How to Start a Podcast (and Make it Successful) in 2024

Podcasts are a preferred media format that’s rising quickly. Throughout final 12 months alone, 220,786 new podcasts had been launched, which is a 9% enhance since 2022.

Nevertheless, many newbies discover it technically difficult to begin a podcast.

There may be an excessive amount of details about internet hosting media recordsdata, shopping for tools, and recording good-quality audio. It is sufficient to overwhelm and discourage customers who’re much less tech-savvy.

Right here, we are going to attempt to make it simple for you by exhibiting you the right way to begin a podcast, step-by-step. We will even present you the right way to begin selling your podcast and, extra importantly, the right way to monetize and switch it right into a worthwhile enterprise.

Right here is an overview of every little thing that we’ll cowl on this information:

Prepared? Let’s get began.

What Is a Podcast? And How Do Podcasts Work?

A podcast is an episodic sequence of audio recordsdata that customers can subscribe to, obtain, and hearken to.

There may also be video podcasts, however they’re much less widespread.

On your podcast to work, you must have an audio file and an RSS Feed that customers can subscribe to remain up to date and obtain new episodes after they come out.

As a result of WordPress has a built-in RSS feed system for blogs, many podcasters use WordPress as their podcast web site platform.

You may join your podcast web site with podcasting apps like iTunes to make it simpler for thousands and thousands of customers to pay attention and subscribe. We’ll cowl this later within the article.

Now that what a podcast is and the way it works, let’s check out the right way to discover concepts to make a profitable podcast.

Discovering Podcast Subjects and Area of interest

Round 27,557 podcast episodes are revealed day-after-day (supply: PodcastIndex).

With the intention to compete, you must discover the subjects you’ll cowl in your individual podcast.

Listed below are some suggestions which will show you how to slim down the subjects and discover your area of interest.

• Observe your ardour – Selecting subjects that excite you’ll show you how to create higher content material that’s partaking on your target audience as effectively.
• Decide a lane – As a substitute of podcasting about random issues, attempt to persist with subjects inside an outlined topic space. It will show you how to extra rapidly set up experience and authority whereas discovering a audience. It’s going to additionally show you how to with monetization and sponsorships sooner or later.
• Assume like your viewers – You may construct an viewers persona primarily based on the subjects you select. Who’s your viewers, and what different issues do they like? What are their ache factors you can deal with in your podcast?
• Analysis your competitors – Take a look at what different podcasters in your area of interest are doing. Are you able to construct on that along with your distinctive perspective and voice?
• Select your podcast format – Would you love to do interviews, solo commentary, or one thing completely different? Select a format that fits your subject and your strengths.

Now that you’ve got made up your thoughts about what you need to say, let’s check out the issues you will want to make all this occur.

Issues You Must Set Up Your Podcast

For knowledgeable podcasting setup, there are some things that you’ll want to get began.

The very first thing is a web site or a weblog the place folks can be taught extra about you and your podcast.

The second factor is the tools to document your podcast episodes.

Lastly, you must have the correct instruments to publish your podcast on the web so you may get most subscribers and attain.

We’ll stroll you thru the entire course of, step-by-step.

Step 1. Web site Setup: WordPress Internet hosting and Area Title

Crucial step in constructing a web site is to decide on the correct platform.

We advocate utilizing WordPress.org, often known as self-hosted WordPress, for organising your podcasting web site.

WordPress is free to make use of. You may set up plugins, customise your website design, and, most significantly, earn cash out of your website with none restrictions (See the distinction between WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org).

Why We Advocate WordPress:

• WordPress is open supply and offers you full management and possession of your podcast content material.
• WordPress has 1000’s of plugins, that are like apps on your web site. These plugins show you how to join your website to any third-party instrument, service, or cost gateway you want.
• WordPress is beginner-friendly, and you may arrange your podcast web site with out hiring a developer.

Setting Up WordPress

To get began, you will want a site title and a web site internet hosting account.

A website title is your web site’s deal with on the web. That is what folks sort to get to your web site. For instance, google.com or wpbeginner.com.

Website hosting is your web site’s home on the web. That is the place all of your recordsdata and pictures are saved. Each web site wants hosting.

The everyday value of hosting is $7.99 per 30 days, and a site title normally prices round $14.99 per 12 months.

It is a lot for somebody simply beginning out. Fortunately, Bluehost has agreed to supply our customers a free area title and as much as 61% off on hosting.

In actual numbers, this implies you can begin your podcasting web site for under $2.75 per 30 days.

We advocate utilizing Bluehost as a result of they’re one of many official WordPress-recommended internet hosting suppliers and one of many largest hosting companies on the planet.

Different internet hosting corporations we advocate: Hostinger ($2.69 /month, free area included) and SiteGround ($2.99/month, free area included).

