What is a podcast?
Simply put, a podcast is a series of audio recordings on a particular topic that users can either stream or download onto their computer or smart device.
If you want a more in-depth understanding of this topic, check out the FAQ section below:
Question #1: How do I start?
To start a podcast, you will need to follow these simple steps:
- Identify your target audience. This is the most important step because it will dictate all aspects of your podcast.
- Decide on a topic. Once you have your target audience, figure out what topics they might be interested in or find valuable and then pick the one that you are also interested (or have expertise) in.
- Plan and prepare. The next step is to decide on a name, branding, show format, and cover art.
- Get the necessary equipment. You do not need a high-end complicated setup. Just get a decent mic and maybe an audio interface so you can record clean audio into your computer.
- Start recording. Prepare an outline or full-on script beforehand if you need to.
- Edit. If you are using a Mac, you can do basic post-production work (i.e., cutting, audio leveling, and EQing) on your recording for free using Garageband. On Windows, you can use a free tool such as Audacity.
Of course, if you do not have the time or know-how to work on your recordings yourself, you can always just hire someone on a platform such as Fiverr to do it for you for cheap.
- Launch. Once you have your first episode (or a couple of episodes) ready, it is time to go live. You can use a platform such as Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, or even SoundCloud.
- Refine. There is no need to get everything perfect right from the get-go. The goal is to always try to find ways to do better.
Question #2: How can I build an audience for my podcast?
To build an audience for your podcast, you can explore:
Setting up social media pages – Doing so would make it easier for you to get your content in front of your target audience.
Publishing episode transcripts – Doing so would make your episodes search-engine readable, which, in turn, could help them show up and rank in search.
Posting episodes in video form on YouTube – This is exactly what a lot of professional podcasters do to significantly increase their reach and visibility.
Doing collaborations – This would allow you to instantly get your podcast in front of more people (i.e, the followers of the person you are collaborating with.
Digital advertising – Of course, the most direct way of getting your podcast in front of people who might be interested in it is to advertise it to them.
Keep in mind, however, that all this would only work if your content is interesting, valuable, and relevant to your target audience. Just getting more people to check it out will not actually do you any good if none of the people who do actually decide to come back for more.
Question #3: What are the advantages of doing a podcast?
The biggest advantages are as follows:
- It does not require you to be on camera (if you are not comfortable). Again, it is primarily audio content. People only upload their podcasts in video form on YouTube to reach more people.
- It allows you to reach even your busiest customers. Unlike video or written posts that require focused attention, they can just be played in the background.
Question #4: Should I start a podcast?
You should only start a podcast if your target audience listens to podcasts. Keep in mind that your goal should be to go where your target audience is, not tap every marketing channel at your disposal.
Question #5: Can I earn by doing so?
You can earn from your podcast in a lot of different ways, including:
- Taking sponsorships – Once you have a big and loyal enough following, brands will be more than happy to pay you good money to be mentioned on your show.
- Doing affiliate marketing – A podcast would give you a captive audience whose interests you are familiar with. Just find affiliate marketing programs that allow you to sell products and services that you know your audience wants and you are all set.
- Selling your own products and services – If you are a brand, you can sell your products directly to your audience.
- Getting donations – Just like YouTubers, you can also open an account on a platform such as Patreon so you can take donations from your audience in the form of a small subscription fee in exchange for exclusive perks.
Advertising – Again, just like YouTubers, you can also earn from brands running ads on your show.