The #1 Podcasting Mistake Coaches Make
And How Substack Fixes It
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When it comes to launching a podcast, choosing the right platform is crucial...
IT IS THE #1 MISTAKE MOST COACHES MAKE WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING A PODCAST
While options like Buzzsprout and Captivate have dominated the podcasting scene for years, Substack is emerging as a game-changing platform for new and experienced podcasters alike.
Here’s why starting your podcast on Substack is not just smart—it’s strategic, especially if you want to build an engaged audience and monetize your content.
Integrated Audience Growth and Engagement
Unlike Buzzsprout or Captivate, which are primarily focused on hosting and distributing your podcast, Substack offers a unique blend of content creation, email marketing, and audience engagement. With Substack, you can:
Directly connect with your subscribers: Build your email list effortlessly and engage with your audience through newsletters and direct posts. This tight integration ensures your content reaches your subscribers directly in their inboxes, increasing visibility and listenership.
Own your audience: On platforms like Buzzsprout, you rely heavily on external directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Substack allows you to own your audience data, giving you control over your subscriber list and the ability to nurture relationships over time.
Distribute your podcast: And it also distributes your podcast in the same way as Capitvate & Buzzsprout - via RSS feed.
A Monetization-First Model
Substack is designed for creators who want to monetize their content.
While Buzzsprout and Captivate offer basic monetization features like podcast sponsorships, Substack allows you to:
Charge for premium content: Offer paid subscriptions for exclusive episodes, bonus content, or behind-the-scenes access. This direct-to-consumer model ensures you get paid for your value without splitting revenue with advertisers.
Leverage multiple income streams: With Substack, you can combine your podcast with written content, workshops, and other offerings. This holistic approach to content creation opens up more revenue opportunities compared to the traditional podcasting model.
Simplified Content Creation
Creating and distributing a podcast on Substack is straightforward. You can:
Publish audio and written content in one place: No need to juggle multiple platforms. Substack’s seamless interface lets you upload your podcast episodes, write show notes, and even repurpose your content into articles, all within the same ecosystem.
Focus on quality over quantity: Substack encourages high-quality, niche content. This focus helps you attract a dedicated, engaged audience rather than chasing downloads and vanity metrics.
Organic Growth Through Community
Substack isn’t just a platform—it’s a community. Buzzsprout and Captivate are great for hosting, but they don’t offer the same community-driven growth. On Substack, you can:
Collaborate with other creators: Cross-promote with other Substack writers and podcasters to grow your audience organically.
Engage through comments: Foster a community around your podcast by encouraging feedback and discussion directly on your Substack page. This level of engagement helps you understand your audience and refine your content strategy.
Control Over Your Brand
Platforms like Buzzsprout and Captivate focus on podcast hosting, often limiting your branding options. Substack allows you to:
Customize your presence: Design your Substack page to reflect your brand’s voice and aesthetic.
Maintain consistent messaging: Integrate your podcast with your broader brand strategy, offering a cohesive experience across your content.
Podcast and Newsletter Synergy
One of the biggest advantages of Substack is the synergy between podcasts and newsletters. Buzzsprout and Captivate lack this integration, but on Substack, you can:
Turn listeners into readers (and vice versa): Promote your podcast episodes in your newsletter and include written summaries or highlights to encourage more engagement.
Repurpose content: Easily turn your podcast topics into articles or in-depth guides, providing more value to your audience and improving your SEO.
Let’s Look at What Buzzsprout & Captivate Do OFFER
While Substack has powerful benefits for podcasters who want to grow an engaged audience and monetize directly, Buzzsprout and Captivate do offer some features that Substack does not. Here’s what these platforms provide that Substack currently lacks:
Advanced Podcast Analytics & Performance Tracking
Buzzsprout & Captivate: Offer detailed analytics, including listener locations, episode performance, retention rates, and platform-specific breakdowns (Apple, Spotify, etc.). However, you can connect your podcast on Substack to Google Analytics as well as podtrac.com and get more comprehensive information.
Substack: Provides basic engagement metrics (such as opens and clicks) but lacks deep podcast-specific insights like listener drop-off points or play-through rates.
Seamless Distribution to Podcast Directories
Buzzsprout & Captivate: Automatically distribute your podcast to all major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc.) with just a few clicks.
Substack: While you can host and share podcast episodes, it does not have automated syndication, meaning you have to manually upload your podcast to directories if you want broader reach. (However, getting the Substack Getting Started Guide has Step by Step directions for Submitting your RSS feed to all the important directories - which will then automatically update for you)
Podcasting on Substack: The Essential Guide for Coaches & Creators👇
Dynamic Audio Advertising & Sponsorship Features
Buzzsprout & Captivate: Offer dynamic ad insertion, which allows you to place and update ads across multiple episodes automatically. Captivate also has a built-in sponsor kit to help podcasters attract advertisers.
Substack: Does not support built-in ad monetization—it relies on direct subscriptions and paid content rather than advertising revenue. However, you can add “button” and images to inspire your followers to subscribe, share and even optin to or purchase for more episode specific monetization options.
Multiple Podcast Show Management
Buzzsprout & Captivate: Let you manage multiple podcasts under a single account, making them ideal for agencies or podcast networks.
Substack: Best suited for a single podcast per account, and doesn’t have a streamlined way to manage multiple shows.
Advanced Audio Hosting Features
Buzzsprout & Captivate: Provide automatic file optimization, audio mastering, and better control over file formats. Captivate even offers private RSS feeds for exclusive subscriber content.
Substack: Offers basic podcast hosting but lacks advanced audio processing, private RSS feeds, and format control.
Bottom Line: Which One is Best for You?
✅ Choose Substack if you want to combine podcasting with email marketing, content creation, and direct audience engagement, building a community—perfect for coaches who want to build a community and monetize through subscriptions.
✅ Choose Buzzsprout or Captivate if you need detailed analytics, multi-platform distribution, and ad monetization options—ideal for traditional podcasters looking for wide reach and sponsorship revenue.
Substack Is the Future of Podcasting
If you’re serious about building a loyal audience, monetizing your content, and simplifying your workflow, Substack is the clear winner over Buzzsprout or Captivate. It’s not just a podcast hosting platform—it’s a comprehensive content ecosystem designed to help you grow, engage, and profit from your voice.
Ready to start your podcast journey on Substack? Dive in, build your audience, and transform your content into a thriving community today.
Get Podcasting on Substack: The Essential Guide for Coaches & Creators👇