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Podcasts have become one of the most popular self-development tools.
More people are listening to podcasts than ever before. A recent survey indicate that the number of Americans listening to podcasts has grown by 120% in the last four years.
This figure translates to more than 90 million Americans listening to a podcast per month.
This is the best time to start a podcast because the demand keeps going up.
Podcasts can be used to tell people about your brand, business, or a personal hobby.
In this guide, we will tell you how to start a podcast and make money from it.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a range of audio episodes on a particular topic like traveling, investing, or business startups.
You can subscribe to such content with an application on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you want.
Podcasts can be easily found on Spotify or iTunes but, are hosted on websites as well.
It doesn’t require a lot of money to start a podcast.
Learning how to launch a podcast is something you should consider as a measure to expand your business through content marketing.
So, if you are wondering how to start a podcast or you have been looking for some podcasting tips, this is the best spot for you.
Keep reading to learn how to start a podcast and make money from it.
How do I start a podcast?
To start a podcast, you need to keep a few essential points in mind.
First, you need to come up with a concept for the show. Consider things such as the theme, topic, and target length for each episode.
The idea is to figure out what makes your podcast worth listening to.
You then record with a high-quality microphone and edit your audio files on an approved app or web.
Later, design artwork for your podcast and write a likable description to promote it.
You also need to find a place to host your audio files. Lastly, associate all the audio files to an RSS so that they stream on any device.
How does a podcast work?
Podcasts can be accessed in two simple ways.
First, podcasts start streaming and downloading from the RSS website in a feed reader or on a blog website where the podcast is hosted.
The second and most important way in which podcasts are accessed is by using an audio player such as pocket casts.
A subscriber to the RSS feed can play any of the episodes on any device.
Such as tablets, laptops, or smartphones. These are sometimes called pod-catchers. Most of the podcast players sync data from the RSS feed to provide a proper listing of the episodes.
Shop podcast equipment bundles
Types of Podcasts
Before starting a podcast, it’s necessary to decide what type of podcast you want to produce.
There are three types of podcasts you can produce.
SOLO PODCAST
If you are a newbie and wondering how to start a podcast, this can be one of the most manageable formats for you.
This type of podcast is created by one individual who runs the show.
Solo podcast content is usually opinion-based.
It’s the simplest podcast type to run because all you require is good equipment, your voice, and a legit topic to talk about.
INTERVIEW PODCAST
The interview podcast style involves two hosts interviewing different guests in every episode.
This is one of the most successful podcast formats because it does not require a ton of preparation.
You should have excellent people skills to start this podcast type.
The things you need to produce this kind of podcast include background research on your guest and a list of unique questions.
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MULTI HOST PODCASTS
The third and last type of podcast is the multi-host podcast.
This format of the podcast has more than two hosts.
If you decided to start a podcast with a supportive business partner, this could be an excellent option for you.
Multi-host podcasts are conversations that have different perspectives.
This type of podcast is the most entertaining for listeners and it keeps the audience really involved.
Why start a podcast?
If you know the value of content creation for promoting your business, you would also know how relevant it is to start podcasting.
Podcasting allows you to reach a targeted audience for your brand.
Even if you are not an expert content producer, it is perfect because you can still be a successful podcaster.
Podcasting is the easiest way to grab the attention of your targeted audience.
Furthermore, every podcast catalog should provide a link to your website. Since it’s your podcast, you can redirect your audience to your website.
Related: 10 Best Ways to Earn Extra Income as a Singer
How does a podcast make money?
There are lots of ways to make money with a podcast, but some of the easiest ways are:
Selling Products: The most common way to make money from a podcast is by selling products. It includes books, merchandise, lives events, and a lot more.
Direct support: When a host asks listeners for financial support, it’s called direct support. If the audience that listens to you loves your content, they will send their love in the form of money.
Sponsorships: Promoting sponsored products and services in the podcast is how you make money from sponsorship. Earning through sponsorships depends on how many downloads you get.
Affiliate Sales: Affiliate marketing is a common way to earn a handsome amount of money from podcasts. You will typically mention the brand you’re promoting in your podcast.
What equipment do I need to start a podcast?
When starting a podcast, you’ll need audio software but most importantly, high-quality tech equipment.
Exceptional equipment makes your podcast worth listening to because it improves the quality.
Below is a list of equipment that you need in podcasting.
- USB Microphone
- Stereo Headphones
- Portable digital recorder
- Anchor
- PC laptop
- MP3 software
Submitting Your Podcast to the Right Channels
There are many different channels where you can submit your podcast.
You can submit your podcasts to as many channels as you want according to your podcast’s category and classification.
Listed below are some highly recommended applications for you to submit your podcasts:
- YouTube
- Apple Podcast
- Soundcloud
- Stitcher
- Google Play Store
- CBC Radio
- BBC Global News
- Curious City
- Spotify
- MP3 Online
The Most Popular Podcast Platforms
The most popular podcast platforms to promote your podcast and earn from it are listed below:
- Castos
- Simplecast
- Transistor
- Podbean
- Captivate
- Buzzsprout
- Anchor
- Blubrry
- Fusebox
- Feed Press
- Libsyn
- Podcast
- Whooshkaa
Conclusion
Now you know what a podcast is, what you need to start it, and how much you can make from it.
Start listing all the details that you need to start your podcast, make a plan and take action.
