Podcasts are a preferred media format that’s rising quickly. Throughout final yr alone, 220,786 new podcasts have been launched, which is a 9% enhance since 2022.
Nonetheless, many rookies discover it technically difficult to start out a podcast.
There may be an excessive amount of details about internet hosting media information, 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’ll attempt to make it straightforward for you by displaying you how one can begin a podcast, step-by-step. We will even present you how one can begin selling your podcast and, extra importantly, how one can monetize and switch it right into a worthwhile enterprise.
![Starting a podcast, a step by step guide for beginners Starting a podcast, a step by step guide for beginners](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/how-to-start-a-podcast-and-make-it-successful-OG.png)
Right here is a top level view of all the pieces that we are going to cowl on this information:
Prepared? Let’s get began.
What Is a Podcast? And How Do Podcasts Work?
A podcast is an episodic collection of audio information that customers can subscribe to, obtain, and take heed to.
There may also be video podcasts, however they’re much less frequent.
On your podcast to work, it’s essential have an audio file and an RSS Feed that customers can subscribe to remain up to date and obtain new episodes once they come out.
![how-podcasting-works How podcasting works](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/how-podcasting-works.png)
![how-podcasting-works How podcasting works](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/how-podcasting-works.png)
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’ll be able to join your podcast web site with podcasting apps like iTunes to make it simpler for tens of millions of customers to hear and subscribe. We are going to cowl this later within the article.
Now that you recognize what a podcast is and the way it works, let’s check out how one can discover concepts to make a profitable podcast.
Discovering Podcast Subjects and Area of interest
Round 27,557 podcast episodes are printed on daily basis (supply: PodcastIndex).
As a way to compete, it’s essential discover the matters you’ll cowl in your individual podcast.
Listed here are some suggestions which will enable you to slim down the matters and discover your area of interest.
- Observe your ardour – Selecting matters that excite you’ll enable you to create higher content material that’s partaking in your target market as properly.
- Decide a lane – As an alternative of podcasting about random issues, attempt to persist with matters inside an outlined topic space. It will enable you to extra shortly set up experience and authority whereas discovering a target market. It would additionally enable you to with monetization and sponsorships sooner or later.
- Assume like your viewers – You’ll be able to construct an viewers persona based mostly on the matters you select. Who’s your viewers, and what different issues do they like? What are their ache factors that you may handle in your podcast?
- Analysis your competitors – Have 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 matter 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 have to make all this occur.
Issues You Must Set Up Your Podcast
For an expert podcasting setup, there are some things that you’ll want to get began.
The very first thing is an internet site or a weblog the place folks can study extra about you and your podcast.
The second factor is the tools to report your podcast episodes.
Lastly, it’s essential have the proper instruments to publish your podcast on the web so you may get most subscribers and attain.
We are going to stroll you thru the entire course of, step-by-step.
Step 1. Web site Setup: WordPress Internet hosting and Area Identify
An important step in constructing an internet site is to decide on the proper platform.
We advocate utilizing WordPress.org, also called self-hosted WordPress, for organising your podcasting web site.
WordPress is free to make use of. You’ll be able to set up plugins, customise your web site design, and, most significantly, generate profits out of your web site 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 in your web site. These plugins enable you to join your web site to any third-party device, service, or fee gateway you want.
- WordPress is beginner-friendly, and you’ll arrange your podcast web site with out hiring a developer.
Setting Up WordPress
To get began, you will have a website identify and an internet site internet hosting account.
A site identify is your web site’s handle on the web. That is what folks kind to get to your web site. For instance, google.com or wpbeginner.com.
Internet hosting is your web site’s home on the web. That is the place all of your information and pictures are saved. Each web site wants website hosting.
The everyday value of website hosting is $7.99 per thirty days, and a website identify normally prices round $14.99 per yr.
It is a lot for somebody simply beginning out. Fortunately, Bluehost has agreed to supply our customers a free area identify and as much as 61% off on website hosting.
In actual numbers, this implies you can begin your podcasting web site for under $2.75 per thirty 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 website hosting providers on the planet.
Different internet hosting firms 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 decide on the perfect WordPress internet hosting.
After signing up for WordPress internet hosting, you’ll be able to comply with the directions in our full step-by-step WordPress set up tutorial to get began.
Select a Podcast WordPress Theme
After getting put in WordPress, your web site will use a default WordPress theme. It’s fairly fundamental, and it’s possible you’ll need to change it.
Themes management how the entrance finish of your web site seems to the guests.
Fortunately there are literally thousands of WordPress themes to select from. Nonetheless, not all of them are made particularly for a podcast web site.
Don’t fear. We’ve obtained you lined there as properly. Our knowledgeable crew has curated a hand-picked record of WordPress themes for podcasters.
