How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast

Pod School
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How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast

How To Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast with James Burtt & Alex Chisnall Turn your podcast idea into an impactful brand and income stream! Join podcast experts James and Alex—who have launched 400+ top-charting podcasts—as they share practical and tactical steps to build, grow, and monetise your show. Each episode delivers actionable tips on podcast equipment, content strategy, audience growth, and brand monetisation to help you thrive in podcasting. Perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone ready to amplify their voice, this is your weekly guide to profitable podcasting. Join the free Pod School community for exclusive resources, trainings, and support. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and many more.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How to Use AI Tools to Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast in 2025

    In this episode of How to Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the best AI tools for podcasters that can save time, boost discoverability, and help monetise your podcast. They explore ChatGPT for research and show notes, Otter.ai for transcription, AutoPod for video editing, VidIQ for YouTube optimisation, and Opus Clip for short-form video content. Whether you’re looking to increase downloads, optimize SEO, or create engaging social media content, this episode gives you the tools to automate tedious tasks and scale your podcast faster. If you’re a podcaster, entrepreneur, or content creator, you don’t want to miss this episode! 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: Best AI tools for podcasting – Save time and improve efficiencyHow to use ChatGPT for research, scripting & SEO-friendly show notesThe power of Otter.ai for fast and accurate podcast transcriptionsHow AutoPod automates video editing for a professional lookOptimising YouTube podcast growth using VidIQCreating high-performing short-form content with Opus ClipHow AI can help you promote your podcast on social media Key Takeaways: AI is a game-changer for podcast production & promotionChatGPT can create episode outlines, scripts & show notes in minutesOtter.ai makes transcription faster & easier for repurposing contentAutoPod automates video edits to enhance production qualityVidIQ helps podcasters optimise YouTube SEO & reach more viewersShort-form content using Opus Clip increases podcast discoverabilityPersonalisation is key—AI can’t replace human creativity! Recommended Tools & Resources: ChatGPT – AI-powered research, scriptwriting & show notes generationOtter.ai – Fast, accurate transcription for podcast episodesAutoPod – AI-based video editing for multi-camera podcast setupsVidIQ – YouTube growth tool for SEO, tags, and analyticsOpus Clip – AI-powered short-form video content creationAdobe Creative Cloud – Editing software 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: podcasting, AI tools for podcasting, ChatGPT for podcasts, podcast marketing, podcast promotion, Otter.ai transcription, AI content creation, podcast automation, AI-powered podcasting, how to grow a podcast, YouTube podcast growth, podcast editing software, VidIQ for YouTube, AutoPod for video editing, Opus Clip for short-form content, podcast monetization, podcast SEO, AI-driven podcast growth, podcasting strategies, best AI tools for podcasters, social media for podcasts, content repurposing, podcast marketing hacks, how to start a podcast, podcast production tools, video podcasting, leveraging AI for content creation, podcast success tips

    25 min

  2. FEB 5

    How Paid Media Can Skyrocket Your Podcast: Insights with David 'Ledge' Ledgerwood

    Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? In this episode, James Burtt sits down with David 'Ledge' Ledgerwood from Listen Network to uncover the secrets of podcast promotion through paid media. From leveraging the PESO model (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) to targeting niche audiences with precision, Ledge shares actionable strategies that can lift your podcast’s visibility and downloads. With over a decade of podcasting experience, he breaks down the key tactics for using paid media, retargeting, and audience intelligence to fuel sustainable growth. Whether you’re a budding podcaster or a seasoned creator, this episode offers invaluable insights into maximising your reach while optimising costs. Don’t miss out on learning how to turn your podcast into a marketing powerhouse! 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: The importance of paid media in podcast promotion How the PESO model boosts podcast visibility The art of using retargeting to engage the right audience Why downloads are a key metric and how to track them effectively Tips for using podcast display ads, LinkedIn sponsorships, and YouTube ads Key Takeaways: Paid media amplifies your podcast’s reach and ensures it gets in front of the right audience Leverage the PESO model to balance organic efforts with targeted paid campaigns Retargeting allows you to convert casual listeners into loyal fans Use audience intelligence to track and refine your promotion strategies Strategic partnerships and sponsorships thrive on precise audience data Recommended Tools & Resources: Listen Network: Advanced tools for podcast promotion and audience tracking Google Display Network: Cost-effective targeting for niche audiences LinkedIn Ads: Ideal for B2B podcast promotion YouTube Outstream Ads: Maximise visibility through keyword-based targeting Landing Pages with Retargeting: Enhance retention and gather actionable data 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: Podcast promotion strategies, paid media for podcasts, PESO model podcasting, podcast audience targeting, podcast advertising tips, retargeting for podcasters, LinkedIn podcast ads, YouTube podcast promotion, podcast growth tips, audience intelligence tools, podcast marketing strategies, podcast ads, podcast audience growth, niche podcast promotion, podcasting success tips, podcast SEO, podcast ad campaigns, podcast visibility strategies, podcast discoverability

