Side Hustle Podcast: How To Start Podcasting In 2023

Are you looking to turn your passion for storytelling and engaging conversations into a profitable side hustle?

Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the exciting world of podcasting and provide actionable tips on creating a successful podcast that can generate extra income.

So buckle up, grab your headphones, and get ready to dive into the ultimate guide on starting your very own podcast side hustle!

Before I start…

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Table of Contents

Why Start A Podcast Side Hustle?

In recent years, podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for sharing information, entertainment, and personal stories.

For example, one of the most successful and well-known podcasters is Joe Rogan, whose show, The Joe Rogan Experience, has been downloaded billions of times and has millions of loyal listeners.

There’s a high chance you won’t become the next Joe Rogan, but you can start a podcast that becomes a fulfilling and potentially lucrative side hustle.

By embracing your own unique voice, building a loyal audience, and creating something that is truly your own, you can enjoy the benefits of creative expression, financial success, and personal fulfillment.

Whether you’re passionate about politics, science, comedy, or any other subject, podcasting offers a unique opportunity to share your perspective and connect with others who share your interests.

Starting a podcast side hustle provides an opportunity for creative expression, the possibility of additional income, and flexibility and control over your content.

Having said that, here is why you should consider getting into podcasting as a side hustle.

The Booming Growth Of Podcasting

The booming growth of podcasting in recent years is undeniable, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Reports suggest that at the end of 2022 there were over 5 million podcasts available for streaming, with more than 70 million episodes. The U.S. has the largest audience of over 100 million active listeners (a number that’s expected to grow) and responding to this demand, the U.S. podcast ad dollars are expected to increase to $4 billion by 2024.

Podcasts cater to almost every imaginable topic and interest, reaching a wide range of audiences from all walks of life. This makes starting a podcast side hustle an attractive option for many individuals looking to share their passion or expertise on specific subjects.

In addition to the ever-growing number of active listeners who now regularly consume podcast content through platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, businesses have taken notice too. Brands eager to tap into these captive audiences have started investing heavily in podcast advertising and sponsorships as part of their marketing strategies.

Furthermore, celebrities and influential personalities across various industries are also launching their own shows – think Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen – further validating the medium’s popularity and effectiveness for communication.

With new technologies continuously improving accessibility and user experience while allowing creators greater creative control than ever before, it’s easy to see why so many people are hopping aboard the podcasting train as both listeners and creators alike.

Opportunity For Creative Expression

One of the most appealing aspects of starting a podcast side hustle is the opportunity for creative expression it offers. Podcasting allows you to share your unique voice, knowledge, and passions with an audience who shares similar interests.

For example, if you have expertise in advanced affiliate marketing strategies or a love for obscure book genres, creating a podcast centered around these topics enables you to explore and express your enthusiasm while providing valuable insights for your listeners.

You can even start a side hustle podcast where you talk about side hustle ideas and business ideas that people in different professions can explore, how someone without experience can launch their own business, and other topics.

Having a podcast also gives you full control over the content produced; from selecting guests and discussing subjects close to heart such as entrepreneurship or passive income strategies straight out of side hustle nation.

This level of autonomy can lead to increased satisfaction with work-life balance since it puts your creativity at the helm rather than being restricted by traditional 9-to-5 roles. Joe Rogan has spoken publicly about the joy he gets from hosting his show, and many podcasters report similar feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment from their work.

Additionally, engaging with like-minded individuals through networking opportunities within online business communities only serves to cultivate further creative exchange that contributes positively not just towards personal growth but also strengthens connections with fellow hustlers globally pursuing their passion projects part-time alongside their full time job.

Possibility Of Additional Income

Starting a podcast side hustle can offer the possibility of additional income. While it may not be an instant money-maker (there are other ways to make money fast), with consistent effort and growth, you can monetize your podcast through sponsorships and advertising opportunities.

Many businesses are willing to pay for ad slots on popular podcasts that cater to their target audience. Additionally, offering premium content or merchandise related to your podcast can bring in extra revenue.

