How to Start Your Own Podcast: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you want to do a podcast and you’re not sure how to go about it? Maybe you already know what a podcast is. I mean, you probably tune in to your favorite podcast channel every night, and you feel like you want to start yours as well to share your insights. Or you’re a budding business owner or entrepreneur, and you want to grow your audience and reach. Well, you don’t need to get yourself in too much of a hassle, because in this article we are going to guide you through the nooks and crannies of doing your own podcast.

Creating your own podcast isn’t so difficult. You just need to know how to go about and what you will need. And that’s why we have written this guide – that has not so much technical jargon and is very easy to understand.

According to recent statistics, there are more than 30 million podcast episodes. More than 68 million (24%) of the US population listen to podcasts weekly, an increase from 22% in 2019. Starting your own podcast is the right thing to do as a business owner if you want to expand your business. Podcasting is an effective content marketing strategy that does not require you breaking the bank for.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to creating and managing your podcast, and everything in between.

We will be taking you through;

What are podcasts? And how do they work?
Why should you consider starting a podcast?
What you will need to do your own podcast?
Steps in creating your podcast.
Top 5 recommended podcast software.
Growing your podcast.
Standing out from the rest: Tips and Best practices.
Making money with your podcast.
FAQs

Starting your own podcast requires a lot of effort and commitment. Creating your first and second podcast may require a lot of time to get it going, but soon enough you will get the hang of it, and it would become easier setting up. Doing your podcast requires consistency, especially if you want to establish a listener base. You need to be consistent in releasing episodes regularly.

Table of Contents

First off, what are podcasts? And how do they work?

Podcasts are audio recordings of discussions on a particular topic that can be listened to from anywhere and any device. The topic could be on health and wellness, travel, or business. They can be hosted on several platforms like Google podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Shopify, and so on. They can also be hosted on websites and shared with your audience from everywhere.

According to Edison Research and Triton Digital, podcasting awareness and consumption seems to be in high demand, especially in the U.S. 75% of Americans age 12 and above (212 million people) are familiar with podcasting. More than one-third of Americans age 12 and above (104 million) are tuning in to their favorite podcast regularly, a big bounce from the numbers in 2019.

According to the research, the average time spent listening to a podcast every week is more than 6 hours.

Podcasts hold so much potential for growth for businesses, bloggers, and start-up entrepreneurs.

The way podcasting works

With podcasting, the possibilities are endless. Absolutely anyone can start their own podcast and reach millions of people over the internet. Gone are the days, you needed to rely on a broadcasting channel or radio station to talk about what interest you. You can easily do your own podcast and get your message out there.

Podcasts are usually in series. It could be released weekly, daily, or in whatever format you choose. You will need to save your audio files, signing up with a podcast hosting company is very important as you consider starting your podcast. It’s the same way you require a host for your website or blog.

A podcast can be accessed by your audience in the following ways;

Streaming the podcast online.
Downloading on demand.
Automatic downloading via an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed.
Using a podcast player, such as Apple Podcasts.

Why you should consider starting a podcast

Creating your own podcast is another form of content creation that is fast becoming popular. Podcasts can be listened to on the go, in the car, or at work. People can listen to podcast from any device. It doesn’t have to be on the radio, it can be through their smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Starting your podcast enhances your brand value and identity, and gives your audience an understanding who you are, what you have, and what you are willing to offer. It will help you reach more people, increase traffic on your website, and build your audience base. You can engage more with your audience and form a personal relationship with them. It’s another way to increase your online visibility and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.

You can build valuable connections with your podcast. You can host guest speakers who are experts in a particular field or topic, to share their thoughts, opinions, and insights. This will not only build your credibility but also open you up to a whole new audience within your field.

In 2020, the number of podcasts listened to was an average of six podcasts in a week.

You can reach people who do not read long-content articles or blog posts. Podcasts are guaranteed to have deeper and longer engagement than blog content. Plus, it has an opportunity for a greater level of intimacy and it is less competitive.

Starting a podcast helps enhance your brand perceptions and establishes you as a voice and authority in your field. You can build trust and form a bond with your audience. It helps you sell your product or service easily and possibly influence the decision of potential customers.

Creating your podcasts cost nothing and it’s free to listen to. Plus, you can use it to earn some money. You can feature sponsors in your podcast and charge them a fee for the exposure they get in return. Or you can promote your own product and services.

What you will need to do for your own podcast?

Steps in creating your podcast.

