Awhile back I posted on Instagram about why I love WordPress for coaches. One of the reasons I love it is because it’s so scalable — which means once you’re ready to do something like start a group program or launch a podcast, it can support that growth.
Someone commented on that post and asked, “Wait, does that mean I can host my podcast on my WordPress website?”
I thought this was a great question, so I figured I’d dedicate an entire post to what WordPress can help you do to help you launch and market a podcast (and what it can’t do).
Can I host my podcast on WordPress?
So, first, to answer the question my IG follower asked: Can I host my podcast on WordPress?
The answer to that question is: technically yes, you can host your podcasts files directly on WordPress.
But it’s best practice not to do that. As your podcast grows, hosting your podcast on WordPress directly can start causing issues with storage bandwidth and speed.
Instead, you’ll want to sign up with a separate podcast hosting service that specializes in storing podcast audio files and creating audio players that make it easy for the listener to consume your podcast content.
Then you integrate your podcast host with your WordPress website to share it with your audience. Which leads to the next question…how do you integrate your podcast host with your website?
Steps to Use WordPress for Podcasting
Okay, so now you understand that you’ll want a separate podcast host that integrates with your WordPress website. Next, I’ll explain how to actually create that integration between host and WordPress.
1. Create your WordPress website
Of course, first, you need to actually have a website to integrate with. The general steps to create a WordPress site are:
- Choose and buy a domain name — unsure what domain to pick or how to buy it? This article will help.
- Purchase WordPress hosting — these are my favorite hosts. I suggest using a self-hosted WordPress option and avoiding WordPress.com, they’re two very different approaches!
- Install your theme and plugins
- Design the site and add your content
There’s more to it than that, but this gives you a general idea of what’s involved. If you’re looking to set up your first website, I strongly suggest you look into my Website Kit for Coaches course.
It will give you all the basics you need to create a strong WordPress foundation that you can add a podcast onto later. I show you how to execute all of the above bullet points in the course, saving you time and building your confidence as an entrepreneur!
2. Setup your podcast host
Next, you’ll need to actually choose and setup your podcast hosting service. There are a myriad of options, though some are more flexible and integrate better than others. More on my suggested podcast hosts here.
You’ll set up your account with your chosen podcast host, which will take care of storing your podcast audio files and distributing each episode to podcast platforms so listeners can actually find and listen to you.
The general steps to setting up your podcast host are:
- Fill out your podcast information
- Upload your podcast artwork
- Pick a podcast category
- Upload your first episode
- Write your episode show notes
- Add your episode transcript
This is assuming you’ve already done the pre-work of defining your podcast concept and audience, buying your equipment, and developing the artwork.
All of which can be a lot of work! But it’s definitely worth it — I’ve personally seen the effect that consistent podcasting has on a coach’s ability to grow their business. It’s astounding.
3. Integrate your podcast with WordPress
Next, you’ll want to integrate your podcast host with your website. You do this by creating a new post on your site and adding your podcast episode content to it. Here’s what you’ll want to have for each episode post you create:
- The episode’s audio player embed code copied from your podcast host
- A snappy, attention-grabbing title
- Descriptive show notes that give a taste of what the episode is about
- Episode artwork or stock photo
- Any links to other websites or episodes you reference in the episode
- Optional: a transcript of your episode (this is especially good for SEO!)
Add this content to your website as a new post, choose your publish date, then hit save! It’s as easy as that. Go here for an in-depth tutorial on how to create a WordPress post.
4. Share your episode!
By now, the episode is recorded, uploaded to your host, and you’ve published the episode content as a post on your site. Now you just need to share it!
Copy the direct link to your episode post and publicize it on social media, your email list, Facebook groups you hang out in, or wherever you market your business.
You’ve done the work to create it, now don’t forget to share it so that those who need your help can find it.
I hope that helps!
Jennie
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