Looking to pump up your SEO game in 2026? Well, I've got some cool tools to help you out! We’re diving into some handy options like Ubersuggest, which is not only budget-friendly but also packed with features to help you rank better. And let me tell you, the price is a steal compared to those big-name tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush. We'll also chat about some other nifty tools that can give you insights into your website's performance without breaking the bank. So grab your favorite snack and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of SEO tools that won’t make your wallet cry!

Takeaways:

• If you're looking to boost your SEO game in 2026, there are some super affordable tools out there that you can totally check out!
• Ubersuggest is a total steal at $290 for a lifetime deal, and it's packed with features to help you rank better.
• Ahrefs and SEMrush are great, but they can be real wallet-busters; who wants to pay $950 yearly for that?
• The new tool Answer Socrates is just $9 a month and offers tons of SEO metrics and keyword insights—what a bargain!
• Ubersuggest has a free plan to test the waters, because who doesn't love free stuff, right?
• Don't forget to explore site audit tools that can help you identify issues and improve your website ranking effectively!

Links referenced in this episode:

• ahrefs.com
• ubersuggest.com
• semrush.com
• Answer Socrates
• podpage.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Profit From Your Podcast: Turn Your Listeners Into a Livelihood

Check out my book Profit From Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners Into a Livelihood. NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO BOOK.

Profit From Your Podcast

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Confusing navigation? Yeah, that’s a big no-no in the website world, folks! If you confuse, you lose, and we’re here to make sure you don’t trip over your own website. We’re looking at how to make your navigation bar a breeze, not a maze. I mean, we all want visitors to know exactly what to do when they land on our site, right? Let’s chat about the do's and don'ts of website navigation, share some witty banter, and maybe even throw in a few tips that’ll have your audience clicking like crazy.

Takeaways:

• Confusing navigation bars will definitely lead to losing visitors faster than you can say 'where am I?'
• When you start your website, ask yourself what you want people to do first, it's crucial!
• Keep your top navigation simple, too many links make it a confusing maze for visitors.
• Your hero image should be eye-catching but not so huge that it overshadows your content!
• Featured episodes can help guide new visitors to your best stuff without overwhelming them.
• Always think about what action you want your visitors to take while browsing your site.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podpage.com
• nosyaf.com
• podcastwebsitetips.com
• powerofpodcasting.com
• SEO Browser Extension Video
• November SEO 101 Meetup

Five SEO Extentions

Detailed SEO Extention

Keyword Surfer Extention

Ahrefs SEO Toolbar Extention

Keywords Everywhere (not free)

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Hey everyone, Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I sat down with Jim McLeod, the mind behind the book The Visual Marketer: The Marketer’s Crash Course for Creating Memorable and Effective Visuals. We dove deep into what it takes to build not just a brand, but a truly standout visual brand for your podcast or business.

Here’s what you’ll learn today:

• Why your brand is much more than just your logo. Jim breaks down the misconception that your brand is simply your logo — it’s every interaction people have with your business.
• How to think about your logo and colors. We chat about why starting your logo design in black and white is so important, and how to pick colors that mean something to your audience (and why blue is so common in tech, for example).
• Choosing colors that help you stand out. Jim shares how owning a color, like T-Mobile’s magenta or Home Depot’s orange, can boost your recognition. He even discusses surprising meanings behind colors like red, blue, green, and neon, and how international audiences might interpret them differently.
• Survey and analytics tips. I ask Jim for his best practices on getting meaningful feedback from your audience — including the need to pair survey responses with real analytics, since what people say and what they do can be totally different.
• The power of faces and typography. YouTube thumbnails (and all digital artwork) can benefit from bold faces and bold type — but you do have to strike the right balance based on whether you’re the brand or the topic is the draw.
• Common design mistakes. We tackle the issue of not leaving enough white space, and why consistency with your fonts, colors, and layouts is absolutely essential for quick brand recognition.
• How to research your competition and carve your niche. Jim recommends creating Pinterest boards or swipe files to study what others are doing — and then finding your spot in the “white space” to stand out, without looking totally out of place in your market.
• Using AI for visual design and prompts. Jim gives his take on trusting AI-generated color palettes and how to create consistent visuals even when you’re using tools like ChatGPT or Canva.

