Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the last few decades and every YouTuber is doing it. Yes, you are right video podcasting is not necessary, you can start with audio podcasting.

This is a unique and fun way to connect with your audiences. Podcasting also looks professional and doesn’t require much time to create.

According to our research, people listen to podcasts on their laptops, mobile phones, and MP3 devices, even while driving. Now, you can understand the potential of podcasting in marketing.

Conversely, podcast marketing is another part of marketing. However, this one looks more reliable to users for building trust.

Estimated about 60% of students listen to music and podcasting while working. Now, don’t you think, that you can earn money in the ocean? Yes, you can

When you start your podcasting and promote it correctly, you will stay in connect with your audiences.

Even when they are not reading your blog. Therefore, Let’s begin with comparisons between starting podcasting or YouTube Channel.

Podcast vs YouTube:

If are thinking of starting both of them together, then hold on. Becoming successful on YouTube nowadays is easy.

So, I would say create the video first and then extract the audio from the video for the podcasting.

This is how you can do both of them at a time. Sounds interesting right? Let’s move to the benefits of them

Difference Between YouTube Channel and Podcast Marketing in Terms of Benefits:

Each platform offers unique benefits and can be used effectively depending on your content strategy and target audience.

Now let’s dive into the ways to monetize our audio for earning money online via podcasting.

How to Earn Money Via Podcasting?

Podcasting is one of the fastest way to earn money online, if you have already user based or followers.  Initially, you can start earning via podcast marketing, if you follow these steps:

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to monetize your podcast. You can just need to join the company’s partners program and promote their products or services on your podcasting. The best part is, that you can now attract your audiences through the way to talk.

If you want to learn how podcasting is killing blogging, then check

How to Do It?

• • Sign up for affiliate programs related to your niche.
  • Obtain unique affiliate links.
  • Mention these products or services during your episodes.
  • When listeners use your links to make purchases, you earn a commission.

2. Sell Custom Merchandise:

Custom merchandise is personalized items that are branded with your podcast’s logo.

It means you can sell your products via podcasting under promote your brand to the world for free. Some podcast hosting platforms to earn money:

1. 1. Podbean: It is a top choice for monetization. It provides complete ad management, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Check my review
   2. Anchor/ Spotify: It offers free podcast hosting and allows you to monetize through sponsorships. Learn More. 
   3. Buzzsprout: Great Platform with Unlimited storage. Free Trial Available.  Check my review
   4. Acast: I’ve not tried yet. But you can explore. 

How to Do It:

• • Build a substantial audience.
  • Reach out to relevant advertisers.
  • Set ad rates based on your listenership.

3. Sell Ads for Your Podcast

Advertising is a classic revenue stream for podcasts:

What Is It?

Businesses pay to have their products or services featured during your episodes.

How to Do It:

• • Build a substantial audience.
  • Reach out to relevant advertisers.
  • Set ad rates based on your listenership.

4. Offer Tiered Memberships Through Patreon

Patreon allows you to create a community around your podcast. You can check mine also.

What Is It?

Fans become patrons by subscribing at different membership levels.

How to Do It:

• • Set up a Patreon account.
  • Offer exclusive content or perks to subscribers.
  • Encourage listeners to support you through Patreon.

5. Host Live Events and Collect Tips

Engage with your audience through live events.

What Is It?

Organize webinars, Q&A sessions, or live shows.

How to Do It:

• • Promote the event on your podcast.
  • Encourage attendees to tip you during the event.

6. Write and Self-Publish a Book

Leverage your expertise by writing a book.

What Is It?

Create a book related to your podcast topic.

How to Do It:

• • Write the book.
  • Promote it on your podcast.
  • Earn royalties from book sales.

7. Promote Services to Listeners

If you offer services, use your podcast as a platform.

What Is It?

Mention your services during episodes.

How to Do It:

• • Highlight your expertise.
  • Encourage listeners to become clients.

Overall, I’ve talked about the ways to earn money via podcasting. But you will often get disturbed by the concept between podcast directories and self-publishment podcasting.   Let’s dive into both of them step by step

What Are Podcast Directories?

