Your Cost-Effective Guide To Starting A Podcast

Think you need to spend a lot of money to get your podcast up and running? Think again. Truth is, you can amplify a compelling message, engage your audiences, and make an outstanding impact even on a meager budget and right from the comfort of your own home.

The cost of producing a podcast will depend on your short-term and long-term goals, the equipment you already have, and how professional you want your episodes to be. Plus, every show will differ in terms of creative direction, editorial style, editing, and format.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to estimating the expenses of a podcasting setup, but it all starts with the basics. We break it down for you (and give you tips on low-cost options) so you can confidently make smart choices and successfully get your podcast out in no time.

Here are the things you need to cover to start a podcast:

Computer or Laptop

You’ve got one less thing to worry about if you already own a computer or laptop. If you don’t, you can get a new one or go for a second-hand computer or laptop in the market to save more money. You can also try asking your friends or family if they have a spare computer or laptop that you can borrow. The costs of desktops and laptops can range from $200 for a second-hand one to as high as $2,000 if you opt for a brand new gadget.

Recording Equipment

Audio quality is paramount in podcasting, that’s why it’s crucial to invest in a quality microphone. While it’s true that you can use built-in phone or laptop microphones to record for free, we won’t recommend this option. Nothing can be more annoying and frustrating for your listeners than tuning in to podcasts that have bad quality sound. Make a great impression on your audiences by going for decent microphones.

High-quality microphones don’t have to break the bank. Be patient in exploring the market and you’ll find impressive yet cheap dynamic microphones for as low as $60. Selections for great starter microphones include the Samsung Q2U, the Audio-Technica AT2005, and the Shure SM58-LC. Higher-end microphones, meanwhile, can cost $400 and more.

Start small and invest in better microphones as you go along. You can also try to look for gently used or refurbished microphones for sale on Amazon. Check the return policy and get amazing deals on like-new items.

Get your listeners to keep coming back for more of your podcast content by achieving the cleanest recording possible. And you can only do that with headphones that help you monitor your audio levels as you record. Prices of lower-end pairs range between $40 to $100. High-end ones start from $400. Some of the most popular, low-cost headphones on the market today include the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x, the Sony MDR7506, and the Sennheiser HD280Pro.

Editing Software & Hosting Platform

Here comes the often-dreaded editing process. Editing is integral as it will help you figure out how to improve your podcasts over time. You get to learn how to take out unwanted noise and awkward pauses, splice in audio and video clips, and make you and your guests look and sound great every time.

The beauty of the process is that there are free powerful editing platforms and software that can help you achieve the best results. Audacity, for example, is an extremely versatile and open-source software program that’s available on Linux, Windows, and Mac devices. GarageBand is also a go-to for Mac users. Both of these editing platforms are packed with great features that can do everything – from recording to editing and publishing.

You can always purchase editing software or hire a team of experts down the road. Don’t think twice about watching tutorials and reading reviews to see which software is most convenient for you. Editing software can cost between $15 a month to $200. Try Adobe Audition, Logic-Pro, and Reaper for a start.

After all the nitty-gritty of recording and editing, it’s time for your target audience to find you and listen to your awesome content. For starters, you can go with free basic hosting plans from Anchor, Acast, Buzzsprout, or Podbean. The downside, however, is you would have to deal with limited features and limited storage space.

If you have the budget, it’s best to go with more professional podcast hosting services. Popular choices that come with great analytics, reliability, versatility, and uptime include Libsyn, Transistor, and Simplecast. Monthly plans for podcast hosting services can go for as low as $5 per month to as high as $100 per month.

Start Your Podcast Now

Nothing can stop you from launching your podcast for under $100. Don’t be afraid to start and cultivate a growth mindset as you progress. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go when it comes to creating a podcast that you are passionate about.