How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast Podcast

3 DAYS AGO

Podcasting for Free: Start Now, Get Perfect Late

Can You Start a Podcast for Free? YES! Wondering if you need a big budget to start your podcast? Spoiler: You don’t! In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down how to create a podcast without spending a dime. From recording with your phone to using free hosting platforms, this episode is your guide to launching your dream podcast on any budget. Whether you’re just starting or looking to cut costs, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you start now and perfect later. This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to Record for Free: Using mobile apps, Zoom, and Riverside for cost-effective podcasting.Free Hosting Options: Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters and Anchor explained.Budget-Friendly Equipment: From clip-on mics to affordable alternatives like Blue Yeti.Editing and Artwork Hacks: Leverage free tools like CapCut, Canva, and AI for polished episodes.🔥 When to Invest: Smart upgrades to grow your podcast over time. Key Takeaways: You CAN start a podcast for free—but planning and quality content are key.Free tools like Riverside and Anchor are great for beginners.Batch recording saves time and helps maintain consistency.Invest in affordable upgrades as your podcast grows. Recommended Tools & Resources: Podcast Analytics: Tools to track listener engagement and optimise your schedule. Join the Conversation: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster who’s looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, join the free Pod School community – the ultimate hub for podcast creators. Follow Us: Instagram: @podschoolTikTok: @podschool.communityYouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcastLinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall With these tips, you’ll have everything you need to launch your podcast without breaking the bank. Get started today and watch your podcast journey unfold! 🌟 In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: Podcasting for free, start a podcast, free podcast tools, mobile podcast recording, budget-friendly podcasting, affordable podcast equipment, free hosting platforms, podcast tips for beginners, podcast editing hacks, growing a podcast on a budget.

16 min

5 DAYS AGO

Podcast Frequency Unlocked: Consistency for Growth and Engagement

Consistency is key when it comes to podcasting success. In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down everything you need to know about podcast frequency and why maintaining a regular release schedule is critical for growth, audience engagement, and listener retention. This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue What You'll Learn in This Episode: Podcast Frequency & Consistency: How regular releases impact download numbers and audience engagement.Commitment to Schedules: Why bi-weekly is the minimum and weekly releases deliver the best results.Content Strategy for Beginners: The advantages of starting with a series format to build momentum.Choosing Release Days: How download patterns show Mondays to Thursdays drive the most engagement.Batch Recording & Multiformat Content: Tips for creating efficiency in your production process. Key Takeaways: A consistent release schedule builds trust and keeps your podcast at the top of listener feeds.Batch recording is the ultimate hack for sustainable podcasting.Avoid releasing episodes on weekends to maximise reach and downloads.Series-based formats allow flexibility while maintaining consistency. Recommended Tools & Resources: Podcast Analytics: Tools to track listener engagement and optimise your schedule. Join the Conversation: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster who’s looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, join the free Pod School community – the ultimate hub for podcast creators. Follow Us: Instagram: @podschoolTikTok: @podschool.communityYouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcastLinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall By implementing these strategies, you'll create episodes that resonate with your audience and keep them coming back for more! 🚀 In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: Podcast frequency, consistent podcast schedule, podcasting tips for beginners, how often to release a podcast, podcast audience engagement, batch recording podcasts, podcast series strategy, best days to release a podcast, growing podcast downloads, podcast content planning.

18 min

DEC 4

How to Find the Perfect Duration for Your Audience

Are you struggling to figure out how long your podcast episodes should be? In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall break down the ideal podcast length based on audience preferences, topic depth, and completion rates. Discover how to engage your audience, optimise your episodes for algorithms, and use data-driven decisions to find the perfect duration for your show. This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue What You'll Learn in This Episode: Short-Form vs Long-Form Podcasts:Why most podcasters benefit from 10-15 minute episodes and when longer formats work best.The Importance of Completion Rates:How Apple and Spotify use this metric to rank podcasts and what it means for your show.Data-Driven Decisions:Learn how to use listener feedback and analytics to optimise your podcast length.Audience Engagement Tips:How to crowdsource ideas and understand your audience's listening habits.Splitting Long Episodes:Why turning one long episode into two parts can boost retention and downloads. Key Takeaways: The ideal podcast length should match your audience's preferences and their daily routines (e.g., commutes, gym sessions).Completion rates matter more than episode starts—keep your episodes engaging and concise.Use polls, social media, and tools like Spotify’s personalised questions to gather feedback directly from your listeners.Tailor your podcast length to the content's purpose: education, entertainment, or information. Recommended Tools & Resources: Spotify Polls – Engage your audience with custom questions after episodes.Otter.ai – Use transcription services to make your podcast accessible and SEO-friendly. Join the Conversation: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster who’s looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, join the free Pod School community – the ultimate hub for podcast creators. Follow Us: Instagram: @podschoolTikTok: @podschool.communityYouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcastLinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall By implementing these strategies, you'll create episodes that resonate with your audience and keep them coming back for more! 🚀 In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: Podcast SEO tips, grow your podcast, optimise podcast for search, podcast discoverability, podcast transcripts for SEO, using keywords in podcasting, boost podcast downloads, podcast marketing strategies, start grow monetise podcast

