Podcasts are exploding in popularity, transforming how we consume stories, insights, and ideas. They’re not just a medium for connection but a lucrative platform for creators, with some generating millions in revenue. Whether it’s for deep discussions, niche interests, or compelling storytelling, podcasts offer unparalleled opportunities to entertain audiences and make money.
Though the prospect of filming your own podcast can seem daunting, you’ll likely find the process enjoyable, especially when you have an easy-to-follow guide steering you in the right direction.
Dreaming of launching the next hit podcast? We’ve compiled a comprehensive handbook that gives you all the tools you need to get started. We’ll cover everything from buying equipment and finding original ideas to creating captivating cover art. Let’s dive in.
Getting started
Starting a podcast isn’t just about hitting ‘record’ - it’s about creating a show that builds a lasting connection with your audience. The foundation for any podcast’s success comes from careful and strategic planning.
Laying the groundwork by gaining a thorough understanding of your audience and choosing the right topic and format will transform your podcast into a polished, compelling show that viewers will be eager to tune in to.
1. Define your audience
When defining your podcast’s target audience, it’s useful to devise a consumer persona to help you get started. A consumer persona is a fictitious person that marketers create to better understand how to address their target audience.
So for example, if you’re thinking about starting a career advice podcast, a persona for this type of podcast would be individuals in their 20s and 30s looking to advance their careers. They might be creative, driven, and dedicated, while also valuing their leisure time.
Most podcasts will have more than one type of listener, so it’s a good idea to come up with multiple target personas to represent the different divisions of their audience.
This helps you keep your show on track and productively focus your creativity.
2. Pick your topic
Next up, you’ll need to decide on a topic that you’re particularly passionate or knowledgeable about. Try not to get too sucked in by what’s trending at the moment when defining your niche, as what’s fashionable in the podcasting world is changing constantly.
The sky’s your limit when you’re deciding on your topic. Almost any idea can be transformed into a podcasting concept. For example, if you’re passionate about embroidery or romance novels, there’s an audience out there for you.
Alternatively, you could also base your podcast on a business-related subject. For example, if you have SEO or marketing knowledge, you could start an instructive podcast advising small businesses on success.
3. Pick a format
Though each podcast is unique, there are some general formats to follow to maintain a sense of structure. Some of the most common podcasting formats include:
Interview podcasts
These feature guests that may or may not be recurring and include individuals who may specialize in different aspects related to your niche.
Example: The Joe Rogan Experience
Solo podcasts
These feature one person sharing their thoughts and ideas on a given subject and may only include guests in one-off shows.
Example: The PiP Show
Current event podcasts
These are news podcasts covering current events, usually with a unique twist or angle.
Example: The Globalist
Panel podcasts
These will feature a larger group discussing a topic, usually with several different social dynamics at play.
Example: Jay Rayner's The Kitchen Cabinet
Narrative podcasts
These podcasts typically tell a story over multiple episodes and can be fictional or non-fictional. They typically use sound effects, clips, and music to engage listeners.
Example: Myths and Legends
Getting the right gear
Every podcaster will have their personal preferences when it comes to gear, and you might already know exactly what you want to purchase for your setup.
However, if you’re not quite sure where to get started, here are some of the basics you’ll need.
Microphones
Smartphone recordings are usually fine if you’re just getting started or you don’t have much money to invest in equipment. But, if you have the means, using an external USB microphone is an astute, low-cost upgrade that won’t over-complicate things.
Apogee HypeMic
This one is great for its built-in analog compressor, which will help you get the most out of your microphone signal before converting it to digital.
Joby Wavo POD
This is a smaller, powerful mic with cardioid and omnidirectional recording modes, plus a built-in headphone jack, and an onboard gain control.
Microphone stands
A good microphone stand will help you keep your microphone stable, helping to reduce noise and vibrations. It will also allow you to focus your performance without having to adjust your microphone.
ASM-7 scissor arm
Designed specifically for those working in a controlled indoor setting, the scissor arm allows you to position your microphone precisely and doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Rode PSA1
This allows you to make seamless mic adjustments throughout your podcast, without picking up any unwanted sounds or vibrations. It can also handle every type of mic weight, from super light to bulky.
Other gear
There are a few other tools that are useful in ensuring the quality of your podcast, helping you to monitor audio quality and maintain clarity throughout the show.
Audio Technica m20x headphones
Good headphones help capture audio without any popping, interface, or plosives disrupting the flow, subsequently increasing the time spent editing.
