How to Start a Podcast & Monetize It

Podcasting as we know it today started in 2004, but is one of the most popular forms of content today. Many find it easy to consume from anywhere, whether they’re at home similar to traditional YouTube videos, when commuting, at the gym, or anywhere else.

50% of all podcast listening is done at home. 22% is done in a car.

There are over 150 million podcast consumers in the US alone.

In other words, about 1 out of 2 people in the US listen to podcasts. The market is large and growing.

More than 40% of all podcast listeners have an annual income of more than $200,000, which makes the podcast medium great for advertising.

Businesses spend nearly $1 billion per on podcast marketing.

If you’re looking to start a podcast, it can be a great channel to reach a diverse, extensive, and wealthy demographic that you can potentially monetize.

This guide will take you from planning to post-production so you can have your podcast up and running and monetized.

How to Start A Podcast

Brainstorm the Topic of Your Podcast

The first step is to brainstorm the topic of your podcast. This can be something you’re passionate about, or a side hustle that you want to share with the world.

Some factors to consider when choosing your topic:

– What are you passionate about?

– What do you have expertise in?

– What would be interesting to your target audience?

– What format would work best for your show (interview, solo host, co-hosts)?

After you’ve decided on a topic, it’s time to start planning your podcast episodes. Brainstorm a list of potential episode ideas and topics that you can cover.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out just yet. The idea is to get started and you can always adjust along the way.

Choose Your Podcast Format

The next step is to choose your podcast format. This will determine how you structure each episode and how you deliver your content.

There are three main types of podcast formats:

– Solo host: A single person hosts the show and delivers the content.

– Interview: The host interviews guests on each episode.

– Co-hosts: Two or more people host the show together.

Each format has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that makes the most sense for your show.

If you’re not sure which format to choose, try listening to a few different podcasts and see which ones you enjoy the most.

You can also experiment with different formats for different episodes to see what works best for you and your audience.

Plan Your Episodes

Now that you’ve chosen your format, it’s time to start planning your episodes.

Brainstorm a list of potential episode topics and guests (if you’re doing an interview show). Once you have a list of potential topics, start mapping out when you want to release each episode.

If you’re not sure how often to release new episodes, try starting with once a week and adjust from there based on how much content you have and how much time you can commit to recording and editing.

It’s also a good idea to batch record a few episodes at once so you have a buffer in case you miss a week or two.

Finally, decide on the length of each episode. The average podcast episode is between 30 and 45 minutes, but there is no hard and fast rule. Some shows are shorter, while others can be much longer.

Choose the length that makes the most sense for your show and content.

Establish Your Podcast Identity

Your show will have a title and logo and cover art.

This will help form your brand identity.

Get Your Podcast Equipment

Now that you’ve planned your show, it’s time to start thinking about the equipment you’ll need to record and edit your episodes using audio editing software.

The good news is that you don’t need much to get started. In fact, all you really need is a laptop and a microphone.

If you want to get more professional-sounding recordings, you can invest in some additional recording gear like a pop filter, shock mount, and reflexion filter.

You’ll also need some software to record and edit your episodes. There are a few different options available, but Audacity is a free option that works well for most people.

Once you have your equipment set up, it’s time to start recording your episodes.

This is also where you plan out your monetization strategy.

Plan Your Podcast Monetization Strategy

Now that you have a general idea of what your show will look like, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to monetize it…

There are a few different ways you can monetize your podcast:

– Advertising: One of the most common ways to monetize a podcast is through advertising. You can sell ad space on your show to companies or individuals who want to promote their products or services as a form of affiliate marketing.

– Sponsorships: Another option is to find sponsors for your show. This is where companies or individuals pay you to promote their products or services on your podcast.

– Paid subscriptions: You can also charge listeners a monthly fee to access your podcast, especially if you use a freemium model. This is usually done through a platform like Patreon or Substack.

– Pay-per-episode: Finally, you can charge listeners a one-time fee to access each episode of your podcast. This is usually done through a platform like Gumroad or Bandcamp.

Choose the monetization strategy that makes the most sense for your show and audience.