One example of a successful podcast monetization strategy is “Side Hustle School” by Chris Guillebeau. He has achieved a full-time income stream from his podcast by creating courses and books related to his niche within the side hustle market. By building a loyal listener base through quality content and engagement, he has established himself as an influencer in this space.

If you’re considering starting a podcast side hustle primarily for financial gain, keep in mind that it will take time and dedication before achieving profitability. Therefore, it is best to focus on the other motivations such as the ones I’ve provided here and let the money come whenever it does.

Flexibility And Control

One of the biggest advantages of starting a podcast side hustle is the flexibility and control that it offers. As a podcaster, you have complete control over your content and format, allowing you to showcase your unique voice and creativity.

You can choose what topics to cover, who to interview, and how long each episode should be. This level of creative freedom provides an excellent opportunity for self-expression.

In addition to creative freedom, podcasting also offers great flexibility in terms of scheduling. Just like other forms of content creation like blogging or YouTube videos don’t require strict adherence to a publishing schedule, podcasts can be recorded and released according to your availability without affecting their effectiveness. This makes them an ideal choice for busy individuals balancing work or family commitments alongside running the podcast.

How To Start Your Podcast

Before launching your podcast, it’s important to prepare first. Ready to take action? Keep reading for actionable tips on how to get started!

Finding Your Niche And Target Audience

Before diving into podcasting, identify your niche and target audience. Your niche should be a topic you’re passionate about and have expertise in, as this will make it easier for you to produce high-quality content consistently.

For instance, if you are an expert in the service industry, you can launch a podcast that focuses on the service business niche where you talk about starting an in demand business in the industry. Alternatively, you can narrow down and go for something more specific, like the idea of small business marketing where you talk about high return marketing tactics for an award-winning small business.

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to narrow down your target audience. Who do you want to reach with your podcast? What are their interests? What problems can you solve for them through your show? By answering these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of who you’re creating content for and how best to engage with them.

For example, if your food-themed podcast is aimed at busy parents looking for quick and healthy meal ideas, then the tone of voice and structure of each episode should reflect that. It would help if you also considered where your target audience spends their time online so that promoting the show becomes more effective.

If you are not sure about this, test the waters. Before committing to a topic, consider creating a pilot episode or a short series to test the waters and gauge audience interest. This can help you refine your content and ensure you are on the right track.

Pick a Podcast Name

Choose a name that is catchy, memorable, and reflective of your show’s content. Make sure the name is not already in use. Here are tips on choosing a name for your podcast:

Keep it simple: A name that is easy to remember and spell can help listeners find your podcast and remember it for future reference. The Joe Rogan Experience is a good example of this.
Be descriptive: Your name should give listeners an idea of what your podcast is about. This can help attract the right audience and set expectations for your content.
Stand out: With so many podcasts available, it’s important to choose a name that is unique and memorable. Avoid using common words or phrases that may blend in with other podcasts. You can even get playful with it. For example, a pet waste removal service podcast calling itself “The Turd Herders” or “Scoop Maestros” is fun and memorable.
Consider your branding: Your podcast name should align with your overall branding, such as your logo and website design. This can help create a cohesive image and make your podcast more recognizable.
Test it out: Before finalizing your name, test it out with friends, family, or potential listeners. Get feedback on whether the name accurately represents your podcast and is appealing to potential listeners.

The name you choose should reflect your podcast’s identity and help attract and retain listeners.

Choosing Your Format And Structure

Once you have identified your podcast niche and target audience, the next step is to choose the format and structure for your show.

There are a variety of formats that you can consider including solo shows, interview-style shows, storytelling or narrative-driven shows, roundtable discussions, and more.

When choosing your format, it’s important to consider your strengths as a host and what will resonate best with your audience.

For example, if you’re an expert in a particular field or industry, a solo show may work well to showcase your knowledge and expertise. A good example of this is the Huberman Lab podcast by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., who is a neuroscientist. He focuses on science, education, and health and fitness. He often does podcast episodes alone facing the camera.