If you want to start your own podcast, there are a lot of things you need to consider; one of them is your idea or niche. There are a lot of podcasts out there, and the numbers will keep increasing. What do you really have to offer? Or are you just chasing butterflies?

If you want to create a standout podcast, we have listed and explained ;

1. Do a thorough research

Take some time to listen to several podcasts of different genres. Check out your competitors’. Write down something you like and take note of what you don’t want in your own podcast. It could be a format or the way the show is introduced, or any element. The whole essence of researching and noting it down is to implement them and create your own unique sense and style for your podcasts.

2. Select a topic

If you’re thinking about creating your podcast, you probably already know what you want to talk about and if you don’t, we’ll get you started on the process of developing one.

Take a piece of paper or just use your tablet, and write down a number of things you are passionate about and have experience with. A topic that you can spread out across as many episodes as possible.

3. Choose a podcast format

A podcast format refers to the methods through which you deliver your show. It is an essential decision you need to make before you start your podcast. You need to think about how you plan to deliver your show? Do you plan to co-host with someone? Or interview people? The right podcast format will help you organize and structure your content. Sticking to one podcast format will create consistency for your listeners.

As a new podcaster, you can experiment with some of the various podcast formats to see which one fits your personality and niche and generates lots of feedback.

Some of the Top Podcast Formats include;

1. The interview podcast format

As the name implies, the interview style features a host who interviews a new guest in each episode to share their unique experience and expertise. The host guides the conversation around the topic by asking questions so that the guest can share their stories and experiences.

Pros	Cons
The guest promotes the episode in their own space, and to their followers, there is a good chance that you grow your audience.	Interviewing requires skills, lots of practice, and patience.
You gain access to unique opinions and perspectives on a topic which can increase value and increase your audience engagement.	It may be difficult finding a new guest for each episode, plus it may take some work.
You are in charge of guiding the discussion, leaving your audience to most of the talking.	The interview podcast format is usually done over call conferencing software. You or your guest may have connection problems, which can be very unappealing.
	You have to rely on the ability of your guest to articulate and share information in an interesting and engaging way.
	You need to think of how you will stand out because of the abundance of an interview podcast show.

Some examples of the interview podcast format include; The Tim Ferris Show, StartUp Podcast, The Art of Manliness, etc.

2. The solo podcast format

This is a popular podcast format used by people with particular expertise they want to share. It is a simple format to adopt, especially if you are just starting out as a podcaster. You just need a microphone and any free podcast editing software.

If you want to use this podcast format, you need to plan each episode, whether you want to write a script for each episode or just speak without any in-depth preparation.

Pros	Cons
§ You can easily cut out parts of the audio you didn’t like.	§ It may take some practice before you start recording your first episode, especially if you are nervous.
§ You don’t rely on anyone’s involvement. You can do things in your own time and at your convenience.	§ It may get tiring because it requires lots of talking. You may have to talk for an hour or more for each episode.
§ You can connect with your audience on a deeper level.
§ It’s easier to edit your audio.

Some examples of the solo podcast format include; Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, Lore, etc.

3. Co-hosted/ Conversational podcast format

This is another popular podcast format. It differs from the interview podcast format due to the fact that it involves two people conversing on a particular topic as a conversation would flow between two friends. These two friends are both hosts.

Pros	Cons
It is very engaging and easier to listen to.	It is may be hard to edit two voices compared to editing one track.
Conversation and tasks can be shared between both hosts. Even when you run out of thing to say, you can easily bounce off of your co-host.	Both hosts need to choose topics that you’re both knowledgeable about and agree on.
It doesn’t require any serious planning.	It relies on conversation rather than scripting.

Some examples of the co-hosted podcast format include; Boagworld, Yo, Is This Racist?, Errthang Show, etc.

4. The Panel Podcast Format

This format is very similar to the interview podcast format, but with more people. This format involves a single host and a couple of guests.

Pros	Cons
§ It can be a friendly and engaging environment. Each episode is full of different and interesting perspectives.	§ It may take time finding a guest as a new podcaster. It may also be stressful trying to coordinate/organize the schedule for all the guests.
§ All guests are involved in the talking, taking pressure off the host. The host is in charge of steering the conversation.	§ It requires some coordination in that you may need to cut some guests off and include others who have been too silent.

Some examples of the panel podcast format are; The Beancast, Slate’s Political Gabfest, Slates’s Mom and Dad are Fighting, etc.