Pre-record Your First Few Episodes

Now that you have your equipment set up and your monetization strategy in place, it’s time to start recording your first few episodes.

If you can, try to pre-record a few episodes before you launch your podcast. This will give you a buffer in case you miss a week or two.

It will also give you time to promote your show and build up an audience before you release new episodes.

Choose a Podcast Host & Launch Your Podcast

Once you have a few episodes recorded, it’s time to launch your podcast.

The first thing you need to do is submit your show to iTunes and other podcast directories.

You’ll also need to create a website for your podcast and set up social media accounts.

Finally, you need to choose a podcast host. This is where you’ll upload your episodes and make them available to listeners.

There are a few different podcast hosting platforms available, but some of the most popular options include Libsyn, Simplecast, and Buzzsprout.

Once you’ve launched your podcast, start promoting it on social media and other channels. The more people you can get to listen to your show, the better.

You can also reach out to other podcasters and bloggers in your niche and see if they’re interested in featuring your show on their site or sharing it with their audience.

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Create Pre-Recorded Slogans to Create A Brand Identity

Think about how people will remember your show.

Your show’s title, slogan, and artwork are all important elements of your brand identity.

They should be memorable and make people want to listen to your podcast.

You can use tools like Fiverr or 99designs to create custom artwork for your show.

And once you have your artwork created, be sure to include it in every episode so that people can easily recognize your show.

Finally, come up with a catchy slogan that sums up what your podcast is all about. This will help you attract new listeners and create a brand identity for your show.

Plan Out Your Content Calendar

Most podcasts never get past the first few episodes.

Results don’t happen right away, so you need to be passionate and treat it like a business like with everything.

Creating a content calendar will help you stay organized and on track.

Start by brainstorming a list of topics you want to cover in your podcast. Then, create an outline for each episode.

Finally, decide how often you want to release new episodes and plan out your content accordingly.

For example, if you want to release one new episode per week, you can plan to record two episodes per week and release the best one.

This will give you a buffer in case you miss a week or two.

Give Your Listeners A Call-To-Action (CTA)

A call-to-action (CTA) is a request for your listeners to take a specific action.

This could be something like subscribing to your show, rating and reviewing your show on iTunes, or sharing your show with their friends.

Asking your listeners to take action will help you grow your audience and improve the overall quality of your podcast.

So be sure to include a CTA at the end of every episode.

Submit Your Podcast to the Top Directories

iTunes isn’t the only place people listen to podcasts. In fact, there are a number of different podcast directories available.

So be sure to submit your show to as many of them as possible. This will help you reach a wider audience and grow your show.

Some of the most popular podcast directories include iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio.

Plan Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Just like with any other business, you need to have a digital marketing strategy in place if you want your podcast to be successful.

There are a number of different digital marketing channels you can use to promote your podcast.

Some of the most popular options include social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.

You’ll need to experiment with different marketing channels to see which ones work best for your show.

But once you find a few that work, be sure to focus your efforts on those channels and continue growing your audience.

Create A Website for Your Podcast

A website is a great way to promote your podcast and attract new listeners.

Your website can include information about your show, a blog, a list of your episodes, and ways for people to subscribe to your show.

You can use a platform like WordPress to create a website for your podcast.

Or, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of creating and maintaining a website, you can use a service like Libsyn or Simplecast.

Both of these services will host your podcast and provide you with a website.

Create Social Accounts for Your Podcast

Social media is a great way to promote your podcast and connect with your audience.

Be sure to create social accounts for your show on all of the major platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Then, start promoting your episodes on social media and engaging with your audience.

You can also use social media to run giveaways, promote other shows, and build relationships with other podcasters.

Repurpose Your Podcast Content

Transcribe your podcasts to text so you can create blog posts.

If you create videos of your podcasts, upload them on YouTube.

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Perform Email Outreach to Network with Other Podcasters

Email outreach is a great way to connect with other podcasters in your niche.

Start by creating a list of other podcasts that are similar to yours. Then, reach out to the hosts of those shows and introduce yourself.

