Start And Monetize Your Podcast Today With These Helpful Tips

These days it seems as if everyone on the internet has a podcast, and it’s not hard to see why. Often much cheaper to produce than video content, podcasts can be conduits for just about anything. Have a topic that you’re passionate about? Want to continue your lifestyle branding in a way that might help grow your follower count? Podcasts are an amazing way to get your voice heard, have fun, and even make some money.

The trouble is, despite there being so many podcasts on the internet, there isn’t one clear path to getting into the burgeoning industry. If you’re looking to start a podcast and hopefully earn some income along the way but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some of the top tips to making your foray into the world of podcasting seamless and successful.

Find Your Passion

One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success in the podcast industry is to find a topic that interests you! By honing in on an area that you’re passionate about, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run. The more you love the content that you create, the easier it will be to produce, and the longer you’ll be able to sustain it. You’ll want to make sure that the topic you choose hasn’t already been extensively covered. Hop onto your favorite podcast platform and do a little digging- the more niche your subject, the greater the likelihood that you’ll have less competition.

Purchase Equipment

Though you might feel like using your built-in computer microphone for early recordings, the truth is that if you want to make money off of your podcast, you’ll have to invest a little money in the beginning. While you may not have the budget for top-of-the-line microphones and monitors, you should invest in a good quality condenser microphone. Something that will result in clear audio recordings, with little room for vocal pops or background noise. You may also want to consider some good audio editing software. When it comes to finding the best software for beginners Wired Clip’s website has tons of great resources. With no visual aids, podcasting relies solely on the auditory components, so they should sound professional if you want to keep your listeners engaged.

Pick A Platform

Depending on what your podcast is about and how large your following is, you’ll want to choose different platforms on which to air your content. The major free competitors are Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Overcast. All of these platforms get some major listener traffic, but not all of them carry the same selection of content. For example, Spotify only features a handful of podcast offerings, all of which are carefully selected. Usually, these podcasts have already amassed a following, so Spotify might not be the most logical goal for someone just starting out.

Strategize to Monetize

While monetizing your podcast might seem like the most mystifying part of the entire process, it’s not as complex as it may seem. Essentially, there are two different ways to make money from your podcast: directly and indirectly. Direct monetization might look like raising money from sites like GoFundMe, creating tiered memberships for content, or selling ad space. Sponsorship is an often-used method of monetization that involves company and brand shoutouts throughout your podcast. It’s important not to bombard your listeners with too many ads, especially early on, so a fundraising model may be more realistic for a starting strategy.

As you gain popularity, you may feel that indirect monetization makes more sense for your artistic and financial growth. This can include selling podcast-related merchandise, apps, online courses, or doing public speaking appearances. The key to successfully monetizing your podcast is making sure that advertisements feel organic and that your audience considers other offers to be valuable enough to pay for.

Clear Steps Toward Success

From selecting a topic you’re passionate about to finding the best equipment for your purposes, there are clear steps you can take to set yourself up for success in the podcast world. However, there are some important decisions you’ll have to make along the way. If you’re getting into podcasting after being an avid fan yourself, some choices might be easier for you.

That being said, even if you’re completely new to the industry, the concepts are all the same. Ensuring you know who your target audience is, where you want your podcast to be heard, and the best ways to organically integrate advertisements are all crucial steps to turning your hobby into a money-making endeavor. Remember, things won’t happen overnight, but if you’re able to digest and internalize some of the tips listed above, you could find yourself topping podcast charts in no time.