These headphones have clear, balanced audio, making them a reliable option for voice monitoring. They’re made with a durable construction and lightweight design so you can wear them for extended periods.
Logitech C920 camera
If you’re recording your podcast as a supplement, you could simply use an external webcam that plugs into your computer. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, however, then there are plenty of high-quality cameras out there that don’t cost a fortune.
This one delivers an incredibly crisp and detailed full HD video (1080p at 30fps) with a full HD glass lens, a 78° field of view, and HD auto light correction, so you won’t have to make any adjustments while you’re busy recording. It also has a really easy setup process, making it super user-friendly.
Choosing your editing tools
Now that you’ve got your equipment sorted, it’s time to move on to the exciting part - recording. Choosing the right podcast software is important. You need to find one that ticks all the boxes, including reducing background noise, removing mistakes, and editing your audio file.
Thankfully, there are plenty of podcast packages out there allowing you to record and edit all in one place. Here are some of the best options below.
Recording software
Zoom
If you’re looking for a package that’s super easy to use and share, then Zoom might be a good option. Zoom allows you to record for up to 45 minutes completely free of charge.
The only drawback is Zoom's audio quality can be unpredictable and may pick up on unwanted background noise. Overall though, the quality is pretty good.
Alitu
Whether you’re a solo podcaster who’s looking to record from a studio or you’re hosting remote guests via video call, Alitu can do it all. The Call Recorder allows you to record with up to five guests, making it the perfect option if you’re starting a group or panel podcast.
It also includes audio cleanup features, including leveling and noise reduction. After you download the recorder, you’ll also be instantly granted access to Alitu’s editing software.
Riverside
Riverside recording is incredibly user-friendly, provides high-quality audio, and also allows for multiple guests. Riverside features AI tools like automatic transcription and audio clean-up, which help streamline the post-production process.
Editing software
Garageband
Chances are if you’re a Mac owner, you’ll already have Garageband installed on your device as a free app. It’s become popular among podcasters and features basic tools such as fading, cutting, pasting, and volume adjustment.
It also boasts a very user-friendly interface, making it a good option for beginners. However, if you’re on the lookout for more advanced editing software, Audacity is a better option.
Audacity
Audacity is completely free to use, making it great for podcasters working from a budget. It allows you to make precise adjustments on pitch and sound, audio alignment, and splitting and includes copy and paste features.
You can also choose from a huge selection of digital effects, including vocal reduction, noise reduction, and pitch adjustment. It supports files in a wealth of different formats, too.
Adobe Audition
If you already have editing skills in your arsenal, Adobe Audition is a pro-level production tool that’s perfect for engineers. It features a waveform editor, multitrack editor, and Essential Sound Panel.
The learning curve for this software is steep and can be particularly challenging if you have no prior experience. However, it’s a great option for podcasters, even offering a wealth of templates and presets designed to help you create the perfect production.
Steps to record your first podcast episode
Now you’ve got everything in place, it’s almost time to hit the record button. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide that will help take your podcast to the next level.
1. Start scripting
When we talk about planning your podcast, we’re not suggesting you create a comprehensive script that makes you sound like C-3PO.
Writing word-for-word outlines can be incredibly time-consuming, not to mention disrupt the flow of your show. Instead, creating a bullet-pointed guideline that includes the main topics you want to cover helps keep you on track.
This also ensures you maintain a conversational tone while recording, which is why so many people enjoy tuning in.
Some things to ask yourself before you start scripting include:
- What do you want to talk about?
- What kind of tone do you want to set?
- Who do you want to reach?
- What is your target episode length?
2. Find your space
Next up, you’ll need to find a quiet space to record. You might be tempted to take the nearest unused space in the house, like your garage, basement, or spare bedroom, but this isn’t always the best option.
In fact, empty spaces often make the worst recording studios because they generate lots of reverb.
If you don’t have the time or resources to create your own podcasting space, most rooms in your house will be suitable, especially those that have soft surfaces like rugs, carpets, and furniture. The key is to avoid spaces with hard flooring, like bathrooms and kitchens.
It’s also a good idea to select spaces less affected by external noise - so rooms that are on the opposite side to the street.
Believe it or not, some podcasters even record from their closet spaces. This enclosed space naturally absorbs sound and works best when soundproofed with other materials like foam panels, thick curtains, or blankets.
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
When you’re recording the first few episodes of your podcast, you may often find yourself feeling frustrated every time the conversation slips or you make a mistake. But don’t worry, this is all a natural part of the process.
Blunders, errors, and mistakes are all inevitable and often add a touch of charm to your recording. If you’re a perfectionist, however, most things can easily be edited out at a later time.