Ask if they would be interested in doing a guest episode on your show or if you could do a guest episode on their show.

You can also ask if they would be interested in collaborating on any projects.

By networking with other podcasters, you can grow your audience and improve the quality of your show.

Create A Media Kit for Your Podcast

A media kit is a document that contains information about your podcast.

It can include things like your show’s description, statistics, contact information, and social media links.

A media kit is a great way to give potential sponsors an overview of your show.

It’s also a helpful tool to have on hand when you’re reaching out to potential advertisers.

You can create a media kit using a service like Canva or by hiring a designer on Fiverr.

Keep Going and Going

Most quit before they see results.

Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint.

The key to success is to keep putting out new episodes on a regular basis.

Even if you don’t see results right away, keep going. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to see success.

And as your audience grows, you can start thinking about ways to monetize your show.

Who Is Your Target Audience?

When starting a podcast, you need to have a clear idea of who your target audience is.

Are you trying to reach businesses? Entrepreneurs? Parents? Gamers?

Your target audience will dictate the topics you discuss on your show, the guests you invite, and the sponsors you solicit.

So it’s important to spend some time thinking about who you’re trying to reach with your podcast.

What Topics Will You Cover?

Your podcast should have a focus. It should be about one specific topic or niche.

For example, if your podcast is about entrepreneurship, each episode could cover a different business topic.

You could have episodes on how to start a business, how to raise capital, how to market your business, etc.

By having a focus, you’ll be able to better serve your target audience and attract listeners who are interested in that specific topic.

How Often Will You Release New Episodes?

You need to be consistent with your podcast releases.

If you only release new episodes sporadically, it will be hard to build an audience.

Listeners need to know when they can expect new episodes. So it’s important to release new episodes on a regular basis.

Ideally, you should aim to release a new episode every week. But if that’s not possible, try for every other week.

At the very least, you should release new episodes monthly.

Naming Your Podcast

Your podcast’s name is important. It’s how potential listeners will find your show in iTunes or other directories.

Ideally, your podcast’s name should be reflective of the topics you’ll be covering.

For example, if your podcast is about business, you could include the word “business” in the title.

You could also include keywords that describe the focus of your show.

For example, the word “startup” would be a good keyword to use for a business podcast.

Another tip is to keep your podcast’s name short and sweet. Long names are hard to remember and hard to search for.

Creating Podcast Artwork

Your podcast artwork is important because it’s how potential listeners will find your show in iTunes or other directories.

Ideally, your podcast artwork should be reflective of the topics you’ll be covering.

For example, if your podcast is about business, you could include the word “business” in the title.

You could also include keywords that describe the focus of your show.

For example, the word “startup” would be a good keyword to use for a business podcast.

Another tip is to keep your podcast’s name short and sweet. Long names are hard to remember and hard to search for.

Determine the Length of Your Podcast Episodes

The length of your podcast episodes will depend on the format of your show.

Some shows are interview-based, while others are more like audio blogs.

If you’re doing interviews, aim for 30-60 minutes per episode. If you’re doing more of an audio blog, aim for 15-30 minutes per episode.

The important thing is to be consistent with the length of your episodes.

Your listeners should know how long they can expect each episode to be.

How to Choose Your Podcast Format

The format of your podcast will depend on the type of show you want to create.

Do you want to do interviews? Cover news? Share your insights on a particular topic?

There are many different types of podcasts, so it’s important to choose a format that best suits your show.

Some popular podcast formats include:

• Interviews
• Roundtable discussions
• Solo shows
• News and current events
• Educational
• Fiction

Choose Your Podcast Equipment

You don’t need expensive equipment to start a podcast. In fact, all you really need is a good microphone and some free software.

For the microphone, we recommend the Audio-Technica ATR2100. It’s a great all-around microphone that’s perfect for podcasting.

As for software, we recommend Audacity. It’s a free and easy-to-use audio editing program.

If you want to get more advanced with your equipment, you can invest in a mixer and some pop filters. But it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on equipment.

The important thing is to have something that sounds good enough for people to listen to.

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Recording Your Podcast

Once you have your equipment set up, it’s time to start recording your podcast episodes.