5. Repurposed content podcast format

Simply put, repurposing content is transforming existing content in such a way that it brings more value. A blogger might just take written content and turn it into a podcast to create an engaging experience. A speaker may record his lectures and repurpose them into a podcast. Basically, you can repurpose seminars, sermons, workshops, and so on.

Pros	Cons
§ It doesn’t require a big budget because you are basically using existing content.	§ Your audience may have other ways of getting the same content you are repurposing.
§ It is easy to produce this content. All you need to do is to record and do some light editing.	§ It might not feel right for a podcast, because the content was not intended for that purpose.

Some examples of repurposed content podcast format are; The TED Radio Hour, The Moth, Prairie Home Companion, etc.

6. Podcast theater/ fictional storytelling podcast format

This podcast format involves telling fictional stories across multiple episodes. It is the new way of writing novels. You can use a single voice or multiple voice actors, sound effects just like TV shows. This format is especially suited for creators who want to create characters and build fictional worlds.

Pros	Cons
It is a less common podcast format with less competition.	Even though there is little competition with other podcasts, you may be competing against other sources of drama and storytelling, including YouTube, Netflix, etc.
You don’t have to worry about sharing factual information.	It is unsuited for non-creatives.
	It may require some time and work to grow your audience.

Some of the examples of Podcast theater format are; Welcome to Nightvale, Limetown, etc.

7. Non-fictional storytelling podcast format

This format tells stories about real-life events. It may be crime investigation, epic, scientific-based storytelling, or even the news. This format is the best way to share your thoughts and curiosities with your audience.

Pros	Cons
§ There is freedom of creativity with producing and editing your show.	§ It requires lots of planning and research involved.
§ It can be quite addictive and engaging.	§ This type of format requires a learning curve to produce, and so producing your shows might not be on a regular basis.
§ There is a large pool of stories that you can choose from.	§ You need to know what you are talking about. You need to deliver factual information.

Some examples of Non-fictional storytelling podcast format are; Serial, The American Life, Radiolab, etc.

4. Time length

Think about how much time your podcast show will span, whether its 15 minutes or 2 hours. Go with whatever works for you. As a new podcaster, you get to experiment with different time frames. Stick with one that elicits a good response from your audience. Ensure proper time management, don’t ramble around a subject for hours and lose track of time. Structure your content and prioritize audience engagement.

Start your show strong. Make the first few minutes of it count so that you don’t lose listeners along the way. You want to make sure you capture their attention in those few minutes.

5. Podcast Script

As a beginner, a podcast script is one of the essentials you need to take into consideration. A podcast script serves as a guide to keep you track and sort of like a checklist to make sure you have touched all the necessary aspects. Make sure you don’t just read your script because that can make you sound monotonous.

Think about how you want each episode to sound like? We have listed several examples of various podcast formats, and each of them has its own unique structure. For example, a solo podcast will take a format like this;

Sponsor message
Intro Music
Welcome
Introduction: enlighten them on what they are to expect
Topic 1
Segue
Topic 2
Ad spot
Segue
Outro
Call to action
Sponsor message

You can get creative with this example and just do what works for you. For your intro music, you can check out royalty-free music sites such as PremiumBeat or BenSound. Or, you can commission someone – get a local musician or hire an artist on Fiverr.

6. Create your cover art

First impressions count! Your cover art needs to be really impressive and aesthetically pleasing to appeal to your listeners in the first split seconds they are scrolling through. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; your cover art should quickly communicate what your podcast is about.

You can choose to design your podcast cover art yourself or pay a graphics designer to do the job. Canva is an amazing option. They have numerous images, fonts, templates, and backgrounds that you can browse through. Plus, they are free and copyrighted. You can also get access to more images, backgrounds, and other features when you subscribe to their premium plan. You don’t have to worry about any technical jargon. Canva is simple and intuitive and can be used by almost anyone.

Dos	Don’ts
Show what your podcast is about using unique and visually appealing designs. It should be simple yet unique.	Avoid a Busy Podcast Cover Art: Minimal is the way to go when it comes to your cover art. You want to make sure that it’s not too busy that people are unable to determine what your podcast is about.
Your cover art should meet podcast directory image specs. The ideal image size is 3000 x 3000 pixels, with a high resolution.	Avoid fonts that are unclear and confusing: Stick with one or two fonts, and make sure that it is legible.
Make sure your logo is optimized for everywhere you would want to promote your podcast. Whether on business cards, website banners, or any merch.	Avoid using copyrighted images: You can get images from royalty-free image sites – We love to use Pexels and Pixabay. You can also use Canva and get access to free templates.
Get feedback on your cover art from friends and families.