![WordPress podcast themes WordPress podcast themes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-themes-wp.jpg)
![WordPress podcast themes WordPress podcast themes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-themes-wp.jpg)
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 one can set up a WordPress theme.
Step 2. Setting Up a Media Internet hosting Service
The subsequent factor you will have is an efficient media internet hosting service.
Podcast episodes are massive audio information. Serving them out of your net host will eat a number of server assets, making your web site gradual and infrequently unresponsive.
For the perfect person expertise, we advocate that you just use a podcast-specific media internet hosting platform like Blubrry.
Most good podcasters use a separate podcast internet hosting service to serve their podcast information. It’s the smartest and best option to run a podcast.
Why we advocate Blubrry:
- Blubrry is optimized for podcasting utilizing WordPress. They provide a strong plugin known as Blubrry PowerPress, which makes it straightforward to handle your podcast from the WordPress web site.
- It comes with a big person neighborhood made up of many profitable podcasters. For those who need assistance, be a part of the boards to study from others who’ve been podcasting for a very long time.
- Blubrry has nice instruments like ID3 tagging, iTunes optimization, computerized media paintings administration, and so on.
- They’ve a top-tier content material supply community (CDN), which makes your content material supply sooner and extra dependable.
Step 3. Selecting Correct Podcasting Gear
As your podcast grows, you will have to spend money on new instruments to supply higher-quality podcasts.
As a newbie, a very powerful device you want is an efficient microphone.
Please don’t use your pc’s built-in microphone to report your podcast. Your customers will immediately discover the horrible sound high quality.
There are two most important varieties: 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 generally is a bit advanced for rookies.
USB microphones are like point-and-shoot cameras. They’re straightforward to make use of, and you’ll simply plug them into your pc and begin recording. They’re nice for rookies. Nonetheless, the sound high quality won’t be pretty much as good as XLR microphones.
We advocate selecting a USB microphone. They’re beginner-friendly and require much less technical information to function.
Nonetheless, in case you are keen 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 fashionable mic decisions amongst podcasters.
![Choosing a microphone to record podcasts Choosing a microphone to record podcasts](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-microphones.png)
![Choosing a microphone to record podcasts Choosing a microphone to record podcasts](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-microphones.png)
- 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 have to purchase an audio mixer as properly.
Right here is another tools that you just 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 equipment with a mic arm and shock mount.
Additionally, you will want an honest headphone. We’re utilizing Sony MDR7506.
After getting the proper podcasting tools, you can be prepared for the following step: planning and recording your first podcast episode.
Step 4. Planning Your First Few Podcast Episodes
It’s essential to plan your podcast episodes earlier than you sit all the way down to report them. There are a number of necessary selections that it’s essential make.
1. Episode content material
What would be the matters in your first few episodes? You’ll be able to plan your content material in an orderly style, work on the content material by creating a top level view, after which digging into the small print.
2. Size of Episodes
Podcasts may 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 concerning the very best size for a very good podcast episode. Nonetheless, episodes between 20-40 minutes are inclined to do higher.
If in case you have good content material, then don’t minimize it down simply so it might probably match the particular size. Equally, don’t drag content material an excessive amount of as a way to fill the specified episode size.
3. Supporting Media
Additionally, you will need to work on intro music, background music, or different sounds it’s possible you’ll need to add to your podcast for a dramatic impact.
The next are a couple of locations the place you’ll find license-free music and soundtracks to make use of in your podcast episodes or as your theme music. Rigorously evaluation the licensing phrases earlier than utilizing any observe in your podcast:
4. Storyboarding and Scripting
You’ll be able to sit down and report by simply a easy define of your concepts. Nonetheless, this may give your customers the impression that you just didn’t do your homework.
It’s essential to truly sit down and write down the script. This helps you keep centered and makes you sound extra skilled and ready.
You’ll be able to nonetheless go on and converse off the script throughout the recording, however having an precise script retains you on observe and leads to better-quality content material.
After spending a while planning your episodes and giving extra thought to your content material, it’s time to report your first podcast.
Step 5. Recording Your First Podcast
To report your podcast, you will have audio recording software program. This software program will enable you to report and edit your audio information.
One of the best 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, it’s essential open it up and create a brand new mission from the File menu.
To report your voice, merely click on on the report button.
Now, be happy to report your podcast. Don’t fear about awkward pauses, breaks, coughing, or any glitches you may make whereas narrating.
You’ll be able to edit the recording as many occasions as you need.
![Audacity Audacity](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/audacity.png)
![Audacity Audacity](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/audacity.png)
You can even import music information from File » Import and set them as background music.
