Podcasts have taken the digital world by storm.
Case in point: In the UK, around one in five adults (20%) listen to podcasts each week, with this growth primarily driven by adults aged 25-44.
Starting a podcast can be an excellent way to share your ideas, build a loyal audience, and establish a presence in your niche.
It’s a platform where anyone, from hobbyists to business owners, can make their voice heard.
The good news is, starting a podcast doesn’t require much investment or technical knowledge.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential steps, from brainstorming ideas to launching your own podcast on platforms like Spotify.
Let’s dive in.
What is a Podcast?
A podcast is a series of digital audio episodes available for streaming or download on-demand.
Podcasts cover every imaginable topic (yes, even ones dedicated to reviewing different types of pens). They are typically organised in a thematic or episodic manner.
Whether you’re passionate about marketing, storytelling, or gaming, there’s likely a podcast about it – and one you can create.
How Do Podcasts Work?
Podcasts operate through an RSS feed that delivers audio files to podcast directories, like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts.
By uploading an episode to your hosting platform (like Spotify for Podcasters, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn), you enable listeners to subscribe and access new content automatically.
It’s an effortless process that makes podcasting accessible to everyone.
Different Types of Podcasts and Formats
There are several formats to consider when starting a podcast. Here are some of the most popular podcast formats:
- Interview shows: You invite guests to discuss topics, share stories, or provide insights. For example, Stripping Off with Matt Haycox is a popular UK-based interview podcast where Funding Guru Matt Haycox speaks with some of the world’s top entrepreneurs, notable celebrities, and inspiring individuals.
- Solo podcasts: These are primarily monologues, where you, as the host, share your expertise or personal thoughts on a subject. A popular example is The Morgan Housel Podcast, where bestselling author Morgan Housel shares his insights on finance, investing, and human behaviour.
- Co-hosted podcasts: This podcast format features two or more hosts discussing various topics. A great example is Off Menu, hosted by comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster. In this podcast, they invite guests to discuss their dream meals, sparking funny and engaging conversations around food, memories, and the occasional unexpected twist.
- Narrative storytelling: These podcasts focus on storytelling and can range from true crime to fictional dramas to deep dives into historical events or cultural phenomena. An example is The Big Flop, a podcast that tells the fascinating stories behind some of the biggest failures in pop culture, business, and history.
- News Recap: These podcasts summarise and analyse recent news events, offering listeners a concise and informed take on what’s happening. A great example of this is BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, where hosts and guests humorously discuss and analyse the week’s headlines, giving listeners a lighthearted yet informative take on current affairs in the UK and beyond.
Each format has its own appeal. Selecting one that aligns with your goals and interests will keep your content engaging for listeners.
How to Start a Podcast in 7 Steps
Starting a podcast might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much easier.
Here’s a guide to help you launch your podcast successfully.
1. Conceptualise Your Podcast Idea
Before you begin recording, the first thing you need is a strong concept.
What will your podcast be about? Identify a subject you’re passionate about, and think about how you can differentiate your show from others.
Finding your niche is key, whether you’re focusing on personal finance for millennials or exploring the art of cooking, specificity helps build a dedicated audience.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding who your listeners will be is just as important as choosing your podcast topic.
Who are they, and what do they want to learn or experience? Defining your target audience will influence your content, format, and how you engage with your listeners.
Whether you’re speaking to entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiasts, or history buffs, aligning your content with their needs will build a loyal following.
3. Choose the Right Podcast Format
Selecting the right format for your podcast is critical to its structure and flow.
Will it be an interview show where you bring in guests to share insights, a solo podcast where you dive deep into topics on your own, or a co-hosted format with lively discussions?
Pick a format that complements your style and the content you’re delivering, ensuring it keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
4. Plan Your Content and Episodes
Planning out your content in advance helps keep things organised and ensures you have enough ideas to keep the show going.
Start with a list of topics or episodes that align with your podcast’s theme.
Whether you’re interviewing experts or flying solo, having a rough script or outline for each episode ensures a smooth flow.
