So, you’ve finally decided to do it: you’re hosting your podcast. You’ve been working on it for years, and you’ve had a few futile attempts before deciding to try again. You’ve finally come up with a name, artwork, topics, and guests! You have it all lined up, but what’s next? Well, it’s time to make your dream a reality, and it all starts with browsing through your podcast hosting options.
You might think that there are so many options out there, and you’re not sure what to look for or what makes for a good platform. Well, don’t fret because we’ve jotted down a handy list to help guide you.
A podcast hosting service specializes in storing and distributing your podcast files – without one, your website would crash and your audience would have a lot of trouble trying to access your podcast. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know.
1. Bandwidth
You’re likely planning to have multiple episodes or to host a few seasons. If this is the case, then you’ll want to shop around for a podcast host that will allow you to store as many episodes as you need to.
Podcast hosting sites will often have packages with set storage limits, and you may be charged more if you go over this amount. When considering different options, think about the amount of storage you might need and how much you’re willing to pay for it.
As you first start, a lower storage limit may not be an issue, but as your show grows, your content will probably grow as well and you may find yourself needing a lot more space than you initially thought. It is also worth noting that the bigger your podcast archive is, the more bandwidth you will need if you want your audience to be able to listen to older episodes.
You might also find yourself wanting to branch out and create multiple podcasts, which is another reason you’ll want to guarantee enough storage.
2. Price
Starting a podcast can be a risky business, or maybe you’re just doing this as a fun hobby. Either way, a lower price point is usually more enticing as it allows you the flexibility of testing out running a podcast without the large running costs. It also enables you to spend your money elsewhere, such as marketing or equipment.
Your podcast could also just be an expansion of your already established and successful business and a way to reach more people or spread your message, and you might find yourself with a little more change to spare.
Whatever your price point, this is something to keep in mind to ensure you stay on budget and get the best bang for your buck.
3. Features
Does your podcast host offer extra features such as an embedded podcast or analytics? These features can be incredibly useful when it comes to the success and promotion of your podcast. Assuming you want your podcast to reach a wide audience and be a success, these extra features are important to look out for when it comes to choosing a podcast host.
Analytics are necessary when trying to establish and grow your podcast, as they provide insight and an understanding of your audience. This allows you to create content tailored to your audience to keep them coming back and helps you to secure sponsors for your podcast.
The option to embed your podcast on your website is a great way to promote your podcast and offer listeners an easy option to give it a listen without needing to switch to an app.
The content creators at wiredclip.com/buzzsprout-review/ can give you a better understanding of the different options available recommend signing up with a host that provides chapter markers, which are another great feature to look out for, as they break up your podcast and allows listeners to see what your content podcast is about at a glance.
4. Simplicity
For those of us who aren’t as tech-savvy, a simple, easy-to-use platform is a no-brainer. Along with the stress of running a podcast, hosting, and scripting, a simple platform makes the process a lot smoother. It ensures more consistency and productivity as time isn’t wasted trying to figure out how to use the platform or making errors. Instead, your time and effort can be focused on hosting the actual podcast – the fun part!
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing your podcast host, and depending on your requirements and goals, different hosting sites will suit different individuals. Keep in mind the list mentioned above and you’ll soon be on your way to running a successful podcast