7. Schedule your podcast show

Think about how often you will post new episodes and what topics you will talk about. If you are doing an interview-podcast format or panel discussion-format, think about the guests you would like to have on your show and write it down.

8. Choose the right podcast recording equipment and software.

The equipment you will need in doing your own podcast is:

A laptop or desktop
Microphone
Headset
Podcast recording software (We have given our top recommendations below).

As a beginner podcaster, you need to consider your budget and how easy the equipment is to use.

Here is our best budget-friendly recommendation:

Microphone:

Blue Microphones Yeti USB – $115.00
Audio-Technica ATR2100x – $99.00
Samson Q2U – $69.99

Headset:

Audio Technica ATH-M50X – $149.00
Logitech USB Headset H390 with Noise Cancelling Mic – $39.95

You will need a really quiet space to record your podcast. Preferably, use a room with some insulation in the walls, or set up soundproofing panels, to reduce background noise and echo.

Top 5 Recommended Podcast Software

Choosing the right podcast software is equally as important as selecting the right podcast format. You need to makes sure that your podcast exudes excellence and sounds professional. The right podcast software will reduce the amount of time spent editing your audio, allows you to customize your podcast to your taste, and integrate features. Some of these recommended podcast software doubles as recording and editing podcast software.

Some of the recommended podcast recording and editing software you can use are:

1. Audacity

Audacity is a free, simple, and open-source audio recording and editing software. It is one of the best and common digital audio workstation (DAW) used in podcasting. It is rich in features and editing options that can help you create any type of podcast episode you want to. In return for the free services it offers, it requires a little time to learn the basics and how to use it to edit your podcast.

Pros	Cons
It is free.	It takes a little time to be proficient.
Has all the basic features needed to create a podcast.	Has an old-fashioned interface.
Supports most audio file formats.	Lacks advanced editing features.
Can be used on Windows, Linux, and Mac.	Does not allow direct upload to a podcast hosting platform.

2. Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is an excellent and standard podcast recording and editing software. If you are looking for flexibility and control over your project, then Adobe Audition is good for you. Plus, it is packed with lots of features and options that can make your audio exude professionalism. You will need to grasp the basics of this software so that you can maximize the available features to create a top-notch audio podcast.

Adobe Audition allows you to create, mix, and design sound effects at a rate of $20.99 per month when billed annually. You gain access to top-notch features, 100GB of cloud storage, adobe portfolio, Adobe Spark, and Adobe Fonts.

Pros	Cons
Great support and helps features.	Takes time to grasp the basics.
Has advanced recording and editing features.	Best suitable for advanced users.
Allows customization and control.	Expensive.
Compatible with Windows and Mac.

3. GarageBand

GarageBand is popular mainly for its music-making abilities and number of digital instruments. It is also a very good podcast editing software. Plus, it is free if you have a Mac. It has a simplistic interface that allows you to easily record and edit podcasts. GarageBand is a great choice if you already own a Mac, a beginner at editing podcasts, and willing to learn one or two things about how the podcast editing software works. GarageBand allows you to create separate tracks for intros and outros, music, etc. You can play around with the sound effects until you get what you are looking for.

Pros	Cons
Free.	Compatible only with IOS devices.
Easy-to-use and Intuitive.	Has a small learning curve.

4. Reaper

Reaper is a top-notch and powerful podcast software compatible with Windows. It is affordable, packed with robust features and has a great user interface. Reaper allows users to go live with streaming platforms like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). You can import audio files, synthesize, edit, record, and mix music. Reaper allows freedom of control and customization – you can personalize your interface to your taste. Reaper requires some time to get used to. It can get quite complicated for someone without any technical knowledge.

You can access all of these features at a cost of $60 for a discounted license and $225 for a commercial license.

Pros	Cons
High value for price.	Does not have online tutorials that serve as a guide.
Free trial available (60 days).
Compatible with Windows and Mac.

5. Hindenburg Journalist

Hindenburg Journalist is a comprehensive multi-track audio editor suited for podcasters, radio journalists, and audio producers. It allows you to record, add a music track, and includes advanced audio editing features. At $95, you can access all of these features and more. Hindenburg Journalist features a unique clipboard, equalization (EQ), and automated levels, and integrates seamlessly with some hosting providers.

Pros	Cons
Top-notch audio quality.	Not suitable for beginners.
Support all types of audio files.	Advanced features are available only in Hindenburg Journalist Pro, which cost $375.
Allows direct upload to SoundCloud, Loudness, and Libsyn.	Expensive.
Free trial available (30 days).

