How to start a podcast and get paid in 2023

Jun 20

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital audio file that is released on the internet in episodic installments. They can be about any topic, from news and current events to comedy and entertainment. Podcasts can be listened to on a computer or mobile device, and they are a great way to learn about new things, stay up-to-date on current events, or just be entertained.

Start your Podcast in 5 easy steps

Choose a topic and niche

Narrowing down your podcast's topic or niche is essential for long-term success. It will help you focus your content, build trust with your audience, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.

When choosing a topic, consider the following 3 factors:

Your own interests and expertise. What are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about?
The size of the market. Is there a large enough audience for your podcast?
The level of competition. How many other podcasts are covering the same topic?

Once you have chosen a topic, you need to narrow it down further. This will help you attract a specific audience and make it easier to create relevant content.

For example, if you are interested in the topic of "entrepreneurship," you could narrow it down to a specific niche such as "startups," "marketing," or "finance."

Researching existing podcasts.

This is a valuable step in the planning process. This will help you identify potential competitors and learn from their successes and failures. It will show you how can fit in this market.

Consider the format of your podcast.

Do you want to host it solo or with a co-host? Will you interview guests? How often will you release new episodes?

Define your Audience by answering these questions:

Who are you creating this podcast for?

What are their interests and needs?

What are their challenges and obstacles?

How old are they?

What are their knowledge gaps?

2. Build your name and Online Presence

Name your podcast wisely. It should be relevant to your subject matter and memorable. Avoid using the word "Podcast" in your show's name.
Create branding elements, such as cover art, color palette, and custom design or audio work. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.
Create a website or RSS feed for your podcast. This will make it accessible to listeners.
Create social media profiles for your podcast. Use the name of your podcast and focus on the platforms that your audience uses most.
Submit your podcast to podcast directories. This will make it more discoverable to listeners.
Get Heard in popular Podcast directories:
Apple (formerly iTunes)
Spotify
Pocket Casts:
Stitcher
Castro
Audible
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio

3. Equip Yourself for Podcasting Success

There are a few different ways to source recording equipment and editing software for your podcast. However, if you want to focus on your craft and leave it to the professionals, book a session with us at Blue Tint Recording Studios. We will provide you with all the recording equipment and editing software you need, and we will help you create a high-quality podcast that you can be proud of.

Book with us

Don't settle for subpar sound quality. Our recording equipment and editing software will ensure that your podcast sounds professional.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Our team of experienced podcasters is here to guide you every step of the way.

Book a session with us today and let us help you create the podcast of your dreams.

Additional ways to source recording equipment and editing software for your podcast.

Use your existing devices. If you have a computer, tablet, or phone with a built-in microphone, you can use that to record your podcast. However, for better sound quality, you may want to invest in a separate podcast microphone. Podcast microphones can cost from $10 to $10,000.
Use free software. There are a number of free podcast editing software options available, such as GarageBand (for Apple devices) and Audacity (for any device). and Riverside. These software programs offer basic editing features, but they may not be enough for more complex podcasts.

4. Record and Prepare your Podcast

Once you have your recording equipment and editing software set up, or booked a podcast session at Blue Tint, it's time to record your first podcast episode. Here are a few tips for recording a successful podcast:

Plan your content. What will you talk about in your podcast episode? Make sure you have a clear outline of your topics so that your conversation flows smoothly.
Practice your delivery. Run through your podcast episode a few times before you record it. This will help you get comfortable with your material and ensure that you deliver it in a clear and engaging way.
Record in a quiet environment. Background noise can be very distracting for listeners, so make sure you record your podcast in a quiet room.
Use a good microphone. A good microphone will help you capture your voice clearly and prevent it from sounding muffled or tinny.
Edit your podcast. Once you've recorded your podcast episode, you'll need to edit it. This includes removing any unwanted noise, adjusting the volume levels, and adding intro and outro music.

5. Execute effective promotion

It's time to start promoting your podcast! There are a number of different ways to promote your podcast, but some of the most effective methods include:

Social media. Share links to your podcast episodes on social media and encourage your followers to listen. You can also create social media posts that promote your podcast, such as trailers, teasers, and quotes from your episodes.
Email marketing. If you have an email list, you can send out a newsletter promoting your podcast episodes. You can also include a link to your podcast in your email signature.
Word-of-mouth. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about your podcast and encourage them to listen. You can also attend industry events and network with other podcasters.
Podcast directories. Submit your podcast to podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. This will make your podcast more discoverable to potential listeners.
Guesting on other podcasts. Guesting on other podcasts is a great way to promote your own podcast and reach a new audience. When you guest on another podcast, be sure to mention your own podcast and provide a link to it.
Running contests and giveaways. Running contests and giveaways is a great way to generate excitement for your podcast and attract new listeners. You can give away things like free merchandise, gift cards, or even tickets to events.
Creating promotional materials. Create promotional materials like flyers, posters, and business cards that you can hand out or mail to potential listeners. You can also create a website for your podcast that includes information about your show, episodes, and guests.

Promoting your podcast takes time and effort, but it's essential if you want to reach a large audience. By using a variety of promotional methods, you can reach potential listeners and grow your podcast's audience.

Get Paid through your Podcast 💰

There are a number of ways to get paid through a podcast. Here are a few of the most common methods:

Sponsorships. This is the most common way podcasters make money. A sponsor is a company that pays you to promote their products or services on your podcast.
Advertising. You can also make money by selling advertising space on your podcast. This is similar to sponsorships, but instead of promoting a specific product or service, you are selling ad space to businesses that want to reach your audience.
Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows you to charge your listeners for exclusive content or benefits. This is a great way to generate recurring revenue from your podcast.
Promote your services or products. If you have your own products or services to sell, you can promote them in your podcast. You can talk about the benefits of your products or services, and why your listeners would benefit from using them. You can also offer discounts or promotions to your listeners.
Merchandise. You can also make money by selling merchandise related to your podcast. This could include things like t-shirts, mugs, hats, and other items.
Affiliate Links. There are a few different types of affiliate links you can use in your podcast. You can use text links, banner ads, or even product reviews. Experiment with different types of links to see what works best for your podcast.
Donations. Some podcasters accept donations from their listeners. This is a great way to show your appreciation for your audience and generate some extra income.

The amount of money you can make through a podcast varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of your audience, the type of content you create, and the monetization methods you use. However, some successful podcasts can make significant amounts of money. For example, the podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience" is estimated to make over $100 million per year.

If you are thinking about starting a podcast, it is important to remember that it takes time and effort to build a successful audience. However, if you are able to create high-quality content and reach a large audience, you can make a good living through podcasting.

Here are some additional tips for getting paid through a podcast:

Choose the right monetization method. Not all monetization methods are right for every podcast. Take some time to research the different options and choose the ones that are most likely to be successful for your podcast.
Build a large audience. The more listeners you have, the more money you will be able to make through podcasting. So focus on creating great content that will attract and retain listeners.
Be patient. It takes time to build a successful podcast audience. Don't expect to make a lot of money overnight. Just keep creating great content and promoting your podcast, and eventually, you will start to see results.