Additionally, create a podcast publishing schedule. Consistency is key – decide how often you’ll release new episodes (weekly, biweekly, etc.) and stick to that schedule to build a loyal audience.
5. Work on Your Podcast Name and Branding
Your podcast name is crucial. It needs to be catchy, relevant to your content, and memorable.
Once you’ve settled on a name, create podcast artwork that stands out in directories. Canva is a great tool for designing professional-looking artwork with its easy-to-use templates and customisation options.
Clear, attractive artwork combined with a succinct and engaging show description will help draw in listeners as they browse through different options.
6. Select the Right Podcast Equipment
Good podcast equipment can make a huge difference in your sound quality. You don’t have to invest heavily upfront, but having a quality microphone can drastically improve the listening experience.
For beginners, USB microphones offer both convenience and great sound quality. Here’s a rundown of the best USB podcast microphones:
- Blue Yeti: Versatile with multiple pickup patterns, perfect for beginners.
- Audio-Technica ATR2100x: Affordable, with great clarity and dual USB/XLR outputs.
- Shure MV7: Professional-grade sound, ideal for podcasters wanting top-quality audio.
- Samson Q2U: Budget-friendly, offering both USB and XLR connections.
- Rode NT-USB: Delivers excellent audio quality with easy plug-and-play functionality.
- Elgato Wave:3: Built-in digital mixing features, ideal for streamers and podcasters alike.
If you’re on a shoestring budget, smartphone recording apps can work, but investing in a high-quality microphone will pay off in the long run.
7. Choose Your Podcast Software
Once you’ve recorded your podcast, you need to choose the right podcast editing software to edit and fine-tune your audio. Good editing software helps you cut out mistakes, improve sound quality, and add any finishing touches like music or effects.
There are plenty of options out there, each suited to different levels of expertise and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best podcast editing software:
- Audacity (Free): A powerful open-source audio editor that’s great for beginners. It offers a full range of features for recording and editing, with support for multiple tracks. The best part? It’s completely free, making it ideal for podcasters starting on a budget. Download Audacity for free here.
- GarageBand (Free for macOS users): GarageBand is a great option for podcasters who use Apple devices. It offers an intuitive interface with a variety of audio editing tools, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate podcasters alike. Best of all, it’s free for all macOS users, making it a budget-friendly option for Apple fans. Click here to download GarageBand.
- Riverside.fm (Starts at $15/month): Riverside is a podcast recording and editing platform known for its high-quality, remote recording capabilities. It allows you to record separate tracks for each guest, providing high-definition audio and video. To test Riverside’s features, you can start with the free plan and then upgrade to one of the paid plans.
- Adobe Audition (Starts at $20.99/month): A professional-grade audio editing software from Adobe, Audition offers advanced tools for multitrack editing, sound design, and mixing. It’s highly favoured by experienced podcasters looking for precision and a range of powerful features, though it comes at a higher cost. You can sign up for a free trial of Audition here.
Each software has its own benefits, so choose one that aligns with your budget and editing needs.
Launching Your Podcast
Once your episodes are ready, it’s time to release your podcast to the world. Getting your podcast onto the right platforms is key to reaching your audience and growing your listener base.
Let’s explore how to get started on major platforms, along with strategies for launching with no audience and understanding the costs involved.
How to Start a Podcast on Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular platforms for podcasts, with millions of users actively seeking new content.
To upload your podcast to Spotify, the first step is choosing a podcast hosting service that integrates seamlessly with it.
One of the best options is Spotify’s very own podcast hosting service, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor), which not only lets you upload and distribute your podcast on Spotify but also across other major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Radio Public, and Pocket Casts.
The process is simple:
- Sign up for Spotify for Podcasters.
- Upload your episodes and add metadata like titles and descriptions.
- Submit your show to Spotify and other platforms directly from the hosting dashboard.
- Once approved, your episodes will be live, and new ones will automatically publish when uploaded.
Spotify for Podcasters makes it super easy for first-time podcasters, offering tools to record, edit, and distribute all within one platform, plus basic podcast analytics to track performance.
