Are you looking to grow your podcast on your own? I wanted to compile a checklist to help you get started on your podcast and how to rank it. Below is a step-by-step outline:

Get your Podcast listed on Itunes

This is the pretty simple part, you have to start your podcast and have it listed on Itunes. Itunes provides its own step-by-step guide to get started. However, if you have been paying attention to my content, I also love Anchor for getting started because they will submit your podcast to Itunes and Google Play for you!

Create an appealing cover

When you get your podcast on Itunes, people will be scrolling to discover you amongst the many options. Create a cover photo that is visually appealing that will help grab listeners’ attention. I recommend using Canva if you don’t have access to graphic design or Photoshop experts.

Create interesting Title/Meta-tags/Descriptions

Just like your cover photo, your title, headings and description will be what the rest of your audience sees. The title should be simple but should convey what your podcast is about. Make sure it says who you are, a few of your topics, how often you broadcast, etc.

Submit your podcast to other directories

With over a billion podcast subscribers, iTunes is the major player when it comes to podcasts. Even so, to reach as many people as possible, you should list your podcast with the podcast directories. Just to name a few:

iPodderX

Podnova

Podfeed.net

PodBean

Podcast Directory

Podcast.com

Podcast Alley

Podcast Pickle

Also, don’t forget apps like Stitcher and of course my favorite, Anchor!

Audio over Video

Trying to decide between audio or video podcasts? Go with audio. I have discussed at length that the value of a podcast is the time arbitrage. 86% of podcasts are listened to via mobile device. Go where the people are. If you do choose video, just make sure you also submit the audio version.

Get Subscribers and Reviews

Start with your power base. The most effective way to rank your podcast in the top 200 is to get a high volume of subscribers and reviews. Asking mom, dad, uncle, cousin and 5 best friends may not get you ranked, but these are the people that will care the most and should gladly give you reviews to get you started. As they say, you have to start somewhere! To put it in marketing speak, reviews are a form of social proof. When we see that other people enjoy something, we believe we’re more likely to enjoy it too.

Use your other funnels

If you already have influence elsewhere, use that power base to jump-start your podcast. Have a blog or email list? This is the best place to start! I explained how I use my extensive email list to boost subscribers daily. Turn your readers and viewers into podcast listeners. In our recent case study, typically it takes 100-200 subscribers in a day to find your podcast on the top 200.

Create a website

If you are going to take hours to record a podcast consistently, you may as well take the time to also have a website. A website can be a resource for your content but most importantly, it gives people another place to find your podcast!

Find People with Influence

This was how I discovered the power of the top 200. If it requires 100-200 daily subscribers to potentially rank your podcast, the best place to do that is find interesting people that already have an audience. This is tricky because these influencers are often very busy and value their time accordingly, so you have to find a way to bring them value. What is their benefit of coming on your podcast?

Have them in mind always and it will help you land great guests. Be prepared with topics and questions! If the podcast goes well, they are more likely to share that podcast to their fans and followers, giving you a chance to get more listeners and subscribers.

Maintain your brand on social networks

Show your audience that you are a real person! Create a Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to connect with listeners. Show them that you are an accessible resource and expert in your niche! It may take some time, but you are starting a podcast to build your brand long term! Think long term here.

If you have done all of this and still are not seeing the results you want, feel free to reach out. I have spent years building email lists and marketing funnels to help people get subscribers and engaged audiences. Just remember, you have to build an audience one way or another, whether that means you do it yourself or work with someone that has already done it. Good luck and happy podcasting!