💡 Tip: If you notice an error during recording, leave yourself a sound cue, like a clap, so that you can easily find the mistake later when you’re editing.
4. Make sure your guests are prepped
If applicable, it’s important to make sure any guests are adequately prepared before recording. You should provide them with a brief outlining the podcast’s structure, along with an overview of some of the key topics you’ll discuss throughout.
This is a good opportunity for them to ask you some questions beforehand too, which can help alleviate nerves before recording, creating a more relaxed and free-flowing environment.
Creating your podcast’s cover art
Now it’s time to get your creative juices flowing and come up with some cover art ideas for your show. Some key things to consider when designing your artwork include:
🎭 Theme: Practicing brand consistency early on is important. Your artwork is the first connection your listeners will make with your podcast. That’s why utilizing imagery, visuals, and colors to communicate your theme or topic is so important.
📏 Size: Size does matter when it comes to your artwork. Apple Podcasts' size dimensions have become the industry standard. Your design should be square, with a minimum size of 1400×1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000×3000 pixels, and the file type must be JPEG or PNG.
🎨 Colors: Using contrasting colors in your podcast’s artwork can make it stand out from the crowd. Bold, contrasting colors create a loud, striking impression perfect for entertainment-based shows. On the other hand, more reserved palettes are well-suited to professional or serious topics.
❌ Imagery: It’s best to avoid inappropriate words or imagery in your cover design, as they may offend potential listeners.
✍️ Typography: Typography matters when it comes to capturing your audience’s attention. It’s best to keep things bold and simple, sticking to a maximum of two fonts in your design. It’s also important to ensure it's readable in small sizes.
Choose a podcast hosting platform
Podcast hosting platforms are the spaces where you’ll upload and store your podcasts. They’ll be distributed from here to other directories, like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The cost of these platforms varies, reaching upwards of $150 for some options. But seated within this range are some much cheaper options if you’re working from a budget.
The features included by each host vary, so the one you choose will need to be tailored toward your specific podcasting goals, whatever they may be.
Podbean
Podbean is great for beginners because it offers an easy-to-use interface, which supports both audio and video recording. It also supports subscriptions, available to those who want to follow your show, along with ads.
Unfortunately, the lower-tier plans have limited features, and there’s also reduced storage on basic plans. Moving toward the $9/month option, though, will give you unlimited storage and 100 hours of uploads monthly.
Libsyn
Libsyn supports video podcasts and combines audio with static images to create a video file. It’s known as one of the OG’s of podcasting, and still lives up to its reputation, offering beginner, intermediate, and expert packages depending on your needs.
Libsyn costs between $40, $75, and $150 a month, offering additional storage so that you can upload up to 55 hours per month. Libsyn also comes with plenty of monetization options via subscription fees, member-only newsletters, exclusives, and ad-free content.
Buzzsprout
A well-known podcasting platform, Buzzsprout has a total of four plans, ranging from $12 to $24 monthly. There is a free plan available but the features are quite limited, plus your episodes can only be hosted for 90 days.
It has a user-friendly interface, with features such as Magic Mastering to help streamline the entire process, from recording to editing to distributing.
Buzzsprout also boasts a range of analytics tools that help determine how well your podcast is performing and suggest areas for improvement. These provide analytics such as where your listeners are located and how many plays an episode has had in a given number of days.
Can’t decide whether to go for Podbean or Buzzsprout? Read our in-depth comparison as we cover everything you need to know to find the ideal home for your podcast.
Distribute your podcast
Once you’re happy with the look and sound of your product, you can start distributing it on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Your podcast’s hosting service will supply you with an RSS feed, allowing you to share it with various players where your audience can find you.
Some of the most popular podcasting apps out there include:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Pocket Casts
- YouTube Music
Bear in mind that apps such as Castbox and Overcast use Apple's podcast directory, so if you submit to Apple, they’ll instantly show up here too.
Marketing your podcast
Promoting your podcast is an integral component in guaranteeing your show’s success. There are some key marketing tips you can follow to put you on the path to success.
🔑 Use appropriate keywords: Use keyword research to find words and phrases important to your podcast's topic and audience. These should be incorporated in a way that sounds natural and uncontrived.
📰 Start a newsletter: Sending out email-based newsletters to subscribers about upcoming episodes can increase podcast downloads by 3x.
📣 Cross-promote on other platforms: If you’ve found some popular podcasts out there covering a similar topic/niche, it’s a good idea to reach out and ask if they’d be interested in cross-promotion. This usually means doing an episode exchange, where you post a sample episode of theirs on your podcast’s feed, and vice versa.
