Podcasting is one of the most compelling ways to stay in touch with your audience as well as to reach new people. It helps you promote your brand, gives your potential customers a deeper level of information, and lets you network with other entrepreneurs in the same niche. But if you think podcasting is only applicable to product owners, you're wrong. Many affiliates also podcast to recommend products or give the latest tips and advice.
If you are struggling to bring in traffic to your website, YouTube channels, or e-commerce store, podcasting can help you with it. There's a lot less competition compared to blogging or YouTubing, so you can start your own podcast channel and turn it into a gateway to your business platforms.
What You Need #1 - Hosting Service
When you think about what you need to run your podcast, your immediate thoughts might be about the equipment. But the first thing you need to sort out is your domain and hosting.
You shouldn't be using your usual website because audio files are huge and take up a lot of bandwidth. Podcasts can easily exceed your data transfer limit and you'll be charged with a hefty extra fee. Also, usual web hosting services are not equipped to deliver your podcast file fast enough. For these reasons, you are highly recommended to sign up with another hosting service specially designed for podcasting.
You might also think that your podcast will be hosted on Apple Podcasts but it's not the case, either. When you sign up with a podcast hosting company, you'll be given an RSS feed address, which will look like; myrss.mypodcast.com/myurl. You will submit this URL to Apple Podcasts, and it will only be available for the listeners to download upon approval by Apple.
Did You Know?
- Global Reach: As of 2023, there were over 2 million active podcasts worldwide.
- Episodes Galore: These podcasts collectively offered over 48 million episodes.
- Growing Audience: An estimated 383 million people worldwide listened to podcasts regularly.
- U.S. Audience: In the United States, over 60% of the population had listened to a podcast.
- Frequent Listeners: Approximately 24% of U.S. adults listened to podcasts weekly.
Recommended Podcast Hosting Services
#1 Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is one of the most reputable podcast hosting services that offer great usability. You can use Buzzsprout for free up to 2 hours per month. The maximum bandwidth it offers is 250Gb per month, which can cover 20,000-40,000 episode plays therefore it's more than enough. (The pro version offers an even bigger bandwidth option.) The options are;
- Free - up to 2 hours per month, episodes hosted for 90 days
- $12 per month - up to 3 hours per month, episodes hosted indefinitely
- $18 per month - up to 6 hours per month, episodes hosted indefinitely
- $24 per month - up to 24 hours per month, episodes hosted indefinitely
The services are month-to-month and you don't have to sign a long-term contract. Therefore I would recommend you to sign up for free and see what happens. If your monthly podcast length starts to exceed 2 hours, then get the $12/month option, when it becomes longer than that, move to the $18/month option, and so on.
#2 PodBean
PodBean is perfect for beginners to try out because it offers service up to 5 hours / 100Gb per month for free. Fairly easy to use, it creates a simple and basic podcast webpage. Your podcast can be easily added to podcasting apps such as Google Play and Apple Podcasts, and also can be shared easily on social media.
The unlimited audio version is $14 per month ($9 per month if you pay annually), allowing unlimited hours and bandwidth.
#3 Transistor.fm
Transistor.fm is good because for a flat fee of $19 per month, you can create an unlimited number of podcasts and episodes. It offers a 14-day free trial. With clean-looking layouts, fast and easy to work with. It also offers easy and straightforward analytics.
If you pay 12 months in advance, you'll get 2 months free.
Did You Know?
- Youth Engagement: Nearly 50% of listeners were between the ages of 12 and 34.
- Gender Split: The listenership was almost evenly split between men and women.
- Mobile Listening: Over 65% of podcast listening was done on mobile devices.
- Popular Genres: The most popular podcast genres were true crime, news, comedy, and health.
- Advertising Revenue: Podcast advertising revenue in the U.S. was projected to surpass $1 billion.
What You Need #2 - Equipment
If you believe that you need special equipment in order to create your first podcast, that's not the case. You might already have most of what you need on your computer. In fact, you can create your podcast on your phone.
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[1] Recording
You can record your podcast simply on your computer with the built-in microphone, on your phone or tablet. Technically you don't need anything else, and that's just fine to get yourself started. But as you may already be aware, a built-in mic will pick up a lot of hissing noise or wind, and the quality is generally low. A simple but decent headset microphone can improve the sound quality, which will not cost you more than $50.
Another microphone option is one that has a stand, and also to get a pop filter in order to block any air from your mouth and help reduce noise. Because it's attached to the microphone, it will also block airflow from other directions.
Depending on the price and the level of noise reduction feature that your microphone has, a windscreen foam that fits over the mic will help reduce wind from all directions too. This is especially useful when you're recording outdoors, near a fan or air conditioning system.
[2] Editing Audio
Audacity
Audacity is free, and it's often most recommended for podcast beginners. You can record directly into the software and edit it. It's available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
GarageBand is also free for Mac or iOS devices. It will be handy for beginners, but Many Mac users who are podcasters prefer Audacity because it has some podcast-specific tools.
