The Link Building Benefits of Podcasting
Consider podcasting if you want a new, effective way to build links. Podcasting is an effective tool for networking and growing a network of contacts.
It can be beneficial in advancing conversations and making influential connections. Besides, it can help you build relationships, connect with influencers, and generate leads from your own podcast. Read on to understand more about the advantages of podcasts in link building.
Contents
What is Link Building?
Link building is acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your website. It is essential for SEO because it helps search engines crawl and index the web. A website with more high-quality and relevant links will likely rank higher in SERPs than one without.
If you are interested in an in depth guide to link building, be sure to check out the link for more information.
You can achieve link building through various methods, such as creating high-quality content that others will naturally link to, reaching out to other websites to request links, participating in guest blogging or article submission, podcast hosts, and listing your website in relevant directories.
What is a Podcast?
Podcasts are an accessible form of media available to download over the internet. They allow users to listen to audio files covering various topics, such as news, entertainment, and education – often free.
Individuals, organisations, or media companies can host them, and they are often released regularly. Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular for individuals to access information and entertainment online.
How to Start a Podcast
Starting a podcast host requires attention to detail and focus on the necessary steps. But, with a structured approach and focus on consistency, you can create a successful podcast. To get started, here are the steps you can take:
Define your podcast concept
Selecting a topic you feel passionate about and one with expertise in is essential for a podcast episode. Look for gaps in the market where you can offer a unique perspective or provide valuable insights not already covered by existing podcasts.
Choose your podcast format
There are different podcast formats. Decide which design aligns with your concept and aligns with your strengths, plus current blog post on your website.
Plan your episodes
Create a list of topics and plan your episode structure, including length, segments, and any necessary scripts.
Choose your equipment
Invest in quality podcasting equipment such as a microphone, headphones, and recording software.
Record and edit your episodes
Record your episodes and edit them to remove any mistakes or unnecessary sections. Add your intro/outro, music, and any other sound effects to your episodes.
Host your podcast
Choose a podcast hosting platform, such as Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or Podbean, and upload your episodes.
Publish and promote your podcast
Submit your podcast page to popular directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts for maximum audience exposure. Maximise reach by utilising social media outlets, your website, and other relevant platforms.
How to Use Podcasts for Link Building
Relevant podcasts can effectively build links to your website but require a strategic approach. Here are some ways you can use podcast backlinks for link-building:
Guest interviews
Invite industry experts and influencers to be guests on your podcast. When they share the episode on their website or social media, they can link back to your website, boosting your website’s authority and search engine rankings.
Cross-promotion
Through cross-promotion on each other’s websites and social media platforms, both podcasts will benefit from increased visibility with potential listeners. It can help you reach new audiences and build backlinks, which can be highly beneficial for your podcast.
Content repurposing
Maximise the potential of your podcast content by converting it into multiple formats. Creating blog posts, infographics, and videos from the same material helps drive more traffic and engage with a broader audience with search engine optimization in mind.
Ensure your materials are accessible across different platforms, such as your website and social media accounts. It can attract new backlinks and increase the visibility of your podcast.
Show notes
Producing thorough show notes for each episode is an essential part of podcasting. Taking the time to complete these notes will ensure that your listeners have relevant information at their fingertips. It can provide additional value to your listeners and attract backlinks.
Podcast directories
Submit your podcast to podcast directories like Apple, Google, and Spotify. It can increase the visibility of your podcast and provide additional backlinks on search engine results page.
The Link Building Benefits of Podcasting
Podcasting can offer several benefits when it comes to link building. Here are some of the ways that podcasting can help you build links:
Podcast Guest interviews
Inviting industry experts or influencers to be guests on your podcast can provide opportunities to build relationships and earn backlinks, plus quality organic traffic.
When guests share their appearances on your podcast on their website or social media, they can link back to your podcast website, which can help increase your website’s authority and rankings.
Content repurposing
Repurposing your podcast content into blog posts, videos, and other forms of content can provide additional opportunities for earning backlinks. Sharing your repurposed content on your website and social media can attract backlinks from other websites that find your content valuable.
Show notes
Creating detailed show notes for each episode on your podcast website can provide a valuable resource for your listeners and attract backlinks.
