple have made it easy to grow your business. Plus, they are free to set up.
In this article, we will be sharing how to start a podcast blog and website.
Get a Website Host
The first step in starting your blog and website for your podcast show is linking with a web hosting service. Having an account with a web hosting company will give you a home for your web files. It also makes them available for anyone who requires them.
You can register with web hosts providers like Kinsta, WPEngine, etc. The web host is not for storing your podcast audio files. Instead, you will need a podcast host because they are used for download requests and audio files.
After getting a web host, you will also need a domain. You can purchase the domain at the same time you are opening your Webhosting account.
If you have already purchased a domain from a different dealer from the web host, it is okay. Just ensure to follow the instructions on transferring the domain to the hosting service you are using.
If you want something straightforward, you can use WordPress web host providers. Although they are a bit more expensive than buying from the conventional web host, WordPress can manage and handle anything that has to do with a website.
Installing WordPress
Although various content management systems function fine, we think WordPress is the ideal point for starting a website and blog for your podcast shows. You’ll also discover that most of the podcast websites out there run on WordPress.
WordPress is an Open Source (free to use) platform that is flexible. It is customizable and allows users to build and complete their network without having any foreknowledge.
It has different unique themes and plugins you can choose from, plus various tools that are customer-friendly.
Most web hosts have easy click buttons for installing WordPress. It is the easiest way to install WordPress on your WebHost. But if you are using a web host without the one-click installation button, you can use the manual installation.
You have to download the WordPress package first, upload it on your web host, and follow the setup instructions.
Create Your Content
WordPress is a Content Management System, one of the most widely used globally.
The first step in creating your content is to install a WordPress theme. The theme helps to give your website an attractive look. Although WordPress comes with a lot of default themes, they are not attractive. So, you have to get a theme that suits your brand and needs in every way.
You can choose from a list of various themes, but it is advised that you pick one specifically designed for podcasting. You can also research themes online, as there are a lot of free options that will work just fine. Better still, you can get a designer to create a custom theme to give your website a distinctive look.
After successfully selecting your theme, you can now install it. To do this, go to the Appearance menu on your WordPress dashboard, followed by Themes, then click Add New and Upload.
Get WordPress Plugins
In learning how to start a podcast website or blog, plugins are essential. Plugin installations can turn a typical WordPress website into an incredible one. Plugins help to increase the functionality of a website. With the right plugins, you can do some great things with your website.
Installing plugins is easy; you can do it in your WordPress dashboard with just a few steps.
The plugins you need to install depend on what you want to do with your website. Some plugins allow you to upload your audio files on your WordPress site directly. Some also come with SEO management, an audio player, and more.
If you want a social media connection, you can upload social media plugins, email plugins, and more for a convenient workflow.
Here is a list of some useful plugins you can try:
- CSS Hero plugin makes it easy to carry out any CSS customization on your site and without coding.
- Yoast SEO helps to optimize your page for search engines.
- Akismethelps to reduce spam content.
- W3 Total Cache is for site improvement.
- Jetpack contains many features like monitoring, search engine optimization, sharing tool, and security defenses.
- MailChimp for integrating your podcast website to your email marketing tool.
Create the Main Pages
A podcast blog or website needs important pages like the Home, About page, and Contact page. The Homepage is where the list of your posts, including the newest ones, will be displayed chronologically.
The About page gives the podcast’s details, what the podcast is all about, and the publisher of the show.
The contact page entails all details needed for guests to reach out to you. It includes a social media link, email address, phone number, and any submission forms.
It is wise to post something on the website immediately after launching, so the page will not be blank. For example, you can write something about your new show and why people should watch it.
Set Up a Lead Capture Tool
As part of the tools you’ll need to promote your Configuring a lead capture tool is essential for promoting your show so that more people will be aware whenever you publish something new.
You can use a lead capture tool like OptinMonster that allows visitors to give their email addresses. It is also advised to add a lead generator tool for collecting addresses in the same place.
Setup Website Navigations
The navigation menu is essential if you want to go around a webpage successfully. WordPress makes it easy to create custom menus.
The Navigation menu on WordPress depends a little on your chosen theme. Some themes come with one menu, while others come with a lot more.
Responsive themes come with spaces for four menus, a top menu, a header menu, a sub-header menu, and a footer menu.
If you use a different theme aside from the Responsive theme, you will have fewer menus. We recommend a minimum of three menus, each for your Home, About the Show page, and Contact Us.
Create Your First Post
Always create the first post for your episode to form a new landing page. This is where you keep your audio players.
You can also add your show notes and episode transcripts.
How to Start a Podcast Blog and Website: Wrap Up
Creating a professional website is vital for your podcast show as it can attract more listeners and views to your brand.
You can follow the steps we have given on how to start a podcast website and blog. It will guide you in creating an attractive and functional website for your episodes.
Don’t forget to add plugins that will optimize your website for search engines.