If building relationships with guests is more up your alley, the interview-style show could be the ideal.

It’s okay to experiment with different formats until you find one that works best for both yourself as well as resonates most strongly with listeners!

Selecting Equipment And Software

When it comes to selecting equipment and software for your podcast side hustle, you’ll want to invest in quality options that fit within your budget. While a high-end microphone may seem like an obvious choice, there are other factors to consider such as portability and compatibility with different devices.

For instance, the Blue Yeti microphone is a popular option among podcasters due to its versatility and relatively affordable price point.

Headphones are useful for monitoring your audio while recording and editing. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are popular options.

In addition to a microphone and headphones, you’ll also need recording and editing software. There are plenty of free options available such as Audacity or GarageBand (for Mac users), but investing in paid options like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg Journalist can provide more advanced features and improved workflow. It’s important to experiment with different tools until you find what works best for your unique needs.

And don’t forget about accessories such as headphones, pop filters, and mic stands which can greatly improve the overall sound quality of your podcast. Choosing the right equipment and software will help streamline the production process while delivering professional-grade content that keeps listeners coming back for more.

Ultimately, the best podcasting equipment and software for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. It’s important to research and compare different options before making a decision.

Planning Your Content And Episodes

Planning your podcast’s content and episodes is an essential step to ensure the success of your side hustle. Your topics should be relevant to your niche, interesting for your target audience, and align with your overall goals. Consider doing research on what other podcasts in your industry are discussing and note any gaps that you can fill with unique perspectives or valuable insights.

It’s also important to create a content calendar, which will help you stay organized and consistent in releasing new episodes. This way, you won’t run out of ideas or scramble at the last minute to come up with topics. A content calendar can include themes for each month or quarter, guest interviews, solo episodes where you share tips or experiences related to your niche, and anything else that aligns with your brand and message.

Lastly, when planning each episode’s structure, aim for a clear introduction that hooks listeners right from the start. Include engaging questions or statements that draw them into wanting more information about the topic at hand. Then follow up with relevant anecdotes or examples before diving deeper into the main discussion.

By having a clear structure planned out ahead of time for each episode’s flow of conversation points, you’ll be able to make sure everything flows smoothly while still keeping things interesting throughout!

Choose a podcast host

A podcast host is a service that stores and delivers your podcast’s audio files to listeners just like a web host stores a blog online.

The host ensures that your podcast is accessible to listeners on various platforms and devices and also typically provides analytics and metrics to help you track your podcast’s performance. Popular hosting platforms include Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Anchor.

When choosing the best hosting service for your podcast, you should consider things like how much storage you need, the price, and the features you want.

Your podcast hosting service will help you get listed on podcast directories or distributors like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts by providing you with an RSS feed link. The feed allows your distributor to receive automatic content updates so that every time you upload new episodes on your podcast hosting platform, your followers automatically receive the podcast via the RSS feed.

Rather than restrict yourself to a specific podcast directory, the best move is to publish on multiple distributors at once to reach a wider audience.

Recording And Editing Your Podcast

To ensure a high-quality podcast, it’s important to set up your recording space and implement tips for great audio recording; once recorded, utilizing editing and post-production techniques will help polish your final product.

Here are actionable tips for recording and editing your podcast:

Tips For High-Quality Audio Recording

Before diving into recording, it’s important to set up a conducive space for a high-quality audio output.