Show notes can include links to relevant resources, social media profiles, and other podcasts, encouraging other websites to link to your podcast.
Podcast directories
Submitting your podcast to popular directories like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify can increase your visibility and attract backlinks. When other websites reference or share your podcast, they may link to it on these directories.
Cross-promotion
Collaborating with other podcasters in your niche and cross-promoting each other’s podcasts can help you reach new audiences and earn backlinks.
When you appear on other podcasts or share episodes on your website and social media, it can attract quality backlinks from other websites in your podcast pages.
Adverse Effects of Podcasting on Link Building
While podcasting can be an effective tool for link-building, it’s essential to consider potential adverse effects and develop a strategy that balances podcasting with other link-building tactics. They include
Ineffective targeting
You need to target your podcast topics and guest appearances to your niche or target audience so that your link-building efforts may be practical. It can result in low engagement and few backlinks, leading to better use of time and resources.
Over-reliance on podcasting
Relying solely on podcasting for link-building can limit your opportunities and neglect other effective link-building strategies. It’s essential to have a diverse link-building process that includes other tactics such as guest blogging, influencer outreach, and social media marketing.
Inconsistent podcasting schedule
Inconsistent podcasting can lead to a loss of engagement and interest from your audience, impacting your ability to attract backlinks. Keeping to a regular timetable is an integral part of podcasting. A consistent publishing schedule will help build an engaged and loyal audience while providing valuable content.
Poor audio quality
Poor audio format quality can be a turnoff for listeners and may discourage them from sharing your podcast or linking back to it. Investing in high-quality audio equipment and editing software can improve the overall quality of your podcast and increase its shareability.
Reasons to Build Backlinks for Your Podcast
Improved SEO
Backlinks can be an effective strategy to increase visibility for your website and podcast. Linking from other reputable websites signals with domain authority to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy, benefiting your website’s SEO rankings. It makes it easier for potential listeners to find your podcast.
Increased visibility
Backlinks can also increase your podcast’s visibility and reach a wider audience. When other websites link to your podcast, their readers can discover your content and become new listeners.
Credibility
Backlinks from authoritative websites can improve your podcast’s credibility and reputation in your niche. Having other websites link back to your podcast is an indication of credibility.
It’s a way for readers to recognise the quality content you are producing and recommends your episodes to their followers. Linking from other websites builds trust with potential listeners, which is vital for gaining public engagement and growing your audience.
Networking opportunities
Building backlinks can also lead to networking opportunities within your industry. Collaborating with other podcasters and inviting guests to your show can build relationships leading to future partnerships, collaborations, and guest appearances.
Increased audience engagement
Having other websites link to your podcast content can be a beneficial way of driving more audience engagement. It makes it easier for listeners to discover your podcast and build a community with loyal fans. Furthermore, linking helps to boost your podcast’s visibility and make it more accessible to larger audiences.
How to Make Your Podcast SEO Friendly
Keyword research
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to research keywords related to your podcast topic and include them in your episode titles, podcast description, and show notes.
Optimise your podcast titles and descriptions
Your podcast title and description are essential keys to marketing your show. When promoting your content, accurate and concise titles that include targeted keywords can help significantly improve its visibility.
Applying this principle to your show will give it greater exposure and improve your interview format. Likewise, using descriptive language in your description that makes people want to click and listen is essential.
Use transcription services
Transcribing your podcast episodes can improve accessibility and provide search engines with text to index, increasing the chances of your podcast appearing in search results and attracting more podcast listeners. You can also repurpose transcriptions into blog posts or social media content.
Create show notes
It’s essential to create comprehensive show notes for each episode. These notes should include timestamps, key takeaways, and links or resources mentioned during the episode.
It will help your listeners go back and easily find relevant information and make it easier to share your show with others. Show notes can also improve the user experience and encourage listeners to engage with your content.
Optimise your podcast website
As a podcaster, one of your goals should be to optimise your podcast website for search engines. You can do this by including relevant keywords, optimising page titles and descriptions, and using alt text for images. Improving SEO on your podcast website is a great way to boost visibility among potential listeners.
We have a blog post dedicated to SEO if you are interested in finding out what we can do to help your website rank better in Google, be sure to check out the link for more information.