If you’re doing interviews, we recommend using Skype or Zoom. It’s a free program that allows you to record calls with other people.

For solo shows, you can just use the built-in recorder on your computer.

Once you have your recording, it’s time to edit it. This is where Audacity comes in.

Audacity is a free and easy-to-use audio editor. It’s perfect for podcasting because it has all the features you need to edit your episodes.

Exporting Your Podcast Episodes

Once you’ve edited your episodes, it’s time to export them as MP3 files.

To do this, open up Audacity and go to File > Export > Export as MP3.

Choose a location for your file and click “Export.”

Your episode is now exported as an MP3 file!

Uploading Your Podcast Episodes

Now that your episodes are exported as MP3 files, it’s time to upload them to a hosting service.

A hosting service is a platform that stores your podcast episodes and makes them available for people to download.

There are many different hosting services to choose from, but we recommend Libsyn or Podbean.

Both of these services offer free plans that should be more than enough for most podcasts.

Once you’ve signed up for a hosting service, you can upload your episodes and start publishing them.

Submitting Your Podcast to iTunes

iTunes is the largest directory of podcasts, so it’s important to submit your show to iTunes once you’ve started publishing episodes.

To submit your podcast to iTunes, you’ll need to create an RSS feed.

An RSS feed is a file that contains all the information about your podcast, such as the title, description, and episode files.

Most hosting services will allow you to create an RSS feed for your show.

Once you have your RSS feed, you can submit it to iTunes by going to their Podcasts Connect website.

Enter your RSS feed URL and click “Submit.”

iTunes will review your show and decide whether or not to add it to their directory.

It can take a few weeks for them to review your podcast, so be patient!

How to Create a Podcast Script

Creating a script for your podcast episodes is a great way to make sure your episodes are engaging and well-organized.

A script can help you stay on topic and avoid rambling. It can also help you plan out your episode structure.

When writing a script, we recommend using the “telegraph method.”

This means writing out your episode as if it were a telegraph message.

Each line should be one sentence long and convey the most important information.

Example podcast script

INTRO: Welcome to the How to Start a Podcast & Monetize It podcast! In this episode, we’re going to show you how to start a podcast and monetize it.

HOST: Hi, my name is John Doe and I’m the host of the How to Start a Podcast & Monetize It podcast.

In each episode, we interview successful podcasters and ask them how they monetize their shows.

Today, we’re going to be talking to Jane Smith, the host of the popular podcast The Business Bites.

Jane is going to share her tips on how to start a podcast and monetize it.

So if you’re looking to start your own podcast and make some money from it, this episode is for you!

DURING THE SHOW:

JANE: My number one tip for monetizing a podcast is to offer something of value to your listeners.

And so on…

How to Speak into a Microphone

When recording your podcast episodes, it’s important to speak into the microphone in a clear and concise way.

Here are a few tips to help you do that:

– First, make sure you’re speaking in a quiet environment. Avoid recording in places with a lot of background noise.

– Second, hold the microphone close to your mouth. This will help ensure that your voice is being recorded clearly.

– Third, avoid using “um” and “uh” fillers. These can be distracting for listeners and make you sound unprepared.

– Fourth, try to relax and be yourself! The more natural you sound, the better your episodes will be.

How to Choose Music for Your Podcast

The music you choose for your podcast can have a big impact on how your listeners perceive your show.

For example, if you’re interviewing someone on your show, you might want to choose softer, more relaxed music to set the tone.

On the other hand, if you’re doing a solo episode where you’re sharing your thoughts and opinions, you might want to choose music that’s more upbeat and energetic.

It’s important to experiment with different types of music to see what works best for your show.

You can find royalty-free music for your podcast episodes on sites like Pond5 and ccMixter.

How to Choose Cover Art For Your Podcast

Your podcast cover art is one of the first things potential listeners will see when they’re browsing for new shows to listen to.

That’s why it’s important to choose cover art that’s eye-catching and relevant to your show.

Your cover art should be at least 1400×1400 pixels and in JPEG or PNG format.

