RSS Submission

Definition:

RSS Submission is the process of submitting a podcast’s RSS feed to directories and platforms to make it discoverable and accessible to listeners. By submitting the RSS feed, podcasters ensure that their episodes are distributed across various podcast platforms, increasing their reach and potential audience.

Importance:

1. Visibility: Submitting your RSS feed to popular directories increases the visibility of your podcast, making it easier for potential listeners to find and subscribe.
2. Automated Distribution: Once the RSS feed is submitted, new episodes are automatically distributed to all platforms the feed is connected to.
3. Audience Growth: Broadens the podcast’s reach by tapping into the user bases of multiple directories and platforms.

Characteristics of RSS Submission:

1. Feed Validation: The RSS feed must be correctly formatted and validated to be accepted by directories.
2. Compliance with Guidelines: Each platform may have specific guidelines that need to be followed for a successful submission.
3. Single Point of Update: Changes to the RSS feed (new episodes, updates) get automatically reflected across all platforms where the feed is submitted.

Steps for RSS Submission:

1. Create and Validate RSS Feed: Use a podcast hosting service to generate your RSS feed. Ensure it contains all necessary metadata (title, description, cover art, etc.) and validate it using tools like W3C’s Rss Validator.
2. Choose Directories: Identify the directories and platforms where you want to submit your podcast. Common platforms include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
3. Submit RSS Feed:
   • Apple Podcasts: Use Apple Podcasts Connect to submit your RSS feed.
   • Spotify: Go to Spotify for Podcasters and follow the submission process.
   • Google Podcasts: Use Google Podcasts Manager to submit your feed.
   • Other Platforms: Each platform will have its own submission process, often accessible through their website or a partner portal.
4. Confirm Submission: After submission, you may need to wait for approval. Some platforms provide email confirmation once the feed is accepted.
5. Monitor Submissions: Regularly check the status of your submissions and ensure that new episodes are being correctly distributed.

Benefits:

1. Ease of Access: Makes your podcast easily accessible to listeners on their preferred platforms.
2. Increased Discoverability: Being listed on multiple directories improves the chances of your podcast being discovered by new listeners.
3. Centralized Management: Simplifies management by ensuring that updates are automatically propagated across all platforms via the RSS feed.

Tips for Successful RSS Submission:

1. Complete Metadata: Ensure your RSS feed includes complete and accurate metadata, such as episode titles, descriptions, and cover art.
2. Adhere to Guidelines: Follow the specific submission guidelines for each directory to avoid delays or rejections.
3. Track Performance: Use analytics provided by directories and your hosting service to track the performance and growth of your podcast.
4. Regularly Update Content: Keep your RSS feed updated with new episodes and any relevant changes to maintain consistency.

Example Scenario:

Suppose you host a business podcast and want to expand your listener base. Start by generating and validating your RSS feed using a hosting platform like Libsyn or Anchor. You then submit your feed to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, ensuring you follow each platform’s specific submission process. After approval, your podcast episodes automatically appear on these platforms, significantly increasing your visibility. You regularly monitor the performance through analytics provided by these platforms to understand listener trends and make any necessary adjustments.