Category: Podcast

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  • Should I Start A Podcast In 2020?

    Should I Start A Podcast In 2020?


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    Podcast Business In 2020

    If you are deciding about starting a podcast in 2020, I hope this article share some light with you. Podcast has been one of the most thriving businesses I had personally experienced and it is by far the most bulletproof business idea that is not affected by recession.

    There are 14 critical podcast stats that you should be aware of (if you are thinking if starting a podcast in 2020 is a good idea):

    • 70% of Americans Have Heard of Podcasts
    • 51% of Americans (12 or older) Have Listened to a Podcast
    • 32% of Americans Listen to Podcasts Monthly
    • Nearly One-Quarter of Americans Listen to Podcasts Weekly
    • Men Are More Devoted Podcast Listeners
    • 40% of Americans 54 or Younger Listen to Podcasts Monthly
    • Podcast Listeners Are Much More Likely to Earn $75,000+ per Year
    • Habitual Fans Listen to 7 Podcasts Per Week
    • Podcast Consumers Listen to Podcasts More Than Any Other Type of Audio
    • Two-thirds of Podcast Consumers Most Often Listen on a Mobile Device
    • More Than Half of Podcast Consumers Have Multi-tasked While Listening
    • 78% of Podcast Fans Listen to More Than Half the Shows They Download
    • 93% of Podcast Fans Listen to Most of an Episode
    • 54% of Podcast Listeners Are More Likely to Consider Buying an Advertised Product

    Starting a podcast in 2020 is not just a business idea—it is an excellent business idea to start with!

    Table of Contents

    Why Podcast Is A Good Business Idea For 2020?

    Apart from the 14 stats above (which can be slightly geeky), most podcast business takes off nicely because:

    • Podcast is easy to start and launch
    • Podcast business can easily scale
    • Podcast helps you to reach a wider range of audience
    • Podcast is audio-based which gives you an upper hand in the saturated published content form
    • Message in podcasts are easier to consume
    • You can listen to podcast on the go
    • You can start a podcast business without a huge initial startup

    Is Podcast Really Cheap To Start with?

    Absolutely. On average, it costs around $5 to $15 per month to host your podcast. Plus, you don’t have to purchase expensive podcast equipment—you can record your own podcast show using your smartphone.

    Best Podcast Equipment For Beginners

    Here’s a simple list of good and cheap podcast equipments.

    Can I record A Podcast For Free?

    Yes, you can! Unlike starting a blog where you need to buy web hosting and stuffs, you can start a podcast for free (here’s how).

    Follow the steps in the guide and you are well on your way to launch your first ever podcast.

    How Long It Takes To Grow A Podcast?

    While the answer varies, it takes around 3 months to really grow your podcast. New podcasts are given 90 days of limelight on Apple store. This is an excellent time for you to showcase your podcast WITHOUT spending a dime on paid advertisements.

    How To Start A Podcast For Free In 2020?

    Follow this steps and you are ready to launch your own show quickly and successfully:

    1. Decide on a topic (or a few topics) you want to podcast on.
    2. Decide either going solo or with another podcaster.
    3. Create an artwork for your podcast (you can use Canva for free design).
    4. Sign up for podcast hosting platform (Buzzsprout offers free for life podcast hosting plans).
    5. Launch your first podcast episode.

    TIP: Forget about starting a podcast with those expensive podcasting equipment just to be perfect. Anyone needs to start somewhere. So, the first hurdle you need to do is to launch your first episode!

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    About Reginald

    Young at heart and a deep passion for entrepreneurial success, Reginald is devoted to share everything he had learned about online marketing with the public. Follow him for more awesome postings.


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  • History Of Podcasts: What Is Podcasting And What Should You Know?

    History Of Podcasts: What Is Podcasting And What Should You Know?

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    What Is Podcasting? The Podcasting History

    Podcasting was first discovered and developed in 2004 by Adam Curry (former MTV video jockey) and Dave Winer (software developer). Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer. Curry wrote a program, called iPodder, that enabled him to automatically download Internet radio broadcasts to his iPod. Several developers improved upon his idea, and podcasting was officially born. Curry now hosts a show called The Daily Source Code, one of the most popular podcasts on the Internet.

    It is save to say that the history of podcasts starts from iPod and since then, it has been used as a marketing tool for businesses to get more brand visibility and reach a wider audience. At this point of writing, podcasting is still a very popular in the United States and Europe, and lesser in parts of Asia. However, the constant growth of podcasting had shown intrigued many business owners and online marketers in starting their own podcast.