Audacity is a really highly effective device, and it’s not potential for us to even cowl its fundamental options on this article. Nonetheless, TeamAudacity has an intensive Wiki with detailed tutorials.
We advocate that you just undergo these tutorials. Changing into conversant in the software program will take a while, but it surely’s value your effort and time.
After getting recorded your podcast, it’s essential export it.
Most podcasters export their audio information 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 information. Bear in mind, podcasts are episodic collection, so it might be finest to make use of a naming apply that makes use of an episode or serial quantity within the file identify.
Some ideas could be WPB001.mp3 or WPBep001.mp3.
Then, it’s essential save the ultimate model of your podcast file to a separate folder in your pc.
Step 6. Publishing Your Podcast With WordPress
After you could have created a couple of episodes and you might be happy with their high quality, it’s time to discover ways to publish your podcast with WordPress.
You will have to log in to the admin space of your WordPress web site.
The very first thing it’s essential do is set up and activate the Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how one can set up a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, you will notice a PowerPress menu merchandise within the WordPress admin menu. Clicking on it’s going to take you to the plugin’s settings web page.
![powerpress-connect-blubrry Connect powerpress to your Blubrry account](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/powerpress-connect-blubrry.png)
![powerpress-connect-blubrry Connect powerpress to your Blubrry account](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/powerpress-connect-blubrry.png)
In case you are utilizing Blubrry to host your podcasting information, then it’s essential click on on the ‘Let’s Join’ button to configure the Blubrry statistics and internet hosting providers.
It will deliver up a popup, the place you can be requested to log in to your Blubrry account and provides the plugin permission to entry your account.
![Connect Blubrry account Connect Blubrry account](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/connect-blubrry-account.png)
![Connect Blubrry account Connect Blubrry account](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/connect-blubrry-account.png)
Subsequent, you will have to fill out the remainder of the data on the settings web page.
Begin by offering a title in your feed within the ‘Feeds’ tab.
![podcast feed title podcast feed title](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-feed-title.png)
![podcast feed title podcast feed title](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-feed-title.png)
After that, you’ll be able to add the paintings by switching to the ‘Podcast Paintings’ tab.
This would be the sq. thumbnail displayed subsequent to your podcast in podcast listening apps. Ensure that it represents your podcast branding.
![Podcast artwork Podcast artwork](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-artwork.png)
![Podcast artwork Podcast artwork](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-artwork.png)
The remainder of the plugin settings are fairly self-explanatory, and the default choices will work for many customers.
We are going to come again to the Apple iTunes settings later on this article.
Don’t overlook to click on the ‘Save Adjustments’ button to retailer your settings. Your WordPress web site is now able to publish your podcast.
Step 7. Add Media Recordsdata to Blubrry
Earlier than you’ll be able to 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.
![Set website in Blubrry Set website in Blubrry](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/blubrry-set-website.png)
![Set website in Blubrry Set website in Blubrry](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/blubrry-set-website.png)
On the following display, select ‘I have already got an internet site’.
Under that, you will need to present the URL of your WordPress web site.
![Enter podcast website Enter podcast website](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/enter-podcast-website.png)
![Enter podcast website Enter podcast website](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/enter-podcast-website.png)
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 in your podcast episode.
![Upload podcast episode Upload podcast episode](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/upload-podcast-episode-media.png)
![Upload podcast episode Upload podcast episode](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/upload-podcast-episode-media.png)
After that, click on on the ‘Add Episode File’ button to add the podcast episode you recorded earlier.
Under that, you’ll be able to schedule the discharge date and time. This lets you schedule episodes to be launched at a most popular time. Not selecting a date and time will make your episode out there instantly.
Optionally, you’ll be able to present a transcript in your episode when you’ve got one.
As soon as you might be completed, go forward and click on on the ‘Publish’ button to save lots of your adjustments.
![Publish podcast media Publish podcast media](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/publish-podcast-media.png)
![Publish podcast media Publish podcast media](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/publish-podcast-media.png)
Step 8. Including Your First Podcast in WordPress
Every part is now so as, and you might be prepared so as to add your first podcast in WordPress.
To publish your first podcast, it’s essential go to the Posts » Add New web page.
It’s extremely really helpful that you just create a separate class in your podcast episodes.
It will let you hold your podcast episodes separate from the remainder of your content material. Additionally, you will be capable to publicize your podcast feed extra simply in a while.
After that, it’s essential scroll all the way down to the underside of the web page, and there you will notice the ‘Podcast Episode’ field.
![Add podcast episode in WordPress Add podcast episode in WordPress](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/add-podcast-episode-wordpress.png)
![Add podcast episode in WordPress Add podcast episode in WordPress](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/add-podcast-episode-wordpress.png)
From right here, click on on the ‘Select File’ button to pick the file you uploaded to Blubrry.
