As podcasting becomes more competitive, a dedicated website isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a vital tool. In today’s episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell and Todd Cochrane revisit why having a podcast website can help you grow your audience, strengthen your brand, and create monetization opportunities.

In 2024 and beyond, a well-designed, functional website can set your show apart — but we’ll also cover reasons why you might not want one, depending on your goals and bandwidth.

Your Show’s Central Hub – Your Moonbase Alpha

It’s the best place to send your listeners.

If your show disappears from podcast apps, fans still know where to find you.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Helps your show get discovered when people search for your topics or guests.

Lets you create more detailed, searchable show notes.

Branding

Total control over the look, feel, and voice of your brand.

Audience Engagement

Include a forum, contact form, or email signup to build community and keep in touch.

Monetization

Promote sponsors, sell merch or services, and even run ads like AdSense.

Bonus Content & Resources

Add blogs, video content, transcripts, and links to additional resources.

Web Analytics

Use tools like Google Analytics to understand your audience’s behavior.

A Place for Everything

Podcast players

Episode archive or playlist

Contact info

Announcements

Merch store

Ads and sponsor details

Your services and products

Time Constraints

Keeping a website updated does take effort.

Technical Skills

Not everyone is comfortable building a website — but it’s easier than you might think.

Cost

Domain registration and web hosting come with a price.

However, Blubrry includes a free podcast website with hosting.

Focus on Core Content

If you’d rather focus purely on the audio, that’s okay too.

Keeping It Simple

Sometimes simplicity is the best route.

Social Media Presence

If most of your audience engagement already happens on social media, a separate website may not be necessary.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

You don’t need a big team or a huge ad budget to market your show—you just need the right plan. So today’s episode is divided into two paths: one for podcasters who are already publishing, and another for those who are still in the planning or pre-launch phase.

These strategies help you understand where to invest, even if your budget is modest—and how to use Blubrry tools to amplify your results.

1. Start With a Monthly Budget That Works

What can you realistically commit to spending each month?

💡 Blubrry helps: Your free podcast website, publishing tools, and included support already cover key basics—so more of your budget can go toward outreach.

2. Set Specific Goals for Each Quarter

Your spending should support a measurable goal.

💡 Blubrry helps: IAB-certified podcast stats let you track downloads by episode, geography, and listening platform—so you’ll know what’s working.

3. Use Free Marketing First

Before paying for exposure, focus on consistency and visibility.

💡 Blubrry helps: Custom episode URLs and your podcast website make sharing your content super easy and trackable.

4. Stick With One or Two Platforms

Don’t spread yourself thin—put your time (and money) where your audience is.

💡 Blubrry helps: You can monitor where listeners are coming from using your dashboard analytics.

5. Track ROI With Simple Tools

You don’t need fancy reporting—just a way to check if your spend is helping.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your hosting dashboard makes it easy to see what content is gaining traction after promotion with the event tracker.

These strategies help you lay a strong foundation before you publish—and use your pre-launch time to build interest.

1. Create a Pre-Launch Budget

Even if your show isn’t live, a small monthly budget can go toward:

💡 Blubrry helps: Your Blubrry website is ready from day one—no extra web hosting costs.

2. Define a Simple Goal Before Launch

What’s your #1 objective before episode one drops?

💡 Blubrry helps: You can publish a trailer episode across directories using Blubrry, even if your show isn’t fully launched.

3. Engage Where Your Future Audience Is

Join online communities, follow hashtags, and interact with potential listeners.

💡 Blubrry helps: Your teaser content and podcast website can be shared directly into conversations to start building hype.

4. Start Growing Your Email List

Use your pre-launch period to collect emails.

💡 Blubrry helps: Embed a signup form right on your included podcast website.

5. Use a Trailer to Test and Promote

You don’t need a full episode to start building momentum.