🎥 Video teasers: Creating a video teaser of your upcoming show, and then posting it on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube is good for building anticipation.
🎫 Attend events: It’s also great to spread the word in person. Attending conferences, meetups, and tradeshows related to your niche will help you meet potential viewers and listeners.
Monetizing your podcast
Now your podcast is up and running, it’s time to explore the different ways you can monetize it. There are several ways you can do this, including:
Ads
One of the most effective ways to earn money from your podcast is by running ads in your episode. You can sell the spots to potential buyers who are interested in reaching your listenership.
Podcast ads are sold based on the cost per mille (CPM), with the average CPM for a 30-second ad being $18 and $25 for a 60-second ad. So with approximately 1,000 listeners per episode, for example, you’d earn around $25 per slot. This money quickly adds up as your following builds.
Merchandise
Once your podcast gains some traction, selling merchandise such as t-shirts and mugs with your logo can be a good way to earn some extra cash.
Podcasting shows like Diary Of A CEO have gone one step further with their merchandise. Instead of a few simple stickers, they’ve tailored the products on offer to their listenership.
They have a ‘Behind The Diary’ hat, just like the one Stephen wears when he’s hosting. Along with this, the shop has conversation cards, asking thoughtful questions designed to get you thinking, similar to the ones posed in the show.
Finally, they also offer a 90-day diary that the podcast creator has written, called The 1% Diary. It’s designed to help customers focus on one small, consistent action to drive progress toward their goals, in line with the 1% mindset characteristic of the podcast.
What we’re getting is that you don’t need to limit yourself in the type of merch you’re offering. It can be completely personal to you and your pod. For example, if your podcast specializes in crewel embroidery, you could sell patterns and kits in your shop. The sky is your limit.
Coaching sessions
If your podcast covers a topic you demonstrate expertise over, you could offer coaching services to your listeners to make some extra cash. These could be 1-1 sessions or with larger groups.
You can start a profitable online coaching business with Whop and create a community around your podcast. Learn how to further share your knowledge with your audience in our 8-step guide.
Premium content
You could offer exclusive content, like bonus episodes or exclusive access to your show, for a fee. Many podcasters will create a separate feed for this material.
With donations, you’re essentially asking for a little help from loyal listeners, but premium episodes give them more value and incentive to contribute.
Creating paywalls is a good way to offer premium content, something that The Allusionist, a witty podcast that delves into the depths of language, does well. They offer live streams and other premium content as incentives for potential customers.
They’ll also show short snippets of their premium content for free, with paying listeners granted access to the entire episode or going ad-free behind the paywall.
Whop lets you easily paywall content with its native apps. Use the Files app to share exclusive resources or the Video Calls and Events apps for live streams or classes.
Memberships
If customers are invested enough in you, chances are they’d be willing to pay for a membership for your show. This is usually charged on a monthly or yearly basis.
Members are given access to a host of different features, including early access, ad-free listening, additional episodes, and archive access.
Platforms like Whop can really help you get memberships right. As you can see from the example above, though it’s not a podcast, you can see how Club 520 Podcast VIP offers a subscription-based tier for customers. They have a couple of options regarding what users would like to pay per month.
There are options for ad-free listening, merch discounts, and early access to episodes. You can accomplish all of this with Whop, choosing any number of tiers and pricing options according to your preferences. Each tier can be billed at your desired rate and frequency, and you can also create a complimentary section for listeners who want to explore before committing.
Learn more about creating pricing options and packages on Whop with our guide.
Online courses
As a podcaster, you have a few options when it comes to monetizing via online courses. First of all, there are thousands of others out there who are eager to start their own podcast but don’t know where to start. You could help by guiding them through the process of building their own dream show.
If you’re well versed in a particular niche (which, chances are you are if you’re reading this article), then you could sell an online course related to that niche. It’s a great option because you’re selling to an existing listener base.
The Forex Beginner Podcast is a great example of someone who’s managed to do this successfully. Calvin sells his course to people who are already invested enough to tune in each week to his motivational Forex trading podcast.
Funnel your podcast audience to your whop to distribute your online course. Whop makes it easy to create and sell courses, with a streamlined UI and payment processing functions built in.
Live events
If you’ve got a successful pod, live events can be a great way to bring fans and creators together to raise cash, whether you’re shooting a live version of your show or simply hosting a party.
A podcast that organizes live events particularly well is Fated Mates, a romance book recommendation podcast. They get together on an annual basis with a panel of popular romance authors, seated in front of a live community of listeners, participating in live book-based chats and competitions.