We also recommend including your podcast title, your name, and a brief description of your show.

If you’re not a designer, you can hire someone to create custom artwork for you on sites like Fiverr or 99designs.

How to Edit Your Podcast Episodes

Once you’ve recorded your podcast episodes, it’s time to edit them! This is where you’ll add music, sound effects, and any other audio elements you want to include.

Editing your episodes is also a great opportunity to remove any mistakes or pauses that you made while recording.

If you’re new to audio editing, we recommend using the free software Audacity.

It’s a user-friendly program that’s perfect for beginners.

Once you’ve edited your episodes, you’re ready to start publishing them!

How to Publish Your Podcast Episodes

Publishing your podcast episodes is easy! The first thing you need to do is create an RSS feed.

Your RSS feed is like a “podcast playlist.” It contains all of your episodes and tells listeners where they can find them.

There are a few different ways to create an RSS feed. The easiest way is to use a service like Libsyn or Podbean.

Both of these services will host your podcast episodes and generate an RSS feed for you.

Once you’ve created your RSS feed, you can submit it to popular podcast directories like iTunes and Stitcher.

This will make it easy for potential listeners to find and subscribe to your show.

How to Promote Your Podcast

Promoting your podcast is essential if you want to grow your audience. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Social media: Share your episodes on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. Use hashtags to reach a wider audience.

– Email marketing: Send an email to your subscribers whenever you release a new episode. Include a link to your show so they can listen.

– Blogging: Write blog posts about your podcast episodes. Include transcripts, show notes, and links for people to listen.

– Guest blogging: Reach out to other bloggers in your niche and offer to write a guest post for their site. You can promote your podcast in your bio or at the end of your post.

– Podcast reviews: Ask your listeners to leave reviews for your show on iTunes or Stitcher. Positive reviews can help attract new listeners.

How to Sign Up For Podcast Software

Now that you know how to start a podcast, it’s time to choose the right software for your show.

There are a few different types of software you can use, including:

– Recording software: This is the program you’ll use to record and edit your episodes. We recommend Audacity for beginners.

– Podcast hosting: This is where you’ll store your podcast episodes and create your RSS feed. Libsyn and Podbean are two popular options.

– Directory submission: This is how you’ll submit your RSS feed to iTunes and Stitcher. Submit Your Podcast is a great option.

– Analytics: This is how you’ll track your listener numbers and see how people are finding your show. Podtrac and Blubrry are two popular options.

Now that you know how to start a podcast, it’s time to get started! Choose your topic, come up with a catchy name, and start recording your episodes.

Don’t forget to promote your show on social media and in other places online. And always keep an eye on your listener numbers so you can see how your show is doing.

How to Monetize Your Podcast

Podcasting can be a great way to make money. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Selling advertising

This is the most common way to make money from a podcast.

You can sell ad space on your show, or work with sponsors who will pay you to mention their products or services on your episodes.

Selling products and services

If you have your own products or services to sell, you can promote them on your podcast.

You can also offer special deals and discounts to your listeners.

Accepting donations

If you don’t want to sell advertising, you can ask your listeners to donate money to support your show.

You can set up a PayPal account or use a service like Patreon.

Affiliate marketing

You can promote products and services from other companies on your podcast and earn a commission on every sale you make.

Sponsorship

You can find companies who are willing to sponsor your show in exchange for exposure to your audience.

This is usually done through advertising, but you can also negotiate other deals.

No matter how you choose to monetize your podcast, always remember that providing value to your listeners is the most important thing.

If you can give them something they enjoy and benefit from, they’ll be more likely to support your show financially.

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How to Start a Podcast – FAQs

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

The cost of starting a podcast varies depending on your needs. If you want to do everything yourself, you can get started for less than $100.

But if you want to outsource some of the work, the cost can be much higher.

How long does it take to start a podcast?

Again, this depends on how much work you’re willing to put in. If you do everything yourself, you can get started in a few days.

But if you’re outsourcing some of the work, it could take weeks or even months.

Do I need any special equipment to start a podcast?

No, you don’t need any special equipment to start a podcast. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.