For extra internet hosting suggestions, see our information on how to choose the best WordPress hosting.

After signing up for WordPress internet hosting, you possibly can comply with the directions in our full step-by-step WordPress installation tutorial to get began.

Select a Podcast WordPress Theme

After you have put in WordPress, your web site will use a default WordPress theme. It’s fairly primary, and you might need to change it.

Themes management how the entrance finish of your web site appears to be like to the guests.

Fortunately there are millions of WordPress themes to select from. Nevertheless, not all of them are made particularly for a podcast web site.

Don’t fear. We’ve got bought you coated there as effectively. Our professional staff has curated a hand-picked record of WordPress themes for podcasters.

All themes on this record are made particularly for podcasting web sites or are well-suited for podcasting.

Need assistance organising your theme? See our tutorial on how to install a WordPress theme.

Step 2. Setting Up a Media Internet hosting Service

The following factor you will want is an efficient media internet hosting service.

Podcast episodes are massive audio recordsdata. Serving them out of your net host will eat a whole lot of server assets, making your web site gradual and infrequently unresponsive.

For one of the best person expertise, we advocate that you simply use a podcast-specific media internet hosting platform like Blubrry.

Most good podcasters use a separate podcast internet hosting service to serve their podcast recordsdata. It’s the smartest and most effective option to run a podcast.

Why we advocate Blubrry:

• Blubrry is optimized for podcasting utilizing WordPress. They provide a robust plugin known as Blubrry PowerPress, which makes it simple to handle your podcast from the WordPress website.
• It comes with a big person neighborhood made up of many profitable podcasters. When you need assistance, be part of the boards to be taught from others who’ve been podcasting for a very long time.
• Blubrry has nice instruments like ID3 tagging, iTunes optimization, automated media paintings administration, and so on.
• They’ve a top-tier content delivery network (CDN), which makes your content material supply quicker and extra dependable.

Step 3. Selecting Correct Podcasting Gear

As your podcast grows, you will want to spend money on new instruments to provide higher-quality podcasts.

As a newbie, a very powerful instrument you want is an efficient microphone.

Please don’t use your pc’s built-in microphone to document your podcast. Your customers will immediately discover the horrible sound high quality.

There are two major sorts: XLR and USB microphones.

XLR microphones are like skilled cameras. They offer high-quality audio however want an audio interface or mixer to attach them to your pc. This could be a bit complicated for newbies.

USB microphones are like point-and-shoot cameras. They’re simple to make use of, and you may simply plug them into your pc and begin recording. They’re nice for newbies. Nevertheless, the sound high quality may not be nearly as good as XLR microphones.

We advocate selecting a USB microphone. They’re beginner-friendly and require much less technical information to function.

Nevertheless, in case you are prepared to spend further money and time for higher sound high quality, then select an XLR microphone. That is what {most professional} podcasters use.

There are three standard mic selections amongst podcasters.

• Samson C01U (USB) – Entry-level Microphone
• Røde Podmic (USB) – Finest USB mic
• Heil PR-40 (XLR connection, not USB) – That is what the professionals use. You will want to purchase an audio mixer as effectively.

Right here is another tools that you simply most likely need to buy: a mic arm, shock mount, and a pop filter.

For WPBeginner’s audio/video setup, we use the Rode Podcaster kit with a mic arm and shock mount.

Additionally, you will want a good headphone. We’re utilizing Sony MDR7506.

After you have the correct podcasting tools, you may be prepared for the subsequent step: planning and recording your first podcast episode.

Step 4. Planning Your First Few Podcast Episodes

It is advisable plan your podcast episodes earlier than you sit all the way down to document them. There are a number of necessary selections that you must make.

1. Episode content material

What would be the subjects on your first few episodes? You may plan your content material in an orderly vogue, work on the content material by creating an overview, after which digging into the main points.

2. Size of Episodes

Podcasts might be from 20 minutes to over an hour lengthy. The period of your episodes is dependent upon your content material and viewers.

There are not any strict guidelines in regards to the best size for a very good podcast episode. Nevertheless, episodes between 20-40 minutes are likely to do higher.

You probably have good content material, then don’t lower it down simply so it may match the particular size. Equally, don’t drag content material an excessive amount of in an effort to fill the specified episode size.

3. Supporting Media

Additionally, you will need to work on intro music, background music, or different sounds you might need to add to your podcast for a dramatic impact.

The next are a number of locations the place you will discover license-free music and soundtracks to make use of in your podcast episodes or as your theme music. Fastidiously evaluation the licensing phrases earlier than utilizing any observe in your podcast:

4. Storyboarding and Scripting

You may sit down and document by simply a easy define of your concepts. Nevertheless, this would possibly give your customers the impression that you simply didn’t do your homework.