Recording high-quality audio is crucial for the success of your podcast side hustle. To ensure that your listeners enjoy crystal-clear sound, follow these tips:

First, find a room with minimal background noise and good acoustics. A small, carpeted room can do wonders for improving the overall sound quality of your recordings. Find a quiet room or area where external noise can be minimized. A spare room or closet is ideal as these spaces are good at absorbing unwanted sounds. Consider using sound-dampening materials such as acoustic foam panels or moving blankets to help reduce echoes and vibrations.
Next, invest in a decent microphone to capture clear and crisp audio. You don’t have to break the bank; there are plenty of affordable options on the market.
When setting up your equipment, position the microphone directly in front of you and avoid placing it too close to any surface that could cause excessive vibrations, like a desk or table.
When recording, make sure to speak clearly and at a consistent volume throughout. Avoid mumbling or speaking too softly as this can be difficult for listeners to hear. Keeping some distance between yourself and the mic will also help prevent popping noises caused by breaths hitting the microphone head.
Finally, eliminate any echoes or reverb by using foam panels or blankets around you during recording.
Lastly, consider investing in headphones while recording your podcast. Not only does this allow you to monitor your audio quality as you record but it also enables better communication with guests who may join remotely.

With these tips in mind, take steps towards creating an optimal recording environment and watch your podcast come alive with impeccable sound quality!

Editing And Post-Production Techniques

Once you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time for editing and post-production. This is where you’ll cut out unwanted background noise or long pauses, boost the volume of softer voices, and add in any music or sound effects that enhance the overall listening experience.

There are several editing software options available depending on your budget and needs. If you like free stuff, free platforms like Audacity or GarageBand are great to start with.

As for post-production techniques, one essential step is adding show notes to accompany each episode. These could include timestamps of key moments in the conversation along with brief summaries or links to relevant resources mentioned during the show.

Additionally, creating compelling cover art can help attract potential listeners scrolling through their favorite podcast platform looking for something new to listen to. With some basic tools and a bit of creativity, editing and post-production can elevate your side hustle podcast into a polished final product that will keep your audience coming back for more.

Building And Growing Your Podcast Audience

To build and grow your podcast audience, you need to actively promote your podcast through various channels and consistently create quality content that resonates with your target demographic.

Here are some tips on how to grow your podcast:

Promoting Your Podcast Through Social Media And Other Channels

Once you have recorded and edited your podcast, it’s time to promote it! Social media is an excellent platform for promoting podcasts, and platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are perfect ways to get the word out. Create a social media presence for your brand or podcast using relevant hashtags that can help increase visibility.

You can also publish show notes on various blogging platforms such as Medium or Tumblr where potential listeners could discover them through search engines.

Lastly, don’t forget about paid advertising options such as Facebook Ads or Google Ads; these can give you an advantage over organic reach alone by targeting specific demographics who may be interested in your content.

Alternatively, you can hire a social media content agency to handle that part of your marketing.

Whatever approach you choose – keep experimenting until something sticks!

Networking With Other Podcasters And Industry Professionals

Networking with other podcasters and industry professionals can greatly benefit your podcast side hustle by expanding your reach, gaining new ideas and perspectives, and establishing valuable relationships. One effective way to network is through attending conferences and events in the podcasting industry. These events provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, learn from experienced professionals, and even showcase your own work.

Another way to network is through online communities such as Facebook groups or forums dedicated to podcasting. You can share your work with others in the community, ask for feedback or advice, collaborate on projects, and engage with potential guests or sponsors. Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to other podcasters whose content you admire – a simple email introducing yourself can lead to fruitful partnerships down the line.

Another great strategy is to collaborate with other podcasters in your niche and trade guest appearances. This way, you’ll be able to tap into their existing audiences while they access yours.

Overall, networking should be an ongoing effort that requires time and patience but can ultimately pay off in terms of audience growth, collaboration opportunities, and business development for your successful podcast side hustle.

Engaging With Your Audience And Building Relationships

To have a successful podcast side hustle, building an engaged audience is crucial. It’s not enough to just produce great content; you also need to connect with your listeners on a personal level.

One way to engage with your audience is by creating a community around your podcast. Encourage them to leave reviews, comments and feedback on your website or social media platforms. Responding promptly shows that you value their opinion and are interested in what they have to say.