Plus, we touch on classic rivalries (Coke vs. Pepsi, Marvel vs. DC, Red Sox vs. Yankees) and how even your color choice can put you side-by-side — or directly opposite — your biggest competitors.

Shout-outs in this episode to Stephanie Graham (for the neon color question!) and Zita Christian (for the story on Tiffany blue and copyright — wild stuff).

Here is the video version.

More From Jim Macleod

Check out Jim’s book at visualmarketer.co and subscribe to his newsletter at MarketingByDesignKit.com.

Next Month: Matt Diamante

Coming up next month: I’m thrilled to welcome Matt Diamante of heytony.ca to talk simple, actionable SEO tips for podcasters and creators! Check out his YouTube Channel.

Register for SEO 101 HERE

And don’t forget — if you haven’t tried Podpage yet, get your 14-day free trial here.

Thanks for listening — keep building that brand and I’ll catch you in the next episode!

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Get Proven Ideas From Google For Your Podcast

Let’s kick things off with some nifty tips on how to boost your podcast website! First up, we talked about a super easy way to find content ideas that actually rank well in search engines. Spoiler alert: it involves a little visit to Google. Yep, just type in your keyword and watch the magic happen. You’ll find all sorts of related terms popping up, which can spark some killer blog post ideas. We even dove into the ‘People Also Ask’ section—trust me, it’s a goldmine for understanding what folks are curious about. Why not weave those questions into your content? It’s like having a cheat sheet for what your audience wants to know!

Free Tool For Email Lists and SO MUCH MORE

Then we switched gears to discuss a fab tool for managing your podcast emails. If you haven't met Systeme IO yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s this all-in-one platform that’s not just about emails but also about building your community and selling courses. The free plan is quite generous, and you don’t have to worry about those pesky fees eating away at your profits. I mean, who doesn’t love a good deal, right? Oh, and if you’re looking to embed cool stuff on your PodPage, we’ve got the scoop on how to do that without breaking a sweat.

Customer Spotlight: Mark King

Lastly, we showcased our first customer spotlight—Mark King from the Impact Investing Roadshow podcast. Mark shared his journey from WordPress frustrations (you know the drill, right?) to the smooth sailing he’s experiencing with PodPage. His insights on how the platform has simplified guest management are pure gold. We wrapped up with a nifty new feature on PodPage that lets you showcase categories right on your homepage. It’s all about making it easier for your listeners to find what they love. So, whether you’re a podcasting newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with juicy tidbits to help you thrive online!

Free QR Maker For Your Website and Marketing

We are all well aware of what a QR code is thanks to our old friend Covid, but how do you make one. Here are the steps:

1. Go to your website using the Chrome browser
2. Right click on the site
3. Click on "Create QR Code for this Website"
4. Downloads the image or copy and paste it into youe documents

If you want one that is more customizable (and does a whole lot more) check out Switchy (aff link)

Takeaways:

• We talked about a super cool free way to get content ideas that actually rank well.
• Google is your best buddy when you need to know what people are searching for, seriously!
• We learned that using categories on your podcast page can really boost listener engagement and website traffic.
• Mark King shared his journey from WordPress chaos to PodPage bliss and why it matters.
• Embedding forms or playlists on your site can really enhance your podcast's interaction with fans.
• The new updates to the category feature on PodPage helps keep your audience glued to your content, and that's what we want!

Links referenced in this episode:

• impactinvestingroadshow.com
• podpage.com
• powerofpodcasting.com
• Systeme.io (aff link)
• Preview your site at www.podpage.com/preview
• Adding Categories to your front page video https://youtu.be/tT_sX1PeaF0
• Switchy Link Shortener and so much more (QR Codes with Stats!)

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This is a replay of the Podpage monthly meetup where we dig into the nitty-gritty of pitching your podcast, this episode is all about making sure you don’t just have a cool show, but you can actually tell people about it without sounding like a deer in headlights. We kick things off with some solid advice on how to craft an elevator pitch that doesn’t make you want to hide under a rock. You’ll learn that it’s all about knowing who your podcast is for, what it’s about, and how it benefits your listeners. Think of it as your podcast’s first impression, and we all know how important those are!

