So you’ve created a podcast, now what? Producing quality content is only half the battle when it comes to content marketing, as what’s the point of creating it if nobody ever sees it? With Google announcing the launch of their own podcast directory last week, there’s never been more evidence of the fact that people are increasingly searching for podcasts online. So if your brand is finding social media and your own online channels aren’t cutting it in terms of podcast distribution and amplification, why not try out podcast directories?

With your podcast listed on the right directories, your brand has access to audiences that may never have found you otherwise. In most cases, submission to podcast directories is as easy as a one-off entry, which then opens the opportunity to target your audience when and where they’re looking for your content.

Not sure where to start when it comes to podcast directories? We’ve compiled a list of the seven best to get you headed in the right direction.

1. iTunes

The first cab off the rank ought to be the most obvious choice, the king of podcast directories, iTunes. If you’re going to submit your podcast to any directory, iTunes should be your first priority. iTunes has the most podcast listeners of any platform and through integration with the iTunes app on iOs devices is a strong force to be reckoned with.

To submit your podcast to iTunes you will need to have a copy of iTunes running on your computer, an Apple ID and an RSS feed URL from another hosting platform. Keep in mind that Apple will review your application before publishing your podcast and that this process can take up to a week.

2. SoundCloud

Although not simply a directory, SoundCloud makes this list because of how many users use the platform to search and listen to audio. The website reaches 200 million unique listeners around the globe across all devices and platforms.

To have your podcast listed on SoundCloud, you need to use it as a hosting platform, in other words, upload straight to the site rather than using an existing RSS feed. This can be tiresome if SoundCloud isn’t your chosen podcast host; however, the directory component of the site makes a strong case to be your first choice. Once your tracks are uploaded, you have to include at least one tag associated with each track. These tags act as categories by which your users can search for your podcast.

3. Stitcher

Stitcher is an on-demand internet radio and podcast directory. Tracks can be accessed via free online streaming on the website or by native mobile applications available on Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, and most other operating systems. Stitcher aggregates content from thousands of profiles and organises the content into “stations” that listeners can browse and listen to.

Podcasters can submit an application to be featured on Stitcher by giving the podcast name, description, RSS feed and other details. Once accepted, tracks are uploaded automatically via the RSS feed. For podcasters, Stitcher offers metrics detailing downloads, listening time, day of the week listening and more.

4. Poddirectory

Poddirectory is a directory that allows listeners to discover and play podcasts. The directory is currently hosted on a website; however they report that Android and iOS will be made available soon. Poddirectory contains 188,000 podcasts with over 7 million episodes; however, exactly how many users and listeners they have is unclear.

For total ease of use for podcasters, poddirectory instantly adds your podcast once you have submitted an RSS URL. For how easy the upload process is, this directory is definitely worth your time.

5. Bluburry

The Blubrry Podcast Directory is a distribution platform that allows podcasters to expand into hardware, software and devices that might normally be out of reach for a podcaster. Amongst others, Blubrry publishes to Roku TV Box, GoogleTV, Android, LookeeTV, and Samsung SmartTV.

To submit your podcast to Blubrry, you will need a title, description, web site URL and talent/artist name specified for your program. You will also need a cover image that is at least 300 X 300 pixels. Blubrry only features programs that have fresh content, so if your podcast hasn’t had a new episode in 30 days, you shouldn’t bother with this platform.

6. Podcastpedia

Podcastpedia.org is an ads-free podcast directory focused on accessible education resources and knowledge. The directory features podcasts across various industries including medicine, people, environment, science, technology, business education, spirituality and more.

Submitting a podcast to Podcastpedia is done through recommendation, so users and podcasters alike are invited to upload. You’ll need to include details about the name, category, frequency, RSS feed and social channels, so there are a few submission categories to fill out in the process of submission. Despite this, the process is worthwhile as the site continues to update your podcast without any maintenance once it’s accepted.

7. iPodder.org

iPodder.org is the oldest podcast directory on the web. The directory is divided into categories and subcategories, with each category maintained by its own editor. Each editor updates the directory manually, so after submission there are varying time frames in which you should expect to be uploaded to the site.

iPodder has recently been rebranded, in part, as Juice Receiver; however the directory still sits on the iPodder website. To submit your podcast to the site, you must include a suggested category, email address and web location for the podcast. Following this, an iPodder representative will get in touch with you and let you know if and when you have been successful.

Do you need help creating a podcast for your business? Contact Lush Digital Media; we assist in the production of podcasts for clients across all industries.