podcast promotion<\/a> and ways you can grow your podcast audience fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAdvantages and Disadvantages of Podcasting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Podcasting continues to grow in popularity and this doesn’t come as a surprise. Nowadays many people find it easier to insert listening to podcasts into their busy schedules rather than reading blogs or watching videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to the receiving end of podcasts, the audience, there are no disadvantages, only benefits. The only con is if you stumble upon a podcast you do not enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a podcast creator, however, there are some challenges that can be seen as disadvantages of Podcasting as well as a ton of advantages. Let’s identify them shall we-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ease and Convenience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Obvious advantage. Compared to any other means of reaching out to a large audience, podcasting requires the least effort, money, and time. Sure if you’re aiming for something professional and perfect, you might get a little frustrated during editing and production but, this isn’t always the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even recording and editing a 2-minute video for YouTube can be more of a hassle than getting your podcast audio ready. This makes podcasting very convenient for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connection with Audience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A podcast is a very genuine and direct means of communicating with an audience. You would typically have your listeners’ undivided attention. No ads, no distracting video, it’s personalized by you to give off the energy you want to give off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is an advantage for a variety of reasons. You can build a real connection with your listeners and use it to your advantage to monetize your podcast and even advertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Editing and Production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is a challenge that can be seen as a disadvantage. Editing and applying production techniques to long, raw audio files can pose to be a really tiring and boring task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even with great podcasting software tools and equipment, a person with no previous knowledge could get overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that there are methods you can take to bypass this process. The easiest route would be to hire someone else to do your editing for you. It actually costs less than subscribing to an expensive editing tool that would leave you with headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing an Audience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Podcasting is competitive. Not as competitive as Vlogging or blogging but, still competitive nevertheless. It can be a real challenge to find your audience, keep your audience and grow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different strategies for promoting your podcast and most of all you have to keep at it and spread the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow Much Does Podcast Hosting Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Podcast hosting prices depend on what podcast host you decide to go with. There are some that provide plans that cost nothing at all – completely free like BuzzSprout and Soundcloud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, the price for a starter plan ranges between $5 to $20 for a month. The better plans offering more features could go as high as $50 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBest Podcasting Equipment for Podcasting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to getting the right equipment, most people tend to do too little or too much. This doesn’t come off as a surprise because podcasting is unlike activities such as video editing or photography which have equipment and software that are indisputably the best in their respective industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many a time, the kind of equipment you need depends on a few factors such as your budget, the purpose of your podcast, and your level of experience with podcasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, irrespective of these factors, let’s get the essentials out of the way before we recommend further equipment based on the listed factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The essentials are a computer<\/strong> and, a microphone<\/strong>. Now let’s look at the best equipment for podcasting based on some factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Podcasting Equipment for Beginners <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nowadays, there are podcasting software that you can record directly. Basically, it seems you don’t need a microphone or any other equipment because you can record straight on the software and edit as you like. Unfortunately, while this is an option, it does not yield quality results and it comes with risks such as losing your recorded file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are the best equipment for beginners that would actually yield great audio quality of your podcasts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recording and Editing Podcast Software<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
These help to make podcasting even easier for you as a beginner. Great options for these types of software include Alitu, Audacity, and Adobe Audition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a beginner, your best bet would be to go with a free one at least at first. Audacity might be the way to go but, if you are ready to put some money into it then consider Alitu as it is very easy to use and navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microphone<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
No doubt there are a handful of microphones to choose from but, don’t waste your money on super expensive equipment that you would use in the same capacity as that of much cheaper equipment. For a beginner, what you want is a USB microphone. One that handles background noise reduction well, provides good frequency response,<\/strong> and preferably provide sound settings. Other benefits of any particular microphone would be added advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Logitech ClearChat Comfort\/USB Headset H390 <\/strong>is our first recommendation. It is really affordable, goes for around $39 on Amazon. It’s a USB Headset and also serves as a microphone so if you are looking to cut cost, this would be a good idea for you. It also performs the basic functions of background noise reduction and providing decent sound. If you have more experience with podcasting and audio recording, then you might not be as thrilled with this equipment as a beginner.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA very popular USB microphone is the Audio-Technica AT2005USB<\/strong>. If you have some extra cash to spare, do yourself a great service by trying this microphone out. It is lightweight and rated very highly amongst veteran podcasters and audio recorders. For about $79, the features you get include a tripod desk stand, a stand clamp, and a mini USB cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHeadphones<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
