How to Create a Podcast Website

Usually, podcasters aren’t that worried about creating a podcast website. They don’t see the point of building a website since podcasting is an audio-first format.

However, good podcasts function like their own businesses or brands. The best thing is, you don’t need a huge budget or a developer to create your own podcast website.

Podcasting is an audio program to which you subscribe to and listen to whenever you like. More specifically, it is a series of audio episodes that are concentrated on a precise theme or topic, like startups or unsolved mysteries. You can listen to the podcast on your personal computer, smartphone, or in your car.

One of the main things that podcasters struggle with is discoverability, and your website will allow you to gain new traffic on your podcast. Having a website adds value to your podcast and is a great way to give your audience even more amazing content.

A website is also a great place to create a searchable and accessible archive for your listeners, so they can easily find new and old episodes.

One of the most successful podcast websites we would like to point out is the Friday Habit, which aims to help entrepreneurs grow their companies. The website offers a free guide and workbooks, and all of the episodes can be found on the website.

Another example is the Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast about digital sounds. The site looks amazing and you can shop and donate on the website.

Lastly, we would like to mention the Collective Podcast, where the episodes include informative and entertaining discussion with creative industry leaders. The website contains the podcast episodes, as well as books they recommend for their audience.

Your first step in creating a website is choosing a hosting provider. You’ll need to find a high-quality hosting provider with strong reviews and user ratings and an excellent track record.

You’ll need a domain, too. A strong domain name choice is easy to spell, memorable, and concise. You will likely want to use a name that is similar to the name of your podcast. At Verpex, we offer a free domain name with our hosting plans.

If you want a system that will be super simple, you can use web hosting that is managed. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than unmanaged hosting, the hosting provider will handle everything regarding your website while you can focus on your podcast.

Choose and Install Your Platform

Nowadays, there are multiple platforms you can use to start your podcast website. Most of the options are suited for beginners and don’t require any developer background. Some of the most popular options on the market right now are content management systems and website builders.

Website Builders

There are website builders that come with the platform that hosts your podcast. However, these website builders usually offer generic and basic websites. A proper website builder comes with professionally designed website templates with which you can customize your podcast website and make it look really unique and professional.

Proper website builders also feature easy monetization options, the ability to connect to a custom domain name, marketing tools like social media integration and newsletters, and SEO tools to help you better rank your podcast website.

If you want to know about the advantages and disadvantages of website builders, make sure you read more about it on our blog!

CMS

CMS, or content management system, is used when developing a website to manage all the content that is displayed on that website.

One of the most user-friendly and popular content management systems is WordPress.

With WordPress, you can add any tools and plugins you like, from memberships to marketing. The customization of the website is totally flexible, and you can choose to use a template that you designed or a pre-made template.

You have full ownership and control of the website.

To set up a podcast website with WordPress, you will need to buy a hosting plan and domain. Then, you will need to install WordPress through your web host. Usually, WordPress comes pre-installed with your hosting plan.

After you’ve installed it, you need to download a WordPress podcast theme and add some key features for functionality using podcast plugins.

A good option is the Podlove Podcast Publisher which offers customizable podcast playlists and media players. Another terrific choice is Podcast Importer, which makes sure that your podcast website is always synced with the latest episode.

At Verpex, those who choose to go with managed hosting for WordPress will get full assistance with everything from our support team, including the installation process. If you’re curious about hosting for WordPress, read more about it on our blog.

Create and Upload Your Content

Once you’ve installed your plugins, you can start by customizing your website and adding content.

To customize your website, you will need to find the button “Customize” on the top left side of the screen and click it. There, you can change the following elements on your website: settings, widgets, menus, header image, site identity, and much more. You will also want to add the basic pages to your site, including blog, about, contact, and so on.

One of the most important aspects of setting up a podcast website is posting original content on it. Original content includes blog posts, videos, notes, behind-the-scenes pictures of the process of creating your podcasts, and anything that might add value to your podcast. Write blog topics that explore similar topics, provide descriptive episode summaries, and offer all the media that your audience might be interested in.

Give your audience content that will be related to your podcast, and they will be able to get it exclusively on your website.

Keep in mind that a podcast website requires continuous work. Logos change, case notes get added, and new shows go up. Make sure you keep your website up to date and relevant, so your audience can fully enjoy it.

Remember, having a website will be of huge help with your podcast. A website will help you promote your podcast efficiently, you will be able to get new listeners, and it will act as a focal point for everything that is related to your podcast.

A professional-looking website is an important part of your podcast and your brand. This is the place where your audience can learn more about your show and connect with you on a deeper level.

By following the steps we’ve mentioned above, you should be able to build a functional and attractive podcast website in a short period of time.