How to Start a Podcast for Free
While premium hosting platforms offer advanced features, there are several free options that provide excellent functionality:
- Spotify for Podcasters: As discussed earlier, Spotify for Podcasters is a free, all-in-one solution for recording, editing, and distributing your podcast to multiple platforms. It’s ideal for beginners as there are no hosting fees.
- Podbean (Free tier): A podcast hosting platform that offers free hosting with limited storage, great for hobbyists or those just starting out.
- Audacity (for editing): Free audio editing software that’s beginner-friendly but powerful enough for more detailed audio work.
These free podcasting tools ensure that even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still create a high-quality podcast with broad reach.
How to Start a Podcast with No Audience
Starting a podcast without an existing audience can feel like an uphill battle. With so many podcasts already out there, it can be daunting to launch a show when no one knows about you yet.
The good news is that while growing your audience takes time, there are proven ways to attract listeners, get your podcast noticed, and steadily build a loyal following from the ground up.
1. Leverage Your Personal Network
When you’re starting out, your personal network is one of your strongest assets.
Friends, family, and colleagues can help give your podcast its first boost by tuning in, sharing episodes, and leaving positive reviews.
Reach out to them directly, through emails, messages, or social media – to let them know about your show.
Encourage them to subscribe and spread the word to their own networks.
Even a small group of initial listeners can create valuable momentum, helping your podcast gain early traction.
Personal recommendations can often lead to new listeners, so don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth to kickstart your podcast.
2. Promote Your Podcast on Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for getting your podcast noticed by a wider audience. Promoting your episodes across platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok allows you to engage with potential listeners beyond your personal network.
Share snippets or highlights from your episodes, create eye-catching visuals, and use engaging captions to draw attention.
Posting teaser clips or behind-the-scenes content can build anticipation for upcoming episodes.
3. Collaborate with Other Podcasters
Collaborations are a win-win for expanding your reach and building relationships within the podcasting community.
By guesting on other podcasts in your niche, you can introduce yourself and your content to their listeners, many of whom may be interested in your show.
For example, if your podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, collaborating with other entrepreneur-focused podcasts can give you access to an already engaged audience.
Similarly, inviting other podcasters as guests on your own podcast allows for cross-promotion, where they share their appearance with their followers, directing more listeners to your podcast.
4. SEO and Podcast Directories
Optimising your podcast for search engines is crucial for being discovered by new listeners. Just like websites, podcasts can benefit from good SEO practices.
Start by crafting a clear, keyword-rich podcast title, episode titles, and show notes for your episodes. These keywords should reflect the topics you’re covering and the type of audience you’re targeting.
To make this process easier, you can use a tool like Castmagic, which uses AI to automatically generate show notes, summaries, and transcripts based on your podcast audio.
By using a tool like Castmagic, you can streamline the process of creating SEO-friendly content for each episode.
Additionally, make sure your podcast is listed in all major directories such as Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, and Spotify. These directories are the main places where people search for new podcasts.
Some niche directories like Podchaser and Listen Notes can also help you reach specific audiences.
5. Invest in Paid Ads on Podcast Apps
If you’re looking to accelerate the growth of your podcast, investing in paid ads on podcast apps can be a highly effective strategy.
Popular podcast platforms such as Overcast, Pocket Casts, and Spotify offer a wide range of advertising options that allow your podcast to be promoted directly to listeners who are already tuning into similar content.
Paid ads work by targeting users based on their listening habits and preferences. For instance, if your podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, you can have your show promoted to listeners who subscribe to business and startup podcasts.
While this strategy requires an upfront investment, it can yield a significant return by getting your podcast in front of the right people, increasing your chances of building an audience quickly.
Top Tips for Starting a Successful Podcast in the UK
If you’re podcasting from the UK, focusing on local or regional topics can help build a dedicated audience. Here are a few tips for UK-based podcasters:
- Focus on regional relevance: Tap into local news, culture, or trends that will resonate with a UK audience. Highlighting UK-specific issues, events, and stories can make your content more relatable and engaging for listeners.
