How to Create a 'Start Here' Page for New Podcast Listeners

Updated 2026-06-26 · Hosting Reviews

Creating a podcast start here page is the fastest way to give first‑time listeners a clear path to your show, your episodes, and your email list. Below you’ll find the exact tools you need, how to pick the right hosting plan, and a simple checklist to get your Podcast Website live in under an hour.

What You Need Before You Begin

To build a functional podcast start here page you’ll need three core components:

• Domain name – a short, memorable URL (e.g., myshow.com) that reflects your podcast brand.
• Web hosting – a server that stores your site files, handles traffic, and provides SSL security.
• Website platform – a content‑management system (CMS) or builder that lets you add show notes, embed audio players, and collect email sign‑ups.

All three can be purchased in minutes, and Hostinger offers a bundled option that includes a free domain for the first year, fast shared‑hosting plans, and one‑click WordPress installation.

Choosing the Right Hosting Plan

For most podcasters, shared hosting is more than enough. It gives you the resources you need for a modest audience at a price point that usually falls between $3‑$15/month (introductory rates). If you expect rapid growth or need absolute control over server settings, consider a cloud or VPS plan, which typically start around $20‑$30/month. The key factors to compare are:

1. Performance – Look for hosts that advertise SSD storage and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Hostinger’s shared servers use SSDs and claim industry‑leading load times.
2. Scalability – Choose a provider that lets you upgrade to cloud or VPS with a few clicks, so you don’t have to migrate later.
3. Support – 24/7 chat or ticket support is essential when you’re troubleshooting audio embeds or email forms.
4. Security – Free SSL, automatic backups, and built‑in firewalls keep your site safe from common threats.

Hostinger’s shared plan checks all these boxes while staying beginner‑friendly.

WordPress vs. Website Builders: Which Is Best for a Podcast Site?

Both WordPress and drag‑and‑drop builders (like Hostinger’s Zyro) can create a polished podcast start here page, but they differ in flexibility and learning curve.

WordPress is the go‑to choice for podcasters who want:

• Full control over plugins – e.g., PowerPress for podcast feeds, WPForms for email capture, and SEO plugins for discoverability.
• Theme variety – many free and premium themes are designed specifically for podcasters.
• Future scalability – you can add membership areas, e‑commerce, or custom code later without changing platforms.

Website builders shine when you need speed and minimal setup:

• Intuitive visual editor – drag blocks, embed audio, and publish without touching code.
• All‑in‑one hosting – the builder and server are tightly integrated, reducing compatibility headaches.
• Built‑in email capture widgets – many include simple sign‑up forms that sync with popular mailing services.

If you’re comfortable learning a few basics, WordPress on Hostinger gives you the most long‑term value. If you want a site up in minutes with zero technical friction, a builder works fine.

Step‑by‑Step: Get Your Podcast Start Here Page Live

Follow this checklist to launch a clean, conversion‑focused page.

1. Register a domain. Use Hostinger’s domain search, pick a .com or .fm extension, and add it to your cart. You’ll usually get the first year free.
2. Choose a hosting plan. For a new podcast, the shared‑hosting tier is sufficient. Add it to the same order; the setup wizard will link the domain automatically.
3. Install WordPress. Hostinger’s control panel offers a one‑click install. Once installed, log in to /wp‑admin.
4. Select a podcast‑friendly theme. Look for themes labeled “podcast” or “audio”. Install and activate it.
5. Add essential plugins. Install PowerPress (or a similar podcast plugin) to embed episodes, WPForms for email capture, and Yoast SEO for on‑page optimization.
6. Create the "Start Here" page. In WordPress, go to Pages → Add New. Title it “Start Here”. Include:
   • A brief welcome that tells listeners what the show is about.
   • A list of your top three episodes with embedded players (use the podcast plugin’s embed shortcode).
   • A clear call‑to‑action (CTA) to join your mailing list, using the form you built with WPForms.
   • Links to your social channels and a short FAQ about the show.
   Publish the page and set it as your homepage under Settings → Reading.
7. Secure the site. Hostinger provides a free SSL certificate; enable it from the control panel. Test the URL – it should start with https://.
8. Test performance. Use a free tool like Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for a score above 80; if it’s lower, enable caching (many hosts include a caching plugin) and compress images.
9. Promote the page. Add the URL to your podcast description on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Include a short “Start Here” link in your social bios.

That’s it – you now have a dedicated landing page that guides new listeners, showcases your best content, and captures email leads.

Keeping Costs Low While Growing Your Audience

After launch, you’ll likely want to add a few extras: a newsletter service (Mailchimp, ConvertKit), a sponsorship manager, or a simple analytics dashboard. Most of these tools have free tiers that work well for audiences under 5,000 subscribers. When you need more features, upgrade gradually; you’ll still be paying well under $20/month for hosting, which is a fraction of the cost of a full‑service media platform.

Remember that introductory hosting rates often increase at renewal. Hostinger’s plans typically rise by 30‑50% after the first term, but the price remains competitive compared with other providers. Set a reminder to review your plan before renewal and consider switching to a longer‑term contract if you’re happy with performance.

FAQ

Do I need a separate podcast host for my audio files?

No. You can keep using your existing podcast host (like Libsyn or Anchor) for the audio files and embed them on your website using a plugin. The website itself only stores the HTML, images, and forms.

Can I switch from a builder to WordPress later?

Yes, but it requires migrating content. Starting with WordPress from day one avoids the extra migration step, especially if you plan to add custom plugins or advanced SEO.

Is Hostinger suitable for podcast sites with high traffic?

For modest traffic (up to a few thousand visitors per month) Hostinger’s shared hosting performs well. If your site regularly exceeds that, consider their cloud or VPS options, which still keep costs low while providing more resources.