If you are interested in recording your podcast with your mobile device, there are some mobile apps that you can use to record your audio on the go. We previously mentioned that GarageBand is compatible with IOS devices. Other mobile apps are Spreaker and Ringr.

The only exception to solely using any of the afore-mentioned podcast software is if you are doing an interview podcast format, which requires a host or two. You will want to use a call recording software such as Skype, Zoom, or Zencastr. After recording the interview using the afore-mentioned software, you can then edit the audio using any of the listed editing software, including Adobe Audition or Audacity.

Record Your Podcast The Correct Way

Here is a checklist of the best practices you need to establish when recording your podcast.

Ensure your microphone is stable and set up properly. Follow the recommended instructions laid out by the brand of your equipment.
Maintain the right distance from your microphone.
Check your microphone level.
Test the equipment.

Podcast Editing Software

Editing your podcast is not as technical as it sounds. You can always do some light editing as a beginner to make your audio sound really good. Or you can take the time to learn the skills for advanced editing. Or better still, hire someone. Editing your podcast may involve mixing some tracks, adding your intro or outro, or cutting out a part of the tape. Editing is done inside software known as a digital audio workstation (DAW). Whatever you need to do, you should consider your budget and your goals.

1. Avid Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools is a top-notch podcast editing software. It is an elite software that can do almost everything from recording, editing, and fine-tuning your audio, and much more. All of these wonderful features come at a high price. Avid Pro Tools is not exactly suitable for beginners, especially if you don’t have so much on your hands in terms of time and money.

2. Descript

Descript is an easy-to-use podcast editing software. It relies on editing text to edit the audio. It doesn’t require any experience whatsoever. You can either record using Descript or add a recording you want to edit. Descript started as a transcription software. They provide a transcript for your audio, and then you can edit your audio by editing the transcripts. Simply change and delete any sentence you don’t like from the transcript, and those changes reflect in the audio.

Checklist for editing your podcast

Remove unwanted audio from the start and the end of your audio. Add in your intro and outro and other effects to suit your taste.
Equalization: This is the process of adjusting the balance of different frequency components.
Reduce background noise or buzz from your recording.
Adjusting the audio volume for consistency in volume levels from start to finish.
Remove unwanted stuff from your audio.

Podcast Hosting Sites

Selecting a good podcast hosting platform is very important for your podcast. You will need it to store and deliver your .mp3’s and grow your audience. These podcast hosting sites can store and deliver large media files, some for free and others for a small fee. When choosing your podcast hosting sites, you need to think of your budget, their features and tools and support.

You need to use a podcast hosting service to store your .mp3 and not just any other service like your website host or something. This is because saving your .mp3 on anything other than your podcast hosting service can slow the server and make it difficult for your audience to access your podcast.

We shared some of the best podcast hosting service that you can use to save and deliver your .mp3.

1. PodBean

PodBean is one of the best podcast hosting sites there is. They have aesthetically pleasing design tools that allow you to host and customize your audio podcast for an unlimited time and with unlimited bandwidth. You can easily embed PodBean player into your WordPress pages.

With PodBean, the possibilities are almost endless. PodBean automatically submits your episodes to top podcast directories using their podcast promotion tools. They also feature an advertising marketplace that allows you to monetize your content. You can use their free plan, which comes with limited storage and bandwidth, or access any of their premium plans starting from $9 per month when billed annually.

2. BuzzSprout

If you are just starting out, then BuzzSprout would be perfect for you. It is beginner-friendly and has many great features that would make your podcasting experience interesting. All you have to do is to upload your audio file and BuzzSprout automatically submits your episodes to every top podcast directory, making your episodes available on all devices.

Just like PodBean, you can embed the podcast player on WordPress. BuzzSprout can also make a website for you and allows you to customize the design and domain name. There is a free plan, which has limited storage. Premium plans start from $12 per month to $24 per month. One of the downsides of using BuzzSprout is the limited storage and bandwidth plan that comes with even the paid plan.

3. Libsyn

Libsyn is a reliable and easy-to-use podcast hosting site that distributes your episodes to top apps and podcasting platforms everywhere. Libsyn is compatible with mobile devices and features an easily customizable podcast page for your show. You get an in-depth analysis of audience engagement with their advanced podcast hosting plans. Libsyn also allows you to earn money from your podcast show using opt-in advertising and premium content subscriptions.

Libsyn has four podcast hosting plans that start from $5 to $40 per month, each with different monthly storage and unlimited bandwidth.

