How To Start, Grow and Monetise Your Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Turn your podcast idea into an impactful brand and income stream! Join podcast experts James and Alex—who’ve launched 400+ top-charting podcasts—as they share practical, no-fluff steps to build, grow, and monetise your show. Each episode delivers actionable tips on gear, content strategy, audience growth, and brand monetisation to help you thrive in podcasting.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone ready to amplify their voice, this is your weekly guide to profitable podcasting. Join the free Pod School community for even more resources, webinars, and support.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.

For more information and to join the World’s No.1 free community for  podcasters, head to https://tinyurl.com/joinpodschool

In this episode, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt dive into how to start a podcast without breaking the bank. Whether you have £25 or £500, this guide covers the must-have equipment and affordable tools to launch a high-quality podcast from scratch. Alex shares how he began with a £25 headset and now sees up to 50,000 downloads monthly, proving that a low budget doesn’t mean low impact.

• Affordable Podcast Gear to Get Started: Discover why you don’t need to spend thousands. Alex and James recommend beginner-friendly equipment like the Blue Yeti microphone (£50) and Logitech webcam (£80), ideal for new podcasters.
• Using Remote Recording Platforms: Learn about the benefits of Riverside.fm for remote recording. It offers high-quality audio and video, echo cancellation, and is budget-friendly with subscription options.
• Recording Remotely vs. In-Studio: James and Alex discuss how recording remotely not only saves on production costs but also simplifies scheduling with guests, especially for international interviews.
• Start Small and Grow: Emphasising the "start now, get perfect later" mindset, they encourage beginners to launch with minimal gear—like a laptop mic and camera—and improve as they go.
• Community Building and Audience Engagement: Tips on using remote platforms to give your community exclusive access and behind-the-scenes content, building a loyal listener base early on.

• Recording Gear Suggestions: Use budget-friendly gear like the Blue Yeti mic and Logitech webcam to enhance audio and video quality without high costs.
• Remote Recording Benefits: Platforms like Riverside.fm make podcasting convenient, cost-effective, and accessible for beginners.
• Engagement-Driven Content: Focus on content value and authentic connections with listeners to build engagement over time.

• Riverside.fm – Ideal for remote recording with features like echo cancellation, video syncing, and live streaming.
• Blue Yeti Microphone – Quality audio on a budget, perfect for beginners.
• Logitech Webcam – Affordable option for high-quality video recording.
• Pod School – Join the free Pod School community for resources, live webinars, and support from fellow podcasters.

Starting a podcast on a budget, Best podcast gear for beginners, Affordable podcast equipment, Remote podcast recording tips, How to grow a podcast audience, Low-cost podcast setup, Riverside.fm for podcasting, Podcasting community resources.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

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!

Why Podcasting is a Powerful Tool for Building Brands and Businesses

Are you ready to transform your brand and business through podcasting? In this episode, hosts James Burtt and Alex Chisholm unpack the vast potential of podcasting as a tool for brand growth and customer engagement. With their combined experience of launching over 400 successful podcasts—98% of which have hit iTunes top charts—James and Alex are here to share insider tips and actionable steps for anyone looking to dive into podcasting and make it impactful.

• Podcasting’s Untapped Potential: Discover why podcasting is a “blue ocean” for content creators, with only 380,000 shows released monthly versus the 400 million global listeners. James and Alex break down the stats to show why now is the ideal time to start.
• Creating Content That Converts: Learn how to move from making content for the sake of it to crafting podcasts that build brand loyalty, engage listeners, and ultimately convert them into customers.
• Global Reach and Influence: With 1200 average downloads per show and high engagement rates, podcasts offer unique access to a global audience. Hear how James and Alex use podcasting to reach listeners in 183 countries and expand their network.
• Easy Start-Up Options: The hosts debunk myths about expensive equipment and highlight how anyone can begin podcasting with minimal resources, even from a mobile phone.
• Building Brand Authority: Podcasting lets you educate, inspire, and connect with your audience on a deeper level, which traditional media can’t offer. James and Alex show how podcasting helps build trust and establish you as an authority in your niche.

• Podcasting as a Business Tool: Tap into the power of podcasting to create a “content engine” for your brand, reach a targeted audience, and drive business outcomes.
• Networking Opportunities: Use your podcast as a way to connect with industry leaders and influencers you may not typically have access to.
• High Engagement Rates: Podcast listeners typically consume 80% of episodes, making this a valuable platform for brands looking to connect deeply with their audience.

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!

Podcasting for business, How to start a podcast, Podcast monetization strategies, Growing a podcast audience, Brand building with podcasts, Podcasting tips for beginners, Global reach with podcasting, Podcasting community.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to this very ever episode of 'How To Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast' hosted by Alex Chisnall and James Burtt.

