Introduction
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of podcasting and review Podcast.Co, a powerful platform designed to simplify the process of creating and hosting your own podcast. As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, many businesses and individuals are looking to leverage this medium for marketing, sales, and audience engagement. However, setting up a podcast can often be a tedious and complex process. That’s where Podcast.Co comes in, offering a user-friendly solution that streamlines podcast creation and distribution.
We’ll dive deep into the features, pricing, and functionality of Podcast.Co, examining how it can help you launch your podcast with ease. From creating your show to publishing episodes and analyzing your audience, we’ll cover every aspect of the platform. Whether you’re a podcasting novice or an experienced content creator looking for a more efficient hosting solution, this review will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
So, if you’re ready to join the podcasting revolution and want to learn how to start your own show in 2019, let’s explore what Podcast.Co has to offer and how it can revolutionize your podcasting journey.
Pricing
One of the first considerations when choosing a podcast hosting platform is pricing. Podcast.Co offers a lifetime deal through AppSumo, which can be an attractive option for those looking to invest in long-term podcast hosting without recurring monthly fees. Let’s break down the pricing structure and what you get with each tier:
Single Code Pricing
- Price: $79 per code
- Features:
- Lifetime hosting for a single show
- 5 collaborators per code
- 500 GB bandwidth per podcast
Multi-Code Pricing
- Additional shows: 2 per code after the first
- Maximum stack: 3 codes total
- Collaborators: 5 per show (up to 25 for 5 shows with 3 codes)
Bandwidth Considerations
- 500 GB per podcast (not pooled)
- Overage fee: $0.20 per GB beyond the 500 GB limit
- Estimated downloads: Approximately 25,000 per 500 GB
It’s important to note that while the lifetime hosting aspect is appealing, there are some factors to consider:
- File size impact: Longer episodes or higher quality audio will consume more bandwidth
- Stereo vs. mono: Stereo files can nearly double the file size
- Actual download numbers may vary based on file size and quality
Key Points to Remember:
- Lifetime hosting doesn’t mean unlimited bandwidth
- Consider your podcast format and audio quality when estimating bandwidth needs
- Be prepared for potential overage fees if you exceed the bandwidth limit
- The lifetime deal can be cost-effective for long-term podcasters
- Scalability is possible by purchasing additional codes
When evaluating the pricing, consider your long-term podcasting goals and potential growth. While the upfront cost may seem high, it could save you money in the long run compared to monthly subscription services, especially if your podcast grows in popularity.
Creating a Podcast
Creating a podcast with Podcast.Co is designed to be a straightforward and user-friendly process. Let’s walk through the steps to set up your first podcast on the platform:
Step 1: Initiate Podcast Creation
- Log in to your Podcast.Co account
- Choose between importing an existing podcast or creating a new one
- For this example, we’ll focus on creating a new podcast
Step 2: Enter Basic Podcast Information
- Provide a name for your podcast (e.g., “That LTD Life”)
- Select relevant categories (e.g., Tech News, Marketing)
- Choose the primary language for your podcast
- Enter a detailed description of your show
Step 3: Set Up Your Podcast URL
- Create a unique URL for your podcast
- This URL will be part of your RSS feed and public-facing links
- Ensure it’s memorable and relevant to your podcast theme
Step 4: Upload Podcast Artwork
- Upload a 1200×1200 pixel image for your podcast cover art
- Use the built-in tools to zoom and center your image as needed
- High-quality artwork is crucial for attracting listeners and standing out in podcast directories
Step 5: Finalize Podcast Creation
- Review all entered information
- Click “Create Podcast” to finalize the setup
Key Features of the Creation Process:
- Intuitive interface guiding you through each step
- Flexibility to add multiple categories for better discoverability
- Built-in image editor for perfecting your podcast artwork
- Option to create multiple shows (depending on your plan)
Tips for Successful Podcast Creation:
- Choose a unique and catchy name that reflects your content
- Write a compelling description that clearly explains what listeners can expect
- Select relevant categories to help your target audience find your show
- Invest time in creating high-quality, eye-catching artwork
- Consider your long-term branding when setting up your podcast URL
By following these steps, you can quickly set up the foundation for your podcast on Podcast.Co. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible even for those new to podcasting, while still offering the flexibility and features that more experienced podcasters might need.