4. Transistor

Transistor is an easy-to-use and powerful podcast hosting service for beginners and experienced podcasters. With Transistor, you get access to unlimited podcast hosting plans. You can easily upload your media and publish it. Just like Libsyn, they offer detailed analytics on every episode. You can embed your episode to your WordPress pages or posts. If you don’t already have a website, Transistor will create one for you. Their plans start from $19 to $99 per month. With each plan, there is a limit on the number of downloads. So, as your podcast grows, you will need to upgrade your plan.

There are dozens more other podcast hosting services, and every one of them is unique. They have different pricing and best tailored to different users. Selecting a podcast hosting service is totally up to you, your needs, and your budget.

Upload your episode and submit it to popular directories like iTunes and Spotify

After recording and editing your podcast episode, uploading your episode is the next thing you should do. You can upload your episodes in the form of a .mp3 to any of the recommended podcast hosts. Many podcast hosting platforms distribute your episodes to popular podcast directories.

For example, If you want to send your podcast files to Apple Podcasts (iTunes), you will need to submit your podcast RSS feed to Apple Podcasts (iTunes), along with your Apple ID, podcast title, description, artwork, category, language, and fill out the information on whether your show is explicit or not.

Promote your podcast launch – create a landing page to give people insights into your podcasts, include an option for people to sign up for your mailing list, and then can reach out to your subscribers on the launch day.

Ask your audience to subscribe, rate, and review your show. This can help you rank higher faster.

Make sure your call-to-action is catchy and optimized.

Growing your podcast audience

Growing your podcast audience is the dream. If you are considering doing your own podcast then growth is an undeniable aspect that must be considered. We have outlined some steps that you can take towards this. Your podcast show might not take off immediately or grow overnight with these strategies. It takes time, effort, and consistency for you to achieve sustained audience growth. A positive attitude will do you good as you continue to promote our show, whether you are three or three thousand listeners.

How to grow your podcast audience: 10 top strategies to promote your podcast

1. Define your niche

You may be tempted to think that your podcast is for every dick and harry and therefore should appeal to everyone. That’s the wrong way of thinking, and it would barely get you anywhere. Defining your niche will make it easier for you to identify and attract your intended audience. Defining your niche will help you to determine what value and unique perspective you are bringing to the table and thus, help in narrowing down the audience most likely to listen to your show. If your podcast is about reviewing books, then you should target readers. You might even want to be more specific and go with reviewing non-fiction books.

2. Produce quality

You want to make sure you sound like a professional every time you produce your show. You don’t have to break the bank to produce a high-quality show. There are many cost-effective types of equipment you can try out. Research the best and budget-friendly microphones and podcasting equipment.

3. Research your audience

The best podcast recording software has built-in analytics that can give you detailed information on the demographic data and trends of your current listeners. Where do they live? What are they interested in? Do they listen to any other podcast? Where do they exist online? – Do they have a community on social media or use any particular hashtags? Digging deep into this information will give you an insight into who your audience is and what they want and help you reach them better and faster.

4. Connect! Connect!! Connect!!!

It doesn’t stop at researching and identifying your audience. You have to take a step further and connect with our listeners. You can create social media accounts dedicated to your podcast and maintain your presence online. Post regularly, respond to comments and use hashtags. You won’t just be connecting with your audience, you also get to promote your podcast show. Other than creating dedicated social media accounts, you can create a website for your podcast, build an email list, send out newsletters regularly, or be a guest on another show.

Encourage your audience to take action. Ask them creatively to leave a rating or review. You could do a giveaway or run a contest to inspire them to share your podcast with others.

5. Get creative

Create something extra that gets eyes turning and appeal to or attract more people. Bring a unique and new angle to your topic. Or feature photos or videos of your podcast process on your social media account or create a blog to share updates on your show. You can also transcribe your audio and share it on your blog/ website. The transcript can also do wonders for your SEO. Attach a lead capture form to it, and collect leads to follow up on.

Also, your podcast art shouldn’t just be aesthetically pleasing but should also give your audience information on what your podcast is about. Brand your podcast well and uniquely at that.

6. Host a guest

Your guest might be an expert in your niche or a friend, either way, hosting someone on your podcast show is a great way of expanding your audience. Your guests can help you share a link to the podcast episode, a photo or video from the recording session, or your aesthetically appealing podcast cover art. This gives you access to their following and possibly more listeners. Don’t just use your guests because of what you hope to gain; connect with them and offer them some sort of value – you can promote their episodes or events.