- Collaborate with UK-based guests: Featuring well-known figures, experts, or influencers from the UK can increase relatability and appeal. Having UK-centric guests brings local insight and attracts listeners who are familiar with or interested in the guest’s work.
- Submit to UK directories: Aside from Spotify and Apple Podcasts, consider submitting your podcast to platforms popular in the UK, such as Acast or Podchaser, to increase your reach. Additionally, look into UK-based podcast networks or communities to promote your show.
- Leverage UK Holidays and Events: Create special episodes around UK holidays (like Bonfire Night or Remembrance Day) or major events (like Wimbledon or the BAFTAs). This can attract attention from listeners searching for content related to these specific times.
- Utilise UK-Based Sponsors or Advertisers: As your podcast grows, partner with UK-based companies or sponsors relevant to your audience. This not only helps monetise your podcast but also improves your connection to the UK market by promoting locally relevant products or services.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Podcast
Podcasting can start off cheap but might involve more expenses as you grow. Here are a few key costs to consider:
- Hosting platforms: Paid hosting platforms like Libsyn or Buzzsprout provide advanced features such as detailed analytics and customizable websites, starting from around $5-$15 per month.
- Podcast equipment upgrades: As your podcast grows, you may want to invest in better-quality microphones, mixers, or soundproofing to improve your audio quality. Basic setups might cost around $100-$200, while professional gear could run higher.
- Podcast software: You may need to subscribe to advanced editing tools (like Riverside or Adobe Audition), with costs typically ranging from $15-$30 per month, depending on the software and features you need for your production.
- Marketing and promotion: Paid advertising, such as social media ads or collaborations with influencers, can accelerate your podcast’s growth. Budgeting for marketing efforts will help you reach more listeners faster.
Final Thoughts
Starting a podcast may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, tools, and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to creating valuable podcast content that resonates with your audience.
From choosing the right format to selecting your equipment and editing software, each step is crucial to the success of your show. However, launching your podcast is just the beginning.
To truly stand out and make an impact, you need more than just good content, you need a strategic approach to dominate your market.
This is where Dominate Online comes in.
We specialise in helping businesses build not only a strong digital presence but also a thriving platform that converts listeners into loyal followers.
Level Up Your Podcasting Efforts with Dominate Online
At Dominate Online , we know that just being seen is not enough. Whether you’re looking to boost your podcast’s reach through SEO, content marketing, or social media, we focus on strategies that deliver results.
As business owners ourselves, we understand that ROI is all that matters, and we tailor our approach to ensure your podcast reaches the right audience and converts listeners into customers.
One of our success stories is Stripping Off with Matt Haycox and No Bollocks with Matt Haycox, produced and managed by Dominate Online, which has grown into a highly popular podcast with over 1 million video views, 10,000 monthly listeners, and verified social channels reaching over 100,000 followers. This is a testament to the power of a well-executed podcast strategy.
Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Partner with Dominate Online to build your brand, grow your audience, and dominate the podcasting space. Together, we can help you not only survive but thrive in the competitive podcasting landscape.
Contact us today to get started with our podcast production services.
FAQs About Starting a Podcast
How easy is it to start a podcast?
Starting a podcast is easier than ever, thanks to user-friendly tools and platforms. With basic equipment like a microphone and free software for editing, such as Audacity or GarageBand, you can record and edit episodes. Hosting platforms like Spotify for Podcasters allow you to distribute your podcast to multiple platforms with minimal effort. While it takes some planning and consistency, the process is accessible for beginners.
How to start a podcast on YouTube?
To start a podcast on YouTube, record your podcast episodes and convert the audio into a video format. You can simply add a static image or create engaging visuals to accompany the audio. Then, upload the video to your YouTube channel, optimising the title, description, and tags with relevant keywords to help your podcast get discovered by a wider audience.
How do I monetise my podcast?
You can monetise your podcast in several ways. Popular options include securing sponsorships, offering premium content through subscriptions, promoting affiliate products, or using listener donations via platforms like Patreon. As your audience grows, you can also leverage ad networks or sell your own products and services. The key is building a dedicated audience first, which makes monetisation opportunities more effective.