Publishing a Podcast
Once you’ve set up your podcast on Podcast.Co, the next crucial step is publishing your episodes. The platform offers a streamlined process for uploading, editing, and distributing your content. Let’s explore the steps and features involved in publishing your podcast:
Step 1: Upload Your Episode
- Navigate to your show’s dashboard
- Click on “Upload Episode” or a similar option
- Select your audio file from your computer
Step 2: Add Episode Details
- Title: Give your episode a clear, descriptive title
- Description: Write a compelling summary of the episode’s content
- Author: Specify the episode’s author (useful for shows with multiple hosts)
- Episode Type: Choose from options like full episode, trailer, or bonus content
- Episode Number and Season: Organize your content chronologically
- Explicit Content: Toggle this option if your episode contains mature content
Step 3: Choose Publishing Options
- Publish Immediately: Make the episode available as soon as you’re done
- Schedule: Set a future date and time for the episode to go live
- Unlisted: Upload the episode without publishing it to your RSS feed
Step 4: Distribute Your Podcast
- Access the “Share and Publish” section
- Use the one-click submission feature to distribute to major platforms:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Alternatively, use the provided RSS feed to manually submit to other platforms
Key Features of the Publishing Process:
- Flexible publishing options to suit your release strategy
- Easy-to-use interface for adding comprehensive episode metadata
- One-click distribution to major podcast platforms
- Custom RSS feed for manual submissions to additional directories
Tips for Effective Podcast Publishing:
- Maintain a consistent publishing schedule to build audience expectations
- Use descriptive and SEO-friendly episode titles and descriptions
- Take advantage of scheduling features for efficient content management
- Regularly check your podcast’s status on various platforms after submission
- Utilize the unlisted option for creating a backlog of episodes or for patron-only content
Important Considerations:
- Initial platform approval may take several days
- Ensure your content adheres to platform guidelines to avoid rejection
- Regularly update your podcast information and artwork to keep it fresh and relevant
By leveraging Podcast.Co’s publishing tools, you can efficiently manage your podcast’s distribution across multiple platforms. The streamlined process allows you to focus on creating great content while the platform handles the technical aspects of getting your podcast in front of listeners.
Podcast Website
One of the standout features of Podcast.Co is its ability to create a dedicated website for your podcast. This feature is particularly valuable for podcasters who don’t have an existing website or want a separate platform specifically for their podcast content. Let’s explore the various aspects of the podcast website feature:
Podcast Player
- Embeddable player for your website or other platforms
- Customizable appearance with light and dark themes
- Ability to change button colors to match your branding
- Options to enable or disable downloads, sharing, and subscriptions
- Easy implementation using an iframe code snippet
Dedicated Podcast Page
- Automatically generated web page for your podcast
- Displays all episodes with playback functionality
- Ideal for sharing on social media or with listeners who prefer web browsing
- Customizable cover image and page title
- Option to link your social media channels
- Two theme options (light and dark) with customizable main color
Subscribe Button
- Generates a customizable subscribe button for your website
- Light and dark theme options
- Customizable text color
- Embeddable using a simple HTML code snippet
Key Benefits of the Podcast Website Feature:
- Provides a professional online presence for your podcast
- Offers multiple ways for listeners to engage with your content
- Customizable elements to match your podcast’s branding
- Reduces the need for technical knowledge in website creation
- Improves discoverability of your podcast through web searches
Tips for Maximizing Your Podcast Website:
- Customize the appearance to align with your podcast’s brand identity
- Use the podcast page URL in your marketing materials and social media profiles
- Embed the player on your main website if you have one, to cross-promote your podcast
- Utilize the subscribe button on various platforms to make it easy for new listeners to follow your show
- Regularly update your podcast page with new episodes and relevant information
Considerations:
- While convenient, the podcast website may have limitations compared to a fully custom-built site
- Consider how the podcast website integrates with your overall online presence and marketing strategy
- Regularly check the functionality of your embedded players and subscribe buttons
The podcast website feature of Podcast.Co offers a quick and easy way to establish an online home for your podcast. By providing multiple touchpoints for listener engagement, it can help you grow your audience and provide a professional appearance for your show, even if you’re just starting out in the podcasting world.
