It’s about time you start that new podcast you’ve always wanted to launch.
Podcasting is a great way to repurpose existing blog content, show-off your prowess in a particular area, and build an engaged audience. Even if you’re selling dog biscuits, you should be thinking like a big media brand. Gary was right when he mulled over that idea two years ago. With all of the social media platforms available today, and podcasting rising in popularity, it only makes sense to start producing more rich-media content.
Lucky for us, WordPress is a great way to start a podcast!
Podcast plugins for WordPress
I’ll just say right now, there’s a bunch of podcasting plugins on the market, and this list doesn’t attempt to showcase all of them. These are some that I’ve used in the past, and continue to use for this website and The Matt Report podcast.
Blubrry PowerPress plugin
This is my preferred choice right now. I use it for the podcast hosted on this site, and at Matt Report. I will admit, it’s not the easiest to configure, and had me stumped for quite a while. I did, however, end up signing on to their premium plan for hosting my media files, while also receiving more in-depth analytics of the show’s performance. Their e-mail support has been excellent.
If you’re looking for a plugin that will have all the bells and whistles, but may require a pilot’s license to use, checkout the PowerPress plugin.
Seriously Simple Podcasting
This plugin jumped on my radar when it first landed in the repo. I tried it out, at the time for PluggedIn Radio, but it was just too simple for my needs. Plus, I was looking to consolidate my podcasting management, and I was already married to PowerPress.
Recently, the plugin was acquired by Craig Hewitt, founder of Podcast Motor, a podcasting service company. I’m excited to see where he takes this plugin, and how he integrates it with his service offering. If too many options frighten you, I’d give this plugin my vote.
Libsyn podcast plugin
Libsyn, the podcast home to celebrities. This is where the best-of-the-best host their podcasts. It’s been around the longest, and has the most affordable startup rate for podcasters. I haven’t used the service, but I know many of my peers that do. “Nobody ever got fired for choosing IBM.”
Podlove Podcast Publisher
Alright, I know I said I was only making a list of plugins I’ve tried, but I lied.
I haven’t tried this plugin yet, but it does look promising. I have a few more podcasts in me, and maybe I’ll give it a whirl when it comes time to launch the next one.
It’s presented to be a self-hosted solution, which could be a big drain on your hosting budget, depending on the size of your audience, but powerful if you’re on a budget. It’s chock full of the all the wonderful stats and graphs us podcasters love to get lost in.
If you’re planning on self hosting your podcast, check this out!
AudioIgniter
Here’s my last wild-card plugin, AudioIgniter. This would be another self-hosted solution, with a real slick user interface. I’d say it’s great for hosting any audio files on your site, especially those of you running a membership site. On the flip-side, you can sync Soundcloud with their premium offering of the plugin, which is great if you don’t want to get caught up in the libsyn or Blubrry hosting costs. Checkout my tutorial on AudioIgniter.
You bet, Craig, keep up the (new) good work!