The Podcasting Business Model Explained

A business model I’ve really been looking into lately is the podcasting business model. I mean it makes sense because everyone is out here talking about their favorite podcasts and which ones they are listening to. So, why not jump in here and start your own business as a podcaster and make some money while doing it?

If you’re like me, you’re probably lost when it comes to how to get started with this business model so that’s what I want to cover all the steps with you right now. By the time you get to the end of this you’ll know if podcasting is something you want to create a business around or not, and if you do, you’ll know exactly how to get started, so let’s jump right in here.

**You can also discover more about podcasting in this website**

First off if you don’t know what a podcast is, it’s basically a series of digital shows on one topic. They are created to allow the podcast creator to get their content out to their interested community and entertain/educate that community.

As a podcaster you will create entertaining content in the style of a “show” and release it to your community. Don’t worry if you don’t have a community because a podcast is multifaceted. Not only is it your way of distributing content that can make you money, but you can also use your podcast to build a community, make money, get famous, and more!

The first thing I would do if I were you is download a podcast app, and go subscribe to some podcasts and start listening in. See what others are doing to create their content, distribute their content, and how they make money doing it. Take notes of what you do and don’t like. This is the best way to get started with any business model. Research what others are already doing.

Once you’ve done your research and think you’re ready to start your own podcast simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a topic for your podcast that isn’t too small or too broad. Take your time with this, research and really think about it. What is one topic you want to know absolutely everything about or a topic you could talk about for hours. Each episode of your podcast will be on this topic and that’s why you want to make sure that you don’t go too small in your topic. However, because you will be creating all your content around this topic you must know something about it or at least want to know everything about it.

Step 2: Choose a name for your podcast. You want something that’s catchy and you want to make sure you get a domain name that matches your name. Later you’ll build a website for your podcast, so that part is very important.

Step 3: Define your podcast format. How long will it be? 15, 30, 60 minutes? How often will you release episodes of your podcast? What will the style be? Will it be just you talking, or interviews, or will you have a co-host(s)? What format will you follow? An introduction, ads, etc.? What do you want your cover art to be?

Note: If these questions have your mind spinning, don’t worry. This is just an overview and I encourage you to Google anything you need more information on if this is the business model you want to pursue.

Once you’ve got the above all planned out then you need to get to the “doing” part of things.

Step 4: Get the equipment that you’ll need. At the very least you will need a good microphone, headphones, interview software (if you’re going to be interviewing others for your podcast), recording software, website and hosting for your podcast.

Step 5: How will you monetize your podcast? You have your actual podcast and then you will have a website where you will also place your podcast, show notes, and even have a player on your website that allows people to listen to your podcast right from your website. So, not only can you monetize your podcast, but you can also monetize your website too.

Here are some options for monetizing your podcast.

Affiliate marketing

Ads

Sponsors

Donations

Merchandise

Sell your own products and services

Step 6: Record your first episode. The first few podcast episodes that you do will be rough, and it will just be you learning the ropes. They don’t have to be perfect, and you should look at them as a learning experience. Don’t be afraid to mess up and not have the best podcast episodes right out of the gate. In time you will get better, but you have to get those first few done, so you can get good at doing it and move on to the next step.

Step 7: Get podcast hosting! Now you can have complete control of your podcast, and upload it, and get it listed in all the directories yourself, but if you’re just getting started, I do not recommend that at all. Do some research on podcast hosting services and pick the one you feel like has the most benefits at the best price.

Step 8: Launch your podcast! At this point you will be ready to launch your podcast. If you’re using a podcasting hosting service, make sure you pick one that has the functions you need to promote your podcast too. There are many other things you can do too especially with having a website, but you’re going to need to create a plan and constantly be getting people to subscribe to your podcast and get them to your website for your podcast.

Step 9: Run that podcast! Now you will spend your time creating your next episode and delivering it on a determined schedule. Some people don’t even have a schedule, but I do recommend you have a schedule (daily, weekly, monthly) and you stick to it. Even if you only have one subscriber they’re waiting for your next episode, so make sure you’re delivering when you say you will. You’ll also spend time promoting your podcast because the real money will only come in with a large podcast subscriber base.

Now, I know that’s a lot of steps and there are probably several steps for each step I’ve listed here, but I just wanted to give you as much information as possible in as little words as possible so you can see exactly what the podcasting business model entails. After reading this you should know if this business model is for you or not. I can tell you it is a lot of work, but it can really pay off in fortune and in fame.

If this business model sounds like a business model you would like to attempt, then I recommend you start at step 1 and work your way through each step. I can also help you get started today using an effective and proven system. When you get stuck seek out help until you can get that step completed and then move on to the next step and rinse and repeat.

Whatever your decision here I wish you much success on the business model you choose to go with!