The tickets always completely sell out, and the live events themselves are considered to be some of the best episodes on the pod.
You don’t even need to create an in-person event if you don’t have the means - webinars can also be a great opportunity to connect with your audience. Whop allows you to run your own webinars with its easy-to-use apps.
Digital products
Depending on the nature of your podcast, selling digital products often makes great supplements to most niches.
Things like ebooks would work for plenty of podcast genres, but niche digital products like guided journals and templates are also great if you’re in the health and wellness game.
A good example comes from the Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield podcast. On her website, listeners can find a wealth of different resources, including printouts like Identifying Your Profitable Side Hustle and Identifying Your Profitable Biz Idea.
This is a great way to give your audience access to resources they really care about, all in one handy space.
You'll need to find somewhere to sell your digital products, and bonus points if it's free to use. Whop lets you sell ebooks, templates, and more all from one place.
How much money can you make from podcasts?
How much money you make from podcasting depends solely on you and how well you implement and execute the monetization methods outlined above.
They don’t need to all be done at once, but strategically picking a few as your linchpins and dipping into others as additional sources of income is a good plan.
For example, though live events can bring in tens of thousands of dollars if your podcast has enough reach, they offer a more sporadic source of revenue.
On the other hand, other methods can provide consistent revenue, like memberships and subscriptions. Though these take a little while to set up, they’re a stable way to generate money if you provide some added value, premium content for sales boosts, and interesting products and merch.
Whop allows you to easily manage community memberships for your audience. This is a great way to add an income source to your podcast.
Monetize your podcast with Whop
Now that you’ve got a sound understanding of the different ways to monetize your podcast, all that’s left to do is find a platform that can help you accomplish all of this in one handy space.
Thankfully, you don’t need to go any further than right here, at Whop.
Whop provides you with your own discoverable hub, a whop, to share your content and monetize your podcast. Our all-in-one platform is the perfect partner for achieving all of your podcasting goals, allowing you to:
- Create and sell digital products, courses, and memberships
- Run masterminds
- Manage your community
- Paywall premium content
- And much more…
Getting started only takes a few minutes, and success awaits. Sign up with Whop today and start monetizing your next great podcast.
FAQ
Do I need an audience to start a podcast?
Absolutely not! All great podcasts start out with nothing more than an idea and the drive to succeed.
If this is your first content-based venture, podcasting is a great place to begin. You can experiment with different topics and themes until you find something that truly resonates with you and your audience.
Once you’ve found your niche, you can start expanding into other mediums too.
If you already have a small, steady following, whether you’re an online coach, an author, or an influencer, it’s a good idea to use this as a starting point for your show’s fanbase.
In the planning stages of your podcast, consider surveying your following to find out more about their unique pain points. This can help shape your podcast going forward. This can be done in conjunction with your target persona.
How long should a podcast episode be?
Got everything planned for your first show but not sure how long it should be? The answer really depends on your content, but there are a few guidelines to follow. Generally, most podcasts will fit into one of three lengths:
- Short: Under 20 minutes
- Medium: 20 to 45 minutes
- Long: More than 45 minutes
If you’re creating a new podcast, for example, you might want to keep things short and sweet so that it’s easy to consume on the go. If, on the other hand, you host a video game podcast, these typically tend to be the longest, lasting over an hour to fully encapsulate all aspects of the gameplay.
How often should I release a podcast episode?
How often you release an episode of your podcast will depend on a few different factors. Some of these include:
- Production capabilities: If you’re just getting started and this is your first podcast, then you might want to stick to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. As you gain more experience and become more adept at handling the equipment and editing tools, you can increase your release frequency.
- Subject: Depending on the topic you’re tackling in your podcast, you might need to release episodes more frequently. For example, if you’re a news podcast that discusses celebrity gossip, you’ll need to tackle the latest stories and trends ASAP, so that they’re still current enough for your audience.
- Audience expectations: If there are other podcasts out there tackling the same niche as you, it’s a good idea to do some research to figure out their release frequency. This can help you to meet your audience’s expectations.
How do I find music for my podcast?
When it comes to finding music for your podcast, you have two options. These include:
- Subscription music sites: Subscribe to sites like AudioHero or Shutterstock to gain access to their music catalog.
- Podcast production tools: Sites like Alitu come with a full music library included inside their editing tools.
The tone and style of the music you choose should match the subject matter covered in your podcast. For example, soothing, relaxation music would work well for a health and wellness podcast.
