If you’re serious about podcasting, you’ll end up with countless media files that you need to share with your audience. Many people prefer to create their own websites so they can share and host all these media files. However, the only problem is that most website hosts don’t provide the bandwidth capabilities and storage options that the large video and audio files require. If you host your own website, you could be risking your credibility and professionalism.
A website that isn’t well equipped could result in slow load times and sometimes page crashes, which would compromise your user experience. Your best bet is to use a podcast hosting platform to share your podcasts with your audience.
Podcast hosting platforms offer enough space for file storage for as long as you need. Most of them will even help you with marketing, making your show more discoverable. Some of these sites can be quite costly though, which is why we’re here to tell you how you can find an affordable podcast hosting platform.
Compare Platforms
You can use comparison websites to help you compare between potential podcast hosting platforms. There are many articles that provide thorough comparisons between the top podcast hosting sites. Make sure to read the description of each website, as well as the features it offers. This way, you’ll know the value you’d be receiving for the price you’re willing to pay. Many cheap platforms are not easy to use and lack core settings and options. This is why it’s important to consider the features that you need the platform to provide, the ones that you’d like to have, and the features you could do without. Don’t pay more money for extra frivolous options that you probably won’t utilize. For example, extra storage space can cost a lot more, which is why you don’t want to waste money on features you won’t be needing, at least for the time being. Instead, make sure to choose a platform that provides the necessary features and make sure that it has higher packages or upgrade options. This way, when your podcast grows and you need more features, you won’t need to change your podcast host.
Special Offers
Did you know that some platforms have special offers that you can receive upon payment or growth? For example, some platforms offer a budgeted gift card with each payment you make. You may be able to extend your free trial on some platforms by using a special link or code. Other platforms give you amazing offers, such as the ability to use custom tools, a tiny extra charge for unlimited or plenty of additional storage space, or access to exclusive partnerships, sponsorships, and networks, when you reach a certain number of downloads. Make sure to find out all the benefits and special offers that potential platforms have to offer. You may even come across a platform that offers amazing special offers for nearly the same price you were going to invest in a different website.
Promo Codes
Promo codes are an excellent way to get reduced deals on your selected podcast hosting platforms. This way, you can unlock more options for the same price you were initially paying. You may be surprised to learn that some podcast promo codes may even allow you to upload your podcasts without paying a monthly fee on a few select platforms for a certain period of time. What’s better than a free month of service on a credible, easy-to-use, and fully equipped podcast hosting platform? You can use this opportunity to test drive several features and find out whether they’re worth the extra bucks.
Free Trials
If you can’t find a promo code for your desired platform, the chances are that it offers a 7 to 30-day free trial period on a few or all of its services. If you’re willing to take some time to experiment before your show goes online, you can try several hosting platforms. This way, by the time things get serious, you will have already committed to a platform. Free trials help you find out if you feel comfortable using a platform if it offers an outstanding user experience, and whether it provides all the features you need to take your podcast to the next level.
Monetization
Although this isn’t a tactic that helps you get discounts or offers on your desired podcast hosting platforms, it does help you to quickly recover the money you’ve invested in making podcasts. We’re sure you started podcasting because it’s something that you’re passionate about. However, it sure doesn’t hurt to consider the future (and your current expenses) and figure out a way to make money from your podcasts. Besides, what is better than making a living out of something that you love?
Monetizing a podcast is a relatively new concept. This is why there is no solid technique that helps you make it work, and it’s also, particularly why so many hosting sites are still experimenting with the best methods to help their users benefit from the monetization of their podcasts.
When you’re comparing possible options, make sure to look at each platform’s premium subscription capacities. You also need to find out whether your podcast hosting platform offers beneficial educational resources to help you manage and market your new venture. These features can help you uncover new ways in which you can make money off your show. It also helps to conduct thorough research and read plenty of articles on topics, such as using your podcast to cross-promote other organizations, securing sponsors, and self-marketing. Not only will successful monetization techniques help you break even with your expenses, but you’ll also have enough money to unlock all the features you desire in no time.
Each podcast hosting platform offers a different set of features and benefits for its users at a unique price. This makes it very hard to choose the best platform for your needs without breaking the bank. This is why many people cut it short and build their own websites to upload their shows on.
Unfortunately, while it may be more convenient and a lot cheaper, website hosting platforms aren’t equipped to support the needs of podcast shows. Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can find an affordable podcast hosting platform that helps your show grow.
About the Author
Robert Turner is an experienced writer who is passionate about creating content that connects brands with their target audience and helps companies increase awareness and realize measurable results.
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