Podcasting 101: Start a podcast with tips on niche selection, recording, editing, launching, and audience growth. A beginner's success guide.
A podcast is an audio or video program that can be downloaded to devices like smartphones or computers. The word "podcast" comes from combining "iPod" and "broadcasting".
Podcasting first started gaining popularity in the early 2000s when Apple added the ability to automatically download podcasts onto iPods and other MP3 players. Some of the earliest podcasts focused on technology but topics quickly expanded into areas like sports, comedy, news, storytelling and much more.
The growth of podcasting has exploded over the past decade thanks to the rise of smartphones and on-demand content. Now over 100 million Americans listen to podcasts monthly. Podcasts have become a mainstream medium, covering every topic imaginable. Well-known celebrities, politicians, experts, journalists and influencers now have popular podcasts.
One of the main appeals of podcasts is their on-demand nature. Listeners can download episodes and listen to them anytime, anywhere. Most podcast apps allow users to subscribe so new episodes download automatically. This makes it easy to listen during commutes, workouts or other activities.
Unlike traditional radio, podcasts let listeners dive deep into topics for 30 minutes to over an hour. The longer format allows in-depth storytelling, discussions and interviews. Listeners also appreciate the personalized, intimate nature of hosts speaking directly to them.
Overall the podcasting world continues to grow exponentially. As content options expand, more people discover podcasts that provide informative or entertaining content perfectly suited to their interests. For creators, podcasting represents an accessible, inexpensive platform to find an audience, share ideas and potentially generate income.
The most important piece of equipment for starting a podcast is a high-quality microphone. The microphone is responsible for capturing your voice clearly. You'll want a microphone that accurately reproduces sound without adding noise or distortion.
Some top microphone options for podcasting include:
If you choose an XLR microphone, you'll need an audio interface to connect the mic to your computer. Audio interfaces have an XLR input to plug in your mic and convert the analog signal to digital. Recommended budget interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and PreSonus AudioBox iOne.
Quality over-ear headphones are vital for podcast recording and editing. Closed-back headphones prevent sound from leaking out so it doesn't get picked up by the mic. Great options are the Sony MDR-7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
You'll need digital audio recording software to capture your podcast episodes. Top choices include Adobe Audition, Apple Logic Pro, Audacity (free), and Hindenburg Journalist. Look for key features like editing tools, effects, and ability to export mp3 files.
Choosing the right topic is one of the most important decisions when starting a podcast. Your topic should be focused enough to attract a specific audience, while still having wide appeal within that niche. Here are some tips for picking the best podcast topic:
With careful research and planning, you can identify a podcast topic that captivates a specific audience while offering something new. Don't rush this step—a compelling topic is the foundation of every successful podcast.
Recording a high-quality podcast episode requires some audio equipment and an editing software. Here are some tips for setting up your recording and editing workflow:
There are a few main formats that most podcasts follow:
A solo podcast features a single host discussing topics and sharing their thoughts without any other voices. This is one of the simplest formats to produce, since it involves just one person recording episodes. The host will speak directly to the listener and carry the show themselves. Some examples of popular solo podcasts are The Tim Ferriss Show, The Minimalists Podcast, and The Dave Ramsey Show.
The benefits of solo podcasts include:
Potential challenges include:
A co-hosted podcast features two or more hosts that interact with each other throughout episodes. The co-hosts may have differing perspectives, areas of expertise, or presentation styles that complement each other. Having multiple voices can create fun banter and chemistry between hosts. Some examples are Stuff You Should Know, My Favorite Murder, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Benefits of the co-host format include:
Challenges can include:
An interview format features the host interviewing a rotating slate of guests, often experts in a particular field. The host will prepare questions and facilitate the conversation while letting the guests share their knowledge and experiences. Examples include Fresh Air, WTF with Marc Maron, and The Tim Ferriss Show.
Pros of interview shows include:
Cons can be:
Once you've recorded and edited your first few podcast episodes, it's time to launch and distribute your show so listeners can find it. Here are some key steps:
To distribute your podcast, you’ll need an RSS feed. This is a special file format that allows podcast apps and directories to find and download your episodes. Most podcast hosting platforms will generate an RSS feed for you automatically.
Submit this feed to major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. This will help new listeners discover your show across different apps and platforms. Make sure your podcast artwork, description and metadata are filled out accurately when submitting.
