Want YOUR Podcast on the Apple Podcasts Charts? Here’s One Way.

One Great Tip To Help Get YOUR Podcast Featured on Apple Podcasts / iTunes.

By; Dave Swerdlick – Uptown Podcast Studios

When it comes to the big game in podcasting, Apple still leads the pack. That’s a good thing, because everyone else who was a little late to the game took cues from Apple on how they operate.

First, let’s talk about Apple. Some years back, if you wanted to listen to a Podcast via Apple, you had to go through iTunes. Actually, you still do if you’re listening or downloading on a computer. The idea was/is that you find podcasts you’re interested in, download them to your computer, and sync them with your mobile device.

In the case of Apple, it would be an iPhone, iPad, or iPod. By downloading podcasts onto your computer and syncing the podcasts with your mobile device, you can listen to a lot, without sucking any precious data from the cell carrier you’re using. We all love our cellular service providers, HA!

DON’T FREAK OUT

Then came the announcement. The not so big news. In April of 2017, Apple announced they were removing the “Podcast” category from the iTunes app on iOS. Instead, “Podcasts” was getting its own app.

WOW! One would immediately think this is awesome! Well, it might be? It should be? If you were podcasting and you had an audience, it either made you extremely excited, or so scarred, you thought this was truly the end of podcasting. The day, the music, no…the “podcast” died.

Just a few years ago, podcasting had yet to hit the mainstream like it is today. So, what was Apple up to? Why give “Podcasts” a separate app?

At that time, there seemed to be two sides:

1. So it “Stands Out”. People who like podcasts would find a seperate app to be more convenient. Podcasts have finally made a breakthrough!
2. Because most people don’t listen to podcasts and this is a convenient way for Apple to start the dump by releasing a “Podcasts” only app. By doing so, the masses can move the “Podcasts” app to the last page on their phone, and never see it again. Done.

Then, the numbers started getting interesting, and podcasting was starting to get a bit more popular. Some would credit this to Adam Carolla. He helped, along with the thousands of other podcasts who found their niche. Something for everyone. You just gotta find it.

JOE WHO?

Then came Joe Rogan. Who? Joe Rogan. He’s a comedian, although I remember when he hosted the game show “Fear Factor” back in the day. He was also a cast member on the 1990’s TV show “NewsRadio”.

To make a long journey very short, Joe has THE hit podcast of anyone. Is it because he’s so funny? No. Is it because he’s so smart? No. It’s because of his guests Joe gets guests on his podcast that make the mainstream media go bonkers. Simply mad.

The Joe Rogan Experience has guests every terrestrial or cable network would kill for. How can a podcast get long-form interviews that NBC, ABC, CBS, and even the BBC can’t come close to?

With hundreds of examples, the podcast I’ll always remember was released a bit over a year ago. It’s a 2 1/2 hour+ conversation with Elon Musk. Yes, the Tesla guy. No Apple device needed to listen. In fact, if you have yet to enjoy, you can check it out HERE.

SO HOW CAN I GET ON THE APPLE CHARTS?

Oh, so you thought I forgot about the heading of this post and now think I’m going to recommend you have interesting guests on your podcast. Well, it wouldn’t hurt.

GET FEATURED ON APPLE PODCASTS

“Apple Podcasts” is the official name of the app. As mentioned above, you can still go into iTunes on your computer. This is actually where you can see more of the charts as well. So, it’s no rocket science. It’s no secret mystery, and it’s NOT so simple yet it can be easily done.

With all said, you still need great content. Let’s not forget about engaging content. This is REALLY the first step.

ASK FOR REVIEWS

Here’s the deal. If you have a podcast on Apple and have not given yourself a 5-star review, why would anyone else? Start with your friends, group, organization, and ask them all to WRITE a review. Hang in there, because you’ll see how important WRITING a review can be.

WRITE A REVIEW

The importance of a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes depends on how a person reviews your podcast. Apple gives you an option to give it a quick rating. Just click 1-5 stars and you’re done. However, WRITTEN reviews with 5-stars carry much more weight than someone clicking 5-stars in the review area. Much more.

More reviews = your chance of being featured = more exposure = more listeners = HIGHER CHART RANKING.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Like I said, start with your friends. Most won’t do it. Yes, of course they’ll say they will, but it’s not as easy as you think. If you have to sit on the phone with each and every person you know and have them write a review as you walk them through the steps, then you’re onto something.

So, contact everyone you know, ask them for a review, and it still won’t happen. It’s so much easier to click 1-5 stars! Forget it. Here’s what you are your flock need to do:

How to Write a Apple Podcast Review on an iOS Device

1. Open the “Podcasts” app
2. In the search area, search for the podcast you want to review (YOURS?)
3. Tap on the logo/artwork
4. Scroll down until you see a written review. This is where you can tap “Write a Review”
5. The app may ask you for your iTunes password. If so, enter it.
6. Write a review, along with a title for your review and give it a star rating. 5?

How to Write an Apple Podcast Review on a Computer

1. Open iTunes.
2. On the left-hand side, be sure “Podcasts” is selected as well as “Store” in the middle of the top of the page.
3. Search for YOUR podcast.
4. Click on “Ratings and Reviews”
5. Under Customer Reviews, click “Write a Review”
6. Write a review, along with a title for your review and give it a star rating. 5?

Featured Right Next to 60-Minutes?!?

If you have a new podcast or an established one, it is MUCH more likely for your podcast to appear on the main page of the category you’re listed in, OR even on the main page for ALL podcasts as recommended. What does this mean? Your podcast will be exposed to many, many people that never knew you existed.

Get It? ASK EVERYONE, INCLUDING LISTENERS TO: WRITE A REVIEW.

WRITE A REVIEW. It MUST BE WRITTEN. Take care of the things you have control over first, then worry about the rest, later. You now know HOW to write a review and if you have yet to write a review for yourself, then just hang it up. However, in this case, a little goes a long way.

“DON’T CALL US” & “WE WON’T CALL YOU”

If you have a podcast and it does get featured in iTunes / Apple Podcasts, don’t expect an email or call. Apple’s pretty tight-lipped about the way they operate and by reading this, and now you probably know too much, already. Check the pages on iTunes on your computer. There are websites like Chartable, that show Apple rankings, however they don’t show the main podcast page recommendations, your categories “Hottest” podcasts… Get great, written, 5-star reviews, and keep an eye on the main page for all podcasts, your category page and sub-category page.

If you were to implement this ONE technique, and truly put in the work, there’s a good chance your podcast will be featured, gain more listeners. and make the charts.

Now go get reviews! WRITTEN REVIEWS on Apple Podcasts / iTunes.

Good luck.