Podcast directories are platforms where listeners discover and access podcasts. Some of the examples are Spotify, Apple Podcasting, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Podcast Addict, etc.

These directories allow users to search for, subscribe to, and listen to their favorite shows. Now, let’s talk about its benefits and limitations.

Pros of Podcast Directories:

1. 1. Increased Visibility: If you list your podcasts via the mentioned directories, then you will get wider audience exposure. This will only happen when you good at keyword Researching
   2. Targeted Audiences: Listing your podcast in various directories will help you attract new listeners.
   3. Easy Discovery: Directories function as both podcast players and search engines. They make it convenient for listeners to find and explore new shows.

Cons of Podcast Directories:

1. 1. Market Saturation: It is easy to get new users via directories, which is why hard to compete. But never be demotivated. There is always a way to stand out in the crowd. Do keyword research well to get a high rank.
   2. Content Protections: Once your podcast is listed in one of the directories or all of them separately. Then it’s became accessible to anyone, so protecting your content from unauthorized use can be a concern. If you ask me the percentage, I would say 12% out of 100

What Does It Mean by Self-Publishing Podcasting?

Self-publishing podcasting refers to creating and distributing audio content via your website or social media channel.

You will not be using any of third-party directories, and self-publishing, writing, and the publishing industry. 

Pros of Self-Publishing Podcasts:

1. 1. Creative Control: Self-publishing provides you the full control over the entire process to publish.
   2. High Royalty Rates: Under self-publishing, you will be more direct to your listener. It means you can charge the amount you want on your website. I used WordPress for my website. You can go with Hostinger if you have a limited budget. This will also help you to benefit from the percentage of royalties, more directly without any split between third-party directories.
   3. Faster Time to Market: Self-publishing allows you to release episodes promptly without waiting for approval from a publishing house. You set your schedule.

Cons of Self-Publishing Podcasts:

1. 1. Promotion Effort: Self-promotion or publishing is hard when you just started out. This is because of a lack of audience base. Also, you will need to require more time and resources in marketing, building an audience, and promoting your podcasts.
   2. Distribution Challenges: You will need to handle distribution logistics and insights yourself. This includes getting your podcast on various platforms and managing updates.
   3. Perceived Credibility: Some listeners may associate traditional publishing with higher quality. Self-publishing podcasts might face skepticism initially.

How to Start Out with Podcasting Your Content?

Starting a podcast involves several steps. Let’s break it down:

Define Your Niche and Audience:

1. • • Choose a topic you’re passionate about.
     • Identify your target audience.

Plan Your Content:

1. • • Decide on the format (interviews, solo episodes, storytelling, etc.).
     • Create an episode outline or script. I used Buzzsprout for my episode outline or script. This is because it provides a podcast script template that includes sections for your main topics, segment duration, key points, and sponsor ads. It helps you structure your episode effectively

Get the Right Equipment:

1. • • Invest in a good-quality microphone.
     • Use headphones to monitor audio.

Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform:

1. • • Platforms like Anchor, and Podbean, allow you to upload and distribute your episodes.

Record Your Episodes:

1. • • Find a quiet space.
     • Use recording software (e.g., Audacity, GarageBand).

Edit Your Audio:

1. • • Remove background noise, pauses, and mistakes. I used Riverside. Check my review
     • Add intro/outro music. I used soundverse

Create Podcast Artwork:

1. • • Design eye-catching cover art.
     • Use tools like Canva or hire a designer.

Submit Your Podcast to Directories:

1. • • Submit to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
     • Follow their submission guidelines.

Promote Your Podcast:

• 1. • Share on social media.
     • Collaborate with other podcasters.
     • Ask friends and family to spread the word.

 Monetize Your Podcast:

• • • Explore sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and exclusive content.

Overall, I would recommend you to follow these steps to publish your first podcast online. Remember, consistency and authenticity are key.

Start small, learn as you go, and enjoy the process! Follow me to get legitimate ways to earn money via such blogs. Do share your comments below.