Podcaster Frequently Asked Questions
In an effort to help both established and new podcasters, we are answer the most common questions we receive about podcasting and our platform.
1. What equipment do I really need to start a podcast?
This is hands down one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. At a minimum you’ll need:
- A Computer
- A Microphone
- Headphones
- Editing software
- Artwork
- Podcast hosting
💡 Related Reading: If you need more recommendations on gear, we cover everything you need to start a podcast in detail in this post.
2. Isn’t the market too crowded to start a podcast at this point?
Heck no! As of April 23, 2024, there were over 4.25 million podcasts registered across the globe.
There’s never been a better time to launch a podcast for people looking for a show just like the one you want to launch
3. What should my podcast be about?
The better question is what are you passionate or already knowledgeable about?
We suggest choosing a topic that you know well, and that has plenty of subtopics to cover. We’d also recommend not making your show too broad. The riches really are in the niches!
4. Should I be on all the podcast directories?
Yes! The more opportunities new listeners have to to find you, the better!
Check out our complete guide to podcast directories for a full list of the top directories to submit your show!
5. I want to work in podcasting without hosting my own show. Is this possible?
Absolutely. Over the past few years, there’s been a surge in the number of available podcast producing, research, editing, writing, and social media management jobs – just to name a few!
💡 Related Reading: We created an entire post about jobs in podcasting that you can check out here.
6. I want to make money from the beginning. Can small podcasts make money?
Yes! You can monetize from episode one if you already have an affiliate partnership, a large social media following, or your own business. In fact, some new podcasters are able to monetize with crowdfunding and even sponsorships! Check out our post on 5 ways to monetize your podcast.
7. How can I deal with haters? I’m afraid to launch my show because I’m afraid of negative feedback!
Unfortunately, trolls and haters are something podcasters may have to deal with at some point. And, the bigger your show gets, the more chances you’ll have to experience negative responses to your podcast.
The best advice we’ve heard is to acknowledge it if it’s warranted, and ignore it if it’s not.
You may also want to hire a customer service/community support team member when your show gets big enough to filter and respond to negative comments on your behalf.
Here’s a great read from LifeHacker on how to deal with online hate.
8. I’m strapped for time. How can I launch a show with a tight schedule?
Recording, editing, finding guests – it can all start to add up! Learning to manage your time effectively will be a big part of your success.
Check out these posts we’ve written on how to be more effective and efficient with your time:
9. I don’t think I’d be very good at podcasting. Should I even bother?
YES! Being a podcaster does take skill, but the good news is it’s a skill that can be learned. Practice makes perfect! Just start. You may surprise yourself.
10. Will advertising on social media get me more downloads?
Maybe, but maybe not. Do your research before just aimlessly throwing money at Facebook or Google Ads.
11. I don’t have any money to start a podcast. How can I do it on a budget?
This is one of the most common questions podcasters ask us, and we get it. Things like microphones and headphones aren’t cheap. But, for the penny-pinching podcaster, you may already have many of the things you need to launch. While using the headphones and microphone you already have may mean you need to spend more time editing your audio, you can launch for as little as $10/month.
12. How can I choose my podcast host? There is free podcast hosting. Shouldn’t I just use that?
Speaking of money … you might be considering launching your show for free with a free podcast host. We would advise against that. Even if you’re not using RSS.com Podcasting for your hosting, please read the fine print before just signing up with anyone. And, read our post on why free podcast hosting is a bad idea.
13. How would a podcast help a lifestyle blogger? What about a different type of blogger?
Having a podcast would allow you to go more in-depth with the subjects covered in your blog posts, and enable you to reach new audiences. While we still believe that the best way to build a new podcast is to niche down, it could also benefit an established lifestyle blog with branding and building a community.
14. Doesn’t setting up a podcast take a long time?
While we can’t speak to the recording and editing time as this varies greatly, we can tell you that with RSS.com Podcasting, your show can be up and running in less than 5 minutes!
15. Does my business need a podcast?
Simply put, it couldn’t hurt. Just like you blog to reach more people, podcasting can get your business in front of new audiences.
16. Can I repurpose my podcast into other content?
Absolutely! We have a great post that teaches you 5 ways to repurpose your podcast!
17. How do I pick a name for my podcast?
This is one of those common questions podcasters ask us that doesn’t exactly have a simple answer. We recommend reading our post on the subject to guide you in your decision.
18. Shouldn’t I build a fancy studio before I launch?
While you could invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on a fancy studio, that won’t guarantee success. If you are self-funding your podcast as most people are, we recommend spending the bare minimum until you’re sure you even like the medium of podcasting, and leveling up as you go.
19. English is not my first language – can I launch a show in another language?
Of course! In fact, non-English shows are growing at a rapid pace! According to a report from Pod News, ART19’s Chadd Hollowed, posted a set of graphs on Twitter that indicated “2020 might finally be the year that non-English podcasts finally start exceeding the English podcast growth rate!”
20. Should my show be on YouTube?
Sure! Why not? It’s another way to reach new audiences, so we say the more places to share your show, the better! Read our post, “How to Start a Podcast on YouTube.”
21. I want to host a show with my friends. Any advice?
We cover podcasting with friends in our posts “How to Start a Podcast,” and “7 Things to Know,” but the best advice we can offer is not to go into launching a podcast without a plan. Think about the elements such as who the host will be and how you will split the costs and workload ahead of time.
22. I want to start a podcast about (insert your subject here). Should I do it?
Yes! The only way to know if you will enjoy podcasting is to try it. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but if you ever want to try podcasting, you have to make a plan, and then just launch!
23. Do I really need to create show notes and a website?
We highly recommend it. Show notes and a website will help more listeners find you. Check out these two posts to learn more:
24. How can I get more listeners?
24. How can I get more listeners?
The simplest answer? Never stop marketing! The more complex answer? Get your show on the radar of new listeners with tactics that include but aren’t limited to:
- Finding bigger guests to help you promote your show
- Asking podcasts to have you on their show
- Promoting your show on social media
- Writing guest posts for blogs
- Doing something newsworthy to get in mainstream media
Also, check out these posts for more help:
We hope you learned something new on this list of common questions podcasters ask. Don’t forget to tweet us at @RSS if you think there is a question you think should be added to the list!