Another way of engaging with your audience is by featuring listener feedback or questions during an episode. This makes the show more interactive and helps build trust between you and the listeners. Always make sure that the conversation flows naturally so it doesn’t feel forced. Remember, building relationships takes time; be patient but persistent in reaching out to listeners individually through email or social media messages as well as through group interactions like live events or webinars.

By providing valuable content and engaging with your audience regularly, you can create loyal fans who will eagerly anticipate each new episode of your podcast. Engaged audiences tend share episodes on their own networks which can increase reach organically while boosting credibility for sponsors looking for genuine recommendations from listeners too!

Monetizing Your Podcast Side Hustle

A lot of money is going into podcasting as it becomes more popular. For example, Spotify’s chief financial officer claimed that the platform will become profitable in two years.

You can monetize your podcast in a number of ways as long as you have an active audience.

To build a loyal audience you should focus on creating valuable content, engaging with your listeners, and building a community around your show.

Once you start making money with your podcast, you have to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as disclosing sponsored content and paying taxes on your earnings.

With that out of the way, here are ways to monetize your podcast side hustle:

Sponsorships And Advertising Opportunities

As your podcast grows, you may have the opportunity to monetize your content through sponsorships and advertising. These partnerships can provide a significant source of income for your side hustle while also adding value for your listeners.

To attract potential sponsors, consider tailoring the topics of your episodes towards a specific niche or industry that aligns with their brand. You can also reach out to companies directly or make use of advertising networks like Advertisecast or Midroll.

Be sure to disclose any sponsored content clearly in each episode and ensure that it aligns with the values and mission of your podcast.

When choosing advertisements, be selective about partnering only with brands that resonate with you personally and add value for your audience. This will help build trust between you and your listeners and lead to long-lasting relationships with advertisers who feel confident in working with you as a valuable partner in their marketing efforts.

Offering Premium Content Or Merchandise

One way to monetize your podcast side hustle is by offering premium content or merchandise. This could be exclusive episodes, behind-the-scenes access, merch such as t-shirts or stickers, or even online courses related to your niche.

For example, if you have a podcast about personal finance, you could create a course on budgeting and offer it as premium content for your audience. Or if you have a true crime podcast, you could offer bonus episodes with more in-depth coverage of cases for subscribers. The key is to provide added value that your audience is willing to pay for.

Some podcasters offer this on a subscription basis while others sell it as a one-time purchase. YouTube offers subscription plans if you publish your podcast through it.

Keep in mind that creating premium content takes time and effort so make sure the pricing reflects the work put into it. It’s also important to promote it effectively through social media and email marketing campaigns to entice listeners into purchasing. With the right approach and market fit, offering premium content or merchandise can add valuable revenue streams to your budding podcast side hustle.

Establishing Your Brand And Building A Podcast Business

One of the keys to success in podcasting is establishing a strong brand and building a loyal audience. Your brand should reflect your unique personality, style, and values, and resonate with your target listeners.

This can involve creating a compelling logo or visual identity, developing a memorable tagline or slogan, and consistently delivering high-quality content that meets the needs and interests of your audience.

Overcoming Challenges In Your Podcast Side Hustle

Running a podcast comes with its unique challenges. For example, you have to be consistently producing quality content, finding and growing your audience, and managing technical issues, while balancing your podcasting duties with other commitments. You may also have to deal with logistical challenges such as scheduling guests, managing equipment, and promoting your show.

On top of that, since it is a competitive field, standing out from other podcasts can be a challenge.

Here we cover some of the most common challenges you will come across as well as how you can overcome them:

Time Management And Consistent Content Creation

One of the biggest challenges for podcast side hustles is finding the time to consistently create high-quality content. This requires effective time management skills and a clear understanding of your production process.

Set aside dedicated blocks of time each week for writing, recording, editing, and promoting your podcast. Use productivity tools like calendars, task managers, and timers to stay on track.

Another important aspect is creating a content strategy that ensures you always have material ready to go ahead of schedule. Plan out topics in advance and work with co-hosts or guests as needed to keep up with a consistent posting schedule.

