This blog is part of a series I wrote for OS Training. The original post can be read here.
Uploading to the Web
Finally, you are ready to upload your audio file to the web and push it out to iTunes. Like the rest of the sections we covered, you have a variety of choices on how to make your podcast audio accessible to your audience. To have the best results, focus on the following pillars for hosting your podcast online.
Website
Every podcast needs a home and your best bet is a self-hosted WordPress website. Like editing, many web designers and developers exist if you need help creating your site. However, WordPress is a beautiful platform because it has a very low barrier to entry but can be infinitely expanded on as your skills grow.
This is what you need in order to launch your website:
Domain Name– As discussed earlier, the domain name should be or relate to your podcast’s name. It’s the www.yourpodcast.com you type in the address bar of your browser and acts in the same way as your address does for your house. Use 1and1.com to get some of the best rates and features (*Note- 1and1 recently changed their domain center user interface and it has had some inconveniences but not enough to make me look elsewhere). Never use GoDaddy.com or NetworkSolutions.com. Both market in “friendly” ways but slam you with hidden fees in the end.
Hosting– In order to get the most out of your WordPress install, you want to be self-hosted. The host is where all of your website’s framework and files reside. It acts the same way the foundation does for a house. Use Siteground.com and choose the Start Up plan. They very rarely (if ever) have website downtimes and their customer support is smart, fast, and helpful. Never use Bluehost.com for hosting. Nearly every marketing and podcast “guru” on the web recommends Bluehost because of its large affiliate payouts. Bluehost is notorious for outages and incredibly slow, inexperienced customer service.
Website– WordPress is the best place to start. After purchasing your Siteground hosting account, single click WordPress installs exist to make your job easier and get your site launched. If you want to learn more, a plethora of help exists. Start with sites like wordpress.org, codex.wordpress.org, and ostraining.com to learn more. *If you go to our company’s landing page, ostraining.com/comealive, you will receive a free 1 month subscription to their WordPress (and other) tutorial videos.
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