Why Limiting Your Podcast’s Reach is a Big Mistake (And How to Fix It)
Here’s the deal: if you’re being selective about what platforms your podcast can be found on, you’re missing the point—and the power—of podcasting. Podcasting isn’t about exclusivity. It’s about ubiquity. It’s about being everywhere your audience might be. And if you’re not embracing that, you’re leaving listeners—and opportunities—on the table. Let’s unpack this.
The Power of Podcasting: Ubiquity
Podcasting is unique. Unlike other forms of media, it’s not tied to a single platform or ecosystem. It’s open. It’s flexible. It’s everywhere. And that’s its superpower. Your audience can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or even their Tesla dashboard. The possibilities are endless. But only if you let them be.
When you limit your podcast to just a few platforms, you’re not just limiting your reach—you’re limiting your impact. You’re telling potential listeners, “Sorry, you can only listen here.” And guess what? They won’t jump through hoops to find you. They’ll just move on. Ouch.
Why Being Everywhere Matters
Here’s why you need to embrace the full power of podcasting and make your show available everywhere:
- Your Audience is Everywhere: Not everyone uses the same platform. Some people are die-hard Spotify fans. Others swear by Apple Podcasts. And some just want to hit play on YouTube. By being everywhere, you meet your audience where they are—not where you want them to be.
- It’s About Convenience: Podcasting is a pull medium, not a push medium. Your audience chooses when, where, and how they listen. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they are to tune in.
- More Platforms = More Discovery: Every platform is a potential discovery channel. The more places your podcast is available, the more chances you have to attract new listeners.
- It Future-Proofs Your Podcast: Platforms rise and fall. Remember when everyone thought Stitcher was the future? Or when Google Play Podcasts was the next big thing? By being everywhere, you’re not tied to the fate of a single platform. You’re adaptable. You’re resilient.
Common Excuses (And Why They Don’t Hold Up)
Let’s address some of the common excuses for being selective about platforms:
- “I only want to be on the big platforms.” Sure, Apple and Spotify are huge. But what about the niche platforms where your ideal audience might be hanging out? Ignoring them is a missed opportunity.
- “I don’t want to deal with the hassle.” Setting up your podcast on multiple platforms might take a little extra time upfront, but it’s a one-time effort with long-term benefits. Plus, many podcast hosting platforms make it easy to distribute everywhere with just a few clicks.
- “I want to control where people listen.” Newsflash: you don’t control your audience. They control you. If you try to force them onto a specific platform, they’ll just find someone else who respects their preferences.
How to Be Everywhere
If you’re ready to embrace the power of podcasting and make your show truly ubiquitous, here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Hosting Platform That Supports Wide Distribution: Platforms like Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Anchor make it easy to distribute your podcast to multiple directories with minimal effort.
- Submit to All Major Directories: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora—the list goes on. Submit your podcast to as many as possible.
- Don’t Forget Niche Platforms: Depending on your audience, niche platforms like Overcast, Pocket Casts, or even YouTube can be valuable additions to your distribution strategy.
- Promote Your Podcast Everywhere: Share links to your podcast on social media, your website, and your email newsletter. Make it easy for people to find you on their preferred platform.
The Bottom Line
Podcasting isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about accessibility. It’s about making your content available to as many people as possible, wherever they are, on whatever platform they prefer. So stop being selective. Stop limiting your reach. Embrace the power of podcasting and make your show truly ubiquitous. Your audience—and your bottom line—will thank you.
At The Podcast Partnership, we help podcasters like you maximize their reach and impact. Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Let’s chat.