You can go with a microphone and headset built into one unit like the Logitech ClearChat Comfort\/USB Headset H390<\/strong> or the Audio-Technica BPHS1 headset<\/strong> which provides even better audio quality but, is quite pricey at $199. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want the headset separately, we recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M20x<\/strong>. It only costs $49 on Amazon and it is designed for studio tracking and mixing while offering a high-frequency range.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Podcasting Equipment for Intermediate Podcasters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you have been podcasting for a while and are past the beginner stage, you might want to up your equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recording and Editing Software<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Audacity is great but, if you can afford it, you should try Alitu or Adobe Audition. Adobe Audition’s editing capabilities are next level and once you figure out how it works, you’d be glad you made the purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microphone<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Blue Yeti USB Microphone<\/strong> is easily one of the most popular USB microphones for recording. It offers many useful features for an affordable price and is considered to be a standard podcasting microphone. You can get a new one for about $130 on Amazon and you can easily find a used one in good condition for less than $100.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAudio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB\/XLR Microphone<\/strong> is another great choice for you as an intermediate podcaster or any podcaster really. It goes for around $90 on Amazon and you won’t regret it mostly if you move around a lot for you podcasts as it is very portable compared to the Yeti microphone. It provides great audio quality and noise reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHeadphones<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Audio Technica ATH-M40x<\/strong> is a major upgrade of the Audio Technica ATH-M20x and goes for $99. They provide a great balance of comfort and audio quality while still being pretty affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSkullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless<\/strong> is a good choice if you are looking for an affordable headset with wireless connection. It costs about $90 and looks very stylish as well. Careful with it though, the body isn’t as durable as some other headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther equipment which Podcasters use include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Pop filter: A simple explanation of the use of a pop filter is that ‘it helps reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air on the microphone from plosives during recorded speech and singing’. One of the best pop filters is the Stedman Corporation Proscreen XL.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Shock mount: This isolates the microphone from mechanically transmitted noise. These could be little sounds like movement of your elbow or even unnoticeable sounds like the vibration from the floor.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Soundproof\/acoustic treatments: Based on where you are recording. If you are recording somewhere that has a lot of echoes then investing in acoustic treatments is advisable.
<\/li> - Mixer: This is totally optional and not even recommended for you if you have no experience with audio manipulation and all that. Only seek out a mixer if you absolutely need one. Chances are you won’t but, if you do the Creative Sound Blaster K3+ Digital Mixer<\/strong> is both efficient and affordable.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTips on How to Promote Your Podcast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you have a podcast that is stuck and you need to gain real listeners? Or you’re just about to start out your podcast and you’re looking for the best promotion strategies to get noticed quickly. Here a few tips on how you can promote your Podcast in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Create Quality Content: <\/strong>Before you can talk about promotion, you need to make sure the podcast you want to promote delivers quality content. It has to be valuable and unique. This way you would be confident in what you’re marketing and supporters would be glad that they are finding value in your content so they would keep coming back.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Launch your podcast with at least 3 episodes: <\/strong>This is a tip that is highly emphasized by top podcasters. If you are about to launch your podcast, don’t make the mistake of only launching with one. Launch with at least 3 quality episodes and start out your podcasting journey with a professional edge.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Email Newsletters: <\/strong>This is also a launching tip but, not necessarily. Before you launch your first episodes, compile a list of the email of your potential listeners (would most likely be family, friends, and colleagues at first) and send them a newsletter to inform them of the launch of your podcast.
Make sure it looks unique and interesting. Even if you already have your podcast up and running, adding email newsletters to your marketing strategy is something you can always do.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n- Audience interaction:<\/strong> Encourage your listeners to comment, subscribe and ask questions. Your method of speech should be conversational and if you have a blog, use that as a medium too to interact with your audience. Some hosting platforms like Soundcloud make it exceptionally easy to directly communicate with your listeners outside of the podcast.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Word of mouth advertising: You know how you go on a site and you see reviews on their platform by some business owner or something like that. That almost instantly makes you trust them. There are different ways of applying WOM advertising and you should really consider making use of it to draw more crowd to your podcast.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n