As we chat, we sprinkle in some real-world examples, and trust me, you’ll want to pay attention here! Whether you’re at a conference or just chatting with a friend, having that quick pitch ready to roll is crucial. We even throw in some fun anecdotes about making your podcast stand out in a sea of others. And don’t worry, we keep it light with some playful banter because who says learning has to be boring? By the end of this episode, you’ll be armed with the tools to confidently share your podcast and hook potential listeners like a pro!

So, if you’re ready to elevate your podcast game and get those listeners flocking to your show, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll help you go from mumbling about your podcast to delivering a killer pitch that leaves everyone wanting to know more!

Takeaways:

• Pitching your podcast is essential, so have your elevator pitch ready to go.
• Your podcast description should explain the benefits for listeners clearly and concisely.
• Keep your pitch simple and avoid jargon; make it easy for anyone to understand.
• Focus on the unique aspects of your show that make it different from others.
• Engage your audience by highlighting what they can gain by listening to your podcast.
• Practice your pitch until you can deliver it confidently and naturally.

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If you wanna be found in AI search, you gotta get your content game on point! We’re diving into some super simple tips that’ll help your website catch the eyes of those AI tools, not just Google and Bing.

We’ll chat about making your writing direct and conversational—no one’s got time for fluff, right? Plus, we’ll throw in the magic of using proper headings and a nifty TLDR at the start of your articles to keep things snappy. So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s make sure your podcast website shines in the world of AI search!

Takeaways:

• Getting found in AI search requires content that is direct and conversational, so keep it friendly!
• Including a TLDR section at the top of your articles can really help AI understand your content better.
• Make sure to use proper heading structures like H1, H2, and H3 for better SEO results!
• Claiming your Google Business Profile can boost your authority and help with AI search visibility.
• Using credible sources and expert quotes in your content can enhance your credibility and SEO ranking.
• To get noticed by Google, aim for at least 600 words in your episode descriptions, it’s worth it!

Links referenced in this episode:

• Matt Diggity Video on Ranking in AI Search
• Monthly Meetup on Audience Surveys
• askthepodcastcoach.com/live
• podcastwebsitetips.com
• podpage.com/preview
• powerofpodcasting.com
• School of Podcasting

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What is the Google 7-11-4 Rule?

Alright, folks! Today we’re diving into the wild world of the 7-11-4 rule—yep, that’s seven hours, eleven touch points, and four platforms. Sounds like a secret menu item, right? But seriously, this rule is the key to building trust with your audience before they whip out their wallets.

We’ll break down how to keep your listeners engaged and coming back for more, whether it’s through podcasts, blogs, or social media. And hey, if you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into the void, we’ve got some tips to help you shine bright across all the right channels. So, buckle up, because we’re about to make your podcasting game way stronger!

Most tools relate it to the book Winning the Zero Moment of Truth.

Tracy Johnson Triple Threat Filter

Getting guests on your podcast? Let’s level it up with the triple threat filter! We chat with Tracy Johnson, an old radio pro, share how to choose the perfect guest.

First off, familiarity is key; the more well-known they are, the better your chances of snagging listeners. But wait, it’s not just about fame.

Your guest also needs to be relevant to your audience. If nobody cares about them, you might as well talk to your houseplant! L

astly, we dive into the importance of having an entertaining guest. Are they interesting? Can they tell a story that keeps your audience hooked?

Check out Tracy's book: Mic Drop Moments: The Playbook For Unforgettable Guest Interviews

Podpage's Guest Workflow and Benefits

We also share how PodPage can help streamline your guest workflow, making it super easy to manage your guests’ info and boost your podcast’s visibility. By the end of this episode, you’ll have all the tools you need to attract amazing guests and keep your audience coming back for more. Let’s get to it!

Takeaways:

• In the podcast world, people spend about seven hours engaging with content before they buy anything.
• The 7114 rule is essential for marketing, involving seven hours of content, eleven touch points, and four platforms.
• To build trust, your audience should meet your brand across at least four different channels over time.
• Creating diverse content helps engage listeners better and builds a loyal audience over time.

Mentioned In This Episode

Mic Drop Moments: The Playbook For Unforgettable Guest Interviews

Winning the Zero Moment of Truth.