23 min

DEC 2

Mastering Podcast Monetisation

In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt share actionable insights into how podcasters can turn their passion into profit. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, this episode covers effective strategies for monetising your podcast, including sponsorships, membership tiers, and content repurposing. If you’re ready to unlock the full revenue potential of your podcast, this is the episode for you. This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to Secure Sponsorships for Your Podcast:Discover how Alex landed sponsors ranging from local firms to Virgin Atlantic.Learn the importance of creating a professional sponsorship deck to attract potential partners.Leveraging Paid Membership Tiers:Explore how platforms like Patreon can help monetise your podcast while building a loyal community.Understand the benefits of offering exclusive content, ad-free episodes, and early access.Repurposing Content for New Revenue Streams:Learn how to transform your podcast episodes into books, YouTube videos, or premium offerings.Find out how creators are using back catalogs as a passive income source.Maximising Public Speaking and Merchandise Sales:See how podcasters can use their personal brand to secure speaking engagements and sell branded merchandise. Key Topics Covered: Sponsorship Strategies: From small local sponsors to securing high-value partnerships.Paid Membership Success Stories: Insights into building thriving membership communities on platforms like Patreon.Advertising Networks: Why they might not be the best choice for every podcaster.YouTube Monetisation: How enabling ads on your podcast videos can generate significant revenue.Public Speaking & Merchandising: Turning your podcast into a platform for career growth and income diversification. Takeaways: Monetisation is achievable for podcasts at any stage with the right strategy and tools.A professional sponsorship deck and a clear audience profile are essential for securing sponsors.Repurposing content can create multiple income streams with minimal extra effort. Recommended Tools & Resources: ✅ Rephonic – Identify podcasts and potential sponsors.✅ Graphtreon – Track top Patreon creators and earnings.✅ Otter.ai – Affordable transcription services for podcasters. Join the Conversation: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster who’s looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, join the free Pod School community – the ultimate hub for podcast creators. Follow Us: Instagram: @podschoolTikTok: a href="mailto:https://www.tiktok.com/@podschool.community?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

37 min

NOV 27

Podcast Hosting & RSS Feeds Demystified: Set Up for Success

In this episode we break down everything you need to know about RSS feeds and podcast hosting platforms. Whether you're launching your first podcast or optimizing your existing show, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you succeed. This show is sponsored by Pod School - your hub for information, education and expert support on starting, growing, scaling, monetizing and optimising your podcast to generate more reach, more impact and more revenue Key Topics Covered:What is an RSS Feed?Learn how RSS feeds serve as the backbone of podcast distribution and why setting them up correctly is essential for your podcast's success.Podcast Hosting Platforms Explained:Discover the best platforms like Spotify for Podcasters, Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Captivate, and how to choose one based on your goals, analytics, and budget.Optimizing Your Podcast for Discovery:Tips on setting up show descriptions, artwork, and categories to maximize visibility across platforms like Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Stitcher.Audio vs. Video Podcasting:Should you upload video content to Spotify or keep it exclusive to YouTube? We explore the pros and cons of each approach.Cost vs. Features:Insights into free and premium hosting platforms, including which options provide the best value for independent creators.Importance of Show Foundations:Why investing time in the initial setup of your hosting platform ensures long-term growth and discoverability. Key Takeaways:Master the Basics of RSS Feeds: Understand their role in distributing your podcast to major platforms.Choose the Right Hosting Platform: Evaluate ease of use, analytics, and cost to find the best fit for your needs.Optimize for Discovery: Use keywords, tags, and descriptions strategically to improve your podcast’s organic search performance.Leverage Video Content: Explore whether Spotify for Podcasters or YouTube is better for hosting video episodes.Long-Term Growth: Start with a solid foundation to build a sustainable podcast. Resources Mentioned:Hosting Platforms: Spotify for Podcasters, Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Captivate, and Acast.Pod School: Join our free community for in-depth training on podcast optimization, branding, and growth. Click here to join! Why This Episode Matters:Around 50% of podcasts are discovered through organic search, making it critical to have a properly optimized RSS feed and hosting setup. James and Alex guide you through everything from technical setups to leveraging analytics for growth. In this show, we discuss: Podcast hosting platforms, RSS feed for podcasts, Best podcast hosting services, Spotify for Podcasters, How to distribute a podcast, Podcast setup tips, Audio vs. video podcasting, Optimize podcast show description, Podcast discoverability tips, Podcast SEO strategies, Best tools for podcast hosting, Captivate vs. Buzzsprout, Podcast analytics and growth

