You've probably heard all the buzz about podcasts. Well, you're in luck. Podcasting is a fantastic hobby and an incredible way to make money online. The best part? To start a podcast it's easy! Anyone can do it.
Podcasting is an incredibly viable business model and is growing faster than ever. Anybody with audio recording software, a microphone, and a computer can start a podcast. However, getting started and making money from it is where it gets tricky.
That's why we've created this guide. It walks you step-by-step through the process of starting your own podcast, from choosing a topic, to creating content, to getting your podcast out into the world.
What is a Podcast?
You may be wondering, what exactly is a podcast? A podcast is a series of audio recordings released episodically by a host. Podcasts are digital files that are available for download on the internet.
They can either be downloaded directly from the podcast’s website or through an application such as iTunes and Soundcloud. Podcasts are usually free to listen to when released by the creator of the podcast.
Episodic content can be incredibly addictive, with users eagerly awaiting new episodes each week in hopes they will satisfy their insatiable hunger for more content.
The structure of podcasts, where hosts narrate stories or talk about interesting topics, makes it easy to binge-listen all 50 episodes without even realizing it’s 4 am and you have to wake up in five hours for work.
Why you Should Start a Podcast
If you're thinking about starting a podcast of your own, we're here to tell you that you should absolutely go for it.
Here are 5 reasons why:
- You get to be the expert in your field.
- It is a great way to market yourself and your business.
- It's easy! You don't need any expensive equipment or software—you can even record on your phone (which is where you'll probably be doing most of your listening anyway).
- Podcasting is an opportunity for a real connection with your audience. You can share stories with people who are interested in what you have to say and get their feedback on what they like or want more of (or less of).
- You can build authority for your brand.
1. Understand How Podcasting Works
Podcasts are a great way to connect with others, build your brand, and build a community around your business. They can also be an incredible source of income.
You can look at podcasts like radio shows, but, there are some differences which are in the distribution and how they are consumed.
The other difference is that podcasts have a specific niche target. You can think of it as a group discussion between friends sharing fresh opinions about topics they are familiar with.
When doing a podcast, there is no regulation on what you can or cannot discuss. What makes them even better is that they are available on-demand, it's like accessing youtube videos anytime you would like on youtube.
To get started with a podcast, some work needs to go into deciding your niche topic and planning how you will deliver it to your target audience.
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2. Find a Theme or Topic for your Podcast
It's important to find a topic or theme that you can easily discuss and provide value to people. This is the subject matter you'll cover in every episode, so it's crucial to find something that fits all these points:
- You are passionate about it. This can be anything from your favorite TV show, your job, or a hobby you're skilled at.
- You can provide value. Is there something you can teach your listeners? Are there some interesting facts and stories you can share that no one else knows? Find something where you are an authority on the topic.
- It's not too niche. Avoid topics that only appeal to very specific audiences or people who already have extensive knowledge about it (e.g., quantum physics). You want as many people as possible to listen and engage with your podcast!
- It's not too broad. Topics like true crime or sports are popular because they have wide appeal, but keep in mind that it may be more difficult for new listeners to quickly understand what sets your podcast apart from similar ones out there if the subject matter is too general. If this step seems daunting, don't worry—there are plenty of resources online with tips on how to choose the right topic for your podcast!
3. Create a Podcast Format
Your podcast format is the structure that your podcast episodes must follow. You’ll want to determine the format for your podcast.
The three common podcast formats are
- Solo The simplest podcast format is one where a single person hosts the show and speaks for the duration of the segment. This can be done alone or with remote guests.
- Multichannel host: This kind of show includes multiple hosts who are in the same room together. It often sounds more conversational and less formal than a solo show. This is what you'd see on shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, in which one host interviews a guest on the show and then occasionally speaks with another co-host off-camera.
- Remote interviews: This format includes remote interviews with several different special guests. They're typically interviewed one at a time, and each interview is interspersed with a conversation between the host and the guest, as well as longer breaks between interviews.
- Scripted non-fiction. Typically, these podcasts have a single theme for the entire season. Think Serial.
- Scripted fiction. These podcasts are similar to radio dramas and are often scripted and highly produced.
There are a wide variety of formats out there, from the interview style to solo-cast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats until you find one that fits you best.
You can go in and change your initial format after a few episodes if you aren’t satisfied with the results. For example, if you start with an interview-style podcast, but don’t love it, you can always pivot to a solo cast later on down the line.
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4. Find a Unique Offering and Choosing a Name
You'll have to find the right balance between appealing to your target audience and distinguishing yourself from your competitors.
After the events of the 2020 pandemic, the world has changed. Podcasts are now one of the most important sources of information and entertainment for many people.
There are many reasons why you might want to start a podcast now, from making money to sharing your thoughts with the world. Regardless of your reason for starting a podcast, once you have your unique offering you can put a name to it.
There is no right or wrong name for your new podcast, but there are some things that will make it easier on yourself before diving into this process headfirst.
Choose a name for your podcast that is memorable and easy to remember. It should also be something that represents what type of show you want it to be (i.e. funny, educational).
In addition, try finding an available domain name so people can access your website easily after listening. A website will also extend your reach by being found on google and other search engines.
5. Choose Equipment and Recording software
To record your podcast, you need a voice-over microphone, headphones, and editing software.
Once you have your podcast idea in place, it's time to purchase the equipment needed to record it. You'll need a microphone that records directly into your computer (a USB or XLR microphone).
The most popular microphones are the Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, and Rode NT-USB. The first two cost around $100 while the last one costs around $180.
It's also important to wear a pair of headphones while recording so you can hear what you're saying without the mic picking up on the sound. This will help you tell if you're talking too loudly or quietly and help with any other issues that might be occurring during the recording.