💡 Blubrry helps: Blubrry lets you distribute your trailer to Apple, Spotify, and other platforms—all from your dashboard.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

Thinking about moving your podcast website from WordPress to another platform? Before you make the switch, there are some crucial things you need to know — especially about your RSS feed. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common (and frustrating) issues podcasters face when migrating their site: broken podcast feeds. We’ll walk you through how to protect your feed, handle media files, preserve your SEO, and make a smooth transition without losing your audience in the process.

We often hear from podcasters who say something like, “My web designer moved my website from WordPress to [insert platform], and now my feed doesn’t work!” Hopefully, in this episode, we will explain what you need to think about and plan for when moving your website, so you don’t run into the same problem.

There are two common approaches:

If you’ve been hosting audio files on your WordPress server, you’ll need to:

Of course, we recommend Blubrry.  Contact us for help migrating your show.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

In this special episode of Podcast Insider, we’re spotlighting Michelle Aronson, host of True Stories at Work and Blubrry’s Podcaster of the Month! Michelle joined Mike Dell to share her journey from a silent retreat to the world of podcasting, how her HR background fuels her unique storytelling format, and why workplace tales are often stranger—and funnier—than fiction.

Hear how podcasting unexpectedly opened doors in her coaching business, the value of audio storytelling in an increasingly digital world, and what it takes to uncover those unforgettable moments from the office. Michelle also shares one of her wildest listener-submitted workplace confessions—and why she’s always on the hunt for more.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

The heart of what makes podcasting so unique — independence. As corporate platforms grow louder in the space, it’s more important than ever for creators to understand how to retain control of their voice, content, and audience. From choosing the right tools and hosting partners to marketing yourself as a creator-owned brand, we explore what podcasting independence really means and how it benefits both your creativity and your business. Whether you’re just getting started or rethinking your podcasting path, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay true to your vision.

Podcasting has always been a space where creators could own their voice and their audience. But as big media continues to move in, it’s important to understand what independence really looks like — and why it’s worth protecting.

Why it matters:

💡 Tip: If a service or platform limits where your podcast appears, who can access it, or how you can monetize, it may be undermining your independence.

Being independent isn’t just about technical decisions — it’s also something you can use to stand out in a crowded podcast landscape.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: Independent creators often have the strongest listener loyalty — lean into that and invite your audience to be part of your journey.

Choosing independence isn’t just about creative freedom — it’s also a smart business decision.

Why it makes sense:

💡 Tip: Diversify your income — host-read ads, dynamic ads, premium content, and direct support can all fit within an independent strategy.

The technology behind your podcast plays a huge role in maintaining your independence. Make intentional choices about where and how you host your show.

How to do it:

Own your RSS feed — don’t let a platform control it. Blubrry ensures you can always take your feed with you.

💡 Tip: Be cautious of “free” hosting solutions — if you’re not paying with money, you may be paying with your content or audience access.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

Welcome back to Podcast Insider, today we’re discuss how podcast consumption has changed in the post-pandemic world—especially as more people continue to work from home.

The days of relying on commute-time listening are fading. With data from Edison Research and Jacobs Media, we’re exploring where podcast listening is happening now, how habits are shifting, and what it all means for creators looking to stay relevant.

Whether you’re publishing weekly or still finding your audience, this episode will help you understand today’s podcast listener and how to meet them where they are—likely at home.

Part of the changes that have come to podcast creation, listening and watching has been from the major shift to working from home. There’s clear data on some of these changes that we’ll go over with you all today.

The pandemic triggered a massive shift in work culture—and podcast consumption patterns followed suit. As more people work from home and spend less time commuting, the where, when, and how of podcast listening have changed significantly.

Here’s what current data reveals, and what podcasters need to know to stay relevant in this new environment.

Before the pandemic, podcasting was strongly associated with commuting. Today, that’s no longer the case.

According to Edison Research’s Share of Ear, more podcast listening now occurs at home than anywhere else. As of their latest data:

This marks a fundamental shift: home has replaced the commute as podcasting’s top listening location.

Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media has observed a significant shift in audio habits during commuting:

A RAIN News article cites Jacobs Media’s TechSurvey, revealing that in‑car broadcast radio listening dropped from about 62% in 2018 to just 56% in 2022, marking it as an “all‑time low” for drive‑time audio, learn more here. Jacobs emphasizes:

“In‑car listening—while rebounding—is still well below pre‑pandemic levels.”

Despite some commuters returning to offices, the rise of remote and hybrid schedules has disrupted consistent “drive‑time” spikes. With erratic commuting habits, podcast creators and broadcasters can no longer count on the traditional “drive time” bump to deliver peak listenership.

Despite the shift in listening environments, podcasting as a medium continues to thrive.

Edison’s Infinite Dial 2025 reports that:

So while the “when” and “where” may be changing, the “how many” is still moving upward.

Given these changes, here’s how podcast creators can adapt:

1. Reimagine When You Release

2. Create for Multitasking Moments

3. Offer Video Options Where Possible

4. Promote Across Multiple Channels

While some old norms are fading, new opportunities are emerging. The rise in home listening offers flexibility in format, deeper engagement, and space for experimentation with content length and delivery.

Podcasters who understand and adapt to these behavior shifts will continue to thrive—even as the car becomes a less dominant player in the podcasting experience.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

Settling on your ideal listener is a little different depending on where you’re at in your podcasting so far – have you already started or looking to launch? We’ve divided today’s episode into before and after you’ve gotten your podcast on a roll already.

Whether You’ve Launched Yet or Not (with Help from Blubrry)

These strategies help you understand who’s already listening—and how to better serve and grow that audience using Blubrry tools.

Your stats reveal who your audience is and what content they respond to.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: With IAB-certified stats, you get accurate data on downloads, listener geography, and episode performance—all in one clean dashboard.

Even a few responses can give you major insight into your audience’s needs and habits.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use your free podcast website or newsletter list (via integrations) to embed surveys and collect feedback easily.

Your listeners are likely active in communities tied to your podcast topic—find and connect with them there.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use custom episode URLs from your Blubrry dashboard to link directly to episodes in your posts, helping convert curious browsers into regular listeners.

Your episode archive is a treasure trove of insights.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Your hosting dashboard displays quick-view metrics to help you spot patterns fast—and make smarter content decisions.

Create opportunities for direct feedback and interaction.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Pair your podcast website and show notes with listener prompts and contact links to make feedback frictionless.

These strategies help you define your ideal listener before you even hit record—so you can launch with clarity and purpose.

Create a fictional representation of your dream listener.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Blubrry’s Getting Started resources and planning tools give you the structure to define your audience before you launch.

Look at what’s working (or missing) in your niche.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: When you’re ready to publish, Blubrry’s distribution tools get your show on all major directories, putting you in the same space as your peers—ready to compete and stand out.

Start connecting with your future audience before launch.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: You can link to teaser content or a sign-up page on your Blubrry-hosted website, even before your show officially goes live.

Your email list will be one of your most valuable tools long-term.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: With your included podcast website, you can easily link to or embed signup forms and start gathering interest right away.

Use a short preview episode to get early feedback and build confidence.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry helps: Use Blubrry’s hosting tools to publish your trailer to all major platforms—even if your full show hasn’t launched yet.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. When you’re just getting started, the goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to do the right things well. Here’s what to focus on and how Blubrry supports you every step of the way.

🎧 Why it matters: No one sticks around for poor-quality content, no matter how well it’s promoted. Prioritize clear audio, relevant topics, and authentic delivery.

✅ How Blubrry helps:

🔹 Your job: record regularly and stay real. Blubrry takes care of reliable publishing and delivery.

🎤 Why it matters: This is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to grow your audience. You’re speaking directly to people already engaged in podcast content.

✅ How Blubrry helps:

🔹 Build authority while expanding your reach—Blubrry helps you look professional and prepared.

📣 Why it matters: Don’t spread yourself too thin trying to promote every episode. Choose one standout episode and make it your flagship content.

✅ How Blubrry helps:

🔹 Blubrry makes your best content easy to find, easy to track, and easy to share.