This show is designed to help you turn your podcast idea into an impactful brand and income stream! Join podcast experts James and Alex—who’ve launched 400+ top-charting podcasts—as they share practical, no-fluff steps to build, grow, and monetise your show. Each episode delivers actionable tips on gear, content strategy, audience growth, and brand monetisation to help you thrive in podcasting.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone ready to amplify their voice, this is your weekly guide to profitable podcasting. Join the free Pod School community for even more resources, webinars, and support.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.

For more information and to join the World’s No.1 free community for  podcasters, head to https://tinyurl.com/joinpodschool

Welcome to another episode of How to Start, Grow, and Monetise Your Podcast!

Join Pod School, the #1 community for podcasters.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you find the perfect niche for your podcast - whether you're looking to boost your brand, build authority, or simply share your passions with the world.

• Why Finding a Podcast Niche is Essential: Discover why getting specific in your podcast niche can skyrocket your reach and authority, especially in a crowded space.
• Passion vs. Expertise Exercise: Learn a simple, effective exercise to uncover topics that blend your passion with your expertise. Perfect for honing in on a niche that you'll love talking about for years to come.
• Niche of a Niche Strategy: Understand the importance of narrowing down your topic—think "vintage BMWs" instead of just "cars"—to attract a dedicated audience.
• Defining Podcast Success: Explore how to define your unique version of success, whether that's landing consulting gigs, building brand authority, or simply growing a loyal audience.
• Practical Tools & Tips: Leverage tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, and ChatGPT to pinpoint trends and audience needs within your expertise.

Key Takeaways:

• There’s “Riches in Niches”: The more specific your niche, the better your chances of creating meaningful connections with a dedicated audience.
• Match Passion & Expertise: Use our practical exercise to discover topics you’re both passionate and knowledgeable about, ensuring you’ll enjoy creating content long-term.
• Know Your Podcast Goals: Define what success looks like for your podcast to stay focused and evaluate your growth effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Pod School: Join the free Pod School community for access to guides, blueprints, and webinars with podcasting experts. Perfect for content creators serious about growth and monetisation. Join Pod School here!

In This Show We Cover:

Podcast niche discovery, How to find podcast topics, Podcast niche ideas, Building a podcast audience, Podcasting tips for beginners, How to monetize a podcast, Podcast for business growth, Starting a podcast for brand authority, Pod School community

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...

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.

• Secure 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.

• Tap 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.

• Be 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.

• Focus 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.

• Leverage 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.

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.

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 

• 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.

1. Master the Basics of RSS Feeds: Understand their role in distributing your podcast to major platforms.
2. Choose the Right Hosting Platform: Evaluate ease of use, analytics, and cost to find the best fit for your needs.
3. Optimize for Discovery: Use keywords, tags, and descriptions strategically to improve your podcast’s organic search performance.
4. Leverage Video Content: Explore whether Spotify for Podcasters or YouTube is better for hosting video episodes.
5. Long-Term Growth: Start with a solid foundation to build a sustainable podcast.

• 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!

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

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.

• How to Choose the Right Keywords for Your Podcast
• Learn 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 Integration
• Discover how to naturally integrate keywords into your episode titles, descriptions, and show notes without sounding spammy.
• SEO for Podcast Platforms
• Uncover the secrets of optimizing your overall show description and leveraging podcast hosting platforms like Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Podbean for SEO.
• Using Transcripts to Boost SEO
• Find out how platforms like Otter.ai can help you create transcripts that improve accessibility and searchability for your podcast.
• Retention Metrics & Podcast Growth
• Learn why listener retention and engagement are becoming increasingly critical for podcast discoverability.

1. Podcast SEO Basics: Why keywords and organic search are crucial for podcast growth.
2. Keyword Research Tools: Using ChatGPT, Uber Suggest, and Google Trends for better keyword strategies.
3. Optimizing Episode Titles and Descriptions: Writing engaging, keyword-rich titles and descriptions.
4. Transcripts for Accessibility and SEO: How transcripts can increase your podcast’s visibility.
5. Audience Retention Strategies: Understanding how retention impacts rankings and future discoverability.

• 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.

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.

By implementing the strategies discussed in this episode, you’ll have everything you need to grow your podcast audience and rank higher on podcast platforms. 

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:

1. Sponsorship Strategies: From small local sponsors to securing high-value partnerships.
2. Paid Membership Success Stories: Insights into building thriving membership communities on platforms like Patreon.
3. Advertising Networks: Why they might not be the best choice for every podcaster.
4. YouTube Monetisation: How enabling ads on your podcast videos can generate significant revenue.
5. 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.

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