| How do people find podcasts? There are now thousands of podcasts, with more coming into being every week, so how's the listener to know what's out there? The vast majority of podcast listeners find their podcasts through one of the major directories. Like podcasts themselves, new directories spring up, so don't be afraid to go to Google and look up podcast + directory + listing to find directories that aren't listed here in the book. The first step toward being listed in any of the directories is to make sure that your podcast and your RSS feed are working and are correct (or validated). Most of the directories will test the information you provide; if the feed or the MP3 file don't behave as expected, they will not include your podcast in the directory, and thousands will be deprived of the opportunity to hear your great creation. Make sure that doesn't happen, and have fun getting started with the following directories: iTunes Music Store Podcast Directory https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/publishPodcast This is the new 800-pound gorilla on the block. This is the directory that links straight into iTunes; if you want your podcast seen by the masses, this is the directory to be part of. iPodder.org http://www.ipodder.org/directory/4/podcasts/contribute iPodder.org is one of the largest and most influential podcast sites. The directory is different than those on other sites, though, since you create your own OPML file to describe your site and link it to the other sites contained in the directory. The link given here takes you to the iPodder.org site and lets you get started on the path to learning about OPML (it's not hard) and becoming part of the iPodder.org directory. Podcast Alley http://www.podcastalley.com/add_a_podcast.php Asks for simple information: the name of the podcast, the URL, and a description. They confirm that the link works, and you're in. Podcast Alley is one of the older directories, and is used by many podcast listeners. PodcastingNews.com http://www.podcastingnews.com/topics/Add_Your_Podcast.html A site that has lots of news about podcasts as well as a directory of new podcasts. They ask for the name of your podcast, a description, and the URL of your RSS feed. Podcast.net http://www.podcast.net/addpodcast The directory listing here has more information, so they ask for more data. Show title, host name, homepage and RSS URLs, up to three category designations, description, location, language, adult content classification, and key words (for user to search against), are all requested, and make it easier for listeners to find the podcasts that most interest them. Techpodcasts.com http://www.techpodcasts.com/addons/application/tpn-application.php You "join" Techpodcasts.com, ascribing to their charter, and then providing basic contact info, podcast content and location information, biography, description of the show, and the schedule on which the show is released. Podfeed.net http://www.podfeed.net/add_podcast.asp The basic information of links, description, language, and category. They validate the feed and links, then send an email to let you know you've been listed in the directory. Podnova.com http://www.podnova.com/index_for_podcasters.srf Podnova offers a code generator to build the code behind a button you can add to your site, as well as the ability to let you add your podcast's URL to an engine that will then search and index the results. GigaDial.com http://www.gigadial.com/public/station-ae?station_name= GigaDial allows users to see podcasts and organize them into "channels" that they can build from related podcasts into, say, a comedy channel or a technology channel. It's easy to create an entry, and interesting to use.
These directories should get you started. By the time you get through with the process of being listed in these, there will be more directories, more podcast listeners, and a larger potential audience for the podcast you've created as an Absolute Beginner. The Absolute Minimum Public syndication is how your listeners are able to subscribe to your podcast. With a few simple lines of text, you give them the ability to let their computer keep track of when a new podcast is on your site. An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed tells a piece of software (such as iPodder) where it can find your podcasts. After you've created the RSS feed, make sure your server is safe, secure, and ready to provide your podcast to listeners. The safety and security come down to following basic common-sense rules that apply to any server that's connected to the Internet. Have your podcast listed in the public podcasting directories. Getting your podcast listed in the directory is a simple step that can boost your traffic by leaps and bounds. Make sure your server's prepared, get your listing created, and get ready to join the podcasting community. |
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