    Podcast Equipment List

    Discover the best podcast starter kit for beginners right here.
    Read More

    Table of Contents

    Podcast and Regulations

    Currently, podcasting is free from government regulation. Podcasters don’t need to buy a license to broadcast their programming, as radio stations do, and they don’t need to conform to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) broadcast decency regulations. That means podcasters can discuss anything and everything under the sun—from four-letter words to sexually explicit content.

    However, copyright law does apply to podcasting, though. Podcasters can copyright or license their work—Creative Commons is just one online resource for copyrights and licenses.

    Getting Started With Podcasting

    Podcast is easy to start and most beginners start with a home studio. Podcast doesn’t rely in public rating (to certain extend) the subject matter of podcasts can range from the refined to the silly to the excruciatingly mundane.

    If you perform a search on Apple iTunes store, you will find many different popular podcasts around the world—from crime solving to marketing tips.

    Apart from that, it is important to note that there are also podcasters who publish daily, weekly and monthly podcast as a full day job. Podcast advertisement is a popular method to monetize a podcast (one of the best example is Entrepreneur On Fire). 

    How Much Can I Make From Podcasting?

    Last but not least, this is a popular question asked by many. If you have a high downloadable podcast series (at least 10,000+ downloads per episode), you can make anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each month.

    Popular podcasters such as John Lee Dumas from Entrepreneur On Fire makes an easy $100,000+ per month with podcasting. You can see his income report here.

    About Me

    Young at heart and a deep passion for entrepreneurial success, Reginald is devoted to share everything he had learned about online marketing with the public. Follow him for more awesome postings.


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  • Top Podcast Equipment Packages To Help You Start Podcasting In 2020

    Top Podcast Equipment Packages To Help You Start Podcasting In 2020

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    The Best Podcast Starter Kit (for one or more podcast hosts)

    Congratulations. You found this post and it shows that you are devoted to start a podcast (and you are need the best podcast equipment packages). I absolutely get it. 

    This article is all about getting and using the right tools—best studio microphones, podcast mixer and even the best podcast kit for both beginners and serious podcasters. With the ever growing trend in the podcasting world, there are so many podcast starter kits that you can choose—thanks to Amazon and Google.

    I understand the challenges you face (or will face) when it comes to finding recording a podcast. While you can easily start a podcasting show, don’t forget that using the right podcast equipment is going to help you develop and publish better audio experiences.

    So, which equipment you should be using to launch your first podcast?

    Starting a podcast is more than just considering the audio quality. A good microphone and other podcast gears are required to record and upload quality podcast for your listeners. You will find some of the best and most affordable, lower budget podcast equipment in this post.

    The best equipment for podcasting boils down to the following:

    • Microphone
    • Recording software
    • Podcast mixer
    • Podcast hosting

    These are the common podcasting starter kit that you need to have, before you are able to launch a podcast.

    Carry on reading below to find out the best podcast equipment packages and of course, feel free to mix and match them—based on your needs.

    BONUS: You will also find some awesome studio equipment bundle to help you get started with podcasting. Click on any of the tools shared in this article and you will be redirected straight to Amazon for the best podcasting equipment deals.

    Table of Contents

    TL;DR Best Podcast Equipment Packages for Beginners

    Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB

    1. Podcast microphone. My favorite microphone for podcasting is Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. One of the coolest microphone that doesn’t cost a bomb—and produces excellent voice. If you are a podcast beginner, this is the best microphone for podcast beginners. By far, this is the best USB mic that costs under $70.

    Talking about the best cheap microphone, anyone?


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    Podcast Recording Software

    2. Podcast recording software. You can use GarageBand if you have a Mac or Audacity if you have a PC (Audacity works on Mac too). This is the best free recording and editing software. Since you are just starting out, it is wise not to overspend on podcast equipment. Adobe Audition is a great recording software if you are willing to spend some dollars each month!


    Download GarageBand For Free


    Download Audacity For Free

    Best Podcast Hosting Site

    3. Podcast hosting. Last but not least, you need to have a podcast host (in order for others to download and listen to your podcast). There are many podcast hosting companies and I recommend you to start use Buzzsprout podcast hosting (use this link to get a free $20 Amazon gift card). 

    Buzzsprout offers unlimited storage, unlimited team members and simple-to-read analytics reports to help you grow your podcast show.