7. Maximize SEO

Increasing your online visibility and making it easier for people to find you is of the essence in this explosive internet age. Use the right keywords, title, and content, in short, prioritizing SEO will help you rank higher on Google. A higher ranking podcast is more likely to attract first-time listeners than the one that shows up on the 3^rd or 10^th page. The same goes for podcasts that make it on iTunes ‘New and Noteworthy’ section within the first few weeks of starting out.

You need to optimize your podcast for Google and the top podcast directories your show is listed on. Make use of target keywords in your podcast name and description.

8. Promote yourself

Podcast discovery is largely dependent on word of mouth. You will want to talk about your podcast everywhere and anywhere. Whether it is at a meet-up or conference related to podcasting or as a guest on other podcasts. Share flyers about your podcast online and offline.

Check out what podcast communities are available for you to join and build meaningful connections in the podcasting community.

You can also increase visibility by promoting your show on popular podcast directories like SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and so on.

9. Record a trailer

Tease your audience with a preview of what your show is about, including what unique value you are offering. Share your trailer on your social media accounts, use hashtags, and promote it everywhere you can.

10. Track your stats.

It’s not enough to start your podcast, you need to know what podcast success means to you and measure it. Success could mean more listeners, a high rating on podcast platforms, the number of episode plays, or the number of subscribers. Define your podcast success and grow your audience in line with it. Create strategies that target and fulfill your goals. Top podcast software has built-in analytics that gives detailed insights into your podcast performance.

Standing out from the rest: Tips and Best Practices

1. Set S.M.A.R.T goals

When setting your goals and objectives, keep this acronym – S.M.A.R.T – in mind.

Your goals must be Specific; clearly define what you want to achieve with your podcast. They must be Measurable; reiterating, define what success means to you and how you measure it? Is it by the number of downloads or subscribers? You need to be able to measure your goal to make sure that you well on your way to success. Your goals must be Achievable; don’t sell yourself short or too high. Your goals must be achievable. Do an inventory of the resources available to attain those goals. Your goals should be Realistic and Timely.

Setting goals give you a sense of direction and guide you in achieving them. Sticking with your goals will surely help your show stand out and cause your audience to come back for more.

2. Be consistent in delivering valuable content

Consistently show up delivering your content. You can schedule your content – this will keep you on track and give your audience an idea of what to expect and when to expecting. This will help you gain a loyal fan base, boost your credibility, and increase your visibility.

3. Bring a unique perspective to your topic

Let your show exude uniqueness. Use your unique story, personality, and creativity to create a show that is exceptionally unique in your niche. Establish yourself as an authority within your niche and build credibility. You will be sure to find more people looking to get information from you. Hone your skills and be well informed of happenings in your field.

4. Deliver quality

For your podcast to stand out, you need to make sure you deliver high-quality content. Offer unique and valuable insights on your topic. Create an experience for your audience where they see you as a valuable source of information. They will keep flocking to you and may even bring along their friends.

Also, ensure your audio quality is top-notch. Poor audio quality is a huge turn off – it would probably make you look and sound less professional, and may result in a lower listenership number.

5. Invest in your podcast cover art

We are not talking about hiring a graphics designer and paying heavily for a podcast logo, we are talking about you using high-resolution images, aesthetically pleasing visuals, and legible, yet appealing fonts. Your potential listeners will most likely decide whether or not to listen to your podcast after looking at your cover art.

Your podcast cover art should capture their attention and give them information on what your podcast is about.

6. Podcast Promotion

After you have put in all the efforts to create a visually appealing and insightful show, you need to promote your podcasts. Create some buzz around your show and promote it on social media, your website, or via your mailing list.

7. Making money with your podcast

Making money with your podcast requires consistency. You have probably spent so much on hosting and podcasting equipment, and you looking for the return on investment, but it’s not that easy. You can only make money with podcasting when people decide to listen to your show. They have to decide that you are worth listening to. So don’t start a podcast if you are primarily searching for an immediate source of income.

Making money via your podcast will require that you put in the work and time – deliver top-notch content consistently and connect with your audience on a personal level. You can make money using your podcast in a number of ways. After you have established value and grown your audience, you can join lots of other people who rake in lots of money from their podcasts.

So how do you monetize your podcast? Making money from your podcasts will require you to not just stick with one strategy, but with several. Even on a general note, the best way to make money is to have multiple streams of income.