✍️ Why it matters: Trying to be perfect slows you down. Listeners appreciate consistency and honesty more than perfection.

✅ How Blubrry helps:

🔹 Blubrry removes the friction so you can just hit record and stay on schedule.

🛠️ Why it matters: Early habits save time later. Build simple systems for publishing, promoting, and tracking success.

✅ How Blubrry helps:

🔹 From hobby to pro, Blubrry grows with you—and helps simplify the back-end from day one.

If you’re overwhelmed, start small:

Blubrry gives you the infrastructure—you bring the voice.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

If you’ve ever felt like your podcast could be more than just a weekly episode—maybe even the start of a book—you’re not alone. This week, we’re explaining how podcasters can transform their content into a published work. From identifying core themes and organizing episodes into chapters to leveraging transcripts and using your show to promote the final product, we’ll walk you through how your podcast can lay the groundwork for your next big creative endeavor. Whether you’re thinking print, eBook, or audio companion, we’ll show you how Blubrry’s tools make the transition from podcaster to author smoother than you think.

If your podcast centers around a consistent topic, story arc, or mission, it may already have the foundation of a compelling book.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: Stats help you find your most popular, share-worthy content to shape into chapters.

Transcripts save time by turning spoken content into editable text—the perfect starting point for a manuscript.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: All Blubrry hosting plans offer optional AI-powered transcripts—easy to enable and perfect for repurposing episodes.

Turning a group of episodes into a book means outlining and arranging content in a reader-friendly structure.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: Use your Blubrry-hosted podcast website to browse episode archives, search by topic, and spot thematic groupings.

There are many ways to publish your book: digital, print, or audiobook—and multiple tools to help you launch.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: With full ownership of your RSS feed and content, you can repurpose episodes without platform restrictions or licensing hurdles.

Your listeners are your most loyal potential readers—use your show to build anticipation and drive sales.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: Promote your book on your free podcast website, and link it directly in episode show notes using Blubrry’s publishing interface.

Books can introduce your podcast to new people, especially in professional, nonprofit, or educational spaces.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: Your podcast site can serve as a central hub for cross-promotion, with direct links to episodes, email capture tools, and stats to track engagement.

Ensure your book feels like a natural extension of your podcast so fans stay connected across both mediums.

How to do it:

💡 Blubrry Advantage: Blubrry’s fully branded podcast websites and flexible hosting tools allow you to maintain brand consistency and control from podcast to print.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

Not every podcaster has a big budget—and that’s especially true for nonprofits.

In this episode learn practical, low-cost strategies for nonprofit podcasters to grow their audience and expand their impact without breaking the bank. Whether you’re recording from a modest setup or working with a lean team, these tips will help you make the most of your existing resources and community connections.

From tapping into your supporter base and creating shareable content to building partnerships and using smart SEO techniques, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to get your podcast in front of the right people—without spending a fortune.

Your donors, volunteers, staff, and board members are already invested in your mission—make them your first listeners and promoters.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: A short “New Episode” section in your regular email newsletter can drive consistent listens.

You don’t need to be everywhere—just visible and consistent on the platform(s) your audience uses most.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: Link directly to the episode page, not just your podcast home, for better click-throughs.

Make your content easier to discover via search engines—this is how people looking for your cause may find you.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: If you use WordPress, install an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO) to optimize each episode post.

Local attention is powerful for nonprofits. Use your podcast to build regional authority and trust.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: A well-written press release or “episode spotlight” email can go a long way, especially when tied to a timely event or issue.

Generic requests often fall flat. Get specific and connect it to your mission.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: Include a “Share this episode” link in your show notes and social posts for easier sharing.

People love incentives—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Think recognition, access, or small branded items.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: Make sure it ties to your cause—“Everyone who shares our episode this week helps us reach more families in need.”

Mutual promotion = doubled reach at zero cost. Collaborate with others doing adjacent or aligned work.

How to do it:

💡 Tip: Start with partners you already work with—you likely have overlapping audiences who would love your content.

Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at [email protected] and [email protected]

Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.