Advanced Settings
Podcast.Co offers a range of advanced settings that allow you to fine-tune your podcast’s details and optimize its distribution. These settings provide greater control over how your podcast is presented across various platforms and in RSS feeds. Let’s explore the key advanced settings and how they can enhance your podcasting experience:
RSS Feed Customization
- Subtitle: Add a brief, catchy subtitle to your podcast
- Website URL: Link to your main website or social media profile
- Copyright Information: Specify the copyright holder (individual or company)
- Time Zone: Set your preferred time zone for accurate publishing times
Author Settings
- Name: Specify the primary author or host of the podcast
- Email: Provide a contact email for podcast-related communications
- Customize author information for better recognition in podcast directories
Content Settings
- Episode Type: Choose between episodic (standalone episodes) or serial (sequential storytelling)
- Content Rating: Set an overall rating (clean or explicit) for your podcast
- Individual Episode Marking: Option to mark specific episodes as explicit, even if the overall show is clean
Key Benefits of Advanced Settings:
- Greater control over your podcast’s metadata
- Improved discoverability in podcast directories
- Professional presentation of your podcast information
- Flexibility to adapt settings as your podcast evolves
Tips for Optimizing Advanced Settings:
- Use a compelling subtitle that complements your main podcast title
- Ensure your copyright information is accurate and up-to-date
- Choose the appropriate episode type based on your content structure
- Regularly review and update your settings as your podcast grows
Important Considerations:
- Consistency in information across all platforms and directories
- Impact of content ratings on potential listener base
- Legal implications of copyright and authorship claims
Analytics Integration
- Access to download metrics and listener statistics
- Insights into most popular episodes
- Geographical data on listener locations
- Information on top podcast clients used by your audience
By leveraging these advanced settings, you can ensure that your podcast is accurately represented across all platforms and provide the best possible experience for your listeners. The detailed control over your podcast’s metadata allows you to optimize for search and discovery, potentially leading to increased visibility and growth of your audience.
Key Takeaways
As we conclude our comprehensive review of Podcast.Co and its features for starting a podcast in 2019, let’s summarize the key points and insights:
- User-Friendly Platform: Podcast.Co offers a streamlined, intuitive interface that simplifies the process of creating and managing a podcast. This makes it an excellent choice for both newcomers to podcasting and experienced content creators looking for an efficient hosting solution.
- Lifetime Hosting Deal: Through AppSumo, Podcast.Co offers a lifetime hosting deal, which can be cost-effective for long-term podcasters. However, it’s crucial to consider bandwidth limitations and potential overage fees when evaluating this option.
- Quick Setup Process: The platform guides users through a straightforward setup process, from naming your podcast to uploading cover art. This allows you to get your podcast up and running quickly without extensive technical knowledge.
- Flexible Publishing Options: Podcast.Co provides various publishing options, including immediate release, scheduling, and unlisted episodes. This flexibility allows for efficient content management and strategic release planning.
- One-Click Distribution: The platform’s one-click submission feature simplifies the process of distributing your podcast to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. This saves time and ensures broader reach for your content.
- Dedicated Podcast Website: Podcast.Co automatically generates a dedicated website for your podcast, complete with an embeddable player and customizable elements. This feature is particularly valuable for podcasters without an existing web presence.
- Advanced Customization: The platform offers a range of advanced settings that allow for detailed customization of your podcast’s metadata, improving discoverability and professional presentation across various directories.
- Analytics Integration: Built-in analytics provide insights into listener behavior, popular episodes, and demographic information, helping you make data-driven decisions about your content strategy.
- Scalability: With options to create multiple shows and add collaborators, Podcast.Co can accommodate growing podcasts and expanding content strategies.
- Competitive Pricing: While the upfront cost may seem high, the lifetime deal can be cost-effective for long-term podcasters compared to monthly subscription services.
In conclusion, Podcast.Co presents itself as a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for podcasters of all experience levels. Its combination of easy-to-use features, flexible publishing options, and advanced customization capabilities make it a strong contender in the podcast hosting market. The platform effectively addresses many of the common pain points in podcast creation and distribution, allowing content creators to focus on producing high-quality episodes rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
However, potential users should carefully consider their long-term podcasting goals, expected growth, and bandwidth needs when evaluating the lifetime hosting deal. While the platform offers significant advantages, it’s essential to ensure that it aligns with your specific podcasting strategy and scalability requirements.
Overall, Podcast.Co demonstrates a strong understanding of podcasters’ needs in 2019 and beyond, offering a robust set of tools to help creators launch, grow, and manage their podcasts effectively. Whether you’re just starting your podcasting journey or looking to streamline your existing workflow, Podcast.Co provides a compelling solution worth considering.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments in podcasting and digital marketing tools, be sure to check out the following resources:
- Visit ClientAmp for additional insights and tools.
- Join the Facebook group to connect with other podcasters and digital marketers.
- Follow David Swift on Twitter for regular updates and tips.
By leveraging platforms like Podcast.Co and staying engaged with the podcasting community, you’ll be well-equipped to start and grow your podcast in 2019 and beyond.
Leave a Comment