It is advisable really sit down and write down the script. This helps you keep targeted and makes you sound extra skilled and ready.

You may nonetheless go on and converse off the script through the recording, however having an precise script retains you on observe and ends in better-quality content material.

After spending a while planning your episodes and giving extra thought to your content material, it’s time to document your first podcast.

Step 5. Recording Your First Podcast

To document your podcast, you will want audio recording software program. This software program will show you how to document and edit your audio recordsdata.

The perfect podcast recording software program utilized by most podcasters is Audacity. It’s a free, cross-platform, and open-source software program able to recording studio-quality skilled podcasts.

After putting in Audacity, you must open it up and create a brand new venture from the File menu.

To document your voice, merely click on on the document button.

Now, be at liberty to document your podcast. Don’t fear about awkward pauses, breaks, coughing, or any glitches you would possibly make whereas narrating.

You may edit the recording as many instances as you need.

You can too import music recordsdata from File » Import and set them as background music.

Audacity is a really highly effective instrument, and it’s not potential for us to even cowl its primary options on this article. Nevertheless, TeamAudacity has an in depth Wiki with detailed tutorials.

We advocate that you simply undergo these tutorials. Changing into accustomed to the software program will take a while, nevertheless it’s price your effort and time.

After you have recorded your podcast, you must export it.

Most podcasters export their audio recordsdata within the MP3 format as a result of it creates smaller file sizes with good high quality.

You additionally have to be good about naming your podcast recordsdata. Keep in mind, podcasts are episodic sequence, so it could be finest to make use of a naming apply that makes use of an episode or serial quantity within the file title.

Some strategies can be WPB001.mp3 or WPBep001.mp3.

Then, you must save the ultimate model of your podcast file to a separate folder in your pc.

Step 6. Publishing Your Podcast With WordPress

After you’ve gotten created a number of episodes and you might be glad with their high quality, it’s time to learn to publish your podcast with WordPress.

You will want to log in to the admin area of your WordPress website.

The very first thing you must do is set up and activate the Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.

Upon activation, you will note a PowerPress menu merchandise within the WordPress admin menu. Clicking on it would take you to the plugin’s settings web page.

If you’re utilizing Blubrry to host your podcasting recordsdata, then you must click on on the ‘Let’s Join’ button to configure the Blubrry statistics and internet hosting companies.

It will carry up a popup, the place you may be requested to log in to your Blubrry account and provides the plugin permission to entry your account.

Subsequent, you will want to fill out the remainder of the knowledge on the settings web page.

Begin by offering a title on your feed within the ‘Feeds’ tab.

After that, you possibly can add the paintings by switching to the ‘Podcast Art work’ tab.

This would be the sq. thumbnail displayed subsequent to your podcast in podcast listening apps. Ensure that it represents your podcast branding.

The remainder of the plugin settings are fairly self-explanatory, and the default choices will work for many customers.

We’ll come again to the Apple iTunes settings later on this article.

Don’t overlook to click on the ‘Save Modifications’ button to retailer your settings. Your WordPress website is now able to publish your podcast.

Step 7. Add Media Recordsdata to Blubrry

Earlier than you possibly can publish a podcast episode with WordPress, you first have to add the podcast file to your media internet hosting service, Blubrry.

Log in to your Blubrry internet hosting account after which click on on the ‘Set Web site’ possibility within the dashboard.

On the subsequent display screen, select ‘I have already got a web site’.

Beneath that, you have to present the URL of your WordPress web site.

Click on the ‘Save’ button to retailer your adjustments.

Subsequent, go to the Episodes » Publish New web page. Right here, merely present a title and outline on your podcast episode.

After that, click on on the ‘Add Episode File’ button to add the podcast episode you recorded earlier.

Beneath that, you possibly can schedule the discharge date and time. This lets you schedule episodes to be launched at a most well-liked time. Not selecting a date and time will make your episode out there instantly.

Optionally, you possibly can provide a transcript on your episode if in case you have one.

As soon as you might be completed, go forward and click on on the ‘Publish’ button to save lots of your adjustments.

Step 8. Including Your First Podcast in WordPress

The whole lot is now so as, and you might be prepared so as to add your first podcast in WordPress.

To publish your first podcast, you must go to the Posts » Add New web page.

It’s extremely advisable that you simply create a separate category on your podcast episodes.

It will can help you maintain your podcast episodes separate from the remainder of your content material. Additionally, you will be capable of publicize your podcast feed extra simply in a while.

After that, you must scroll all the way down to the underside of the web page, and there you will note the ‘Podcast Episode’ field.

From right here, click on on the ‘Select File’ button to pick the file you uploaded to Blubrry.