    45 min

  3. JAN 29

    How To Get PR For Your Podcast

    Unlock the secrets of getting PR for your podcast in this insightful episode of Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast! Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive into actionable strategies to secure earned media coverage, build credibility, and attract new listeners. From leveraging regional relevance to crafting the perfect press release, this episode is packed with tips to help your podcast gain visibility and authority. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this episode will guide you through practical steps to use PR as a powerful growth tool. 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: The difference between owned and earned media—and why earned media matters How to create PR pitches that grab journalists’ attention Tips for leveraging awareness days and niche publications The value of guest appearances on other podcasts for exposure Real-world examples of PR success stories from podcasters Key Takeaways: Owned vs. Earned Media: Understand the unique credibility boost of earned media Crafting Irresistible Pitches: Make your content regionally relevant and easy to use Awareness Days: Use thematic days to align your podcast with trending topics Podcast Guesting: Appear on other shows to gain listeners already engaged in the medium PR Persistence: Follow up with journalists and make their job easier for better results Recommended Tools & Resources: Google Press Release Templates: Simplify your pitch creation Pod School: A free community for podcast makers offering tools and resources PodStatus: Track your podcast’s rankings and reviews worldwide Awareness Day Calendars: Find trending days to align with your podcast’s content 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: podcasting tips, how to get PR for podcasts, podcast growth strategies, PR for podcasters, how to pitch journalists, podcast promotion tips, podcast guest strategies, media coverage for podcasts, earned media tips, podcast visibility, podcasting tools, how to grow your podcast, podcast PR success, podcast community tips, Pod School tips

    17 min

  4. JAN 22

    From Paramedic to 10M Downloads: Martin Hewlett’s Podcasting Success Story

    Dive into the inspiring journey of Martin Hewlett, a former paramedic turned full-time podcaster whose mindfulness and meditation podcast has garnered over 10 million downloads and continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. In this episode, Martin shares his transition from a high-stress career to living his dream life in a camper van, traveling the UK, and recording impactful meditations. Learn the strategies behind his success, from niching down and leveraging effective tagging to building a loyal audience of over 100,000 subscribers.  Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or seeking mindfulness in your life, this episode offers actionable tips and motivation to pursue your passion and make it profitable. 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 Martin transitioned from paramedic to full-time podcaster The importance of finding and targeting your niche audience Strategies to optimize podcast visibility using effective tags Monetization techniques for podcasters, including ad revenue and sponsorships Tips for maintaining mindfulness and balance while growing a podcast Key Takeaways: Start Small, Dream Big: Martin earned seven cents on his first day but stayed consistent, eventually surpassing his paramedic salary Niche Matters: Focus on a specific audience for deeper engagement and loyalty Mindfulness is Key: Integrating mindfulness into your daily life improves mental clarity and podcast creativity Leverage Social Media: Build an authentic connection with your audience for organic growth One Take Wonder: Simplify your recording process for efficiency and authenticity Recommended Tools & Resources: Podcast Hosting Platforms: Libsyn, Buzzsprout, or Podbean Tagging and SEO Tools: TubeBuddy, VidIQ, and Otter.ai for transcription Social Media Tools: Hootsuite, Buffer, and Canva for content promotion Mindfulness Apps: Headspace and Calm for inspiration Courses: Martin Hewlett’s online course on starting a podcast 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: mindfulness podcast, meditation podcast tips, how to start a podcast, podcast monetization, podcasting success stories, podcast SEO tips, living the van life, niche podcasting strategies, grow podcast audience, podcasting tools and resources