For editing, there are several options available:
- Audacity is free but can be challenging for beginners;
- Garageband comes with Macs and is easy for newbies;
- Hindenburg Journalist Pro is an audio editor that costs $300 but has great features like tagging and noise reduction.
There are also programs like Zoom (free) or Skype ($15 per month) that allow you to record calls either in person or remotely between multiple people at once. This could be useful if your podcast involves interviews with guests from around the world!
It all depends on how much money/time you want to spend creating this project. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there regardless of budget constraints.
Choosing Recording software
Choose podcast recording software that will make this process as simple as possible. Remember that your listeners will encounter the intro and outro first, so make it sound professional.
To make this process as easy as possible, we recommend using a dedicated software program to record and edit your podcast. Some of the features you should be looking for are:
- Recording multiple audio tracks simultaneously
- Cut and splice individual clips features
- Adding music or sound effects in the background
- Noise reduction or hiss removal from your recording
- Export format for your final product in a format that you can use (e.g. MP3)
Cost is another thing you'll want to consider, although there are some free options available. We also recommend making sure that any software you choose has great reviews and is easy to use.
It's important that you're able to get comfortable with the program before actually beginning work on your podcast, so check out any tutorials ahead of time and make sure there's a support team available if needed.
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6. Differentiate your Podcast by Building a Brand
The podcasting industry has evolved rapidly in recent years, and there's no shortage of podcasts to choose from. However, the difference between the most popular ones today and those in the early days is striking.
The first podcasts were easily dismissed as amateurish productions filled with questionable content, without much thought given to the underlying quality of their storytelling or production values.
Today's podcasts are a far cry from those crude origins, they've evolved into fully-realized productions that aspire to excellence.
The way they're produced is just as important as what they produce (if not more), and it's worth taking a moment here to discuss some common characteristics of modern podcasts that differentiate them from those produced twenty years ago.
7. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
Choose from several different hosting options available on the internet. As with many things in life, there's more than one way to host a podcast. Here are some of the most popular options:
This list is by no means exhaustive—there are plenty of other hosting providers out there, but these five are the most common. Most offer different subscription tiers, taking into account how much storage space you want and how many downloads per month you expect to get.
We go into detail in this post about the best podcast hosting platforms.
Some providers let you self-host for free, although those accounts generally come with limitations like a small amount of storage space or a limited number of downloads per month.
8. Decide your Podcast Distribution Channels
There are several podcast directories out there where you can distribute your podcast. Here is our top pick for must-haves.
Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)
Apple Podcasts is the biggest podcast directory in the world, and that's not going to change anytime soon. Being featured on Apple Podcasts is a great way to get exposure to millions of listeners who are already looking for shows like yours.
Google Podcasts
Google's foray into podcasts is still in its early stages compared to Apple, but it's already a top contender. Google has a strong focus on machine learning and AI, which can help surface your show to listeners Google thinks will love it.
Spotify
Spotify is currently one of the fastest-growing podcast directories out there. The platform has a very different user base than many of the other directories on this list: in addition to the many listeners who use Spotify for music, there are over 180 million Spotify users who aren't subscribed to a premium account and use the streaming service for free.
Stitcher
Stitcher is one of the most popular podcasts streaming apps available, with over 2 million active monthly users across iOS and Android devices. One of its best features is integration with several car manufacturers, including Ford, Chevy, BMW, Volvo, Jaguar/Land Rover, and more! This means your show could be played by default while people are driving these cars.
How to Monetize your Podcast
There are many ways to monetize your podcast including sponsorships and donations.
There are many ways to generate revenue for your podcast or public radio station once you've made it.
Some of the more popular options include sponsorships, donations, affiliate marketing, merchandising, coaching, speaking gigs, hosting your own live event, or selling ad space on your website.
Sponsorships are a pretty straightforward way of generating revenue, companies will pay you (or an agency) a "representation fee" for every time their product is mentioned by you as part of your show.
Sponsorships are so common today that some podcasters get paid thousands of dollars per month from just one company alone.
Requesting Sponsorships
To get started with sponsorship opportunities, contact companies directly via email. If they don't respond within 3-4 weeks after reaching out to them about sponsoring you specifically for an upcoming show, consider contacting them again with a different approach.
You can ask them if there are any other shows featuring similar topics in which they could partner with you:
- "Hi [name], I am doing a new podcast interview series on [topic] and would like to speak to [company]. Are there any opportunities for me to reach out and discuss sponsorship opportunities? Also, may I ask if I could touch base with you regarding this conversation? Thank you!"
If they do respond positively and want to work together, send them an email 2-3 weeks before the scheduled interview asking if they can sponsor the episode in exchange for exposure on your podcast feed.
A small representation fee will be paid so long as the sponsorship is mentioned at least once during the episode or another aspect of the broadcast (like social media promotions).
Make sure they have access to all relevant information including all dates/times/podcast feeds and links to social media accounts where relevant content can be found; who knows how many times this simple step was missed! Ask if there's anything else specific that should be covered beforehand.
Manage, host, share, and monetize it.
Podcastics
Podcastics has been created by podcastersto handle
everything very easily.
Starting a Podcast is Easier Than you Think
Starting a podcast is much easier than it seems. Keep the following in mind:
Your first episode doesn’t have to be perfect. You will make mistakes and you will sound awkward. That is completely normal, especially if you are new to audio production! Trust in your voice, trust in your message and remember that you can always change your format later on if it’s not working for you.
Don't worry about how many listeners you have at your launch party, worry about the quality of your content and giving value as early as possible. Don’t get caught up comparing yourself with other podcasters that have been doing this for years instead stay focused on your why.
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