First and famous, is the way the media makes money; by selling ads. These ads are sold on a cost per mile (CPM) or cost per thousand (CPT) basis. The industry’s average cost per thousand is between $20 to $50 per thousands. The amount of money you can earn from these sponsored ads is based on how many downloads your episode gets. You have the autonomy to price your ads based on their location in your episode. Ads that run at the beginning and end of your show are pretty much worth the same to advertisers. The most valuable ads are those that run in the middle of the show because of the already captured attention of your audience.
Secondly, you can ask your fans directly for support and offer exclusive access to your live shows, private membership groups, or bonus audio/video content. If you are truly offering value, they would be willing to support you and ensure that you keep producing your show. Create a Patreon account or set up a GoFundMe campaign, and tell them why you deserve their money and support. You can also add a PayPal button to your site and add a donation form.
Furthermore, you can sign up for an affiliate program and sell products for a company. It is quite similar to sponsorships, but in this case, you get paid based on what you sell. You can take advantage of Audible’s or Amazon’s affiliate program. They give you a link to promote, and you get credited when someone uses your link to buy a product.
You can also sell products complementary to your show. You can sell merch such as bags or tees with your logo on it, courses, books, tickets to live events, or consulting service. If you don’t already have a website/e-commerce site, you should set up one for people to order easily your products.
Publish your show to YouTube as videos. You don’t need to put in so much work editing the video. Add an image to your recording. Use a scroll-stopping headline and implement YouTube SEO practices to boost your visibility in search results. Also, make sure you enable monetization in your YouTube settings and leave the rest to Google.

Clearly, there is no right way to make money from your podcast. You should consider combining several of the mentioned strategies – experiment with them and use what works for you.

How to do a podcast FAQs

What do I need to start my own podcast?

unique idea and original content.
A laptop or desktop
A good microphone
Headphones
A podcast recording and editing software
A quiet space to record your podcast without interruptions and background noises.

Can I start a podcast on my phone?

You can do a podcast with your phone, whether you are just starting out or you are a professional looking to record your podcast on the go.

You will need;

An external microphone – your smartphone’s internal microphones will not give you good audio quality if you choose to stick with it. Get an external microphone such as Rode SmartLav+, Rode VideoMic Me, or Audio Technica ATR3350iS. Most of these external microphones have a headphone output for you to monitor your audio levels and ensure good audio quality while recording.
A podcast recording apps such as Spreaker, Anchor, Auphonic, Soundcloud, PodBean, Podomatic podcast recorder, etc.
Make sure you ensure that you record in a quiet place – somewhere with minimal background noises. Use a tripod stand to secure your phone so that you don’t have to hold it for hours. Maintain a reasonable distance from your phone and monitor the audio levels.

You want to ensure that you deliver top-quality audio that exudes professionalism and doesn’t turn away your listeners.

How long should my episodes be?

It depends on how long you want it to be. You need to consider your topic, your podcast format, and your audience. As a podcaster just starting out, you can experiment with different time frames and select the one that works for both you and your audience.

How many episodes is ideal for me to launch my podcast?

Ideally, you should launch with a few episodes, three is usually recommended. Your potential audience will listen to the first episode, and if they like it, go on to listen to the second and third episode. In some way, this creates an expectation for your audience and builds engagement. They are most likely to subscribe and anticipate your next episode.

How do I make money with my podcasts?

They are several ways to make money with your podcast. The common ways are:

Asking for support and donation: Don’t be shy to ask your audience for money. Tell your audience why you deserve it. You probably won’t need to talk too much before they start giving you money to ensure your podcast keeps running.
Sponsorship: Here, you promote a sponsor on your show. You are paid based on how many downloads your show gets. It is most likely a more favourable strategy for those with a few thousand listeners.
Sell complementary products: It’s a very common way to make money from your podcast. You can sell books, courses, customized bags or shirts, etc.
Affiliate sales: You can make money by selling for companies that you are promoting on your show. You get paid based on how many sales you make.

What are the top-recommended podcast hosting platforms I should use?

BuzzSprout
Podbean
Transistor
BluBrry
Libsyn
Soundcloud

Can I do a podcast for free?

Absolutely, but it is not recommended. You need to invest in a good microphone to ensure that your audio quality is top-notch. Other than that, you can use free recording software to record and edit your episodes and upload your episodes to a free podcast hosting service.

How much do I need to start a podcast?

The question should be rephrased to “How much do I have to start a podcast?” Think about your budget and how much you can afford to purchase the necessary podcasting equipment, recording software, and hosting platform.

How to do a podcast For Free