Google has launched “Google Podcasts Manager”, which offers listener analytics and a process for submitting a show to the Google Podcasts directory.
The analytics will be based on listener activity within the Google ecosystem (aka: Not Apple or Spotify, which have their own analytic portals).
Here's how to claim your podcast and ensure it is included in the Google Podcasts directory:
Step 1: Go to https://podcastsmanager.google.com
Step 2: Log into your Google account
Step 3: Enter your podcast RSS feed
Tip: If you host with libsyn, find your RSS feed under the “Destinations” tab
Step 4: Preview the feed for accuracy
Step 5: Verify ownership
At this point, you need to claim ownership of the podcast.
Google will send a verification code to the email listed inside the RSS feed.
Tip: If the gmail account you logged into Podcasts Manager is the same then you won’t have to worry about this step.
My email was different, so I went through the steps to verify with the code:
Step 6: Enter code
Whalaa! You have claimed your show within Google!
Note: This step will help you get your podcast added to the Google Podcasts directory.
Step 7: Get started
Click “Get Started” to advance to the Google Podcasts Manager
Inside Google Podcasts Manager
I will refer to this as the Dashboard.
Your dashboard will show listener stats/analytics.
From this screen, you can also submit another podcast or add another team member.
Tip: If you are a podcast editor like me, you can ask your client to add you as an editor. This will allow you to log into Google Podcasts Manager and retrieve stats for your clients. I do this with libsyn stats for a couple clients. They appreciate the added service.
Repeat the process to claim ownership for all your podcasts.
Log into the same account to add new podcasts you launch.
Over time, Google should provide you with some valuable information about how people listen to your show through Google Podcasts.