It’s also essential to be realistic about how much you can handle while balancing other commitments like full-time jobs or family responsibilities. By approaching scheduling and planning strategically, you can make sure your show runs smoothly without overwhelming yourself in the process.

Technical Difficulties And Problem-Solving

As with any kind of online content creation, technical difficulties can arise when starting a podcast side hustle. From recording issues to editing mishaps, it’s important to be prepared for potential challenges and have problem-solving strategies in place.

One common issue could be poor audio quality due to background noise or equipment malfunctions. To combat this, make sure you have a designated recording space that is as quiet as possible and invest in quality microphones and editing software. Another challenge could be syncing up multiple audio files from guests or co-hosts, but there are several helpful tools available such as cleanfeed.net or Zencastr to simplify the process.

Overall, staying adaptable and willing to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise will ensure that your podcast side hustle continues running smoothly and effectively communicates your message to listeners.

Balancing Quality And Quantity Of Content

One of the biggest challenges that comes with running a podcast side hustle is finding the right balance between producing quality content and maintaining a consistent schedule. While it’s important to stick to a regular publishing calendar to keep your audience engaged, it’s also crucial not to sacrifice content quality for quantity. After all, listeners won’t tune in if they don’t find value in what you’re saying.

To strike this balance, start by setting realistic goals for yourself and your podcast. Determine how frequently you can realistically produce high-quality episodes without sacrificing other aspects of your life or business. From there, focus on planning out each episode carefully and putting effort into generating fresh ideas for topics that will resonate with both new and existing listeners.

At the same time, it’s worth investing in tools like editing software or hiring freelancers if needed that can help you streamline production while still ensuring top-notch quality. By focusing on both quantity AND quality rather than favoring one over the other, you’ll be well positioned to grow your podcast side hustle in the long term.

Developing Your Entrepreneurial Mindset

To succeed in your podcast side hustle, you must cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. This means taking charge of your ideas, believing in yourself, and being persistent through the highs and lows of building a business. It also requires being resourceful, adaptable, and open to new opportunities.

One way to develop this mindset is by seeking out like-minded individuals who can offer support and guidance. Joining online communities or attending local meetups can provide valuable connections with fellow entrepreneurs who are on a similar path. Additionally, reading books or listening to podcasts about entrepreneurship can help shape your thinking and inspire new ideas.

Remember that failure is inevitable along the road to success. Embrace these failures as learning experiences rather than setbacks, stay focused on your goals but be willing to pivot when necessary. With dedication and determination combined with the right mindset you will set yourself up for long-term growth in both podcasting and any other endeavors you may pursue.

Conclusion

Starting a podcast side hustle can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Not only does it allow for creative expression, but it also offers the possibility of additional income and flexible control over your content.

To begin, choose your niche, format, equipment, and plan out your episodes. Once you’ve recorded and edited your podcasts, focus on building and growing your audience through social media promotion and engaging with listeners.

Monetizing through sponsorships or merchandise is also possible as you work to overcome challenges like time management and technical difficulties while maintaining quality content creation. While not all podcasts are profitable, the most successful shows can generate significant revenue through sponsorships, advertising, merchandise sales, and other channels. By building a large and engaged audience, you can attract advertisers and sponsors who are willing to pay for access to your listeners.

In addition to financial success, podcasting can also offer a sense of personal fulfillment and creative expression. By creating a podcast, you have the opportunity to share your passions and interests with a wide audience, connect with like-minded individuals, and create something that is uniquely your own.

Finally, starting a podcast can also be a way to make a positive impact in the world. You can use your platform to elevate important issues, bring attention to worthy causes, and promote new ideas and perspectives. If you have a message or cause that you believe in, podcasting can be an excellent way to share your message with a larger audience and effect positive change.

With determination and hard work, a profitable side hustle awaits. So why not take the leap into the world of podcasting?.

Before you leave

If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.

It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:

Go here to see my no.1 recommendation for making money online

(This is a 100% free training)

David Fortune

David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.

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