    Sign Up For Buzzsprout Now

    Single Person Podcast Equipment Packages

    This is often the best option for podcast beginners. Most beginners start with solo podcast. Therefore, here is the line up for the best podcast equipment kit.

    Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB

    Entry Level Microphones: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB

    This is the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. Even Tim Ferriss (yeah, the guy behind the “Tim Ferris Podcast” uses this mic.

    This microphone has both USB and XLR plugins—and this means that you can plug it right into your computer and record your podcast.

    The cool thing about this microphone is that it has a headphone jack, so you will be able to listen to your own recording.

    And if that doesn’t interest you, this microphone also comes with noise reduction features. Pretty cool considering the price.


    Get It On Amazon

    Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Podcast

    Intermediate Level Microphone: Blue Yeti USB Microphone

    While Blue Yeti microphone is a popular podcasting microphone for beginners, this microphone is often used by intermediate podcasters too. It comes with USB only (sadly), but has a ton of features and great sound quality.

    What are the best podcast equipment starter kit for intermediate podcasters?

    The best podcast equipment packages that I had personally experience is:

    • Blue Yeti USB Microphone
    • Blue Radius II shock mount
    • Heil PL2T boom

    Alternatively, there is also Rode Podcaster Booming Kit that consists of podcaster, PSA1 ARM and PSM1 shock mount. If you are wondering, rode is a well-respected brand in the microphone and audio equipment industry. This podcasting equipment can be setup quickly and easily without needing to spend extra money.


    Get It On Amazon

    Heil Sound PR40 Microphone for Podcasting

    Professional Level Microphone: Heil Sound PR 40

    Serious podcasters use Heil PR-40 microphone because it offers the best broadcast-quality microphone.

    A professional podcaster would have the following setup:

    • Heil Sound PR 40
    • Heil PL-2T Boom Arm
    • Heil PRSM Shock Mount

    The above setting will give you the best podcast starter kit that comes with nearly everything you need for professional podcasting.


    Get It On Amazon

    Two Or More Persons Podcast Equipment Packages

    Most podcasters avoid solo podcasting because it is boring and it is challenging to get enough traction. With 2 or more persons podcast, the common setup would be 2 XLR microphones or studio headphones.

    The answer to this is because by default, you re not able to record more than 1 USB microphones into one computer. To host more than one podcaster, you’ll need a USB audio interface or mixer with at least as many XLR microphone inputs as you have hosts.

    Here are the best tools I recommend for multi-person budget podcasting:

    • Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 Microphone
    • On Stage Foam Windscreen
    • CBI MLC20 Low Z XLR Microphone Cable (20ft)
    • Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

    Entry Level Podcast Equipment Kit

    Headphones for Multiple Podcast Hosts

    Headphones for Multiple Podcast Hosts: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

    Again, Audio-Technica equipment is up for grabs. When you have more than one podcast host, having a good headphone does offers many advantages.


    Get It On Amazon

    How many do you need when you are hosting multiple podcast hosts?

    Simply get 2x, 3x or 4x of those 4 things.

    What’s next will be a little confusing. So, I’ll try my best to explain the best that I could.

    Having more microphones is always needed when you have multiple podcast hosts. However, this also means that you need a solution to plug in multiple pairs of headphones simultaneously. 

    In this case, you would require Behringer HA400.

    Headphone Amplifiers for Multiple Host Podcasters

    4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier: Behringer HA400

    Behringer Powerplay HA400 is a powerful and compact stero headphone amplifier, hosting up to 4 microphones at one time.


    Get It On Amazon

    The HA400 contains 4 high-power stereo amplifiers that maintain the highest sonic quality even at maximum volume levels. Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers are included for outstanding audio performance – these are the same op amps found in “full-size” audio equipment – plus, a DC 12-Volt adapter is included.

    Next, you need a USB interface or mixer (depending on how many people you have).

    2 XLR inputs: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface

    4 XLR inputs:

    • Mixer: Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB
    • USB Interface: Tascam US-4×4

    6 XLR inputs:

    • Mixer: Behringer Xenyx X1222USB
    • USB Interface: Tascam US-16X08

    IMPORTANT: The above mixers don’t have multi-track output to your computer, meaning you won’t be able to edit each person individually. I recommend you to choose a USB interface if you need this option.