20 min

NOV 25

Podcast SEO Secrets: How to Rank & Grow Your Audience

In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive into the world of podcast SEO and keyword optimization to help your podcast get discovered. This episode is bought to you by POD SCHOOL, the ultimate free community for serious podcasters! Learn actionable tips on integrating relevant keywords, optimising show descriptions, and leveraging transcripts to rank higher on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. If you’re serious about growing your audience and maximising your podcast’s visibility, this episode is packed with practical SEO strategies for podcasters. What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to Choose the Right Keywords for Your PodcastLearn how to use tools like Google Trends, Uber Suggest, and YouTube auto-fill to identify trending and relevant keywords for your podcast.Best Practices for Keyword IntegrationDiscover how to naturally integrate keywords into your episode titles, descriptions, and show notes without sounding spammy.SEO for Podcast PlatformsUncover the secrets of optimizing your overall show description and leveraging podcast hosting platforms like Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Podbean for SEO.Using Transcripts to Boost SEOFind out how platforms like Otter.ai can help you create transcripts that improve accessibility and searchability for your podcast.Retention Metrics & Podcast GrowthLearn why listener retention and engagement are becoming increasingly critical for podcast discoverability. Key Topics Covered:Podcast SEO Basics: Why keywords and organic search are crucial for podcast growth.Keyword Research Tools: Using ChatGPT, Uber Suggest, and Google Trends for better keyword strategies.Optimizing Episode Titles and Descriptions: Writing engaging, keyword-rich titles and descriptions.Transcripts for Accessibility and SEO: How transcripts can increase your podcast’s visibility.Audience Retention Strategies: Understanding how retention impacts rankings and future discoverability. Takeaways:50% of podcasts are found through organic search, so optimizing your podcast is essential.Small changes, like improving show notes or adding transcripts, can lead to big SEO wins.Consistency in keyword usage across all platforms ensures maximum audience reach. Join the Conversation:If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s ready to level up their podcast SEO. For more insights and tips, join our free community at Pod School – the ultimate platform for serious podcasters. JOIN POD SCHOOL FOR FREE, NOWBy implementing the strategies discussed in this episode, you’ll have everything you need to grow your podcast audience and rank higher on podcast platforms.

13 min

NOV 20

Proven Strategies to Grow Your Podcast Audience: Networking, Guesting, and Social Media Tactics

Grow Your Podcast Audience: Networking, Guesting, and Social Media Tips brought to you by Pod School Welcome to How to Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, hosted by James Burtt and Alex Chisnall. In this episode, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions: How can you grow your podcast audience? Discover actionable strategies that leverage social media, networking, guest appearances, and SEO to increase your reach and impact. Episode Highlights:Leveraging Social Media for Podcast GrowthSecure Social Media Handles: Learn why claiming handles across platforms is essential and how to creatively adapt if your preferred name is taken.Leverage Personal Brands: Use your existing social media following to amplify your podcast content and connect with your audience.Platform-Specific Strategies: Discover why LinkedIn might be the best platform for B2B podcasts, while TikTok and YouTube Shorts excel at discoverability. Networking and Utilizing Your Existing AudienceTap Into Your Network: Identify existing connections, forums, and newsletters within your niche to engage your target audience.Form Strategic Partnerships: Invite industry leaders or influential figures as guests to attract their followers to your podcast.Make Guesting Easy: Provide tools like short clips and social media assets to make it simple for your guests to promote their episode. Guesting on Other PodcastsBe Tactical About Guesting: Guest on shows with established audiences that align with your niche to attract listeners already consuming similar content.Pod Swaps and Collaborations: Partner with other podcasters for mutually beneficial audience growth.Use Tools to Find Opportunities: Explore platforms like Podbooker and Matchmaker.fm to discover guesting opportunities. Creating Content That ConvertsFocus on Goals: Tailor your content to align with your podcast’s purpose—whether to educate, entertain, or drive leads.Drive Long-Form Engagement: Use short-form content to highlight key takeaways and encourage listeners to dive into full episodes. Key TakeawaysLeverage What You Already Have: Your existing network and personal brand can be powerful tools for growth.Be Strategic With Guests: Collaborate with individuals whose audiences align with your target listeners.Don’t Overlook Niche Platforms: LinkedIn, newsletters, and industry forums can help you connect with your ideal audience.Consistency is Key: Regularly post on the platforms where your audience is most engaged. In This Episode We Cover:How to grow a podcast audience, Podcast networking strategies, Leveraging social media for podcasts, Guesting on other podcasts, B2B podcast marketing, Tips for using LinkedIn for podcasts, Creating content that drives engagement, Using Pod School to enhance podcast success Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow podcasters! Join Pod School here to access free tools, resources, and expert advice to help you start, grow, and monetise your podcast.