    31 min

  5. JAN 15

    How to Pitch Dream Podcast Guests: Proven Strategies to Land Big Names

    In this episode of "How to Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast", James Burtt and Alex Chisnall dive into the art of pitching your podcast to dream guests. From booking high-profile names like Grant Cardone and Lewis Howes to leveraging strategic timing and personalized outreach, they share actionable strategies to elevate your guest roster.  Learn how to use voice notes, social media, and credibility-boosting tactics to secure influential guests, maximize their promotion efforts, and build long-term relationships. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your show, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you grow your audience and create a lasting impact. 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 craft the perfect pitch for dream podcast guests. The importance of timing your outreach to align with guests’ promotions. Using voice notes and social media to personalize your guest invitations. Building long-term, value-driven relationships with your podcast guests. Strategies for maximizing guest promotion to increase downloads and reach. Key Takeaways: Personalized outreach is key—tailor your pitch to the guest's work and interests. Strategic timing, like book launches or product promotions, can boost your chances. Voice notes add a personal touch that emails often lack. Not all guests with large followings drive massive engagement—focus on niche relevance. Building credibility through screenshots and testimonials can make your pitch stand out. Recommended Tools & Resources: Otter.ai: To transcribe podcast episodes for content repurposing. Canva: For creating professional-looking promotional assets for your guests. LinkedIn: A powerful platform for connecting with high-profile guests. Pod School: Free resources and training for growing your podcast. 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: podcast guest tips, how to pitch podcast guests, podcast outreach strategies, grow your podcast, secure big podcast guests, Grant Cardone podcast tips, Lewis Howes guest strategy, podcast growth tips, Pod School podcast, podcast marketing tools, build podcast relationships, personalize podcast pitch, guest promotion tactics, podcast monetization strategies, podcast interview tips, boost podcast engagement

    18 min

  6. JAN 8

    How We Launched a Niche Podcast to #1 in Two Countries

    In this episode of How to Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall break down their recent podcast launch, which achieved the #1 spot in two countries and #2 in the UK. With just under 1000 downloads, 2000 YouTube views, and a 40% click-through rate to their Pod School platform, they reveal the strategies behind their success.  From leveraging niche content and creating engaging promotional assets to using platforms like Chartable for analytics, this episode provides actionable insights for aspiring and experienced podcasters. Learn how they turned a podcast into a content machine that drives engagement, generates revenue, and expands global reach.  Whether you're planning your first podcast or scaling an existing one, this episode delivers essential tips for maximising impact. 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 a niche podcast can achieve global rankings. The role of categories and subcategories in podcast discoverability. Why focusing on engagement is more critical than sheer download numbers. Strategies to integrate your podcast with other platforms like YouTube and TikTok. How to use analytics tools like Chartable and TinyURL for smarter podcast growth. Key Takeaways: Consistency is key: A clear content strategy and actionable goals are essential. Niche podcasts can thrive: Depth over breadth when targeting your audience. Multi-platform reach matters: Use short-form content to drive long-form engagement. Data-driven decisions: Leverage click-through rates and rankings to refine your strategy. Monetisation pathways: Align your podcast goals with products or services to maximize ROI. Recommended Tools & Resources: Chartable: For tracking podcast reviews and rankings across multiple countries. TinyURL: To measure click-through rates and track promotional links. Pod School: A community and resource platform for podcasters at all stages. YouTube Shorts & TikTok: To create and share short-form promotional content. Otter.ai: For transcription and content repurposing. 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: podcast launch strategy, how to start a podcast, niche podcast tips, podcast monetization, podcast analytics, creating short-form content, TikTok for podcasters, YouTube Shorts for podcasts, Chartable analytics, Pod School, podcast content strategy, grow your podcast audience, podcasting tools, how to promote a podcast, successful podcast launch, podcast ranking tips

