Podcast Hosting & RSS Feeds Demystified: Set Up for Success
In this episode we break down everything you need to know about RSS feeds and podcast hosting platforms. Whether you're launching your first podcast or optimizing your existing show, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you succeed.This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue Key Topics Covered:What is an RSS Feed?Learn how RSS feeds serve as the backbone of podcast distribution and why setting them up correctly is essential for your podcast's success.Podcast Hosting Platforms Explained:Discover the best platforms like Spotify for Podcasters, Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Captivate, and how to choose one based on your goals, analytics, and budget.Optimizing Your Podcast for Discovery:Tips on setting up show descriptions, artwork, and categories to maximize visibility across platforms like Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Stitcher.Audio vs. Video Podcasting:Should you upload video content to Spotify or keep it exclusive to YouTube? We explore the pros and cons of each approach.Cost vs. Features:Insights into free and premium hosting platforms, including which options provide the best value for independent creators.Importance of Show Foundations:Why investing time in the initial setup of your hosting platform ensures long-term growth and discoverability.Key Takeaways:Master the Basics of RSS Feeds: Understand their role in distributing your podcast to major platforms.Choose the Right Hosting Platform: Evaluate ease of use, analytics, and cost to find the best fit for your needs.Optimize for Discovery: Use keywords, tags, and descriptions strategically to improve your podcast’s organic search performance.Leverage Video Content: Explore whether Spotify for Podcasters or YouTube is better for hosting video episodes.Long-Term Growth: Start with a solid foundation to build a sustainable podcast.Resources Mentioned:Hosting Platforms: Spotify for Podcasters, Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Captivate, and Acast.Pod School: Join our free community for in-depth training on podcast optimization, branding, and growth. Click here to join!Why This Episode Matters:Around 50% of podcasts are discovered through organic search, making it critical to have a properly optimized RSS feed and hosting setup. James and Alex guide you through everything from technical setups to leveraging analytics for growth.In this show, we discuss: Podcast hosting platforms, RSS feed for podcasts, Best podcast hosting services, Spotify for Podcasters, How to distribute a podcast, Podcast setup tips, Audio vs. video podcasting, Optimize podcast show description, Podcast discoverability tips, Podcast SEO strategies, Best tools for podcast hosting, Captivate vs. Buzzsprout, Podcast analytics and growth