You'll need to host your podcast audio files and RSS feed on a podcast hosting platform. Some top options include Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Blubrry, and Podbean. These providers offer easy distribution to directories, reliable hosting, analytics, and more.
Compare plans and features across hosts to find one that fits your budget and needs. You may start with a basic plan and upgrade over time if your audience grows. Some hosts also allow you to monetize through their platform.
The key to building an audience is to stick to a regular release schedule, such as weekly or biweekly. Your listeners will come to expect and look forward to new episodes at a predictable cadence.
Make sure you have a content pipeline and several episodes already in progress before launching. This will help you maintain consistency right out of the gate.
Promote new episodes across your social media channels regularly. Share episode highlights, quotes, or clips to attract new listeners.
You can also join podcasting communities on Facebook, Reddit and LinkedIn to connect with fellow hosts and cross-promote shows. Use relevant hashtags like #podcast and #podcasting to tap into a wider social audience.
By distributing your podcast effectively and consistently at launch, you’ll set your show up for growth and success.
Once you have your podcast up and running, you need to focus on promoting it and growing your audience. Here are some of the top strategies for marketing a podcast:
The key is to use a mix of organic and paid marketing strategies to increase awareness and grow your podcast listenership over time. Be consistent with promotion across channels and don't expect overnight results. The more high-quality content you publish, the more opportunities you'll have to attract new fans.
Once you've built up a steady listener base, you can start thinking about ways to monetize your podcast and generate income. Here are some of the main options for making money from a podcast:
One of the most popular ways podcasters make money is through sponsorships from advertisers. You can charge companies to sponsor individual episodes or your whole podcast.
When doing a sponsorship, you'll record a pre-roll ad to play at the beginning of your episode. You'll read an ad script provided by the sponsor. Make sure to clearly disclose when content is sponsored.
The amount you can charge varies based on your download numbers. For a smaller podcast, you may get $10-$30 per sponsorship. More popular shows can charge hundreds or thousands per ad.
Affiliate marketing is when you earn a commission for promoting a product or service. Sign up for affiliate programs related to your niche through sites like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
Then provide special links or promo codes for your audience. If someone makes a purchase through your link, you'll receive a percentage of the sale as commission.
You can offer exclusive or ad-free content to listeners who pay a monthly or yearly fee. Use a platform like Patreon, Memberful or Podbean to manage paid memberships.
Offer perks like bonus episodes, access to a private community, or the ability to ask questions for paid subscribers. This gives fans a way to support your show financially.
With smart monetization strategies, it's possible to turn your passion into a profitable podcast business. Just stay focused on creating great content as you build your monetization approach.
Producing a high-quality podcast requires attention to detail in order to create an engaging listening experience. Here are some tips for optimizing your podcast production:
Following structured production tips like these will help you create engaging podcasts that sound polished and professional. Don't forget to continually refine your process as you gain more experience.
Once you've launched your podcast, it's important to track its growth and success. Here are some of the key metrics to follow:
The number of downloads per episode is one of the most basic metrics for tracking a podcast's popularity. Compare downloads across episodes and over time to see how your audience is growing. Platforms like Apple Podcasts provide download numbers, or you can use podcast hosting services that include download analytics. Set download goals per episode and track how you progress towards those over time.
Reviews are another way listeners can engage with your podcast. Monitoring review numbers and average ratings on iTunes, Spotify and other platforms can show how audience sentiment is trending. Read through written feedback to identify areas of praise as well as constructive criticism from your listeners. Make it easy for listeners to leave reviews by reminding them on the show and linking to your podcast on review platforms.
Listener surveys provide direct, detailed feedback from your audience. You can include survey links in your episode notes or on your website. Ask listeners about their demographics, what they like most/least about the show, topics they're interested in, and any other feedback. Use survey results to shape content and improve the listener experience.
Tracks shares on social media to see which episodes and content resonate most with your audience. Popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn make it easy to monitor engagement. Aim to create shareworthy content by promoting episodes with interesting quotes, statistics and clips. Social shares help expand your reach beyond direct podcast listeners.
Paying attention to these key analytics will provide insight into your podcast’s growth. Set realistic goals and use the data to guide decisions about improving your content and promotion. Consistent monitoring will help sustain a successful show that delivers value to your listeners.