Adobe Audition is considered to be one of the best audio editing software packages around, often used by professional podcasters. The multitrack recording feature, for example, allows you to edit people's voices separately. It also has noise-reduction tools.
Did You Know?
- Brand Promotion: Around 54% of podcast listeners stated they were more likely to consider the brands they hear advertised on podcasts.
- Listener Loyalty: About 80% of listeners listened to all or most of each podcast episode.
- Educational Content: 22% of listeners tuned in to podcasts for educational content.
- Smart Speaker Usage: 24% of U.S. adults owned a smart speaker, and of those, 28% used it to listen to podcasts.
- Podcast Creation: 2022 saw a 25% increase in new podcasts being created compared to the previous year.
Conversations In Podcasts
Your podcasts don't have to be all conducted by yourself. Just like making a YouTube channel interesting, podcasters bring in other people to make their broadcast interesting. With that said, there's no reason why you shouldn't be podcasting all by yourself. Needless to mention, it's the easiest and most economical way to start because you'll only need one microphone.
"Duo"
Duo podcasts (where two people talk to each other) are popular both for the creators and the listeners. When two friends, spouses, or business partners talk and joke, it can create a friendly atmosphere and show the difference between each other's personality, which makes it much more interesting.
Group Podcasts
Whereas a group format can be tricky for technical reasons. When more than two people talk and interrupt each other throughout, the whole podcast will sound very messy. Also, the issue is either you set up one microphone for each person or collect everyone's voice using one microphone. The former will be costly, and the latter will suffer the sound quality.
Interview-Based
An interview-based podcast is where the host asks questions and the guest provides information and shares their opinion, experiences, tips, and advice within the podcast. Software such as Adobe Audition can record Skype calls, and this is useful because it allows someone to participate remotely.
Whatever format you're going to choose, it's always best to have a pre-written outline, especially when you have someone else to join, so that the conversation won't drift.
Did You Know?
- Global Languages: Podcasts were available in over 100 different languages.
- Spotify Dominance: Spotify overtook Apple Podcasts as the most used podcast platform.
- Subscription Models: The introduction of paid subscription models for exclusive content began to gain traction.
- Daily Listening: 29% of podcast listeners tuned into their favorite podcasts every day.
- Podcast Discovery: Social media was a key discovery tool for new podcasts, with over 60% of listeners finding new shows through platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter).
20 Podcasting Theme Ideas
Creating completely unique podcast topic ideas is becoming harder since there are so many podcasts out there already. But here are 20 ideas that might be less commonly explored:
- Retro Tech Adventures: Exploring outdated technologies and their impact on culture and society.
- Midnight Snack Reviews: A whimsical take on late-night snack culture around the world.
- Dream Interpretation Diaries: Analyzing and interpreting listeners' dreams in each episode.
- Lost Languages Revival: Diving into extinct or endangered languages and attempts to revive them.
- Urban Legends Decoded: Investigating the origins and truths behind various urban legends.
- Virtual Reality Realities: Discussing the impact of VR on different aspects of life, from entertainment to therapy.
- Puzzle Solving Live: Solving complex puzzles or brainteasers live with audience participation.
- Time Capsule Stories: Unearthing and discussing contents and stories behind historical time capsules.
- Micro-Hobby Sampling: Each episode tries out and discusses a very niche hobby.
- Eco-Friendly Life Hacks: Focused on sustainable living and innovative green solutions.
- Culinary Chemistry: Exploring the science behind cooking techniques and food reactions.
- Mystery Soundscapes: Playing mysterious or unusual sounds and discussing their sources and meanings.
- Underground Art World: Delving into lesser-known or unconventional art forms and artists.
- Secret Societies Unveiled: Discussing the history and influence of various secret societies.
- Intergalactic Theories: A speculative look at life on other planets and in different galaxies.
- Mythical Creature Encyclopedia: Each episode focuses on a different mythical creature from various cultures.
- Historic Hoaxes Revisited: Examining and debunking historical hoaxes and myths.
- Alternate Reality Game (ARG) Creations: Designing and discussing interactive ARGs live.
- Ancient Board Games Revival: Exploring and playing ancient and forgotten board games.
- Bizarre Laws Around the World: Discussing strange and outdated laws still on the books in various places.
Distributing Your Podcast
As I mentioned earlier, you don’t upload your podcast files to Apple Podcasts but you first upload it onto your hosting site, get your feed address, and submit it to Apple, or other podcast directories. Because these directories are like search engines, you need to add meta-tag information to your podcasts so people will find them. Lifewire explains this: Learn About Podcast Metadata and ID3 Tags
Other than Apple Podcasts, other directories that you can submit your podcast feed to are, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio, subject to availability in your country.
Finding Listeners
As long as your podcast has an interesting concept and you've used proper keywords in your title and description, these directories will find a fair number of listeners, but here are some other ways to find new listeners.