In case your podcast media file will not be hosted on Blubrry, then you’ll be able to simply paste the media file URL right here. Then, it’s essential click on the ‘Confirm’ button to make sure you have put the proper URL.
Now, it’s essential scroll again as much as the put up editor part. Give your weblog put up an acceptable title and add an outline for this podcast episode.
![Add podcast player Add podcast player](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/add-podcast-player.png)
![Add podcast player Add podcast player](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/add-podcast-player.png)
After that, it’s essential 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 put up, and you will notice your podcast episode reside with a fantastic participant.
![Podcast player preview Podcast player preview](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-player-preview.png)
![Podcast player preview Podcast player preview](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/podcast-player-preview.png)
Congratulations, your WordPress podcasting web site 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 may need to test 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 to be this:
http://www.instance.com/feed/podcast
Don’t overlook to exchange instance.com with your individual area identify.
When you enter the URL in iTunes, it’s going to fetch the feed and show it. As you’ll be able to see within the screenshot beneath, it fetched the paintings, description, subtitle, and extra.
![Preview podcast in iTunes Preview podcast in iTunes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/preview-podcast-itunes.png)
![Preview podcast in iTunes Preview podcast in iTunes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/preview-podcast-itunes.png)
If all the pieces seems 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, it’s essential obtain and set up the most recent model of iTunes in your pc. Subsequent, launch iTunes and click on on the iTunes Retailer button within the prime proper nook of the display.
iTunes will now entry the iTunes Retailer. Click on on the ‘Podcasts’ menu, after which scroll a little bit to seek out the Podcasts Fast Hyperlinks part. There, you will notice a hyperlink to ‘Submit a podcast’.
![Submit podcast to iTunes Submit podcast to iTunes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/submit-podcast-itunes.png)
![Submit podcast to iTunes Submit podcast to iTunes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/submit-podcast-itunes.png)
It will open the podcast submission course of. You will have an Apple ID to submit your podcast to the iTunes listing. In case you are not already signed in, then iTunes will immediate you to log in.
The very first thing you will have is your podcast feed URL. Your podcast feed URL can be like this:
http://instance.com/feed/podcast
Don’t overlook to exchange instance.com with your individual area identify.
Since you might be utilizing PowerPress, your feed will already embody the tags required by the iTunes Retailer for podcasts.
Upon submission, your podcast feed can be submitted to the iTunes evaluation queue. After approval by the iTunes evaluation workers, it is going to be added to the iTunes listing, and you can be notified by way of e-mail.
Podcasting Assets to Assist You Develop
Congratulations on beginning your podcast with WordPress! If you wish to make your podcast profitable, then we advocate you be a part of:
Podcasters’ Paradise by John Lee Dumas
John is an efficient pal of ours, and he’s an inspiration for many new podcasters. In just some years, he has taken his podcast from $0 to 7 determine annual earnings. In case you are pondering of beginning a podcast, then you definitely need to study from him.
Plus, listed below are some actionable tricks to drive site visitors to your new WordPress web 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 here are probably the most usually really helpful prime plugins you’ll be able to set up immediately:
- All in One SEO for WordPress – One of the best WordPress search engine optimisation plugin available on the market. It lets you optimize your podcast web site search engine optimisation to get extra free site visitors from engines like google.
- RafflePress – One of the best WordPress giveaway plugin that means that you can run viral giveaways in trade for a podcast subscription, becoming a member of your e-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 the perfect Google Analytics plugin that means that you can observe all this information.
Making Cash From Your Podcast
It would take a number of your time and stable dedication to make your podcast profitable. To make all of it sustainable in the long term, you will have to seek out methods to monetize your podcast.
We’ve an in depth information on how one can generate profits on-line utilizing your WordPress weblog. All of the objects listed there may also be used in your podcasting web site.
The next are among the prime methods to generate profits from a podcast.
- For those who suppose a enterprise would profit from sponsoring your podcast, be happy to succeed in out to them to be a sponsor. You’d be shocked how usually this may work out for you.
- Use internet affiliate marketing to advocate third-party services and products to your viewers.
- Promote your individual services and products by including an internet retailer to your web site.
- Ask subscribers to assist your podcast with donations. You’ll be able to merely add a fee type in your web site the place subscribers could make a small donation.
- Make older episodes out there just for members. See our information on how one can make a membership web site with WordPress.
We hope this text helped you begin a podcast with WordPress. You might also need to see our record of must-have WordPress plugins for enterprise web sites and our knowledgeable picks of the perfect WordPress themes for podcasters.
For those who preferred this text, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can even discover us on Twitter and Facebook.
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