In case your podcast media file shouldn’t be hosted on Blubrry, then you possibly can simply paste the media file URL right here. Then, you must click on the ‘Confirm’ button to make sure you have put the proper URL.

Now, you must scroll again as much as the submit editor part. Give your blog post a suitable title and add an outline for this podcast episode.

After that, you must add the PowerPress Participant block to the content material space the place you need to show the podcast participant.

That’s all. Now you can publish and preview your weblog submit, and you will note your podcast episode reside with an exquisite participant.

Congratulations, your WordPress podcasting website is able to go reside.

Step 9. Previewing Your Podcast With iTunes

Now that you’ve got arrange your podcast web site with WordPress, it’s time to submit your podcast to iTunes and get extra subscribers.

Earlier than submitting it to iTunes, you would possibly need to examine to see how your podcast will look on iTunes. To do that, launch iTunes, go to File » Subscribe to Podcast and enter your feed URL. Your feed URL will appear like this:

http://www.instance.com/feed/podcast

Don’t overlook to exchange instance.com with your individual area title.

When you enter the URL in iTunes, it would fetch the feed and show it. As you possibly can see within the screenshot beneath, it fetched the paintings, description, subtitle, and extra.

If every little thing appears to be like good, then this implies you might be able to submit your podcast to iTunes.

Step 10. Submitting Your Podcast to iTunes

To submit your podcast to iTunes, you must obtain and set up the newest model of iTunes in your pc. Subsequent, launch iTunes and click on on the iTunes Retailer button within the high proper nook of the display screen.

iTunes will now entry the iTunes Retailer. Click on on the ‘Podcasts’ menu, after which scroll a bit to search out the Podcasts Fast Hyperlinks part. There, you will note a hyperlink to ‘Submit a podcast’.

It will open the podcast submission course of. You will want an Apple ID to submit your podcast to the iTunes listing. If you’re not already signed in, then iTunes will immediate you to log in.

The very first thing you will want is your podcast feed URL. Your podcast feed URL will probably be like this:

http://instance.com/feed/podcast

Don’t overlook to exchange instance.com with your individual area title.

Since you might be utilizing PowerPress, your feed will already embrace the tags required by the iTunes Retailer for podcasts.

Upon submission, your podcast feed will probably be submitted to the iTunes evaluation queue. After approval by the iTunes evaluation employees, it will likely be added to the iTunes listing, and you may be notified by way of electronic mail.

Podcasting Sources to Assist You Develop

Congratulations on beginning your podcast with WordPress! If you wish to make your podcast profitable, then we advocate you be part of:

Podcasters’ Paradise by John Lee Dumas

John is an efficient good friend of ours, and he’s an inspiration for many new podcasters. In only a few years, he has taken his podcast from $0 to 7 determine annual earnings. If you’re considering of beginning a podcast, then you definitely need to be taught from him.

Plus, listed below are some actionable tips to drive traffic to your new WordPress site.

Plugin Suggestions to Develop Your Podcast

We advocate putting in some must-have plugins in your WordPress web site to increase its performance and develop your podcast. Listed below are probably the most typically advisable high plugins you possibly can set up instantly:

• All in One SEO for WordPress – The perfect WordPress website positioning plugin in the marketplace. It allows you to optimize your podcast web site website positioning to get extra free visitors from search engines like google and yahoo.
• RafflePress – The perfect WordPress giveaway plugin that means that you can run viral giveaways in change for a podcast subscription, becoming a member of your electronic mail e-newsletter, or following you on social media.
• MonsterInsights – When you begin getting listeners to your web site, you’ll want to know which episodes they’re listening to or downloading and the place they’re coming from. MonsterInsights is one of the best Google Analytics plugin that means that you can track all this data.

Making Cash From Your Podcast

It’s going to take a whole lot of your time and stable dedication to make your podcast profitable. To make all of it sustainable in the long term, you will want to search out methods to monetize your podcast.

We’ve got an in depth information on the right way to make money online utilizing your WordPress weblog. All of the objects listed there may also be used in your podcasting web site.

The next are among the high methods to earn cash from a podcast.

• When you assume a enterprise would profit from sponsoring your podcast, be at liberty to achieve out to them to be a sponsor. You’d be stunned how typically this might work out for you.
• Use affiliate marketing to advocate third-party services and products to your viewers.
• Promote your individual services and products by adding an online store to your web site.
• Ask subscribers to help your podcast with donations. You may merely add a payment form in your web site the place subscribers could make a small donation.
• Make older episodes out there just for members. See our information on the right way to make a membership website with WordPress.

We hope this text helped you begin a podcast with WordPress. You may additionally need to see our record of must-have WordPress plugins for business websites and our professional picks of the best WordPress themes for podcasters.

When you preferred this text, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can too discover us on Twitter and Facebook.