Why You Need a Podcast Website

Show Notes
Chapters

In this episode of "Your Podcast Website," host Dave Jackson emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated website for podcasters. He argues that relying solely on social media platforms can be precarious, as they are subject to changes and shutdowns that could disconnect creators from their audiences. Using examples like MP3.com, Friendster, and MySpace, Dave illustrates the risks of building a presence on platforms that podcasters don't own. He advocates for a personal website to centralize all activities and ensure control over content and audience interaction. The episode is packed with practical advice on website creation, optimizing for search engines, and the benefits of direct audience engagement through a dedicated platform.

Quotes:

"If you don't have a website, how are people going to find you?"

"When you make a platform that you don't own your main home base, you are building your house on rented land."

The Necessity of Having a Website

- Dave discusses the importance of having a dedicated website for your podcast to ensure discoverability and accessibility.

- He emphasizes that relying solely on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok can limit direct engagement with your audience.

Why a Website is Crucial for Interaction

- A website provides a centralized platform for listeners to interact, contact, and share your podcast.

- Dave shares a personal anecdote about the difficulty of contacting a podcaster without a direct website link, highlighting the importance of a contact page.

Simplifying Listener Actions

- The benefit of having a single website where listeners can access all necessary actions (e.g., contact, buy a book, sponsor links) instead of multiple scattered calls to action.

- Example of Jordan Harbinger, who streamlined his sponsor interactions through a single deals page on his website.

SEO and Google's Role

- Explanation of how Google Search works and why it favors well-organized textual content, making a strong case for having rich, searchable content on your own website.

Historical Lessons on Platform Dependence

- Dave narrates the history of platforms like MP3.com, Friendster, MySpace, and Clubhouse to illustrate the risks of relying solely on third-party platforms for your digital presence.

- These stories serve as cautionary tales about the impermanence and instability of digital platforms.

Building on Owned Land

- The metaphor of building your house on rented vs. owned land is used to stress the importance of having control over your digital presence.

- A website is likened to owned land where you have full control and stability.

Practical Steps and Resources

- Dave directs listeners to yourpodcastwebsite.com for resources on starting and optimizing a podcast website.

- Mention of future topics like SEO enhancements and website flexibility.

Engagement and Outreach

- Encourage listeners to subscribe for immediate updates and join the email list for additional resources.

- Call to action for listeners to share the podcast with friends who might benefit from the information.

Closing and Additional Information

- Dave wraps up the episode and directs listeners to the Power of Podcasting Network for more of his projects.

- Reminder of the podcast's home on yourpodcastwebsite.com and encouragement to explore further.

This episode provides a comprehensive guide for podcasters on why and how to effectively build and maintain a podcast website, emphasizing control, audience engagement, and the pitfalls of relying on third-party platforms.