School of Podcasting

Full Interview with Tracy Johnson on the School of Podcasting

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Today, we're diving into some awesome ways to jazz up your website! We’re chatting about nifty tools that can help you add features, like a super handy events calendar. Plus, we’ll throw in some solid advice on picking the perfect guest for your podcast—because let’s be real, if you’re not excited about your guest, why even bother? We’ll spill the tea on redirects, too, so you don’t lose your precious SEO when changing your site around. So, grab your headphones and let’s make your podcast website shine!

Building a killer podcast website doesn’t have to require a PhD in coding. Today, we’re diving into the magical land of website tools that will make your life easier and your site way cooler. Ever thought about adding an events calendar to your page? Yeah, me too! I stumbled upon this nifty tool called Elfsight that lets you whip up an events calendar faster than you can say ‘podcast launch’. It’s perfect for keeping your audience in the loop about all the fun stuff happening in your podcasting world. And guess what? You can even customize it without touching a single line of code. Just grab some code from Elfsight, paste it into your PodPage, and boom! You’ve got an events calendar that updates automatically. Talk about a time saver! Plus, if you’re on a budget, there’s a free plan to help you kick the tires. Oh, and if you’re all about making those podcast connections, we also chat about how to pick the right guests for your show. Spoiler alert: if you’re not feeling that ‘YES!’ vibe when you see a potential guest, it’s probably a no. Remember, your podcast deserves energy and excitement!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discussed tools that enhance podcast websites, including an events calendar feature.
• The significance of redirecting domain names was emphasized to preserve SEO and audience accessibility.
• Effective guest selection for podcasts requires enthusiasm; any hesitation should lead to reconsideration.
• We highlighted the benefits of PodPage's affiliate program, which offers commissions for referrals.
• Listeners were encouraged to utilize audience surveys within PodPage to gain valuable insights and improve engagement.
• A reminder was given about our upcoming meetup focusing on audience listener surveys and Q&A sessions.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podpage.com
• podpage.com/affiliates
• akronpodcast.com
• Elfsight
• Redirect.pizza
• Monthly Meetup - Using Audience Surveys
• powerofpodcasting.com

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The principal theme of our discussion revolves around the best practices in podcasting, as articulated through an extensive survey conducted with 1,600 podcasters.

Alex was looking for the reasons behind the high attrition rate among novice podcasters, particularly those quitting before seven episodes.

We talk about the critical aspects of podcasting, including design, content creation, search engine optimization, and monetization strategies. The goal is to furnish both seasoned professionals and newbies with actionable insights that can enhance their podcasting experience and foster greater audience engagement.

So we talk best practices of getting started, being booked as guests, and finding your community.

Takeaways:

• The podcasting landscape continuously evolves, and understanding best practices is paramount for success.
• Self-discipline and self-care emerged as crucial factors influencing the longevity of podcasters' careers.
• Engaging with listener feedback can significantly enhance the quality and relevance of podcast content.
• Creating a cohesive podcast network fosters community and provides recognition for podcasters' efforts.
• Effective outreach strategies are essential for podcasters seeking to expand their audience and opportunities.
• Podmatch serves as a valuable resource for podcasters to connect and collaborate, enhancing their visibility and growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podpage.com
• mediakit.podpage.com
• podpage.com/affiliates
• podmatch.com
• podmatch.com/network
• schoolofpodcasting.com
• Dave Interviews Jesus

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If you want people to stick around and take action on your website, you’ve got to make it easy for them. In this episode, we break down the common friction points that stop visitors in their tracks—and how to fix them. I’ll share three powerful tools to help you keep your SEO strong, start monetizing, and customize your site without a lot of tech headaches. Plus, we’ll talk about the language you use on your site and how simple changes can lead to better engagement. If you’re looking to turn your website into a place where visitors connect, click, and come back for more, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Website engagement can be significantly hindered by unnecessary friction between the visitor and the desired action.
• Ensuring that contact information is easily accessible on your website is essential for visitor engagement.
• Using tools like Redirect Pizza can help preserve SEO when transitioning between domains.
• Effective communication with your audience often requires simplifying the navigation paths on your website.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastwebsitetips.com
• redirectpizza.com
• akronpodcast.com
• elfsight.com
• powerofpodcasting.com

Mentioned in this episode:

See What Your Show Looks Like on Podpage

Go to podpage.com/preview and enter your name (or RSS Feed) and get a preview of how great your show would look like on Podpage. Start your 14-day Free Trial today.

Podpage Preview

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