    Bear in mind that at some point in your podcasting journey, you will need/want extra inputs. Make sure you take some time to consider the options you have because these podcast equipment may have similar pricing but a vast differences in the sound quality.

    In order to kick start the review, you will need:

    • Microphone (for each podcaster)
    • XLR cable (for each podcaster)
    • USB interface or Mixer (w/ USB in/out)

    Looking for the best podcast equipment packages? These are optional but recommended:

    • Microphone stand
    • Shock mount
    • Windscreen or pop filter
    • Studio headphones
    Rode Procaster Best Podcasting Equipment

    Microphone: Rode Procaster

    Dynamic broadcast microphone that comes with studio boom arm and elastic suspension mount.


    Get It On Amazon

    Intermediate Level Podcast Equipment Kit​

    Best Podcast Equipment Starter Kit by Rode

    Microphone, Boom & Shock Mount

    You don’t have to look far and wide for this. If you are looking for podcast equipment packages that are great for both beginners and serious podcasters, Rode podcast equipment package is best to none (Rode Procaster, Rode PSA 1 Boom Arm, and Rode PSM 1 Shockmount).


    Get It On Amazon

    This podcast equipment kit is a big step up from the beginner multi-person kit and for the price, it is definitely worth the money.

    Headphones for Multiple Podcast Hosts

    Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

    This headphone is an awesome choice—and you certainly can’t go wrong with them. Regardless you are solo podcast or multiple host podcast, this microphone is going to serve you well.


    Get It On Amazon

    As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, the ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. Now, the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with the added feature of detachable cables. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.

    Watch this video to learn more about it.

    Mixer And Audio Interface for Podcasting

    Audio Interface/Mixer (2 XLR, 4 XLR or 6+ XLR inputs)

    This is tricky and can be confusing. Depending on your needs (2, 4 or 6+ XLR), the podcast equipment kit will defer widely.

    Here’s what I recommend:

    2 XLR inputs:

    4 XLR inputs:

    6+ XLR inputs:

    Professional Podcast Equipment Kit

    If you jumped to here, the microphone kit is the same as the solo section (with other top-notch options as well). The Universal Audio interfaces are fairly expensive, but you can safely use a less expensive model (like from the intermediate section right above here) with the other gear recommendations.

    Heil Sound Podcast Equipment Packages

    Microphone, Boom & Shock Mount

    Introducing, the Godly all-in-one podcasting kit for professional podcasters—Heil PR-40 Microphone, Heil PL-2T Boom Arm & Heil PRSM Shock Mount


    Get It On Amazon

    I’m sure you got this right. Heil podcast kit is by far, the best podcast equipment for podcasters. You can’t go wrong with this, really.

    Alternative to Heil Podcast Equipment Kit

    Alternative Microphone & Shock Mount

    Dislike Heil products or whatever reasons? Don’t worry, I got you covered right here.

    Shure SM7B and Electro Voice are some great alternatives to Heil.

    Because all of these dynamic mics are known to be quiet, I highly recommend pairing them with the CL-1 Cloudlifter (for each mic). It converts phantom power into a very clean +25dB gain. Cloud Microphones has a CL-2 (2 mics) and rack mountable CL-4 model as well.

    Heil PL-2T Scissor Boom Arm

    Boom Arm

    Heil PL-2T Scissor Boom Arm. Period.


    Get It On Amazon

    When it comes to professional boom arm usage, Heil PL-2T Boom Arm is very decent (and highly recommended). You can’t find another similar quality with this pricing.

    Best Headphone for Podcast Equipment Set

    Headphones

    It really varies based on taste and requirements. My personal favorite? Shure SRH940 Headphones.


    Get It On Amazon

    Important: This headphone is a killer—and might just be an overkill for podcasting.

    Audio Interface/Mixer

    2 XLR inputs: Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB

    4 XLR inputs:

    6+ XLR inputs:

    Using The Best Podcast Equipment Kit

    Best Podcast Equipment Kit for Starters

    Using the right podcast equipment starter kit is an important step, especially when you are starting a podcast.

    As a beginner in podcasting, you might want to consider starting low and lean—this means that if you are wondering “how much money needed to start a podcast?”, the answer would be under $150 at the most.

    What do you think? I hope you find this article on the best podcast equipment packages useful and please share with your podcast fellow friends!

    About Me

    Young at heart and a deep passion for entrepreneurial success, Reginald is devoted to share everything he had learned about online marketing with the public. Follow him for more awesome postings.


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