Which Podcast Platform is Best? Podcast Hosting Platforms Vs Podcast Streaming Directories: Resea...

Which Podcast Platform is Best? Podcast Hosting Platforms Vs Podcast Streaming Directories: Research Explained with Favour Obasi-Ike (https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/discovery-see-all/?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=favourobasiike)  | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights (https://workandplayentertainment.myflodesk.com/seo-marketing-strategy-zoom-call) . This podcast episode provides a comprehensive discussion on starting and growing a podcast, focusing heavily on the selection of the best podcasting platform. A key distinction is made between podcast hosting platforms (like Spotify for Creators, formerly Anchor.fm) (https://creators.spotify.com) and podcast listening platforms (such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), emphasizing that a host distributes content via an RSS feed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS)  to multiple directories. Our conversation underscores that podcasting should be conversation-first, not monetization-first, and advises beginners to start for free to minimize initial costs. Practical advice is offered on SEO for podcasts, including the importance of consistent episode releases, with statistics showing that many podcasters quit early, and also highlights the benefit of choosing an IAB-compliant host (https://iabtechlab.com/compliance-programs/compliant-companies/#podcast-compliance)  for future monetization opportunities through advertising networks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services: ＞＞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://calendly.com/flaevbeatz/marketing-strategy-zoom-call) ＞＞ Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services. (https://www.playinc.online/) ＞＞ Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today! (https://www.playinc.online/) ＞＞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://workandplayentertainment.myflodesk.com/seo-marketing-strategy-zoom-call) ＞＞ Read SEO Articles (https://www.playinc.online/newsfeed) ＞＞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://calendly.com/flaevbeatz/marketing-strategy-zoom-call) ＞＞ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://wedontplaypodcast.com/) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Surprising Podcasting Truths That Will Save You Time and Money The appeal of starting a podcast has never been stronger. With just a microphone and an idea, it seems you can reach a global audience, build a community, and create a thriving brand. This allure draws thousands of aspiring creators to the medium, all asking the same questions: "How do I start? Which platform is best? How do I make money?" But the common wisdom surrounding podcasting is often a minefield of misleading advice and expensive pitfalls. The path to a successful, sustainable show is paved with counter-intuitive truths that most creators learn the hard way. The reality is that podcasting is less about instant fame and fortune and more about a long-term commitment to a very specific craft. This article will save you time, money, and frustration. We've distilled the most surprising and impactful lessons learned from podcasting experts into four foundational takeaways. Understanding these truths from day one will give you a realistic roadmap and a significant advantage over the thousands who quit before they ever find their voice. 1. It’s a Conversation, Not a Cash Machine The most common mistake new podcasters make is focusing on monetization from day one. They get caught up in finding ad sponsors and driving transactions before they've even built an audience. The primary purpose of a podcast, especially in its early stages, must be conversation. When you have a conversation with someone, you don't expect a monetary transaction afterward; you expect an exchange of value. In podcasting, that value is trust, thought leadership, and a genuine relationship with your listeners—all earned over time. Trying to monetize too early feels transactional and inauthentic, pushing potential listeners away before they have a chance to connect. As one expert puts it, the focus must be on the relationship first. "if you start a podcast to run ads or to monetize, you you're actually better off starting a business than starting a podcast to monetize." This "conversation first" approach is far more sustainable. It allows you to...