5 Podcast Website Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How to Fix Them)

Let's be real. You've poured your heart and soul into your podcast. Hours of recording, editing, and promoting your show. But if your website is working against you, you might as well be shouting into the void. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of podcast websites, I've seen the same cringe-worthy mistakes over and over again.

Here are 5 podcast website blunders you're probably making right now (don't worry, I've got solutions):

1. Your Website Is a Needle in the Digital Haystack

Your incredible true crime podcast about unsolved mysteries in small-town America is utterly invisible to Google. Why? Because you skipped the SEO basics.

Roman Mars' "99% Invisible" doesn't rank #1 for "design podcast" by accident. Their site strategically uses keywords, descriptive episode titles, and thorough show notes that search engines love.

The Fix: Include relevant keywords in your episode titles, descriptions, and show notes. Create transcripts of your episodes (bonus: this makes your content accessible, too). Use proper header tags and meta descriptions for each episode page.

2. Your Subscribe Buttons Are Playing Hide and Seek

I've literally had to hunt for subscription links on podcast websites like I'm searching for buried treasure. If I can't find how to subscribe to your show in 3 seconds or less, I'm bouncing.

Look at how "SmartLess" does it - big, bold subscription buttons for Apple, Spotify, and other platforms right at the top of their homepage. No treasure map needed.

The Fix: Place your subscription buttons prominently "above the fold" on your homepage. Make them visually distinct with recognizable platform icons. Test this on mobile too - where most podcast consumption happens.

3. Your Episode Archives Are a Labyrinth of Confusion

Nothing says "please don't binge my content" like a disorganized episode list with no search functionality, filtering options, or logical categorization.

"The Daily" from The New York Times offers a masterclass in content organization - searchable archives, topic categories, and featured episodes that guide new listeners to their best content.

The Fix: Implement search functionality, categorize episodes by topic/theme, and highlight your "start here" episodes for newcomers. Consider creating curated playlists for different listener interests.

4. Your Mobile Experience Is Straight Out of 2010

About 80% of podcast listening happens on mobile devices, yet your site probably looks like it was designed exclusively for desktop users with 27-inch monitors.

NPR's podcast pages are masterfully responsive, whether I'm on my phone during my commute or at my desk, everything is readable, clickable, and functional.

The Fix: Test your site on multiple devices. Ensure text is readable without zooming, buttons are tap-friendly, and audio players work flawlessly on mobile. Consider a responsive design framework if you're rebuilding.

5. You're Not Capturing Email Addresses

You're building an audience but missing the opportunity to build a relationship. When platforms change algorithms or close shop (RIP Google Podcasts), your direct connection to listeners shouldn't vanish with them.

"WTF with Marc Maron" maintains a robust email list that survives platform shifts and algorithm changes. His newsletter subscribers get exclusive content, early access, and personal updates.

The Fix: Implement a simple email capture form with an enticing offer (bonus episode, resource guide, early access). Set up an automated welcome series that guides new subscribers to your best content and builds connection.

The podcast landscape is crowded, with over +4.4 million shows competing for attention. Your website should be working as hard as you are to grow and maintain your audience.

Fix these common mistakes, and you won't just have a podcast website - you'll have a powerful platform that attracts, converts, and retains listeners while you sleep.

For a limited time, I'm offering my "Website Conversion Audit" to the first 25 podcasters who take these two simple steps:

1. Share this article on Twitter/X (or Instagram) with the hashtag #MitsuFixMyPodcastSite and a link to your podcast website

2. Click the "Book Your Free Audit" link below to schedule a 20-minute strategy session where we'll review your site together

Stop losing listeners to preventable website mistakes, let's build a digital home that converts casual visitors into loyal subscribers. Spots are filling quickly, so don't wait!

Book My FREE Website Conversion Audit