18 min

NOV 18

Podcast Formats That Build Authority, Boost Engagement, & Drive Business Growth

In this episode, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt, co-founders of Pod School, explore the essential podcast formats that can elevate your show’s impact, from interview-based formats and solo episodes to dynamic roundtable discussions and innovative content creation strategies. This podcast is brought to you by Pod School, a free community for aspiring podcasters. At Pod School, you'll access resources like tactical guides, blueprints, and live webinars. Join hundreds of content creators and learn the strategies to start, grow, and monetize your podcast. Click https://tinyurl.com/joinpodschool to join Pod School now! Whether you’re aiming to build authority, boost engagement, or use podcasting as a tool for business development, this episode provides practical insights to take your podcast to the next level. Episode Highlights: Choosing the Right Podcast Format: Discover how different formats like solo shows, interviews, and co-hosted episodes can cater to various audience needs and enhance content delivery.Benefits of Solo Shows for Authority Building: Learn how solo episodes can establish you as a thought leader, showcase your expertise, and engage your audience deeply.Interview Podcasts for Expanding Reach: James and Alex discuss the advantages of interview-based shows, which can increase audience reach by tapping into guest networks.Roundtable and True Crime Formats: Explore popular formats like roundtable discussions and niche-specific formats (e.g., true crime), and understand how they can boost audience engagement.Podcasting as a Business Tool: James shares insights on using podcasts as a replacement for discovery calls, turning them into valuable live coaching sessions that provide evergreen content.Leveraging Podcasting for Content and Relationship Building: Hear examples of companies using podcasts to record client conversations and as an internal communication tool to build company culture. Key Takeaways: Select a Format Aligned with Your Audience Goals: Align your podcast format with your audience’s needs to increase engagement and reach.Leverage Podcasts for Authority & Trust: Use solo episodes or business development formats to showcase your expertise, driving trust with listeners.Use Interview Podcasts for Broader Reach: Collaborate with guests whose network and insights can broaden your show’s audience.Transform Discovery Calls Into Content: Replace traditional calls with recorded coaching sessions, making valuable content for potential clients.Experiment with Roundtables & Niche Formats: Boost content diversity and relevance with unique formats like roundtables or audience-specific shows. In This Show We Cover: Types of podcast formats, Solo vs. co-hosted podcasts, Business development through podcasting, Audience engagement strategies, Building a podcast audience, Content creation for podcasting, Using podcasts for authority building, Benefits of interview podcasts, Pod School podcast community Chapters: 0:00 - Intro & Podcast Structure Overview 2:16 - Interview-Based Podcasts & Expanding Reach 4:49 - Solo Shows for Authority Building 5:30 - Exploring Roundtable & Niche Formats 9:42 - Podcasting as a Business Development Tool 11:34 - Using Podcasts Internally & for Onboarding 14:38 - Podcasts for Content Creation & Engagement 14:58 - Audience Engagement & Pod School Community...

17 min

How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast

Podcasting for Free: Start Now, Get Perfect Late

Podcast Frequency Unlocked: Consistency for Growth and Engagement

How to Find the Perfect Duration for Your Audience

Mastering Podcast Monetisation

Podcast Hosting & RSS Feeds Demystified: Set Up for Success

Podcast SEO Secrets: How to Rank & Grow Your Audience

Proven Strategies to Grow Your Podcast Audience: Networking, Guesting, and Social Media Tactics

Podcast Formats That Build Authority, Boost Engagement, & Drive Business Growth

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