    23 min

  7. JAN 6

    Turn Your Podcast into a Content Machine: Maximise Reach and Impact

    In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall reveal the secrets to turning your podcast into a content machine. Learn how to repurpose your episodes into multiple formats like blogs, video clips, audiograms, and LinkedIn articles to maximize audience reach and engagement.  They discuss the power of macro and micro content strategies inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk’s method, the importance of SEO-driven content cycles, and using AI tools like Otter.ai and ChatGPT to streamline your workflow.  Discover actionable tips to grow your podcast audience, enhance discoverability, and establish expert authority on platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and LinkedIn. This episode is packed with insights to fuel your podcasting journey and turn every episode into a multi-platform success story. 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 repurpose your podcast into multiple content formats. The difference between macro and micro content strategies. Using short-form content for discoverability and authority building. Tools and AI platforms to streamline content creation. The importance of video content for online traffic growth. Strategies for creating a circular content cycle to engage audiences across platforms. Key Takeaways: Maximise Content Output: Repurpose one podcast episode into multiple content types, including video clips, audiograms, and blogs. Content Distribution: Leverage short-form content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts for better discoverability. AI for Efficiency: Use tools like Otter.ai for transcription and ChatGPT for content refinement to save time and enhance output quality. Video Is King: Capture video content even for audio podcasts to create versatile promotional materials. Circular Content Cycle: Redirect your audience between platforms, increasing engagement and building a strong content ecosystem. Recommended Tools & Resources: Otter.ai: Transcribe podcasts for blogs and articles. ChatGPT: Generate blogs, LinkedIn articles, and social media posts from podcast transcripts. Gary Vaynerchuk’s Content Deck: Learn how to turn one piece of content into 67. Canva: Design social media graphics and audiograms. LinkedIn Articles: Build authority and thought leadership. YouTube Shorts & TikTok: Platforms for short-form content discoverability. 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: podcast content machine, repurpose podcast episodes, maximize podcast reach, podcast marketing strategies, short-form content for podcasts, podcast promotion tips, AI for podcasters, podcast repurposing tools, LinkedIn for podcasters, TikTok for podcast growth

    17 min

  8. JAN 1

    How to Set SMART Podcast Goals to Ensure Success

    In this episode of Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisnall unpack the power of setting clear and actionable podcast goals. They delve into the importance of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and how they drive focus, growth, and long-term success.  Using real-world examples, they illustrate how having a clear listener avatar and defined objectives can transform your podcasting journey. From achieving chart-topping success in record time to monetizing with targeted strategies, this episode offers invaluable insights for podcasters at any stage.  Whether you're launching your first episode or looking to scale, this conversation will inspire you to take your podcast to the next level. 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 set SMART goals for your podcast and why they matter. The importance of understanding your ideal listener avatar. Real-life examples of podcast success through goal-setting. Strategies for monetization and creating a sustainable content model. How to stay motivated during challenging times. Key Takeaways: SMART Goals: Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals ensures clarity and direction. Know Your Listener Avatar: Identifying your ideal audience, like "Johnny" in this episode, helps tailor content and strategy. Monetization Planning: Define your financial goals and reverse-engineer your strategy to achieve them. Consistency is Key: Even in tough times, clear goals keep you focused and committed. Niche Wins: A hyper-focused podcast can create massive impact with a smaller, targeted audience. Recommended Tools & Resources: SMART Goals Framework: A proven model for goal-setting. Content Calendars: Plan episodes to align with your objectives. Podcast Hosting Platforms: Tools to track metrics and audience growth. 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: @podschool TikTok: @podschool.community YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall In this show, we discuss: In this show we discuss: podcast goals, SMART goals for podcasters, podcast monetization strategies, ideal listener avatar, podcast success tips, podcasting for beginners, grow your podcast, podcasting strategies, podcast niche, how to monetize a podcast, consistent podcasting tips, podcasting advice 2024, podcast community building, podcast content strategy, podcast marketing tips, podcast chart success, build a podcast audience, podcasting tools and resources

    18 min
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How To Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast with James Burtt & Alex Chisnall Turn your podcast idea into an impactful brand and income stream! Join podcast experts James and Alex—who have launched 400+ top-charting podcasts—as they share practical and tactical steps to build, grow, and monetise your show. Each episode delivers actionable tips on podcast equipment, content strategy, audience growth, and brand monetisation to help you thrive in podcasting. Perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone ready to amplify their voice, this is your weekly guide to profitable podcasting. Join the free Pod School community for exclusive resources, trainings, and support. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and many more.

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