Encourage reviews and ratings
Reviews and ratings can improve your podcast’s visibility on search engines and increase its credibility. Encourage listeners to leave reviews and ratings on major platforms like Apple and Google Podcasts.
Tools for effective podcasting
There are a variety of tools that can help you create and produce compelling podcasts and offer and effective link-building strategy. Here are some options:
Recording software
For quality recordings, it’s essential to use a quality microphone and recording software. Popular options include Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, and Hindenburg Journalist.
Hosting platforms
When creating a podcast, you’ll need a hosting platform to distribute your show to primary listening services.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a popular hosting platform that offers easy uploading and distribution to all major podcast platforms, detailed analytics, and a user-friendly interface. Plans start at $12/month.
Libsyn
Libsyn is one of the oldest and most popular podcast-hosting platforms. It offers a variety of plans with features such as multiple shows, advanced analytics, and monetisation options. Plans start at $5/month.
Podbean
Podbean is a comprehensive podcast hosting platform that offers unlimited hosting, analytics, monetisation options, and a customisable website. Plans start at $9/month.
Transistor
Transistor offers various hosting plans with features such as analytics, a customisable website, and unlimited shows. Plans start at $19/month.
Simplecast
Simplecast offers a user-friendly platform with features such as distribution, analytics, and a customisable website. Plans start at $15/month.
Editing software
There are several editing software options that you can use for podcast production. They include
Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software popular among podcasters. It allows you to record and edit audio, add effects, and mix multiple tracks.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software that offers advanced features for podcast production, such as noise reduction, audio restoration, and multitrack mixing. It is a paid software but offers a free trial.
Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist is a user-friendly audio editing software for journalists and podcasters. It offers features such as voice profiling and automatic level adjustments.
GarageBand
GarageBand is a free audio editing software for Mac users. It offers a simple interface and basic editing features, making it a good option for beginner podcasters.
Reaper
Reaper is a powerful audio editing software that is highly customisable and offers a wide range of features for podcast production, such as multitrack mixing, editing effects, and MIDI recording. It is a paid software but offers a free trial.
Transcription services
Use transcription services like Temi or Rev to transcribe your podcast episodes, improve accessibility, and repurpose content into blog posts or social media content.
Graphics tools
Use graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop to create eye-catching podcast artwork and promotional materials.
Project management tools
Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to plan and organise your podcast episodes and collaborate with your team.
Guest booking tools
When choosing a guest booking tool for your podcast, consider your needs and the essential features, such as integrations, payment options, and customisation options. Here are some popular guest booking tools for podcasts:
Calendly
With this tool, you can easily create and share your availability with guests, allowing them to select a time that fits their needs. Once the event is set, Calendly automatically adds it to its calendar.
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a scheduling tool that allows you to set up appointment types, customise your booking page, and automate your scheduling process. You can also accept payments through the platform.
ScheduleOnce
ScheduleOnce is a scheduling tool that allows you to create a personalised scheduling page and send invitations to guests. It integrates with a variety of calendar platforms and offers automated reminders.
Doodle
Doodle is a simple scheduling tool that allows you to poll potential meeting times and invite guests to vote on the best time. It is a free tool but also offers premium features.
Book Like a Boss
Book Like a Boss is a booking platform that allows you to set up appointment types, accept payments, and customise your booking page. It also integrates with a variety of other tools.
FAQs
What types of links can I acquire through podcasting?
Through podcasting, you can gain backlinks from guest appearances on other podcasts, links from your guests’ websites or social media profiles, and links from podcast directories and aggregators.
How vital is guest outreach for podcast link building?
Guest outreach is an essential component of podcast link-building. You can expand your reach and connect with other influencers and podcasters in your industry.
How can I measure the success of my podcast link-building efforts?
You can measure the success of your podcast link-building efforts by tracking your website’s search engine rankings, monitoring your website’s referral traffic, and analysing your website’s backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs or Moz.
Summary
Remember, link-building through podcasting is just one aspect of a larger SEO strategy. To maximise the benefits, focus on creating high-quality content that offers value to your listeners and promotes engagement. It can help you build a loyal audience and attract backlinks naturally.
Avoid using black hat tactics or buying backlinks, which can hurt your podcast’s reputation and search engine rankings.