How to Start Your Own Podcast (Step by Step)

Are you looking to start a podcast? Want to know what does a perfect podcasting setup look like? In this guide, we will show you how to start your own podcast with WordPress – step by step. You will learn about how podcasts work, the best podcast equipment, the podcast WordPress plugin that you absolutely need, and more.

No matter your age or technical skill set, you can easily start your own podcast by following the step by step process outlined in this article.

Here is an outline of everything that we will cover:

• What is podcasting & how podcasts work?
• Finding a niche and topic for your podcast
• Things you need to setup your podcast
• Choosing the best web hosting and domain name
• Setting up a media hosting service
• Choosing the proper podcasting equipment
• Planning your first few podcast episodes
• Recording your first podcast
• Publishing your podcast with WordPress
• Uploading your media files to Blubrry
• Setting up Smart Podcast Player Plugin
• Adding your first podcast in WordPress
• Previewing your podcast with iTunes
• Submitting your podcast to iTunes
• Podcasting resources to help you grow
• Making money from your podcast

Ready? Let’s get started.

What is Podcasting & How Podcasts Work?

A podcast is an episodic series of audio files which users can subscribe to download and listen.

In order for your podcast to work, you need to have an audio file and a RSS Feed that users can subscribe to stay updated and download new episodes when they come out.

Because WordPress comes with a built-in RSS feed system for blogs, many podcasters choose to use WordPress as their podcast website platform.

You can connect your podcast website with podcasting apps like iTunes to make it easier for millions of users to listen and subscribe. We will cover this later in the article.

Now that you know what is a podcast and how it works, let’s take a look at how to find ideas to make a successful podcast.

Finding a Niche and Topics for Your Podcast

Podcasts are quite popular and there are dozens of podcasts on many different topics out there. In order to compete, you need to find your niche and select the topics you will be covering in your podcast.

You also need to know your audience and think about what they would find more interesting. This simple exercise will give you a clear idea about your podcast and what you want to say. Don’t forget to write it down.

You can now narrow it down to very specific topics. For example, if your podcast is about music then you can narrow it down to a particular genre, era, region, or artists.

Now, there might be some very popular podcasts covering similar topics. You may be wondering how could you compete with them?

You can compete with the big guys, by just being you. Your podcast will have your unique insights, perspective, style, and voice to it. It will be a different experience for your audience and many of them would love to listen.

Thinking about your niche and narrowing down your topics will later help you plan your podcast episodes and win subscribsubrs by sticking to a well-planned content strategy.

Now, that you have made up your mind about what you want to say, let’s take a look at the things you will need to make all this happen.

Things You Need to Setup Your Podcast

For a professional podcasting setup, there are a few things that you will need to get started.

The first thing is a website or blog where people can learn more about you and your podcast.

The second thing is the equipment to record your podcast.

Lastly, you need to have the right tools to publish your podcast on the internet, so you can get maximum subscribers and reach.

We will walk you through the whole process step-by-step.

Step 1. Website Setup: WordPress Hosting and Domain Name

The most important step in building a website is to choose the right platform. Thankfully you’re here, so you won’t be making any rookie mistakes.

We recommend using WordPress.org also known as self-hosted WordPress for setting up your podcasting website.

WordPress is free to use, you can install plugins, customize your site design, and most importantly make money from your site without any restrictions (see the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.

We have already explained why WordPress is free? in our previous articla

e.

There’s no catch. It’s free because you have to do the setup and host it yourself.

In other words, you need a domain name and web hosting.

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. This is what people type to get to your website. For example, google.com or wpbeginner.com.

Web hosting is your website’s house on the internet. This is where all your files and images are stored. Every website needs web hosting.

The typical cost of web hosting is $7.99 per month and a domain name usually cost around $14.99 per year.

This is a lot for someone just starting out. Thankfully, Bluehost, has agreed to offer our users a free domain name and over 60% off on web hosting.

In real numbers, this means you can start your podcasting website for $2.75 per month.