- Promote it on social media - join Facebook groups in the relevant niche, follow key players in the same industry, and Tweet every time your podcast is out live.
- Create a YouTube channel dedicated to the podcast and upload some sample audio files.
- Conduct interviews with well-known leaders and experts. It may seem like a high hurdle to jump, but if you send some key questions you want to ask (make them very specific) and ask them to spare no more than a few minutes, some of them will be happy to answer for you. You need to prove that your podcast is worthwhile for them to join, i.e. already have a number of interesting podcasts.
How To Podcasting For Beginners: Conclusion
Podcasting is a great way to stand out from the crowd. While many people have blogs, social network profiles and YouTube channels, not as many people have a podcast just yet, despite the fact that so many listeners exist.
Audio podcasting is also a great way if you're not as comfortable in front of a camera. You don't have to have an actor's voice to do well with a podcast. The main thing is to have something interesting to say so that your audience will continue to tune in.
If you are struggling to sell products (including as an affiliate), drive visitors to your blog, or build your brand, podcasting is a way to accomplish your goals with your business!
Hi. Great article, I love it. Like many others I’ve always thought the way to make some cash online is either by building sales funnels or by Youtubing, never considered podcasting myself. Now it’s an option for me, this is quite an eye opening insight. Your article has given me some time to think about what I can do.
The cost of the equipment doesn’t seem too high and I already know how to use Garageband. All I need will be to sort out the hosting platform. I’m seriously thinking about starting my own podcast. Awesome post, thanks.
Hello Tomasz, thank you so much for your comment. I wish you all the best with your new podcasting platform!
Thank you for being so much in detail. I am completely blown away by your article.
My brother & I like listening to podcasts and we have been thinking about starting our own. It does not cost as much as we thought. We will try your methods. This is amazing for us. Thank you very much. Rakesh
Hello Rakesh, thank you for your comment. I’m glad to hear positive feedback from you. I wish you and your brother all the best with podcasting.
I like your article full of information good job. It’s a good idea to buy good equipment so you can be committed to the series of podcasting I think. This page will help awesome about hosting information.
Thank you, David. I appreciate your comment.
– Joe
great post good job. Makes look like podcast is not as difficlt to sart as you thing.
its all about the beginning once you’ve done it becomes easy.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Joe
Good review thanks. Do you recommend any comedy podcast. how do you make a short podcast not regular basis but use only when u use it for free or very cheap. Do you recommend service?
Hello Kip, currently we don’t have any recommendations but if we come up with some ideas we will let you know.
Thank you so much for your comment.
How about a video podcasting., everyone is doing audio podcasts now but not many video podcasts. if you can give us a video podcast step by step, will be great. Thanks.
Thank you, Marius. We will look into it, and publish another post about video podcasting when an opportunity arises.
Thanks for the great article. I’ve never considered podcasting for million years because I thought you’d have to have a proper studio and equipment and all. When you said you could start so easy with a phone, of course, it made sense to me.
Great information about podcasting hosting services because that’s another thing that’s never occurred to me.
I like talking but I’m not good at ad-libs means I always need a script if I speak into a microphone. Your article is very encouraging. Thank you for the great job.
Hello, thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad to hear that this post is useful to you. Please let us know of your podcasting url once you open. Thank you.
I find your article very useful. It’s good to know there’s a gap in the market for podcasting where we can start and monetize is instead of blogging or Youtubing. I have no equipment except my smartphone but like you say, I can just start without buying anything expensive and see how I can get on. I’m not very good at talking but I guess it’s something I can improve over time. Thank you for sharing great information.
Hello Hitesh, thank you for your comment. It’s good to know that the post is of help. Please let me know if you start podcasting. We will be the first one to subscribe!
Podcasting if easier than you think. Everybody should consider doing it because it does not take as long as other work like blogging or making affiliate websites.
This page should help you to go through step by step.
Thank you.
It’s a very helpful article. I thought podcasts were like radio programs, I didn’t think it was so possible for individuals to start it. Especially when I know that you can even use your smartphone and start an audio podcasting. Maybe I thought this is something I can do. It is a very encouraging option to let the public know about my business. Thanks. Freddie
Hello Freddie, thank you for your comment. Podcasting is not as hard as you think. Let me know if you start your own. We can advertise your podcast in our site for you.
Joe
Hi, do you have a podcast that I can subscribe if so do you teach step by step? I prefer to learn from podcasting itself but other “how to podcast podcasts” are not comprehensive. I have an apparel business in Luxemburg, I would like to set it up. Thank you.
Hi Corrinne, no we don’t have our own podcast yet but I am discussing it with Ray right now.
I’m sorry I cannot help at this stage. I wish you good luck.
Joe
Great tutorials. I find it interesting. It makes it easier for the first timers to start podcasting. Thanks
Thank you William.