If you want to use your phone to record your episodes, that’s fine too.

What if I’m not a good writer?

That’s okay! You don’t need to be a good writer to start a podcast.

In fact, many people who are bad at writing make great podcasters. Just remember that you don’t need to be perfect.

Your listeners will forgive you for your mistakes.

I’m not very tech-savvy. Can I still start a podcast?

Yes, you can still start a podcast even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

There are plenty of resources and tutorials available to help you along the way.

How do you start a podcast and get paid?

There are a few different ways to make money from your podcast.

The most common way is to sell advertising, but you can also sell products and services, accept donations, or promote affiliate products.

Do I need a website to start a podcast?

No, you don’t need a website to start a podcast.

However, having a website can make it easier for people to find your show and subscribe to it.

How many listeners do you need to make money on a podcast?

It varies, but typically you need at least 1,000 listeners to make money from a podcast.

Can you make money from a podcast without having ads?

Yes, there are a few ways to make money from a podcast without having ads.

You can sell products and services, accept donations, or promote affiliate products.

What is the best way to promote my podcast?

There is no one “best” way to promote your podcast. You’ll need to experiment to find what works best for you.

Some common promotion methods include social media, email marketing, and guest blogging.

How long does it take for a podcast to make money?

It varies, but typically it takes a few months to start making money from a podcast.

Can I start a podcast for free?

Yes, you can start a podcast for free.

There are a number of platforms that allow you to host your show without any cost.

What are the benefits of starting a podcast?

There are many benefits of starting a podcast.

Some of the most common benefits include building an audience, growing your business, and connecting with like-minded people.

How long should podcasts be?

There is no one “right” answer to this question. It depends on your audience and what type of content you’re providing.

Typically, podcasts are between 20 (about a half hour with commercials) and 60 minutes long (hour-long, commercial-free).

What are some good podcast topics?

Some good podcast topics include business, marketing, personal development, relationships, and health.

How often should I release new episodes?

Again, there is no one “right” answer to this question.

It depends on your audience and how much time you have to devote to creating new episodes. However, most experts recommend releasing new episodes on a weekly basis.

Where can I find guests for my podcast?

There are a few different ways to find guests for your podcast.

You can use social media, guest blogging, and podcast directories.

What are some common mistakes people make when starting a podcast?

Some common mistakes people make when starting a podcast include not promoting their show, not releasing new episodes regularly, and not having enough content.

How can I avoid making these mistakes?

By doing your research, planning ahead, and being prepared to put in the work, you can avoid making these mistakes.

Podcasting is a great way to build an audience, grow your business, and connect with like-minded people.

By following these tips, you can start a podcast and monetize it successfully.

How do you start a podcast with no audience?

The first step is to create great content that people will want to listen to.

Once you have a few episodes, start promoting your show through social media, email marketing, and guest blogging.

As you build an audience, you can start making money from your podcast.

Do I need expensive equipment to start a podcast?

No, you don’t need expensive equipment to start a podcast.

You can use the microphone on your computer or buy a relatively inexpensive microphone.

What’s the best way to record a podcast?

There is no one “best” way to record a podcast. It depends on your budget and what type of equipment you have access to.

However, most experts recommend using a digital recorder for the best sound quality.

What’s the best way to edit a podcast?

Again, there is no one “best” way to edit a podcast. It depends on your budget and what type of equipment you have access to.

However, most experts recommend using a digital audio editor for the best results.

What makes a podcast successful?

There is no one guaranteed formula for success.

However, most experts agree that a successful podcast requires great content, regular releases, and a commitment to promoting your show.

What are the most popular podcast topics?

The most popular podcast topics include business, marketing, personal development, relationships, and health.

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Summary – How to Start a Podcast & Monetize It

Podcasting is a great way to build an audience, grow your business, and connect with like-minded people.

You can start a podcast for free and there are many benefits to doing so.

To be successful, you’ll need to create great content, release new episodes regularly, and promote your show.

Once you have built up an audience, you can start making money from your podcast through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

With a little effort, you can create a successful podcast that brings in income each month.