Navigating the digital landscape of podcasting requires more than just compelling content; it also necessitates a well-maintained website. Broken links can significantly undermine a podcast's credibility and SEO performance. Today I cover the crucial issue of broken links, using his nearly two-decade experience in podcasting as a backdrop. I discuss the frustrating experience of encountering 404 errors, which frustrate potential listeners and reflect poorly on the podcaster's commitment to maintaining their online presence. This episode emphasizes the importance of regularly auditing your website for broken links, as neglecting this can lead to increased bounce rates and decreased search engine rankings.
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I give you actionable advice on utilizing free link checker tools to identify and rectify these errors. I share my experience with a particular tool, revealing a disheartening number of broken links on his site. However, he also highlights the positive aspect of easily fixing these issues through a user-friendly interface. Podcasters can enhance their brand reputation by prioritizing link maintenance, improving user experience, and driving more traffic to their shows. This episode serves as a wake-up call for podcasters to take charge of their web presence and ensure their digital footprint is as polished as their audio content.
As someone who has published content on the Internet, one of my biggest issues is companies I talked to twenty years ago have gone out of business. The other one is fat fingers :)
Listen to Your Podcast Website: Podcast Website Tips
Sitechecker Pro Free Link Checker (as it's part of the 14-day trial)
Mentioned in this episode:
We Make Good Podcasts BETTER! - PodcastHotSeat.com
Ready to take your show to the next level? Check out Podcast Hot Seat. You provide an episode, and I listen to the whole thing. I then point out what you're doing right and identify anything that needs polish. I also review your website and ensure you're not missing any low-hanging fruit. You also get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including unlimited coaching). It's time to hop into the hot seat and get your podcast growing!
Bounce rate is a measurement used in SEO to measure engagement on your website. Depending on the type of website, it can be REALLY important, or you may decide not to sweat it.
It is calculated by dividing the number of single-page sessions (bounces) by the total sessions and shown as a percentage. For example, if 500 out of 1,000 visitors leave after viewing just one page, the bounce rate would be 50%. YAY MATH!
Bounce rate significance depends on the page type and its goals. A high bounce rate on a customer service page may be fine if users quickly find what they need. However, a high bounce rate on a landing page meant to convert visitors could signal issues like poor content or mismatched expectations.
Well, as I stated above, "Good" is relative. Generally, a good bounce rate is around 40% or lower, while rates above 55% may warrant further investigation.
Listen to Your Podcast Website: Podcast Website Tips
Link Whisperer - WordPress plugin for cross-linking
Fathom Easy-to-Understand Website Stats
Sources:
If you're new to the show I recently switched job from Libsyn to Podpage. One of the things I will be doing for my role at Podpage will be to do a podcast about Podcast Websites with Podpage as the Sponsor. If this sounds very familiar to this show, then you're on the same page as I am.
So not much will change going forward, the name and artwork and maybe the website. I'll keep you informed, but if you've been wondering where new episodes have been, now you know.
Thanks so much.
Mentioned in this episode:
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If you're tried of trying to force a podcast website into Squarespace, or Wix and you've had it up to here with the endless plugin and theme updates of WordPress then you need to check out TryPodpage.com you can build a podcast website in 10 minutes or less without having to learn a bunch of coding. Worried about a learning curve, check out the free course at www.learnpodpage.com
We all come up with episode titles (which end up on our website). Today, we are talking about how to maximize those titles for maximum impact.
You've poured your heart and soul into creating amazing podcast content, but are you giving your episode titles the attention they deserve? Let's face it: Crafting compelling titles is an art form that can make or break your podcast's success. In many cases, it's the next to last thing we do in our episode process. In today's digital landscape, where listeners are bombarded with endless options, your episode titles must work overtime to grab attention and entice clicks.
Your episode title is the first impression you make on potential listeners. It's your chance to stand out in a sea of content and convince someone to press play. But here's the kicker: a great title isn't just about attracting listeners – it's also crucial for search engine optimization (SEO) on your podcast website.
Think of your episode title as a double agent. On one hand, it's working to captivate human eyes and ears. On the other hand, it sends signals to search engines about what your content is all about. By mastering the art of title creation, you're setting yourself up for success on both fronts.
When it comes to SEO, the placement of your keywords matters. Search engines give more weight to words that appear early in your title. So, instead of burying your main topic at the end, could you bring it to the forefront?
For example, instead of "Episode 16: An Interview with Marketing Guru Jane Smith," try "Marketing Strategies Unveiled: Jane Smith Shares Industry Secrets."
Pro tip: While keyword placement is important, don't sacrifice readability or natural language. Your title should still make sense and appeal to human readers first.
Certain words and phrases have a knack for grabbing attention and sparking curiosity. Incorporate power words and modifiers to give your titles extra oomph:
1. Prioritize Keywords
- Place your main keywords at the beginning of the title for maximum SEO impact.
2. Leverage Power Words
- Incorporate attention-grabbing words like "best," "ultimate," and "proven" to make your titles more compelling.
3. Solve a Problem or Promise Value
- Clearly communicate the benefit listeners will gain from tuning in to your episode.
4. Keep it Concise
- Aim for titles under 60 characters to ensure full visibility across platforms. (per backlinko)
Bonus Tip: Harness the Power of Questions
- Use the actual question your episode answers as the title for improved searchability.
Listen to Your Podcast Website: Podcast Website Tips
Today I look at using subdomains (this.website.com) for your podcast.
A subdomain is something like tv.apple.com where TV is the subdomain.
You have a topic that doesn't mesh with your brand on your main website.
Your workflow prohibits you from adding it to your main website.
If you've had your main website and don't want to have to redirect the old site to look at the subdomain.
Quit answer is no. They do treat them like a separate website.
With this in mind backlinks to the subdomain don't necessarily boost the SEO of the main website. (Neil Patel said that 90% of the SEO will flow into the main website).
You want to lessen the number of distractions on your site, so you put your podcast in a subdomain. This way the main website is all about converting your sails.
Make your subdomain and main site look very similar so the visitor doesn't get confused.
Listen to Your Podcast Website: Podcast Website Tips
Google saying subdomains are OK