How to Start Your Podcast on Apple Podcasts
I’m frequently asked what podcast player my clients should publish their podcast on when it's ready to go. Although there are many choices, statistically, over half of your podcast listeners will go to Apple Podcast player to listen to their favorite podcast shows. Therefore, you'll want your show to be published on Apple Podcasts.
In addition to Apple Podcast, you can publish your podcast on other platforms such as Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Overcast. Some venues automatically post your podcast using your RSS feed, which links your podcast audio publications. Others, such as Amazon Music, Pandora, and Apple Podcasts, will need an application published on those platforms. While these additional platforms are great for more exposure to your podcasts, you want to be published on Apple Podcasts if you want to have better stats.
Of course, there’s no shortage of podcast platforms. But Apple Podcasts is the best place to start!
Create Your Podcast Name and Category
First, you want to create your podcast name and category. Choose a name with a keyword your new subscribers will look for when searching podcast players. While a cute, catchy name is fun, depending on the words in your name, there may be better ways to have potential listeners navigate to your show. You'll also want to pick a primary category in which you'll want to put your podcast so people who listen to podcasts can find you by category and title.
Should I Create an Interview or Solo Show?
Did you not have to choose one or the other for your podcast? You can utilize both methods for your show. The interview format requires more legwork, organization, and scheduling. You'll need to book your host, send them information about your podcast, and follow up with reminders for their interview. With solo shows, you can show off your vertical expertise. These types of episodes are an excellent choice for professionals using podcasting as an avenue for digital marketing.
Evergreen or Episodic Podcast?
You must choose whether your podcast will be evergreen, episodic, interview, or solo. Evergreen episodes are episodes you don't need to listen to in order when you're starting to listen to a show. You can listen to them in any order, as it does not matter for your listener to understand your content. Episodic podcast episodes are episodes that your listener needs to listen to so that the content makes sense and is understandable.
Recording Your Podcast Episodes
Record your podcast episodes on your audio recorder; then, you'll want to edit your podcast. Unedited podcasts are not professional, and keep in mind that all other work, including books and videos, is always edited. You don't have to be a professional audio editor to make basic audio edits for your podcast. Taking out mistakes, ums, ahs, and other clutches creates a more professional-sounding episode and makes your guest sound great!
Next, you'll want to publish your new episodes by scheduling them on the podcast host that you have chosen. Popular podcast hosts include Libsyn, Podbean, and Buzzsprout. I always recommend going with a paid podcast player, as many free podcast player platforms have crashed and burned, leaving indie producers scrambling to put their podcasts on another platform.
How To Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts
For a new show to appear in the Apple Podcasts store, your show first needs to be submitted to the Apple Podcasts store for approval. However, before you submit your podcast, you'll need to have an Apple ID - and account with Apple - before you can submit your show.
Once you have created your Apple ID, you'll want to sign in to your account. Note: Your login to Podcasts Connect will be your Apple/Apple Podcasts ID. Next, you'll want to configure your show and publish your first episodes, as you must access Apple Podcasts' Podcast Connect system to submit your show.
After you've accessed Apple Podcasts' Podcast Connect, follow these steps to add your podcast to the Apple Podcast player line-up:
Hit the plus sign in the upper left-hand corner.
You will be asked to enter your RSS feed URL. You can obtain your RSS feed URL from your Destinations page in your Libsyn show. Example: https://digitalmarketinghotseat.libsyn.com/rss
With your feed URL entered, hit the Validate button on the right-hand side. The system will read the contents of your RSS feed and will display everything it sees about your show.
Look over all the details on this page. Make sure everything looks correct. The Status should show a green radio icon and the words "Prepared for Submission." If everything looks good, hit the Submit button in the upper right-hand corner.
If the Status has a red radio icon, the system will also show the specific errors. You can log into your podcast host and double-check your settings, or if you are unsure or need further assistance, reach out to your host support.
Once your show has been submitted, Apple Podcasts will contact you directly by email with your approval. It can take up to a month for your show to be approved and up to another week to be fully searchable in the store.
Remember, starting a podcast takes time and effort. So stay committed, enjoy the process, and be patient as you grow your audience and refine your podcasting skills.
Need assistance with your podcast show notes? Download my free ebook How to Write Podcast Show Notes Like a Pro today!